Delish by Kish is an awesome, freshly baked, mail-to-order challah company started by Rachel Kish. She began experimenting and making her own bread because she couldn’t find any that matched her standards in Washington DC. Delish by Kish offers an array of flavors that you’d never dream of such as: Chocolate Banana (2nd pic), Everything Bagel, Peanut Butter and Chocolate (3rd pic), Pizza (4th pic) and Cinnamon Raisin. The Chocolate Banana is probably my favorite. The bread itself is already made perfectly and soft, but the bananas add a moist consistency making it taste almost like a pudding with each bite. You’ll start to pick out each bite based on if it has a banana chunk in it or not which by the way she does a great job making the loaves pretty evenly. The Pizza is the next best thing. It’s doughy, cheesy, has a little marinara but not too much so that it’s saucy or heavy in any way. It will cure any salty cravings you might have. I love how soft and doughy she makes them. A dry challah or bread is no one’s friend and it’s obvious she knows what she is doing. The Chocolate Peanut Butter was not as peanut buttery as I’d hoped. It was kind of a vague taste and more like crushed up peanut butter lining some of the chocolate. However, it was still a hit amongst those who tried it.

Each of the breads are mixed, kneaded and braided by hand. The crazy part about this whole mail-order business is that it still tastes fresh out of the oven once it arrives at your doorstep and as if you picked it up at your local grocery store that day. The Challahs lasts between 5-7 days if you can keep it out of your hands for that long.

To order for purchase, you can email Rachel at delishbykish@gmail.com. Orders placed by 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday will be baked the next baking day and delivered. Chek it out and enjoy your new door-to-door treasure!

p.s. Rachel is working on a gluten-free recipe right now, too.

Hybird. Location: Chelsea Market. 15th and 9th Ave. Scene: Kiosk. Stand. Food: Fried Chicken. Slushies. Dumplings. Cupcakes. Buttermilk Biscuit.

Chek Recs:

1. Fried Chicken Drumstick (1st pic)
2. Watermelon Jalapeno Loveslush (3rd pic)
3. Curry Up Chicken Dumpling (4th pic)

It’s not everyday ?uestlove aka Ahmir-Khalib Thompson (yeah that’s his name), the drummer from The Roots opens up a Fried Chicken stand with Dumplings and Cupcakes. Best known for his performance as Jimmy Fallon’s houseband and regularly at Brooklyn Bowl on Thursday nights, he has teamed up with famed restauranteur Stephen Starr (Buddakaan and Morimoto) to give the people what they want. Located in Chelsea Market and surrounded by a few other vendors, Hybird, is a very easy to-go option that will keep your tummy happy. There is no seating. You walk up, order a couple Fried Chicken pieces (drumsticks only) a Buttermilk Biscuit with Honey Butter for the road and the best Watermelon Jalapeño Slushy you’ve ever had. The dumplings seem a bit odd to go with this combo but why not?

Do not be skeptical. The Fried Chicken is awesome. It’s hot, crisped to the right amount without being too crunchy and oily or too soggy, and it travels very well. The meat pulls off the bone easily and you might want to think twice about getting more than one for yourself. Beware of the slushy. Since you get this first while they pack up your order, it’s possible to suck the whole thing down in minutes before you even get your food. It’s that awesome, icy and has great texture. The biscuit is solid, nothing no one else can’t produce, and the honey butter is the secret ingredient- obviously. Upfront, I’ll let you know dumplings have never been my go-to food so this isn’t a department I’m ever too excited about. The Curry Up Chicken is my favorite and super spicy. You get several pieces for just one order weighing in at $7. The Tofu dumpling is brown and long, kind of looks like a roach (sorry to ruin it) so I just couldn’t focus on the taste and didn’t like it that much. To add to the carbo-loading experience you can choose between cupcake flavors such as: Sexual Chocolate, Miso Ho-Ney (corn cake and honey-miso buttercream), Beyond the Pineapple (carrot-thai red curry icing), etc. Hybird is definitely worth checking out. Grab a few boxes and take them up to The High Line to indulge.

