Posts Tagged ‘lower east side’
Tuck Shop in the Lower East Side
I didn’t think I’d find myself at a pie shop late last night after the Yuna/Raphael Saadiq concert, but that’s just what happened. After a few sips of a chai latte didn’t fill me (or my friends) up, we headed over to Tuck Shop, a tiny spot on 1st Street. In case you miss their tagline (“The Great Aussie Bite”), they’ve placed random kangaroo paraphernalia to hint at their Down Under roots.
Tuck Shop menu
They make fresh pies daily using all natural ingredients. You can even see them rolling the dough out on a giant marble slap behind the register.
Rolling out the dough with a huge silver rolling pin
Like the place itself, the menu isn’t very large. We ordered the Thai Green Chook Curry pie (Kafir lime leaves, galangal, Coconut milk, thai basil and chilis).
Thai Green Chook Curry pie
Once you pierce the pie, out comes a thick gravy of all its savory ingredients. We shared a pie (it was way too late to go crazy and eat more), while listening to tunes from the 60s. For a small meal under $6, it’s a nice little place to stop by and fend off your hunger pangs.
Piping becoming part of a painting
Restaurant Info:
Tuck Shop
68 E. 1st St.
Between 1st and 2nd Ave.
New York, NY 10003
212-979-5200
Lower East Side
x
Shy
Talking men, hair, and Valentine’s with Pantene at Beauty and Essex
By Archana Ram
Beauty and Essex in the Lower East Side
Our host, Pantene
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, there are tons of primping, polishing and beautifying going on right now. And while most of us girls think guys focus only on a big chest, long legs and tight clothes, you may be surprised to find out that a gorgeous head of hair can actually be his biggest turn on.
Inside the Pearl Lounge at Beauty and Essex
Lounge area at Beauty and Essex
I learned that and plenty of other hair-raising facts at a Pantene cocktail party held in the Pearl Lounge of the new and decadent Beauty & Essex in the Lower East Side. Before things kicked off, we got to feast on tons of goodies like whipped ricotta toasts, lobster bisque dumplings and oven-braised chicken meatballs.
Whipped ricotta toasts
Lobster bisque dumplings
Chicken meatballs
Seasoned shrimp
Sliders
Pizza
Spring rolls
After filling up on appetizers, Pantene stylist Hallie Bowman gave us advice on maintaining healthy, shiny locks, while matchmaker Steve Ward – you may recognize him as the host Vh1’s Tough Love – doled out blunt truths about physical attraction. For example, “You got butt guys, leg guys, but all guys are hair guys,” he said.
Hallie Bowman and Steve Ward
And he wasn’t kidding. A Pantene-conducted study found that 74% of men said they notice a woman first because of her hair. Other fun facts?
*44% of men surveyed said that hair is the first thing they notice about a woman
*82% of men indicated that sexy hair is a key element to a woman’s overall sex appeal
*60% of men say they would rather date a woman with great hair than a woman with big breasts and 78% of men surveyed consider healthy hair to be a turn-on
To help us look our best, Bowman shared tips on keeping that mane in tip-top shape:
* Deep conditioning once a week repairs damage and provides plenty of moisture for a smooth look. Perfect as a pre-date regimen!
* Most men love a hairstyle with movement, wave and texture. Pantene Fine Triple Action Volume Mousse is the perfect solution for women with straight hair and Pantene Curly Hair Light Conditioning Detangler works to soften tight curls. (Apparently, tight curls can intimidate men!)
* It’s always important to set your hairstyle before a date or special event. Hair has memory and using a product beforehand gives it a good foundation.
* Carry travel-size hairspray in your purse and, if you need it, a pocket-size Mason Pearson brush for touch-ups.
Pulino’s in the Lower East Side
I mentioned in my last food post that I’ve been trying to dine at Pulino’s pizzeria for a while since I saw its inviting lights one night walking by. I finally got the chance to eat there recently. The food was good, but a little confusing. Well, ok, maybe just the gnocchi was.
Potato gnocchi
Potato gnocchi
Please don’t tell my mom I ate Munchies at 3 am
Munchies on Essex
I don’t know what’s worse: going to a fast food restaurant at 3 am, or going to a fast food restaurant AFTER having a huge meal. I’m embarrassed, but this is what we did.
I’ve passed by Munchies so many times, a whimsical looking joint decorated in bright Crayola colors right around the corner from the Mercury Lounge on Essex St., but never stopped to eat there. Though, the inexpensive comfort food have already lured some of my friends in…plus their meat is halaal apparently?
Dinner at Bacaru in the LES
For some reason, I feel like it’s hard to find good Italian in a city with tons of great restaurants (forget Little Italy…I’ve had more disappointing meals there than not). There have been some exceptions, like Da Andrea in the West Village, which feels like you’re eating in a little Italian kitchen with delicious food to match.
Recently, my friend Archana recommended Bacaru in the LES, and anyone who’s recommending good Italian, I have to check it out.
It’s easy to miss the unmarked restaurant in the most unassuming location between rows of Chinese stores. I instantly loved the almost Gothic black decor, dimly lit with candlelights.
LES tapas at Macondo
Inside Macondo
OK I know..I need to get myself out of the Lower East Side. But to my defense, this was the same night I had that delectable hot chocolate, only earlier…so yeah leavemealone.
Caraminola, $8
A La Lolita, $7
My friend Zeshan and I just stumbled into Macondo, this tapas restaurant on Houston for a quick bite before a show. I’m not sure how much of a tapas person I am actually. I don’t mind sharing big portions, but the little bites always leave me a little confused about what I just ate — did I have enough?? Do I want more?? What did I eat again??
