Go To Osso Buco

Ok… I’m going to get straight to the point on this one. I am a fan! Osso Buco is an exquisite Italian restaurant on the Upper East Side. With that said I am also most critical of Italian restaurants. Being an Italian American myself, I was raised off macaroni and gravy (that’s right I said macaroni and gravy… Not pasta & sauce!!!). Literally, I think if my mom could’ve put gravy in my Sippy-cup, she would’ve. Recipes for my native dishes have been passed down by generations by my estranged Genoese family from Northern Italy. So being that I am privy to these secrets of Italian cuisine, I have become spoiled to these unparalleled home cooked foods. From the instance you enter into this restaurant, an impression has been made. Osso Buco has a striking décor with warming colors that will entice your senses. Deep reds and coral walls stimulates, while hints of yellow arouses and awakens preparing you for a pleasurable experience. Expect to walk in and be greeted by a very cheerful host and the other gracious staff here. Being that I was alone this evening I decided to sit and eat at the bar- which I highly recommend if you are alone, since you will likely be adjacent to other patrons and find yourself engaged in an amusing cackling session. The front of the restaurant is completely windowed and there is a large TV mounted above the bar so there is plenty to keep your eyes wandering. I scanned the menu overflowing with variety from steak to veal, to seafood, to chicken as well as traditional pasta dishes; and as hard as it was to decide I finally committed to my first option. I started out with the “Osso Buco Salad,” consisting of romaine lettuce, olives, peperoncini, mozzarella, red onions, and sun dried tomatoes under Italian vinaigrette. This salad was hearty and savory, a first-rate start to my dining experience. I then was prepared to fix upon my entrée choice, seeing that my salad was so delicious, I decided to stick with the self entitled theme and go once again with the “Osso Buco,” a veal shank slowly braised with vegetables served over home made fettuccini. Once the meal arrived I was astounded by the generous portion- there was no evidence of pinching pennies in this execution. The spices were incredibly fresh and palatable. My Pinot Noir was the perfect compliment to the plump and tender veal that effortlessly slipped off the bone as you cut into it. The pasta was true uniqueness, perfect consistency and sure to stick to the wall (Let it be duly noted that I did not test this theory; however nothing is worse then overcooked or undercooked pasta). In the end I left with smiling with a juicy sum of leftovers that satisfied my hunger even more the second day (Note to readers: I would recommend heating the leftovers in the oven at about 350 degrees until warm and enjoy). Overall, I would consider this an outstanding feasting result… a true success. Please go there and let me know what you think- and better yet comment on this article. I am definitely an advocate and welcome all your comments here at http://www.uppereast.com/.
Mangia!


Usso Buco
1662 3rd Avenue
(Corner of 93rd Street & 2nd Avenue)
New York, NY
212-426-5422
www.ossobuco2010.com

Agony & Art

Inside the Upper East Side concealed within some of Manhattan’s most luxurious and illustrious designer boutiques lay an inconspicuous little gallery that displays some outlandish art that will resonate in your mind. It is the latest art exhibit of Berlinde De Bruyckere at Hauser and Wirth titled “Into One-Another to PPP.”

If you’re anything like me– not to be considered an afficionado of the arts but highly intelligent with a voracious appetite & curiosity of the arts, then you may need to be proactive and do a little research first. The “To PPP” is in reference to Pier Paolo Pasolini (PPP), is who this exhibit tribute (take a moment to Wikipedia him if you’ve never heard of him). He is also known as an Italian film artist, painter, poet, and even journalist who were brutally murdered in 1975.

Pasolini’s work was inspired by Catholic ritual, revolutionary European literature, Renaissance painting’s, and the political events of his time to create such films as ‘The Gospel According to St. Matthew,’ ‘Teorema,’ and ‘Salò.’ Pasolini’s work was vivid and disconcerting portraying explicit scenes of brutality and controversial violent acts.

De Bruyckere maintains the same level of intensity in her portrayal creating images that are incredibly haunting and realistic. The premise of De Bruyckere’s work hones in on the dualities of love and suffering, danger and protection, life and death. Wax bodies distorted and conjoined and headless leave a lasting impression. All sculptures and sketches appear with white black and bloody red. De Bruyckere used professional dancers as models for her work. Their movements and poses are inspiration for her own obscure composition. These figures appear stationary within an embellished pose awakening degradation and tragedy.

