This is the last Sunday Game Plan of 2025. 2025 was a busy year filled with energy shifts, closure and acceptance to where I stand with certain family members, some friends and coworkers. I’ve been active on Yelp writing restaurant reviews and hitting up hard to get into restaurants. I’m also mindfully posting on Meta, which consists of Facebook and Instagram.
Since 2026 is only five days away, I have planning the New Years Eve Dinner 2025 with my traditional lucky foods menu. This time is going to be a challenge with working thru New Years Eve. Thanks to Stop and Shop, Whole Foods, and Lidl, I was able to achieve that.
To start, I obtained the traditional 12 round fruits platter. I was able to obtain: Oranges, blueberries, lemon, lime avocado, grapefruit, apple, strawberries, grapes, persimmon, kiwi, and mango. I also have 1 banana to make it 13.
For my meals, I searched recipes online to find inspiration with the ingredients I had to work with. So I plan on cooking the following:
Chili Crunch Carbonara (bacon and noodles)
Sausage, black eye peas and kale soup
Cornbread (Jiffy Cornbread Mix)
Cedar Plank Bacon Bourbon Salmon
Lentil Soup or stew (I have yet to purchase lentils)
Check out my posts on Instagram at @tablespoonsandteaspoons. Stay tuned for an exciting 2026.
Happy Holidays!! I can’t believe we are entering the last month of 2025. This Thanksgiving holiday we split our day(s) with both sides of the family. On Thanksgiving Day we celebrated the holiday with my husband’s side of the family with Di Palo’s specialty salami with pecorino cheese, roasted chicken, mac and cheese, stuffing, cranberry jelly, mashed potatoes, carrots and sweet potatoes. The following day we met with my side of the family for old school Italian lunch at Vincent’s in Carle Place, NY. Between yesterday and today, we are consuming leftovers. The leftovers we still had was roasted chicken, salami, cheese and mac and cheese. Here’s the game plan for utilizing these leftovers to stretch through this week without getting sick.
Chicken Pancit
Baked Mac and Cheese Cups
Salami and cheese with crackers
Hopefully I can be consistent to post this week on at least two of the dishes listed above. Since we will be entering the last month of 2025, I’ll be sharing my top dining experience and/or best dishes cooked/consumed this year. Stay tuned!!
A few weeks ago, I connected with Mariana Lamar, creator of Whole Health HQ. Her blog is designed to share and connect with introverts who want to achieve optimal health and wellness. One of the topics addressed is self-care, which is crucial, but sometimes a struggle to achieve due to busy schedule and life priorities such as parenthood. As part of the Sunday Game Plan, I am going to share this blog post that Mariana wrote, which highlights ways and how to plan time for self-care. Thank you Mariana for contributing your article for the Sunday Game Plan.
Self‑Care for Introverts: Nurturing Your Body and Mind
As an introvert, caring for yourself often means going quiet, not loud. Self‑care isn’t about following the loudest trend, it’s about creating practices that feel soothing to you. You need tools that honor your need for solitude, pace, and reflection. In this article, you’ll find strategies focused on both body and mind, ones that won’t demand more social energy than you can spare. Let’s explore ways to build a self‑care regimen that doesn’t drain you — but refills you.
Prepare Healthy Meals
What you eat matters — your brain, mood, energy, and digestion all respond to food. Aim for meals rich in vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. For mood support, include foods like salmon, leafy greens, or beans — which nourish brain health while stabilizing energy. Plan meals that can be prepped once and reused, so you’re not reinventing dinner every night. Batch-cook in quiet time or use simple recipes with few ingredients. The result: consistent nourishment without decision fatigue.
Start a Solo Exercise Routine
The first step is choosing movements that don’t require a crowd or a coach — think stretching, yoga, light strength work, or gentle cardio you can do in your own space. Make it low‑stakes: 10 minutes of bodyweight moves or a few flows in the quiet of your room will do more than nothing. Over time you’ll grow confidence, noticing how your body and mind settle into more calm. And if you’re short on time, you can get steps in by walking during your lunch break or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Let your exercise be a personal invitation — not a demand or a performance.
