The owners of the Chilean pastry & bakery shop Dulceria, have now opened right next door (literally} the tapas & wine restaurant Enoteca. This small, but charming tapas wine bar has about 30 seats, a back yard patio (as well as a store front patio).

A few tables take up most of the small and narrow space with a large couch in the middle (in lieu of a bar) which is the common seating for diners without a reservation.

As I walked in (late for my 6pm reservation) they were carving a leg of imported Chilean ham and watched in amazement for a minute or two before I was led to my table for dinner by one of the pretty servers.

Now Enoteca boosts about 40 Chilean Wines, and I wanted to inspect (of course) their selection of Chardonnay’s. I went with the Halclenda San Juan Chardonnay: This “biodynamic” wine from the coastal region of Casablanca in Chilie has a citrus and fruit flavor, with a mild after taste that can be described as refreshing.

Halclenda San Juan Chardonnay

Since this is tapas, I ordered a few things, and the Piquillo: Red Rooster Peppers filled with Cod, and covered in leek cream and Tigre: Mussels boiled in white wine, onion garlic and bechamel seemed like a good place to start.

These two tapas dishes were quite tasty, I really enjoyed the complex taste of the Tigre which had a unique flavor and mild seasoning which played upon my pallet quite delightfully.

Next up I was presented with the Lobster the Cava: Alioli of cava and butter lobster’s claw, and the Scallops: Txacoli wine with fresh garlic lime covered with shrimp.

Lobster the Cava & Scallops

These two tapas dishes were so good I was tempted to order another round of the most delicious tapas I have ever tasted! I highly recommend these two. Last but not least I had the Bacalao: Cod onions and the rest is a secret (and indeed it should), as this tapas dish was probably the best of them all! I ate it very slowly to savor the flavor of this exotic dish.

Enoteca is located at: 2220 Frederick Douglass Blvd (917) 993-4459 on the corner of West 120th Street. This is the perfect place for a romantic dinner/intimate evening, after work drinks with friends, or get to meet new people in conversations on the couch over a superior glass of wine!

Lido has done it again. Opening yet another sibling site, the Fox Harlem just a few blocks away from its “sexy little sister” Bixi.

While Bixi is Lido’s sexy little sister, the Fox Harlem is Lido’s sporty little brother. Yes, this stylish gastro pub is just what Harlem was missing on Restaurant Row. Serving up pub grub and comfort food, along with craft cocktails, wine and beer (of course) and a refined yet comfortable atmosphere. Watch your favorite sporting event on flat screens all along the upper perimeter of the restaurant. Which sporting events you say? All of them.

Ordering a glass of Chardonnay while perusing the menu, I was told that they were flat out of it and suggested the Sauvignon blanc as an alternative. I declined, as I’ve never had a good Sauvignon blanc in Harlem…ever. I changed my mind and decided to try it, and finally it was one that I liked.

The Fish & Chips exceeded my expectations (along with the sauces), and the Pigs in a Blanket was not only satiating, but also quite tasty.

I held on to the menu to see what else I could fit into my stomach, but these two dishes alone was so filling that I could not finish it all.

The Fox Harlem is visually exciting in it’s sophisticated stylish simplicity, and a greet place to chill with friends or with a significant other who shares your love of gastro pubs and sports! The Fox Harlem is located at 2224 Frederick Douglas Blvd at 120th Street. A wonderful place to spend time at!

I remember when Vinateria first opened back in 2013 on Frederick Douglas Blvd, however in the last eight years I’ve only been there maybe twice for a drink or two. That may seem quite strange, as somethings you just take for granted because you think it will always be there. So to set things right I made a reservation for dinner to finally sample the food.

This restaurant (now a Harlem stable) is billed as an Italian restaurant with influences from Spain, and run by a black female owner: Yvette Leeper-Bueno. Sort of confusing at first, until I was warmly greeted by the hostess, (who took my temperature) a very nice and well mannered older lady of color, who exuded intelligence, grace and class. She secured me a server and respectfully watched me from the bar in the corner.

It was a warm spring day in Harlem, so I did think to sit outside in one of the dining pods (very nice ones I must say) but decided to dine inside among the fascinating decor which evokes a semi-romantic mood.

I was impressed by their wine list (actually a book) and settled on the Maison Deux-Fleurs Chardonnay (2018) as I gave the menu the once over (after all the place is called Vinateria) and is one of the very few places in Harlem that serve a good Chardonnay with an exceptional vintage.

I decided to start with the Calamari Fritti ³which was just a little more than your garden variety type, in fact it was not only good but made me a little afraid that I would not have any room for the main course.

