Always on the lookout for a fabulous Vegan option, I was thrilled when I learned that John's Italian Restaurant offers a Vegan menu! 

No, seriously you have no idea how fabulous this is for me? A real Italian restaurant that knows what they're doing, and they offer options of items that I love but converted into Vegan! Ahhhh. Seriously I can hardly contain my excitement!

Pasta with Vegan Alfredo sauce! Vegan pizza with Daiya cheese!!!!!! Seitan marsala! All my italian favorites done by professionals!

I can't wait to try it out! Have you tried their vegan menu? Thoughts? Leave 'em in the comments!

I recently had the pleasure to visit Bareburger in Greenwich Village. The restaurant that boasts free-range, grass-fed meats and that to me is something splurge worthy! When I eat beef, grass-fed is the only way to go. In addition to the typical beef, turkey and veggie, Bareburger also offered portabella, lamb, elk, bison and ostrich – not my thang but people seemed pretty excited by it! Also, you get to choose among a brioche bun, multi-grain roll, iceberg lettuce wrap, a wheat flour rap, or a gluten-free tapioca rice bun.

We also ordered the pickle sampler, which was delish! The bread and butter pickes were my fave, followed in a close second by the spicy pickles and garlic pickles. They have tons of different fun burgers and amazing dipping sauces. 

At around $10 bucks a burger, Bareburger's prices are reasonable for a sit-down meal in the Village. I also appreciated the vegetarian options of both a veggie burger and a portobellow! And in warmer weather, the Greenwich Village location has some prime outdoor seating so you can devour your burger al fresco!

I'd say it's a must-try! The ambience is adorable and casual. The service is quick and friendly.  

Visit Bareburger at their Village location or online.

535 Laguardia Place
New York
(212) 477-8125

After reading a rave review in the New York Times about Ballato's elite celeb clientele the forever-tourist in me made a mental note that I HAD to get there. Saturday night I end up down the street with close friends after a few glasses of wine and the clock struck 1045 and we figured that maybe we had a chance in hell to get in. You see, on my way to my friend's apartment I noticed a massive crowd waiting outside the door. Luck would have it, by 10:45 at night there weren't that many people left. We walked in, past Emilio Vitolo, the owner who scrutinizes Ballato virgins newcomers from his front corner table. 

We quickly felt at home though after ordering zucchini fritti and baked clams (both of which were cooked to perfection). The entire menu is classic, unfrilly dishes. And the Tuscan decor set the perfect tone for a perfect class of wine to go with your delicious plate of pasta! We sampled the Spaghetti and Meatballs and Chicken Parm, both of which were the moistest meatballs I've ever tasted and pounded to perfection, respectively. 

We didn't see any celebs but our meal was impeccable. There is a private dining space in the back to host celeb clientele like Lenny Kravits, Billy Joel, Drew Barrymore, Tom Hanks amongst others. Keeps the rif raf like moi out!

Honestly this restaurant feels like one of those great NYC gems that only the locals know about. Food is delicious, ambience feels authentic, portions are good and prices are reasonable. 

Be sure to eat the bread and get some meatballs! Tell 'em Smartypanties sent ya!

Visit Ballato's in NYC! You'll Grazi me! xoxo

Check out my sweet pics…

All that remained of my dinner!

Celebs sign the wall! One day, Emilio! One day… Smartypanties will be up there!

The Fairmont Copley Plaza has a sister hotel in Boston's waterfront! Fairmont Battery Wharf! This is the Fairmont's answer to modern luxury. The property is breathtaking and has gorgeous views of the wharf.

Aragosta's real draw I would imagine is the outdoor seating with such a beautiful view! Such a romantic spot if you're visiting Boston with your loved one–or your parents and your loved one if you're like me! I'm not sure if it was just the night we were there dining but it waso the perfect amount of breeze and an absolutely breathtaking sunset!

Aragosta is just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Hanover Street and on historic Battery Wharf. It's also withing walking distance from downtown so although it's quieter it's still accessible to downtown. Overall it's a nice change from the busy North End if you're looking for some great contemporary Italian cuisine.

The decor was modern with a few nautical touches. The staff was friendly and really knew the menu. He even told us exactly the right amount to order, which was a couple apps, a pasta in between and then main courses. Ross and I love sharing apps so it was perfect!

The drinks were imaginative and original while remaining light. I particularly recommend the Cilantro Sting, which contains cilantro, Patron Silver, vodka, lime, and sirrano chillies.  The essence of this drink is of course crushed cilantro. It’s the perfect amount of flavor to stand out and be noticeable without being the only flavor. Ross also got a drink with limoncello and yellow pepper! It so delightful!

