7 fantastic and affordable New York restaurants (Part 1)

A couple of weeks ago I posted an article about getting a sense of New York in just two days, which I’d say is quite an accomplishment.

However, to some people getting a sense of place has more to do with living the experience of the area, away from the landmarks and the crowds of tourists.

And in the City of Blinding Lights, one of the best ways to do this is by visiting some of the most popular New York restaurants.

Of course, New York is one of the most expensive cities in the planet, so money is an issue, but my friend Juan (who is in love with the City) says that food is only part of the charm of New York.

The experience of New York restaurants

Food can be considered a form of entertainment and is definitely a large part of cultural travel.

And New York offers an endless variety of sites to experience, for every budget and every style, all in one easy to explore place.

And actually I personally see New York as the melting pot of the world, I always wanted to visit this great city because to me if I want to see people, culture and even art from all around the world, I can find it there.

I go on the subway and I see all five continents riding with me, interacting, reading, going to work on their regular day and wouldn’t you say all of them bring some of their country to this amazing city that gathers them all together?

It is very common to eat street food in NY when you’re a tourist, but my friend Juan has made it a point to visit some very interesting New York restaurants.

Even though the food may not be exactly as it is in its place of origin, in his opinion  they are authentic in regards to the city, service, décor and ambience.

So here are Juan’s suggestions for seven fantastic and affordable places to eat in the Capital of the World.

Panna II

India, the exotic land, you can almost feel the heat and the smell of spices. India’s long and intricate history along with its profound spirituality and the western influence have made for very interesting dishes that help you experience their culture through their food.

Located in the East Village Panna II is a crammed small restaurant with about a dozen tables, decorated by thousands and thousands of lights (not unlike christmas lights) from the ceiling.

What the lights have to do with India in particular, I don’t know, but it does create an intimate, festive and warm atmosphere.

Strategically placed mirrors give the space depth, making it look bigger than it actually is and giving the ceiling lights an endless feeling. Lava lamps complete the enveloping theme.

The menu includes sumptuous soups, goat, sheep, rich vegetarian dishes, shrimp, homade cheese, rice, fish and an assortment of unintelligible dishes that challenge you to try something you have no idea what it is.

So, take a leap of faith and quickly pick something, anything, it’s all delicious! It is also customary to order several dishes and just share.

Many things are pretty spicy (you have been warned), others have unknowable ingredients and you can wash it all down with Lassi, an Indian drink based on yogurt that comes in about 1500 different flavors!

A must visit place in New York, even if it’s not for every day since the food can be a bit heavy on the stomach.

Getting to Panna II

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230^th Fifth

Making a quick search online reveals 230^th Fifth as a very popular place to hang out on New Year’s Eve, however pricey. But the cover entrance price drops after midnight and Juan and his friends took advantage of the discount!

Located in the Flatiron District, the entrance isn’t obvious at all, no fancy banners or big billboards, though there is a bouncer or a doorman that decides who goes in and who doesn’t.

For New Year’s Eve, it is advisable to dress up to get into this classy restaurant or risk being denied access.

Once you’re granted entry, you need to get into the elevator that will take you to the 20^th floor where you’ll find two contrasting scenes: The closed penthouse and the fabulous terrace.

Of course, the first and obvious choice is the terrace at night with the incredible view of Midtown Manhattan, highlighted by a perfectly lit Empire State Building.

Once the adrenaline of being able to get in has worn off and the bitter cold of winter starts to crawl inside your bones (despite the heaters), it’s time to get into the penthouse.

This is where the partying atmosphere is at its peak with hip-hop, dance and electronica and the dancing is said to go on until 4 am next morning.

A bit expensive, yeah, but definitely an unforgettable experience in an amazing place.

Click here for information about New Year’s Eve 2012 celebration!

Getting to 230th Fifth

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Grimaldi’s

In a world where pizza has been industrialized and mainstreamed, can you imagine eating a delicious cheese stringing pizza, just out of a coal-fired brick oven, made in the old style?

And when I say old, I mean really old, like 2500 years old. The kind of oven used to bake the fabulous pizza pies at Grimaldi’s can be seen in the ruins of ancient Roman cities such as Pompeii and Ostia Antica.

People have been getting in line to eat Grimaldi’s pizzas for over 100 years!

With handmade mozarella, especial dough recipe and fresh ingredients, Grimaldi’s doesn’t offer a myriad of strange flavors and combinations, but a selection of excellent classic tastes with a thin crisp crust, a must see and try when visiting New York.

Grimaldi’s is located in Brooklyn near the East River, a very windy spot. Beware that there will always be a line of at least 15 people outside, so dress appropriately during winter.

With red and white squared tablecloths and crammed space, the feeling inside is very traditional, a mixture of pizza place in Italy and 50’s American diner and you can also enjoy the fantastic view of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan.

Visit Grimaldi’s website!

Getting to Grimaldi’s

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Ok, so that’s the first installment of this post, wouldn’t it be great to just print it out and make a small restaurant circuit the next time you visit New York?

Join me here next time to find out what the other four restaurants are, but for now visit their websites and drool over the menus!

Have you ever eaten in any of these restaurants?
What was your experience?
Can you recommend any other great and affordable New York restaurants?

Continue reading Part 2 of this article –>

Tags: food, New York, USA