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by Lenique Vincent
written by Lenique Vincent

Chef Jonghun Won brought a taste of Europe to Midtown Manhattan in the form of cafe and bakery, Pavé. After leaving his home in South Korea to open Jungsik New York and New Jersey’s La Tabatiere, Chef Won teamed up with partner, Jin Ahn, to create the rustic Pavé which opened its doors on September 21. Taking pride in their daily baked bread, Pavé also offers coffee’s and teas to accompany specialty seasonal sandwiches and pastries.

The Knockturnal was invited to a Pavé tasting on October 12. Starting off with the Burrata salad, the sweetness of the marinated tomatoes complimented by the crunchy pistachios definitely woke the taste buds.  Next was the savory Croque Monsieur. This ham and cheese sandwich mixes Gruyère and Béchamel with spicy Dijon mustard on a warm and soft sourdough bread. Just as savory, was the Country Pâté which is topped with tart cornichon pickles on a firm, but doughy baguette. Similar to a Sicilian slice, the Chorizo-Zucchini Focaccia is a delicious mix of sausage, mozzarella, basil and of course; thinly sliced zucchini. For desert, we indulged in a few pastries. To start we had a fluffy brioche slice filled with a passionfruit sauce, the perfect sugar kick for anyone with a sweet tooth. Next up was the Green Tea Scone which was full of white chocolate that was flavorful but not overpowering; a great pair for tea. Lastly, it was only right to close off on a classic chocolate chip cookie that was crunchy in all the right places.

Check out  Pavé on Tuesdays-Fridays from 8am-3pm to unwind the Parisian way, in a tranquil space while wafting the smell of bread baking from opening to closing.

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Restaurant Review: The Oval at La Devozione

by Megan D'Souza
written by Megan D'Souza

A few weeks ago, we tried the new Italian restaurant in Chelsea Market. A less rushed alternative to the market’s typical grab-and-go options, La Devozione offers fine dining, casual dining, a market of artisanal goods, and also takeout. If the restaurant’s name sounds familiar, it’s because they stem from a well known pasta manufacturer with roots dating back more than 110 years – Pastificio di Martino. Their story is fascinating, with the aforementioned origins to the first takeaway stand in Naples, to now expanding into restaurants in the United States. Our last visit involved dining at A Tavola, their casual dining area, and we couldn’t wait to try The Oval for an immersive tasting experience with Chef Alessio Rosetti. 

Well, today was that day! We entered Chelsea Market and wandered over to the restaurant, nestled in the very center across from the open-concept food court. Soon, we were seated at the impressive chef’s counter: an oblong round tabletop surrounding state-of-the-art stovetops, ovens, pasta stations, and more, also known as The Oval.

 

We began our meal with a few cocktails: the American Rose and the Select Aperitivo. Both drinks had a citrusy, bitter flavor profile with the former boasting a bit of fizz and the latter holding a more floral component from the juniper berries. They paired perfectly with our first course, which was a wafer made of over-boiled and mashed up pasta, then spread thin, seasoned with classic italian herbs, and dried out. It also came with two breadsticks, and delicious ‘cookies’ made with pork fat and crushed almonds. So unique, with familiar tastes but brand new formats, made for the perfect carb-based appetizer. 

The second course was our first pasta, the Spaghettini a Limone. Bright and acidic yet balanced due to the creamy provolone sauce, it excited us about the rest of the courses to come. Lemon pasta is one of my absolute favorite dishes, so I could have happily eaten an entire meal of this alone. Next, the Pacchero Calabria arrived. A plate of 4 large paccheri, each topped with bergamot glaze, smoked swordfish, and fennel fronds, were like little flavor explosions. Citrusy and fresh, earthy, and smoky essences filled your mouth for a true gastronomical experience. I loved this small, punchy dish!

 

Next, the Sogno Rosso was a spaghetti with caviar and parlsey foam that came out for our fourth course. It was plated gorgeously with voluminous bright green parsley foam that keeps its shape for longer than expected. The flavors, once swirled together, were earthy and complex. The Marco Polo, a roasted beet goat cheese pasta, arrived next: a bright magenta colored sauce served in a large wine glass. Goat cheese comprised the main flavor, which quickly melted and incorporated into the pink sauce. This brightened the dish and added a whipped, creamy texture.      

