THE STANDARD GRILL

848 Washington Street, (Under the Highline) at 13th Street, Meatpacking District, New York City, 212-645-4100

On our first day in Manhattan we walked the High Line to the Standard Grill.  We had made our reservations for 8:30 and were looking forward to a great Thursday evening.  We arrived a little early after a wonderful stroll along the High Line (if you visit Manhattan you have to walk it - it is both mesmerizing and relaxing).  The Standard Grill is in a hotel called The Standard and connects to the High Line Park.

We could hear the commotion emanating from the Standard from a block away.  It was buzzing.  We arrived at the bar to wait for our table and enjoyed a couple of cocktails.

There was a raw bar beside us that looked great.

There is a large patio that was quite busy and filled with people enjoying the vibe.  It is a great place for people watching and is very alive.

After a couple of cocktails at the bar we were seated and reviewed the wine list and menu.

We chose a nice 2011 Chianti Felsina.  It was smooth and reasonably priced.

For our appetizers Tom had the steak tartare, fines herbes, lardo toast.  It was tangy and filled with amazing flavours.

Mark had the tamarind glazed pork belly, charred onion, cucumber, crispy shallots.  He really enjoyed this dish.

My wife and I had the little gem salad, champagne-dijon vinaigrette, rye croutons.  It was cool and delicious.

For our mains my wife chose the Atlantic salmon, rye berries, pickled turnips, poppyseed dressing.

Thomas and I chose the one of the evening specials - short ribs, with beets, edamame puree, asparagus and other vegetables. It was outstanding - the meat just melted in your mouth and there was a lot of it!!

Mark chose the bourbon glazed pork chop, cheddar grits, roasted apples, pecans.  Unfortunately we didn't get a picture of this awesome dish.

We reviewed the desert menu.

For our deserts my wife and Mark shared a blueberry cheesecake.  

Thomas and I shared the Deal Closer - a bowl of decadent bittersweet chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings!! It was incredible!!

We completed our dinners with coffee

and espresso

Greg was a great efficient waiter that was amusing and friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed our relaxed evening here and will return again when we come to New York City!!  This is an amazing restaurant!!

http://www.thestandardgrill.com/
 

THE ROOF LOUNGE 

The Park Hyatt Hotel, 4 Avenue Road, Toronto, On., M5R2E8, (416) 925-1234, Open for Lunch, Dinner and Late Night

Went to the roof lounge for drinks after a nice meal in Yorkville.  We arrived at the 18th floor bar and were quickly seated in the leather couches in the bar area.  Our waiter handed us a menu of drinks available.

We ordered some wine. After the wine we had several elderflower martinis, pairing Grey Goose La Poire with St. Germain artisinal elderflower liqueur, finished with prosecco and a sliver of bosc pear.  They were absolutely wonderful!!

Once a space was available on the outside patio we were seated at a view that is nothing short of spectacular. It is very mesmerizing and beckons one to linger!!

After our drinks we were shown the cigar menu!  Tom had one of the shorter cigars - a nice touch!!

If you find yourself near Bloor and Avenue Road, we recommend you have a libation at the Roof Lounge it is well worth the visit!!
http://parktoronto.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/TheRoofLounge.html?itemDesc=fboutlet&itemId=1003224

ROLLY ROCKET'S 

470 King St. West, Hamilton On. (905) 393-3555, Open for Lunch, Dinner, Late night 7 days a week.

Decided to try Rolly Rocket's for dinner. This restaurant has been around for a few years now and has a regular following in the downtown.  It is basically a bbq ribs and chicken kind of place that is very informal and kitschy.  It has picnic tables for furniture and rock music in the background. 

The menu has an extensive list of bbq items. The interior is furnished with picnic tables and is very informal.

There is a bar that extends around into the pool table area.

There are rolls of paper towel on the tables reminding you that your hands  will get messy.

For my meal I chose 2 pounds of wings one in mild sauce and one in dry rub.

My son Thomas chose the pulled pork dinner.  It came with 3 pulled pork sliders, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, a maple covered cornbread biscuit and a cup of baked beans.  It was gigantic and he had to take the leftovers home.

All in all it was a good hearty meal.  We were full and everything tasted quite good.  The coleslaw was especially tasty.  They have karaoke on Fridays!



http://www.rollyrocketsbbq.com/index.php?pg=home

WORK RESTAURANT

WORK RESTAURANT 

337 James Street North, Hamilton, On., (905) 777-9675, Late night, Free WiFi, Live Music

There is a small hip restaurant on James Street North (near Liuna Station) in downtown Hamilton.  The restaurant is called WORK. 

From the outside it looks very small but it is quite large inside.  It has a nice long bar and a simple calm design.

The menu is written on a chalkboard and has a very good selection - ranging from pastas to sandwiches and various appetizers including edamame and asparagus in tempura. 

They have a good selection of beer.  Tom (my son) ordered a 50 and I ordered a Corona.  They are only $3.99 here. This is a very good price.

We decided to select two different sandwiches.  Tom ordered the Jerk Chicken. ($8) 

I ordered the braised beef sandwich. ($7)

They both came with a tasty coleslaw.  The beef sandwich came with a nice horseradish which was hot and sweet at the same time.  We shared both sandwiches and they were filled with flavour and meat.  The jerk chicken was lightly spiced and melted in your mouth, while the roast beef was tender and copious.  The buns were fresh and delicious. The service was friendly and efficient.

The menu items we tried were delicious and very reasonably priced and the beer was cold and inexpensive. We will definitely return to try other menu items.

http://www.workrestaurant.ca/