Whether it’s ladies night or just catching up with friends & family, Pazza Notte on 56th and 6th is a great hangout. This little eatery has a kind of loungy feeling to it that may be due to its 2 for 1 martini happy hours from 5pm to close! For me, this is a big selling point, seeing as how a typical martini in the city will run you around $12. The rules for Happy Hour @Pazza Notte--you have to order 2 of the same flavor, and they bring them both at the same time. You're definitely going to get a second one--why not save your server some trips? They have one of the biggest selections of martini flavors I’ve ever seen. I like to order the lychee. They have plenty of other flavors, including white peach, mango and white chocolate. So here's a quick rundown of why you should go! 1. I don’t know what it is about martinis, but they make you feel so much classier.
(source: flickr.com) 2. Food? My favorite item? A thin crust white pizza with mushrooms and truffle oil. Another crowd pleaser? The bruschetta, and even the free bread that’s put on the table.
3. You can hear your friends talk: Want to catch up with friends and actually hear what they have to say? You can do so at Pazza Notte since this place isn’t nearly as loud as a bar 4. Not rushed: I’ve had people show up halfway through pizza and martinis and order more food and drinks and the staff doesn’t get annoyed that they aren’t turning tables. 5. Location: Yes, it is in midtown (a place you should avoid) but that's what makes it great. A central spot for everyone to meet up after work or perfect before heading away from all the craziness of Times Square. To me, Pazza Notte solves that problem of “I’m in midtown with no idea where to go.” SBF recommended!
Bob Bar is one of the most popular hip hop bars in the city. A cool spot to hang on a weeknight. $5 beers all night. Good music. Great mix of interesting people. No cover.
Wacky is the best way to describe Shopsin’s eatery and Kenny Shopsin, owner and chef. Over the years he’s been referred to as eccentric, compared to the Soup Nazi and rubbed some people the wrong way with his imposing “house rules” and gruff style. At the same time he’s lovable for that very wackiness because if it wasn’t for that Shopsins wouldn’t be the experience that it is.
A New York icon of eccentricity, he’s been marching to his own drummer for decades. Shopsins started as a general store then an eatery in Greenwich Village for decades until a few years back they moved into the Essex Market on the LES. Kenny was made famous in 2002 when Calvin Trillin wrote about Shopsins in The New Yorker. Hero or offensive, either love Kenny for what he is or don’t bother.
Wacky Menu
The menu is packed with choices. If you do nothing else on this blog, you HAVE to check out the menu. It’s been reported to have as many as 900 items at one time. Most talked about is the Mac n Cheese pancakes which are really good, but there are hundreds of other items just as innovative either in name (Slutty Cakes, Blisters on My Sisters) or ingredients. He makes everything himself and at this point without the aid of recipes, so it’s also an adventure on whether it will be the same the second or third time around.
Mac n Cheese Pancakes at Shopsin's
Wacky Rules
Kenny will comment or refuse to serve you if you don’t follow his house rules, which have been known to change at his whim, but basically are:
He won’t seat groups larger than four.
Everyone must order a meal.
No duplicate orders.
No cell phone usage.
Wacky Philosophy
Shopsin's Beer List taken by pheezy (flickr) who describes his experience taking the photo: I asked and got permission to take the photo. Then I got yelled at while taking it. Then I got backed up from another yell from the other side of the restaurant saying that I'd asked and it was OKAY
In September, 2008 Kenny’s book Eat Me: The Food and Philosophy of Kenny Shopsin was published. There’s also a documentary film about him titled “I Like Killing Flies”. The book is a mix of memoirs, recipes, family stories, about dealing with publicity but, most importantly his philosophy comes out loud and clear. These choice Kenny quotes from the book pretty much sum it up.
“Pancakes are a luxury, like smoking marijuana or having sex. That’s why I came up with the names Ho Cakes and Slutty Cakes. These are extra decadent, but in a way, every pancake is a Ho Cake.”
“Customers in this country have been raised to believe that they are “always right.” Their neuroses are coddled and their misbehaviors tolerated for their patronage and their money by every restaurateur in America. But not by ME. My approach at Shopsins is the exact OPPOSITE of “the customer is always right.” Until I know the people, until they show me that they are worth cultivating as customers, I’m not even sure I WANT their patronage.”
“I enjoy cooking and giving what I can to my customers, and, in turn, my customers don’t just enjoy giving me money, they enjoy receiving what I have given them. Once we’ve established a rapport, we’re absolute equals in my restaurant. But I guess I shouldn’t expect newcomers to understand this. In all fairness, they’re right and I’m the asshole, because my way is hardly the traditional you-give-me-the-money-I-give-you-a-bagel. I want more from them. I want a relationship.”
Open Tuesday through Saturday 9:30-2, located in the Essex Market, 120 Essex Street, Stall #16 (LES)
Date Night: Panna II Garden Indian Restaurant
Hot Spot: Boozy Brunch @ Carroll Place
Social-Butta-Fly Presents: "The Office Holiday Party"
Fly Fashion: "School Daze" The Party Fashion Inspiration
Fly Fashion: Afro Punk Fest - Fashion Inspiration
Social Scene: Daphney J. Events Presents - An Inner Beauty Experience
Social Scene: "The Shed" Open Mic & Jam Session @ Sylvana
Hot Spot: Pocha 32
The Butta: BJ The Chicago Kid - Turnin' Me Up | Soulection Live Sessions
