Sylvie Knows Good Food

Last week Sylvie invited me to join a Travel writers support group in Manhattan. As a relatively new writer, compared to Sylvie and her friends, I jumped at the chance for constructive criticism.

Sylvie is a food writer, a bonafide French-born culinary expert of all things tasty and nutritious. She's known in foodie circles as one of the best in Manhattan.

Food writers, like Sylvie, are born with advanced palates so refined they can taste the smallest hints of any ingredient. Give her a sprinkle of paprika, she can smell it. Give her a dab of dill she can taste it. Throw her a curve-ball with strange spices like ajowan, nigella or green masala, she'll pause briefly, wrinkle her nose and then, with confidence, announce the correct seasonings.

On Wednesday she arranged for us to meet at B.Cafe, a Belgium Brasserie on the Upper West side. The place was crowded, a good sign and the owner lead us to the best table in the house. He then showered us with free drinks, from beer to wine to mixed drinks. And with 50 brands of beer, authentic Belgium ales too, it wasn't easy to decide.

For appetizers, the mussels, fries and a meat-based snack called bitterballen went down nicely with our suds. Sylvie and I skipped a heavy entree and went straight for the dessert, another kind gesture insisted on by the owner.

If you visit request that Leonardo from Mexico be your server. He's the best. If your wanting to know of other great places to dine in NYC, check Sylvie's website. She too is the best.