Salinas

People love to talk about the amazing, once in a lifetime restaurant experiences they have in NYC (i.e. Per Se, Daniel, Brooklyn Fare, etc), but what people fail to mention, is the enormous amount of REALLY GOOD restaurants this wonderful city also has to offer.

Hence I bring you Salinas, unassuming spot off the corner of a quiet Chelsea street, in an area not especially known for their restaurants. Lively bar at the front, retractable roof (!!) over the back end, and homey fireplace. You almost feel like you are sitting in your friends living room. 
Spanish, tapas style food always does it for me. I love that I can order the whole menu and sample many items without it being an overabundance of food. One of my favorites was the Andaluz Gazpacho with local red tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, country bread, sherry vinegar, and evoo. Now I happen for be a sucker for good gazpacho. It's one of those items that if I see it on a menu, I can't not try it. And this one was a winner. Perfect texture, nicely spiced, and just the right bite to it. The Pa Amb Oil with anchovies was pretty good, as was the blistered, salty shishito peppers. The tuna ceviche was nice although not exceptional, but the Patatas Bravas, crispy, spicy and cut small were definitely another winner.
Order a glass of Spanish wine, sit in the back next the fireplace, and enjoy the wonderful service at Salinas. 

Neighborhood: Chelsea

Good For: tapas, romantic dinner 

Bite Marks: *** 

Salinas; 136 9th Ave (between 18th - 19th) 212-776-1990

Gallow Green

On a dimly lit west side street across from the infamous "Scores", lies a nondescript hotel,  a man with an ipad, and a line of eager tourists and locals, waiting to get a taste of New York's newest secret.
Get ready to be transported back in time...to a Jazz Age lawn party on the rooftop of the Mckittrick Hotel. Gallow Green, brought to you by the same guys as the interactive show "Sleep no More", is an experience to say the least. From the moment you step into the eerie elevator, walk past the valet with the ancient luggage, and travel up the stairs, it's as if you have traveled back in time. The decor is enchanting, and the Dixieland band is pretty awesome. There are also "characters" meandering around interacting with people and interjecting themselves into conversations. The whole experience is really fun and really different. The views of the city are amazing (we even had a fireworks show to watch Saturday night), the service impeccible, and the drinks delicious.
Definitely get Gallow Green flaming absinthe punch. It only comes in a large size and runs $100, but it kept our party of 4 happy and laughing the whole night, with extra to spare and watching the waiters set it ablaze was part of the fun.

The food is pretty decent, given that you are not going there for their culinary expertise. Skip the raw veggies with cheese dip and the chips, and instead opt for the cheese plate and warm pretzels. Smoked salmon roll ups were good but small, the summer tomato salad was refreshing and light, and the grilled corn crostini with creme fresca, lime, and cilantro was also pretty decent. 

Gallow Green is definitely an experience. Coming from a jaded New Yorker, this says a lot. It's a great place to hang with some friends, celebrate an occasion, or have a romantic night. Go on a nice night, don't go starving, but get the punch and some snacks, and you're sure to have a fun time. It does get pretty chilly on the rooftop, so dress appropriately, be on time, and get don't forget "fortune favors the bold"...

Neighborhood: Chelsea

Good For: Groups, birthday's, fun night out

Bite Mark: ****

Gallow Green; 542 West 27th Street; 212-564-1662