Ninja NYC Restaurant Review

This week, I had the opportunity to enjoy some time outside the office with my new co-workers. In order to reduce the stress level, our manager though a fun team dinner was the perfect way to relax and get to know each other outside the office confines.

ninja-nycWhat better place than Ninja NY?

Any restaurant whose waiters dress in ninja costumes can’t take themselves too seriously. This meant that we as a team couldn’t take ourselves too seriously. We were laughing the whole way to the restaurant, in expectation of what was to come.

Hidden downtown near City Hall, it’s easy to miss the restaurant. The front door is unassuming and the lamp and menus flanking the door are the only thing which set it apart from another walk up apartment or barbershop.

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We were expecting a line when we arrived since the hostess insisted that they are packed every night and could only fit us in at 5:45. There was no line but as we entered the restaurant we could hear the crowds and were surprised to find that it is still a popular spot, even after six years in the city. IMG_2693 (478x640)

Upon entering, our hostess directed us to a dark elevator, saying that there was a chance we’d be attacked at the next floor. As soon as the door opened we were in fact startled by an incoming “hi ya” and robed ninja. All we could was laugh at the absurdity of everything. Nothing gets you out of the work mood like ninjas and secret attacks. We proceeded down a winding dark hallway towards row of caves, or private dining areas. Each group has their own private cave which was perfect for our small group.

I have to admit, our cave area was very ninja like.  

Our waiter quickly greeted us and wipped out rolled up menus.

IMG_2695 (640x478)Our eyes were quickly attracted to the “chinese stars” featuring the house beers, Kirin Light and Sapporo. I chose a cold, delicious Kirin Light and we all toasted to our new team. IMG_2697 (478x640)

Our waiter was a bit over the top and aggressive with his Ninja jokes throughout the evening, but overall did a great job. I can’t imagine having to role play a ninja for 8 hours a day while also trying to provide customer service.

We decided to each order our own main courses and then a few of their special Ninja art dishes and rolls to share amongst ourselves.

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The sushi and sashimi platter we shared was amazing. The tuna rolls were rolled in rice cubes which added a delicious surprising texture.

I went with the safe choice, an eel roll and their version of a rainbow roll. The fish was fresh but I was disappointed that they weren’t able to substitute brown rice. But, check out my “dish.” It was more than a bit intense.

IMG_2698 (640x478)My co-worker ordered their teriyaki chicken which featured chicken prepared three different ways. He loved it and actually ordered it the last time he was at Ninja NY.

IMG_2699 (640x478)Overall, we had a good time together as a team during dinner but I don’t think I’d go again on my own. The food was overpriced versus the quality and the staff is probably underpaid versus the hard work and humor they put into the experience.

Have you ever been to a “theme restaurant” like Ninja NY?

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Bermuda Restaurants: Part 1

Bo and I weren’t sure what to expect of the Bermuda restaurant scene. Many of our friends who frequent the island warned us that it isn’t a foodie hotspot. It hasn’t been overtaken by expat chefs looking to start a new life on the island like we found in Anguilla. But, lucky for us, we were surprised by the restaurants we enjoyed while in the island.

While in Bermuda, Bo and I had the opportunity to try a number of different restaurants ranging from causal island grub to old, stuffy and fancy. DSC_0051 (640x426)

Barracuda Grill: Located in Hamilton, this is one of the top ranked restaurants on the island, known for their creative cuisine execution and wonderful service. While we hadn’t intended to spend our first evening in a formal restaurant it was conveniently located to the Harbour Nights festivities and their menu looked divine. The atmosphere was a bit dated and stuffy but the service and food made up for it. We started with a few appetizers including the famed Bermuda Fish Chowder and local scallops. The fish chowder, dressed with the island’s famed peppered sherry and a rum drizzle, was absolutely divine!

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The catch of the day was local snapper, but unfortunately the sides didn’t match the fish and ruined the dish. The vegetables were drenched in oil and the risotto was under seasoned. The fish was cooked perfectly but unfortunately the blah sides took away from the experience.

DSC_0048 (640x426) This smiling face would give the restaurant an 7.5 out of 10.  DSC_0049 (640x410)The Whitehorse Tavern & Grill: Located over the water in St. George Harbor, we didn’t expect much of this restaurant but heard it was the only restaurant option in St. George and from the outside we could tell it was packed. On the islands, this is always the sign of a good restaurant or bar. We started with their specialty, the conch fritters. In keeping with moderation, we made sure to try the local favorites at each restaurant and we were happily pleased with this choice. Filled with delicious conch, very little batter, and served warm they were exactly what we were craving; paired with a cold Corona Light. DSC_0215 (640x426)

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We were both craving a fresh, casual fish sandwich free of batter which had been hard to find on the island. When we saw the Cajun wahoo sandwich on the menu we knew we had to try it. We were blown away by this sandwich. The roll was grilled yet still soft and doughy, there was a thin schmear of homemade tartar sauce, and the fish was grilled to perfection. Moist and succulent it wasn’t overdone or tough; which is hard to find.

DSC_0220 (640x426)   This relaxed patron gives The Whitehorse Tavern & Grill a 10 out of 10!

DSC_0223 (640x426)Elbow Beach Room Service: There weren’t many breakfast options on the resort, only room service or the enclosed portion of Sea Breeze, a white table cloth restaurant near the beach. Since room service was of equivalent price, we indulged on room service 3 of the 4 mornings, a mistake we regret in hindsight. Room service always comes with more than a few surcharges and the food is often cold by the time it arrives. Unfortunately, we were disappointed by the room service and price. The porridge was unpalatable and cold, the small box of cereal was $8, and the eggs were overcooked. We both agreed this morning that in hindsight we wish we had brought a few bags of oatmeal or gone to a local grocery store for cereal and fresh fruit.

