image credit: Serious Eats If you’re planning on hanging out in Soho on the warm-weather weekends (I know we are) then you have to wander a few steps over to Nolita for the absolutely delicious, laid-back lunch spot Tacombi. As you may have imagined from our Facebook post, we are now obsessed with their Puerco tacos – tender and crispy pork combined with the fresh crunch of cucumber in a savory sauce– what’s not to like? Drizzle their Hibiscus Flower Chipotle sauce on top  and you’ll be in taco eating paradise. Not really a meat eater? Try the crispy fish … (read more).

If the idea of a latke to you means an old Jewish grandmother’s fragrant Hanukkah kitchen–or if you have no idea what a latke even is–then it’s time to head down to Kutsher’s Tribeca, a modern Jewish American bistro that will change all your notions of the cuisine’s possibilities. Like Jewish cooking itself, Kutsher’s has a storied history, beginning over 100 years ago with the 1907 founding of Kutsher’s Country Club in the Catskill Mountains. Generations later, Zach Kutsher and partners have brought the “spirit, fun, and hospitality” of the club to Manhattan’s Tribeca, with a varied, mouth-watering menu and … (read more).

Don’t be fooled by the name. Many people hear of the restaurant Sushi Samba and stop at the first word, envisioning another typical NYC Japanese restaurant. And yes, there is raw fish and a sushi bar to be found at this hotspot, but “Samba” is the name of a Brazilian dance and musical genre. Fittingly, Sushi Samba garners influences from Japan, Brazil and Peru as well, resulting in a unique blend of flavors and ingredients yielding everything from ceviche to steak to miso soup. Pair this robust menu with trendy decor and a DJ keeping the atmosphere bumping, and you’ve … (read more).

Fine gourmet cheeses, endless bottles of wine, sumptuous French bistro dishes….this might sound like the makings of a culinary daydream, but these are also the fundamental pillars of NYC’s Artisinal. Designed like an old-fashioned (but beautiful, spacious, and upscale) Parisian bistro, Artisinal specializes in fromage–the restaurant even features a “cheese cave” (ignore the questionable name), providing a temperature and humidity-controlled space for their handcrafted cheeses, and a retail counter  in the dining room if you want to take some home! But non-lactose enthusiasts, fear not: one can easily enjoy a cheese-free meal here that is equally outstanding.  I recommend a … (read more).

Nestled on 53rd and Sixth Avenue, in a bustling midtown shopping area and across the street from the wonderful MoMA lies China Grill. Part of China Grill Management (CGM) and in the family of other outposts around the world like Asia de Cuba, the restaurant offers high-end global-inspired Asian cuisine in “family style” presentation. With airy high ceilings, warm dim lighting, an extensive full bar and multilevel seating areas, the space is just as appropriate for a business power lunch as a special occasion dinner with loved ones or friends. The wide array of options and cuisine influences present on … (read more).

It’s hard to go wrong with Momofuku Ssäm Bar for an after-work NYC dinner spot. With its small-portioned mix of eclectic creations and seasonal flavors, it doesn’t just curb your hunger, it adds a bit of fun to your dining experience. Although its overwhelming crowds have died down a bit since its initial opening, new yorkers still flock here for their famous plates like the steamed buns made with delicious, juicy pork belly. On my most recent trip, I opted for a sampling of seafood options including their  p.e.i. mussels followed by an order of their raw bar’s diver scallops … (read more).

The CassaDecor team took an after-work trip to  The Meatball Shop last night to chow down on some warm comfort food, L.E.S style. As we’re no strangers to this late-night dining hotspot, we knew what we wanted before even stepping foot in the door – spicy pork with parmesan sauce and chicken with mushroom sauce. Wanting something new, we also went with a good recommendation and ordered the  mashed potatoes, which are now a new personal side-dish favorite. We were too stuffed to sample their desserts, but if you have a sweet tooth the ice-cream sandwiches are another must-try! Check … (read more).

Happy first day of spring everyone! We couldn’t be more excited for the sunny weather to return so we wanted to try some sweet treats from Baked by Melissa to celebrate not only the start of spring, but this beautiful day in NYC! If you haven’t heard of Baked by Melissa, it’s an open air,  inviting little cupcake shop famous for their funky flavors and mini bites. Since I’ve never been before and new locations seem to be popping up all over the city, I decided it was time to check it out. Take a look below at some of … (read more).

We’re no strangers to the wonders of photo-sharing phenomenons like Pinterest and The Fancy, so naturally we were very excited to come across the image heavy FoodGawker. Combining some of the best food photography the web has to offer, FoodGawker’s app (and site) let your eyes do the picking when it comes to recipes. Its functionality is typical of most free apps, like the ability to save favorites and create notes for ingredient lists, but the depth of cuisines displayed after a search sets it apart from the others. So if you’re looking for  ‘breakfast,’ ‘tacos,’ or even ‘carrots’ you’ll get … (read more).

Given my affection for tacos, when I saw that Empellón had been receiving high praises from just about every NYC publication for their take on the dish, I knew it was time for a visit. Boasting what are arguably some of the best in city, this taquería definitely puts the Mexican staple in high culinary regards. You’ll not only find the usual offering of steak, chicken, and fish, but lobster, scallop and even tongue tacos to name a few, and just as they are in no short supply of taco options, their salsa choices are nothing to laugh at. Their … (read more).