Dos Caminos (Park Ave South)

Media_httpwwwurbanspooncomblink26322biglinkgif_ljhzhpbcmxydwsi


Dos Caminos is B.R. Guest's Spanish restaurant, which also happens to be a chain now. With 3 restaurants (one in Gramercy, one in SoHo and one in East Midtown), Dos Caminos seems like a force to be reconed with. But, what holds Dos Caminos back from being an outstanding restaurant chain, is the food. Now, I'm only reviewing the Dos Caminos in Gramercy and I have no clue about the other 2, but since the menus are the same I'd assume they'd be similar. First off, Dos Caminos' space is pretty, but nothing to rave about (and is certainly not up to the standards of the famous Buddakan). The one thing that was outstanding and I would return for, is their Guacamole. Their Guacamole is possibly the best I've ever tasted and is 100% worth the $12 I spent on it. But, the pulled pork taco was possibly the blandest thing I've had in a while. The meat was tender, but had no flavor to it; the corn was way to spicy to be edible (to be saying that after surviving The Spice Market's Vindaloo, should raise some questions) and the beans were bland as well. Though the staff is incredibly nice and attentive and the space is pretty, for the price I paid, the only thing I'll be returning for is the Guacamole.
Media_http4bpblogspotcombhq553wq3qqrx9j8z2gbiaaaaaaaadv8so9jl1kxnjqs400log2blightsjpg_jgogejvdwzeqthe

15 East

Media_httpwwwurbanspooncomblink43633biglinkgif_xcvmlilwfclihhe


15 East is essentially an simple and elegant Japanese restaurant. Its located on a side-street near Union Square and its location actually enhances its ambiance as it does make you feel more secluded from the craziness of Union Square. Upon arrival, you'll walk through 15 East's small but pretty sushi bar which seats around 12 people. Their dining room is one of the best features of this restaurant as its simple and charming. 15 East takes a small room and adds only 4 grand light fixtures and enough seating to fit about 50 people, and turns it into a chic and elegant place to dine. The staff is attentive and welcoming as well as courteous. The sushi menu, though expensive, contains a wide range of fish and will please any hardcore sushi fan's needs. But 15 East doesn't slack in the non-sushi portion as the entrees are just as exciting as their Toro. Their sushi melts like butter (I highly recommend the yellowtail and toro) and the duck was simple, yet flavorful. Can you get better sushi else where, maybe, but it would be difficult. Sushi Seki on 1st ave is the only contender I can think of; but if its good Japanese food you seek in an elegant and chic enviornment, and you're willing to pay a bit extra, then 15 East is the place to go!

Media_httpwwwblackbookmagcomimagesguides15eastf388jpg_qauqkmblfmqcspc

Nike SB March Release

Primitive Sneakers in California just got the Nike SB March release. This release consists of the Chicago Blazers, The Angels & Devils Dunks, Black Blazer Hybrids and Zoom Veloces. Nothing in this release really catches my eye (well nothing in the street wear game has caught my eye in a while) but maybe you guys will see something that I don't. Pricing is available on Primitive's Online site.


Media_httpi82photobucketcomalbumsj271alkuno1chicagoblueblazer11000jpg_qyspiuactgcscdc

Media_httpi82photobucketcomalbumsj271alkuno1angelsanddevils21000jpg_ljhfdavqhckcxnj

Media_httpi82photobucketcomalbumsj271alkuno1veloce9511000jpg_uihsbyfizedeopy

The Spice Market

Media_httpwwwurbanspooncomblink39972biglinkgif_jcbvifrdikdajgv


Okay, this is kind of a half review as when I went to The Spice Market, I kind of went just to see what it was all about and I was kind of pressed for time. But basically, the restaurant is gorgeous. The menu consists of Thai, Vietnamese and, Pan-Asian items that are actually not too expensive considering the elevated food prices in the Meatpacking District. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable and were quite attentive of my peanut and nut allergy (which anyone who's allergic to peanuts knows, restaurants like the Spice Market are quite hazardous if the chef and staff are careless). Pressed for time, I ordered the Pork Vindaloo and the Fiji Iced Tea. The Fiji Iced Tea is one of their signature Iced Teas and is an unsweetened Iced passion fruit tea. It was kind of bitter, yet refreshing. The Pork Vindaloo was a flavor overload, in a good way. The pork was tender and you could taste the Indian influence in the sauce. I would deffinetly return again maybe at a later time (around 7:30ish) and sample more things on the menu; but as of now, The Spice Market is a great restaurant and should deffinetly be visited if you're in the Meatpacking District!

