A NYC Quickie: Babylon Hookah Lounge

Recently I had the pleasure of joining Cohort on a quick business trip to NYC. I love New York. (I can't believe I just typed that...) I especially love New York in the winter, so it was the perfect time to visit! The weather was just right, cold enough to snuggle, but not cold enough to freeze to death. We had a wonderful evening with fabulous food at a local restaurant and great laughs at The New York Comedy Club. Before our evening got underway, we decided to stop for drinks and light fare. We found ourselves at the Babylon Hookah Lounge located at 208 East 34th Midtown/Murray Hill. As luck would have it, it was happy hour!!

Babylon Hookah Lounge

We ordered the regular Babylon Mix Hookah with appetizers. Babylon Hummus - a smooth hummus topped with marinated meats and pine nuts, served with bread for dipping. I could have eaten the entire dish all by myself! We also had the Cigar Borek - rolled phyllo dough stuffed with feta cheese, parsley and seasonings. Everything was very tasty, I'm sure their full entrees are just as amazing.

The space is large and divided into two sides. One side has a large bar with a dance floor and a seating area. The other side is more for lounging. The decor is lavishly Turkish! Our plan was to stop in for a quick drink and a smoke, but sitting there puffing away and sipping on Sangria, time simply slipped by. If you ever find yourself in Midtown/Murray Hill, stop in for a bite and lounge around for awhile. I know you'll enjoy it!

http://babylonhookahny.com/

PROS: Relaxing atmosphere, good drinks (Sangria was lovely) variety of flavored hookahs. Happy hour drink and hookah specials.

CONS: It's a nice place to lounge around during happy hour, but in the evening, it can get crowded.

Valentine's Feast at Fede: Cenacolo

This year Valentine's Day fell on a weekend. Good luck getting a reservation at any restaurant, anywhere! No worries, Cohort said we could just pick up an artisan pizza to go or hit a low key watering hole. I awoke on Saturday morning to beautiful white fluffy snow falling from the sky. It was gorgeous! Then....It...Just...Didn't...Stop!! By that evening the roads were covered with snow and sleet. Salt trucks were everywhere. Cohort said couples would start canceling reservations due to the bad weather. (He's smart like that!) He decided we should venture out to a place in North Huntington called Cenacolo.

Reginetta

Cenacolo is a very interesting space. Located in an office park, it's definitely a hidden gem. It showcases the fresh made pasta of Fede Pasta's which is handmade onsite. Despite not having a reservation, we were seated immediately. (SCORE!) We started with Drusian Dru El Cru Prosecco and appetizers. Fagioli E Verdure - white beans, pancetta, broccolini and garlic. An excellent take on greens and beans. Carciofini Fritti - crispy fried artichokes, topped with freshly chopped basil, served with a roasted lemon slice. The basil is what makes this dish pop with flavor and the light taste of the prosecco was a good starting point for drinks.

For his entree Cohort ordered the Reginetta - a wavy, thick pasta with shrimp, broccolini, hot banana peppers, and bacon covered in a rich gorgonzola cream sauce. It's a hearty dish with contrasting flavors from the sharp cheese and light spice from the banana peppers. I decided on the Oxtail Ravioli - braised oxtail with sage, served in a delicious marrow reduction. (Make sure you get an order of bread, you are going to want to sop up every drop!) With our meal we splurged on a bottle of Bava Barolo di Castiglione Falleto. It's a full bodied red wine that has a spicy aroma and pairs perfectly with rich pasta dishes. 

Strawberry Limoncello

After dinner they served Strawberry Limoncello with light cookies as a special Valentine treat. We then had an Italian Coffee to help warm up before heading out into the cold. Mmmm, perfetto!

http://www.cenacolorestaurant.com/

PROS: Fresh in-house made pasta (They also have pasta making classes!) Nice wine selection, but you can also B.Y.O.B.

CONS: It's located in an office park, don't let that deter you, the inside is amazing!