nyc

Bedford & Co.: A Sophisticated Dining Experience in the Heart of New York City

Dinner With Tayo comes to NYC! Can you feel my excitement through the screen? I was super excited to join the team and when I found out my first stop would be Bedford & Co, my mouth started to water.

I’ve always heard pretty, good things about this hidden Midtown East gem but was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed the cuisine. Bedford & Co. is American cuisine but with an amazing twist – I’ll explain later.

Address: The Renwick, 118 E. 40th Street, New York, NY 10016 | www.bedfordandco.com | (212) 634-4040

After work, I trekked my way up from Financial District to Midtown East and let me tell you, I rarely visit that area. Between Grand Central and all the tourists, it is a headache & anxiety wrapped up with a pretty bow. However, Bedford & Co. is located on a quiet street on 40th & Lexington and is very unassuming from the front. As soon as you walk in, there is a SUPER cute and quaint lounge area that is semi-tucked away from everyone… can you say, date vibes!

The overall vibe of Bedford & Co. is a merge between a dope speakeasy and a classic American restaurant. Now, I am a bar seater at its finest but since I was trying to have an overall experience of Bedford & Co. I decided to sit in the restaurant area. The overall restaurant area is dimly lit with tea candles and no matter where you sit, you can see the kitchen carefully working on your meal, I fell in love even more!

Of course, I started with a glass of Rose’ because well, spring is here! The waitress, who was super cool read off the specials to me and all I heard was “soft shell crab” and I was in. I’m from Maryland so the thought of having crabs, is an instant win in my book. When it arrived, it was beautifully plated and not sure how I can explain it but it was an Asian fusion on my taste buds. The soft shell crab was tempura fried, over a bed of mint, spring peas, and fermented chilies with a light ponzu sauce that was not overwhelming at all but so complementing. Oh and sesame seeds sprinkled on top. I mean, I devoured this dish! It was literally a party in my mouth!

Next up for my main was the leg of lamb! What sets this restaurant apart is they cook almost all the protein on a wood-fired grill, which gave a nice charcoal taste to the lamb. To me, the lamb was almost Mediterranean style with a rich herb glaze but then had an almost yogurt style sauce that went so well with the lamb. In addition, the crunchiness of the Brussel sprouts along with the walnuts, match made in heaven!

Unfortunately, I did not have any room for desert but if I did, the brownie has my name written all over it! Overall, Bedford & Co. is a super win in my book. The ambiance, well thought out menu and not to mention, the music – they were playing 90’s Hip Hop and R&B the entire time from Usher to Notorious B.I.G. If you are ever in that area I would definitely stop by for a dope vibe. Oh, and they have bottomless brunch on the weekends and us, New Yorkers, love that!

Appetizer: 

Tempura Fried Ponzu Soft Shell Crab

Main Entree:

Colorado Lamb Leg with Brussel Sprouts & Walnuts

Make sure you follow me on @JustAddHotSauce_

Authentic Korean BBQ in the Heart of NYC: Jongro BBQ

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If you love Korean BBQ just as much as I do, Jongro BBQ is the place you need to be. A popular Korean BBQ restaurant located in the heart of New York City, Jongro BBQ is known for its authentic Korean flavors, delicious and high-quality meats. The restaurant has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The menu does have a lot of options to work with so I would say do your little research before you head there.

One of the standout features of Jongro BBQ is its commitment to using only the finest ingredients in its dishes. All of the meats used in the restaurant are carefully selected and prepared to ensure the best possible flavor and quality. From the thinly sliced beef brisket to the juicy pork belly, every dish at Jongro BBQ is a treat for the taste buds.

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Another unique aspect of Jongro BBQ is its traditional Korean dining experience. The restaurant features a charcoal grill at every table, allowing guests to cook their own meats to their liking. This interactive dining experience is not only fun and entertaining, but also allows diners to fully appreciate the flavors and textures of the meats they are enjoying.

In addition to its exceptional meats, Jongro BBQ also offers a variety of traditional Korean sides, including kimchi, pickled vegetables, and steamed egg. The restaurant’s extensive menu also includes a variety of soups and stews, as well as hot stone bibimbap, a Korean rice dish served in a sizzling hot stone bowl.

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Recommendation: The Kimchi Bulgogi Gobdol (picture above) comes with a choice of beef, pork, chicken, or tofu with a combination of vegetables–cucumber, spinach, and mung bean sprouts. Mixed with goshujang, a chili pepper paste that packs pleasant heat and a bit of sweetness, together it’s a satisfying combination.

The Grilled pork belly BBQ seems to be the popular dish. Served with Samjang, teriyaki and bean powder, Kimchi (cabbage), onions, lettuce, and macaroni salad.

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Overall, Jongro BBQ is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for authentic Korean BBQ in the heart of New York City. With its commitment to high-quality ingredients and traditional Korean dining experiences, it’s no wonder that this restaurant has become a favorite among foodies and barbecue enthusiasts alike.

