I love all things Momofuku!!
bigeye tuna crudo
cucumber salad
roasted carrots, scallion, pumpkin seed
spicy oxtail, rice cakes, daikon, buttered rice
caramelized shiitake buns, hoisin, cucumber
Tag Archives: NYC
2/28/19 – NYC – Leonti
Horribly I did not take a photo of the menu and months later my recollection of all ingredients of these dishes is sketchy, They were all delicious and we loved everything about Leonti. If I lived in this neighborhood you would find me at the bar at least once a week.
10/28/18 – NYC – Momofuku Ko
My favorite spot in NYC. Fabulous as always.
pomme soufflée
lobster paioise
chicken oyster
striped bass, mustard greens, rye bonji
lobster, blood orange, chili
ko egg
beef au poivre
razor clam, pineapple, basil
tomato, broken rice, sea urchin
pork, shishito, cabbage
foie gras, lychee, pine nut, riesling
mandarin tarte tatin, cheese
10/25/18 – NYC – Atomix
I don’t think that I can add too much to all of the existing stellar reviews of Atomix. They are all spot on and so well deserved. Atomix is such a great addition to the NYC dining scene.
NYC – 5/17/18 – Momofuku Ko
The first of three nights in a row at the Ko bar. Clearly my favorite place to be in NYC. I cannot say enough good things about the food. Maybe its a good thing that I no longer live here or I would overdose on the pork pie yet I wish I could be here everyday.
NYC – 12/31/17 – Momofuku Saam Bar
Clearly I have missed everything Momofuku. Penicillin…kimchi fried rice…enough said.
slow roasted pork shoulder ssam with kimchi fried rice
chinese long beans, chili, garlic, shallot
NYC – 12/30/17 – Atla and Momofuku Ko
Atla
Deserted on a frigid and snowy morning but excellent as always and worth making the trek for.
arctic char and farmers cheese tostada
ranchero eggs
Ko
Very belated and a bit sad in retrospect as this was my last visit to the Ko bar before the space was renovated. I will eventually catch up to the new space and menu (which is awesome) but I loved the old one as well.
NYC – 12/29/17 – Flora Bar
The first time I tried to visit Flora Bar was unfortunately Super Bowl sunday and it was closed. It obviously took me a long time to make a second attempt but was certainly worth the effort.
snow crab with miso mayonnaise
tuna tartare, sunflower, and hijiki
sea bream crudo with pomelo and chrysanthemum
chicories with pears, hazelnuts and Bayley Hazen Blue
potato and raclette croquettes
Futsu squash and black truffle tart
lobster and crab dumplings in yuzu broth
NYC – 12/28/17 – Ferris
It is fantastic to see more cool places move into the Nomad area of NYC. Ferris makes the best of below street level location and overdelivers for its modest setting. A definite must visit.
chips & dip – chicharrones, chicken liver mousse
blood sausage – grilled dates, toasted seeds
(I discovered I am missing a page of the menu and consequently descriptions for a few courses.)
octopus – egg custard, confit potato, pedro ximinez
beets – black sesame tahini, young coconut
carrot agnolotti – lamb neck, pickled squash
NYC – 11/12/17 – Marta
While Marta may not be my favorite of the USHG restaurants, or even have my favorite pizza, like everything in this group it is consistently solid and always a great choice for brunch.
Prosciutto e fichi
Insalata di farro
Autunno
Funghi
NYC – 11/11/17 – Momofuku Ko
Perhaps I avoid getting caught up on this blog because revisiting my favorite places in NYC just makes me too sad. Yet another fantastic dinner at my favorite spot topped off by a perfect chocolate fernet dessert.
black bass, rye bonji, perilla
sea urchin, chickpea, hozon
ko egg, caviar
beef au poivre
razor clam, pineapple, basil
striped bass, eggplant, tomato
lamb, radish
foie gras, lychee, pine nut, riesling jelly
cheesecake
foie gras, lychee, pine nut, riesling jelly
chocolate, mint, fernet branca
NYC – 11/10/17 – Atoboy and Aviary
Atoboy
Yet another place that I have missed terribly since I moved. So much so that I ate so quickly I forgot to photograph several dishes.
lotus root, dubu, seaweed, chili oil
beef tartare, nooruk, mustard green, myungran
sunchoke, oyster mushroom, black truffle, orange
octopus, kimchi, chorizo, parsley
Aviary
So much about the reviews is accurate and so much is not accurate at all. I am certainly biased. For me it will never be the same as Chicago, but the views sure do help compensate.
Up the Ice Ante – oat, marcona almond, white peach, horchata
Chicharron
Heart of Stone – pistachio, peach, fresno, lapsang, bourbon
Loaded to the Gunwalls – mace, pineapple, hazelnut, batavia arrack
NYC -11/9/17 – Wildair
So so happy to be back at Wildair! I’m pretty sure I have had several dreams about the spicy tuna toast since I left New York and one of the few dishes I’ve ordered twice in one sitting.
NYC – 11/17 – Mondrian Hotel
The Mondrian recently opened before this stay and was still working out a few kinks. This room was definitely tiny. I loved the decor but it was very poorly designed for a trip that involved the need to work. There was no desk and only a small table however no outlet anywhere near the table and thus impossible to plug in my laptop. After a day of puzzling water in the bathroom I figured out that the toilet was leaking. And housekeeping neglected my room for an entire day. Despite these issues the staff was well intentioned and I actually booked a follow up visit (with different issues but promptly addressed).
NYC – 6/18/17 – Sadelle’s & Paowalla
Sadelles
The last time I had a bagel…
Paowalla
Tabla was one of the first restaurants I visited when I first moved to NYC so I suppose it was only fitting to close out the run at Paowalla.
NYC – 6/17/17 – Charlie Bird & Barbuto
More favorites of the farewell tour…
Charlie Bird
charred octopus, ceci verde, mint & Nduja
farro, fava greens, sweet peas, pecorino & pistachio
Barbutto
bruschetta
pollo al forno
NYC – 6/15/17 – Le Bernardin
hamachi – hamachi tartare, cucumber, lemon-citrus emulsion
Skate – poached skate, pickled shallots, sea beans, cucumber, versus sauce
Salmon – barely cooked organic salmon, pea puree, yuzu butter sauce
Tres Leches – crispy cashew sponge cake sphere, caramelized goat’s milk mousse, clementine sorbet
Selection of ice creams or sorbets
NYC – 6/14/17 – Minetta Tavern
More NYC favorites…
little gem caesar
black label burger
NYC – 6/12/17 – Marea
crudo
tagliolini, manila clams, calamari, peperoncino
fusilli, red wine braised octopus, bone marrow
strozzapreti, jumbo lump crab, calabrian chili, basil
NYC – 6/10/17 – Momofuku Nishi
Birthday celebration #2
romaine, walnut bagna cauda
diver scallops, ship kombu, tiger’s milk, cucumber
raw beef, watermelon radish, dashi ponzu
bbq ribs, sweet & sour pork
flat noodle, spicy beef, mint, crispy shallots
NYC – 6/9/17 – Momofuku Ko
It was a very easy choice for where I wanted to spend my birthday. Much love for the team at Ko and another stellar meal.
black bass, barrel aged bonji
sea urchin, chickpea, hozon
ko egg, caviar
beef, au poivre
razor clam, pineapple, basil
skate, vin jaune, katsu roll
duck, broccoli rabe
foie gras, lychee, pine nut, riesling jelly
NYC – 5/22/17 – Nomad Bar
This was the first stop on the farewell NYC tour. Certainly one of my favorites and one of the places I miss the most.
crudite
snow pea chiffonade with pancetta, pecorino & mint
beef tartare, horseradish & cornichons
dry-aged beef burger, cheddar, red onion & special sauce
Hmmm dog, bacon-wrapped with black truffle & celery
NYC – 5/19/17 – L’Amico
In a neighborhood I found myself in almost everyday it was lovely to have some solid options.
spiced tuna
Peekytoe crab crostini, smashed peas, avocado
tuscan salad, shaved raw artichoke, fennel, fava beans, pecorino al pepe
prosciutto, dried cherry mostarda, sheep’s milk ricotta
zucchini & ricotta pie, onion, tomato, basil pesto, pecorino
NYC – 5/17/17 – Sunday’s in Brooklyn
While I had wanted to make a trip to Sunday’s in Brooklyn, this visit happened by chance when the spot we intended to visit was closed for a private event. Lucky there was a table and we very much enjoyed our contingency dinner.
deviled eggs, smoked paprika
garden pickles
black sea bass crude, sunchoke, meyer lemon, pickled chili, fresh cream
toasted buns, green garlic, raclette cheese
chicken drumsticks, house togarashi, spring alliums, buttermilk
roasted cabbage, fermented black trumpet mushrooms, hazelnuts
burnt honey tart, sheep’s cream, mandarinquat
NYC – 5/6/17 – Bouchon Bakery
I don’t mind the food court feel of Bouchon Bakery at the Time Warner Center as it somehow then seems appropriate to visit post-gym still wearing workout clothes. Consistently perfect. And I would love the recipe for the piquillo marmalade which elevated this avocado toast.
