Random Toughts - Expert Traveler

More airports should have lines like this one in Orlando...

It always blows my mind when I'm in security and see A) the lady that is shocked she is not allowed to bring a gallon bottle of shampoo in her carry on, B) the dude that is shocked his watch, belt & chain are made of metal or C) every other f*cking person that I have wasted time waiting behind.

Verlaine

I really enjoy going out in the Lower East Side. Not sure I'd ever live there but socially, it might be my favorite neighborhood in NYC. The LES is also home to Verlaine which has become one of my staples for late night drinks.

This spot is unassuming and often overlooked because of the business of Rivington as well as the many other louder establishments near by. It's dark inside and surprisingly spacious with a very long bar. They have beers from 12 countries and one of the most expansive cocktail menus I've ever seen in my life. I'm talking like 60 different whiskeys and 20 different rums amongst a massive wine list as well.

The decor is cool with vintage pictures and some bizarre artwork as well. Some is NC17 but who am I to judge. Check out Verlaine next time you are in that neighborhood and don't want to wait in line and/or walk into a mobbed scene like Pianos.

Verlaine

110 Rivington Street
New York, NY 10002-8800
(212) 614-2494
http://www.verlainenyc.com/

Eight Mile Creek

I've been to Australia and I've been to "Australian" restaurant that are terrible portrayals of the country; focusing on all the stereotypes and not even remotely resembling the culture. Eight Mile Creek in SoHo is the opposite of every sh*tty Australian restaurant I've been to.

The authenticity is clear immediately when you enter the front bar area and are greeted by an Aussie bartender who is offering you a wide array of beers from down under and I promise you Fosters is not one of them. I like Coopers Pale Ale (green label) and they have plenty of those.

The food at Eight Mile Creek is just as delicious and genuine with Crisp-baked Barramundi Fillet and Emu Carpaccio amongst other Aussie tastes. My recommendation is to start with the Sweet Chili Crayfish Cake with red wine vinaigrette, saffron aioli and then pic your entree of choice. Do yourself a favor and hit to place when it's warm so you can enjoy the outdoor seating in their OuT-the-bAck garden. This is one of the best outdoor dining venues in my New York City experience.


After you meal head down below to the creek bar downstairs. It's dark and tight but has a ton of character. There might be some rugby on the tube and there might be some live music but definitely adds value to this establishment. I had been to Eight Mile Creek three times before I even knew the basement bar where there.

So next time you are looking for a good restaurant in SoHo prior to a night out, have a walkabout to this place. G'day Mate.

Eight Mile Creek
240 Mulberry Street
New York, NY 10012-5755
(212) 431-4635
http://www.eightmilecreek.com/

Kenn's Broome Street Bar

"Dive Bar" always carries and interesting definition and especially in New York City. Established in 1972, Kenn's Broome Street Bar stakes it's claim in SoHo as a dive bar but in my very unimportant opinion it is anything but. In my opinion, cheap bear, sh*tty furniture and a rude bartender constitute as a dive bar. This corner pick has a wide selection of beers and they certainly are not cheap but is still a fun place to go for an afternoon of drinking.

If you can, get a seat by the window; it makes the bar feel less crowded and it's great for people watching. Kenn's has character and is a nice change of pace from the stuffiness of the surrounding neighborhood. If you are looking for late night eats, this establishment will take care of you with a kitchen that stays open very late. I recommend the fries.

Check out Kenn's Broome Street Bar for Saturday or Sunday afternoon beers and a good dose of character. Not many places in the city can say they have been around since the early 70's.

Kenn's Broome Street Bar

363 West Broadway
New York, NY 10013-2209
(212) 925-2086
http://broomestreetbar.ypguides.net/

Frank

Happy New Year my peoples. 2010 huh, I feel old sometimes.

I'd like to start off the New Year posting about one of my absolute favorite places in New York. Frank in the East Village is a place a rave about to lots of people and am constantly shocked to find out that people have never heard of this place. If you are walking down 2nd Avenue it is easy to miss but once you've eaten there you'll never cruise by without remembering exactly where it is.

The entrance brings you in the wine bar portion of the restaurant so if you can grab a seat at the bar, hold on for dear life because seating is at a premium and if you don't have a reservation you could be a while and there is not much free standing area that is not high traffic. The bartenders I've encountered have been extremely friendly and helpful when eating in the bar area. When the weather is nice you can eat outside which is always a plus.

Lots of wine and cocktail selections but the food is what really sells this establishment. Seems silly to talk about the bread at a restaurant but olives and oil that compliment the bread make it a delicious start. I also definitely recommend the Steamed Mussels for an appetizer and try to order from the expansive and daily changing specials menu. I promise if you try this Italian gem you will be recommending it to all your friends.

Frank
88 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10003
(212) 420-0202
http://www.frankrestaurant.com/