Build a Calming Morning Ritual
Your morning sets the tone. For an introvert, that might mean waking up a little earlier or shifting your wake‑time to include five minutes of breathwork, journaling, or simply sitting in stillness. Keep it minimal — just one or two micro rituals you actually enjoy. Consistency here is more potent than grandiosity. Over time, your brain will come to expect that quiet moment and start to crave it. With that anchor in place, the rest of your day can carry less reactive energy and more intentional calm.
Cultivate Mindfulness & Inner Pause
Mental well-being is just as vital as physical. Introduce micro‑pauses throughout your day: take 30 seconds to notice your breath, feel your body, or name a feeling. Use brief guided meditations or deep breathing apps when your mind becomes too loud. These small resets help soothe the nervous system. Over time, your threshold for stress begins to shift — things that once overwhelmed you will have less grip. This buildup of calm is essential for sustaining energy in your quieter life.
Guard Solitude with Boundaries
Your alone time is your recharge time — and it must be protected. Practice saying “no” or “not right now” to social or professional invitations that would deplete you. Honor your energy limits and schedule buffer zones after any social interaction. If people around you don’t fully understand, you don’t owe them constant explanations — a short “I need some quiet time” often suffices. Over time, others may come to expect that you honor your space, which helps reduce friction. This boundary work is the backbone of self‑care for introverts.
Design a Restorative Evening Buffer
Evening time is sacred. Build a ritual you look forward to — dim lights, herbal tea, reading, or a warm bath. Avoid screens when possible; blue light and digital stimulation can delay your rest. Use the last 15 minutes before bed to slow the mind: a gratitude note, gentle stretching, or simply quiet sitting works. This buffer helps transition your system from day mode into rest mode. Over time, this transition becomes easier and your sleep quality improves.
Use Creative Expression as Quiet Therapy
Introverts often process through reflection and creation. Whether it’s journaling, drawing, crafting, poetry, or gentle music, these acts externalize what’s inside you. They’re not assignments — they’re invitations. Don’t pressure yourself to produce; just do it for the act itself. Over time, this expressive channel can help untangle heavy thoughts, refresh your mindset, and deepen your sense of self. Giving yourself permission to explore quietly is a form of care.
Self-care as an introvert doesn’t mean mimicking extroverted strategies — it means aligning practices with your inner rhythms. Start by choosing movements you enjoy, building gentle routines, and nourishing your body intentionally. Pause throughout your day, cherish your solitude, and guard it with firm boundaries. In the evening, soften the edges with restorative buffers. And don’t forget creative expression — it’s a companion to your internal world. Over time, your version of self-care becomes a concrete, sustainable map toward feeling grounded, recharged, and whole.
Discover the ultimate dining experiences with Tablespoons and Teaspoons, your go-to guide for navigating NYC’s vibrant restaurant weeks, culinary adventures and evidence based research on recipes for Meatless Monday and Traditional dishes!
NYC Summer Restaurant Week is back!! This year NYC Restaurant Week will be begin on Monday 07/21/25 to 08/31/25; not all restaurants will participate over the five week period. To date, 610 restaurants from the five boroughs will be participating. The price points for this season are $30, $45 and $60 for lunch/brunch and/or dinner depending on the restaurant. What I will be doing differently this time is recommending restaurants according to neighborhoods where realistically I’ll be dining in based on convenience unless it’s something special that I’d go that extra mile (stay tuned to the end of this post).
LOWER MANHATTAN
To date there are 14 restaurants that are participating in this upcoming restaurant week. I’ve personally dined in 10 out of the 14 participating restaurants where 7 of those 10 restaurants were for restaurant week.
Before COVID-19, my friend and I dined in Morton’s The Steakhouse on World Trade Center for Restaurant Week dinner. Entrees were generous because I actually recalled my friend ordering the pork chop and only ate a third of her dish and took the rest home. What I appreciated it about this restaurant is their transparency of their portions by posting the calories next to each dish. One day, I’ll return to check out their power hour.
I’ve been to Manhatta twice for restaurant week, the first time was five years ago for lunch and the second time was last year when my friend treated me to an early birthday lunch. Both times I have had the privilege to dine with a view. Service, and ambiance was off the charts. Unfortunately, this restaurant week, the menu offers a variation of dishes that are served on their regular menu, which is not the same. Below are the dishes we had for lunch during restaurant week last summer; everything tasted so good and we got the olive oil cake for dessert, which I took home for the hubby because I had to head back to the office.