Ample Hills Creamery. Location: Brooklyn. Prospect Heights. Scene: Ice Cream Shop. Happiness. Food: Ice Cream Sundaes. Scoops. Cookies. Ice Cream Cakes.

Chek Recs:

1. The Way The Cookie Crumbles: Vanilla with Chocolate Chip Cookie and Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownie Pieces (2nd and 3rd pic)
2. Ooey Gooey Butter Cake: Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream with Gobs of St. Louis Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Pieces
3. Sweet Cream n’ Cookies: Sweet Cream Ice Cream with Pieces of All-Natural Back to Nature Sandwich Cream Cookies (1st pic)

Ample Hills Creamery: one place has never made me so stressed out and so happy all at once. After walking from the Brooklyn Bridge to the ice cream shop in Prospect Heights to find a line out the door, it didn’t even matter as I was studying the daily menu. The place was everything I’d wished and hoped it would be. Outrageous over-the-top flavors overflowing with cookies, fudge brownies, pecan brittle, froot loops, frosted flakes, cotton candy, etc. This is an ice cream and cookie lovers dream come true. There are pretzel cones and chocolate chip cones with 24 flavors to choose from, toppings and baked goods. The mini bike in the window keeps children “active” and looking adorable. They also have a “Swap-D-Matic” machine where you can place any type of momento such as a key chain or even note inside and pull something else out. Who knows?

Back to the ice cream. It is made inside a Blast Freezer which means that it freezes to negative 30 degrees super quickly so that it is never icy and only pure and creamy. This prevents any water build up in the freezing process which makes it taste richer because the water doesn’t get mixed in and it’s more concentrated. You can go for a kids, single, double, pint or sundae. To have to narrow down which flavors come in your bowl is just as nerve racking as jumping in the closing doors of the subway. The Way The Cookie Crumbles is (obviously) one of the best ice cream flavors I’ve ever had. Vanilla with chocolate chip cookies and dark chocolate fudge brownie bites that aren’t too hard or frozen is incredible. The fact that they taste as if they were just baked is amazing for a frozen dessert. Let’s just say when my bowl was empty, I stared at it so long in disbelief as if someone stole it out of my hands before I got a bite. The ice creams are not too milky or heavy. The next best thing is the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake which is vanilla ice cream loaded with gobs of St. Lois Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Pieces. One of the most popular flavors that is mentioned in all of the  press hanging on the walls is the Salted Crack Caramel with salted butter caramel ice cream with pieces of Deb’s famous crack cookies (saltines, butter, sugar and chocolate). I actually didn’t like this salted caramel flavor as much as LA’s Sweet Rose Creamery’s. It was way too rich for me and tasted more like dulce de leche. Anywho, I dont think you can go wrong here whether you are enjoying the Toffee Bar Crunch, Pistachio, Banana or indulging in a Build Your Own Sundae – choice of brownie or butter cake bottom with any flavor ice cream, fudge or salted carmel, rainbow or chocolate sprinkles and whipped cream. Ample Hills Creamery is dreamy, life changing and adds an unbelievable dance to your tastebuds. 

Spreads. Location: Murray Hill. 30th and Park. Scene: Sandwich Shop. Pick Up. Busy Lunch. Food: Sandwiches. Salad. Veggie Sides. Chia See Pudding. Granola. Cold Press Juices. Cookies.

Chek Recs:

1. Turkey Sandwich: Avocado, Monterey Jack, Spinach, Aleppo Pickled Roasted Peppers, Spicy Chipotle Aioli, Tortilla Chips on Ciabatta (1st pic)
2. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: Kale Slaw, Quinoa Salad, Marinated Brussels Sprouts, House Greens, House Sherry Shallot Dressing (2nd pic)
3. Truffled Grilled Cheese: Aged Cheddar, Grilled Asparagus, Black Truffle Spread, House Spread on Grilled Pressed Sourdough (4th pic)
4. Gold Pressed Juice: Carrot, Cucumber, Apple, Lime and Ginger