For appetizers we sampled the Lobster croquettes with white beans. There was such a hefty portion of lobster and the toasted bread beneath was perfectly done.

The figs wrapped in prosciutto atop gorgonzola were perfectly done as well.

My Dad had the veal meatballs and said he would have been happy just eating that for dinner!

My Cilantro Sting! Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!

The short ribs were incredible. They come atop a bed of beans and corn. The short ribs fall apart as soon as they touch your fork.

The tuna had a great flavor but was a bit well done for my liking.

My father had the lamb and it was so beautiful. It comes with ricotta gnocchi and a cucumber and mint salad to compliment. The lamb was cooked perfectly and I was told it was very tender.

For dessert, the must have on the menu was definitely the chocolate bread pudding!

The indoor seating was beautiful as well. Although I highly recommend an outdoor table.

To make a reservation at Aragosta at the Fairmont, call (617) 994-9001 or visit Aragosta online.

*Smartypanties meal was comped in consideration for a review for our wonderful readers.

Too many establishments serve steaks, the Oak Room worships them!

Upon making my reservations at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel I was invited by the Public Relations department to review their famous steak restaurant, the Oak Room. Well, you can imagine my excitement! Although I'm mostly vegan these days, that does not apply to birthday celebrations or filet mignon! I don't eat much meat as you know but I do make an exception about once a year for the perfect steak with bernaise sauce. I have been to about every steakhouse in NYC and have to tell you that not many have impressed me as much as the Oak Room! It was absolutely incredible. It was one of those meals that I'll never forget. (Not to get too emotional about a restaurant!)

The evening began with cocktails in the Oak Bar, which is breathtaking. They also have live music, which was fabulous. The atmosphere is lavish and reminiscent of a luxurious hunting lodge (complete with deer heads on the walls, only thing I could have done without–but again that's my vegetarian side rearing its ugly head).

The restaurant blends the perfect balance of ostentation and comfort. It feels like you are a special guest welcomed into a intimate, early 20th Century dining room. The ceilings were carved hardwood and the window treatments were decorated with stately draping.

Back to one of my favorite parts of the experience–the cocktails, The cocktails are a bit pricey but you truly are getting something unusual (they range from $15-$20). Even the presentation of the martinis are creative (and functional). They serve a cute mini-carafe of your beverage inside a pitcher of ice versus bringing a metal shaker for self-refills. As you know, I don't have a problem with a hefty price-tag as long as I feel like I'm getting something special–and I did!

I ordered a drink that came with bourbon and blueberries garnished with bleu cheese stuffed olives. I didn't know I was such a bourbon fan until I had this drink!  It was the perfect combination of salty and sweet. The blueberries also masked the bourbon enough that it was easy to drink! Ross got a pomegranate and cucumber cocktail that was truly the best of its kind I've ever had. You could actually taste the fresh cucumber! And these fellas were stiff! But in a good way!

The bread was scrumptious! Comes with hummus, butter and tapende! Yum!!!!!!!!!

For appetizers we sampled the tuna tartare, clam chowder and crabcake (below). After being told by our waiter that the crabcake was the best he had ever tasted, how could I not try one. And he was right! They were moist and cooked to perfection!  The tuna could not have been fresher if I had just caught it myself! And Ross loved the clam chowder!

For our entrees we ordered chateaubriand to share! Not a common dish these days so when I see it I know I'm at a fancy restaurant. It's the most tender cut of beef and it did not disappoint! It was done to perfection and cut right at the table by the world's best waiter (Frank Brown–ask for him! We loved him!)!

Each steak was served with a roasted clove of garlic! The perfect compliment to every steak! And of course the bernaise sauce came on side! Yum! What does every steak need if not butter sauce!?!  The chateaubriand came with a potato as well as asparagus (which we subbed for spinach). The sauteed spinach was delicious and the parmesean fries were fantastic. The sides were also large enough for an entire table to share. Extremely generous portions!

After dinner is complete the Oak Room brings out a giant serving of cotton candy! Yum!!! And such a fun and cute touch!

For dessert we each sampled a different dish and passed them around and shared. Our favorite was the cheesecake, which came with rhubarb on top! Amazing! So creamy and delicious too. Next we liked the Boston Cream Pie. It was a different twist on your usual idea of a traditional BCP. Definitely worth trying! The chocolate sauce on top was definitely real chocolate. You can tell the moment it hits your lips! My fam loved the strawberry soup but of course, I am partial to chocolate and cheesecake though the fruit didn't stand a chance!