Media_httpfarm3staticflickrcom204224330924448e8c9f9234jpg_olfazchhzdirwdb

Merkato 55 Brunch Party

It has come to my attention that one of the most sought after restaurants in Manhattan's Meatpacking District now has a new gimmick to lure people in after a few awful months of slow business. Merkato 55 located on Gansevoort between 9th ave & Washington St is hosting a brunch party! From what I hear and the pictures I've seen, its basically like going to a club but at 2 PM instead of 2 AM. Food is served, but from what I've heard there isn't much eating going on here but instead the bar overflows drinks till dinner service (where the party begins all over again), and patrons dance till...well 5 PM. Megu actually wanted to take over Merkato 55's space, but after the great sucess of Merkato's Brunch Party, those plans have come to a halt. I'm not too sure on if you need reservations to attend, or how the deal works on getting in, but contact Merkato (1-212-255-8555) if you need any further information.

(Top Picture via www.guestofaguest.com)


Brunch:

Media_httpguestofaguestcomwpcontentuploads200902321371jpg_qbqgjvntdjueuud
Dinner:

Gucci Spring 09 Sneaker Release

Gucci just dropped their Spring 09 sneakers. We've seen this design before from Gucci but now we get to see them in new colors. As you can tell, these sneakers are very wild and out there and have a heavy Native-American influence. These shoes are available at Concepts in MA, but I don't have any word on pricing as the Concepts website is down; but check in later for any further updates.

Media_httpwwwhypebeastcomimage200903gucci2009springsneakersjpg_jehbnknfyedafib

Double Crown

Media_httpwwwurbanspooncomblink762658biglinkgif_gmkvdfojjcrhicf


I just came back from this new restaurant in Bowery called Double Crown. The Bowery is an up and coming area and in my opinion, has true potential for becoming the next Meatpacking District and this is the Bowery's first start. Brad Farmerie is the executive chef and prepares British/Pan-Asian cuisine. First off, DO NOT go any earlier than 7:30 PM for dinner, if you do you will walk into a nearly empty restaurant and will not get the full effect. From 7:30 and later, you will realize why I said Double Crown belongs in the Meatpacking District. Designed by the firm AvroKo (also the designers of The Stanton Social, Omido and European Union), the restaurant is gorgeous (well, not Buddakan gorgeous, but definitely up there). There are 3 dining rooms and one bar area. The first dining room is next to the bar and is more for friends and social outings. The next dining room is more quiet and elegant as the classical white walls set the mood for relaxing and wholesome conversation. Then downstairs is essentially a quieter version of upstairs. Two of the dining rooms contain a communal table (which in my opinion, is unnecessary for the upstairs space as it takes room away from the bar area). Now for the food. To be blunt, Double Crown has good food. It is intriguing and you can definitely taste the Asian influences in most dishes. The sharing snacks are very small and are not to be confused for appetizers. The duck steam buns are quite tasty as well as the braised pork belly. For appetizers, the crispy drunken quail (essentially fried chicken, but with quail) was a good choice. The yellowtail sashimi is good, but small portioned. For entrees, the short ribs are just the opposite of that. They aren't short ribs, but instead you get one giant rib with meat so tender it falls of the bone. The elk wellington tasted good but was tough, but then again what do you expect of elk meat? As for desert, the bitter chocolate trifle is a winner. The Double Crown chocolate plate is way too small for $12 and the cheese plate, while good, can easily be purchased at Dean & Deluca for the same price, and you'd get at least triple the portion. The service was impeccable. The staff is very kind and attentive and knows what they're talking about. Also, they were quite attentive to my peanut allergy which has been a big issues at other restaurants (such as China Fun), but our waitress as well as the rest of the staff, told me what was in each dish and what I could and couldn't eat. All and all Double Crown was a good experience and if you happen to be in the Manhattan area, should definitely try it out!
Media_httpstaticpxyelpcombphotodxjl3hfhz6scat6kuvs5al_fcbsifjdjijbeeh

New BBC Heart & Mind Release

Finally, a note worthy street wear release. BBC is releasing their new Heart & Mind collection on Feb. 28th (today) in their Flagship stores. This release consists of 2 hoodies, a crew-neck and a beenie. The hoodies are available on BBC's online store for $220, but you got to wait for the crew-neck and beenie. Contact BBC's SoHo location for more info.

Media_httpwwwhypebeastcomimage200902bbcicecreamheartmindbeaniehoodie2jpg_dgiggavbfbsavyl

Wildwood Barbeque

Media_httpwwwurbanspooncomblink394065biglinkgif_jedxlfaaxsaikhs


Just today I visited B.R. Guest's new addition to their chain, Wildwood Barbeque. Wildwood is essentially a chic and trendy BBQ joint. The menu isn't expensive, the BBQ is good and the service is wholesome and kind. Just to point out I know next to nothing about barbeque, but to me, my brisket sandwich tasted just fine. The brisket was moist and tender, the onion rings were great as well and so were the salt & vinigar chips. The portions are normal to big and nothing on the menu is over $29. You can get lunch here for under $20 easily and a two course dinner could be as low as $25 a person. All and all its a good BBQ place set in a trendy/casual enviornment.

Media_httppunchinnetblog2wpcontentuploads200806wildwoodbbqnyc37jpg_jhgpismlklzrrgb