New York State of Mind: The Big Apple Part 1

I went to New York City to visit my BFF Marcie and watch my pal Molly Ryan (http://mollyryan.com/) record songs for an upcoming album. It wouldn't be a fun trip if I didn't try the affordable Bourdain's list spots (http://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/must-visit-restaurants) and other spots in between. Here are the food highlights from my trip in a 3 part post.

Russ & Daughters

179 E Houston St
(between East Houston St & 2nd Ave)
New York, NY 10002

Marcie lives in East Village and one day when she was working I decided to wander the streets myself. I didn't know I was going to stumble upon the place, I remembered Tiffany posting in the "Bucket List" so it was perfect timing!

Hmmm.... Where I have I seen this place before? Oh yeah, I saw Parker Posey feed Louis C.K. a sliver of smoked salmon on the show "Louie". It's cramped like a traditional NYC place. There is an overwhelming selection of smoked fish here. It took me about 10 minutes to figure out what I wanted. I finally asked the counter guy his favorite and I went with that. 

I had the pleasure of eating my Norwegian Smoked Salmon on a Bialy with cream cheese and capers with a fantastic view....

Trash bags aside, the smoked salmon had a smokey and buttery taste that puts it on a whole other level of amazing. I want to go back and try the Pastrami cured salmon. 

Sylvia's Restaurant 

328 Malcolm X Blvd
New York, NY 10027

Walking around Harlem was so much fun. I went to the Harlem market, grooved to an Ella Fitzgerald tribute band and saw the Apollo theatre. 

I stopped into Sylvia's, a popular Soul Food spot in Harlem. I was a little concerned when I sat down and noticed a hot sauce bottle with Sylvia's face on it- did I accidentally stumble into a chain restaurant? No, her hot sauce is just that popular/amazing and has been sold to the masses. Phew! 

I got the fried chicken with collard greens and mac 'n cheese. The greens were a little soggier than I prefer and the chicken could've used more spice (Sandra Dee's in Sacramento has the best spices for their fried chicken). 

I've eaten a lot of mac 'n cheese in my lifetime and this was the creamiest, dreamiest kind I've ever had. Made the trip in there well worth it.