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Chef Brendan McHale
Previously chef Brendan McHale worked as the executive chef at Jack's Luxury Oyster Bar in New York and The Butcher Shop and Sel de la Terre in Boston. He was also the event chef for Tasting Table.
Restaurateur Jason Soloway
In addition to The Eddy, Wine director and restaurateur Jason Soloway is also a co-owner of The Wallflower and a minority partner in Mother's Ruin.
The Eddy is small and intimate in a ‘get to know your neighbor’ way with just thirty seats in the main dining room and twelve at the bar. If you ask chef Brendan McHale to describe his food he says, “it’s kind of playful and coastal cuisine.” Originally from New England, McHale is an avid fly fisherman on his off time and worked at Jack’s Luxury Oyster Bar, so expect to see lots of seafood showcased. McHale recommends trying dishes like the Golden Spotted Tile Fish with Squid Ink Hollandaise and the Crudo of Scallop with Mushroom Escabeche. Another favorite of his is the Roasted Carrots with Cashew Butter. “We’re trying to get people to eat their vegetables here at The Eddy.”
Below are shops, restaurants and coffee spots that chef Brendan McHale and Jason Soloway love to frequent.
September 4, 2014
Get To Know The Eddy + Where They Eat in NYC
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Photograph courtesy of The Eddy
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Chef Brendan McHale & CO-Owner Jason Soloway
The Pros
- Co-owner Jason Soloway
- Chef Brendan McHale
Not too many years ago, East 6th Street, between 1st and 2nd avenues, in New York’s East Village was known as the mecca for Indian restaurants. The entire street was lined end to end with curry houses all offering similar menus resulting in the urban myth that they all secretly shared the same subterranean kitchen. Slowly the street is becoming a destination for finding unique spots with the tequila/mezcal bar Mayahuel at one end and newcomer The Eddy on the other.
The Eddy is small and intimate in a ‘get to know your neighbor’ way with just thirty seats in the main dining room and twelve at the bar. If you ask chef Brendan McHale to describe his food he says, “it’s kind of playful and coastal cuisine.” Originally from New England, McHale is an avid fly fisherman on his off time and worked at Jack’s Luxury Oyster Bar, so expect to see lots of seafood showcased. McHale recommends trying dishes like the Golden Spotted Tile Fish with Squid Ink Hollandaise and the Crudo of Scallop with Mushroom Escabeche. Another favorite of his is the Roasted Carrots with Cashew Butter. “We’re trying to get people to eat their vegetables here at The Eddy.”
You can order a la carte or opt for the five course tasting menu. “Our food is approachable, great for sharing, but we want there to be some element of adventure or something that people are experiencing that’s new to them. Approachability with a small portion of progressive thinking.”
Below are shops, restaurants and coffee spots that chef Brendan McHale and Jason Soloway love to frequent. To get their full New York guide download the Find. Eat. Drink. app.
Chef Brendan McHale
Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
Find | Cheese & Specialty Foods
Formaggio Kitchen
Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
Formaggio Kitchen at Essex Street Market
Brendan McHale: Manager Andrew Clark runs a pretty cool operation. Their European selection of cheese is great. They are super selective and seasonal. I love the way they sell all the rare specialties of vinegars and pastes and beans.
120 Essex Street, Essex Street Market, New York, NY 10002
T: 212.982.8200 | www.formaggiokitchen.com
Photograph courtesy of The Eddy
Eat | Restaurants
Fried chicken and biscuits at Bobwhite Lunch & Supper Counter
Photograph courtesy of Bobwhite Lunch & Supper Counter
Bobwhite Lunch & Supper Counter
Jason Soloway: One of my favorite casual spots. It’s a fried chicken place. Beer, fried chicken, a couple of sides, like the mac and cheese or some greens or veggies, and that equals deep, deep happiness. If I’m in a bad mood, I just go to Bob’s. You walk in and sit at the counter. They make some of the best fried chicken, if not the best, in the city. After some beer, fried chicken, and a couple of sides, you will be a better person immediately.
94 Avenue C, New York, NY 10009
T: 212.228.2972 | www.bobwhitecounter.com
Torishin
Brendan McHale: You feel like you’re not in New York City at all. It’s like you are in a place you dream of traveling to. I like the chicken skins, some of their gizzards are pretty awesome, and I love the chicken hearts. There’s a bit more finesse in the food and the char that they have on some of their dishes is just so proper.
