Meatpacking District – Manhattan, NYC

A Great Neighborhood to Meet, Greet & Eat Meat!
When visiting NYC I love to go to the Meatpacking District in Manhattan... it's got this great vibe, with remnants of cobblestone streets, refurbished warehouses, and restaurants for everyone, from high-end French cuisine to BBQ from the Dirty South. For better or for worse, many high end retail stores (Barney’s, Matthew Williamson, Hugo Boss, Ports 1961) are taking over the "MePa" area (terrible abbreviation!), and rents are growing too high for some long-time bar owners. Stay tuned as the district transforms from slightly gritty to mostly posh. Although I have to say, I love a little mix of both. Here are my favorites:

Spice Market – Jean-Georges Vongerichten is the king of East meets West cuisine. He blends classic French cooking with Asian influences so perfectly, everything he touches turns to gold. You may have seen him as a judge on this season's Top Chef...good episode! I love Spice Market for many reasons, its stunning décor, ultra cool lounge and amazing cocktails. The space is huge with lots of cavernous rooms…great for people watching! Get a reservation at 9 or 10 pm, enjoy a pineapple mojito and pan-asian delights from one of the world’s great chefs. (Fun fact: My friend Jennifer and I went here one night for mojitos and met legendary E Street Band rocker “Little Steven” Van Zandt AKA Silvio Dante from The Sopranos. He was such a trip!) Reservations required. 403 W. 13th StreetNew York, NY 10014~ (212) 675-2322

Pastis is a hip and popular French bistro, with a lively atmosphere and hearty fare. It’s a Meat Packing cornerstone, a busy place for locals, tourists, and celebrity guests alike who flock to Pastis to enjoy a glass of red wine or a Le Sazerac cocktail. Go for the traditional steak frites, sea scallops Provencal, or a hearty Croque-Monsieur. Great for people watching and feeling the vibrant energy of the City. Reservations required.
9 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014 ~ (212) 929-4844

The Hog Pit - If you are tired of the long lines, pretentious doormen and Sex and the City wannabes, head on over to The Hog Pit in the Meat Packing District. My friends and I wandered into this roadhouse and right up to the bar for some tequila shots and cheap beer. Bikers, Willie Nelson (yes, he’s a fan) and everyone in between have a great time here. The BBQ ribs, pulled pork and mini corn dogs are finger-licking good, and the low prices can’t be beat. Besides, you might catch Keanu Reeves or Johnny Knoxville playing pool, so check it out. (NOTE: Sadly, due to increased rent, The Hog Pit will be closing on Jan. 1, 2009, so go now to say goodbye.)
22 Ninth Avenue at 13th Street, New York, New York 10014 ~ (212) 604-0092

Markt – Having lived in Amsterdam, I had the opportunity to visit Belgium a few times. So, finding Markt while wandering from the Meat Packing district to Chelsea was great luck. It takes me back to the lively grand cafes of Brussels or Antwerp. I recommend sitting at the bar, ordering an icy cold Hoegaarden white beer, tomato soup, steamed mussels -- offered 6 different ways, and a side of crispy Belgian frites with mayo. Prost! (Cheers!) And, it is even open for breakfast. 676 Sixth Avenue, NY, NY ~ (212) 727-3314

Question: Has anyone been to 5 Ninth ?? I’ve heard it's a cool place that is located in an unmarked rowhouse…it's hip, serving American-Asian fusion in a rustic atmosphere. Many say it a great brunch spot. And a romantic dinner spot at night serving red snapper, chicken and short ribs in the Asian style. Many people recommend hitting the upstairs bar as it has a cool scene in the Meatpacking District, for a “Gansevoort Fizz” with Jamaican run, Drambuie, and lemon juice. In the warm weather there is a sizable garden/deck for dining. 5 Ninth Ave., New York, NY, 10014 nr. Gansevoort St. 212-929-9460

Happy Thanksgiving - Gobble Gobble!

As a Boston native, I thought I would share some ideas for Thanksgiving in my beloved home state of Massachusetts, and beyond. Happy Thanksgiving!

Plimouth Plantation: You just can't get any more "Thanksgiving" than Plymouth, MA! Why not take a lovely autumn drive to see where the the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared their very first Thanksgiving dinner. They ate turkey, potatoes, squash, corn, and even seafood and lobster at this first of many Thanksgiving meals. You can even make reservations to eat your turkey dinner at Plimouth Plantation! (One of these days we've got to do that...I hear you have to reserve months in advance though.) Visit the authentic village and Wampanoag Home Site to see traditional Native American Wampanoag and Colonial Englishmen and women "actors" living as they did back in the 17th century. A wonderful, historical place for adults and children of all ages.

Cook some great Thanksgiving recipes: I posted a few recipes earlier, but I suggest you go to Epicurious.com to find all the best recipes from Bon Appetit, Gourmet and many others.

Go out for Dinner: Not in the mood to cook this year? I don't blame you! Visit OpenTable.com to find restaurants hosting seatings on Thanksgiving Day!

Volunteer in a Soup Kitchen: While many of us are warm and comfortable at home eating turkey, sadly, there are many people who go without. Volunteer serving dinner at Rosie's Place or the Pine Street Inn. Or, help packing and preparing meals for those who are sick or hungry.

Buy a Pie for Charity: One of my favorite charitable organizations is Community Servings in Jamaica Plain, which delivers weekly meals to those suffering from AIDS or other life-threatening diseases. Every year their "Pie in the Sky" program sells pies online via their donated from hundreds of restaurants, bakeries and hotel to generate funds for the program. I have helped behind the scenes putting together boxes and delivering pies with this group for many years. In addition, you can contact them to bring a group of friends or co-workers to lend a hand during the week or on weekends to prepare and package meals. It is a great way to give back to the community.

Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Always a tradition in our house, watching those gigantic floats and balloons in the sky coming down Broadway in New York City. My favorites include Snoopy, Tom the Turkey and of course, Santa Claus!

Go see a movie: Every Thanksgiving, great movies come out. I am looking forward to the vampire book turned movie "Twilight" and "Australia" with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. Come Christmas time, we can't wait to see "Marley & Me" starring Jennifer Aniston, Owen Wilson and the beloved yellow lab Marley. If you love dogs, you must read the book and see this movie!

Go Shopping! Shopaholics know that "Black Friday" is the kick-off for the holiday shopping season. If you are a bargain hunter and thrive on chaotic department stores and long lines, go for it! If you fear the mall (like I do!), then stay away on Friday, November 28th! You have been warned!