Marta is yet another great place that I seem to keep forgetting about even though each time I am here I love the food even if service can often be spotty. As somewhat of an expert on farro salads, this version was absolutely fantastic and is easily a dish that I could eat everyday. And yes I ate the whole pizza by myself. Don’t judge.
Insalata di farro – farro piccolo, grilled summer beans, sweet peppers, pecorino
Salsiccia – pork sausage, cremini mushrooms, pecorino
I have absolutely loved all of the Contra collaboration dinners and this one was no exception. While the floral displays and seasonal decorations at Gramercy Tavern are always stunning, the centerpiece of the large table in the private dining room was exceptional. Looking back at this menu it is very difficult to pick a favorite dish. And in several cases I am not sure which dish was a Contra vs. Gramercy Tavern creation which in my opinion means that this was a very successful collaboration. Also impeccable service by the GT team!
Warm potatoes, mackerel, spruce
Smoked trout & eel consomme, onions
Hake, parsnips, mustard greens
Sweetbreads, asparagus, lobster
Grilled coppa, mushrooms, fresh herbs
Off-menu dessert
Passionfruit semifreddo, wildflower honey, spruce
Strawberries, sour milk ice cream
Buvette
An early evening stop for one of my favorite cocktails the Sidecar. Incidentally one of my dad’s favorites as well so I suppose fitting that I am writing this on Father’s Day.
Employees Only
The last two times I attempted to go to Employees Only I couldn’t get in so for once got their prior to opening. Within 5 minutes of doors every seat was taken. And I basically just don’t get it. These cocktails were good, but as no ingredients were measured, even before taking a sip I didn’t expect them to be anything great.
Untitled
I seem to think about Untitled only when its warm enough to sit outside and not in other months so it sometimes falls off of my radar. Like other USHG spots it is just incredibly solid. No earth shattering dishes but just consistently really really good with excellent service.
Octopus, marinated radicchio, preserved lemon
Smoked arctic char mousse, fennel, rye toast
Pulled pork lettuce wraps, fried oyster, peanut miso
Cured fluke, kohlrabi, cara cara orange
Baby lettuce, spring onion, feta
Roasted and fried chicken, polenta, swiss chard
Cheese Plate
Sticky toffee cake, oranges, earl grey
Santina
And why not have a nitecap of one of my absolute favorite things in NYC? Lamb tartare cecina.
My first trip to the Modern after the changeover to service included and honestly I did not notice at all. I sometimes tend to forget to come here but am always pleasantly surprised when I do. For as much as I diss midtown in general there is no disputing that there are a number of fantastic lunch options.
Marinated Hamachi, pumpkin-yuzu vinaigrette
Seared Scallops, smoked shellfish, fennel and potatoes
Gramercy Tavern
Gramercy Tavern somehow is always excellent and never disappoints. An added bonus that December is one of my favorite times to visit as their holiday decorations are absolutely gorgeous.
Arctic Char Tartare, Apple, Peanuts and Crispy Shallots
Ricotta Cavatelli, Braised Lamb, Kabocha Squash and Almonds
Porchlight
I wasn’t planning for this to be a USHG kind of day but there are only so many pre-show options when heading to Sleep No More. After having my first amaretto sour in 20 years last spring, I’m glad that the resurgence is continuing. The same could be said of the fantastic tater tots.
Amaretto sour
Boiled Peanut Hummus and Vegetables
Tater Tots
Avocado @ Crab Toast
It has been so long time since I have been to Gramercy Tavern that I am actually embarrassed. I need to keep reminding myself to stop chasing everything new and revisit the classics. Such an absolutely perfect lunch. Its lovely to feel like its a vacation day mid-week!
My favorite wine of summer 
Fluke and Summer Squash Tartare, Cucumber, Cherries and Basil 
Lamb Flatbread, Zucchini, Reading Raclette and Mint 
I am very happy that the service at Marta has improved since my first visit shortly after opening. As I like a thin, crisp crust this is one of my favorites in NYC. But my previous experience left so much to be desired that I was very hesitant to return. I still think there is much room for improvement but at least it is headed in the right direction.
Suppli Alla Terrazza – green risotto croquettes, mozzarella, mixed herbs
Seppioline – grilled baby cuttlefish, potato, calabrese chili
Funghi – fontina, hen of the woods, hedgehogs, red onion, thyme
Anatra – duck confit, fennel, golden raisins, fontina
iwillmakeualist 