DSC_0176DSC_0004 Mickey’s Beach Bar & Grill: Located beachside at Elbow Beach Resort, this bar and grill serves lunch and dinner daily to both hotel guests and locals alike. The service was amazing, the food was fresh and exactly what you’d expect at a beachside grill with a twist. The prices were inline with other Bermuda restaurants and on par with most New York restaurants. Due to the sheer convenience, we enjoyed lunch here two times during our trip. Both times, we were able to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the crashing waves.

DSC_0039 (640x426) The views were incredible!

DSC_0044 (640x426) But it was their fresh, grilled seafood salad that stole the show!

We would rate this restaurant a 9 out of 10 due to a few of their prices but otherwise it was fantastic.

DSC_0127DSC_0121DSC_0137 The Waterlot Inn: This restaurant was recommended by the concierge, the locals, and even Melissa’s friend who lived in Bermuda for two years. Unbeknownst to us, this Bermuda institution, is a steak house. While the outside was charming and rich in Bermuda colors, the inside left something to be desired.

DSC_0135In true old fashioned steak house fashion, the menu was a la carte and the restaurant was filled with many business men. While the views from their back deck were wonderful, the service was unfortunately horrible. It took us 30 minutes to order a drink and then another 30 for me to get more soda for the stiff drink. In addition, we weren’t seated for our 7:30 reservation until past 8.

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The service was friendly but a bit confusing as we had three different waiters attend to us during the evening. We never knew who to signal when we were ready to order and they kept confusing our orders. We did however, take the recommendation of our first waiter, and start with some delicious appetizers.

Bo chose the Oysters Rockefeller, a steakhouse staple, which he thoroughly enjoyed. They were rich, garlic filled, and exactly what he wanted.

DSC_0165 I went with a lighter, fresh steakhouse classic shrimp cocktail. The shrimp, or prawns as they should be called, were plump and fresh. The cocktail sauce was homemade and perfectly balanced with horseradish. DSC_0163Unfortunately, after the appetizers the dinner went downhill. Bo embraced the steakhouse atmosphere and ordered a Kansas City Strip while I went the fish route. His strip was filled with so much gristle that by the time he was six bites in he couldn’t stand it any longer. My fish arrived overcooked and freezing cold. The sauce overpowered the fish and it was salty to the taste. I immediately returned it in exchange for what I should have ordered originally, the petite 6oz filet. The filet arrived perfectly cooked and seasoned but by this point I was full and disappointed. Bo enjoyed a few bites of the filet before we both called it quits. However, the restaurant did delight and surprise us when the check arrived, having taken all three entrees off our bill.

We would rate this restaurant 6 out of 10 for wonderful atmosphere, wine list, and a few good appetizers.

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An Atlanta Date Night

Guys, I’m so sorry about the radio silence yesterday! We spent the entire day catching up with old friends and unfortunately, the 30 minutes that I was in the room yesterday, our hotel’s internet wasn’t working. 🙁 Expect 2-3 more posts today with the rest of this weekend’s details!

After sleeping, catching up on trashy magazines, and goofing around on the plane, we successfully made it to Atlanta in record time!

Boy did we miss Atlanta, highways, driving, and our dear friends!

Our first stop was the brand new rental car facility at the Hartsfield-Atlanta Airport! It is the largest rental car facility in the world! Hertz had a brand new Honda Civic ready and waiting for us!

Within minutes we were enjoying the fresh air, six lane highways, and the feeling of being in a car!

While the Atlanta skyline may not be New York, it’s still one of my favorite sites, especially when you’re coming from the airport!

We arrived at our hotel just in time to freshen up before our dinner reservations. Our room is funky and modern but has wonderful amenities!

We may have hit up the mini bar before we left for dinner, toasting to the start of a wonderful weekend in Atlanta!

Sweetwater 420 for Bo and a Diet Coke and Vodka for me!

One of the hotel’s amenities is car service to local restaurants in their fleet of Acura SUVs. Within minutes, we were dropped off at Ecco, a restaurant we’ve wanted to try for ages!

Located in Midtown Atlanta, this restaurant is known for it’s delicious tapas and small plates along with wonderful service.

Our waiter quickly took us through some of their famous dishes and then their extensive wine menu. I started with a light and fruity French Pinot while Bo enjoyed one of their signature cocktails.

I had to taste test his cocktail to ensure it wasn’t poisonous. Doesn’t every good wife do that?

The décor was funky yet still comfortable and rustic, exactly what we wanted!

We were starving, so while we finished reviewing the menu and choosing our main courses, we started with some of their most popular “taste and share” small plates.

My plate featured the fried goat cheese which was to die for along with their octopus salad and the stuffed pepito peppers! Everything was delicious, fresh, and full of flavor. Each of these small plates were perfect for two people as there were four or five pieces of each item.

After much debate, we decided to try one of their local salads and a flatbread pizza for dinner. Their flatbread pizzas looked delicious each time one passed our table and they are cooked in a huge wood fire oven!

The salad was composed of fresh local greens, radishes, lemon rind, freshly grated cheese, and a light vinaigrette!

The pizza was crisp and light, topped with arugula, drizzled with lemon, and fresh cheese! It was unlike any pizza I’ve ever tried but was delicious! I thought I would miss the sauce and tomatoes but I didn’t!

Our dinner at Ecco was exactly what we wanted and was the first date night we’ve enjoyed in a while! I highly recommend this restaurant if you’re visiting Atlanta and looking for a reliable, delicious, perfectly executed meal with wonderful service and reasonable prices.

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