LLadies Eat! Diggin' in at the New Brother Jimmy’s Union Square

Ok, so I know what you are thinking…Brother Jimmy’s isn’t new! It’s that uptown BBQ rodeo chain where droves of frat boys (and former frat boys) drink fishbowls and chow on hot wings. Don’t get me wrong, I personally enjoy a fishbowl now and then and who doesn’t love some wings—however the brains behind the chain have stepped up their game with the opening of Brother Jimmy’s Union Square.


Now before you scoff me for this suggestion, remember we can’t always eat at the Waverly or Babbo, so think of this as a fun, down-home option where the prices and portions are certainly right.

Keeping in line with their sister locations —rustic wooden tables, and rough-and-ready décor—you will feel right at home and ready to munch on comfort foods, but with some surprising additions. It is clear they are stepping up their game and wanting to make the Union Square location a staple for people who want to eat well, not just drink from the well.

They have added some healthier options to the menu including:

• Smokey Corn Soup, Which Is Totally Vegan, $5.75
  Bbq’d Salmon (Grilled With Guava Bbq Sauce, Black Pepper Scallion Grits And Grilled Zucchini), $21.50
• Pan Fried Red Fish ( With Green Tomato Relish, Black Pepper And Scallion Grits And Spiced String Beans), $21.50
• Spicy Grilled Loin Pork Chop (Orange Chipotle Glaze Mashed Potatoes &Fried Brussel Sprouts) 19.50
• The Wright Salad (Romaine, Wild Rice, Yams, Pecans, Sweet Onions, Dried Cherries, Apples, Poblano Peppers), $10.95

However, there are some key things you must try on your cheat days:

• Fried Oysters (Cornmeal Fried With Roasted Tomato Tarter), $10.25—New To The Menu
• Jalapeño Poppers (Homemade And Stuffed With A Mixture Of Cream Cheese & Spices Served With A Ranch Dressing), $9.25
• BBQ Meatloaf Sandwich (Beef & Pork Wrapped In Bacon & Smoked On Grilled Texas Toast With Tomato), $10.25
• Beef Short Ribs ( Smoked Then Grilled With Bourbon BBQ Sauce), $23.50—New To The Menu
• Fried Brussels Sprouts, $5.50—New To The Menu

And no meal is complete without a fantastic cocktail—so be sure to sip on one of these (or just go buck wild and get a full pitcher), drinks start at $8, pitchers start at $28:

• Louisville Lemonade: A Whiskey Infused Glass Of Lemonade Made With Makers Mark Bourbon, Triple Sec And Sprite
• Charlotte Tea: A Southern Version Of A Long Island Iced Tea Made With Five Kinds Of Booze And A Hint Of The Tropics
• The Battle Of Antietam Bloody Mary: A Classic Spicy Bloody With A Festive Array Of Garnishes And A Taste Of The Ol’ Bay

Last but certainly not least—you must, I repeat, must save room for dessert. They have created a Red Velvet Waffle (just like the cake, but so much better!) with cream cheese ice cream, $6. I know you may have to read that twice to believe it, but it was unbelievable and worth just going for that!

Ask for extra napkins and dig in! Official opening date is March 8th.

Brother Jimmy’s Union Square; 116 E. 16th St., nr. Irving Pl.; 212-673-6465
*Although this is a meaty place, there are veggie friendly options for all.

Damn Good Pizza!

Being a Native New Yorker and raised on the authentic makings of a pizza, I know what the aroma of a pizza pie is. Even though New York has some of the best pizzas you can’t just get it anywhere.

Photo by Tony Stamolis

Don’t think you can go to the Meat Packing District because their pizza has such a hard crust that you might as well be eating cardboard. You can go Uptown and get some great pizza, however it's so greasy there's no need to order a drink. We all know the saying, the best pizza comes from Brooklyn, well I am still waiting for someone to prove it to me.

Now there is one place where you can NOT go wrong - Downtown - to L’asso.

From the space, to the music to the food…the food. There's pizza, pasta, bruschette, zuppe, antipasta, paste, and insalatas. I ended up with the whole wheat pasta with chicken; the pizza pie known as Alla Roba which had mozzarella, gorgonzola, and pears; and the insanely good Mascarpone Tartufata with the mascarpone, portobello mushrooms, gorgonzola, and truffle oil. So so soooo good. Plus the wait staff is amazing (& very easy on the eyes).

Best part about L'asso is that they have been supporting Ladies Lotto since it's inception, holding numerous dinners, sponsoring events such as 31 Under 31 and Planned Parenthood Benefit and just all around providing LLadies with a little something extra or a few bucks off when you dine in.

Check them out for yourself.

L’asso
192 Mott st (at Kenmare)
New York, NY 10012
212.219.2353

Wetlands

This new novel from Charlotte Roche looks pretty good! "Wetlands is a savage, darkly humorous attempt to depict the contours of female anatomy and desire that has appalled as many as it has delighted with its graphic details." (via Salon.com)

Check the Salon.com article for an in-depth review.