Category: new york foodie

Grand Banks is a Manhattan Hidden Gem for dining

A New York City Hidden Gem – Grand Banks, NYC

Grand Banks is a New York City Hidden Gem for dining! I am always looking for great dining in New York City and this is my new favorite. Grand Banks is a seasonal oyster bar on the deck of a historic fishing boat. Located on Pier 25 Hudson River in Tribeca, right around the corner from Battery Park, the location is ideal. Combine a great meal with a stroll through a beautiful, waterfront neighborhood with views of the Statue of Liberty makes for a wonderful excursion. This beautiful restaurant shows you a side of Manhattan that tourists don’t usually think of as New York City.

We were in New York celebrating my daughters graduation from her Master’s program at the Fashion Institute of Technology. It was a night graduation, so a nice walk and fabulous meal at Grand Banks made for a perfect day celebrating all of her achievements. We went midweek around noon and did not have have a reservation but I would highly recommend getting one for this hidden gem in New York City. It filled up fast. We were very lucky to get a table when we did.

“Smell the sea, and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.”

-Van Morrison

The four of us knew that we would be having a heavy meal later that night, so we decided to get some cocktails (there was time for a nap before the ceremony) and a little bit of everything. At the recommendation of the waitress, we decided on the Sailor Baby Oysters (Grand Banks very own!) and the Montauk Pearl oysters. Both were wonderful, but the Sailor Baby Oysters were the hands on favorite with this table. We added the crab dib, shrimp cocktail, french fries, and some lobster rolls. My daughter’s friend from Madrid had never had a lobster roll, so we were happy to introduce her. In addition, we ordered the Bread, Butter and Radish which I had never tried before. Now that I have, I will never be the same. It was wonderful!

The menu has so much to choose from which makes it so hard to decide. My daughter knows I always want to try out of the way places and hidden gems in New York City, not the tourist spots. She did not disappoint this weekend. Every choice was a winner, with Grand Banks standing out not only for the food, but for the atmosphere.

Being rated one of the World’s Best Waterfront Restaurants by CNN Travel and the Best Waterfront Restaurant in NYC by New York Magazine would give you the impression that it is stuffy and expensive. But in reality, it is comfortable and casual with amazing views. I highly recommend Grand Banks in New York City.

If you would like to see some of my other recommendations, check out the Restaurant Review section of my blog Sunday Chefs. Happy Dining!

Metro7 Diner

Best Breakfast at Metro7 Diner – Diner Recommendation

The Metro7 Diner in Latham, NY is the diner you’ve dreamed of. I am always looking for a diner recommendation, so here is one for you. A great diner is the perfect place to eat when on a road trip. I had the best breakfast at Metro7 Diner in Latham, NY and I had to share. We spent a weekend in Latham, NY for a lacrosse tournament and discovered this breakfast gem. After a little research we finally decided to try the Metro7 Diner and it did not disappoint. From the moment we drove into the parking lot I was thinking I made the right choice. The meat smoker in the parking lot was a very good sign.

The bright red and classic look of the building just screams great diner. But the pastry display at the counter clinches it. Metro7 Diner is clean, warm and friendly. My daughter had a lot of lacrosse to play that day so we were looking for big breakfasts and that is what we got. The coffee was great, the food was amazing and the portions were huge. Surprisingly, with everything so expensive these days, the cost was reasonable.

My daughter got the Original Buttermilk Chocolate Chip Pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream with a side of bacon. The portion was huge and she said “They’re the best pancakes I’ve ever had!”

My husband got a tomato and cheese omelet with rye toast and a side of fruit. Everything was wonderful. I am a huge Eggs Benedict fan and decided to try the California Benedict. The California Benedict is two perfectly is poached eggs, turkey sausage and avocado on top of an English muffin, covered in Hollandaise Sauce. The California Benedict is my new favorite.

You can tell that the Metro7 Diner is a family restaurant. The employees are friendly and have an easy camaraderie that screams family. Our waitress was Rhianna and she was fantastic. She chatted with everyone, and made sure everyone had what they needed and that your coffee was always full. What more could you want?

My only regret..that I didn’t get one of the chocolate chip muffins for later. I would give Metro7 Diner as a diner recommendation any day of the week. Make sure to check it out if you are ever near Latham, NY.

If you would like to see some of my other recommendations, check out the Restaurant Review section of my blog Sunday Chefs. Happy Dining!