Deviled eggs
avocado toast, piquillo marmalade, pickled red onion, radish, feta, pain de campagne
NYC – 5/2/17 – Per Se
The only place where side-by-side sitting is acceptable is at the table in front of the window in the Per Se salon. Its one of my favorite views in NYC. Per Se is always a perfect experience and the Salon makes it so easy when you haven’t planned ahead and do not necessarily want a very large meal.
Oysters and Pearls – sabayon of pearl tapioca with island creek oysters
Hudson valley foulard duck foie gras – assaisonne au confit de canard, champagne gelée, brook cherries, and cocoa-hazelnut streusel
Herb-roasted elysian fields farm lamb – merguez sausage, chickpea hummus, shishito peppers, and meyer lemon jus
Velvet Elvis – banana-creme fraiche sherbet, peanut butter sabayon, and TKO crumble
NYC – 4/29/17 – Wildair
Sadly this ended up being my last dinner at Wildair before moving. It is definitely one of the places that I miss the most and if I had lived in the neighborhood I would have been here every single night (and would have overdosed on tartare). Love you Wildair!
beef tartare, smoked cheddar, horseradish, brazil nuts
fried shrimp, lemon, herb mayonnaise
tete de cochon on toast, ndjua, nettles
chocolate hazelnut tart
NYC – 4/27/17 – Jeremy Fox @ Momofuku Ko
One never knows about these visiting chef dinners. Often with great chefs they are not that successful due to just being out of their element, having to source different ingredients, or a kitchen staff that they don’t know. But when the rare one works it can be fantastic. I’ve been trying to come up with something that tops this but haven’t been able to so far. Perhaps because while I would not have mistaken this menu for a Ko dinner (ok maybe I would have if I went less), it still felt just like Ko.
peas, white chocolate & macadamia
radish, chevre, sea moss & mustard
sunchoke, grapefruit, fennel, uni & shoyu
beets, berries, avocado & pistachio
pappa al pomodoro, ramp kimchi & burrata
fava bean & sorrel cacio e pepe
morels en papillote, foie gras & egg yolk
strawberry with polenta soffits
pork, kumquat, kohlrabi & dill
beef, brassicas, green peanut miso & marrow
lavender almonds
fresh ricotta & strawberries
bread au chocolat
NYC – 4/19/17 – Atla
Atla very quickly became one of my favorites of the year and seemed like the perfect stop for dinner before an early flight to Mexico City.
arctic char tostada
nopal salad
chicken enchiladas
steak tartare chile relleno
NYC – 3/25/17 – Marea & Momofuku Nishi
Marea
So many years later still a standby and one of my favorite midtown lunch stops. It is a bit scary to think about how much of the fusilli I have eaten in my lifetime!
polipo – grilled octopus, smoked potatoes, pickled red onion, radish, chilies, tonnato
fusilli – durum wheat pasta, red wine braised octopus, bone marrow
sorbet
Momofuku Nishi
If only I could now transport Nishi to my new neighborhood on the west coast. It quickly became one of my favorites in NYC. Service has often been spotty and on this particular visit it took me an entire course to get our server’s attention to order another drink. But the food somehow always trumps the less than perfect service and I continue to return. Plus finding a penicillin on a cocktail list is reason enough to visit.
penicillin
diver scallops – shio kombu, tiger’s milk, cucumber
romaine – walnut bagna cauda
beets & avocado – shiro shoya, quinoa, chia seeds
squash pancake & onion vinegar
roasted pork – brussels sprouts, barley miso
pound cake
NYC – 3/18/17 – n’eat
I have almost blocked it out but of course chose an incredibly cold day to trek far away from the subway to 2nd Avenue. You have to order a fair number of dishes at n’eat to make a whole meal however it would be a great stop for pre-dinner snacks with more regularity. I could have eaten several orders of the buckwheat toast and the duck heart tartare was absolutely fantastic.
buckwheat toast, crimini, aged cabot clothbound cheddar
spicy duck heart tartare, huckleberry, almonds
potato pancake, salt pork, pear marmalade
grilled prawns, Myer lemon, chili, egg yolk jam
NYC – 3/7/17 – Loring Place
I loved everything about the food at Loring Place except perhaps the pizza crust, but then there are few that I do like. However as is the downfall of many restaurants, too many plates were brought at once and they barely fit on the table. While I have list of dining pet peeves, this one is so irksome because there is just no need for it to happen. Chef Kluger clearly has the experience to manage pacing of the kitchen. You know how big your dishes are and how large my table was, so at what point do you just tell the customer that they have ordered too much food? And if you know as a server that the kitchen is going to send everything at once, warn me and don’t make me place my entire order at once.
butternut “fries” with lemon-parmesan dressing
leeks & pears with walnuts, yogurt and sherry vinaigrette
fluke crudo with citrus, chilies and radishes
wood grilled broccoli salad, orange, pistachios and mint
portobello mushroom pizza, ricotta, mozzarella, cherry peppers and oregano
NYC – 2/26/17 – ALT x Atoboy
The trio of Laurent Gras, Alex Leonard and Tim Dornon, have been doing a series of pop-up dinners in NYC restaurants and have coined the endeavor ALT based on their first initials. This particular installment was at Atoboy and the menu titled “La Riviera.” This menu was highs and lows with not much middle ground. The crudo was beautiful and delicious and the nougat one of my favorite desserts in recent history. But the steamed grains were bland and as if they were missing a multitude of ingredients and the much of the feet, neck and tripe dish I couldn’t even chew. This was also one of the few times that I was starving after dinner and actually needed second dinner.
soupe de poisson a la niçoise, rouille a l’oursin – saffron fish soup, sea urchin’s rouille
fish crudo, lemon, olive oil, basil
steamed wheat & barley, fermented vegetables with olives
lamb feet, neck, tripe
almond milk, sea salt
frozen nougat
NYC – 2/7/17 – 4 Charles Prime Rib
I first went to 4 Charles specifically for the burger but was so envious of those around me and their amazing looking dishes of prime rib. So of course I immediately booked a return visit. Many many years ago I was a big fan of steakhouses but after one too many overcooked pricey pieces of meat I largely stopped trying. It was lovely to have a fond reminder of why I loved this genre in the first place. I think I had meat sweats all night and barely slept but it was completely worth it.
Shrimp cocktail
4 Charles house salad
Brussel sprouts
Chicago cut
Lemon meringue pie
NYC – 2/5/17 – Fowler and Wells
I thought that Super Bowl Sunday was the perfect day to get into an otherwise perpetually crowded restaurant. But after criss crossing the city from White Gold and Flora, both of which were closed, I realized we would have to resort to a hotel restaurant. [Side note that if you are randomly closing post it on your website or social media!] So we headed downtown for drinks in the beautiful lobby of the Beekman and dinner at Fowler and Wells. It was absolutely delicious and an easy choice over Augustine next door for future visits to this area.
marinated fluke with radishes and finger limes
chestnut agnolotti with celery root and black truffles
Embarrassingly I cannot remember entree descriptions!