Spreads is just what Murray Hill needed. It’s a creative sandwich shop a step above the likes of Potbelly that has different ingredients throwing you for a loop such as tortilla chips in a turkey sandy, pretzel rolls, a coconut “bacon” BLT, a crunchy grilled cheese with asparagus and black truffle spread, etc. The vegetable sides are fresh and full of flavor only costing $5 a pop for a great portion and healthy snack. My favorite sandwich is the Turkey which comes with Avocado, Monterey Jack, Spinach, Aleppo Pickled Roasted Peppers, Spicy Chipotle Aioli, Tortilla Chips on a toasted Ciabatta. While Ciabatta is probably my least favorite bread, their homemade recipe is softer than most and not too thick or overpowering for the sandwich. You can really taste each ingredient with every bite, and the roasted peppers are awesome. I loved the crunch of the tortilla chips surprisingly. The Schnitzel is with Dark Meat Chicken, the same roasted red peppers, Roasted Garlic Aioli, Kale Slaw and is pretty saucy and standard (5th pic).  I’d skip the Nutella Sandwich (3rd pic)  which sounds incredible with Organic Peanut Butter, Hazelnut Chocolate Nutella, Banana, Caramelized Puffed Rice on Grilled Pressed Challah. I think the nutella and thicker bread are too intense as I couldn’t really taste the peanut butter or puffed rice. The Roasted Butternut Squash Salad blew me away that I lost concentration on the sandwiches. It reminds me a bit of Hu Kitchen’s flavors. The squash is cooked perfectly making it soft and sweet, and the brussels sprouts are some of the best I’ve had. They are sweet and made with honey and balsamic vinegar which is probably the best combination for this vegetable. You can order this squash or brussels sprouts as a side as well. It’s a pretty big salad and filling, so a perfect lunch option.

There are six options of brightly colorful cold press fresh squeezed juices. The Gold, which is orange, is made with carrot, cucumber, apple, lime and ginger. It’s sweet and goes down easy. The line can get a bit long during lunch time but nothing unusual. You walk in, order from the menus and daily specials listed on the walls and then wait until they call your number. The red stools against the windows make great seats for looking out and enjoying yourself if you decide to dine in. Overall, Spreads is a wonderful sandwich and upscale salad shop and is definitely on my top list of lunch places in this neighborhood. Smell ya later Subway lovers.

Parish Hall. Location: Brooklyn. Williamsburg. North 3rd Street. Scene: Clean. Relaxed. Food: Egg and Cheese Sandwich. Beet and Brisket Hash. Savory Oatmeal. Porchetta Sandwich.

Chek Recs:

1. Duck Hash: Braised Duck, Celery, Apple, Potatoes, Kale, Two Eggs and Toast (1st pic)
2. Chopped Salad: Market Vegetables, Vermont Goat Cheese, Lemon-Butternut Dressing (2nd pic)

Parish Hall reeled me in because it’s the second restaurant from the owners of Egg, which is one of my favorite brunch places in Brooklyn. Upon entering the space, it is very modern, symmetrical and pure. It’s very clean and crisp with little decor but a few flowers in the room. This makes it look very spacious and different from most brunch scenes throughout the city where people are squished in line or craming 7 people into a table that’s really made for 4. The entire place benefits from natural lighting, but the front feels more social and friendly due to the large windows and communal tables. Because the back doesn’t have any windows for guests to look out of it almost feels like a bland cafeteria.

The menu is pretty straight to the point with plates vs. sandwiches. The Chopped Salad might not be the first thing that pops out at you in this menu full of Smoked Trout and Eggs, Patty Melt or a Ploughman Grilled Cheese sandwich, but I’m telling you this salad is awesome and the perfect healthy dish to wake you up on Saturday morning. It’s filled with market vegetables that are in season such as turnips, parsnips, celery root, radish as well as apples, pecans and goat cheese. It’s more of a veggie plate than a typical salad with lettuce, and it tastes fresh out of the garden. The Johnny Cakes are a thin Swedish type pancake. It’s so light, but I’m more into the thick, fluffy kind that give you a stomach ache…right? The Duck Hash is also a big hit with kale, braised duck and two poached eggs. The portions are very fair and the size that most restaurants should be serving these days. The service is pretty quick and pushed us out in almost an hour making me feel a little empty. Parish Hall which was New York Magazine named Best Brunch of 2013 would not win that award from me, but the quality of the ingredients and pleasant environment is definitely something that stands out. 

