#SCBDExclusive: Mother’s Day Dining Destinations!

Posted on May 9, 2013 by smallchickbigdeals

Mother’s Day is approaching quickly. Looking to go out and celebrate in New York or New Jersey? We have a couple of recommendations to enjoy this day to honor our Mother’s…

Photo Credit: Eventective.com

SouthWest NY, nestled in the heart of Tribeca, serves up Southwestern classics with a refined twist. Infused with the bright and bold flavors of Mexico and Latin America, Oaxaca-born Chef Antelmo Ambrosio has created a Mother’s Day menu that will be sure to please your turquoise earring-wearing, Southwestern loving mom. Or any mom for that matter. SouthWest NY’s special Mother’s Day menu is on offer from 12 pm to 9 pm. Dine outside and enjoy starters like Smoked Salmon Flat Bread ($13.50) with shaved red onion, capers, crème fraiche and chives or Duck Foie Gras ($15.00) with mixed berries compote and fennel crostini. Healthy delicious entrees like Jumbo Grilled Shrimp ($19.00) with grilled asparagus and blood orange vinaigrette will undoubtedly leave room for a Raspberry Lemon Drop ($ 8.00) with lemon mousse, raspberry preserve, lemon glaze and fresh raspberries.

Galli in Soho this Mother’s Day and really give mom a treat — the luxury of not having to cook! She can enjoy Italian classics (such as baby rice balls, mozz chips, Pasta Norma, Chicken Parm, & more) passed down from Steven Gallo’s (Chef & Owner) own mother. So this Mother’s Day come to Galli and really feel like your at home with the family!

Sarabeth’s is the quintessential Mother’s Day restaurant and in addition to their full dinner menu on May 12^th, the sprawling Tribeca location will also offer a specialty menu. Executive Chef Lee Scheffler cooks from the heart, which is evident in items like Filet Mignon ($31) with sautéed spinach, Portobello mushroom and mashed potato, Lobster Salad ($17) baby vegetables, frisee and citrus vinaigrette. And for a sweet end to your meal, try the Plum Peach Tart ($8.50) with fresh whipped cream.

Let mom enjoy dishes inspired by Chef Ramirez’s own family dinners as a child at Raymi in Flatiron. Mouths are sure to water with a variety of dishes rich in flavor and cultural influence. The prix fixe menu is only $38 a person and offers a variety of dishes sure to please anyone.

The Orange Squirrel - offers Mother’s Day Brunch with 3 seatings at 11 am, 12:30 and 2pm. Brunch includes choice of a main dish, a dessert and one complimentary cocktail or beverage for $35/adult or $30/child (see menu above). Make your reservations today!

RARE The Steakhouse: Will be serving their a la carte menu from 1 to 6:30pm reserve at www.rarestk.com.

The Dining Room at Anthony David’s brunch: $22.95 includes fruit & donuts, entree, & coffee/tea. Reserve at 201-222-8359.

Photo Credit: Lisa Curran

Bin 14 is offering a make your own “Momosa” Bar $8 with fresh fruits/juices. Reserve at 201-963- 9463.

Cheers to a great Mother’s Day!

#SCBDEvent Alert: W!se Presents Chef’s Night

Posted on May 1, 2013 by smallchickbigdeals

I’m excited to announce that I will be attending w!se Chef’s Night that will be taking place at the Prince George Ballroom (15 E. 27th Street, Manhattan) 6:30-9:30 pm. The event is to raise awareness for, and contributions to, w!se, an NYC-based educational 501(c)(3) organization, which helps more than 55,000 students understand how to manage their personal finances.

While at the event, guests will have the opportunity to chat, chew, and mingle among an impressive array of tastings prepared by local chefs. There’s also a Silent Auction, where top bidders can win a meal or special package to favorites like City Winery, Frankies Spuntino, or Gotham Magazine. All event proceeds will be used to fund the w!se financial education and financial literacy programs for students in grades 8 – 12.

Interested in attending? You can purchase your tickets, here.

See you there!

#SCBDEvent Recap: Review with the crew at Johnny Utah’s, NYC

Posted on April 30, 2013 by smallchickbigdeals

About two weeks ago I had the pleasure of having the “Review with the crew” event which included seeing the Bar-Top Bandit’s at Johnny Utah’s in NYC. Our beer writer, Stephanie, her boyfriend Eric, and one of our new team member’s Alexandra joined me. Johnny Utah’s is a fun, country-themed restaurant & bar in the heart of Rockefeller Center.

