Chip Shop

Park Slope location:

383 Fifth Ave. (at 6th St.)

Brooklyn, NY 11215

(718) 832-7701 / (718) CHIPSHOP

So, I was strolling down the street one day with a fine bloke (my boyfriend!), looking for a nice cuppa' when I spotted it... the Chip Shop... fantastic! Okay, okay, enough of the Brit talk. I wasn't looking for tea, but I must admit, when we were looking for food, it was quite a surprise to stumble upon this place. Being a native Brit (half), I always get giddy when I find a British place because they seem to be few and far between. The Chip Shop was a fun alley-type restaurant with the decor practically screaming, "I'm all about the UK!!!!" Lots of memorabilia and the wait staff was authentic too, which is always nice. For some reason, I find a restaurant more comforting and true-to-its-roots when the staff is native of the cuisine. Makes sense, right? Anyway, let's get to the food.

I ate bangers and mash, mostly because it noted on the menu that the bangers are from Myers of Keswick!!!!!! Myers of Keswick is a British food store located in Manhattan. They make a lot of their own sausages, cornish pasties, pork pies, etc. So, with that said, I was very satisfied with my meal. It was like a taste of home. YUMMMMM so good!!! The portions are quite huge and, in my opinion, worth the money.

I ended with good ol' Treacle sponge, a sponge cake with a sticky, sweet topping and usually served with custard. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed because it seemed like it was overly microwaved and I don't think it was the brand that I like (Heinz) but overall it was okay. The custard that covered it made everything okay. Then again, when DOESN'T custard make everything okay??

To wash everything down, I wanted still-Ribena, a deliciously sweet blackcurrant drink. They only had the fizzy stuff, so I just had water but did try the Holy Ale beer which was pretty good. It reminded me of fellow British beer, Boddington's... but that could be secondary to my poorly lacking beer-consuming history!

The Park Slope location was small but the native- Brit staff was extremely friendly, accommodating, and just plain nice!!! The decor is genuinely British with lots of memorabilia on the walls and tables that put a smile on my face throughout dinner because I love those type of unpretentious places that make you feel comfortable. We loved our waitress and she was so nice that we even got a free plate, straight from the UK, out of it!!! I am so happy to have found another UK haunt, this time in Brooklyn!

Side note: I did not try any of the fried desserts, which is what I saw advertised about the Chip Shop on television one day, however, I am waiting to go back. Oh, and PS, I also want to return to the street it was on. It was FILLED with intriguing looking restaurants; a nice surprise!

Perry St

176 Perry Street

New York, NY 10014

(212) 352-1900

Perry St is a very sophisticated restaurant with modern decor and a black and white, clean theme. It is noticeably upscale, but, then again, what do you expect for Jean Georges clientele? Unfortunately, I did not enjoy the service because while they were efficient and met our needs, the staff appeared very haughty and condescending in their aura. Even if 3 young professional friends (my sister, our friend, and myself) come into the restaurant, everyone deserves the same respectable service and a comfortable atmosphere. Isn't that the point of eating out?

Anywho, the food was great! As a foodie, I was excited to be eating the food of one of the most celebrated chefs of our time (Jean-Georges Vongerichten). Yes, I am cheesy. Additionally, while my opinion stands that the food was avant garde, delicious, and exciting, I will have a word of warning: although most of the food is what most people eat with traditional ingredients, some of the offerings are definitely different and not of everyday combinations. It is prepared and cooked in a very different fashion. This could be a good thing for some, bad for others. You only live once, though. Why not go for the adventurous?

To start was an amuse-bouche (or, bite sized) which was comprised of a tomato-watermelon soup. This was certainly a very new taste to my palate, and I was unsure of what to think of it because while it was a bit different and slightly tart, it was very refreshing and I would certainly try it again.

Next was an Artic char sashimi which, to me, was an odd, yet fun way to move on from the amuse-bouche. The sashimi was very fresh and simply prepared with lemon and coarse grain salt. For my entree, I had steak with really nicely jazzed up potatoes which were delicious. Simple, yet divine. All of this was paired with a rose.

We ate from the prix fixe menu, which I highly recommend, not only for a nice taste of the menu from start to finish, but also for the lower prices. Needless to say, the staff definitely left a lasting impression and is the one reason why I would not go back. On the other hand, I would absolutely go back (prix fixe!) because I know the food would be superb. The fresh ingredients truly made a difference, even in less complicated dishes. It would be exciting to go back, as the menu seems seasonal and the creator of that fine menu seems to guarantee impeccable fare.

BXL Cafe

125 W 43rd St

New York, NY 10036

(212) 768-0200

This is a nice cafe/ bar located just off Times Square. Normally, places so centrally located can be tourist traps and less than spectacular food, but this place caught me by surprise. BXL is a Belgian haunt offering various beers and, of course, Belgian food! Belgian food is very much influenced by french cuisine, so those who are leery of tasting it- do not be afraid... At all!!!

I ate Carbonnades flamandes (Sirloin tips stewed in Leffe Brown beer with fries) and it was absolutely wonderful, but don't eat this if you are on a diet. To me, this epitomizes 'comfort food' and was so delectable. The sauce was thick but not too heavy and the fries (pomme frites) were fresh and crisp. My sister ate the Bouchee a la reine (Puff pastry with chicken and mushroom in cream sauce) and our friend had Chicons au gratin (Baked endives wrapped in ham with swiss cheese and béchamel sauce gratin). Both were equally delicious -though I liked the gratin a bit more- and satisfying. Again, they melded with the comfort food theme but were very authentic to the type of food seen in Belgium.

As far as the atmosphere, it was a bit crowded and since it was near Times Square, that was probably the reason. However, most of the crowd seemed to be young professionals. There is a bar area and small restaurant area toward the back. Wait staff did their job. Nothing spectacular about them.

Overall, this place made me want to try more Belgian food! I love the French influence on it and the food just makes sense (unlike me sometimes!). It was a bit pricey, though. Again, that is probably attributed to the location.

All about moi!

I am just a girl with a love for food! My parents always wanted my sister and I to have a broad palette, exposing us to various cuisines a very young age. Growing up, my mother loved entertaining and I was constantly surrounded by massive amounts of food. I loved to help her in the kitchen and while my cooking may not be up to snuff, my 'appetite' to try new foods grows everyday. My immense love and appreciation for food and cultures are my comfort and compose many of my treasured memories with loved ones. (No wonder I love exploring new foods!) I, in no way, profess to be an expert food critic. This is just my way to share my exploration of food and journeys to both hidden gems and top-notch restaurants. Bon Appetite!