As I walk down the plain white walls at the Hauser and Wirth and worth gallery amidst four very empty rooms containing a single glass encased body, sexually ambiguous and hermaphrodite-like. While I am not quite sure what I am looking at, I am also engrossed yet perplexed by the visual that stands before me. New York City is a mecca of originality and culture and this exhibit embodies just that. Let’s not leave out one key detail… It’s a FREE exhibit running from March 1st to April 23rd from 10 am to 6 pm. For more details go to www.uppereast.com

Hauser & Wirth
32 East 69th Street
(Corner of 69th Street & Madison Avenue)

New York NY 10021
(212) 794-4970
www.hauserwirth.com/

Boston Invades the Upper East Side

Being a Boston native, born and raised, and growing up for the first 25 years of my life as a true Bostonian and proud Masshole, I couldn’t help but notice when I passed a bar inconspicuously located on the corner of 2nd Avenue and 88th Street with the most flagrant sign out front in daringly bold red letters unashamedly declared, “Catch all the Red Sox Games Here!” After living in enemy territory for the last 4 years of my life and never seeing anything like this in the tri-state area and I was more than duty-bound to investigate. Although baseball season has yet to begin I will definitely be coming here to see all my favorite home teams play; Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics and Bruins…

Pat O’Brien’s started in 2003 by three gentlemen including a Boston College alumnus; these bar owners also own Thunder Jackson’s in Greenwich Village, Point Break in Midtown West and Billy Hurricane’s in East Village. Much of this bar is staffed with fellow Bostonian blood and a bartender named Diego otherwise known as the self proclaimed “Best Bartender Ever.” If you’re Boston/ New England bread or just a fan who can relate, this place provides a safe haven- a home away from home, if you will from the unendurable ranting and relentless blathering of the ever so primitive Yankee fan.

Unlike many other bars in the area (which I have grown accustom to know- since I reside just a few blocks nearby) this bar definitely embodies the phrase “You’re neighborhood bar.” If you’ve ever toured the city of Boston you may have heard of a little bar featured in a sitcom called “Cheers.” –Ok, well this bar is nothing like Cheers, however when I entered Pat O’Brien’s the slogan, “Where everyone knows your name,” resonated in my mind at this great locals hangout. A non pretentious, non hostile environment where fellow colligates or their older counterparts can drink twenty five cent beers and play beer pong freely, go pretend hunting on the “Big Buck Safari” video arcade game machine, or shoot basketball hoops behind the bar.

As to be expected you may encounter a pesky Yankee fan heckling as they pass by, or stray balls from the beer pong on the ping pong table; however bar fights are not typical here- As this is friendly bar with smiley, upbeat patrons ready to drink and have a enjoyable time. Friday, Saturday and during all Boston games seem to be the busiest times of the week here. The music is a great mix of hip hop, top 40, pop and house music from Kanye West “Goldigger” mixed with “Tu vo Fa L'americano Remix” (Radio Ibiza Edit), Sean Paul, Justin Beiber, Nightcrawlers “Push the feeling on”, Cee Lo, Dave Matthews Band, Jay-Z, etc. Take advantage of the most inexpensive happy hour that the city has to offer here and also reasonable non-happy hour priced drinks average $5. My favorite is all the Boston sports articles and memorabilia displayed all around.

Although very much a pro-Boston sports bar, there is a little something for everyone and especially if you are a Boston fan you must venture over here once, twice or even five times and if you do please feel free to comment on it via http://www.uppereast.com/, so that everyone can share their experiences too and hopefully do a little more Yankee bashing :)

PS. GO SOX!!!

Pat O’Brien’s
1701 2nd Avenue
Corner of 2nd Avenue and 88th St
New York, NY 10128
212.410.2013
http://www.patobriensnyc.com/

Mexican Dive to Tasteful Tapas

Upon my travels in my neighborhood, I happened to happen upon a little restaurant called “Aza Wine & Tapas.” Either I’m hallucinating or just a couple of weeks ago this was a little dive/whole in the wall known as “Tequila Jacks.” Now, I realize that New York is a fast-pace city where it is virtually impossible to keep up with the latest “hot” or “not” of the moment, but it seemed this place turned over faster than a subway door closing on your face.