For the main course I had the Pan Seared Sea Scallops, which is served with Butternut Squash Puree, and Crispy Pork Belly Brussel Sprouts.

The sea scallops was delightfully oily and crispy which was truly Italian in presentation and taste. The complex textures of the Pork Belly Brussel Sprouts on my pallet explained the Italian and Spain connection. I was so full that I could not finish it, so I had the server wrap it up for me to go. You best believe that it tasted just as good (if not better) the next day as I devoured it post breakfast.

I also ordered the Polenta Fries, which is made with Parmigiano and Chipotle Aloli.

I still can’t decide if the Polenta Fries is better for breakfast or desert, but I do know that it’s delicious.

Vinateria Harlem: is located at 2211 Fredrick Douglass Blvd on 119th Street

I plan to eat here more often now from early Spring to late Summer.

Bixi is a new restaurant which opened on Harlem’s Restaurant Row some months ago, about three doors down from it’s older sibling: Lido (a Harlem mainstay on the row) which strikes quite a pose on FDB (as a sexy little sister should), curious and exciting!

I was waiting for a classy, sexy new spot for a bit, and now my expectations and wait has been surpassed by the creative minds, and talents behind Bixi.

When I arrived for my reservation, I was greeted by a most delightful and bubbly hostess (Joanne), who effortlessly guided me through the Covid safety protocols very quickly and escorted me into a magical world of classy, sexy, cool right in the middle of Restaurant Row. I selected a seat in front corner of the dining room (to have a full frontal view of this beautiful space), and noticed the fresh flowers which adorned the room (and the fresh daisies on the tables) along with the red velvet seats and long couches lining the walls. One gets the feeling of sitting in an up-scale theater lobby, both romantic and cozy.

As I perused the food and cocktail menu, the Asian fusion was very apparent (Japanese beer and wine, and sake) as well as a good selection of domestic and imported choices. I selected the Comtesse Marion Chardonnay (France 2019) a medium bodied wine with notes of apple and lemon to start, and was soon presented with the Short Rib Fried Wontons (with scallions), with XG Mustard Sauce.

Crispy on the outside and chewy short rib on the inside, the XG Sauce a perfect companion to this tasty dish (I kept some the sauce to pair with the other dishes). An excellent starter to the culinary magic of master chef: Serena Bass. (did I mention that she also decorated the restaurant herself?).

Next I had the delicious Chicken Katsu Sandwich (My new favorite) which is served on a amazing tasting Bixi Hokkaido Roll (which is made in-house), and is made with mango, tamari mayonnaise, cucumber pickle, mint, cilantro and basil.

This sandwich is one of the most delicious dishes that I’ve ever had the pleasure to eat. This is a must to try dining at Bixi.

I tasted the Chicken Wings, with Lemongrass and Ponzu Sauce, Garlic Aioli, and topped with Tempura Scallions! You never had chicken wings like this in Harlem! The Tempura Scallions (a masterful addition!) is a Major Domo on the menu.

The presentation of this dish was breathtaking, however the taste of the Tandori Chicken was much more than that. This dish is made with Bixi Mango Chutney, Roasted Tomatoes, Cilantro topped on Coconut rice. This dish is a culinary pleasure to look at, and of course eat.

I found myself so enraptured in the (“Tapas-Like”) Asian dishes, that I just kept ordering more. So I ordered the 5 Spice Baby Back Ribs, topped with Bixi Plum and Orange BBQ Sauce and Cilantro. As I sat in the beautiful dining room, Jimi Hendrix crooned from the sound system as it flowed from the Blues. Or as Kwami explained it: Soul, Blues, and Rock and Roll (my kinda place!) is the whole playlist.

While I waited for the ribs to come to the table, the iconic chef to the stars: Serena Bass (she began by catering a party for Andy Warhol!) who made all of my wonderful dishes, surprised me by coming to my table to join me. She came baring gifts. She introduced me to the Cocktail creation: Lucky Jim. This spicy cocktail is the creation of co-owner/bartender/Master mixologist: Kwami. When I asked her about her inspiration for the decor, she told there was none! “I just bought different pieces of furniture, lamps, wallpaper and put them together as I went along.” She is not only a master chef, but a masterful decorator!

Such a fantastic dining experience, romantic date spot, exceptional food, superbly crafted cocktails, full bodied music…..I have to give this place 4 1/2 stars overall in every category. I was too full, and one drink away from being smashed to review the cocktails properly. I will return to just review the crafted drinks at another time.

Before I left, Kwami gave me a night cap of Japanese Whiskey, bold and strong in taste. Just like Bixi’s presence on FDB!

