Archive for April 2007

Cheese. I love it. Show me a person who doesn’t like cheese and I’ll show you someone I just don’t care for. Also, macaroni. Any pasta will make me happy, really. In this case my choice of discussion of macaroni is for a reason. I want to talk of these two ingredients because I want to pontificate, nay, PREACH about the mac and cheese at the oh-so-yummy haven: Chat ‘n’ Chew

Allow me to start by pointing out that I hate mac and cheese. Growing up I avoided it like the plague and always chose gross beef patties in school just to avoid this seemingly sickening concoction. It didn’t seem organic to me in any sense and I wanted no part. Mac and cheese was not for me.

In going to Chat ‘n’ Chew for the first time with a friend who swore by their version of the dish, I vetoed the spot in favor of something less offensive to me. It was after all, the Union Square area and possibilities were ample. She held her ground, insisting on their famous mac and cheese. I gave in. And thank the cheese gods I did, because that day changed my life. The mac and cheese was impressive to say the least. Gooey and soft on the inside, the outside was adorned with crunchy bits that give the perfect complementing texture to the gooey cheese. (Great now I’m getting hungry.)

You think that is where this review ends but you are mistaken. I have not yet tackled the meat loaf. Now you might not believe what you’re about to read, but it’s true. I grew up without ever having tried meatloaf. To me, it was the vague notion of what a proper 50’s family with a stay home mom ate for dinner every Wednesday. Not so for my family. I was served up a seafood surprise that was surprisingly not seafood. So, I ventured to try the “foreign” dish one fine lunch hour at Chat ‘n’ Chew. It was divine. Made with a ridiculously flavorful mushroom gravy (not an overpowering mushroom flavor—just a great texture and taste), this loaf of meat, if you will, is paired with mashed potatoes (with skins) and a bevy of roasted veggies. All in all no human can still be full after this dish. And each one I’ve seen try it for the first time was left deeply satisfied.

Chat n chew has a full menu apart from my favorites here and a full bar for the lushes of the group (me), so no one will leave dissatisfied. In the summer they offer a few tables on the sidewalk if you’d like to enjoy your food alfresco. Located not one block from Union Square, this eatery is the perfect spot to enjoy any or all of your cravings while staying in a cool area.

The air is turning cooler, and the wind begins to bite your cheeks and nose. Fall is definitely in the air, and with it comes the thrill of romance.

Romantic date ideas are plentiful in New York, and fall is the perfect season to begin taking advantage of them. Take your date on a stroll through the changing leaves or dress up for a night on Broadway. The possibilities, and romance, are endless.

Central Park

Central Park is huge and simply full of romantic date ideas. The most notable of all of these would be a carriage ride. Snuggle up under a blanket with your sweetie, perhaps with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa, and relax as you take in the sights of the park. After the ride, take a leisurely walk together to kick up some fall leaves on your way to Belvedere Castle. Climb up to the observatory, and enjoy the views of New York from one of the highest elevations in the park.

It is also nice to simply find a spot to sit and visit together quietly. Women find nothing more romantic than a chance to be open and have a meaningful conversation with a man who cares about what she is saying. Find a scenic bench or bring a picnic and simply enjoy getting to know each other better.

Broadway

One of the most well-known aspects of New York, Broadway, is ideal for generating romantic date ideas. Buy tickets for one of the most respected theater productions in the world, and treat her to the magic of the live stage. There is always a wide variety of plays and musicals available, so even the most reluctant theatre arts connoisseur can find something appealing.

To truly impress your date, offer to take her shopping during the day for an ensemble worthy of your evening plans. Let her pick out a new gown during the day, then arrive to pick her up, rose in hand, for the evening and admire her finery. Together you can appreciate the greatness of the New York theater.

Restaurants

Regardless of other evening plans, dinner arrangements set the tone for the rest of the night. New York is full of eating establishments offering quiet, serene settings. Even the best romantic date ideas can be spoiled by a bad dinner experience, so be sure to find a restaurant that suits your personal style and budget.

Looking for a good time? New York abounds with fun date ideas, and it is about time you took your date out for a little laughter and excitement.

Karaoke

Nothing is funnier than attempting to carry a tune while trying not to laugh at yourself. Relax and have a ball singing cheesy love songs to each other or try a duet at any of New York’s karaoke clubs. Tinga Tinga Karaoke in Midtown is a great place to start, and even if you just enjoy just enjoy the vocal styling of others, it is among the most amusing of the fun date ideas for the city.

Comedy Clubs

New York is home to some of the finest comedy clubs in the nation. Many of the comedy theaters are nationally recognized, and are the launching points for many of the young rising comedic stars. Drop in at Caroline’s on Broadway or the Comedy Cellar for an entertaining evening, and always be on the lookout for main-stream comedians dropping in to try out a new act. Unless you and your date enjoy the spotlight, be sure to sit away from the stage however, as those closest to the stage tend to be easy targets for “joining” the act.

Street Fairs and Festivals

Almost every weekend there is a street fair or festival somewhere on the streets of New York, and these offer fantastically fun date ideas. Put on comfortable shoes and stroll through the fairs looking at the outrageous items for sale block after block. Stop for a funnel cake or cotton candy, and peruse the giant bins of wares. Many festivals have live entertainment and ethnic treats, so there is always something to learn and do. And who knows, the gaudy animal you bought for her could become one of her most prized possessions.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art occupies almost 1.4 million square feet making it almost impossible to cover in a single day. The Met is well-known not only for the fantastic artwork, but also for the expanse of street performers and local artisans outside its doors. If your feet are weary from the long walk through the museum, stop and rest on the famous steps of the Met while you conjure up other fun date ideas for the following weekend.