Hoping that I’m not experiencing the early signs of sheer lunacy, I go in and check it out. I notice a vast difference from before. No more crowds of people, creepy bazaar regulars or drunken college types. Although still dark, much of the dinginess has been replaced by plush red cushiony chairs and candlelit tables. And music that would’ve formerly made your ears bleed has been defeated by some unique, soothing French, jazz-like influence type of music, calming like the sounds of the ocean. Oh—and I almost forgot one of the most disconcerting things of all… a child. Yes folks, this is now a child friendly environment!

After realizing I had followed the yellow brick road into uncharted territory—ending up in a place somewhat reminiscent of the Village—I decided it was my patriotic duty as your newest local connection to all things Upper East Side to introduce Aza to readers. The owner, Don, was nice enough to allow me to monopolize a small portion of his time to engage in a short discussion.

Don Detelj opened his doors approximately 8 weeks ago to Upper East Side residents and tourists alike. He was a former investor in the old establishment and thought the business could use a “new perspective.” He is pleased to engulf himself in the social environment that coincides with owning a restaurant, and receive customer appreciation and satisfaction; as well as provide a heightened edge and classiness that the restaurant presents to the neighborhood. He admits that opening a restaurant is a laborious profession, dominating majority of his days and nights (up to 18 hours or more even per week), but he works to continuously brainstorm new ideas to evolve his business and introduce new events to patrons. An avid cook himself, he also enjoys all types of exotic cooking (preferably Italian food).

Don leverages his staff to their full extent and supports their efforts. For example, a recent event was held on Sunday February 27th featuring a member of his bartending staff who goes by the name “Keyke” performing original music. He also utilizes the cultural background of staff members from Spain to ascertain new and interesting menu ideas. Two new beverages recently introduced to the brunch menu include “Calimocho Madrillo,” which consists of red wine, dash of grenadine, and a slice of lemon; another is “Tinto De Verano,” which is red wine, sprite, sweet vermouth, and lemon.

During my visit to the Spanish tapas and wine bar my friend and I ordered the restaurant specialties, “Churrasquito” (flame broiled mini skirt steak), “Camarones Diablo” (shrimp cooked in spicy sauce), “Paella Valenciana” (saffron rice cooked with fresh seafood, chicken and Spanish sausage). We also indulged in sweat potato fries and “Mini Hamburguesa Aza” (Black Angus burger, bibb lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles). My personal favorite was the “Churrasquito” because the meat was tender, flavorful and the cream, paprika sauce was heavenly (spicy but not too hot). My friend favored the “Camarones Diablo;” although it was delicious it had a more buttery flavor than a spicy one as it stated from the menu. There are a few non Spanish plates on the menu as well like chicken skewers with peanut sauce too, mac and cheese, spring rolls, hummus, etc. to appeal to the masses. The wine selection for the wine bar is slightly limited; however, it is expanding and the owner maintains “quality over quantity.” Prices for tapas menu range from $4.45 to $12. There are also a few entrees ranging from $14.95 to $17.95; dinner for two with cocktails expects to pay upwards of $80.00, comfortably.

Aza appears a great place to bring that special someone, set up to create a sensuous and sexy experience. From the deep dim lighting to the luxurious backroom seating, it is sure to give you all the privacy you can desire. I have visited Aza now twice and each time dined on a diverse selection of various foods with healthy portions that won’t leave your tummy aching from the stroll back to your Manhattan walk-up. This restaurant is brand new and still evolving. It leaves me hungry to return and visit the new developments that are underway such as a “Wine Tasting Wednesday” and “Late Night Happy Hour.” For more information please visit the website or on Facebook at http://www.azanyc.com/, and as always go to http://www.uppereast.com/ to stay abreast to the newest events and business on the UES.

Aza Wine & Tapas
1668 3rd Ave

New York, NY 10128
212-426-1416

http://www.azanyc.com/