Since my day gig moved offices from Wall Street to Columbus Circle, one of the best perks — besides a close proximity to Central Park — is a huge increase in nearby lunch destinations. Just recently, I added a new place to my cache of favorites: Metro Marché, which just opened in March. I’ve already eaten there twice and I would advise you to forget any local deli, pizza place, or overhyped garbage like Sweet Green, because the food at Metro Marché is just insane.
Behold: The Triple Delight Soup at PJ Bernstein (All Photos By Gail)
Shortly after I moved to NYC, I started dating a wonderful Jewish guy. We were together for about 8 years, until we eventually broke up amicably. He was pretty much a perfect boyfriend, but once it was over, what I missed most about our relationship was the delicious Jewish food I enjoyed so very much when we visited his family for the holidays. As a matter of fact, I am still not over it. Because Jewish food is the bomb.
Fortunately, for those who crave authentic Jewish home cooking but either don’t have a Jewish Mother/ Grandmother, or just don’t want the fuss of maintaining a committed relationship, there is PJ Bernstein Deli, where you can eat like you are a member of the tribe every day of the week. Founded in 1965, one visit to PJ Bernstein will show you why celebrities flock to this place, and families trust them to handle all their holiday catering. Continue reading Restaurant Review: PJ Bernstein Jewish Delicatessen Serves All of Your Favorites→
Above Image Courtesy of Scoozi Events; All Other Photos By Gail Except Where Notes
When you have attended as many catered events and cocktail parties as I have, you get the opportunity to sample a variety unique and tasty foods. But after your umpteenth morsel of Prime Rib on a Crostini, or Coconut Fried Shrimp, you might tend to encounter a lot of sameness among the small bites being offered by various NYC catering companies. Yes, you have perhaps tasted it all, until you are lucky enough to attend a party catered by Scoozi Events: and it is only then that your taste buds will be fully awakened to true culinary innovation!
In NYC, event catering is a big deal business. Those in the position to hire caterers — from administrative assistants to event planners to television production crews — are always on the lookout for reliable, hassle-free sources of delicious foods that can appeal to a variety of dietary requirements (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free) while coming in at a reasonable price. Having personally accumulated about 25 years of experience working as an office manager and administrative assistant, I know this much to be true: when it comes to event planning, no matter if it’s for 5, 50 or 500 people, the food is everything.
Recently, I was invited to join my friend Anne from the LuxeLifeNYC blog for a private tasting at Duran Sandwiches New York, located on Madison Avenue and 27th Street. Duran is a family owned business, originating in Vienna, Austria, and dating back about 50 years! Now, you can get their fine sandwiches in the States! This is cause to celebrate!
Duran New York is owned and operated by the completely charming and super friendly Tom Szebeni, a former line producer for European Reality TV who came to the states and missed the delicious, open-faced sandwiches he grew to love while living in his native Hungary. When Tom decided he was ready for a career change, his love of good food and talent for bespoke customer service led him to open Duran New York. Many of the sandwich recipes served at the Madison Avenue location are actually based on traditional Austrian and Hungarian recipes.
Roast Beef with Sweet Red Onion
We had a lovely time sitting with Tom and being entertained by his engaging stories while sampling a variety Duran’s most poplar sandwiches.
Image Above By Gail
Above is a photo I took of three of my favorites: Egg Salad, Lobster Salad (especially good with a squirt of fresh lemon juice), and thinly sliced Sirloin with Cranberry Marmalade and White Asparagus. Each one was excellent in its own way, and you can see and taste the quality!
We also tasted the Avocado Salad (above) and the Sundried Tomato Salad (below), made with both sundried and fresh tomatoes, pureed to a smooth and creamy consistency along with sweet imported dates – amazing and totally vegan-friendly!
I Got Yer Picnic Right Here
Sandwich toppings are served on the most complimentary bread variety, with a choice of White, Pumpernickel bread with sesame seeds, or Whole wheat with oat. All breads are baked exclusively by Tubito’s Brick Oven Bakery of Suffern, NY, and delivered fresh daily to the store.
Cucumber and Farmers Cheese, Perfect for Tea Time Duran Sandwiches Get The Party Started
The sandwiches are not only amazingly delicious, but — as you can see by these photos — each one looks like a work of art!
Camembert Cheese
Not only should Admins and PAs be seriously considering Duran Sandwiches as a new option for corporate catering, but being able to choose from a seemingly endless variety of toppings also presents an ideal solution for passed hors d’oeuvres for home holiday entertaining — when you’d rather enjoy time with your guests than spend time in the kitchen. They’re also terrific to take as a picnic to nearby Madison Square Park!
Duran Sandwiches is located at 62 Madison Avenue at 27th Street in NYC. Call 212-576-1000 (tell them The Worley Gig sent you!) or visit them online at Duran Sandwiches Dot Com!
