GABRIELA'S, New York

Mexican food is one of my favorites! And Gabriela's confirmed that. Steve and David and I decided to try a restaurant new to us for dinner on Valentine's Day and we weren't disappointed. Our margarita's were wonderful and my entree was delicious! I ordered an enchilada special that included three different enchiladas (chicken, cheese, and beef) covered in three different sauces (red, sour cream, and verde). The flags were a surprise (photo). We left pleasantly filled and agreed that love was definitely in the air - for Mexican food that is!


Gabriela's
688 Columbus Avenue
At 93rd Street
New York, NY 10025
PH: 212-961-9600

EATALY, New York

What does Eataly have in common with Italy?? Lots! Eataly is a huge market that offers gourmet Italian cuisine that can be eaten on premise or taken out. I saw five different locations for eating in and all were filled with people who appeared to be loving their lunches. There was an entire wall of olive oils (photo), a bread market (photo), cheese markets, seafood, meats, an espresso stand, gourmet pastries, wine, and more. You could spend an entire afternoon exploring everything this building has to offer. It is a "must see". Know that I will be going there again when I have more time to browse with hands free to buy!


Eataly
200 Fifth Avenue (and 23rd St)
New York, NY 10010
PH: 212-229-2560

SCHILLER"S, New York

While experiencing the Lower East Side, six of us (me, Steve, Devin, Christopher, Schuyler, and Ron) enjoyed dinner at Schiller's. It was a comfortable restaurant filled with what I'm thinking were mostly locals. I love places that tourists don't necessarily know about. The menu was interesting and allowed us to make wine choices by color, caliber, and quantity. I ordered the seared salmon with tomato, coconut and cilantro over basmati rice. Very tasty. We all loved our dinners and enjoyed being together at our table against the wall where we could look out at happy people.

Schiller's
131 Rivington Street
New York, NY 10002
PH: 212-260-4555

ESSEX, New York

Usually when in New York, I find myself hanging
around the West Side. But this time, we ventured to the Lower East Side for a happy hour and dinner. Devin and Christopher suggested Essex for happy hour since they are "regulars" there. We parked ourselves at the bar (Devin, Christopher, Steve, Schulyer, Ron, and me) and had a great time. Drinks were half price from 6 to 9pm (every Sunday through Thursday) which meant my cosmo's were $5 - a real deal anywhere. As I sat at the bar, I couldn't help but notice the wall treatment next to me. I loved the way the light reflected off tennis balls that were glued to the wall and painted to match. Very simple, clever, and fun. In fact, I think FUN sums it up regarding our ESSEX happy hour!

Essex
120 Essex Street
New York, NY 10002
PH: 212-533-9616

HIGHPOINT BISTRO AND BAR, New York

As you know, one of my favorite culinary delights is brunch. I love the combination of breakfast food and lunch food, not to mention adding afternoon champagne to breakfast orange juice. Six of us (me, Steve, Devin, Christopher, Beth, and Neal) met for brunch at Highpoint, a relatively new bistro in Chelsea. We sat up front which was perfect. I love to watch the comings and goings of the front door versus the kitchen door. Our server took great care of us and made us feel welcome. After we ordered, we were given a complimentary order of house-made donuts. Nice touch. Our food arrived and was very good, I especially loved my Steak-n-Eggs. The eggs were sitting on spinach next to shoestring fries, holandaise, and steak so tender I only used my fork. We ordered three sides for the table (they were 3 for $10) and loved them all. None of us could eat dessert, which I'm sure must be equally delicious. I would recommend a reservation, I know I will be making another!


Highpoint Bistro and Bar
216 7th Ave
(Between 23rd and 22nd Streets)
New York, NY 10020
PH: 646-410-0120

CATONSVILLE GOURMET, Maryland

I've heard good things about the Catonsville Gourmet, and last night I finally got there when I met my friends Vicki, Clare, and Andrea for dinner. The place was very crowded considering we met early (6:15ish). Our table was located in the front room next to the bar area. In the rear area there were more tables and a fresh market where you can purchase seafood and cuts of meat to go. It can get a little noisy, a few times I had to lean in to hear, but that seems to be the case in many smaller restaurants. Andrea brought wine for us since it's a BYOB establishment. We got caught up and loved our dinners in the process. I ordered the rockfish with pistachio crust and Asian BBQ sauce. It was excellent. For dessert, we sampled the Smith Island cake which I believe is the "state cake". That plate got returned to the kitchen almost clean. The experience was a good one. Their company is always good and the delicious dinner completed the treat!


Catonsville Gourmet
829 Frederick Road
Catonsville, MD 21228
PH: 410-788-0005

BASTA PASTA, Maryland

Saturday night Bill and I met Dave and Judy for a casual dinner at Basta Pasta in Timonium. None of us had been there so it was a group adventure. We had a reservation and after a friendly greeting , we were seated promptly. On our way to our table, I noticed the huge bar was filled with folks eating and not just drinking. As each party around us was served, we stretched our necks to see what looked good. Our waiter was attentive and helpful, without being over-bearing. I figured since we were dining Italian, I might start with wine, but when Judy ordered a cosmo (a new twist), I had to have one too. The salad came Olive Garden style with warm bread. Our entrees were great, I think Judy's Chicken Chesapeake was the big winner, even though Bill raved about his Shrimp Scampi because it wasn't drowning in sauce . We were too full for dessert, which means we cleaned our plates. All in all, it was a favorable experience - one that we will most likely repeat.

Basta Pasta
60 W. Timonium Road
Timonium, MD 21093
PH: 410-308-0838