New Malaysia. Location: Chinatown. Bowery and Canal. Scene: Casual. Cheap. Minimal. Food: Malaysian. Satay Chicken. Curry Seafood Soup. Fried Rice. Mango Chicken. Hainanese Chicken. Steam Tilapia. Hot & Spicy Prawns.

 Chek Recs:

1. Roti Canai (Indian Pancake)
2. Satay Beef
3. Sarang Burong: Sauteed Chicken, Shrimp, Cashews, in a Crispy Taro Net

Have you ever had Sting Ray? I didn’t think so. New Malaysia down in Chinatown is serving up Malaysian style food which is a mix of Indian, Chinese and Malays. It tastes and looks pretty much like Chinese or Asian food, but you are in for a real treat and trip here. Start with the Roti Canai. It’s kind of like naan and seems weird to be dipping your bread savior in this liquid sauce with a few chicken pieces, but it’s awesome. The bread is soft and a mix of a tortilla texture with some fluff. I love the Satay Beef appetizer with the crushed up peanuts and sauce. The peanut flavoring is just vague enough so you don’t feel you are eating peanut butter like some Thai restaurants mistakenly prepare. It falls right off the wooden skewer with each bite and is tasty. You must start with these. The most impressive and absurd dish was the Sarang Burong in a Taro Net. I wasn’t even sure if part of it was edible, but yes, that happens to be the taro. The chicken, baby shrimp and greens housed inside are very light and healthy. It’s like a fancy stir fry served in a “hat” that happens to be an amazing crunchy, doughy, and almost creamy shell. Cut this thing open to find the gold and dig in. This dish is fun and influential.  Steer clear of the veggie sides.  They sound and look delicious, but they are laced with anchovies creating a stench and not pleasing taste for this particular recipe. Next up is the Sting Ray in Banana Leaf (pic below). I mean it is seafood, it’s fish, what is the big deal?  You would never know it’s sting ray by the white flakey interior either.  It’s drenched in sauce, but not oily and looks similar to the amazing miso fish I devoured at Cafe China. I liked it at the beginning, but half way in I just couldn’t do it anymore. Not sure if I overdosed in beef skewers or taro shells, but I think I’m good without Sting Ray for now. However, if you are up for a challenge or some fun material to help you impress your next Match.com date, go for the Ray. New Malaysia is a learning experience, and the staff couldn’t be friendlier. Take your tastebuds on a journey and mosey on in here for a casual lunch or carefree dinner. You’ll feel like you did a good deed trying new things and actually loving them. New Malaysia is a keeper. 

One word: BRUNCH. The one thing that drives all New Yorkers to the streets on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Whether it’s for the bottomless mimosas or the irresistible flakey biscuits or challah french toast, we have a brunch culture and cult following here unlike any other city. Brunch can also be an easier time to get ressies at some of those killer dinner spots.

Here is a list of some of the most crave-able and memorable downtown brunches that I always find myself running back to:

1. Cookshop (Chelsea/High Line): Must-order  Cookshop Scramble (lox and caramelized onions on a biscuit)
2. Pulino’s (Bowery): Think Egg Pizza (2nd pic) and Skillet Pancake
3. Jane (Greenwich Village): Creme Brûlée French Toast
4. The Smith: Huevos Rancheros (5th pic) and Cheddar Chive Biscuit
5. Northern Spy Food Company (East Village): 1st pic
6. Hundred Acres (SoHo)
7. Cafe Orlin (East Village)
8. Penelope (Murray Hill): Plan accordingly for the long wait…
9. Cafe Cluny (West Village): 6th pic
10. Extra Virgin (West Village): Perfect Pancakes (7th pic)
11. The Dutch (SoHo)
12. Blue Ribbon Bakery (West Village): Challah French Toast
13. Clinton St. Bakery (Lower East Side)
14. Joseph Leonard (West Village): Croissant Egg Sandy with Srirracha Brussels Sprouts
15. Diner (Williamsburg)
16. Egg (Williamsburg)
17. Westville (West Village, Chelsea, East Village, Tribeca)
18. Peels (East Village): Build-a-Biscuit (pic below), Spa Eggs and Baked Goods
19. August (West Village): Egg in a Hole and Burger with Fries
20. Bubby’s (Tribeca): Grits (pic below)
21. Maialino (Gramercy)
22. Recette (West Village): Burrata Grilled Cheese
23. Buvette (West Village): Steamed Eggs
24. Friend of a Farmer (Gramercy)
25. Philip Marie (West Village): Chicken & Brie Sandwich and Chocolate Chip Pancakes

The Lobster Place. Location: Chelsea Market. 15th St. and 9th Ave. Scene: To-Go. Fish Market. Food: Sushi. Lobster. Seafood. Lobster Roll. Tuna Melt. Ipswich Belly Roll. Popcorn Scallops. Fried Shrimp.

Chek Recs:

1. Crab Club: Peekytoe Crab Salad, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado on Toasted Rye
2. Sushi

The Lobster Place just underwent a huge renovation in Chelsea Market. The expansion consisted of the space and new menus galore with a “Shack in the Back” that serves cold sandwiches and hot sandwiches, plates, wraps, steamed lobster and salads. Think Tarragon Shrimp Roll, Oyster Po’ Boy, New England Clam Chowder Bread Bowl, Lobster Salad Wrap, Mediterranean Grilled Salmon Salad and even a “Lobster Place Picnic Box” which inclues a choice of Lobster Roll (MP), Tarragon Shrimp Roll ($12.95) OR Crab Club ($15.95) packed in a picnic box with a bag of Cape Cod Chips, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie and a Main Root Soda. What a dreamy lunch. The sushi bars are insane, and there are more than enough options to choose from. It’s awesome to be able to watch the sushi prep, oysters shucking and seafood cleaned right before your eyes. There are counters to “dine in” and have a glass of wine with your made to order sushi, mussels or other items or there are high-top tables by the entrance for takeaway eating.

The Crab Club sandwich rocks the boat. The crab is so fresh, cold and lacks any signs of mayo overdose. The ingredients in the sandwich are thick enough to over power the bread, and the avocado touch is just enlightening. I love this sandy. The sushi is also all delicious, and there are so many prepared options just staring at you to choose. Alaska Roll, Yellowtail Jalapeno, Eel Hand Roll,  Jonah Crab Roll, Deluxe Tempura, Pink Lady, Vegetarian, inside out rolls, seaweed-wrapped rolls, etc. It is ideal for seafood lovers and chefs. Come here to pick up some fish to cook at home and impress your friends or just swing by when you need that lobster fix. The Lobster Place is a great lunch option for those working in the neighborhood, a good grab-and-go picnic for those looking to explore up on the High Line and a fantastic grocery store for all things seafood.

Osteria Morini. Location: SoHo. Spring and Lafayette. Scene: American. Older. Food: Italian. Crued Meats and Cheese. Gnocchi. Risotto. Branzino. Duck. Cornish Hen. Crispy Veal Cutlet. Short Ribs. 32 oz. Steak for Two.