Our next course was a pick-your-own adventure: either the Candele Rotto a Mare or the Candele BBQ. Of course, we each chose one so we could sample both dishes. The Candele Rotto a Mare was a cripsy medley of octopus, squid, cuttlefish, and asparagus covered in a ragu sauce. The result? A seafood-heavy flavor balanced by the classic, neutral comfort of a red sauce that blended perfectly. The Candele BBQ was one of our favorite items of the night, with sizzling pork belly and creamy artichoke.

The final food course was the restaurant’s namesake dish – La Devozione. A simple tomato basil sauce yet so complex and satisfying in flavor, this pasta absolutely cannot disappoint – and that’s due to the quality of its ingredients. Tomatoes are from Sorrento which are harvested in the summer and canned to send to the US in the fall. In contrast to San Marzano tomatoes, these are richer and sweeter, giving the sauce an extraordinary flavor. This was our favorite item last time as it’s also on A Tavola’s menu, and was definitely near the top this time as well.

 

For dessert, we had a lime tart, which was a unique twist on the indulgent lemon tart. We finished off our meal with smooth, creamy espresso brewed in the moka pots La Devozione sells in their market. They were a delicious end to a decadent, artful meal. We highly recommend The Oval to anyone looking for an experience far greater than just a meal – a creative, interactive Chef-led lesson in Italian cuisine.

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Restaurant Review: Soho Diner

by Megan D'Souza
written by Megan D'Souza

Amidst the buzz of fashion week in Soho this weekend, we grabbed a break and a bite to eat at Soho Diner. Perfectly situated under the Soho Grand hotel, a few minutes walk from fashion week hub Spring Studios, the Soho Diner was a great spot to unwind from the day’s activities and inspirations. We weren’t the only ones who thought so, clearly, as the 50s themed diner was packed with models, editors, and fashion fanatics.

 

When you walk into Soho Diner, you feel like you’ve instantly stepped back in time. Wait – scratch that a little – into a beautifully curated version of the past: salmon colored upholstered booths, cherry wood finishes, a Crosley jukebox, and vintage signs indicating menu items. Soho Diner “pays homage to the great American dining staple: a place where every stripe of the community can have a quality meal with friends and family.” But their modern touches remind you that you’re in a place with the charm of the past but the welcoming attitudes of modern day, rather than a perfect carbon copy of an imperfect past world. 

Just like their ambiance, Soho Diner’s menu reflects the beauty of modern American cuisine and the classic comforts of staple diner items. From their classic burger and milkshake to a half dozen oyster starter and a grapefruit brulee, every type of eater will find their fix here. Since we went for brunch, we ordered the Smoked Salmon and Potato Latkes, the Steak and Eggs, and started off with a few oysters. And of course, some milkshakes – how could we not at a diner?! 

 

To start off, our milkshakes came out first – an orange julius and a vanilla classic shake. The orange julius was creamy and citrusy, but still very light and refreshing even with its sweet flavor profile. To round it out, the vanilla milkshake was thick, decadent, and delicious. An absolute must try – they were out of the strawberry and chocolate flavors when we visited, so we can’t wait to stop by next time to try those. 

After we finished our drinks, the oyster starter arrived. The east coast oysters were fresh and delicious – a must have during the summer season. They were served with the classic mignonette, spicy cucumber relish, harissa cocktail sauce, and a lemon wedge. All the accoutrements you could possibly want to accompany a set of oysters. Next up, our main dishes: the Potato Latkes with Smoked Salmon, and the Ham Steak and Eggs. The latkes came with herbed creme fraiche and poached eggs; their creaminess paired wonderfully with the salty smoked salmon. The steak and eggs arrived with specklings of chimichurri on a giant cut of pork, and topped with two sunny side up eggs – definitely plan on leftovers! 

 

We left the Soho Diner full and happy, and can’t wait to go back to try the rest of the items on their menu. Learn more about Soho Diner here, and click here to make your reservation!

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Restaurant Review: A Tavola at La Devozione

by Megan D'Souza
written by Megan D'Souza

Nestled into Chelsea Market, one of the first fine dining restaurants to grace the ever-popular market boasts authentic Italian cuisine, artisan goods, and more. La Devozione splits into 4 sections. First, their to-go pasta bar emulates the typical grab and go Chelsea Market food scene. Their artisan goods table displays hand crafted plates and cups from Italy, colorful Moka Pots, and Dolce & Gabbana collaboration gift boxes, and the walls are lined with bags full of every imaginable shape of pasta (or at least, far beyond the average American pasta imagination – 126 to be exact). The third part is their chef’s table, dubbed “The Oval,” where Michelin-starred chef Peppe Guida provides an interactive fine dining experience.

