IUC Restaurant Review: Celebrity Chef Elisa Gross(Michael Jackson, Brad Pitt, Red Hot Chili Peppers…): A Day In NYC

In my most recent visit to New York, I had a day of great eats – perfect breakfast lunch and dinner!
I was holed up in my hotel room doing radio interviews all morning, so straying far for breakfast was not an option. Thanks to Le Parker Meridien’s incredible on site restaurant, NORMA’S, I didn’t suffer.
Without a doubt my best breakfast in New York to date, the selection, portions, creativity and flavors did not disappoint.
I must emphasize the colossal portions! Makes it hard to order more than one thing, but I was fortunate to have a partner in crime.
The ‘Waz-za’ can satisfy anyone’s morning sweet tooth. It’s a waffle with fruit on the inside AND fruit on the outside with a crackly brulee top…YUM!
For a lighter, healthier, savory breakfast, there’s always the Eggwhite Primavera Omelette.
While the prices are not for the faint at heart, don’t let the menu exaggerate. The ZILLION DOLLAR Lobster Fritatta (with super size 10 oz sevruga caviar) is actually only $1000!
Your average breakfast will run you around $30.

Can it get more perfect than a New York Deli lunch??
I ate at ARTIE’S DELI on Broadway and 83rd. By far my favorite New York Deli! This place is oozing with authenticity, both in atmosphere and menu.
Now, I’m no Martha Stewart, but she did tout the Pastrami at ARTIE’S as the best in New York City. The Brisket and Corned Beef are great sellers, too!
For those that want lighter fare, the Coleslaw and Israeli Salad do the trick. Throw in one of their Kasha Knishs and you’re set.
What I love about ARTIE’S is that they make their own Salami and Hot Dogs and they use their own natural casing for them. They also make their own Matzo Balls from scratch, which make them famous for their Matzo Ball Chicken Soup. They really have the deli thing nailed right down to the great, crunchy Kosher Dills.
Don’t forget to top off with a bite size sweet Ruggelach…that is, if you can have just one.

There’s nothing like ending a day of running around New York by finding yourself in a relaxed, yet lively local scene. This is BARBOUNIA.
Located on Park Avenue at 20th, this great Mediterranean find kept us happy all evening. Whether you want to hang out at the bustling bar and snack on their amazingly Flat-Bread Pizza, or dine leisurely in the restaurant section, BARBOUNIA offers either option. Extensive wine list prevails!
BARBOUNIA has become somewhat of a place for people watching. Take note: George Clooney recently had a party there.
My personal favorites were the salads and appetizers. For those of us (notice I include myself) that have a hard time making decisions, the Appetizer Tapas Platter was the perfect one. Five different Mediterranean dips and spreads with an endless bread supply and I was in heaven! (Tzatziki, Hummous, Roasted Eggplant, Taramousalata and Spicy Feta – What a selection!)
Being that all the salads sounded so good and interesting, I had to order three. Each one highly satisfied both my curiosity and my palate!
Was there still room for a main course?? I managed….
Here’s to the Potato Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms, Sage and Parmigiano Reggiano!! Need I say more? My guest opted for the leaner more protein friendly main of fresh fish – a whole Branzino. Delicious. A side of Broccoli Rabe and Lemon Potatoes hit the spot.
I’m pretty sure I know who felt better in the morning.