Chek Recs:

1. Tagliatelle: Ragu Antica, Parmigiano (1st pic)
2. Brodetto: Adriatic-Style Seafood Soup of Calamari, Scallops, Fish, Shrimp, Clams and Mussels (2nd pic)
3. Cauliflower and Escarole Gratin (pic below)

Osteria Morini is Michael White’s more casual downtown Italian eatery compared with his award-winning Central Park Marea, an Italian seafood masterpiece. The thing about Chef White’s restaurants are that he has an older crowd following as well as the younger food heads (I don’t believe in the word foodie). All ages flock to his cooking and want to experience his flavors and taste. Osteria Morini’s space reminded me of some of my favorite Italian restaurants back home in Houston. It’s a very large open room for a Manhattan spot and full of families,  first and third dates and young people all at once. Framed black and white photos are pasted on the walls and aluminum and brass colored pots and pans line the back by the kitchen. The hardest part is deciding which of the  13 handmade pastas to order. Spoiler alert: the Tagliatelle is bomb. It’s delivered steaming (but not too hot) on a small plate with just the right amount of ragu and parmesan cheese ratio. The addition of the carrots in the ragu sauce adds the magic touch. It’s standard, al dente pasta and it’s awesome. If you can’t decide between the Cappelletti with truffled ricotta and melted butter, Gramigna with pork sausage and swiss chard or Creste with shrimp and seppia ragu, pop in on Monday industry nights after 9:30 p.m. when White serves all pastas for 10 bucks. Getcha some.

As for entrees, I loved the Brodetto which is a standard Bouillabaise in a light tomato broth overflowing with my bff, the crustacean and other seafood. It has calamari, scallops, fish, shrimp, clams and huge, tastey mussels. The seafood is better quality but just as pleasing and as Bianca’s up the street which is my all time favorite. The special dry aged 14 oz. ribeye is obviously a huge hunk of meat and will please any Texan boy. Get this juicy beast cooked medium rare. I spent most of my time hacking away at the Cauliflower and Escarole gratin. It’s a nice mix of texture, great size portion and delicious. Osteria Morini is an amazing downtown Italian go-to. You can easily make this your neighborhood spot and will feel revived after each bite.

Barbuto. Location: West Village. Scene: Wholesome. Lovely. Beautiful. Food: Bruchetta. Spicy Sausage and Fried Eggs. Bucatini Carbonara. Baked Eggs. Veal and Pork Fiorentini. Mussels. Pasta.

Chek Recs:

1. Pollo al Forno: Roasted JW Chicken & Salsa Verde (1st and 2nd pic)
2. Pizza Uovo: Oven Baked Eggs, Salsa Verde & Pancetta (3rd pic)
3. Frittata Stagionale: Seasonal Italian Style Omelette (4th pic)
4. Kale Salad: Pecorino, Breadcrumbs and Anchovy (pic below)

Barbuto is the holy place that belongs to chef Jonathan Waxman. If you read interviews with any New York chef, they always credit Jonathan Waxman as being a mentor and one of the best, innovative chefs. Always. The West Village spot offers the kind of menu and restaurant space suitable for any age and occasion. The garage doors that overlook Washington St. are extremely memorable, and the space is exceptionally airy and spacious. When the windows and door are open, it’s  perfect option for spring and summer dining. While the food is yes, incredible, it’s the quality service, beautiful, non showy people and the location that make it so quaint and charming.

Now I’m sure you’ve heard about the iconic chicken. It’s true, this is the BEST bird I’ve ever had. It’s juicy, tender, succulent yet simple and really tastes like a home cooked meal. It’s bursting with flavor, and I literally couldn’t keep my eyes off of it or pay attention to any conversations at the table for that matter. I could eat this chicken every day and never get sick of it. You must get it for the table if you dare to share….Other great brunch dishes are the Seasonal Frittata which looks perfect on the plate and Pizza Uovo which is egg pizza on some good, warm homemade flatbread. The Kale Salad is simple, fresh and divine and tastes like a garden. The Crespella (5th pic) thin pancakes with pears are very interesting and taste more like crepes than a traditional buttermilk breakfast pancake. Barbuto is that classic restaurant you want to: A. take your parents to, B. stroll in on a random Sunday night or C. when you just need an uplifting moment- this is your answer and remedy. There is a private room if you have a large group and for a party of 6-8 make sure to snag the chef’s table in the back kitchen. When you find yourself not wanting to leave the table after the check’s been paid for and there is no food left to much on,  this is how you know a restaurant is special.