 

Finally, the fourth a part of La Devozione is A Tavola, their casual dining area. Featuring a sprawling set of square quad tables, the space has a modern feel that humbly offers you a taste of a storied 110-year old pasta business. Pastificio Di Martino has been making dried pasta for home consumption for over a century, and expanded into the restaurant scene with takeaway in Naples. Now, their first-ever establishment in the United States opened last November, to guests from all over the world. La Devozione is Italian for The Devotion in Italian, and their signature dish of the same name evokes the spirit of Italian dedication to quality cooking and well-sourced ingredients. 

Giuseppe Martino, the third generation owner of Pastificio Di Martino, is the restaurant owner. Along with Chef Alessio Rosetti (Hotel Grand Hotel Fasano in Gardone Riviera, Tony May’s SD26, Black Barn), he developed this menu to highlight traditional recipes based on the best ingredients. Bar Director Cristhian Rodriguez (formerly of NoMad Hotel and Eleven Madison Park) works with the bar staff to develop the unique cocktails featured on the menu, and each gets his stamp of approval before it’s offered to guests.

 

We stopped by on Wednesday to sample some of their authentic cuisine – starting off with drinks, we ordered the Redwood, a cherry and gin combo, and the Fantasma, a pisco-based lemon and strawberry drink. Each had distinct and unique flavors that were the perfect intro to our meal. For our appetizer, we had to try one of their highlights, the Lollipop Di Macaroni, a breaded macaroni and cheese lollipop with truffle-hazelnut sauce. With flavors both familiar and comforting from the mac n cheese and enticing from the truffle and hazelnut, this appetizer was incredible! 

 

Next, for our main course, we had the restaurant’s namesake dish La Devozione. It’s spaghetti cooked in tomato sauce and fresh basil – their take on the classic spaghetti al pomodoro. The standout ingredient in this dish is tomatoes from Sorrento, which are harvested in the summer and canned to send to the US in the fall. In contrast to San Marzano tomatoes, these are richer and sweeter, giving the sauce an extraordinary flavor. The store will start selling these as soon as they arrive from this summer’s harvest, so stay tuned for their arrival on the shelves! 


We finished off our meal with a nightcap and some dessert – their Figli Di Fiori cocktail, a cappuccino, and their Paris-Brest dessert. This gin and elderflower cocktail is one of their summer specialties, and was the perfect fizzy and light drink to top off a meal of delicious pasta. The cappuccino was strong yet perfectly palatable, with that satisfying espresso flavor rounded out with creamy, frothy milk. Finally, our dessert had layers of fluffy pastry, hazelnut chocolate creme, and was topped with hazelnuts. Each bite was perfectly creamy from the pastry, sweet from the creme, and crunchy from the nuts – the ultimate combo for a dessert. We loved our meal at A Tavola and can’t wait to come back to try The Oval. We even grabbed some of their signature pastas, the item that made them famous across Italy, and have our eyes on the Dolce & Gabbana box for next time

Make your reservation and learn more about La Devozione here!

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Restaurant Review: Antidote in Williamsburg

by Megan D'Souza
written by Megan D'Souza

Antidote, a Dim Sum / Sichuan hotspot in Williamsburg, just launched Jazz Nights on the first and third Wednesday of every month. With a plethora of exuberant cocktails and mouth-watering dishes lining their menu, Antidote has been calling our name for a while now and we couldn’t wait to check it out.

 

We stopped by on the first Wednesday of August to sample their tasty small plates and catch some live jazz! It was actually the first installment of jazz nights at Antidote, which launched as a new restaurant only 5 months ago, and we had a blast.

We started off our night by ordering drinks from their house menu – the Drunk in Love, a lychee puree-rose cocktail with a gold filigree leaf detail, was absolutely beautiful and tasted sweet, floral, and light. We also tried the Cloudy Enigma, a classic hit for gin lovers with a splash of grapefruit. The Chai-spresso was a unique take on the ever-popular espresso martini, with smoky mezcal and spiced chai to add depth. The last cocktail we tried, the Flu Shot, was our favorite: a yuzu-heavy prosecco cocktail that brightened our meal with its citrusy punch and bubbles. 