Lamb
NYC – 2/2/17 – Upland
After having a terrible service experience at Upland soon after it opened I vowed not to visit again. But needing something in the area with last minute availability I gave it a second chance. The second time was a charm and it couldn’t have been better.
hamachi crudo, radish, yuzu kosho vinaigrette & red sorrel
beef tartare, black trumpet mushroom, puffed farro, anchovy & egg yolk
sausage & kale pizza
little gem salad, avocado, cucumber, ricotta salata & walnut vinaigrette
NYC – 1/15/17 – Co.
It had been a very long time since I had been to Co. It is still incredibly solid and holds its own next to the multitude of new pizza spots that have sprung up.
Roasted beets – toasted pine nuts, dill, chives, citrus-fennel yogurt vinaigrette
Citrus salad
Meatball – tomato, mozzarella, veal meatballs, caramelized onions, olives, aged pecorino, oregano
NYC – 1/13/17 – Leuca
I have yet to meet an Andrew Carmellini restaurant that I didn’t like. This is a very large space but is very warm and inviting and the design makes it feel more intimate. Perhaps one of my favorite spaces so far this year. If I lived in Williamsburg I would be a regular at the large bar. As I don’t this may become a regular stop before shows at Brooklyn Bowl.
Italian butter bean dip with wild mushroom sott’aceto
Mussels & clams, italian beer, pepperoni
Smoked beets, pistachio, ricotta salata
Artichokes alla gricia, duck egg, guanciale
18th avenue – mushrooms, parmigiano-reggiano, basil
Penne pugliese, rabbit, black kale, chickpea
Gelato
Sicilian pistachio cake, olive oil ice cream
NYC – 1/11/17 – Nix
Its nice to see a vegetarian spot doing so well as I lean this direction for most of the week (until the meat cravings hit). There are vegan choices as well but I honestly ignored them. The spreads were quite good and the gnocchi the definite winner of the dishes we ordered. I read many positive reviews of the cauliflower tempura but I just didn’t get it as the cauliflower was lost and the sauce was a bit overwhelming.
avocado, mint & curry
red pepper & walnut
shaved brussels sprouts, gran queso & almonds
potato gnocchi, celery root, chestnuts & truffle butter
cauliflower tempura with steamed buns & house pickles
NYC – 1/8/17 – Pondicheri
Unfortunately this was one of the coldest nights of the winter and the back of the restaurant apparently has no heat or insulation. In fairness we were offered a choice of tables and were warned of the temperature issue. We definitely did not appreciate how bad it was but why not space heaters? The food was delicious but my enjoyment was somewhat limited. Everything arrived at once even though it could barely fit on the table and obviously got cold very quickly. I am looking forward to a return visit but will wait until the temperature warms up. And a few visits to the bakery case in the front until then.
E100 sour
complimentary ‘chips’
Roghan josh lamb – lamb & root vegetables stewed with coconut, almonds, yogurt, cardamom & Kashmiri red chili; carrot roti & saffron cucumber raita
chicken cooked in 25 spices & masalas with tomato, fenugreek & white poppy seeds
pistachio apricot naan with cilantro chutney
goat & lentil masala samosa
NYC – 1/7/17 – Sugarfish
I arrived at Sugarfish a bit oblivious as to how ridiculous the lines are. But luckily it was snowing and I joined the line about 10 min prior to opening and made the first round of seating. I appreciate Sugarfish as a good stop for lunch after a workout when I am still in gym clothes and want a relatively light lunch. It is essentially the fast casual version of sushi. But to wait an hour plus for a text when your table is available, I am baffled.
tuna sashimi
salmon sushi
albacore sushi
yellowtail and hirame sushi
toro hand roll
blue crab hand roll
NYC – 12/30/16 – Momofuku Ko truffle dinner
One of my earliest NYC food memories is of the wonderful truffle tasting menu at old Alain Ducasse at the Essex House. At the time I couldn’t afford these types of experiences. But I am blessed to have an aunt & uncle who prefer French restaurants and every time they came to town would invite me to dinner. I am often asked how I got so into food. I attribute it partially to the endless hours that I watched the Food Network in its early years. But my love for fine dining came from these visits to places like Alain Ducasse, Bouley, and Daniel.
Anyway I have been a complete sucker for truffles ever since. So there is just no way this could have been anything other than fantastic. It is difficult to pick favorite courses in this amazing menu by Sean Gray (but I would certainly love if the honeynut squash made a reappearance next winter). Excellent wine pairings from Chase Sinzer and service from the rest of the Ko team. I wish I could do this one all over again. ❤
chicken oyster – montepulciano white
lobster – mornay, aragon black
otoro – scallion, dashi
scallop – sunchoke, aragon black
honeynut squash – benton’s ham, aragon black
royale – foie gras, naked pruner, montepulciano white
king crab – tofu, montepulciano white
madai – sweetbreads, aragon black, shellfish
dry aged beef – aragon black, lettuce
clementine
buckwheat waffle – montepulciano white, vanilla ice cream
Hozon blondie to go
NYC – 12/27/16 – Atoboy
It took me far too long to get to Atoboy but in my defense I knew I would be able to try much more if not dining alone. Each orders 3 dishes for $36/person which has to be one of the absolute best deals in Manhattan and additional dishes may be added. Looking back through my pictures I really loved everything. There has been so much great tartare in the past year and this version certainly goes on the list. And I can’t even look at the corn photo without getting serious cravings. If you haven’t been, do not wait as long as I did.
Tartare – beef, oyster, potato
Leek – doenjang, cheddar, walnut
Fluke – moo radish, pomerol, sesame seed
Squid – pork, shrimp, salsa verde
Sunchoke – oyster mushroom, black truffle, orange
Corn – taleggio, bacon, doenjang
Octopus – kimchi, chorizo, parsley
Chicken – spicy peanut butter, garlic
Pork jowl – barley, ssamjang, romaine
Brisket – foie gras, ginger, garlic
NYC – 12/10/16 – Chaan Teng
On the occasions when I have tickets to a show the acceptable options for a pre-theatre dinner are slim. So I was excited by this new entry (on 48th and 9th) from Pichet Ong who has perhaps been better known for his time as pastry chef at the former Spice Market. Perhaps too excited as I did not realize that they were still awaiting a liquor license. An unacceptable error on my part, especially when celebrating a friend’s birthday, but luckily there was a liquor store a few doors down. Service was a bit spotty but I have to excuse it so close to opening. And while everything was very good, the General Tso fried chicken was the standout with its super crunchy coating. I have had a lot of great fried chicken this year and this may have been the best. I also ranked it in my favorite dishes of 2016. Next time I may just eat the entire order myself.
Walnut shrimp in lettuce – wild shrimp, honey walnuts, sesame, sweet mayo, bibb lettuce
Charred lo mein with egg and chicken – wok charred egg noodle, cabbage, mushroom soy, Cantonese spices
Dry fry long beans & peanuts – long Chinese green beans, Nyonya caramelized shallots, daikon preserve
Half General Tso fried chicken -with broccoli and ChaanTeng original sauce
NYC – 12/7/16 – Momofuku Ko
Ko continues to be my favorite restaurant in New York and the one always at the top of my list of recommendations for foodie friends from out of town. I have stopped including in this blog my many visits for the shorter bar menu otherwise you may tire of these posts, but this trip was for the full menu. I am still trying to figure out why I like the sea urchin-chickpea dish so much considering I dislike urchin and have texture issues so that this dish on paper is something I wouldn’t even want to try. After much contemplation I think that the olive oil is the magic component. The ko egg will never ever get old. Of the new-to-me dishes on this menu it was a tie for my favorite between the sweet potato-brown butter and beef-au poivre. If you haven’t been yet, GO.
pomme souffle
lobster paloise
chicken oyster
blackfish – barrel aged bonji
sea urchin – chickpea, hozon
ko egg – caviar
sweet potato – brown butter
beef – au poivre
razor clam – pineapple, basil
bouillabaisse – potato, saffron
duck – squash
foie gras – lychee, pine nut, riesling jelly
wild rice – kombu
melon – honey, mint
A
NYC – 11/18/16 – Marta
I enjoy all of the USHG restaurants for different reasons but what they have in common is that they are always solid and safe choices in a very good way. The pizza at Marta may not have my favorite crust, but it is still very good and I can polish off one by myself quite easily. I’m glad I didn’t give up on Marta after the early days when the service was almost dreadful. A for improvement!
insalata di farro – farro piccolo, grilled brussels sprouts, honeycrisp applies, plave vecchio
suppli al telefono – tomato risotto croquettes, mozzarella
capesante – grilled scallops, romanesco cauliflower, pine nuts
funghi – fontina, mozzarella, hen of the woods, chanterelles, red onion, thyme
salsiccia – pork sausage, cremini mushrooms, pecorino
cookie plate
NYC – 11/16/16 – La Sirena
I went to La Sirena soon after it opened for drinks and was hoping to have dinner at the bar. But one rude bartender later I found out that food was not yet being served at the bar and I left hungry and cranky. I probably should have given up on La Sirena after this experience but gave it another try in the dining room. The NY Strip was fantastic and perfectly cooked. But the other dishes we ordered were average at best and not at all worth the inflated meatpacking prices.