I think that the Oak Room is a classic staple of Boston as is Copley Plaza! I would say that this restaurant is definitely a must-see on your venture to Boston and well worth its higher price-tag. If you can't stop in for dinner I absolutely insist that you have a cocktail in the Oak Bar! Best cocktail menu ever, the drinks were divine and you just must see the exquisite architecture. !

Thank you, Oak Room for hosting Smartypanties. It was truly a dinner I won't soon forget!!

The wood-carved walls and the curtains made you feel like you were dining in the lap of luxury!

This photo doesn't do the chandeliers justic. They were gorgeous!

All that remained…the true sign of a delectable feast!!

For reservations at the Oak Room Boston call (617) 267-5300 or visit The Oak Room Boston online.

Get your ass to this discreet bar in east Harlem before it's too crowded to get in (I know, I can't believe I went to Harlem either, but guess what, it's only 8 blocks away from my apartment–amazing or scary? You be the judge!) After being hit with a rave review by New York Magazine as the best Cheap Eat of 2011 I could barely believe my upper-east-side eyeballs when I learned that it was a mere 8 blocks away from my apartment! The husband and I decided to make a date night out of it. We found quite a low-key scene and a dive-ish bar filled with probably every doctor from the nearby Mount Sinai on their break.  The space is definitely on the tight side but you'll revel in this ambience-free ambience once you're guzzling the delicious beer and eating the somewhat surprisingly delicious concoctions! But you should know that it's definitely more of a bar than a restaurant, if you want to eat you'll have to snag a seat at the communal table or limited counter space. You'll also have to order from the bartender and don't expect much. Although the bartender was sweet as can be, it's not exactly a "customer is always right" kind of place. It's more of a "serve-yourself-and-find-yourself-a-place-to-stand type of establishment." But it's worth it once you find yourself one square foot to stand on to drink a delicious beer on tap (they change daily) and stuff your face with the best (and fully-worth deviating from my veganism) bar food I've had in a long time.

I had a chance to sample the Calabro-mozzarella grilled cheese sandwich. It comes on a Thomas' english muffin, complete with mozz cheese, miso-mayo, crispy, ruffly potato chips and the most delicious pickles I've ever had. Sounds like a disgusting late-night, college snack concocted from anything in the fridge but something about it works! And no, I'm not pregnant! It was just amazing! We also tried the Asian-inspired gnocchi. The texture is freaking amazing, the sauce is to die for. The beer cheese is like a delicious, garlicky, aley wonderland that you spread on butter-soaked toast. Worth every calorie! Did I mention that this place is DIRT CHEAP!!!!!!!!! $6 for a grilled cheese, $6 for beer cheese, $10 for gnocchi! Doesn't get much better than that, folks!

The delectable dishes are coined by chef Corey Cova who boasts an impressive background both at Morimoto and Momofuku Ssam Bar. Despite the occasional asian-inspired themes to a few dishes, cheese reigns supreme in this tasty joint that the Upper-East side needed desperately! So say Cheese! and hit up Earl's Beer and Cheese! 

New York City Summer Dinner and Free Concert in Central Park: Imelda May and Wanda Jackson and Luke’s Lobster Review!

Hello Upper-East Siders, Smartypanties here giving you a fabulous and somewhat free summer activity in New York City. Last night my husband and I decided that we were going to try out Luke’s Lobster on 81^st and cart it to the park and have a little picnic. Great date night, right? Then my work husband suggested that we hit up Central Park’s Summer Stage, which was featuring the Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson and opening act, Imelda May. Don’t be fooled, I am not the most cultured person in the world. Until yesterday I had no idea who these people were, but I figured I’m going to the park and it’s free so why not check it out!? So glad we did. Imelda May was phenomenal, I’m definitely going to pick up her album (produced by Jack White actually!). Wanda Jackson was a living legend. She used to date Elvis, y’all! But aside from my gossip she still looked and sounded great. She even did a tribute to Amy Winehouse, who I’m sure she never expected to outlive considering she’s in her 70s! Anyway, I highly recommend hitting up Summer Stage’s free events! We brought in our dinner (the only thing you can’t bring in are glass bottles) and grabbed a couple of glasses of wine and some organic ice cream! Bring a towel (or snag a bleacher seat in the back) and come ready to have a good time!

