Nouveau Nosh

NP Girls appreciate fine dining and we are using our expert palates to recommend Nouveau hot spots that are NP budget friendly..enjoy!

Do you know of a great restaurant you’d like to see here? Tell us about it, and maybe we’ll put it up too! contributions@nouveaupoor.com

~*~NYC~*~

BAR 6

Bar 6 lies at the corner of 13th st and 6th ave. I’m not sure whether this puts it in Chelsea, the Union Square-ea or the Village, but I know that it belongs on the list of yummy places to eat without going broke. The French and Mediterranean influenced food is fresh and light- the Mediterranean salad is what keeps me addicted and returning week after week. Fresh steamed artichoke, risotto, and even steak are available for your menfolk or female carnivores. There’s always a prix-fixe menu available for dinner, and the atmosphere is great, part neighborhood bar, and part adorable date place (plus, great people-watching at the few outside tables). Don’t forget dessert- although I do not suggest the creme brulee, for some reason, they have yet to figure out how to make it..

THE CORNER SHOP CAFE

The Corner Shop Cafe in Greenwich Village is a fantastic spot for an after work drink or a casual date. Besides being a cozy place to unwind, they’ve got a great menu. At dinnertime, there are salads from $9-12, “Snacks” like corn on the cob for $5 and Bruschetta for $2, or a half-size personal pot of baked truffle mac and cheese for $7. You can definitely do a dinner here for $20, but I suggest getting a glass of wine as well, why not relax and enjoy!

GEMMA

Gemma at the Bowery hotel is one of our tried-and-true favorites. No reservations necessary (or taken, on your average night). Everything’s wonderful, and you can absolutely put together a great meal for a reasonable price, with some decent wine to go along! Plus, you’re pretty likely to run into us there, and we love making new friends!

PYLOS

Pylos in the East Village serves up some of the best Greek food that I have tasted at any price.  The space is chic with sexy lighting and attractive patrons.  I love the lamp chops: they are tender, delicious, and a generous portion (4 chops) for $24.  The wine list is exclusively Greek wines with many organic choices and several bottles priced in the low $30s.

ROCKING HORSE CAFE

In warmer weather, one cannot miss the Rocking Horse Cafe. On 8th ave in Chelsea, it’s a cute little spot that’s easy to miss the first time. It’s modern Mexican and has great options for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Sit outside in the summer and watch the interesting parade of pedestrians pass by. Inside can be a little loud but the food is good, servers are friendly, and starters are inexpensive. Chips & yummy salsa are complimentary, and for between $7-$10 you can get a starter– get three or four to share with a friend, and that’s dinner!

~*~MIAMI~*~

MICHAEL’S GENUINE FOOD & DRINK

When Laura is in the Miami Design District, Michael’s is one of her favorite places to go for great food and atmosphere. If you just want a small bite, go for the deviled eggs and duck and foie gras terrine. If you’re staying for dinner, the Branzino cannot be missed. When in Miami, a sultry outdoor dining experience is the only way to go, and Michael’s courtyard provides just that. While you’re in the neighborhood, check out Nisi Berryman’s gallery, NIBA home, for fantastic finds.

~*~MINNEAPOLIS~*~

IKE’S FOOD & COCKTAILS

In the Nicollet/Hennepin area, Ike’s has happy hour food and drink specials weekdays  from 3:00-6:00pm. It’s a fun atmosphere, and a totally reasonable price to pay for some entertainment out of the house on a Wednesday.

BAR LA GRASSA

We love Bar La Grassa- a North Minneapolis hotspot for great eats, and also the current place to see-and-be-seen. The menu may not be the healthiest, as everything seems to come covered in butter by default, but for a splurge, it’s a must-do. They have  a great list of bruschetta, most famously the Soft Egg and Lobster variety, and tons of pastas. The pasta comes in half-plates for around $7, so you can taste a few, and the bruschetta is all in the $6-14 range. They’ve also got tons of antipasti, and some heartier meat dishes for the men in your life.

BAR LURCAT

At Bar Lurcat in Loring Park at the edge of Uptown, your tastes will be limited only by how hungry you are, not by your wallet. The famous (for good reason) sliders available there are yummy and inexpensive, and the bar menu variously includes shrimp fritters, pot stickers, Thai meat balls, artisan cheeses, and triple chocolate creme cake- all for under $8. Come after 4:30pm and you can stay til’ 10:00pm on Monday-Thursday, 1:00am on Friday and Saturday, and 9:00pm on Sunday nights.

MCCORMICK & SCHMICKS

Located in the Westin at the Galleria in Edina, McCormick & Schmicks is a seafood restaurant with a ’smart casual’ atmosphere. Though it’s known to have a good dinner menu, the lesser known fact is that it  has the best happy hour  menu deals around. Visit Monday-Saturday between the hours of 4-6pm or 9:30-11:30pm for an “appetizer” menu that includes huge hamburgers and fries, chicken wings, and more ranging between $1.95-$5.