107 West is a cozy little restaurant tucked away into a non-descript row of store-fronts as eclectic as they are expected on the block of 187th Street at Fort Washington Street in the Hudson Heights/Inwood Section of upper Manhattan. It is the one of two 107 West locations, the original is actually located at 107th & Broadway on the West Side. Which location is better depends almost wholly on personal preference. This writer’s just happens to be for the less accessible enclave situated in Hudson Heights. But the staffs at both locations are equally attentive. The themes at each restaurant are different, but both are equally inviting as places to unwind at the end of a long day or to begin a romantic evening.

At the 187th Street location the fare is American and Mexican inspired with occasional flourishes that make their way to the menu seasonally. Dishes such as jambalaya made of Andouille sausage, smoked chicken, shrimp, calamari, crawfish & clams in corn & sweet pepper etoufee with cajun rice, an all veggie platter of roasted assorted vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, brown rice & tahini sauce, jumbo Maryland crab cakes, sautéed creole chicken and shrimp, and quesadillas round out the menu. Admittedly, and to the chagrin of many, I feel their strongest dishes are the ones that include good old fashioned cow. The burgers and steaks will leave meat lovers aching for more. The pan seared hanger steak, prepared to your liking, with sautéed sweet onions, mashed potatoes and country collard greens is hands down their most memorable meal and actually tastes just as good from one visit to the next. But fret not, their fried chicken is crisp and succulent and will leave you satisfied to the very last forkful. Nor are they lacking in Italian and seafood selections, and their vegetarian considerations welcome the most discriminating Vegans. The bar is more than adequate with several varietals to accompany your meal. The mimosas aren’t especially dry and make for a great daytime pairing.

The sides alone could carry a review. The French Fries always come piping hot, but hardly heavy. There’s not much of a desert selection for those of us with nut allergies, but if you’re not held down by such limitations, feel free to round out your meal with a slice of macadamia oat apple crisp, frozen mocha mud pie or an evil looking slice of chocolate mousse cake. Or you can simply opt for a cup of coffee.

Art for sale lines the walls of the narrow Hudson Heights location and is rotated on a regular basis. You’ll be surprised to see an occasional celebrity sitting alone or with company enjoying a quiet meal. I once had the interesting pleasure of being seated beside Dr. Ruth Westheimer, but I didn’t bother her with any questions.

107 West is the place to go when you can’t really make up your mind what to eat, but know for sure you want memorable food and a memorable experience.

107 West

811 West 187th Street
New York, NY 10033
Tel: 212-923-3311
www.107west.com

Photo credit: Eric Payne

Harlem is home to Nectar, a wonderfully sublime and sexy wine bar tucked away into the edifice of a new apartment building on Frederick Douglas Boulevard  at the corner of 121st Street. By day it is a clean and open, almost reminiscent of gallery space, clearly visible from the street. But after sunset it takes on the austerity of speakeasy, with its’ tiny foyer which is shades its entrance from the beauty behind it.  Two steps in, your eyes will take notice of the dark stone concrete floor beneath your feet before traveling upward, drawn to the white light emanating from the rectangular bar and held suspended slightly above it by its muted gray walls. Unwillingly you continue to delight in the aesthetics, white barstools, chairs and tables, dramatic, sweeping white sailcloth panels that grace both wall and ceiling along with few ebony wood baffles suspended from the ceiling. Quickly you might even think you’re in a cozy, swank sound studio. Not a wine bar. And not a wine bar in Harlem. It’s only after you see the back wall rack of wines, which are visible from the street, do you remember why you’re there. Your pupils should be fully dilated now and you’re glad you’ve come before sitting down and before indulging in your first pour.

Conveniently located a few short blocks from 125th Street and open Monday through Sunday from 4pm to 1am, Nectar is the child of proprietors Jai Jai Greenfield and Eric Woods who also own Harlem Vintage, the wine shop next door that preceded Nectar’s existence as a growing Harlem staple. The bartenders’ knowledge is up to speed with the establishment’s broad and eclectic offering of wines and beer. Neither shy nor standoffish, the staff is willing and able to aid you in your selections. Conventional is another word you can scratch off their list. I’m no neophyte to this place, but during a recent visit on a chilly fall evening, the manager introduced me to my first ever, beer cocktail, a concoction of Lineman’s Lambic Frambroise (this writer’s current favorite Belgian beer), pineapple juice and champagne.

