Tag Archives: raisins

BIKINIS

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I love finding somewhat hidden gems around the city. And luckily, I found another, in Alphabet City, for brunch, BIKINIS. 

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First off, the name is pretty adorable, so, I knew we were off to a good start. This Spanish cuisine restaurant is small, yet very bright and charming. On the walls you’ll find quirky pictures and paintings, namely one of a hairy chested, mustachioed man. Everything on the menu is extremely affordable and sounded delicious.

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We were first brought out some complimentary little Mimosa shots. Not a bad way to start.

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Then, for my entree, I ordered the Verde Bikini (Barcelona style pressed sandwich made with challah bread, sautéed crimini mushrooms, organic catalan style spinach, pine nuts, raisins, roasted peppers, provolone cheese). Served with a mixed green salad, this was a really nice sandwich. Golden brown and crisp around the edges, this was more of a fork-and-knife sandwich for me. The ingredients go really nicely together, and the mix of textures and flavors made this really tasty. 

The Shorts:
Name: BIKINIS
Location: 56 Avenue C, NYC
The Long and Short: Would I go back? For sure. The space is totally charming and the service was excellent.
Would I recommend it? Yes. They have a really nice menu, something for everyone, at really affordable prices, in a casual, cozy space. Just a heads up, they’re only open for dinner and tapas Tuesday-Sunday and brunch Saturday and Sunday.

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General Assembly

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Sad news, I just recently read that General Assembly, in Flatiron, would be closing after just a short six months of being open. Well, there are always some reasons why places close up shop so soon, but I will say, it certainly wasn’t because of the food or service, which were both amazing. 

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Since it won’t be open too much longer, I’ll save the details of the image and get straight to what I ate. First, you’re served a skillet with an olive oil and salt brushed fresh bread. It’s beyond delicious, warm, light and doughy and slightly crisp on the top from the oven. 

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Next, as an appetizer, we had their Crudite and Dips: Smoked Tomato-White Bean, Housemade Ricotta-Local Honey-Chili Oil, Red Quinoa, Fava and Avocado (Served with seasonal vegetables and freshly grilled flatbread). These were a really great starter, and more than enough for a group of four to share. Each dip is different and dynamic. The Smoked Tomato-White Bean had a great flavor, almost like sun dried tomato, and texture, like a guac consistency. Which, is really what the Fava and Avocado reminded me of. The Ricotta was really interesting, maybe my least favorite of the group, it was thick and rich, but when paired with the flatbread (which actually tasted like matzoh to me), was a nice combination. I really liked the Red Quinoa, which really wasn’t much of a dip, so much as a tapioca consistency. It was a little sweet, with golden raisins, and went really well with the flatbread as well. 

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I also ordered a side of their Charred Broccoli. This was incredible, I could probably eat this everyday and not get tired of it. The florets of the broccoli are charred, but don’t have any sort of burnt taste, just a lightness of crunch and crispness. They have peppers mixed in, and a sauce at the bottom that’s savory and delicious. 

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Then, for my entree, I ordered the Grilled Branzino (Summer Squashes, Eggplant). Another amazing dish. The fish was light and tender, and served in the perfectly generous portion. The vegetables complimented the dish very nicely, fresh, flavorful and delicious. 

The Shorts:
Name: General Assembly
Location: 360 Park Ave South, NYC
The Long and Short: Would I go back? If it weren’t closing, for sure. Tear. 
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Now, I’m not 100% sure when the doors will finally be closing, but, if you can beat the clock and make it there, you won’t regret it.