Ai Fiori

Ai Fiori is located in the new Setai Hotel located at 400 Fifth Avenue. This elegant restaurant is know for it's Italian fare. But I stopped by for a quick lunch at the bar. I started with a glass of Riesling ($13) and an order of Crocchette - liquid foie gras cubes ($14) which were 6 delicately fried and oozed liquid foie gras.

Then I had a Mini White Label burger ($8) which was a great way not to overindulge in a full size burger. It was a mini La Frieda prime burger served with Neuske's slab bacon, black tomator and American cheese and was served medium rare. For such a small burger is was quite juicy!

Aureole - Bar Room

...is located in NYC's Times Square at One Bryant Park. I visited the Bar Room for a quick bite - an Aureole Grilled Burger ($19) which was served with applewood smoked bacon, white cheddar cheeseand pickled ramp dressing along with the requisite lettuce and tomato. The burger was cooked perfectly and was extremely juicy.

It was accompanied by a delightful silver cup of french fries - crispy and perfect. I also had a glass of Riesling ($12).

Paradou

...is located at 8 Little West 12th Street in NYC's Meat Packing District. On Sunday nights they offer an all you can eat suckling pig dinner for $29. It includes truffle mashed potatoes (creamy and delightful), jasmine rice (fluffy), tossed salad and a glass of wine (red, white or rose). What a great deal!

The pig was moist and flavorful and the skin was crispy and habit forming. So much so that "M" and I asked for just a plate of skin.

The Frying Pan

...is an old ship docked at Pier 66 near 26th Street by the West Side Highway in NYC's Chelsea.

In the summer evenings and weekends it's packed with beer drinking folks. It's very casual - no table service. You have to walk up to the counter, place your order, wait for your number to be called and pick up you food and beverages. And then hopefully you can find a table and chairs to sit down and watch the sunset.

"A" and I stopped by and each had a plastic cup of white wine sangria ($8), burger ($9) and I had fries ($4) and she had potato salad ($4). The food and drink were okay and generous portions.

But the atmosphere is like a floating frat house.

Germany - Post 16

From Munich...

At the Tollwood Holiday Fair...

Gluwhein - hot mulled red wine.

I don't like regular red wine let alone hot red wine.