Dim Sum - The Golden Unicorn

So it's been a few weeks since I've posted; it's been a little busy at the lab - but I'm back today to talk about my favorite Dim Sum place in the city (shown to my courtesy of a good friend).

For those who are unaware of the concept of Dim Sum, it's a traditional Chinese restaurant where steamed dimplings, filled with seafood, beef, chicken, pork or vegetables are brought around on carts. You can order lots of different varieties, and it's fairly inexpensive.

The Golden Unicorn has been my group of friends' favorite spot since before I even moved here, and when I joined the group, it became our regular Sunday brunch treat. Some noteworthy dishes are the amazing steamed pork buns, the fantastic shrimp rolls, and shrimp shumai, as well as the Peking Duck Pancakes which were great.

Prices were very reasonable, at $36.00 for two of us (after getting stuffed).

Noteworthy comments: make sure to come early, because the options are more plentiful before 1:00 PM. Also, if you're not really into green tea, ask for them not to give you any because they just put it on the table, and then charge for it. Finally - Remember that they are CASH ONLY.

Otherwise, just point, eat, and enjoy!

To get to the Golden Unicorn (at 18 East Broadway (Chinatown)):

Take the: J, M, Z, the 6, or the N, R, Q, W to Canal Street. The F train to East Broadway. The 4, 5, or 6 to Brooklyn Bridge. The restaurant is a short walk from all of those stops.

View Larger Map

View Larger Map

The Backroom - a 1920's Speakeasy in Modern Day Manhattan

Photo by Mark Peterson (New York Magazine)

The Backroom, a speakeasy hidden behind the facade of the "Lower East Side Toy Co." is a truly unique experience. Located at 102 Norfolk St., between Delancey and Rivington in the Lower East Side, it provides an experience we all love - feeling as if we're in on a secret. I first visited this speakeasy with a group of friends. When we got to this "toy store" we were allowed entrance by a bouncer, leading us through an alleyway below the building, up a short flight of stairs, and into the golden room.

As if entombed since the 1920's, the Backroom looks like the Gambinos would fit right in. The dimly lit room, with gold wallpaper and Victorian paintings of women in the nude adds to the ambiance. The large comfortable couches, as well as the early 20th century knick-knacks make for a relaxing atmosphere. However, one of the greatest Backroom gimmicks is its beverage service. Like any good prohibition era establishment, the Backroom serves all alcohol in disguise. Beer is served in a paper bag, and cocktails are served in tea cups or coffee mugs. Their off-menu drink, the "Velvet Hand" was delicious, combining vanilla vodka, raspberry liquor, and champagne.

Overall, the Backroom was entertaining, unique, and a whole lot of fun. They recently established a 25 year old and up policy on Saturdays and Sundays, and the bouncer seems to assure that a female heavy ratio is allowed in. However, if you've passed those two criteria, enjoy a drunken trip to the 1920s.

Subways: F to Essex St. or the J, M, Z to Delancey St.

More to come!

Shachar
New York City, 2010





View Larger Map


View Larger Map

ShacHarpatkaot in New York

Hey all,

I decided to open this blog as means to discuss my recent adventures (Harpatkaot) in New York. I'm going to try to include places I've been, including maps, useful tips, prices, and recommendations.

More to come!

Shachar

New York City, 2010