Tuna crudo, pickled leeks, finger limes, habanero
Wild striped bass in scapece, grapes & mint
Roasted acorn squash, cacio di uova & smoked ricotta
Lardo crusted dry age bone0in NY strip with potato bombolini
A dessert that I unfortunately cannot remember
NYC – 11/6/16 – Mamma Guidara’s at the Nomad Bar
I certainly couldn’t eat this meal too frequently but this Sunday dinner series at the Nomad Bar was delicious. All excellent versions of classic dishes. The mammoth chicken parm was maybe the best I have ever had and was just as good the next day.
NYC – 10/17/16 – Cafe Boulud
Cafe Boulud seems to have become the place for the most frequent family dinners on the UES. It was one of the first places I dined when I moved to NYC longer ago than I care to admit, and is just as solid as it was back then.
seafood ceviche – shrimp, scallop, tomato, yucca
beef duo “makgalbijjim” – braised shortrib, wagyu bavette, housemade kimchee
Running right off of the plate….
madelines
NYC – 9/27/16 – Wildair
If there wasn’t always a wait I would be at Wildair every night. Actually even if I just lived in the neighborhood I would be here every night regardless. I am pretty sure I could never get tired of the spicy tuna toast which was one of my favorite dishes of 2016. A previous iteration I reordered for dessert. Yes it is that good. I just wish the secret wasn’t out.
Potato darphin, maine uni, jalapeno
Breakfast radishes, seaweed butter
Fluke crudo, pineapple, ‘nduja
Beef tartare, smoked cheddar, brazil nuts
Spicy tuna toast, tomato, scallion
Crispy grain salad, hearts of palm, tarragon
NYC – 9/23/16 – High Street on Hudson
For some reason I don’t think I had the same experience at High Street on Hudson that many others have had. My appetizer of smoked bluefish on toast was quite tasty but I couldn’t detect even a hint of horseradish, which is why I had ordered the dish. And while the happy valley beef was a great piece of meat, the promised chilies were also undetectable. The desert I ordered seemed so promising as how could anything with a snickerdoodle be less than amazing? Yet it was underwhelming as well. I would certainly give it another shot but with so many choices in NY perhaps my expectations are always too high and this just seemed average.
Smoked bluefish on toast – cucumber, radish, horseradish cream cheese
Happy valley beef – late summer squash, chilies
Peaches pecan – snickerdoodle, buttermilk ice cream
NYC – 8/31/16 – Mimi
I may have gotten to Mimi too late. Not because I didn’t want to visit but I just hadn’t been able to find a date that worked. Perhaps I waited too long. There is much to love about Mimi. In my case the veal and the souffle that I can’t stop thinking about. Unfortunately those thoughts came in retrospect as while at Mimi the noise was so deafening that I had thoughts of just abandoning the whole thing. It wouldn’t have mattered who my dining companion was as it was impossible to carry on a conversation. The table spacing takes NYC to a new extreme and makes using the restroom nearly impossible for half of the party. We ordered much more than the tables on either side of us but before we hit the 2 hour mark were being given not so subtle ‘time to leave’ looks by our server. I so want to return for the food but I’m not sure yet if I can do it.
Casco bay scallops
Tuna Ventreche
Gnocchi Parisian
Veal Chop
Souffle
NYC – 8/18/16 – Bar Gato
I really wish that I had discovered Bar Gato before everybody else. It completely stands out in NYC and just happened to be the perfect antidote to this less than perfect day. The cocktails were thoughtful and delicious. And the okonomi-yaki was completely different from the last version of this I had elsewhere but good enough that I ate the whole thing myself.
Far East Side – sake, tequila, shiso, elderflower, lemon, yuzu bitters
Goto pickles – house pickled local vegetables, yuzu-green chili paste
Gobo french fries – fried japanese burdock roots, red chili salt & wasabi salt
Okonomi-yaki
NYC – 8/15/16 – Jean Georges
Sadly I ended up sick in the middle of this meal after battling a migraine and did not make it to dessert. The evening is consequently a bit of a blur but from what I remember this summer menu was lovely.
Caviar, buttermilk-chive panna cotta and tomato coulis
Madai sashimi, summer radish and nasturtium vinaigrette
Charred corn ravioli, cherry tomato salad and basil fondue
Black sea bass, purple potato butter and charred poblano peppers
Steamed summer squash and lobster, black truffle and lemon dressing
Fragrant spiced-lava lake lamb chop, cucumber yogurt and herbs
NYC – 8/13/16 – Eataly Downtown
A lesson in why to never go anywhere on opening weekend. Despite what I had read, I found the layout to be completely confusing and I backtracked several times trying to find certain sections. Some of the space already felt beat up with scuff marks on the walls. And the size and design of the bathrooms was truly horrible.
I perhaps made poor menu choices, especially with the mystery crudo which was an insulting $2.80 per poorly cut piece.
pesce crudo
mozzarella classica with basil pesto
NYC – 8/10/16 – Sushi Zo
There was no menu and I did not take notes so unfortunately 2 months later I can’t remember what most of these were aside from the somewhat obvious. NYC is becoming awash in omakase these days and it seems that many people I talk to feel passionate about one particular place, although often it seems to be just the latest opening. I’m not sure that Sushi Zo is my favorite although I can find nothing negative to say. The fish was impeccable and service flawless. Just minor points of personal preference, such as more varied beverage choices, elsewhere.
NYC – 7/25/16 – Rebelle – Winemaker Dinner Series – Abe Schoener – Scholium Wines
I may have arrived soaking wet but I am so glad that I braved the elements for this winemaker dinner at Rebelle. I have been trying to get to one of these since they started but the dates never seem to work out. Luckily this one did and I could not pass up a chance to catch Abe Schoener and try so many Scholium wines in one sitting. In this setting Abe’s past life in academia shines through in fantastic stories about each of the wines and incredibly interesting tidbits of information on California wine history. I am looking forward to more wine dinners at Rebelle but the bar may have been set too high.
blossom beignet
squash and scallop
beet and green
quail and currants
comte
NYC – 7/15/16 – Marta
Marta is yet another great place that I seem to keep forgetting about even though each time I am here I love the food even if service can often be spotty. As somewhat of an expert on farro salads, this version was absolutely fantastic and is easily a dish that I could eat everyday. And yes I ate the whole pizza by myself. Don’t judge.
Insalata di farro – farro piccolo, grilled summer beans, sweet peppers, pecorino
Salsiccia – pork sausage, cremini mushrooms, pecorino
NYC – 7/3/16 – Clocktower and Le Coucou
Clocktower
It has been quite a while since I have dined at Clocktower so I was looking forward to the opportunity for a return visit. My last few times were for drinks only as there is no dining allowed at the bar (which I still do not understand). While the cherry tomato salad was very good, and I can’t believe I am about to complain about a portion size being too large, I was suffering from tomato fatigue by the time I finished. Of course avocado toast is overdone, but its so good when done well and I rarely have the willpower to pass it up on a menu. But in a city awash in much better versions, this one was anemic and overall quite sad. Thank god for the brittle and shortbread that appeared with the check. Two of my favorite sweets of all time.