Hamachi CrudoBeef Tartare with sunchoke and Asian PearAmerican Wagyu with cabbageGreen Circle Chicken
I have dined in Le Gratin several times, one for French Restaurant Week, after work to try their monthly special and more recently their golden hour. This restaurant is owned by Daniel Boulud and they like to change things up. The menu for this season’s restaurant week is a continuation of their menu for French Restaurant week.
My first visit to La Marchande was back in 2023 for lunch during restaurant week. Service was very slow given there were only three diners (including myself) in the restaurant during lunch. I was excited to try their popular French onion dumplings, but I was disappointed due to the portions being cut in half and not rich as I thought it would be given that it had truffles and gruyere. The French onion dumplings are going to be offered as a supplemental appetizer for this season’s restaurant week. Given the slow service, by the time I got my main entree, which was huge, I had to take it to go so I can get back to work within the hour lunch break. This salad took two day to finish. I’d like to return for another restaurant week lunch meal, but given the slow service, I need to plan it out where my I can stretch my hour lunch break.
Crown Shy – $60 pp dinner Sunday thru Friday until August 17th – Kibbeh Nayah, Lavash/Grilled Citrus Marinated Chicken and Hot Sauce/Satsuma, Toasted Marshmallow, Honeycomb
Almost four years ago, I have had the privilege to dine in this one-star Michelin restaurant under the leadership of the late Executive chef James Kent. I was seat in front of the open ended kitchen to watch all the action. I was blown away by the service, bread, appetizers and dessert that earned this restaurant a one-star Michelin back in 2021. Unfortunately, the pictures I have taken from this dining experience are in my old phone which I no longer have access to, but I did a Yelp review of this great dining experience. I’d like to return to indulge in the dining experience under the new leadership.
Vino & … Eataly NYC Downtown – $30 pp lunch Monday thru until August 17th – Insalata Cesare/Linguine al Pesto Genovese e Stracciatella
Two years ago my friends met up with me for a group dinner inside Temple Court. During that time, only the restaurant week menu was offered so everyone that dined had to order from that menu. Everyone was satisfied. I had to order the agnolotti after learning the techniques on MasterChef, the dish hit the spot and the roasted chicken was a huge portion, which resulted in leftovers for the hubby the next day. I ended the night with the blueberry cheesecake semifreddo. This time, this restaurant will also be offering agnolotti as an appetizer and the roasted chicken as a main entree for dinner. Personally, I may dine here for lunch, thankfully I have time to plan as Temple Court will be participating thru the end of August.
Felice 15 Gold Street – $30 pp lunch for two Sunday thru Friday until August 17 – (1) Zuppa Contadina/Paillard de Pollo/Tortino al Cioccolato (2) Bruschetta/Fusilli al Ferretto e Burrata/Tiramisu
Felice 15 Gold Street – $45 pp dinner for two Sunday thru Friday until August 17 – (1) Zuppa Contadina/Pollo Milanese/Tortino al Cioccolato (2) Ricotta/Salmone/Tiramisu
Almost six years ago, I have had the privilege to have brunch at this restaurant. Portions were huge and I had to take leftovers home. Unfortunately, the pictures I have taken from this dining experience are in my old phone which I no longer have access to, but I did a brunch review on Yelp. In addition, I’ve dined in this restaurant two additional times for the holiday party also back in 2019 and 2021. After COVID-19 the quality of food and service was not the same as it was six years ago, which is why I have not yet returned.
Delmonico’s– $60 pp lunch for two Monday thru Friday – (1) Yellowtail Crudo/Faroe Island Salmon/Chocolate Symphony (2) Caramelized Bacon/Risotto/Cheesecake
Earlier this year, my friend and I met for a meal and the dining experience was great. It’s definitely worth the experience even though the clientele would be different. Personally I had the yellow crudo and chocolate symphony, both of which were very good. If I do dine, I’ll definitely try bacon, salmon and most likely I’ll take the cheesecake home.
