The Meatball Shop

For some reason I have lived here for ages and not been to the meatball shop. I'm a fan of meat. I'm a fan of comfort food sides like mashed potatoes and polenta. And they have highchairs... so win!

The GF meatball option was chicken - not typically a fan of chicken meatballs, but with no options they were the defacto. I went to the pesto sauce since that sounded like a good lunch. On the side I made my husband get the mashed potatoes to share with Bricklet (and me), and I got polenta (to share with Bricklet). And an adult drink. They were allergy aware and noted my allergy to ensure gloves were changed during prep (win). 

The meatballs were insanely good. Again noting I'm not a fan of chicken meatballs typically. The pesto sauce though is where this place wins. It was seriously amazing. I am craving it now just thinking of it. Potatoes were very good, polenta was also very nice. Service was decent, and Warren enjoyed some sliders and we enjoyed out lunch outside. 

Definitely adding into the weekend lunch rotation.

Damn You Dominique Ansel and your GF Options

For nearly two years I worked basically across the street from Dominique Ansel, home of the infamous cronut. Being a gluten bigot I never thought they would have anything for me, but they would come up on my GF searches. 

Since last week was my last week at work, it was the best time to investigate. I downloaded the menu and lo-and-behold 3 GF cake options and one cookie option. I will clearly state that this is obviously not a GF facility, so approach this as no GF ingredients and high risk of cross contamination and make your own decision. You will also be among a throng of tourists who think they can order 4 cronuts at 5:15pm.

My decision was to try it. Because of science, I got all three cakes: (from left) the strawberry pistacho pavlova, the giant blackberry, and the mini-me. The were all so fancy I felt a bit bad about eating them, but were so divine that that guilt evaporated into joy. 

The Giant Blackberry was where my husband and I started (did I mention I was at least sharing them?) - it was a great start. The mousse was heavenly, and the jam was some of the best I've had. And it was the most beautiful pastry to look at. Next we had the strawberry pavolva - this was actually my favorite. The flavor combonation wasn't standard, and they worked really nicely together. I thought it had the perfect amount of sweetness. Lastly we had the mini-me. While it was really good, it was extremely sweet. Maybe if I hadn't eaten the other two prior that would have been okay, but it was over the top for me. I would have it again, but certainly it's a share item and would go well with an unsweetened latte or cappuccino.

Will be making special trips there for sweets (or using Postmates) when treats are merited! 

No, Seriously, I *Heart* Risoterria

My professing my love for Risoterria, an excellent super gluten free and allergen friend restaurant in the West Village. I did so here and here. But I am forced to do so once again. Two reasons:

1. Even though I can't enjoy they have expanded their gluten free beer menu. Like by a lot. This actually happened a few months ago and I kept meaning to write about it. Many of the labels I've never had so can't speak to how good they are - but my favorites are basically all there.
2. Gluten Free Tiramisu. It was literally heaven. My only regret was sharing it with my husband. I've had dessert there previously and have been underwhelmed, so i usually go for macarons or frozen yogurt instead... but this tiramisu is awesome and I will certainly be having it again! Just look at it (pictured above). Isn't it beautiful!?

Have you been to Risoterria? What your favorite thing on the menu there?

The Best Drunk Food

Pomme Frites is the best drunk food ever. Okay, so you don't have to be drunk to have it, but should you be in the area around 2am at the weekend most of the patrons are...

One of the things I miss most about living in Europe is having a chipper. There were two in downtown Vancouver (primarily for poutine purposes), but they aren't really a thing in New York for some reason. 

I have been here on several occasions, mostly because they have both garlic mayo chips and Irish curry chips (the holy grail of chips I swear). The chips are gluten free, the mayo is gluten free, sadly the poutine is not gluten free. I highly recommend as a cheap lunch when vintage shopping in the area, or as a late night snack when enjoying night life in the neighborhood.