Labor Day at Montauk in The Hamptons

On Monday the 3rd of September was Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer. I travelled out by train to the last stop on the Long Island Rail Road tracks, Montauk. Montauk is part of the Hamptons that has largely maintained its laidback beach side feel as compared with the likes of East Hampton that is very much wealth and status influenced.

There is a large number of lakes around the area that provide other boating and swimming options aside from the ocean.

For lunch I stopped into the main street of Montauk to visit Shagwong Restaurant for their lunch time special. It included a serve of clam chowder, 1 1/4 pound lobster and a serve of fries. The lobster was amazing and very filling. I tried some local Montauk beers from the Montauk Brewing Company as well.

The beach is a lovely long stretch of white sand that is rather quiet compared to the other Hampton Beaches. The sun was shining with amazing blue sky which was a wonderful way to end summer.

The Lobster Joint

While out in Brooklyn I went to visit the Lobster Joint at 1073 Manhattan Avenue, Greenpoint. During happy hour they have $1 oysters, $4 oyster shooters and $4 beers. I ordered half a dozen oysters, an oyster shooter and a pint of Lobster ale. I also ordered the wonderful lobster claw bloody mary. The cocktail was not on special, but at $9 it is still great value. As you can see from the pictures the claw is huge and the drink also comes with a slice of pickle. The Lobster Joint is a must visit if you're in the area.

Australian Abroad Question of the Day

What is a food or drink that you had overseas that you wish you could get in Australia?

My Tripadvisor Review of Jean Georges Has Been Published

A review of mine is now available on Tripadvisor. Feel free to take a look.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60763-d1657868-r130078657-Jean_Georges-New_York_City_New_York.html

Public Hotel Pool at King and Grove Williamsburg.

NYC certainly isn't the normal beach or summer location most people think of. In fact in the middle of summer it can be down right revolting with the humidity and heat. Therefore, one idea is to seek out somewhere cool to relax and unwind. Thrillist has found just the place in the new pool at King and Grove Williamsburg. Unlike the Pools at SoHo House, Gansevoort Hotel and The Empire Hotel, this pool is open to the public. Their menu offers refreshing local brews on hand, warm-weather cocktails and a tidy sum of delicious eats.

The Pool At King & Grove Williamsburg
160 North 12th St; between Bedford and Berry St;
Williamsburg; 718.218.7500

Tips for the Best Brunch in NYC

EaterNY has a list of 15 hot new brunch spots in New York. Restaurants listed include Acme, and The Cannibal in Manhattan and The Good Fork in Brooklyn amongst others.

Some of my all time favourite brunch spots include the celebrity and model filled Cafe Mogador in the East Village, the bustling Peels on Bowery and the intimate 'ino in the West Village. Below are photos of the brunch dishes I tried at each location.

Cafe Mogador

Peels

'ino

Great NY Noodle Town

EaterNY discusses one of Chinatown's most famous restaurants the aptly named Great N.Y. Noodle Town. As the article mentioned, it is a favourite of the city's best chefs including Jean-Georges Vongerichten and David Chang.

It was from Anthony Bourdain's travel show The Layover that I first came to hear of the restaurant. I visited in February this year and, as shown below, enjoyed the roast duck, shrimp fried rice and roast beef. The restaurant is affordable and a must visit when in NYC's Chinatown.

Great NY Noodletown 

28 Bowery, New York, 

NY 10013  

Tips for the Best Ramen in NYC

EaterNY has a great article on 7 of the best, all be it unknown, ramen restaurants in NYC.  The list includes the No Name Bar, Tsushima and the Brooklyn based Yuji Ramen.

From my experience in NYC I would also suggest trying Ramen Kuboya at 536 East 5th St between Avenue A and B and the always busy Ippudo NY at 65 4th Avenue between 9th and 10th St. Below are photos of the ramen dishes I tried at each location.

Ippudo NY                                                                                                 Ramen Kuboya

Have you had a wonderful ramen meal abroad?

Summer Fun at the Brooklyn Crab

Opening this week is the massive Brooklyn Crab in Red Hook. The new complex has entertainment including bocce courts, real-deal shuffleboard, ping pong tables, cornhole sets, and most excitingly a full-on 18-hole mini golf course.
Their menu is obviously seafood themed with crabs, whole lobsters, fried calamari, oysters and clams available. Patrons can also enjoyed a long list of beers and spirits in either of the two bars.

Brooklyn Crab
24 Reed St, btwn Conover and Van Brunt St; Red Hook; 718.643.2722

Please visit Thrillist for more details.

The Gramercy Park Hotel's Revamped Rooftop Terrace

The Gothamist has got a great report on the newly revamped rooftop terrace of the Gramercy Park Hotel. I am a big fan of the Rose Bar downstairs so I am sure the rooftop will not disappoint. For more details on the food and cocktail menu visit the Gothamist.

For another report on rooftop bars including one of my favourites in Long Island City, click for the previous Australian Abroad post here.

Groupon Deal of the Week $69 for Three-Course Indian Dinner with Wine for Two at Junoon, a Michelin Star Restaurant - $150 Value

• Two appetizers
• Two entrees
• Two desserts
• Two glasses of wine (a $10 value each)

http://www.groupon.com/new-york/deals/junoon?dl=d47388