Heirloom cherry tomato, Brooklyn burrata, sourdough, basil
Avocado on toast, poached eggs
Le Coucou
Le Coucou may very well be my favorite restaurant opening of 2016 thus far. Impeccable but incredibly friendly service. Gorgeous dining room. Properly spaced tables. Energetic yet you are easily able to carry on conversation without yelling or struggling to hear. Perhaps the first NY restaurant in ages that I would take my parents to. And really really great food. In a day of double Stephen Starr an experience worlds away from brunch. The rabbit could easily be for 2 and the proper cheese course impossible to turn down.
Salade de homard, sauce lauris
lobster tail, basil, tomato, sauce lauris
Quenelle de brochet, sauce americaine
pike quenelle, lobster sauce
Tout le lapin
all of the rabbit
Cheese (obviously)
NYC – 7/2/16 – Nomad Bar, Olmsted and Grand Army
Nomad Bar
Of course there had to be pre-dinner snacks at Nomad Bar. For once I exhibited a bit of willpower and did not have the hotdog so I could chalk this up as a success or a failure.
Beef and tuna tartares
Olmsted
I followed Olmsted pre-opening as I tend to do every time a chef who has spent time at Alinea opens their own place. A very solid market driven menu and I assume that by now the menu has changed several times over. My favorites were the fried fiddleheads and the snap pea sushi (and no I have never met a pea dish that I didn’t love). If I had one small complaint it would be the 5 pieces of the pretzel puffs for a party of 3. I understand if the serving cannot be adjusted based on the amount of food prepped but if possible I wish we could have the option of paying more to even out the serving size when dishes are pretty much impossible to split up. Well that and that I never saw the awesome Santimetre studio glasses that Chef Achatz had a day later, although other items were fantastic. I’m very much looking forward to a return visit and it takes a lot for me to go to certain neighborhoods. Congrats on all of the recent great press. Extremely well deserved!
Charcuterie Pretzel Puffs
Fried Fiddlehead Ferns
Snap Pea Sushi
Crawfish Boil Crackers
Thai Beet Salad
Grilled Hake, Rhubarb, Brown Butter, Bok Choy
Harbison “Fondue”
Old School Chocolate Mousse, Vanilla Creme Fraiche
Grand Army
I have been meaning to get to Grand Army since it opened and happy to now have another reason to get back to this part of Brooklyn.
NYC – 6/24/16 – Nomad Bar & Tuome
Nomad Bar
It wouldn’t be my birthday month without at least one Humm dog would it?
Tuome
Very happy to put Tuome back on my radar after too many months. The dishes that I have had before (Egg and Pig Out) are still outstanding and the watermelon salad had me at farro.
Egg – deviled, crispy, chili
Watermelon – ricotta, farro, chrysanthemum
Tartare – wagu beef, three hour yolk, lemongrass
Snow crab – noodle, summer squash, dashi butter
Pig Out – berkshire pork, spicy peanut noodle
And of course another birthday dessert
NYC – 6/22/16 – Alon Shaya @ Chef’s Club
Shaya was one of my favorite meals of 2015 so I obviously could not miss the opportunity to have some of Alon Shaya’s food closer to home. It was fantastic although with a limited menu I couldn’t help but feeling that I just wanted to get back to NOLA.
Salatim served with pita bread – Louisiana crab tabouleh, bulgur, mint, tomato; Labneh, hold land trinity; Blackened eggplant salad, tahini, pine nuts
Fried oyster hummus, pecan brown butter
Cochon de lait shakshouka – slow roasted pork, stewed tomatoes, green chili zhoug
Louisiana shrimp – okra, paprikash, jasmine rice
Continuing the month long birthday celebration
NYC – 6/20/16 – Gramercy Tavern
I put Gramercy Tavern on the shelf for a few too many years always chasing something new and never going back to too many of the tried and true classics. I’ve recently put it back into rotation although only in the Tavern room. Such was planned for this particular night but when there was a long wait vs. no wait for the dining room my date chose the later. We quickly decided to do the tasting menu and then somehow got to talking and I never even looked at the menu let alone remembered to take a photo. So unfortunately no descriptions. However if Gramercy Tavern has fallen off of your to-do list as well, do yourself a favor and go back asap because it is as fantastic as ever and holds up to anything we are all so intent on booking as soon as it opens.
NYC – 6/16/16 – Sadelle’s
Sadelle’s is one of my absolute favorite brunch and lunch spots despite the iffy service and hordes of people. But I put off dinner for some time based on the early poor reviews. I went in with low expectations and so was actually pleasantly surprised. The prices seem high especially for presentations that aren’t even worth commenting on. But portion sizes were large and all of the dishes quite good. Unfortunately the large plates and portion sizes do not work with the table sizes and I found myself having to rearrange the entire table quite a few times which has become one of my biggest pet peeves. The twice baked potato was perhaps the best possible version of this classic and may be reason enough for a return dinner visit.
Tuna tartare
Salad
“Kaspia” baked potato
Roumanian steak
Scallops
NYC – 6/15/16 – Contra & Restaurant Andre
Yet another great Contra collaboration dinner, this time with Andre Chiang of Restaurant Andre in Singapore. He is fantastic as is his food and I hope to someday make it to Singapore!
Baby mushroom croque en bouche
Oyster, lapsong gelee, peas
Rose champagne, heirloom tomatoes, poisson de roche
King crab, celery sabyon, capers
Elysian fields lamb, scallop lasagna, cresson-wasabe
Quail, fava, cherries
Camembert
NYC – 5/25/16 – Pasquale Jones
I’m not sure that I like Pasquale Jones better than its big brother Charlie Bird but it definitely holds its own. But the addition of very good pizzas, with a crust that is my preferred style, certainly helps. The sugar snap pea salad was absolutely fantastic as was the dessert although I have unfortunately forgotten the description. I accept partial responsibility for how much I disliked the white asparagus dish as I generally do not love it and this was one of my least favorite preparations which is a shame because it could have been infinitely better roasted in the wood burning oven. But slippery trout roe on top of slippery asparagus was extremely challenging to eat, even though this dish was beautiful and an instagram favorite while on the menu.
sugar snap pea, watercress, pecorino & cultured cream
little neck clam pizza, parsley, garlic, lemon & cream
steelhead crudo, breakfast radish & sorrel
white asparagus, nasturtium & trout roe
NYC – 5/16/16 – Contra @ Gramercy Tavern
I have absolutely loved all of the Contra collaboration dinners and this one was no exception. While the floral displays and seasonal decorations at Gramercy Tavern are always stunning, the centerpiece of the large table in the private dining room was exceptional. Looking back at this menu it is very difficult to pick a favorite dish. And in several cases I am not sure which dish was a Contra vs. Gramercy Tavern creation which in my opinion means that this was a very successful collaboration. Also impeccable service by the GT team!
Warm potatoes, mackerel, spruce
Smoked trout & eel consomme, onions
Hake, parsnips, mustard greens
Sweetbreads, asparagus, lobster
Grilled coppa, mushrooms, fresh herbs
Off-menu dessert
Passionfruit semifreddo, wildflower honey, spruce
Strawberries, sour milk ice cream
NYC – 5/7/16 – Four Horsemen
I’m trying very hard to cross everything off of my Brooklyn to-do list before the L shutdown. I’m so glad that I finally made it to Four Horsemen and all of the great things I had heard from many friends were completely accurate. Really great food but perhaps more importantly an absolutely fantastic staff. Not pictured are the many wines that we tried representing all spot-on suggestions from our server. I feel like I was the last person I know to make it here but if you haven’t been, go!
warm house bread, cultured butter
black bass crudo, carrot dashi, puffed rice, cilantro
beef tartare, seeds, buttermilk, sesame cracker
snap pea salad, calabrian chili, cashews, mint, ricottaa salata
grilled bavette steak, ramps, asparagus, cress
NYC – 5/6/16 – Le Bernardin & Nougatine
Le Bernardin
I know I am completely spoiled because I can drop into Le Bernardin for lunch any time that I want.