We got in just in time before the Bandits started performing and decided to order some of their $5 margaritas, beer, nachos, and wings. We enjoyed all our appetizers– the nachos were the perfect side for all of us. We decided to try the BBQ wings and they were cooked to perfection and had just enough kick. After downing a margarita or two, I had the craving for Mac ‘N’ Cheese and it was probably some of the best Mac ‘N’ Cheese that I’ve had because it was so cheesy and not too heavy on breading. It was also the perfect amount.

It was the perfect night out, filled with food, fun, and entertainment. I also got to interview, Theresa Fowler, ‘The Boss Bandit’ and got the dish on their performances at Johnny Utah’s every Wednesday and more!

SCBD: When did the Bandits start?

TF: I created the Bar-Top Bandits in September, 2010 with childhood friend Everett Brothers. It started as a fundraiser for an amazing soldier, SPC Brendan Marrocco, who lost his arms & legs in Iraq. The event was such a success, it led to us helping out other local charities and organizations, which resulted in us expanding our show to what it is now!

SCBD: Where do you perform?

TF: We have been touring the Northeast, rocking bar-tops from Times Square to the Meatpacking District in NYC, to Hampton Beach, NH & Asbury Park, NJ!

SCBD: What should we look forward to at Johnny Utah’s?

TF: Killer Female Vocalists and Dancers from the Broadway stage to the iTunes charts performing in NYC’s Hottest Country Western Bar!

SCBD: What’s your favorite dish at Johnny Utah’s?

TF: Bandit favorites are “The Buffalo Bill,” “The Calamity Jane” Cubano, the Nachos, the Southern Hushpuppies and the Hot Utah Wings.

SCBD: The best cocktail?

TF: We’re whiskey girls at heart, but we hear Johnny Utah’s bartenders make a mean Blue Long Island! They’ve got the best staff around, and we have a blast with them at every show!

SCBD: What makes the Bandits different than any performers?

TF: The Bar-Top Bandits are a unique nightlife event with some of the most talented female performing artists in New York City. We are a boot-stomping, hair-flipping, bottle-tossing, girl-powered show with the hottest and most unique approach to nightlife entertainment. Not only do our Bandits have powerhouse vocalists and insanely choreographed routines, but they specialize in mixology and hospitality. Pushing liquor and beer sales throughout the show results in nightly revenue boosts for venues who book the Bandits!

Don’t have plans for tomorrow night? Make sure you go to Johnny Utah’s and see them perform. Also, don’t forget to ‘like’ the Bandit’s on Facebook, here.

#SCBD Last Minute Passover Seders

Posted on March 25, 2013 by smallchickbigdeals

Tonight starts the beginning of Passover, don’t feel like cooking a full seder?

Here are some options if you feel like dining out:

Enjoy a traditional and delicious Seder and time with family and friends at Fairway Market’s second annual Passover Seder on Monday, March 25 and Tuesday, March 26 at 5:30 pm in the Upper West Side Café & Steakhouse (2127 Broadway). Let Mitchel London, Fairway’s Chef du Cuisine, and his staff do all the work so you can relax and be served a full menu of traditional holiday foods, including chicken soup with matzo balls, chopped liver, braised brisket, roast chicken in pan juices, potato pancakes, macaroons, ambrosia and more. A Haggadah (the text read during the ritual meal which tells the story of the Israelites liberation from slavery in Egypt) and a Seder plate will be provided for each table. For reservations, please call (212) 994-9555. Tickets are $45 per person, and $25 for children 12 and under.

In celebration of Passover, Bill Telepan will serve a Seder-style dinner at his Upper West Side restaurant on Mon/March 25 & Tue/March 26. Bill will offer his take on the traditional Seder meal with a four-course menu of flavorful dishes such as spring vegetable soup with matzo balls & dill oil and hanger steak and brisket. Pastry chef Larissa Raphael will end the meal with pineapple-lemon sorbet and flourless chocolate cake. Reservations open on Thu/Feb 28, and can be made, here or (212) 580-4300.

Passover Seder Plate courtesy of Tumblr

March 25th and 26th, Sarabeth’s Tribeca (339 Greenwich Street) will be offering a special Passover menu by Executive Chef Lee Scheffler. To start, enjoy a bowl of light yet flavorful Matzo Ball Soup filled with hearty vegetables ($9). For the entree, try the juicy Lamb Chops accompanied with a potato pie and asparagus and cooked in a red wine sauce ($31) or the Stuffed Whitefish atop Matzo farfel with glazed carrots and red beet horseradish ($24). Finish off the meal with Sarabeth’s famous Flourless Chocolate Cake ($8.50).

