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Woodpecker by David Burke

Location
30 West 30th Street
Woodpecker by David Burke 1 American Midtown South Tenderloin

With all the warmth of a longtime neighborhood gathering spot, and the novelty and excitement that accompany so much of David Burke’s signature fare - Woodpecker NYC - the debut in 2018 of his wood-fired American restaurant, is an experience to enjoy, remember and repeat.



It began with Burke’s love for a wood-burning oven. From the expansive 35-foot wooden bar that welcomes all who enter, to heavy wood communal dining tables, right down to the restaurant’s name, the inspiration behind Woodpecker started at the oven. Though, in classic Burke form, David would not simply do what most imagine one does with a wood burning oven - he would design an entire menu around unique dishes that could be fired up. He decided that he would serve pastas, fish, lobster calzones, veggie concoctions, and yes, pizza too - just not any pizzas.



Roasted Cricket Pizza. Burke just loves throwing that curve ball that one is not going to get anywhere else. He likes to experiment with different products and, according to the chef, crickets are a new wave of protein. "It is not uncommon for folks who try this adventurous take on pizza to enjoy it so much they request a whole plate of baked crickets to snack on."



Just as the wood seems to escape from the oven, trickling out to every facet of the restaurant’s interior, the flame extends its reach making appearances across the menu. Celebrated favorites including Burke’s famous torched maple bacon clothesline accompany fresh novelties like the sparrow - a torched candied apple cocktail perfectly frothed and decorated with foam art. Then there is the Cinnamon & Rosemary smoked apple tart, rich with authentic smoky flavor because, well, it is served literally smoking.



“It’s a mixed crowd here,” commented Chef Carmine Giovanni. “We have old, young, doesn’t matter what you’re wearing - it’s for everyone. It’s a great spot for happy hour, the ‘Lunch Quickie’ or to bring a crowd for a good time. David and I just want to send out fun, innovative food, that’s what David Burke is known for. He’s known for just throwing that curveball you’re not going to get anywhere else."

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Woodpecker by David Burke 1 American Midtown South Tenderloin
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The Mason Jar 1 American undefined

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“We wanted to be that diamond in the rough, ” explained Ashley, the co-owner of Blank Slate. When Ashley and Zach, spouses and co-owners, were searching for a location for their restaurant, they wanted to find a neighborhood with a large crowd but not a lot of quality spots to eat. Blank Slate is successfully that hidden gem located in NoMad, one of Manhattan’s up and coming neighborhoods. Blank Slate attracts a crowd full of young, creative professionals who are quickly changing the area. Ashley and Zach established Blank Slate, which opened in November of 2015, in an effort to create the first coffee-shop-restaurant hybrid in New York City. Ashley explains that they were tired of going to places that provided quality coffee but low quality food. She wanted a place that offered superb grab-n-go coffee as well as more formal dining where friends could meet for a long meal. Ashley and Zach’s vision has been realized. Blank Slate serves killer coffee as well as an impressive assortment of salads, sandwiches and even gourmet desserts. Their coffee is proudly served from farm to cup in close to 20 days. They have a sign at the cash register indicating the green date and roast date of the coffee being served that day. My intern, Emily, hesitantly tried their brussels sprout Caesar salad and only had positive things to say about it, even though she usually does not enjoy Brussels sprouts. Blank Slate also has a small but wonderfully curated market located inside the restaurant, which offers primarily locally sourced products such as cookie dough, yoghurts, pickles and a host of beverages. In addition to serving excellent coffee and food, Blank Slate has a fun, creative atmosphere. Ashley and Zach chose Blank Slate’s name because they wanted to convey the idea that people can make or create everything here. While customers wait in line for coffee, for example, there are etch-a-sketches on which to play. They even have Instagram competitions that reward one talented etch-a-sketcher with a free meal. Ashley hopes that Blank Slate can be a space for people to create. She explained that the etch-a-sketch sends a message: the “possibility of everything. "

Lost Gem
The Mason Jar 1 American undefined

The Mason Jar

In the race among Manhattan restaurants to attract customers, simplicity is sometimes lost. But not so in the Mason Jar, a restaurant and bar that keeps it old school with good vibes and great tastes. The southern, barbecue-heavy menu and extensive list of craft beers and bourbons speak for themselves, complete with suggested pairings. Each month, a new craft beer is featured in an effort to support small breweries. If these beers attract a following, they are added to the full-time roster. While visiting with some Sideways members, I had a lively conversation with chef about the different styles of barbecue - our North Carolinian team member swears by vinegar sauce and appreciated Mason Jar’s variety. The food is fresh and not overdone, but at the same time the Chef  “puts love into it. ” The high quality meat is treated seriously - specialty ribs are coated with a dry rub, smoked using apple and hickory wood, braised, and mopped with a tomato-based Kansas City-style sauce. Then grilled. The brisket and boneless pork butts are given no less attention. Replete with wood, American Flags, and comfortable seating, Mason Jar also achieves a homey feel to match its Southern style. Many of the University of South Carolina alumni  in Manhattan choose this spot as the venue to catch the Cocks football games, and Villanova basketball fans flock here for their games, as well. With the hearty food, good beers, and down-home feel, it is easy to understand why. To put it plainly and simply, Mason Jar was a good find.