New Englander – Boodles gin, cranberry, yuzu juice
Sea Scallop – slivers of sea scallop, shaved fennel, citrus vinaigrette
Carrot Soup – Maine lobster, yuzu foam
Striped Bass – baked striped bass, sweet potato, sofrito sauce
Merluza – sauteed Merluza, pea shoots, shitake mushroom broth
Peruvian Chocolate – warm chocolate cake, caramelized fig, spiced chocolate ice cream
Sorbet
Nougatine
While this fantastic classic burger was all that I had, I found it particularly noteworthy because of the amount of ketchup served on the side. As someone who can easily polish off a bottle of ketchup in two sittings I am always disappointed when I order fries and end up with one of those sad small stainless cups that is half full. As crazy as it sounds I will go back for this burger on the basis of the ketchup quantity alone. Finally somebody has gotten this right!
NYC – 4/25/16 – Salvation Burger
I suppose good timing that I was able to visit before their kitchen fire but not good timing to finally be posting this now. This may have been some of my favorite giardiniera and I would absolutely have a double order on my next visit. And while in photos the burger patty appears to be a bit too ‘perfect’ I thought it was quite good and I loved the ramp butter. Fingers crossed that it will re-open soon.
Giardiniera
Salvation Burger – roasted ramp butter, taleggio cheese
NYC – 4/14/16 – Ma Peche in the Chambers Hotel lobby
We had planned to just hang out in the lobby of the Chambers long enough to have a drink while waiting for Ma Peche to open. But our server was fabulous and our seats quite comfortable so we decided to stay for a few snacks. One of the few bright spots in midtown and I am guilty of always forgetting about it.
midtown collins – gin, calamansi, elderflower
smoked trout dip, seven spice, chicharron
bbq brisket buns, coleslaw, smoked mayonnaise, pickled jalapeños
broccoli salad, sunflower seeds, miso, lime
NYC – 3/27/16 – Corkbuzz Chelsea
Perhaps Easter Sunday was not the best time to venture out at all but I thought this would be a safe choice in the otherwise mobbed Chelsea Market and it was fairly empty. While the food was fine, although not on par with my last visit, it was impossible to get a second glass of wine. Either you have table service or one has to order at the bar but switches mid-stream are not cool and if you don’t want me to spend any more money, baffling but your loss.
Sopressata
Jasper Hill Blue
Farro & cauliflower salad – sage brown butter, dried cherry, goat cheese, hazelnut, sherry vinaigrette
NYC – 3/26/16 – Cafe Carlyle
I was going to pretend this whole experience did not happen and not include it on this blog at all. But the show I went to see was fantastic, so thankfully there was something redeeming about Cafe Carlyle other than the entertainment and company. My pre-show cocktail in Bemelmans was perfect, albeit it overpriced. There was a $75 minimum for the show and in retrospect I should have just spent it all on drinks. The shrimp cocktail I ordered was an insulting $28, or $5.60 per shrimp. Yet it seemed a better option than the salads which were nearly as expensive and looked pitiful. My steak frites was overcooked and was an even more insulting $59. At Minetta Tavern the excellent steak frites is currently $36. And even at Balthazar which is too touristy but more classic, the steak frites only comes in at $41. I clearly have no problem spending a lot of money on food but when the price is so completely unjustified based on the food quality and service (which frankly sucked) I can’t help but think of the things I would have rather spent this money on. Its really sad that a NY classic is not even trying.
Sidecar
Jumbo shrimp cocktail
Steak frites – grilled 12 oz. rib eye, julienne fries, chimichurri
NYC – 3/25/25 – La Pecora Bianca
The service at La Pecora Bianca has come a very long way since opening. I’m very glad that I gave it another try and I can see this ending up in my regular rotation following workouts in the neighborhood. I absolutely loved the Cortina cocktail and the bartender was lovely enough to provide me with the recipe. I have already made it several times at home.
Cortina – Greylock gin, lime, maraschino, fernet branca
Fluke crudo – oro blanco citrus, radish, pink peppercorn
Farro insalate – apple, arugula, goat cheese, pomegranate, pistachio, pickled onions
Cheese
NYC – 3/17/16 – Maison Premiere at Chef’s Club
I could not miss a chance to have Maison Premiere cocktails without having to cross a river. And of course there was the added plus of missing the traditional St. Patrick’s day crowds. Thinking we would never be able to get seats at the bar and wouldn’t be eating, I didn’t take pictures of the food menus and so cannot recall exactly what we had. However the first dish from Maison Premiere’s menu was fantastic. The two others were from the Chef’s Club menu and quite good as well.
NYC – 3/12/16 – Wildair & Momofuku Ko
Wildair
Still one of my absolute favorites and I love being able to bring friends who haven’t been here before. Although I admittedly wish it wasn’t quite so popular as even a few minutes after opening you are lucky to get a seat.
Beef tartare, smoked cheddar, chestnut
Tallow roasted beets, kumquat
Bass crudo, pineaple, nduja
Ko
And for dinner number 2 of the evening, on to my other favorite for the bar menu at Ko. I cannot say enough how much I love this place. Perhaps the most complete package of great food and hospitality in New York. And foie 2.0 gives the original some serious competition.
NYC – 3/11/16 – Shuko
And rounding out a week of places that it has taken me far too long to return to is Shuko. So many fantastic dishes on this menu and despite the length I never felt like it was too much. With so many similar concepts opening in NY which could conceivably become copycats, I appreciate that none feel that way. And as wacky as it still sounds, the apple pie dessert continues to be so incredibly good.
NYC – 3/9/16 – Osteria Morini
I have no explanation for why I haven’t been here for a year other than there are just too many choices in New York and I often am travelling too much. I completely forget how good it is. And another completely fantastic chicken dish which would typically be my last choice on a menu but I have found so many good ones lately. Far too dark for decent photos though!
Negroni
Lamb crudo – olive oil & chives
Beet – ricotta salata
Roasted squash – marscarpone, pumpkin seeds
Mista insalata – mixed winter greens, peppadew peppers, pomegranate, apple, Morini vinaigrette
Pollo al Mattone – brick oven roasted chicken, gaeta olives, lemon, potatoes
NYC – 3/7/16 – Cookshop
As with so many places it has been far too long since I have visited Cookshop and I need to make a point of getting here more often. An absolutely lovely lunch and surprisingly fantastic chicken.
Radishes & butter
Mezze – broccoli rabe, cauliflower, roasted carrots, red cabbage slaw, beets & naan
Chicken breast salad
Radicchio and citrus salad
NYC – 3/6/16 – Sadelle’s
I wish I could say that service has improved but at least the breakfast and lunch menu has remained consistently fantastic. Since Sadelle’s has opened I have eaten more bagels than in the last 5+ years. However it is best to stick to weekdays and avoid at all costs on the weekend. What a complete zoo.
House beets
Smoked Scottish Salmon
NYC – 3/1/16 – Santina
The tricolore splendido salad has been one of my favorite things at Santina but evidently I haven’t ordered it for a while as I had no idea that they had been playing around with the plating. Some things are better left alone. When the dish arrived I was initially confused by not seeing the tuna on the top and thought it was forgotten. The percentage of olives was much higher than it used to be and overall this salad was somehow terrible. Please revert to the original version. Thankfully my server replaced it with the squash carpaccio which is always fantastic and removed it from the check.
Gamberetti cecina – rock shrimp, chickpeas
Tricolore splendido salad – tuna carpaccio
Squash carpaccio – winter squash, honey agrodolce
NYC – 2/28/16 – Sushi Nakazawa
One again it took someone from out of town to get me somewhere that I have been meaning to visit since it opened. Yes I have looked for reservations a multitude of times but never far enough in advance or with the same effort that I put forth when traveling. I have clearly been missing out. Every piece was fantastic and when asked it was almost impossible to pick a favorite. But I will always remember this meal for changing my mind about uni. I keep trying to like it and just don’t, but the Japanese version I had here seemed like something else entirely and I absolutely loved it. It will be difficult to return to trying to like other inferior versions.
NYC – 2/27/16 – Momofuku Nishi
While I agree with many points in the recent Nishi reviews, despite the flaws I thoroughly enjoyed my dinner there and will be back as soon as I land another reservation (although in spring having to wait is much more tolerable). I am still thinking about the Chitarra pasta and that rarely happens to me. I’m looking forward to seeing how this place grows in the next six months as already off to a very good start.
