Brunch at Norma’s in NYC -- What a Treat! (11/30/14)

I recently had brunch at Norma’s in mid-town NYC during the Thanksgiving Day weekend.  Norma’s is a popular breakfast/brunch restaurant and it closes at 3:00p.  The best and surest way to get in to Norma’s is to make a reservation. If you walk in, be prepared for no less than a one-hour wait.  So don’t walk in if you’re already hungry. 


Super Blueberry Pancakes - Norma's NYC 11/30/14
Photo taken by & property of
TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a NSL-R)
 

I ordered Norma’s Super Blueberry Pancakes, which were the best pancakes I ever ate.  The pancakes were very slightly sweet and that sweetness was enhanced with a blueberry sauce (w/whole blueberries) and Devonshire cream.  It was a thing of beauty! My one wish when the food arrived was that my stomach were bigger! I was able to make my way through only half of the pancakes because the portion was enough for two.  I also ordered potatoes, which are delectable, little baby potatolings, boiled or roasted to perfection and seasoned with coarse salt!  The fresh squeezed orange juice helped to get the food down and the raspberry smoothie shot at the beginning got the whole meal going. 

Potatoes - Norma's NYC 11/30/14
Photo taken by & property of
TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a NSL-R)



I glanced at many of the other dishes that came through the dining room, and they all looked appetizing and the portions were easily filling.  I will definitely go back to Norma’s the next time I’m in NYC. It’s worth the trip!

Norma's at Le Parker Meridien New York

119 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
(212) 708-7460
http://www.normasnyc.com/

Written by Screenname TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 12/3/14. All photos taken by and are property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

Old world history, new world tastes at Griechenbeisl! (July 2014)

Photo taken by and property of TriniDiva a.k.a. NSL-R
Vienna, Austria (July 2014)

I was recently in Vienna, Austria and had lunch at the Griechenbeisl, one of the most amazing (and oldest) restaurants in Vienna.  The restaurant is located in a historical inn (originating in the 1300s) with various little rooms, and the garden holds many tales of diners past.  It was really something special to be able to dine there.  No one rushes you out the door and you are can truly enjoy the Griechenbeisl experience, which offers an honest taste of Vienna.  It was some of the tastiest fare I’ve ever had.  Imagine having a meal or a drink where the likes of Mark Twain, Beethoven, Brahms came before you, is enough to make one want to have every meal there.  The prices were reasonable, and I long for more of this Viennese cuisine.  Viennese cuisine has influences from surrounding countries, but also has its own regional varieties.  A trip to Vienna would not be complete without a visit to the Griechenbeisl, located at Fleischmarkt 11, Vienna A-1010, Austria   (Innere Stadt). http://www.griechenbeisl.at/page.asp/lang%3Den/24.htm?_lang=en

Written by Screenname TriniDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 8/23/14. All photos taken by and are property of TriniDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

La Masseria Ristorante - Authentic Italian Cuisine - New York

I had dinner at La Masseria Ristorante in New York during Christmas 2013.  This was a wild card pick for dinner before seeing a Broadway show.  Since it was located in the Theatre District, I was not expecting much and was expecting to be rushed out for the next seating.  Instead I was totally taken in by the charm and warmth of this great restaurant.  I was seated upstairs in the balcony.  The servers were great and when the food arrived, I was quite happy with my choice of appetizer and entree.  The food was great!  The ingredients were fresh, the wine was very good and the cost of dinner for two was not outrageous.  I've put this great find on my list of restaurants to revisit.  It is located in the Theatre District on 48th Street, New York.

Written by Screenname TriniDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 1/18/14. All photos taken by and are property of TriniDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)