Summer Eats

Summer is my favorite time to splurge at new restaurants because the weather is warm and it's fun to sit outside with a tasty cocktail and enjoy a new dish!  I've been out and about so much lately that I thought it would be fun to start a summer eats series and in case anyone was looking for recommendations.  Scroll down to check them out!

 

 

Dish: Classic Burger with Fries

Drink: Red Sangria

 

Delicatessen is advertised as an "upscale take on American comfort food" and this tasty dish definitely hit the spot!

 

 

 

 

I had been dying to check out New Leaf Restaurant since I heard about it.  It's part of the Met Cloisters so a friend and I planned a day of sightseeing and headed uptown!    

  

 

After leaving the Cloisters, we had to walk quite a bit to get there, but the sights along the way were totally worth it.    

 

 

Along the way we passed through one of the Cloisters' magnificent gardens, which was bursting with gorgeous flowers in full bloom.  

 

 

 

 

Ok, this wasn't part of the attraction, but we did see him on the way and he was too cute not to snap a pic!

 

Once we arrived at the restaurant, we were greeted by a beautiful stone arch way.  We ate in the outdoor section of the restaurant which was quite peaceful and lovely.   

 

 

  

Drink: White Peach Sangria 

Dish: Chocolate Mousse

  

 We ordered buffalo wings and fries which were both very good, but the stars were indeed the cocktails and dessert!  Check out the menu here.

 

Dish: Bang Bang Chicken Shrimp

 

I was passing by Thai hot spot Spice , and since I've never been, decided to pop in.  I love chicken and seafood, so of course the Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp called out to me.  Two pieces of shrimp tempura, atop two pieces of chicken breast, atop a mountain of jasmine rice, in a sea of red curry peanut sauce and veggies.  This was incredible and the sauce was my favorite hands down.  Very rich and spicy.  They gave a hearty portion too and I had trouble finishing it in one sitting.  

 

 

 

Dish: Smokehouse Burger

 

Long Beach Island (LBI) is my choice beach, and the food out there is pretty awesome.  I know it looks like I eat a lot of burgers (I do), but this time I couldn't help it!  After a day in the sun, I wanted something that screamed summer and this Smoke House Burger paired with a breezy cocktail from Sutton Place had my name all over them.  The chipotle BBQ sauce had me totally salivating.  This too was a very satisfying portion, which was fine because if you're like me, you'll just head back to the beach and swim it off! 

 

 

 

Zia Maria is a family owned restaurant and pizzeria that recently opened in Chelsea.  It offers authentic, homemade Italian food and luckily, I was in the area during it's grand opening! 

 

 

Unfortunately, I can't recall the names of these two dishes, nor see them online, but they were both delicious.  The first was mozzarella and tomatoes, and dessert was a type of chocolate/ strawberry sorbet with a hard chocolate shell.  SO good!  You can check out the menu here.    

 

 

 

  Is there a special place you recommend?  Let me know if there's a place you would like me to check out!

 

 

 Stay tuned for some more summer eats!