Alsatian – amer, vermouth, cider
Beef Crudo – watermelon radish, dashi ponzu
Romaine & Walnut Bagna Cauda
Chitarra – squid, xo, fresh & fermented chili
pistachio bunt cake
NYC – 2/26/16 – Mission Cantina
It has been quite a while since I’ve been to Mission Cantina and I must admit it will probably be a while until I return again. First our server completely disappeared after taking our drink order and was finally replaced by someone else. And then we were basically pushed out the door the second we finished eating. I can’t help but feel that they are trying a bit too hard to fulfill a LES dive aesthetic. I have no issues with the concept of that but at some point certain dishes, such as the guacamole, did not even look appetizing.
I must admit I love the chandelier and the juxtaposition with the neon menu.
Guacamole
Special of the day and it was fantastic
Crab rangoons
Broccoli oyster sauce
General Tso’s chicken
NYC – 2/23/16 – Brushstroke
It doesn’t matter how long I am in NYC, there will always be an endless list of restaurants that I somehow haven’t been to. I’m not sure how Brushstroke eluded me for so long but glad I finally got here. Definitely a bit of a hidden gem in Tribeca.
Sakizuke – Pacific oyster and uni, fresh green seaweed Nagoriyuki lemon foam
Nimonowan – rabbit pate sakura-mochi in rabbit dashi broth, hearts of palm
Today’s sashimi six kinds
Hashiyasume – hedgehog mushroom chawanmushi, truffle-ankake
Hassun – Japanese red snapper, sakura sushi, scottish salmon lemon yuan-yaki, Portugal octopus dill mustard vinegar miso
Shiizakana – Colorado lamb sakura-yaki, satoimo puree, red wine reduction sauce
Stewed Oregon washu-beef, yuba-ankake
NYC – 2/15/16 – Luskus (w/ Kitchen Table)
A terrible snowy night to trek to Brooklyn and on the walk from the subway I was wondering what the heck I was thinking. But I absolutely loved my visit to the Kitchen Table at Bubbledogs last year and was quite excited for this collaboration dinner. Plus it has been far too long since I have been to Luskus. I could have eaten a complete meal of the chicken skin and was thrilled to have it again. It was an utter surprise that my favorite dish of the night was the one I thought I would hate – balsamic, truffle, artichoke. All individual components that I love, but cold the thought was immediately terrible. It somehow took me back many many years to when I first had the olive oil gelato at Otto. I would love to do this entire dinner over again.
beetroot, salsify, dulse
razor clam, blood orange, fennel
beef tartare, purple daikon, laver
chicken skin, rosemary mascarpone, bacon
sea scallop, ginger
Ryan and the Gosling – Evid Twin/Crooked Stave
shrimp, walnut, tarragon
Sasuga – Oxbow
roasted sunchoke, rye, dulse
sea bass, onion, nettle
squab, damson, hay, rye
lamb breast, salted plum, rutabaga
balsamic, truffle, artichoke
carrot, bay leaf, licorice
NYC – 2/10/16 – Mission Chinese Food
I had been putting off a visit to the new Mission Chinese probably because its seems such a trek to the outer edge of the LES. While the design is certainly exceedingly better than version 1.0, it is sad as Rosette, the previous restaurant in this space, was beautiful. It took me a bit to get past it, but when I finally did I realized how much I missed the food. I order a green papaya salad everywhere that has one and this one of the best. I have though had enough of the trend of a restaurant bringing out more dishes at once than will fit on the table. I realize this is easier for the kitchen than having to actually course out and appropriately time the meal and I conceptually don’t mind. But I don’t want to speed eat so that a plate can be removed to make room for my water glass. Nor do I appreciate a server looking at me as if I am supposed to somehow magically make the table twice as big and rearrange all of the plates for them. I don’t know what the solution is but its getting to be intolerable.
Tingling negroni – gin, pinecone liqueur, tingling oil, aperol, cynar
Green papaya salad – smoked chicken, green tomatoes, pickled tea leaves, peanuts
Green tea noodles – ginger, scallion, hoisin, matcha
Broccoli beef brisket – baby chinese broccoli, house made oyster sauce, seeds
Hokkaido scallop sashimi – kombu bured, grapefruit, nori
NYC – 2/6/16 – Lucky Bee
Lucky Bee has to be one of the most cramped restaurants in NYC and after trying to navigate to the bathroom I gained an entirely new appreciation for the servers. Another fun option on the LES but after using Reserve to book and making my friends sign up so that we could split the bill through the app, it was disappointing that we couldn’t pay this way.
Steamed pork and sesame dumplings, chinese black vinegar, black bean, fried garlic
Tuna tartare, roast chili & shallot, lime, popped wild rice
Green papaya salad, tamarind & lime, toasted peanuts, snake beans
Smashed cucumbers, dill pickle, fried peanuts, sweet rice vinegar, coconut milk
Spiced massaman curry of lamb shoulder, kipfler potato, pineapple vinegar
NYC – 2/2/16 – Oiji
This may be the year of beef tartare in NYC. Oiji’s version definitely gives Wildair’s a run for its money. Perhaps the most beautiful beef tartare I’ve had and I could have eaten two easily. But as completely different I will refrain from picking a favorite. While a heavily instagramed dish this year (and how I don’t know as the it was so dark), the “Chil-jeol-pan” unfortunately seemed a bit flavorless. Perhaps a victim of the success of the tartare and extremely flavorful kimchi and mackerel.
Mother Flower – Hibiscus Hwayo 41, Cocchi Americano, Genepy, Chartreuse 
Kimchi
Beef Tartare with Ramp Aioli
“Chil-jeol-pan” Seven Flavors
Pine Leaves Smoked Mackerel with Citrus Soy
NYC -1/21/16 – Vaucluse
If only I did not have to work I could easily slip into a ladies who lunch upper east side lifestyle and Vaucluse is a perfect spot. The poireaux vinaigrette completely lived up to my very high expectations after reading several rave reviews of this dish. I’m not sure that I could order anything else from the hors d’oeuvres section of the menu when I return. The Vaucluse version of the white label burger is actually a perfect French take on the original white label burger. But I must admit that I love the original white label burger much more so it looks like a lunch visit to Ai Fiori is in the cards very soon. Apologies but bacon marmalade beats tomato jam every time. 🙂
Poireaux Vinaigrette – grilled leeks, toasted almonds, mustard seed vinaigrette
White Label Burger – aged beef blend, fontine cheese, tomato jam, dijonnaise, frites
NYC – 1/13/16 – Momofuku Ko
In the past few months Ko has quickly become on of my absolute favorites in NYC. Often I stop by just for a drink as I feel a bit guilty indulging in tasting menus too often when I’m not traveling. I love when any restaurant can take a food that I typically am not crazy about and make me love it. On this menu for instance, I generally dislike razor clams, uni and monkfish. But these particular preparations are outstanding. As I’m writing this post 6 weeks later the menu has already undergone several changes which means that its fortunately time for another visit. #firstworldproblems
potato waffle. pommes soufflees. lobster paloise. millefeuille.
madai – consomme, shiso, fingerlime
scallop – tonburi, citron
uni – chickpea, hozon
razor clam – apple, basil
beef – rutabaga, green peppercorn
caviar – potato, fermented radish
monkfish – liver, poblano
pyramidi – broccoli, aged cheddar
venison – kale, olive berry
foie gras – lychee, pine nut, riesling jelly
carrot cardamom – meringue 
chocolate – mint, fernet branca
Macaroon 
NYC – 1/9/16 – Babu Ji and Mace
Babu Ji
Its rare that I will arrive at a restaurant prior to opening and wait in line to get in. Far too often its not worth it. Luckily in this case it absolutely was. We opted for the Chef’s table menu which was a great way to try a multitude of dishes, especially the entrees. The only problem is that I don’t know what many of these dishes were over a month later. The only thing I do know is that I may order double of the Butter Chicken on my next visit.
Mace
I’ve been meaning to get here for a while. Fantastic cocktails and a lovely atmosphere earlier in the evening. Looking at my pictures, perhaps it was just by chance, but is everything in a coupe?