Luke’s Lobster Review! Delicious! If you want a non-mayonaisey lobster roll with huge chunks of lobster, this is the roll for you! Howevs, as per the norm, the lobster rolls are by no means big. They are about the size of a small hot dog, but totally delectable. For $18 you get a lobster roll, bag of chips, Maine soda and a pickle. Not a bad deal! Also, I highly rec the clam chowder! Yum! Just got back from the gym to work these babies off but they’re totes worth the splurge!

Check out Lukes Lobster and Summer Stage’s Schedule!

Also listen up on Imelda May and Wanda Jackson! You won’t be disappointed!

Aloooooooooooooooooooooooha, ladies!! I had been dying to try out the Hurricane Club ever since I heard about its tropical, Tiki theme! It's essentially a modern tiki bar with a fancy fusion twist! It gives you the feeling of a retro tropical bar but with a classy touch. Its high ceilings and layout make it spacious so you're not smothering your neighbors. Also, I loved  It's a fantastic place to go wtih your honey or for a fun girls outing! Drinks! Drinks! Drinks! and more drinks! Each one was more fun than the next! Drinks in giant bowls, drinks in coconuts, you name it! Most of the food is served family style. The photo above pictures the Imperial Pupu platter, which was phenomenal. Who knew that I'd like a deviled egg! I don't eat duck or pork but other people I was with ordered the Peking duck sandwiches and the Pork and liked it alot. My favorite thing though was the coconut shrimp, which was shrimp wrapped in vermicelli noodles and deep fried served with a fabulous creamy coconut sauce. We also ordered the cashew chicken and Lobster fra diavlo noodles. They were both good but not amazing. I think the strong contenders here were the appetizers and cocktails. The food was good but a little overpriced for what it was. Also, the dessert, although it was family style, was $25! Just a little over the top. Overall I would recommend coming here for drinks and appetizers and a really fun environment!

Fresh and inventive, non-traditional dumplings for a meal. What an awesome idea right? Who doesn’t love dumplings. These are delicious, not too bad for you and super healthy. They’re also pretty cheap. $4.25 for 3! They come in exotic dumpling flavors like Shrimp dumplings braised in a curry sauce, Maine Lobster in a clam chowder sauce, and my favorite, Crab (which is the only dumpling not steamed), which comes with a delicious mustard sauce. Yum! The “Vietnamese Something” soup was divine also. It’s a split pea soup with orange and coconut milk. It’s super spicy. The only thing we weren’t impressed by were the veggie spring rolls, which the server insisted we try. They were good for spring rolls but nothing out of the ordinary. Must tries in my opinion are the Crab dumplings, Shrimp Dumplings, Braised short rib dumplings and the chicken pesto dumplings. Definitely a fun and different dinner. I would definitely try it here! Right next to Cascabel Taqueria, which is also amazing!

Image Courtesy: New York Journal

Since I was doing a restaurant review (not because I'm a pig) we decided to do lots of splitting with our friends (I will not tell you how many since then you won't realize how much we actually ate). We ordered a lobster roll to split as an appetizer, which came with fries too. Having been an avid fan of Mermaid Inn I was nervous to depart but I was happy I did. This lobster roll kicked MI's butt. Next we split 3 pots of mussels, the Thai (curry coconut broth, lemongrass, coriander, lime, garlic, ginger), Parma (parmigiano cream, meyer lemon, scallions, toasted garlic and shallots) and Fra Diavlo (San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, fresh basil). Each pot was a delectable tureen of delicious morsels. But I gotta say the best part of the pot was the sauce. We soaked up piece after piece of bread in the savory broths. The Thai and the Parma were definitely the table faves. Yum, my mouth is watering just thinking of them.

You may worry that all this seafood could get nauseating in the massive quantity in which we consumed it but it wasn't. In fact, we were even ready to order 6 donuts and a Deep-fried Whoopie Pie. The donuts were a huge hit among everyone. They literally melt in your mouth and are each infused with something different (lemon, blueberry, chocolate, hazelnut, etc.) Oh and in case you aren't feeling fat enough there is a creamy dipping sauce that's to die for. The whoopie pie is filled with a cream cheese frosting and covered in some sort of crusty coating. The chocolate cake was pure decadence. Apparently the pastry chef is going to be on the next season of Top Chef, Desserts Only. Our waitress told us he's a very entertaining little Diva so remember to watch out for him.

This is an amazing restaurant that people are flocking to try. If you like seafood I strongly recommend. Yum! Oh, did I mention we saw (well, BF's cousin pointed out) Gabourey Sidibe! She was so adorable, or shall I say precious (ba-dum-pshhh). I couldn't stop staring.