1193 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10065
T: 212.988.8408 | torishinny.com
Crispy cauliflower at Balaboosta
Photograph courtesy of Balaboosta
Balaboosta
Jason Soloway: It’s Israeli Arab Middle Eastern food. Bite for bite, it has the highest flavor per bite ratio. Everything is just so flavorful, but it is not for the faint. The food is very refined and delicate, but it’s also interesting and flavorful. It’s a great neighborhood restaurant. I wish all neighborhood restaurants could be this good. Your taste buds are going to be taken for a ride.
214 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10012
T: 212.966.7366 (Book a Table) | balaboostanyc.com
Upstate Craft Beer & Oyster Bar
Jason Soloway: Impeccable oysters + beautiful beer = happiness. Shane Covey is the co-owner and he’s the man. They serve super fresh oysters along with a beautiful selection of New York State beers. It’s a fun and wonderfully lively place for a couple of beers and a plate of oysters.
95 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003
T: 917.408.3395 | upstatenyc.com
The number 1 Banh Mi at Bánh Mì Saigon
Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
Bánh Mì Saigon
Brendan McHale: I always order the straight up number one with BBQ pork. It’s a wonderful mix of toasted bread and hot sauce, and just the right amount of pâté.
198 Grand Street, New York, NY 10013
T: 212.941.1541 | www.banhmisaigonnyc.com
Find | Candy
Papabubble
Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
Papabubble
Brendan McHale: They are always doing crazy artwork with their candy. It’s really cool and I always buy my nephews some of their candy. The little watermelon candies are awesome. It’s truly handmade, because they make it right there in front of you. You can come in and watch them.
380 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013
T: 212.966.2599 | www.papabubbleny.com
Drink | Coffee
Coffee and canelé at Bluebird Coffee Shop
Photograph courtesy of Bluebird Coffee Shop
Bluebird Coffee Shop
Jason Soloway: It’s at First and First, otherwise known as the nexus of the universe. The way I see it, if you’re going to have a coffee shop at the nexus of the universe, it better be good. Their coffee is perfect. Whenever you get a cappuccino that’s not too hot and you can drink it almost immediately, then they’re doing it right. Their pastries are the best. They have a canelé that is beyond reproach. It’s better than beyond reproach, it’s addictive. If I’m heading to The Eddy, it’s my first stop on the day. I just love the place.
72 East 1st Street, New York, NY 10003
T: 212.260.1879 | www.bluebirdcoffeeshop.com
Bluestone Lane Collective Cafe
Photograph courtesy of Bluestone Lane Collective Cafe
Bluestone Lane Collective Cafe
Jason Soloway: It’s part of the Australian coffee wave and it is cuteness personified. The Australians understand coffee. Get the Flat White. They have great coffee and nice pastries, and some sandwiches too. I like the back room and the microscopic patio. It’s cuteness times 10.
55 Greenwich Avenue, New York, NY 10014
T: 646.368.1988 | bluestonelaneny.com
Download the Find. Eat. Drink. iPhone app and get more NYC recommendations from Jason Soloway and chef Brendan McHale.
Rouge et Blanc
Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
Rouge et Blanc
Jason Soloway: I really like what they are doing and they don’t get enough attention. It’s a stunning space, the food is beautiful with lots of fun twists and turns, and a wine list that makes me shed tears of joy. It’s a place that should be packed all the time.
[Download the F.E.D. iPhone app to discover owner / sommelier Thomas Cregan’s NYC recommendations.]
48 Macdougal Street, New York, NY 10012
T: 212.260.5757 (Book a Table) | www.rougeetblancnyc.com
Zaragoza Mexican Deli
Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
Zaragoza Mexican Deli
Brendan McHale: Off the beaten path, I’d say it’s pretty awesome for Mexican food. Ruben, the owner, and his mom cook everything in-house and everything is different. She makes her own little salsa. Her salsa verde is pretty amazing, but her tostada, the goat tostadas, are mind-blowing at 2:30 am.
215 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
T: 212.780.9204| www.orderzaragoza.com
Nourish Kitchen + Table
Photograph courtesy of Nourish Kitchen + Table
Nourish Kitchen + Table
Jason Soloway: It’s right around the corner from The Wallflower. Owner Marissa Lippert is a registered dietician. They have really nice fresh seasonal, lovely food, and excellent service. They are just good people and I like good people.
95 Greenwich Avenue, New York, NY 10014
T: 212.242.6115 | nourishkitchentable.com
Le Philosophe
Photograph courtesy of Le Philosophe
Le Philosophe
Jason Soloway: It’s soul satisfying, high quality French bistro food. If you are into wine, check out the wine list. It’s not monstrous, but really well-curated for a place that size. It’s a secret and I don’t know why people don’t know about it. It’s one of the best priced wine lists in the city.
55 Bond Street, New York, NY 10012
T: 212.388.0038 (Book a Table) | lephilosophe.us
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