Meal for four
Stout NYC Financial District – $30 pp lunch with pint of Stella/soda/juice Monday thru Friday – (1) Chicken Pot Stickers/Rustic Chicken Pot Pie (2) Vegetable Pot Stickers/Stout Burger (3) Sweet & Spicy Crispy Cauliflower/Double Stacked Stout Burger (4) Mac and Cheese Bites/Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Personally I have dined in Stout during my lunch break and there were no more than three diners there. I definitely had the Stout Burger, which was good. Service was very quick and I always came home with leftovers.
I’ve dined at this restaurant several times over the past six years. This was the last restaurant I have dined in right before COVID 19 shutdown in 2020. When the restaurants started reopening, an ex-colleague of mine and I would meet to dine outdoors. Last summer right after a successful accreditation inspection, we had a celebratory dinner for restaurant week. The chef choice dessert for the evening was a slice of red velvet cake.
AppetizersEntreesDessert
THE SEAPORT
To date there are 8 restaurants that are participating in this upcoming restaurant week. I’ve personally dined in 6 out of the 8 participating restaurants where 5 of those 8 restaurants were for restaurant week.
I’ve dined in this restaurant for Winter Restaurant Week dinner and the options for that season is definitely better. I’ve also dined in for lunch two years ago and I got to watch the filming of a scene for Law & Order SVU.
I’ve dined in this restaurant for Winter Restaurant Week lunch and they offered a 3 course meal for $60. Service was slow where I had to take my dessert home, which was ice cream and unfortunately I could not enjoy it as it melted during my long commute home. However, I did enjoy the Yellowtail Tuna Tartare and Ume Sesame Crusted Salmon that I devoured the entire dish. I also dined three more times to try their gruyere cheeseburger au jus, shrimp burger and spaghetti alla vongole. All three dishes were overall delicious and hit the spot. This season, only two courses are being offered and I have to plan according if I want to dine here for lunch.
House of Red Pearl – $45 pp dinner Sunday thru Friday – Crunchy Lettuce Hearts/Glazed Shrimp/Mango Sago Pudding
Meal for Two
The Tuck Room – $45 pp dinner Monday thru Friday – (1) Short Rib Bao Bun Sliders/Lobster Mac and Cheese/Concord Chocolate Cake (2) Crispy Shrimp Spring Roll/Salmon/Fresh Fruit Tart
The Tuck Room, located inside the iPic theatres was my fun go to spot for happy hour over 6 years ago. The first time I went was at the holiday party for work in 2017, but I was not impressed with the food. My friends took me out to celebrate my engagement for happy hour/pre game after work in 2019. I may come for happy hour and a restaurant week meal.
T. Brasserie – $30 pp lunch Monday thru Friday – (1) Country Pate/Faroe Island Salmon (2) Endive Salad and Snap Pea Salad/Gruyere Cheeseburger
Two years ago I saw a photo of the gruyere cheeseburger and I just had to try it for lunch. This burger took a while to make so even though I enjoyed every bite of it, I actually only ate half of it and took the rest home for the hubby to have for dinner. He loved the burger despite the richness because it was different.
The Frenchman’s Dough – $30 pp lunch Monday thru Friday (1) Caesar Salad/Chicken Parmigiana (2)Fried Mozzarella/Bolognese
Industry Kitchen– $30 pp lunch Sunday thru Friday until August 17 (1) Atlantic Salmon Ceviche/Miso Glazed Atlantic Salmon (2) Truffle Potato Wedges/Pan Seared Chicken Francese
Whenever I dined in Industry Kitchen, I have to order the truffle potato wedges. The first time I had these wedges, there were to die for because of its curly texture with the parmesan cheese and truffle oil. Over time, the wedges changed shape which now look like steak fries but the texture and taste is still there. I’ve also had the lamb chops and I did not care for them because they were unevenly cooked.
Truffle Potato WedgesLamb Chops
Meal for Three
Carne Mare – $45 pp lunch Monday thru Friday (1) Crispy Calamari/Ora King Salmon (2) Brooklyn Burrata Con Panna/Sweet Corn Agnolotti (3) The House Wedgini/AC’s Famous Prime Rib Sandwich
I actually had the Brooklyn Burrata Con Panna as my appetizer for winter restaurant week lunch where they offered a 3 course meal for the same price. This appetizer was so filling that I was only able to enjoy half of my main entree (I took the other half home) and for dessert, I only had two bites because I was so full.