Bixi is located at: 2164 Frederick Douglass Blvd (bet 116th & 117th Streets) New York, NY in Harlem. Call for reservation (917) 409-0570

Outside dining during Covid times is difficult even for the most adept restaurateurs in frigid temperatures. Pandemic restrictions as it stands now allows for outside dining only, so many restaurants have built dining modules on sidewalks to accommodate (and stay in business) customers.

Osteria 57 in the village is one such a place that not only has outside dining modules, but managed to make it look attractive (inside and out) for diners braving the cold for the pleasure of eating out.

Osteria 57 is an Italian restaurant with a focus on Vegan, Vegetarian and Seafood dishes. I heard that this place is not only a romantic place to have dinner, but the food is expertly executed to be paired with their wines. I decided to find out for myself.

I showed up in Greenwich Village around 6pm and strolled over to West 10th Street to do a review (but didn’t have a reservation) and was turned away as they did not have any tables available. So I returned the next day (with a reservation) and was given a table in a charming wooden cell module with velvet curtains. My server suggested several appetizers specials, and I went with the scallops (he just made it sound so delicious) and while they were out of Chardonnay, my waiter made an excellent suggestion of the Soave (Acinum 2016 Veneto), which was full bodied with an exceptional after taste.

The scallops was exceptionally noteworthy, in presentation and taste (I was tempted to order another) and that alone is worth the trip in itself. I slowly enjoyed this appetizer, savoring each bite made from a chef with true vision. For the Entree I ordered the Steelhead Salmon (Pan seared with pickled radish and lemon butter sauce), and my waiter gave marked approval of my choice.

The Steelhead Salmon was in fact quite good, but not as good as the scallops. I also ordered a side of seasoned baked potatoes, to round out the meal. I would give the service 3 stars, the decor (makeshift) 3 1/2 stars, the wine and food 4 stars. You could do a lot worse by taking your partner to this restaurant on Valentines Day for dinner. The food, ambience, and wine all combine to make for a perfect evening.

Osteria 57 is located at: 57 West 10th Street off of 6th Avenue in Greenwich Village.

On 122nd Street and Frederick Douglas Blvd is the Savaan Restaurant (across the street from the police precinct) which I always knew was there but never visited it for some reason. I never really dined on Turkish food except for the occasional sweets that co-workers shared on special events, but I wasn’t prepared for the full dining experience right here in Harlem.

Savann first opened on the Upper East Side in 1997, and years later moved to Harlem, and has been operating for almost 20 years between the two locations. I really liked the dim lights which contrasted nicely with the semi-rustic interior deco, which sets the mood for a romantic and mysterious dinner vibe.

I sat at a table by the front window that gave me a view of the classic bar, and dining tables.

The ambience of the restaurant gave me a safe and cozy feeling, that I found to be very inviting.

I ordered a Chardonnay (Raebum Russian River Valley) while I navigated the menu to choose what I would have for dinner. I ordered the soup of the day to start, which was American fish clam chowder.

The chowder was extremely good, so good that if that’s all I had it would be enough to give a stellar review. I marveled at the rich flavor and fresh tasting chowder with large portions of fish and tangy taste of bay leaf.

For the main course I ordered the MANTI Lamb dumplings in yogurt sauce, with melted butter and sumac.

This dish was so delicious that I found myself eating it very slowly (as to prolong the meal for as long as possible) the sauce was just spicy enough as to not distract from the lamb dumplings.

The Manti was fulfilling on many levels and would highly recommend this dish to everyone.

Chef Galp Ozbek was observing me from the behind the bar as I was reviewing (and enjoying) the main dish. It was apparent from my body language and facial expressions how much I was enjoying this meal.

Savaan Mediterranean Restaurant is located at 2280 Frederick Douglas Blvd in Harlem. Website: https://www.restaurantji.com/ny/new-york/savann-/

A perfect spot for a quiet romantic dinner. Mysterious and intriguing with excellent food and wine. I rate this place four stars off the top!

I have not until now actually dined in a restaurant in El Barrio (first time for everything right?) mainly because, there really wasn’t a reason to,(other than one of the many “cuchifritos”) except from taco food trucks in the summer.

While I was riding around in East Harlem on 116th Street I rode pass Boca Prime and thought to myself “I never sat down in a real restaurant in El Barrio” (mainly due to the lack thereof ) save for the mob owned Italian restaurants back in the day.

I returned a week later on a Friday Indian Summer Night to have dinner, (against my better judgement) thinking….at least I can now say that I ate in that neighborhood. Riding my e-bike from Lenox Ave to East 116th Street, and I quickly arrived at Boca Prime, which bills itself as a steak house. This place has the most ungracious and unprofessional staff. After waiting at the threshold to be seated for about 15 mins (not one of the staff members inside or outside looked busy at all) with none of the staff attending to me, I walked inside and sat myself down at a table. I pulled out my laptop to take notes of this sham of a restaurant on 116th Street.