BLT Fish (21 West 17th Street, 3^rd Floor) will also offer a few specials by Executive Chef Amy Eubanks. Chef will prepare a Salmon Belly with freshly grated horseradish, parsley and celery ($14), as well as a dessert of roasted apples and walnuts with cinnamon ice cream ($11). While it is not a special, the made-for-two Loup de Mer with yellow beets and citrus sabayon ($32 per person) can certainly be a great Passover alternative.

L’Chaim!

#SCBDFavorite: One Pot Dinners Cooking Class at Sur La Table, Hell’s Kitchen

Posted on March 23, 2013 by smallchickbigdeals

For my birthday this year I got a gift certificate to take a cooking class at Sur La Table in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC. I looked at the schedule and the One Pot Dinners presented by Food & Wine Magazine sounded like an awesome class plus it came with a one year subscription to Food & Wine magazine.

The class started at 11:00 am in the studio kitchen in the store. We were greeted by our instructor Giselle and her assistants, who grabbed us a cup of coffee. Giselle told us a bit about herself and how she went to culinary school and how when she’s not teaching she is a pastry chef at Momofoku Milk Bar. After she explained how the class worked and gave us a packet with the recipes we’d be making in class.

My favorite recipe we made.

We started the class making an easy Mexican Chicken Pozole Verde. Giselle would show us how to do each step and assist us along with the help of her assistants. It was a great class and each team worked together really well. After the Pozole, we made my personal favorite– Beef & Vegetable Potpie with Cheddar Biscuits, followed by Rice Pilaf with Chorizo, Olives & Fennel, and last, Smoky Paella with Shrimp & Squid.

Cooking in class at Sur La Table, Hell’s Kitchen NYC

We took a little break while some of the entrees cooked and had a tour of the store with our instructor Giselle. She told us what she recommended we purchase and what was used during class. We could also buy what we wanted then, but most of us waited until class ended. After our little tour, we came back to class and finished preparing then eating all the dishes. As I mentioned, my favorite was Beef & Vegetable Potpie with Cheddar Biscuits, it was delicious and perfect for a meal. It’s definitely a dish I’d love to conquer myself one night!

If you ever decide to take a class at Sur La Table, a huge plus is that all students receive a 10% off coupon that is good for a week. Since I still had money on my gift card, it definitely gave me an upper hand. I decided to purchase my very own food processor and scraper to add to my kitchen collection.

I’d highly recommend a cooking class at Sur La Table to any beginner in the kitchen, they really help you out and all the dishes are pretty easy. They have many cooking studio locations throughout New York and New Jersey and have a huge roster of classes, you can see, here. They also aren’t costly and range between $55-99 which is not bad for a professional cooking class.

Plan on taking a class at Sur La Table?

Let me know what you thoughts here or tweet me @smchickbigdeals!

Happy Cooking!

The Brewlight’s On: NYC Craft Beer Festival 2013

Posted on March 22, 2013 by stephaniirosee

So Ladies & Gents,

Small Chick Sara and I are brewing up for the NYC Craft Beer Festival! It is on Saturday, March 30^th at 68 Lexington Ave in the big apple. Not only does this exciting event bring out your inner Sir, but gives you access to awesome seminars such as Do You Know Your Craft led by Giancarlo Annese and Sarah Annese from their fantastic site Beer Union.

From the delicious Angry Orchard’s Apple Crisp Cider to Weyerbacher’s Double Simcoe, this festival is taking the tasting of craft beers by storm. Here’s a little history behind the famous craft beer festival of NYC:

A picture says a thousand words, and since there are so many wonderful things to tell you about this festival, I think you should come and see for yourself!

LOOK AT ALL THE CRAFT BEER TABLES.

That, my friends – is a paradise fit for a Sir.

Now as for the craft beer selection – I have a few down on my list that I must try, but I am also looking for some follower suggestions! Tweet @stephaniirosee and let me know what craft beers you recommend! Click here now and tweet it to me! NYC Festival Craft Beer Selection 2013

Stay tuned for the second post for How to Drink Beer Like a Sir: Raise Your Glass, but in the meantime check out the intro post! How to Drink Beer Like a Sir: An Introduction

Forever brewin’,

Fräulein Rose

Celebrate #NationalMeatballersDay at The Meatball Shop!

Posted on March 9, 2013 by smallchickbigdeals

First, off Happy National Meatball or better yet Happy Meatballers Day! In honor of the holiday today, The Meatball Shop is asking their fans to snap and share your favorite meatball moment on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #NationalMeatballersDay and the handle @MEATBALLERS. The three most creative photos will be chosen and shared on our Twitter and Instagram feeds on Monday, and the winners will receive a limited edition black n’ gold Grinder Hat. HAPPY #NATIONALMEATBALLERSDAY!

