The NoMad: White Truffle Tagliatelle

The NoMad
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Here’s the thing about white truffles. They are very scarce since they are only available for a few months in the fall. Pounce if you have the chance. Back in October, The NoMad decided to offer white truffle over tagliatelle or risotto at cost so when I called, tables for the following week were already booked. The only day they had left was a Sunday so I greedily decided to book two reservations so I could enjoy risotto for lunch and tagliatelle over dinner.

When I met up with Rob and Jessica in the beautifully appointed lobby, we were beyond excited. We have all experienced burgundy and black truffles but it was our first time trying white truffles and we were curious in seeing how it compared. As we sat down and examined the menu, we noticed that the tagliatelle and risotto with truffles were missing. My heart stopped. Did they already run out?

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Betony - The Jewel of Midtown

Betony
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It was a misty September evening in Manhattan as I sat in the plush back seat of a town car, lulled by the sounds of the windshield wipers moving steadily like a metronome. I exited the car and ducked into Betony, narrowly escaping the rain.

I was the first one to arrive, nearly 20 minutes early. After checking in with the hostess, I sat at the bar and took a look at my surroundings. Ornate carvings adorned the walls, motifs stretched across the vast ceiling. Jack, the jovial bartender with an Australian accent, nudged me and asked if "gin and I got along".

I was intrigued. “Why?” I asked.

“Well there was a mix-up with another order and we have an extra Negroni...” he winked.

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Empire Biscuit - It Ain't Cracker Barrel

Empire Biscuit
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Flaky. Buttery. Melt in your mouth biscuits. Moist, fresh and warm from the oven.

These are all words that describe what a great biscuit should be. Empire Biscuit has none of these qualities. I arrived, brimming with hope but after it was over, I left with a dry taste of disappointment.

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Scrumphsus Bites: Sobaya - Eel and Pork Belly

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I wanted to quickly highlight two bites from Sobaya: eel over rice and pork belly. Literally had this a few hours ago and miss it already. Michelle and I obsess over unaju and have been craving it lately so we decided to make this a monthly ritual.

We were both starving as we sat down and when the unaju arrived in its mysterious box, we uncovered it slowly, as if it were a delicate artifact.

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Scrumphsus Bites: Grandaisy Bakery - Butternut Squash Pizza

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Today's bite comes from Grandaisy Bakery. If you're a fan of butternut squash, you're going to love it. If you're not a fan, you will be a convert.

Deceptively simple and bursting with flavor, the square slice is topped with melted onions, flecks of sage, oozing gruyère, and a layer of roasted butternut squash. Sprinkled salt and freshly cracked black pepper are the finishing touches.

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