Experiencing the LES…

Posted by k. parris on 6/28/09 • Categorized as Food & Wine

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When you leave trendy SoHo and enter the warmth and vibrant spirit that is the Lower East Side of Manhattan, more affectionately known as the “LES”, one might not think of eclectic yet trendy eats. Sure, the LES has the traditional bodegas with the Spanish food inside, the Chinese spots, and landmark Katz’s Deli, but cute sit down places to grab a bite? This writer raised an eyebrow at the thought. Or, at least, she used to.Walk down Allen Street, just off of 2nd Avenue and East Houston, and enter a foodie’s dining mecca. To your right, check out Molé, voted by Time Out Magazine as one of “New York’s Hot Spots of 2008″. The borderline upscale Mexican restaurant, albeit small, boasts a plethora of traditional and quirky twists on well-known items such as nachos & quesadillas. For a refreshing twist, try a scallop or a Baja fish taco. Or, you can try their huevos rancheros with a Lupe’s Bloody Mary, with jalapeno infused vodka, on their new brunch menu. The drinks are great too…aside from the unusuals like the aforementioned Bloody Mary, the traditional margaritas are great, too. Relatively unknown items you must try? Sweet roasted corn covered in chili lime mayo and queso fresco. Doesn’t sound that appetizing? Yeah, this writer thought so, too. Until she tried it. (Sigh of absolute joy…) Molé is good eats at an even better price…just keep in mind that they are a cash only restaurant.

Directly across the street lies Sugar, a quaint corner style bakery that is anything but your usual. At Sugar, breakfast is served all day long…as well it should be! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and man, does Sugar help you enjoy it. Try their yummy Belgian Waffles, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with fresh strawberry & banana compote, or with a scoop of gelato, the creamy style Italian ice cream . And speaking of gelato…it’s outrageous. The deliciousness of the gelato, that is. The flavors alternate every few days, but drop in at any time and try their caramel or their chocolate hazelnut gelato. Or, for a taste of the islands (and this writer’s personal favorite), pair mango gelato with either coconut or lime gelato. I promise you’ll be on the beach in no time.

The food at Sugar’s is just as divine, from their Filet Mignon Panini, to their turkey burger with avocado and endive. Sugar serves lunch & dinner as well, so feel free to stop in for a quick bite. And let’s not forget – the sweets. This writer – an avid sweet lover and not ashamed to say it – can definitely satisfy a sweet tooth here. From the s’mores cupcake to the carrot cake to their chocolate croissant, everything at Sugar is handmade on the premises. Paired with a cup of their coffee, it’s the perfect ending to a great meal.

Maybe Sugar and Molé aren’t your style. Maybe you just want good, filling burgers & fries. Or wings. Definitely wings. Epstein’s Bar and Grill is probably the place for you. The bar, located on the other corner of Allen & Stanton Street, boasts a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and other lunch & dinner fare. Come out on a Monday and pay 25 cents a wing, They’re worth the price without the discount, but hey. Who doesn’t like a discount? Try the steak wrap with sautéed onions and cheese with a side of onion rings, or, if you’re in a finer dining mood, give their penne a la vodka a try. And let’s not forget the drinks. Wednesday nights host $5 Red Bull & Heineken shots and for a good cause: the Cascades High School Send a Kid to College Scholarship Fund. There is, of course, an extensive beer, wine and spirits bar for everything imaginable. Ask for Shane Sunday through Wednesday and tell him that this writer suggested the chocolate cake shot or the PB&J shot. Though the PB&J shot is thankfully peanut free, trust this writer when she tells you that both shots are sinful. =)

The LES is a plethora of good eats waiting to be uncovered. Having said all that…this writer needs some mango & lime gelato in her life. So off to Sugar’s I go…

Molé Restaurant – 205 Allen Street (between Houston and Stanton)

Sugar Restaurant & Café – 200 Allen Street (between Houston and Stanton)

Epstein’s Bar and Grill – 82 Stanton Street (between Orchard and Allen)

K. Parris Catering and Personal Chef Service, LLC, is an off premise catering company specializing in French influenced Caribbean cuisine for the elegant yet trendy urban professional. We offer full service event planning, catering, and personal chef services tailored to family friendly as well as urban chic events. For more information, visit her website at www.kimberlyparris.com.

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