So last week, after taking a cooking class at Sur La Table in Hells Kitchen I decided to take food journey to Chelsea to check out The Meatball Shop in their new location, 200 9th Ave. It was also my first time ever dining at The Meatball Shop. I figured it was about time, since I had heard amazing things about them. I had no lunch plans that day so it was definitely worth the trip.

My $6 Sangria

Let me start off by saying, their meatballs are a big deal and you definitely get a bang for your buck. It was the new location’s first week doing lunch service and everything was on par. I decided since I came by myself I should sit at the bar. I looked at the menu and decided to start with their signature sangria, which was whopping $6– for NYC that is amazing and thus the excitement began.

For my meal I decided to get the Naked Classic Beef Meatballs with Class Tomato Sauce & the Family Jewels (which is just a fried egg on top) which as only $7. The meatballs were delicious, huge, and filling so I actually had some leftovers– which didn’t last in the fridge long. The bartender I had was wonderful and recommended I try dessert so of course I did, I mean who in their right mind would say no to a $3 scoop of homemade ice cream? The ice cream of the day that day was passion fruit so I really couldn’t say no. Of course, I was very happy with my decision because it was some of the best ice cream I’ve had in the city. It was so creamy and delicious and you could really taste the fruit!

If your looking to celebrate National Meatball Day in the city– I highly recommend you celebrate the right way with the @MEATBALLERS!

Overnight Pizza: The Gluten-Free Edition

Posted on March 5, 2013 by laurenpstern

When I first told my friends and neighbors that I was having two gluten-free New York style pizzas delivered to my front door from Chicago, IL, they were in complete disbelief. I mean, can you really blame them? The idea of having a pizza, whether it be gluten-free or not, delivered anywhere in the world via Fed-Ex sounds completely crazy, right? But the idea actually exists and is pulled off extremely well by the folks over at City Pizza Overnight.

I have to admit, throughout the process, I was quite nervous about ordering these pizzas. I’ve never ordered food on the internet before, and sometimes you just hear the craziest stories! But Adam, the owner of City Pizza Overnight, really works with you to make sure you get the full experience! I think I can speak for Sara, Elizabeth, and I when I say that he really went above and beyond in making sure we were comfortable throughout the entire process. Especially in my case, I mean anyone who is able to work with my allergies and gluten-sensitivity without getting frustrated deserves an A+ in my book!

In addition to the excellent customer service, the delivery was quick and easy! We even knew exactly when our pizzas were arriving via e-mail and the pizza arrived right on time! We didn’t even have to sign for it, which is a huge plus for anyone who can’t be around for the pizza’s arrival.

In my case, the pizzas arrived at 3pm, so I had to freeze it for a few hours before digging in! I received two pizzas, one regular and one pepperoni. My family and I decided to try the pepperoni first, because it’s been a really long time since my gluten-free mother or I have had a pepperoni slice! Once dinner time came around, we popped the pie in the oven, and 10 minutes later we had ourselves a mini pizza party!

The pepperoni pizza was delicious! It felt like I was eating a regular pepperoni pizza slice! Unlike the homemade gluten-free recipes I’ve tried, you can’t even tell it’s gluten-free! Out of the two, I think the pepperoni pizza was my favorite just because it felt like the old non-gluten free times. The only thing I disliked about it was that it was really greasy (especially compared to the regular) but even that wasn’t a HUGE problem for me. It was expected, actually!

The next up was the regular, which I tried with my boyfriend Luke this past Sunday. For the purpose of this site, I tried mine plain and with garlic powder. My boyfriend, on the other hand, decided to get creative and slather bacon all over his pizza. Regardless of our different concoctions, we couldn’t stop raving about how delicious the pizza tasted! He even argued with me vehemently about saving a slice for my mom. He wanted to eat 5-6 slices, it was that good!

Overall, my experience with City Pizza Overnight was nothing but excellent. The service was fast and easy and the pizza was delicious, even days after delivery! I am already recommending City Pizza Overnight to my friends and family and highly considering ordering again next time I have a small get together!

An Unforgettable Experience – DBGB Kitchen and Restaurant

Posted on February 28, 2013 by smallchickbigdeals

I’m Kelsey, a 22-year old who graduated from The Culinary Education Center in Asbury Park, NJ almost three years ago. I currently work at Applewood Estates, a retirement community in Freehold, NJ. Always looking for new culinary adventures, I am excited to finally produce my first post and hopefully many more to come. Enjoy!

