Page 94 - UpperCrust e-Magazine Third Quarter 2024

MONIKA PATEL | MONIQUE MUSINGS

Whipped Ricotta Summer at Theodora Toasted Rice Mille-Feuille at Manhatta

ago, after a tired hostess complained of favourite New York rooftop bars, is Manhatta. Raw Turmeric-infused Gin at Baar Baar
the time it took to prepare a meal, she got I simply had to revisit and drink in the view
the idea of experimenting with readymade and yes, the cocktails. John the bartender
sauces. Thus, was born Masala Mama, made a delicious tangy and spicy gin-based
where she offers a taste of home cooking cocktail for me and I enjoyed the bar bites
without the work. Her products can be of pretzel with mustardy cream cheese and
found at grocery stores like Whole Foods as a hazelnut Buratta served with charred
well as on Amazon. Whether you need a asparagus and decorated with petals. But I
base for korma, or tikka masala, a vindaloo was in for a shock. The manager was rude to
or curry, or even just want to heat and eat me over a misunderstanding for requesting
some legumes, Nidhi has it all prepped and my favourite table. I was supposed to meet
ready for you. You can buy a single-flavour more friends but was so upset, I decided to
pack, 3, 4 or 6 pack, and the next time you leave and go to another bar. And that’s how
entertain, revel in the praise of your guest I discovered Overstory, one of the top 50 bars
while sending a wink Nidhi’s way. in the world. I have eaten at Crown Shy on
My farewell bash was catered by the ground floor, but Overstory was always
Bedouin Tent. The owner, Abu Dayyeh, difficult to reserve. They have since changed
is a wonderful man. Even when I made their reservation policy and made it easy for ‘last week in NYC discoveries’ too. Could the
the blunder of not tipping enough, he walk-ins, too. If there is one view of New Thai food at Fish Cheeks be even better than
was gracious in pointing it out to me and York City that is a must, it’s the one from the Thailand? Possibly. Everything is delicious
leaving the decision to me. From falafel, 64th floor of 70 Pine Street. Unfortunately, but you must try the whole branzino with
to hummus, babaganoush, chicken kebabs, James Kent is no longer alive, but the Thai herbs. I still wake up remembering the
grape leaves, Middle Eastern pizza and establishments he created will forever live on taste of that sauce on my tongue. Do jump
mouthwatering baklava, he ensured my as his legacy to the city. on the musical notes at Little Island and
order was precise, met my specs, delivered And as my time came to an end, I enjoy a beautiful view, maybe catch a concert
on time and most importantly, tasty. And made a mad dash to get in as many of my at the amphitheatre. For a classy rooftop bar
he threw in a free sandwich when I went to favourite spots as possible. Some I managed try Peak at Edge.
his establishment to place the order, which I like dining at Bar Room at The Modern and New York is never going away, and I
have to admit is one of the best lamb wraps some bubbly at RH Rooftop, where I spotted know I’ll be back, so this swan song may
I’ve had and I’m not even a fan of lamb. Jeremy Strong of Succession fame who had still see another day.
Bedouin Tent is also easy on the wallet and just won an Emmy for Enemy of the People. But But as one of my favourite authors,
does not charge an arm and a leg like some my favourite turmeric cocktail at Baar Baar Paulo Coelho, once said, “If you’re brave
other Brooklyn Middle Eastern caterers. will have to remain on my wish list along enough to say goodbye, life will reward you
And truth be told, I ate humble pie and with the best seafood at Catch, the Beetroot with a new hello.”
Venmoed him an adequate tip. Salad at ABC Kitchen and the kharghosh at Because life is an adventure and it’s on
Talking of farewells, and one of my Dhamaka. But I need to mention some new to the next one for me.

92 | UPPERCRUST | JUL-SEP 2024