Gourmet Garage Offers Cheap Eats on UWS

I am constantly trying to find reasonably priced lunch on the Upper West Side. While there are some fabulous restaurants, the ones offering affordable lunch on a regular basis are few and far between. The options typically range from street meat to pizza to a meager salad. As I left the office to grab a slice, a man on the corner was handing out flyers for the new Gourmet Garage on 66th Street. While I typically bypass the flyer-hander-outers, when it's hot out I just feel bad for them and therefore accept the paper as it's thrust in my face. Even more typically, I automatically throw the flyer in the nearest trash receptacle. But this time, I was intrigued. A new lunch option? I'm all over it.

After inspecting the new digs, bypassing the Olive Bar and cheese counter, I settled on a Black Forest Ham and Cheese sandwich. For $6.99 I got a huge sandwich that could easily feed two people for lunch. Instead of devouring the entire thing, I saved half for lunch the next day. It remained in deliciously edible condition and I rejoiced at my new found lunch bargain.

Hudson Restaurant Week: Even Better Than New York!

While New York City Restaurant Week is winding down this week, Hudson Restaurant Week kicks off today and lasts until Friday, August 7. For the fifth summer, Hudson Restaurant Week is featured at many fab restaurants across Hoboken and Jersey City. Though $35 for a decent 3-course meal at a Manhattan restaurant is not unreasonable, this can still be a financial drain. Not to fear. Hudson Restaurant Week is geared up and offering 3-course prix fix dinner for varying prices, starting at only $25. It's a great way to try new restaurants and cuisine. Not to mention the prix fixes offer a nice sampling of food specialties - perfect for taste testing (which consequently is what I love best).

Some restaurants on my list include Light Horse Tavern (one of the best skirt steaks around), the new Fire & Oak (at the new JC Westin), Lua (Hoboken), and The Quays (Hoboken). While I will most likely not get to all of these in the next two weeks, I like to dream big. For the complete list of participating restaurants, you can check out the list here. Bonus: Visit their site where you can join their e-mail list and note where you found out about Hudson Restaurant Week (betweenjcandmanhattan.com!). More viewers = more postings = more great deals coming at you!

Restaurant Week is My Favorite Week(s)

I'm happy to report and alert you that my favorite week(s) of the year are upon us - NYC Restaurant Week! While it feels as though I was just treating myself to Japonais and DelMonico's, that was months ago, and I'm on full alert for the second Restaurant Week go-round for the year. Starting on July 12 and lasting until July 30, Restaurant Week is when many unaffordable Manhattan hot spots open their doors each day (excluding Saturday) with a special $35 prix fixe menu for dinner ($24.07 for lunch), featuring an appetizer, dinner, and dessert per person. While menus are often limited, it's a great way to try new place that a resource-limited Manhattan dude or chick such as myself would not even consider otherwise. Restaurants often featured range from Mesa Grill to Tavern on the Green to Blue Water Grill. Reservations open up starting June 30, so start thinking about it now as seatings at the super hot spots tend to go rather quickly. A word to the wise: Do your research. Many places offer the $35 prix fixe, but their traditional menu is price comparable (and often better) so check out the restaurant's own site and menu before booking. Be sure to send us commentary on your Restaurant Week experiences. Happy eating!