During my commute since 07/17/25, I’ve developed a bucket list of restaurants I want to dine and support new restaurants especially the ones with the best deals. Unfortunately, I won’t be participating as much as I would have liked due to the life and priorities. Here’s the my wish list for this season’s restaurant week outside of Lower Manhattan and Seaport neighborhoods.
Tuome
Ishq
Naks
Golden K Burger
Park Ave Kitchen by David Burke
Dhamaka
Nuet-Et Midtown
Momofuku Noodle Bar
Koloman
Cafe Boulud
Baar Baar
Central Park Boathouse
I may hit up other restaurants in Queens because it’s more convenient and definitely worth exploring. I’ll definitely be hitting up at least three of the restaurants on this list. Stay tuned.
Starting tomorrow, French Restaurant Week returns with participating restaurants offering prix fixe menus at $30, $45, $60 and $75. French Restaurant Week will run from July 7th thru July 20th. Last year there were 12 restaurants participating and this year there are 19 restaurants participating. What’s interesting is that two of the restaurants that participated last year are not participating this year. In addition, Le Gratin, who participated in French Restaurant week lunch last year and is only doing dinner this year. I reviewed 18 menus to date and developed my restaurant picks for French Restaurant Week. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that I will end up dining in any of these restaurants due to life priorities. Meanwhile, I will continue to support my restaurant picks for French Restaurant week.
Paris Bar – $60 pp dinner – Farmers Market Salad/Lobster Bucatini/Apple Tart Tatin
Meal for Two
Levant on Smith – $60 pp – 4pm to 9pm dinner – (1) Sesame Tuna Tartare/Steak Frites/Creme Brulee (2) Crispy Goat Cheese/Seabass/San Sebastian Cheesecake
La Sirene – Soho – $60 pp – Cash/check/AMEX only dinner – (1) Escargots a la Bourguignonne/Braised Rabbit Diijonnaise/Croquant au Caramel (2) Ravioles de Royan a la Crème/Oven Roasted Cornish Hen/Choux Chantilly
La Sirene – UWS – $60 pp – Cash/check/AMEX only dinner – (1) Escargots a la Bourguignonne/Braised Rabbit Diijonnaise/Croquant au Caramel (2) Ravioles de Royan a la Crème/Oven Roasted Cornish Hen/Choux Chantilly
Margaux by La Sirene – $60 pp – Cash/check/Amex only dinner – (1) Escargots a la Bourguignonne/Braised Rabbit Diijonnaise/Croquant au Caramel (2) Ravioles de Royan a la Crème/Oven Roasted Cornish Hen/Choux Chantilly
La Pavilion – $75 pp – lunch – (1) Salade a la Grecque/Grilled Arctic Char/Tropezienne (2) Corn Veloute/Ratatouille/Café Cocoa Sundae
Le Petit Village – $60 pp – dinner – (1) Wagyu Steak Tartare/Spring Chicken/Crème Brulee (2) Salad du Jardin/Le Burger/Raspberry Sorbet
Paris Bar – $30 pp – lunch – Monday to Friday) – Goat cheese croquette/Roasted Organic Half Chicken (2) Scallop Ceviche/Bucatini Printemps
Personally, I have solo-dined at La Sirene Soho four years ago. had their Ravioles de Royan a la Crème and the Oven Roasted Cornish Hen. Both dishes are definitely worth getting at either La Sirene location.
Ravioles de Royan a la CrèmeRavioles de Royan a la CrèmeOven Roasted Cornish Hen
Recently, I dined at the Paris Bar and ordered the goat cheese croquette doused in lavender honey. This unique dish is definitely worth ordering as the honey and lavender balanced the strong goat cheese flavor out.