 

The first dish we tried was the Sichuan Cold Noodle – a zingy, spicy noodle dish with sesame and green onion, it was an impeccable appetizer. A few bites of this primed us for the flavorful dishes to come, and the spice satisfied that quintessential Sichuan craving. From the dim sum menu, we loved the Siu Mai with Tea-Smoked Duck and the Crab and Pork Soup Dumplings. To freshen up our meal, we tried the Wood Ear Mushroom Salad, which is poached and mixed with chili and lemon sauce.

Another item we tried was the Honey Glazed Short Ribs – the day we went they had a different flavor spin on their menu staple, the Sweet & Sour Ribs. Juicy, tangy, and tender, these ribs were substantial and delicious. Exactly right for when you want an indulgent complement to a light meal. For us, though, the indulgence was about to reach another level. The main event of our meal arrived next: the Dongpo Pork. Scored and glazed to a level of food-magazine worthy perfection, the tender pork layered with rich fat on top absolutely melts in your mouth and is a must-try at Antidote. 

 

After our meal, we learned a bit about the place’s origins from Rudi. The four owners have been in the restaurant business for eight years, and are Indonesian, European, Chinese, and Taiwanese, respectively. They’re all passionate about good fusion cuisine, focusing on making food taste incredible rather than sticking to traditional recipes just for the sake of tradition. To create Antidote, they transformed what was previously an abandoned warehouse near Domino Park into an industrial-chic dining establishment. We can’t wait to go back to Antidote to try some more of the menu items, and if you make your reservation soon, here are some of Rudi’s favorite dishes to spark inspiration:

  • Wood Leaf Mushroom Salad
  • Wontons in Chili Sauce
  • Siu Mai with Smoked Duck
  • Fish with Spicy Bean Paste
  • Antidote Curry Fried Rice

 

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New must-visit French restaurant Maison Close opens in SoHo today

by Tony Bowles
written by Tony Bowles

If you are looking for a new downtown restaurant to enjoy with your friends or even a solo date (treat yourself) then you are in luck! Offering a sanctuary for celebration and luxury that blends the greatest aspects of New York and French culture, Maison Close officially opens today in the heart of Manhattan with approachable French cuisine, elevated beverages, and a celebratory atmosphere that makes both residents and visitors feel at home.

Maison Close’s unparalleled vibe dining experience features a menu of sophisticated, yet accessible French dishes developed by Executive Chef Geoffrey Lechantoux (Louis XV in Monaco, Trianon Palace in Versailles, Plaza Athénée in Paris, Le Jules Verne in Paris and Benoit in New York) including: 

  • Belle Sole Meunière pan seared with a butter foam  
  • Cote de Boeuf served with Choron and Peppercorn sauce  
  • Crepe Suzette with Grand Marnier flambee  
  • Other carefully curated dishes include Tartare de Boeuf au Couteau, Artichauts à la Barigoule and La Grande Tour featuring Beausoleil oysters, Australian shrimps, whole Maine lobster, king crab legs and caviar. 

Guests can also unwind at the restaurant’s luxurious bar featuring expertly crafted cocktails such as Madame Claude with Grey Goose Poire Ginger, lemon and cucumber juice, and rose seltzer, L’Amour en Cage with Remy Martin V, golden berries, lemon juice, sugarcane and egg white, and La Turlutte with Bombay Sapphire Gin, fresh raspberries, meadowsweet cordial, lemon juice, and Moët & Chandon Imperial Champagne.
“When you enter Maison Close, it feels as though you’ve entered the dining room of your oldest friend,” says Chef Lechantoux. “Our menu modernizes the idea of traditional French dining, and I’m excited to bring a fresh take on this classic cuisine to New York City.” 
Maison Close is located at 15 Watts Street New York, NY 10013. The restaurant will be open Tuesday-Saturday from 11AM – Midnight, and Sunday from 11AM – 7PM. Beginning August 6th, brunch will be served Tuesday-Saturday from 11AM – 6PM and Sunday from 11AM-7PM. Dinner service will begin at 6PM Tuesday-Friday and 7:30PM on Saturday until closing. 

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Wouldn’t Exchange This Rooftop Experience for Anything!

by Laurie Heifetz
written by Laurie Heifetz

Do you ever wish you could be whisked away on a fast, ferry ride to a rooftop lounge with magnificent, Manhattan and Hudson River views? Well, wish no more! The RoofTop at Exchange Place in Jersey City is just your place. The seven-minute NY Waterway ride from the Brookfield Ferry Terminal in lower Manhattan is followed by a quick walk to the spirited venue. The whole evening is an experience like no other!

