No matter what day it is, get ready to party with Electric Shuffle, the ultimate bar and brunch experience, where fun and flavor come together in NYC’s most vibrant spot! This innovative cocktail bar will make you wanna come back for more.
May 31, 2023. Toro Loco Restaurant, Financial District. Manhattan New York– Toro Loco (Spanish for crazy bull), located at 15 Stone Street in the Financial District, launched a Summer Kick off Party in honor of the unveiling of “The Garden” their newest dining and event space just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
Toro Loco, whose official opening date was May 3, 2023 is popularly known for their delicious cloud-light guacamole blend and heaping portions of nachos; over-the-top dishes such as the Birria Tortas and their mouthwatering cuisines; also doubles as an event space. The Ground Floor, which is the primary entranceway into the hangout destination, holds a capacity of up to 150 standing guests; 50 seated with bar service (domestic and imports on tap). The Second Floor, whose entrance is located directly upstairs, holds a capacity of 120 standing and 60 people limit for seated guests. The newly unveiled area, “The Garden”, Toro Loco’s newest outdoor space, maxes out to 60 guests. The Garden, an outdoor Terrace, is best suited for intimate gatherings during warmer temperatures.
The Summer Kickoff party opened with DJ Hi Ki, playing several sets that included music from Bruno Mars to Beyonce blended with classics from the 80’s and 90’s and present-day hits! The restaurant showcased their signature dishes, the delicious chicken and beef Empanadas, savory steak tacos and much more. Guests mingled as the kitchen served up rounds of delectable bites for sampling. An open bar provided refreshing cocktails such as the spicy off menu beverage, the Girasol, a tasty blend of Bacardi, mango chili, rum, mango lemon, and melon liqueur. Guests danced and kicked back to enjoy the open sky view and the cool breeze floating from the Piers nearby.
Being thoroughly impressed by the food offerings, I took a step away from the Garden to browse the full menu. Beginning with Para La Mesa (or ‘for the table’) section, the appetizers, I came across some interesting finds such as the Sopa De Tortilla, a rich tomato-based soup made with chicken, guajillo and topped with crispy tortilla strips, sour cream, avocado, shaved radish and Manchego cheese. I’d recommend that savory comfort meal on a cold or rainy day. The Toro Loco wings, one of my personal favorites, is coated in a thick habanero agave glaze and served with a cool side of jalapeno ranch dressing to dip., another delicious item on the menu.
For guests in search of a much lighter dining experience, the Ensalada (salads) like the Mexican Cobb salad or the California Bowl, served with corn, avocado, queso fresco, cherry toppings, iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, jicama, red onions, ranch dressing in an edible taco bowl, are sure to be satisfying finds.
Before returning back to the Garden to witness the return of the infamous “Flaming Skull”, I took one more peek at the Taqueria (the specialty Mexican dishes) and the Platos Fuerte (Heavy Dishes) sections of the menu to take a mental note of a few additional dishes I’d like to try on my next visit. The Chimichangas, my favorite Mexican dish; the Surf & Turf, a grilled Sirloin steak served with charred octopus, chimichurri, pico de gallo, pickled red onions, radish, salsa verde cruda and corn tortillas. Lastly, the Cauliflower Al Pastor, a vegetarian friendly option made with Cauliflower Al Pastor, pineapple, guacamole, onion, cilantro, chile de arbol salsa with a corn tortilla.
I ventured back to the Garden to find the guests centered on the bartender and taking candid photos of the Flaming Skull in preparation for its “flame on top”. As the bartender carefully placed the lighter to the rim of the glass, lightly dusting the cocktail to boost the dramatic appeal, the guests clapped and cheered with great fascination.
I highly recommend checking out this very cool, laid-back atmosphere after work, Friday night or a Saturday night out on the town. If you’re feeling adventurous, Toro Loco also hosts the “Bottomless Brunch” Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (last seating at 3:30 pm); and Drag Sundays, hosted by: LAS BORRACHAS.
Reservations for dining at Toro Loco is available on their website, including their menu: www.ToroLocoNYC.com or if you’re sold on this spot already, you can Book Your Toro Loco Reservation Now on Resy!
On Tuesday, February 21st The Knockturnal received a very warm, and nostalgic welcome from the antique, and yummy cocktail bar, “Lost Spirits“ in lower Manhattan. Whether it’s after work, hosting a party, or just grabbing a quick bite, this tiered cocktail bar has everything you need, for anything you have planned ahead. So feel free to unwind, dine, or just have a good time!
