Last Night at Hea

What VP debate? While you were huddled on your couch, wondering what Sarah Palin might say next to embarrass herself and her party, I was doing what every patriotic American should have been doing: Drinking. Also eating--delicious things like spicy tuna rolls, coconut soup, fried rice, duck and pork belly at East Village newcomer Hea (pronounced "he"), which serves Asian fusion cuisine (and cocktails) in an aesthetically pleasing environment. With low booths and small tables, the lounge-like lower level was ideal for the cocktail hour that preceded last night's press dinner--during which time I guzzled enough lychee martinis to stumble up the steps on my way to the second floor for dinner. Okay, so I missed the debate. But instead, I got a free dinner, a moderate hangover and the respect of everyone smart enough to recognize that free booze is more important than being informed.

More new and notable restaurants here.

Yes, the pint of vodka in your desk drawer is calling your name, pleading for some well-deserved attention. But instead of dipping into your stash at the day's end, head to Blue Owl in the East village tonight at 5pm to celebrate hump day. There's no cover to join the Wonderful Wednesdays fun at this cocktail den. Simply RSVP to thehumpnyc@gmail.com and start sipping specialty and well drinks for $6 a pop, and don't stop until 3am. The guest DJ tonight is Blu Jemz, joining resident DJ's Myles and Lindsey. For more details, just click on the invite to the left. And for similarly awesome opportunities around town, check our list of bar and restaurant deals.

For well-to-do foodies, fall is about more than just the leaves changing color in Central Park. It's about the shifting of seasonal menus, and nobody takes seasonal change more seriously than Park Avenue Autumn, which was previously Park Avenue Summer. The restaurant has been redesigned for a warm, natural look--at least until late November, when it will transform yet again, into Park Avenue Winter.

What's new on the menu? Acorn-fed Iberian ham with grilled cheese toast, Kentucky fried quail with pear slaw, crispy Arctic char with swiss chard in maple-soy brown butter, and filet mignon with Wellington strudel, chanterelles and creminis, among many other dishes. It's almost enough to make you glad summer is over ... almost.

It's that time of year again--time for you to help us choose New York's best restaurants in more than 20 different categories like outdoor dining, people-watching, comfort food and brunch. By now you know the drill, but just in case, here's the deal: We chose the nominees, and you can vote once per day in each category for your favorites. Voting will continue through Thursday, September 11, and the winners will be announced the following Friday, September 19, with two winners in each category (one selected by you, one selected by us). So, better get cracking--and be sure to check out past winners in all our other Best of Citysearch polls. 

Covering restaurants has been a pain the ass lately. First R&L opened for a glorious couple of days before closing down indefinitely, and then Kurve kept everyone guessing by constantly closing and reopening. Which brings me to Black Iron Burger Shop, the new upscale burger joint that had everyone from Shecky's to the NY Times droolin'. I kept calling and visiting after their supposed open date, but sadly got no response. But as of this week, the wait is finally over.

Right now the casual East Village spot is only open from 6pm-3am, but it will open for lunch at 11am starting Saturday. It has a casual, worn-in feeling, with bar stools, exposed brick walls and classic punk tunes on the radio. The burgers themselves were delicious and well-worth the very reasonable $7 price. The griddle created simple, misshapen burgers that let the natural flavor of the beef really shine--no fancy special sauces needed here.

What really impressed me was the beer selection, which ranges from Sixpoint Brownstone to Saratoga Lager, all priced at $5-$6. The waitress was friendly, if a little green, as is to be expected at a brand-new restaurant.

The best thing of all? It's open until 3am, meaning I can stumble across the street after playing skeeball all night at Ace Bar.

Photo of Pop Burgers borrowed from Flickr.

Every culture has its signature dish, and in this country there is perhaps no food more American than the burger. What beats a minced meat patty, properly seasoned and sandwiched in a bun? Maybe a minced meat patty, properly seasoned, sandwiched in a bun and served on a gold platter by Brad Pitt. But that's about it. Inevitably, in a city like New York, with so many restaurants, it's easy to become flustered by all the varieties out there. We know which spots we like for red meat, but what about our fellow New Yorkers? We took to the streets and talked to locals to find out about the best in burger breeds. Consult our findings in our Battle of the Burgers feature. The opinions might vary, from the advocate of the get-what-you-want-on-it DuMont Burger, to the traditionalist with a preference for Corner Bistro. But if you're craving a burger and need some inspiration, here's a little guidance from your fellow citizens.  

The only thing you really know about Labor Day is that, after it passes, a certain sect of fashionistas will prey on you for wearing white. You fear these people like you feared trans fats before the ban, because they could be lurking anywhere. But forget the snooty, overly fashion-conscious set--the people probably least likely deserving of celebration in the name of a holiday associated with labor. You, on the other hand, working man or woman, are entitled to some rest and relaxation this weekend. So use our Labor Day Planner to find outings, restaurant deals and shopping specials in New York. And, for at least a few more days, be fearless about wearing white.

The thing I love most about summer is that it gives you an excuse to get drunk at early hours that would otherwise be socially unacceptable. Tipsy at 2pm during the fall? You're a drunk. Raging drunk at 2pm while playing ping pong at Iona during the summer? You're simply taking advantage of the weather!

Sadly, summer is almost over. Take advantage of the rest of the season with our "5 to Try: Summer Beers" feature. We talked to five bars to see which seasonal brew they preferred. Harefield Road bartender Erin McWade reccommends the refreshing German weiss beer Julius Echter, while Brass Monkey bar manager Sandy Rudy goes for the Leffe Blonde, a lightly spiced Belgian ale. Take advantage of summer boozing now before being wasted at 3pm gets you dirty looks instead of high fives.

In January, we got word of a new neighborhood cafe coming to 182 Avenue B at 11th Street, in the space formerly occupied by the Furniture Place. At the time, we were told that the owners expected to open "in February." Then in April, we reported that the cafe appeared to be on the verge of opening--there were flower-filled vases in the window, stacks of glasses behind the counter, all the equipment seemed to be in place, and to my knowledge, the place never even sought a liquor license, so they weren't waiting on that.  So for reasons I cannot explain, two more months passed without a bagel sold or cup of coffee poured.

But as of yesterday, De Nova cafe officially opened its doors, and today I took the opportunity to check it out. The menu is a bit strange for a place that looks and feels like a coffee shop. At the counter they offer the usual--pastries, bagels, coffee, various other drinks like raspberry iced tea. But the sit-down menu is a cross between random American pub-grub (like nachos) and small plates with a decidely Greek flavor (grape leaves served with yogurt salad; a feta cheese and olives small plate). There are also five or six different salads and several larger plates.

Whether or not the menu will work remains to be seen, but I will say that the prices can't be beat. My enormous iced coffee was just $1.50 (compared to $2.45 for a small at my usual place, just two blocks north), and the salads are all between $5 and $6.50. It's probably not a destination unto itself, but for the locals chances are it'll be a welcome addition to the 'hood.