Just arrived Manhattan earlier today for one day of business meetings and one day of exploring Brooklyn with my best friend.  In all the years that I have been coming to Manhattan I have never visited Brooklyn.  Do you have any must see’s or restaurant recommendations that you can share?  I would love to hear from you.

I am staying at Gild Hall by Thompson Hotels.  Feels a bit like a townhouse in London with dark wood furniture, leather accents and a comfortable “library” feeling.  The location is perfect for my meeting on Wall Street just a few blocks away and close to the Fulton Street subway station which allows me to easily navigate the island.

Gild Hall, Thompson Hotels

Gild Hall
15 Gold Street
New York, NY 10038
212-425-7700
www.thompsonhotels.com

After getting settled into my room I decided to pull up an article that I had saved via Readability from Travel & Leisure that outlined 32 of the top restaurants in New York.  I decided to head up to the West Village to try Tertulia which is celebrating its’ first year anniversary this week.  Chef Seamus Mullen brings Spanish cuisine to Manhattan with a fresh and clean approach.   The restaurant was nominated for Best New Restaurant this year by the James Beard Foundation.  Certainly a lot to celebrate at Tertulia after just one year on the scene.

James Beard Best New Restaurant Nominated Tertulia

As I sat on 6th Avenue enjoying my meal I was transported with memories about my recent trip to Spain where I gained a new appreciation for their cuisine.  Read more about my adventure here: Barcelona: A Culinary Trip.

I started my meal with a glass of red wine sangria and a fresh heirloom tomato gazpacho with hints of cucumber served “up” in a glass for easy drinking.

Heirloom tomato gazpacho

Whenever padron peppers are on the menu, I can’t resist.  I enjoyed a nice plate of salty peppers and then had grilled squid salad served with arugula, corn and vidalia onions.  Fresh salad for late summer.

Grilled squid salad

Then it was time for Arroz a la Plancha which is calasparra rice, snails, wild mushrooms, celery, fennel and Spanish ham.  Amazing and filling.

Arroz a la Plancha

I ended with a bowl of fresh peaches, honey, nuts and whipped ricotta cheese.  A perfect warm summer dessert.  Lots of sweetness without any heaviness.

Summer peaches with whipped ricotta cheese

I cannot recommend this place enough.  Friendly and helpful service, great menu and the food simply speaks for itself.  Give it a try.

Tertulia
359 6th Avenue
New York, NY
646-559-9909
www.tertulianyc.com