NYC – 12/17/15 – Benoit
My first trip to Benoit for lunch was a success so I decided to give it a try for dinner as it was in the necessary location for this particular evening. A lovely pate en croute and I haven’t had escargots since the Next Bistro menu in early 2015. Its always great to have solid midtown options as I am often too ‘down’ on the neighborhood.
Pate en croute 
Escargots, garlic & parsley butter
Hanger steak, frites & bordelaise sauce
NYC – 12/13/15 – Santina
From now on my Santina posts will just consist of pictures because I’ve said it all before. Still one of my absolute favorites right now.
Kale sunchoke salad, pomegranate, sunflower seeds
Calabrian tuna and truffle egg salad cecina
Tortellini sorrentina, ricotta, pesto, marinara
Shrimp zingara, tomato, olive, caper
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NYC – 12/12/15 – Push Project – Empellon Cocina & Hoja Santa
I absolutely love the Push Project dinners and am lucky enough to have attended almost all of them. I knew this combination of Albert Adria, Paco Mendez and Alex Stupak would be fantastic and it certainly was. Not to take anything away from the savory courses as it is impossible to even pick a favorite, but the desserts completely blew me away. This was a fairly long menu but I would have gladly had seconds of each one. I don’t even like tres leeches, but like so many things you just need to have an outstanding version to change your mind about a dish. And the frozen corn….outstanding.
As with most Push Projects timing was all over the place with some courses coming out on top of each other and then long pauses. But it is to be expected with this type of experience. In a first for NYC dining in small spaces, one member of our group had an entire beer poured down her back but our server couldn’t have been more apologetic and even went out and bought her a rose at the end of our meal. That is certainly hospitality. I can’t wait to see what the next Push Project brings as this one will be difficult to top. And thank you for now using Tock for booking. Much appreciated as the system is amazing and past reservation experiences were very unpleasant.
ALMEJAS DE SANGRE CON SANGRITA HIELO – Wellfleet Blood Clams with Frozen Sangria (HS)
ENCURTIDOS DE VERDURAS – Pickled Vegetables (HS)
ACEITUNAS DE CANTINA – Cantina Olives (HS)
JICARA DE ELOTE CON ACEITE DE QUELITES Y CHIPOTLE – Corn Jicara with Pipicha Oil and Chipotle (HS)
HOJA SANTA CRUJIENTE – Crunchy Hoja Santa (HS)
GAZPACHO DE AGUACATE – Avocado Gazpacho (HS)
QUESADILLA DE TRUFA NEGRA – Black Truffle Quesadilla (HS)
CEMITA DE MILANESA DE ABALONE – Mini Pueblan Style Sandwich with Fried Abalone (E)
CEVICHE DE RECADO NEGRO – Ceviche Recado Negro Under a Frozen Pond (HS)
CAMPECHANA – Mixed Seafood Cocktail with Spicy Ketchup (E)
CEBOLLA X-NI-PEK – Red Onion X-Ni-Pek (HS)
PIPIAN PAPANTECO CON LANGOSTA DE MAINE – Papantla Style Pipian with Maine Lobster (HS)
COSTILLA DE CERDO CON ADOBO DE LA ABUELA FLOR – Pork Ribs in Grandma Flor’s Adobo (HS)
MANCHAMANTELES – Mole with Sweet Potato and Fruit (E)
TRES LECHES – Milk Soaked Sponge Cake with Kabocha Squash and Pecan Ice (E)
MAIZ, CHOCOLATE, Y CAJETA – Corn, Chocolate, and Cajeta (HS)
FLAN DE CHICORIA CON YEMA DE PATO – Chicory Flan with Duck Egg Yolk (E)
SORBETE DE NARANJA CON SAL DE GUSANOS – Orange sorbet with Sal de Gusanos (E)
NYC – 12/11/15 – DBGB & Wildair
DBGB
I don’t always post about places where I stop for a pre or post dinner drink. But DBGB is one of my favorites whenever heading anywhere on the Lower East Side. While there are always interesting beers on draft we of course had to go for the ode to the boilermaker.
Wheat beer and grand mariner with tequila
Wildair
I have said it before, but I love Wildair. I only wish that so many others did not as well (ok not really I suppose from a financial point of view). It is not always possible to get there at opening and unfortunately I just don’t have the patience for the ridiculously long waits later in the evening. But I will still try my best to get here as frequently as possible.
Bread and olive oil
Sweet potato, ricotta, tahini, herbs
Beef tartare, smoked cheddar, chestnut
Black bass, pineapple, nduja
Persimmon, butternut, burrata, jalapeño
Pork milanese, gribiche, mustard greens
NYC – 12/10/15 – Bar Room @ the Modern
My first trip to the Modern after the changeover to service included and honestly I did not notice at all. I sometimes tend to forget to come here but am always pleasantly surprised when I do. For as much as I diss midtown in general there is no disputing that there are a number of fantastic lunch options.
Marinated Hamachi, pumpkin-yuzu vinaigrette
Seared Scallops, smoked shellfish, fennel and potatoes
NYC – 12/7/15 – Le Bernardin & O Ya
Le Bernardin
The City Harvest lunch menu at Le Bernardin is the best kept secret in NYC. I should probably even stop writing about it! When I’ve found myself able to have lunch in midtown in the last few months I have tried to check out some other places. And while I’ve had very good meals elsewhere I will keep returning to Le Bernardin as my absolute favorite.
Hamachi – Hamachi Tartare, Cucumber, Lemon-Citrus Emulsion
Skate – Poached Skate, Pickled Shallots, Sea Beans, Cucumber, Verjus Sauce
Pear – Slow-Roasted Pear, “Beurre Noisette” Tuile, Pear William Frozen Parfait
O Ya
I had hesitated in visiting O Ya when it first opened as the price when compared to some other similar options seemed pretty high. We opted for the shorter 18 course omakase menu which my dining companion had a few times previously and which seemed to go quite quickly for so many bites. I couldn’t take notes quickly enough as the dishes came out and unfortunately there as no menu at the end. There were some totally fantastic things and perhaps some I didn’t enjoy as much just due to personal preference and not that they were not well executed. I probably would have enjoyed this meal a bit more if sitting at the counter instead of a booth (our fault not theirs). I’m not convinced that O Ya is good enough to warrant the price hike over Shuko but I’d gladly go back (if someone else is paying)!
Not pictured, but after all of this fish, I ended the night with a stop at Nomad Bar for a hot dog.
NYC – 12/5/15 – Gramercy Tavern & Porchlight
Gramercy Tavern
Gramercy Tavern somehow is always excellent and never disappoints. An added bonus that December is one of my favorite times to visit as their holiday decorations are absolutely gorgeous.
Arctic Char Tartare, Apple, Peanuts and Crispy Shallots
Ricotta Cavatelli, Braised Lamb, Kabocha Squash and Almonds
Porchlight
I wasn’t planning for this to be a USHG kind of day but there are only so many pre-show options when heading to Sleep No More. After having my first amaretto sour in 20 years last spring, I’m glad that the resurgence is continuing. The same could be said of the fantastic tater tots.
Amaretto sour
Boiled Peanut Hummus and Vegetables
Tater Tots
Avocado @ Crab Toast
NYC – 12/4/15 – Contra w/ in de wulf
I’m not sure if I will make it to in de wulf before they shutter at the end of the year so what a fantastic opportunity to have Kobe Desramualts’ food at this collaboration dinner with Contra. Definitely a longer menu than I was expecting and while the pacing wasn’t the best, it was actually better than I expect at any event where there rhythm of the kitchen is vastly disrupted. It seems so predictable to be my favorite course, but I could have eaten 4 more of the kerremelkstampers. I hope that Contra keeps doing these!
snails
beetroot, sloeberry yogurt
sea urchin, carrot, husk cherry
kohlrabi, scallop, green strawberry
mussel broth, charcoal roasted vegetables
kerremelkstampers, caviar
monkfish, celeriac, liver
red kuri squash, crab, egg yolk
lobster and homemade butter
persimmon, tangerines, bourbon
chocolate, sunchoke, beer
iwillmakeualist 