And the food? Nectar has a little bit for everyone keeping focus on what is poured and not cooked. The food menu is arranged in four easy categories and is considerate of Vegans: artisanal cheeses, charcuterie (salted and cured, economical meats), nibbles such as olives, dates, duck and pistachio pate, and paninis for those in need of a little more than a pairing for the palette with their wine or beer of choice.

Here’s where existing side by side with your older brother is a plus. If, while patronizing Nectar, you come across something new or a favorite you must take home for further enjoyment, you’ll only have to go as far as next door to Harlem Vintage to buy a bottle or a case of it.

Pricing ranges from reasonable to respectable and is still considerably lower than most establishments south of Harlem.  With an ambiance that oozes smooth and cool you’ll never have to out talk the music playing overhead while imbibing with friends or the one you love. Although when it’s crowded you may have to speak to be heard over everyone else speaking as it can get lively when the house is full on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Most impressive is the diversity of the patrons. Whether you’re a neighborhood regular, hail from the outer boroughs or greater New York are, or are simply a tourist passing through, all are welcome here. Don’t be surprised if you get drawn into a great conversation with strangers at the bar and find yourself not wanting to leave.

The nectar of Harlem just happens to flow from a place called Nectar. It’s Harlem’s wine bar destination.

Nectar Wine Bar
2235 8th Ave
New York, NY 10027-6175
(212) 961-9622
www.nectarwinenyc.com

Living in New York City can be a magical experience, filled with access to various cultures through events, exhibits, and through food. Living in New York City can also be a financially draining experience, particularly if you have children. Here you will find some of the best kid-friendly cheap eats in Manhattan; some are merely standing-room only places or outdoor shacks, others are indoor restaurants that are guaranteed to have high-chairs for your littlest babes, but all of them offer super-tasty morsels for under $10. Covering hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter sandwiches, burgers and shakes, a Jewish Deli, and of course, pizza, this list will get you through dining out with your kids in the most kid-friendly (and wallet-friendly) of ways. So enjoy!

Gray’s Papaya (402 Sixth Avenue at 8th Street, #212-260-3532) – tantalizing 100% beef hot dogs and delicious real fruit drinks. A New York City classic!

S’Mac (345 East 12th Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues, #212-358-7912) -Macaroni and cheese combos with cheeses ranging from classic American to Gruyere. Not to be missed!

Peanut Butter & Company (240 Sullivan Street, between Bleecker and West 3rd Streets, #212-677-6977) – Over 12 different kinds of peanut butter sandwiches, with ingredients like bananas, honey and marshmallow fluff – yummy!

The Shake Shack (Madison Square Park – Fifth Avenue and 23rd Street, #212-889-6600) – This little shack in Madison Square Park offers some of the best burgers and shakes in the city. The lines can be a bit long on beautiful days, but the food is worth the wait – and once you’ve snagged your goodies you can grab a patch of park and have a good ol’ fashioned picnic!

Lazzara’s Pizza (221 West 38th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, #212-944-7792; 617 9th Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets, #212-245-4440) – This pizzeria has pizza that is delicious enough for kids to enjoy, but sophisticated enough for parents to appreciate as well. Thin crusts, tasty sauce, and fresh mozzarella will be a hit for parents and kids alike. Although it is standing room only, you don’t need to do much more than grab your slice and go!

Lansky’s (235 Columbus Avenue between 70th and 71st Streets, #212-787-0400) – A throwback to old New York City’s Jewish Delicatessens, Lansky’s offers delicious deli sandwiches, hot dogs, knishes and cheesecake – just the right foods to take you back to the days when you could find a good Jewish Deli in almost every neighborhood!

Photo credit: Egilshay – Stock Xchng