Jongro Boo is official Dinner With Tayo Approved! Enjoy

Greenpoint Fish and Lobster Co. One of New York City Best Seafood Gem

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Grilled Shrimp Mofongo
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Biscuits

Greenpoint Fish and Lobster Co. is a beloved seafood restaurant located in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Founded in 2014, the restaurant quickly established itself as one of the premier seafood destinations in the city, offering a variety of fresh and sustainable seafood options to its loyal patrons.

One of the unique features of Greenpoint Fish and Lobster Co. is its commitment to sourcing the freshest seafood available. The restaurant works directly with local fishermen and fishmongers to ensure that all of its seafood is of the highest quality and has been caught sustainably. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in the restaurant’s eco-friendly practices, which include using compostable and biodegradable packaging and utensils.

The menu at Greenpoint Fish and Lobster Co. is a seafood lover’s dream, featuring an array of fresh and delicious dishes. Starters include options like raw oysters, clam chowder, and fried calamari. For mains, guests can choose from a variety of seafood options, including lobster rolls, shrimp po’ boys, and grilled octopus. The restaurant also offers a variety of market specials that change regularly, depending on what is in season and available. I recommend ordering the Grilled Shrimp Mofongo. A delicious and satisfying dish. The shrimp are grilled to perfection, with a nice char on the outside and a juicy, tender interior. The mofongo is made with mashed plantains, which gives it a unique texture that is both light and fluffy. The garlic and herbs in the mofongo add a nice flavor, and the dish is also served with a delicious sauce.

In addition to its delicious food, Greenpoint Fish and Lobster Co. also boasts a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant features an open kitchen where guests can watch their food being prepared, as well as a bar area where they can enjoy a drink or two with friends.

Overall, Greenpoint Fish and Lobster Co. is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for high-quality, sustainable seafood in Brooklyn. Its commitment to fresh and local ingredients, as well as its welcoming atmosphere, make it a top choice for seafood lovers of all kinds.

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Cioppino (Fish Stew)

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • fennel bulb white part only, cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 1 1/2 cup yellow onion 1 large, cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 3 garlic cloves pressed or minced
  • 1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups of seafood stock
  • 1 1/2 cups of Pinot Grigio
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound cod fillets skin removed, cut into 2-inch dice
  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 pound scallops
  • 1/2 dozen mussels
  • 1/2 dozen littleneck clams 
  • 3 tablespoons parsley minced

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add the fennel and onion and sauté for 10 minutes, until tender.
  2. Stir in the garlic, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes and cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Add the tomatoes, stock, wine, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. 
  4. First, add the cod, then the shrimp, scallops, and finally the mussels. Do not stir. Bring this to a simmer, lower the heat, cover and cook for 10 minutes until the seafood is cooked and the shellfish open. (Discard any mussels that have not opened).
  5. Gently stir together being careful not to break up the fish; sprinkle with parsley. Serve with toasted french bread or slices of sourdough baguette.
  6. Enjoy and don’t forget to hashtag, #dinnerwithtayo

Perfectly Grilled Halibut In A White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce

Grilled Halibut in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce is a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. This dish is prepared by grilling a fresh halibut fillet until it is tender and flaky. The halibut is then topped with a rich and savory sauce made with white wine, diced tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. The white wine gives the sauce a delicate acidity and a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the mild flavor of the halibut. The diced tomatoes add a refreshing burst of juicy texture, while the fresh basil leaves lend an aromatic, herbaceous flavor. The combination of the perfectly grilled halibut and the flavorful tomato basil sauce makes this dish a true delight for the senses. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party, and it pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red wine.

Here are some additional tips for making delicious Grilled Halibut in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce:

  • Use fresh halibut. The fresher the fish, the better the dish will taste.
  • Don’t overcook the halibut. Halibut is a delicate fish and should be cooked until it is just opaque in the center. Overcooked halibut will be tough and dry.
  • Use a good quality white wine. The white wine will add flavor to the sauce, so use a wine that you enjoy drinking.
  • Add some other vegetables to the sauce. Chopped onions, peppers, or mushrooms would all be great additions to the sauce.
  • Serve with rice or pasta. Rice or pasta would be a great side dish to serve with this dish. The rice or pasta will help to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Enjoy! Grilled Halibut in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a fancy or special occasion.

Ingredients

For the White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • sweet pepper (red, yellow, and orange) thin sliced
  • 2 small cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt (more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (more to taste)

For the Halibut:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound fresh Halibut (or white fish of your choice), cut into 2 fillets
  • Salt and black pepper

Instructions

For the Halibut:

  1. Season both sides of fish with salt and pepper. Brush the halibut with olive oil and grill until golden brown, for about 5 – 10 minutes or until it’s cooked through.

For the White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce:

  1. Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add sweet pepper and garlic and saute for 1 minute, or until garlic is fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft. Add in the white wine, stir, and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. This process should take no longer than 10 minutes. Stir in the basil, salt, and pepper and cook for additional 2 minutes.
  2. Place the the grill halibut into the white wine tomato basil sauce and serve at once.
  3. Served with steamed broccoli and quinoa.