Goat cheese croquettes
Meal for three
La Sirene – UWS – $30 pp lunch – Cash/Credit/AMEX – Monday to Friday – (1) French Onion Soup/Prince Edward Island Mussels (2) Fresh Roasted Beet Salad with Brie/Croque Madame (3) Homemade Pate de Campagne/Jambon Brie Sandwich
The Supper Club by Le Petit Parisien – $60 pp dinner – This restaurant is only offering the French Restaurant Week Menu (there will be no a la carte menu). (1) Poached Shrimp/Pan Seared Salmon/Apple Torte (2) Pate de Campagne/Atlantic Cod/Crème Brulee (3) Belgian Endive and Fennel Salad/Ravioles Comte/Crème Brulee
Happy Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month!! Another restaurant week!! With the recent successes of restaurant weeks and restaurants months over the course of 30 plus years, Chinatown Restaurant Week starts on May 19th and will end on May 24th. Based on their website, 18 restaurants are participating and their prix fixe price vary, with lots to offer, but there are stipulations. Reservations to 10 of the 18 participating restaurants are only available on Eventbrite, 9 of those 10 restaurants have a set price for a minimum of two people. This set price includes: tax, 18% gratuity and processing fees. After reading the information on their website, this dining experience will not be feasible because personally it’s already difficult to get another person to join for a time constraint meal with no substitutions. Therefore, these menus do not accommodate diners with dietary restrictions. In addition, since the reservation has to be made via Eventbrite, the diner will be required to pay up front just to make the reservation. In the long run, the restaurant week meal will no longer be cost effective. So in conclusion, I won’t be partaking in this occasion as I would have liked to. Nevertheless, I’ll provide the places that I may check out for Chinatown Restaurant Week. To date, I’ve been able to review 17/18 restaurants.
Lunch for one:
Mee Sum Cafe – $13 set meal – 2 pieces of dim sum (har gow & shumai), toisan style salted chicken rice box, and small lemon ginger drink. No reservations. Walk-ins only.
Tada – $20 set meal – 2 fried mandus, 3 pieces of Korean fried chicken (2 wings and 1 drumstick), small side of kimchi fried rice and 1 Korean drink. No reservations. Walk-ins only.
Lunch/Dinner for two:
The Original Buddha Bodai – $62.76 per person (includes tax, 18% tip and processing fees). To take advantage of the 5-course vegetarian meal (perfect for Meatless Monday), reservations for a minimum of two people are required. I would have loved to try the salt and pepper fried ribs because they are only served during dinner currently. I’ve personally have dined in the restaurant once but that was before COVID-19, which was over five years ago and their portion sizes serve 4 people. This restaurant is one of my go-to for lunch via Uber Eats and one time, I ordered their Vegetarian Shark Fin Congee Soup. The soup was huge and it served about four people. Below is a photo from my lunch/dinner delivery order from this restaurant, which cost under $30.
Wok Wok – $35.69 per person (includes tax, 18% tip and processing fees). Reservations for a minimum of two people are required and only one set menu was being promoted: roti canai, curry laksa noodles and housemade tea. Personally I don’t think this is a deal because even without the promotion the cost would have been the same maybe cheaper without the processing fees. Four years ago I dined at this restaurant during dinner out of curiosity because of all the YouTube videos I watched during COVID-19. I did order the roti canai, which I did enjoy especially that chicken curry. The chicken curry had the perfect amount of heat for this appetizer dish. It’s definitely worth ordering alone or a starter for a 3-4 course meal. In addition portion sizes are usually generous and definitely meant for sharing.
Roti Canai
Dinner for one – Reservation is required.
Phoenix Palace – $76.30 per person (includes tax, 18% tip and processing fees). When I clicked on this link, I discovered that I can make a reservation as a solo diner. Based on what this restaurant is offering for restaurant week, I would order the Olive Yaotiew/Salt & Pepper Cuttlefish/Duck Breast/Dessert. This is the sister restaurant of the Michelin Gourmand’s Potluck Club. I have yet to dine in either restaurant.
Since I am not far from the participating restaurants, I will make an effort to dine in one of the restaurants after work or during lunch. In the meantime, I’ll be sharing posts on social media from the participating restaurants to support small businesses.
Happy Easter!! Another restaurant week!! With the recent successes restaurant weeks and restaurants months over the course of 30 years, Sunnyside Restaurant Week is back again!! Sunnyside Restaurant Week starts on April 22 and will end on May 4th. Based on their website, 49 restaurants are participating and their prix fixe price is $35 and/or other deals/discounts. This restaurant week actually will last two weeks, below is my best bang for your buck list of places I’d like to go.