When the order taker “Laura” finally offered me a menu (which was for an unreasonable amount of time) I ordered the garlic shrimp appetizer, the grilled pork chops and a glass of below decent grade Sauvignon Blanc. Waiting for my dinner to arrive, I nursed my horrible glass of white wine and picked at the sorry tasting watered down garlic lemon sauce shrimp, which was not appetizing at all.

After what seemed like an eternity, my grilled pork chop arrived, and I just got a weird feeling sweeping over me.

While the dish didn’t look so bad visually, when I cut a piece of the chop with my steak knife (which was more than a bit difficult) and put it in my mouth, I immediately regretted my decision to do so.

The chop was dry inside (was frozen for too long) and tasted like weak cardboard smothered in passion fruit sauce (the sauce was the only good thing about this meal), and the vegetables was bland. The Yucca mash potatoes tasted like it was quickly defrosted, and the texture appeared dull.

I pondered when was the last time I had a such a horrible meal in a restaurant (if you want to call it that) and couldn’t recall any as bad as this. I could not in any sort of good faith recommend that anyone eat there. The service is beyond substandard, in fact they behave like their doing you a favor. The food is substandard along with the wine, and the only reason it’s still operating is due to the young locals drinking and Hookah smoking trying to out pose each other.

I simply could not eat, and drink this garbage and did not finish the meal. Being the gentleman that I am, I asked them to pack up the remaining food (which was practically all of it) and asked for my check. I received a bill with one amount on it, no tax info at all, and the guy told me the “tip” was included in the amount, but no info on how much! 10-15-20%? A wave of distrust washed over me, and I got out of that grace forsaken place.

I Rate Boca Prime Zero Stars on all fronts. I gave the food to the first homeless person I could find, as to not feel like throwing it in the garbage.

Sometime around the end of August, I was riding one of my E-Bikes and found myself passing by (quickly riding by) Manhattan Ave & 123rd Street in Harlem. Struck by the post modern rustic building structure (Think New Amsterdam late 1800’s/SoHo 1984), I hit the breaks and skidded to a stop and beheld an oasis out of time (and low key out of place) tucked neatly away in Harlem!

As I walked up to inspect the menu posted in the glass enclosure on the wall, I could not help but be reminded of one of my favorite restaurants near Murray Hill….Craft! (yes….that’s it!). While I was unfamiliar with the offerings on the menu, I was also intrigued by the combination of the  ingredients on quite a few of the dishes.

Gabriela Davogustto (one of the co-owners) approached me, and I commented on the my thoughts (and the menu) and simply had to do a review of this (low-key elegant) lovely restaurant. She graciously invited me back to do so with some hidden excitement, and off  I went on my e-bike to Lenox Ave. I returned a couple of day’s later and Andrea Needell Matteliano, the other co-owner (and bar director) and I had the pleasure to meet (and when she had a moment) as well as answer my questions regarding the establishment.

I chose the table on the cut (the corner of building itself) which made for a great aesthetic (and excellent position to people watch) angle which increased the sense of being in another place in time and space folded into these limited confines.

While they didn’t have my customary chardonnay, Andrea introduced me to a delicious white wine Guimaro/Ribeira Sacra 2018 (not chardonnay) that I really liked!

Not quite sure what to have, I enlisted the help of my waiter who pointed me in the right direction with the appetizer: Roasted Beets (“what their known for”) which at first I was a bit intimidated (I admit) being made with pickled jalapeno, shallot, orange, yogurt, and pistachio granola. Well it time to try something new! And he had me at yogurt.

When this dish was placed before me by the server (who seemed to appear out of nowhere) it seemed to be a mix of nuts, and beets with orange slices (a solid V-8). But when I put the first forkful into my mouth a cascade of flavor exploded on my palette, and I become a fan for life!

For the entrée, I had the Black Sea Bass: (since it was Friday, I was feeling classic) served with roasted root vegetables, celeriac puree, and charred radicchio. 

This dish was quite enjoyable and just by looking at it (and tasting it) you could tell that it was made with great care. This complex yet simple dish was elegance on a plate, you just could taste the “farm to table” freshness, and I was very pleased with the unique culinary craftsmanship of both my dishes which made for a very classy dinner indeed!

Clay is located at 553 Manhattan Avenue in Harlem, in that elegant angle of space and time folded on the corner of West 123rd Street! A quite romantic place to go for dinner with a date as well as alone, you might end up falling in love with the fact that you dined there!