I was greeted at the door and taken to the rooftop by elevator where another host welcomed me. I felt like I walked into a fun party with lots of different groups. The DJ was spinning lively pop, hip-hop and Top 40. The views of the Manhattan skyline and beyond were exquisite.  Seeing the Statue of Liberty was an added plus!

What about the food? The official word: “The menu is inspired by regional American cuisine with strong Mid-Atlantic-New Jersey roots, showcasing local farms and artisanal products.”

I had the tasty burger sliders, while a friend enjoyed the spicy tuna with ponzu sauce and a crispy wonton. The Tuscan kale Caesar salad with a black, garlic crouton is another tapas bite. For the grande finale, the cast-iron, chocolate-chip cookie served with spumoni bomba, rainbow sprinkles and a sparkler can’t be beat!

Check out the summer signature cocktails.  The green tea Long Island is made with vodka, gin, white rum, Amaro Nonino Quintessia, green tea lemonade and lemon simple syrup. The sexy Sicilian spritzer features Aperol, Prosecco and blood-orange soda. Mocktails are available on request.

What else sets the RoofTop at Exchange Place apart? The knowledgeable servers are among the friendliest I’ve ever met. The retractable roof and walls are made of glass, which is perfect for inclement weather. If you’re cold, you can warm up by the fire pit on the outside deck! Screen-printed wraps illustrating New York and New Jersey adorn the restroom doors.
An added bonus: on my ferry ride home, fabulous fireworks were going off next to the Colgate Clock.
I can’t wait to return to RoofTop at Exchange Place for another exciting escape!

Spicy Tuna: Photo Courtesy of RoofTop at Exchange Place

Sicilian Spritz: Photo by Laurie Heifetz

View from the Deck: Photo by Laurie Heifetz

Lead Photo and Instagram reels by Laurie Heifetz: @thetravelprose

rooftopxp.com
RoofTop at Exchange Place (located in Hyatt House, 1 Exchange Place, Jersey City, New Jersey
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Restaurant Review: 12 Chairs Cafe

by Megan D'Souza
written by Megan D'Souza

Nestled streetside into the dreamy restaurant-lined blocks of west Soho, 12 Chairs Cafe brings gourmet Israeli food to New York. It started out as a small cafe, and evolved into a neighborhood favorite drawing in crowds of patrons day after day. As you walk by groups of laughing friends and families, you get the easygoing sense of summertime and the scent of fresh cooked food wafting through the air. In the late evening, you might even be able to hear the sound of tambourines and traditional music filling the streets as the dining experience turns into a party. We stopped by on Tuesday night to try some food we haven’t had here before, and fully experience their day to night vibe.

 

First up, we had the pita with a few small dips: the Babaganoush and Labaneh. As the energy of the restaurant started to build around us, we dipped warm pillowy pita breads into creamy labneh and spiced olive oil, and babaganoush topped with fresh herbs and blended to the perfect chunky-creamy consistency.

 

After our appetizers, we tried their Shipudim and Arayas. The Shipudim consisted of impossibly juicy chicken skewers topped with tomatoes and served with crispy potatoes and spicy tomato salad. Each bite of hot, spiced chicken paired with the fresh tomatoes and salad captured the beauty of Mediterranean flavors, and reminded us why 12 Chairs is such a beloved neighborhood staple. The Arayas, which are grilled pita filled with minced lamb, were served with the same spicy tomato salad that seems to complement all meat dishes. These packed a punch of substance, and each little triangle really fills you up! These delicious bites were more than enough to satisfy our hunger and then some, but of course, we had to grab some dessert.

 

First up on the dessert menu, their take on a classic cheesecake. The Israeli style cheesecake served at 12 Chairs is much lighter and fresher than American versions, and a bite of this topped with strawberries really captures that summer feeling. Our second dessert was Malabi, a dish I’d never tried before. It’s a coconut milk pudding covered in pomegranate syrup, and topped with coconut flakes and pistachios. A bit like panna cotta in texture, this creamy dessert was also a refreshing end to our delicious meal at 12 Chairs.

 

I’m so excited to keep coming to this restaurant to continue trying all the items on their menu as the summer goes on and beyond. If you haven’t tried this spot yet, be sure to put it on your list! And if you go as often as we do, hopefully you’ve discovered some new dishes to sample on your next visit by reading this. Check out 12 Chairs’ website and menu here!

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