Personally I have dined in three restuarants listed for Sunnyside Restaurant week on different occasions. I’ve had the grilled tuna belly from Tito Rad’s and it was very good. It’s actually one of my go to dishes if I dined in this restaurant. I’ve also ate at Cardamom which is listed on Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list but the dishes I had in this restaurant are not participating in this restaurant week. More recently I’ve dined in Bar 43 for brunch and their pretzel bites will be sold during this restaurant week.
Realistically I don’t know if I’ll be able to dine in one any of the restaurants listed above due to my current work schedule. In the meantime, I’ll be check their social media pages and hopefully I’ll be able to repost on my stories as my way of support small businesses and another restaurant week concept.
Happy April Fools Day!! Another restaurant week!! Actually not kidding haha. Recently there have been emergences of restaurant weeks and resturants months, which is inspired by the successes of NYC restaurant week. During my routine daily scrolls on Instagram, I came across the It’s In Queens account stories of the day and they promoted Astoria Ditmars Restaurant Week. Astoria Ditmars Restaurant Week starts on April 2 and will end on April 8th. Based on their website, 26 restaurants are participating and their prix fixe price either is $25, $35 or $45. Since I gave up alcohol for Lent (40 days), I was already able to narrow down my personal picks. In addition, this restaurant week actually lasts a week, I will have a best bang for your buck list, which may include alcoholic options and another list to accommodate people who gave up alcohol and/or red meat for Lent. Personally I have never dined in any of these restaurants so there will be a first time for everything. To date, I was only able to review 16 of the 26 participating restaurants.
Restaurants that includealcohol:
Alba’s Pizza and Restaurant – $25 lunch
Bar Parioli – $45 dinner for at least two even three people with glass of wine for at least 2-3 people
Restaurants that accommodate to Lent (alcohol free)
Porto 23 – $45 dinner for one
Queen’s Room – $45 dinner for at least two
Rivercrest – $35 dinner for one
Spanglish – $25 lunch for two
The Bonnie – $35 dinner for one
YAAR – $25 dinner for two
Acento Latin Kitchen – $45 dinner for one
Telly’s Taverna – $35 lunch for two
The Pomerboy – $45 dinner for two
Realistically I don’t know if I’ll be able to dine in one any of the restaurants listed above due to my current work schedule. In the meantime, I’ll be check their social media pages and hopefully I’ll be able to repost on my stories as my way of support small businesses and another restaurant week concept.
Starting tomorrow, it’s Bastille week. Bastille Day is a national holiday in France that is celebrated on July 14th. The holiday commemorates the start of the French Revolution in 1789. Traditions that usually take place on this holiday start off with a military parade followed by food and wine with fireworks ending the night.
Usually pastries, wine, and champagne are consumed on this special occasion. In New York City, Bastille week is celebrated with French Restaurant week. This year French Restaurant week will take place starting from July 1st thru July 14th. There are 12 restaurants participating. Not all the restaurant have published their menu for the French Restaurant week yet. It is $46 for lunch and $60 dinner for a three-course prix fixe.
Out of the 9 menus I reviewed to date, I developed a wish list of restaurants I would go to for dinner, but priorities have changed, therefore, it is highly likely that I won’t end up going.
Le Tout Va Bien
Gaby Brasserie Francaise
Supper Club
I’ve had the privilege to dine and participate in French Restaurant Week in the past. I’ve dined in:
2022
La Sirene Soho: all these dishes below except possibly dessert will be served during this year’s restaurant week
Well, it has been two weeks since my last post, and we are entering the third week of restaurant week. Guess what happened?! I sprained my wrist and hand, and I’m still recovering while making my baked hake two weeks ago.
Baked Hake and fish was still overcooked
Ultimately, as long as I’m OK, I’ll still continue posting content. As a result of not really utilizing my left hand, I couldn’t do things in a timely manner. Therefore, I had to change my game plan from two weeks ago.
I have resorted to air frying string beans and cauliflower instead of steaming the beans and roasting cauliflower.
I also only did two restaurant week meals. The first was at David Burke Tavern for early dinner.
Caesar SaladHanger steak with hipster friesKey lime pieConundrum white wine
Second, more recently, I went to La Marchande for restaurant week lunch.
Ginger mocktailFrench Onion DumplingsChopped Nicoise Salad – lasted two days
There’s more to write, but my wrist is now bothering me again, plus this electronic device is dying. So, please stay tuned for more updates.
Tablespoons and Teaspoons 