Gordon Ramsay addressed a cheerful, hungry crowd. He encouraged attendees to ‘work their magic.’ As soft music played, free and delicious menu samples delighted attendees. With a smile, Ramsay thanked the line cooks and shook the restaurant manager’s hand. At the VIP launch party, New Yorkers learned about the new casual food spot.
Mister paradise is the new kid on the block, opening in 2019, and since then has become the hot spot of the East village. The sultry interior and special crafted cocktails gives off a luxury bar experience without breaking the bank. It’s a mix of an exquisite dancing experience with a speakeasy feel, making it the perfect place to enjoy a date, girls night or just let loose. Mister Paradise is definitely a spot to keep an eye out for a NYC night out.
Did you know you can experience Imperial Chinese Cuisine right here in New York? Chef Guo, an immersive space nestled in a corner of Midtown east, transports you to another world by activating all of your senses. Although the food draws customers in, the ambiance, carefully explained cultural insights, and attention to detail all come together harmoniously to create the perfect in-depth culinary experience.
I arrived early for my dinner at Chef Guo, and my server Caroline taught me about an ancient Chinese instrument they have displayed that was only played by the nobility. The instrument showcased in the restaurant was specially made as a high honor for Chef Guo by the Chinese government, and getting to try playing it felt like a privilege. 5 stone statues line the restaurant’s exit pathway, each representing a different season and different direction: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, and North, South, East, and West. The fifth and most beloved statue is the baby dragon, which represents abundance. Guests are encouraged to rub its head before they depart post-meal to be blessed with wealth and prosperity.
After a tour of the space, I sat down for my meal. Chef Guo’s dishes are served on royal yellow ceramics bordered in 24K gold. This is a unqiue color reserved only for emperors in ancient China, chosen to make guests feel special. The Chinese character for happiness appears throughout the restaurant, and on the dishes as well.
The first course was a silver needle tea, meant to stimulate the appetite. Its warmth and aromatics definitely readied my palate as the next three appetizers arrived: a selection of cold hors d’oeuvres and a dish called The Butterfly Falling in Love with the Flower. The hors d’oeuvres captured the four major flavor profiles: sour beans, sweet radish, bitter gourd, and spicy anchovies. Combining these flavors resulted in the most delightful taste sensation. The Butterfly dish was a work of art: seafood, vegetables, and chinese sausage were carefully arranged to resemble a nature scene of florals and butterflies. The final appetizer was slow-cooked tofu in scallion sauce topped with caviar – so fresh and satisfying on the palate. I was amazed by the depth of flavor in the scallion puree.
Starting off with Magic Elixir and the Fruit of Longevity made of peach jelly, the next set of courses continued to wow me. The elixir was a peach jelly to invigorate the blood, and served in a delicate eggshell. The Big Red Robe Tea came out next, and Caroline explained its rich historical legacy to me: this tea was integral to US-China relations, and was served to President Nixon by Chairman Mao Zedong in the 1970s. It’s “worth more than gold” and is used as a palate cleanser throughout the meal, meant to be taken as a single sip between courses. The next course was Taiji Black Truffle, a soup presented as a Yin Yang symbol. The orange soup was chicken based, and the green soup was beef based, and each side was topped with a circle of shaved black truffle. This dish represents the Chef’s desire to modernize his cuisine – truffles are typically not an ingredient in Chinese cuisine, but his use of it enhanced the dish tremendously. Pan Fried Foie Gras Au Jus arrived next, which was crisped on the outside and served with blueberry sauce and veggies. The combo of this decadent dish served with fresh flavors kept it light, yet indulgent. Next, the Chef served Mustard Green, Black Rice, and Premium Lobster Tail, Contrasting local cold-water lobster, this lobster tail comes from warm oceans and therefore had a sweeter flavor and firmer texture. The final item of this group of courses was the Hundred Happinesses and Eight Treasures in a Pouch Bag. Each of the 8 ingredients are hand-picked by the Chef and unique to each person, so only you and the Chef know what’s in your pouch. It’s served in a wooden box inscribed with the Chinese character “Fu” which means happiness – the theme of the restaurant.
