Hot Spot: Pulino's Bar and Pizzeria

Today I stopped by Pulino's on Houston and Bowery to try out the breakfast pizza.
This is the new outpost for Keith McNally ( Balthazar, Pastis ) with hotshot chef Nate Appleman.
Started with a yummy Roasted Grapefruit with muscovado sugar & mint which was strange and delicious and the concept actually inspired a future cocktail experiment.
Then onto the pizza's with eggs:
Salsiccia eggs, sausage, bacon & white cheddar
Funghi mushrooms,eggs, mozzarella, pancetta & grana ( we added arugula )

Topped off with some strong espresso, the morning was a success!

Gem Hunting : Chinatown Dumplings

In search of some Chinese soup and with a little time on my hands I stumbled upon a little corner store on Broome and Eldgridge ( SE corner ) selling just that... and the added bonus of steaming hot dumplings.
I couldn't see a well signed exterior, but my peep inside the window showed that the chinese locals were already packed inside. I figured it had to be good, so I stepped in. Only one sign in english showed the menu which included dumplings, various noodle soups with either beef, pork balls, fish balls and tripe. There were also noodles with peanut sauce which a lot of people were devouring... that will be what I try next time!
I ordered the beef & noodle soup and the dumplings which set me back $6.
When they came out I couldn't believe how much food I had ordered! Whoops.
Thin slices of beef in a light shallot broth, with bean thread noodles and a little chinese cabbage. The meat was tender and flavorful but I added a little hot soy sauce to flavor the broth and noodles a little more.
The dumplings were delicious. Steaming hot, with delicate wrappers and rich meaty pork and chive filling.
One plate could definitely feed more than one person and for $3 that is surely a tasty treat!!!

Dinner : Monday Israeli Couscous & Fresh Herb Salad w/ grilled shrimp kabobs

Tonight's dinner

Taco time : La Lucha East Village

Stopped in for a taco at new taco shop in the East Village La Lucha. Decorated in true style with mexican wrestling memorabilia and pink foil booths, we went to order a pulled pork taco and the guy at the register suggested a special pork taco not on the menu, so we got that.
Served with a little black beans, pickled onions and cilantro the meat was juicy and tasted like it had been slow cooked with tomatoes, chilies and spices all day long. Would go back for more....

Gem Hunting : Northern Spy East Village

So today Kit and I were walking in the neighborhood and stumbled across Northern Spy.
On 12th st btwn A and B.
Such a cute space with a real antique farmhouse vibe, wooden chairs and blue benches with fresh herbs growing in the windows.
We had the Chicken & egg sandwich, $11 Crispy thigh, poached egg, greens, chimichurri, a side of collards, the Meatballs slow cooked with marinara and some house made flat bread.
Everything was delicious and we are definitely heading back!

Brunch on a Tues

This is morning I whipped up some Huevos with bacon, smoked black beans & avocado salsa. Delicious...

meat ? Yes please....

Stopped by 'This little Piggy had Roast Beef" in the East Village today to try their well hyped sandwiches... Struck up a conversation with the chef William and managed to score a taste of the delicious Pastrami while waiting for my 'THAT WAY' sandwich with Roast Beef, Jus and Mozzarella on a Hero. Delicious. Well seasoned, meaty, salty and the bread was hearty enough to soak up the jus. Can't wait to go back for the Pastrami on Rye...