Sons of Essex

Technically this is a bar, but we went here for a brunch.

I would come back, bout would definitely order some things over others.

For drinks, mimosas and Irish coffee were great. (Next time I would also try the espresso martini).

For food, I got scrambled eggs and Canadian bacon. The eggs were good, but would probably get regular bacon over Canadian bacon next time.

We also ordered the mac and cheese with bacon. Highly recommend.

Also, will say the owner was very easy to talk to, and there was a DJ playing great top 40 edm music.

Bee’s Knees

In the Gion area of Kyoto, we went to this speak easy. We couldn’t easily find it at first because the front door said “Book Store”.

Got several drinks, and also tried some from friends). From the ones listed below, I will say my favorites are the chocolate espresso martini, the bees fashion (ie old fashioned but using honey and another type of bitters).

Skinos

So this place has a really great vibe (almost Vegas like), good music, and really good food. We actually went back twice in one trip!

For drinks, has an espresso martini and mimosa.

For appetizers, has the fried calamari, the thinly sliced fish (what do you call that?), and the meatballs.

For the main (not sure why I don’t have a picture), got the lobster pasta and the beef brisket. Both were great, and would get them again).

Pazzo Notte

Great Italian place at the south side of Central Park.

Ordered an espresso martini to start (which they had a two for one special). Would say it’s the best espresso martini I’ve ever had.

For my main, got a penne vodka pasta with chicken. Solid call. We also had a side of mozzarella sticks (didn’t like how they made them though). Would definitely come back here.

Park Avenue Tavern

Went to this bar for Tuesday night drinks.

This place is a restaurant, but also a classy bar. They made decent espresso martinis, and also got several whisky sodas. Would come here again for drinks after work. Also, noticed some people at the bar were alone. Might be a good place to meet new people. Also would be curious about this place for dinner.

Chef Josephine

Came to this place for thanksgiving in New York.

The place had a traditional French vibe (person I was with said it seems very Paris authentic). The history behind the restaurant is that some popular broadway star used to own the place.

In terms of atmosphere, the piano player really set the happy mood for the night.

For thanksgiving, it was a fixed menu. For the appetizer, got the crab cakes. They were really good. For the main, got the turkey. Turkey was good, but stuffing and butter nut squash were meh. For dessert, not sure what it was called, but it’s pictured below (also was meh). I think overall the price ($85 per person) was not worth it. They did however give some macaroons at the end, which were great.

For drinks, got an espresso martini and some sort of mojito. Both were also meh.

Caramba

Great Italian restaurant. Although a sit down restaurant, it had really chill waiters and staff.

Started off the an espresso martini. Man was it the best espresso martini I’ve ever had! Got a lemon drop for my second drink.

For apps, we got bread and patatas bravas. Both great.

For my mains, had the French onion soup and the seafood linguini. Both excellent choices.