Last Tuesday I had the pleasure of meeting Sara in the city to experience a pretty much a once-in-a-lifetime culinary adventure. I didn’t know what to expect and thought it would just be a basic cooking class that I already had learned from culinary school. Boy, was I wrong!

When first arriving at the prep kitchen for DBGB we were greeted by Lauren, the PR contact for all of Daniel Boulud’s restaurants. She gave us a brief background and offered us coffee and refreshments. We were then introduced to Chef Mark who has been working in Daniel’s restaurant for over 14 years and pretty much started the baking program for the kitchen. He gave us a thorough background regarding all of Daniels restaurants. Then Giles Verot who started the charcuterie program with Daniel, came in. For those of you who don’t know, charcuterie is the art of making sausage and forced meats like pates and terrines.

Giles Verot

Nowadays, it’s hard to find restaurants that produce their own charcuterie. It was crazy to see how they make all the bread, pastries, and charcuterie for all of Daniel’s restaurants in New York in this kitchen. We first began our tour in the bread-making part of the kitchen. We got to see all of the ovens and other equipment they use, then got to roll our own baguette! That was a fun aspect of the tour and we got to take home what we made. Then we went to pastry part of the kitchen, saw some cheesecakes being packaged and all the appliances they use to produce all the pastries, which wasn’t a lot for the amount of product they are producing weekly.

Cheesecakes being packaged in the kitchen!

Continuing on our tour, we walked through to the charcuterie section of the kitchen. They had a small area for the actual cooking part of the charcuteries, which was crazy for the 36 sausages and other charcuterie they sell throughout the 6 restaurants. Then we went to the secluded, cold area where they make the sausages and pack the terrines. Giles and one of his employees took a pork shank they braised for 48 hours and vegetables they roasted in the oven, and mixed them together with oil and seasonings. We were allowed to sample the final product, the rilette, which was very tasty. The two other people we got to tour the kitchen with had an interest in how head cheese was made. So they pulled out a pigs head and showed us, which I honestly didn’t need to see! My mind was completely blown away by this tour and really opened my eyes to the culinary world.

Making the rilette

After the tour we were treated to whatever we wanted at Daniel’s restaurant, DBGB Kitchen & Bar. Taking advantage of this amazing once-in a lifetime-opportunity, we both ordered The Dickens cocktail, which was fruity and spicy but not too overpowering. I then ordered the steak tartare to feel fancy and privileged, which was very good but I think I prefer cooked steak to the raw preparation of steak, like tartare. I was very excited for my sausage to come, after the tour and class! I ordered the Beaujolaise sausage, which was a pork sausage with onion, bacon, red wine, and mushrooms served over lentils. This was absolutely delicious! Completely different than any sausage I ever had before so I ate every last bite! We also received a “complimentary” sausage de jamon and hash brown, which was very creamy and tasted great. Even though we were stuffed, we couldn’t let this opportunity to go to waste, so we ordered dessert. The choices were limited, so I went with the apple pie. It was very beautifully presented and served with scoop of freshly-made green apple sorbet. The perfect ending to an amazing experience.

DBGB

I would definitely recommend DBGB to everyone and would like to try more of Daniel Boulud’s restaurants in the future!

#SCBDExclusive NYC Craft Beer Festival- Spring Seasonals

Posted on February 22, 2013 by smallchickbigdeals

The beer events just keep on coming and if you enjoyed the Big Brew Beer Festival you’ll love this! The NYC Craft Beer Festival Spring Seasonals Edition will be making its way to NYC on March 30th at Lexington Avenue Armory (68 Lexington Avenue between 25th and 26th streets). The festival has two sessions to choose from:

SESSION 1: General Admission 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM

VIP & Connoisseur 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM

SESSION 2: General Admission 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM /

VIP & Connoisseur 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

How it works: Everyone will be given a tasting glass and have the opportunity to try unlimited 2 oz tastings of approximately 150 craft beers from all over the country. Food will be available for purchase for all attendees and there will be a selection of retail vendors on-site. VIP and Connoisseur will have the first hour to themselves to sample these great brews and Connoisseurs will have a private lounge with rare selections and passed hors d’oeuvres throughout the session. They will also be offering expert seminars for all attendees (first-come first-serve) that highlight key aspects of the craft beer industry including pairings, business, and more!

Check out some pictures from last year’s fest:

General Admission Tickets purchased in advanced start at $55. To purchase tickets, click here, they will be selling out quickly!

Cheers!