The next course, Sea Bass with Fried Noodle, was served in a traditional sweet and sour sauce. The traditional Chinese dish uses baked carp, so the sea bass brings a modern and global twist on this dish: which is tremendously satisfying due to the delectable sauce. Next was a menu item I’d been anticipating, the Authentic and Traditional Wagyu Beef. It’s the finest A5 available from Japan, seasoned only with salt, and served with a side of apple fries. As someone that doesn’t usually get excited for steak, this blew me away. Every bite was perfectly crispy on the outside yet juicy and tender inside, and the flavors of the fat and salt melted in my mouth. Following up this perfect dish was the Flame Smoked Duck Breast, served with friend onions and almond slivers as pine incense smoke tendrils wafted up from beneath the cut of meat. The Braised Morels with Double Mushrooms is a delicacy, served to represent the guests’ honorable status. Some of the Chef’s star dishes came next: the ChefGuo Signature Pork Chops and the ChefGuo Signature Noodles With Black Bean Sauce. The pork chops won an award against French chefs in an international competition, flavored with chinese pickles in lieu of salt and served with a homemade pocky stick.
The end of the meal concluded with a selection of light desserts. The Tricolor Sea Swallow is a diced fish bone found only under extreme ocean depths, served with 3 flavors: papaya puree, kiwi puree, and greek yogurt. The fibrous, crunchy fish carried each of the flavors so well, and was a delicious and creative dessert I thoroughly enjoyed. Finally, the Golden Orange Sits on a Swing, a peeled orange served beautifully, which is a classic Chinese dessert item meant to rid your mouth of any odors and send you refreshed from your meal back into the world. After that, we had a Post-Meal Tea, which was a delicious Pu’er with a complex and invigorating flavor.
My 19-course meal at Chef Guo was a transformative, educational experience and truly one of the best meals I’ve had in my life. If anyone wants to learn about Chinese culture, both traditional and modern, make your reservation at Chef Guo immediately!
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!
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!
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
Tucked into a beautiful corner in the Upper East Side, Parma Nuova is the latest creation from the minds of restaurateurs Giorgio Manzio and La Masseria Group’s Enzo Ruggiero, Giuseppe Iuele and Chef Pino Coladonato. We stopped by on Monday night to sample some of their menu items!
When you walk into the restaurant, you’re greeted with the quintessential, comforting scene of an elevated New York Italian restaurant: white tablecloths, cherry wooden chairs, a tall candle stand on every table. We sat down before the dinner crowd rushed in, so got to see the ambiance transform from quiet to bustling yet warm.
For our first course, we chose the BURRATINA CON MELANZANE, PEPERONI ARROSTOE POMODORI SECCHI. Served with sundried tomatoes, marinated eggplant, and sweet roast peppers, this preparation turned the typical, but still delicious burrata starter found on every menu in the city, into something bright, unique, and delicious. Our second dish was the INSALATA PARMA, a medley of arugula, radicchio, tomato, peppers, olives, and endives, topped with sheets of parmesan. It was the last day of the heat wave, and we needed a cool salad to revive our bodies – this hit the spot.
We sipped on summery aperol spritzes and enjoyed our appetizers while we excitedly browsed Parma Nuova’s decadent pasta and entree menus. After debating over traditional and modern dishes, we finally settled on GNOCCHI ALLA SPUMA DI PARMIGIANO E TARTUFO, a gnocchi in parmesan sauce with fresh truffles. When the pasta is brought to your table, the server comes with a precious truffle in a glass jar and shaves it directly onto your plate! I’d never seen this done before, and as a truffle-obsessed foodie, I was awestruck. If you’re a fan of truffle, and I’m thinking that applies to almost every single person reading this, you definitely need to try it fresh. Our decadent pasta helpings were completed by their daily special, the Branzino, with roasted carrots and potatoes. The fresh fish was deboned and plated, cooked with a deliciously simple seasoning and the perfect complement to the rich, cheesy pasta.
Before we finished our meal, we had to try some of their desserts – the TORTA DI MAMMA PAOLA, a flourless chocolate cake, and the MISTO BOSCO CON SORBETTO AL FRUTTO DELLA PASSIONE, a passion fruit sorbet topped with fresh summer berries. Offering something luscious and something refreshingly light, these desserts left us very full, and very happy. Before we left the restaurant, we caught up with Giorgio and Enzo to learn a bit more about Parma Nuova’s launch and vision. Officially opening just a few weeks ago, the restaurant offers a similar menu to Masseria dei Vini, just with a few more regional specialties from the Parma region. The La Masseria team is hoping to offer the Upper East Side a taste of the authentic Italian cuisine that has delighted Rhode Island, Palm Beach, and Midtown West for years.
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