SPRING has sprung: Vai Restaurant

RER 4.17.16

We have been teased with sunshine and warm weather, and even oppressive intense heat. On those pleasant sunny Sundays, New York City streets are flooded with revelers, soaking up the sun and inhaling the first tastes of spring. Brunch culture flourishes as windows open to the rising temperatures, sun filters in spaces, and outdoor seating becomes a must.

With the change in the season comes a change in the brunch menu at Vai Restaurant. With the expertise of Chef/Owner Vincent Chirico, the small upper west side Mediterranean-inspired restaurant celebrates the season with the freshest ingredients that sing spring with euphonious and delicious melodies.

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Chef Chirico presents fleshy bright delicate Muscat grapes, fragrant Thai basil, salty cured meat, and voluptuous burrata in a chilled appetizer, and satin soft fingerling potatoes piled with succulent and perfect charred octopus with just enough heat to compete with spring weather in a warm appetizer.

Textures play tag in a sumptuous hamachi crudo, decorated with silky avocado and grapefruit gems ready to burst at the touch, while deep green asparagus and velvet pink fat-lined meat nestle runny bright yellow egg yolk and wide briny flakes of cheese.  

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A shallow bowl of pearlescent white polenta supports a plump poached egg hidden beneath earth tones of ramps and mushrooms, laced with large chips of cheese.

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And dessert is just as smooth and fresh, light but decadent with an ombre of chocolate and just enough sweetness to end.

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Each of these offer a taste of spring amongst the other dishes featured on the menu. Not only is spring highlighted in the seasonal ingredients that are featured on the brunch menu and brunch prix fixe, but also the textures and aesthetic of the dishes bring to mind that whimsical playfulness and flirty feeling of the season.

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5.2016

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photo op: BEACON bar

RER 6.25.13

Last week I had the opportunity to check out the newly opened Beacon Bar, filling out the Beacon Block, in the Upper West Side. The Beacon Bar is in the company of the legendary Beacon Theatre (where I have seen Adele and the Civil Wars), and the theater's official hotel, Hotel Beacon. The area brings tourists and people from the neighborhood alike to witness excellent life performances, hang out and explore, making the location perfect for a new chic bar and lounge. Take a peak at my article for Miss A, and feast (or drink) with your eyes some of the tastes from the Beacon Bar.

Beacon Big Apple RER 6.25.13

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Giulio Cesare RER 6.25.13

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Oaxaca Smokeout RER 6.25.13

Do you have any bar recommendations for a nice night out, with good food and better drinks? Leave me some food for thought, so I can try new places out. Can't wait to hear from you!

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6.28.13

RER 6.25.13