NYC Foodie2012-02-05T07:16:03ZJosh BeckermanCopyright 2012, Josh BeckermanSPHPBLOGTABLE FOR ONE: OUEST Cauliflower Custard with Butter poached Lobster, Leeks & Trumpet Mushrooms ($18) was truly awesome. Everything about this dish was amazing. From the flavor to the texture, this dish melted in my mouth and I loved it. Order it and see for yourself. Wow.
Pan Roasted California Squab with Duck Liver Risotto ($36), was also super fabulous! I rarely eat squab, but if you eat one squab dish in NYC, this should be it. This perfectly cooked bird, paired with the tasty duck liver risotto, did my body good. I loved the dish.
So for a popular Upper West Side joint, that's worth the hype, head west to Ouest. You'll be glad you did.
Ouest 2315 Broadway (and 84th St.) New York, NY 10024 212-580-8700 www.ouestny.com ]]>http://www.nycfoodie.com/index.php?entry=entry120127-1437342012-01-27T00:00:00Z2012-01-27T00:00:00ZNYC FOODIE LUNCH OF THE WEEK: THE COMMONS CHELSEA The Commons Chelsea is a great spot for everyone in Chelsea, but I live on the UWS, and plan on coming down to try everything else on their menu. Thus, it's a great spot for everyone in NYC. Blow my mind with a sandwich, and you have my stomach, and heart, forever.
The Commons Chelsea 128 7th Ave (bet. 18th and 17th) New York, NY 10011 212-929-9333 www.thecommonschelsea.com
]]>http://www.nycfoodie.com/index.php?entry=entry120126-1459562012-01-26T00:00:00Z2012-01-26T00:00:00ZNYC FOODIE BROOKLYN RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK: ISA One of the best steak tartares I've encountered was served to me the night I ate there (The menu changes daily). Served with a sunchoke puree and a disc of flax and rye seeds, the dish blew me away. Both texture and flavor were fabulous.
A french onion soup encased in an onion, served in a duck broth was ingenious and fun.
A plate of different mushrooms looked like a garden. Served with a hen egg in the middle, I loved this dish. Earthy and spectacular. The one element I thought was unnecessary was a touch of citrus on the plate, that I felt was just put there, and really had no business being there. Too much. Nonetheless, it was a great dish.
A smoked duck dish brought some more earthiness to the plate. Sprinkled with what looked like and I believe actually labeled "dirt", a mix of cocoa powder and coffee, it was delicious. The duck was succulent, and perfectly cooked.
A grapefruit curd dessert was the perfect ending to a unique, earthy and great meal.
So head to Williamsburg, Brooklyn for one of the most unique and earthy meals you will have.
Isa 348 Wythe Ave (at S. 2nd St.) Brooklyn, NY 11211 347-689-3594 www.isa.gg/isa/
Kutsher's Tribeca 186 Franklin St. (bet. Greenwich and Hudson) New York, NY 10013 212-431-0606 www.kutsherstribeca.com]]>http://www.nycfoodie.com/index.php?entry=entry120123-2113052012-01-24T00:00:00Z2012-01-24T00:00:00ZTABLE FOR ONE: GRADISCA Veal and guanciale meatballs ($15), with wilted onion-tomato friggione, are some tasty balls.
The NY Times highlights "Mama", the mother of the chef who comes in from Italy to make the pasta. "Mama's" hand-crafted meat tortellini ($30), with parmigiano cream is a joy to eat. Knowing that these little guys were made by a real Italian grandmother enhances the experience. They are special and great.
I like Gradisca a lot. The vibe is cool, and the energy is positive. Everyone here is very nice. They got the name "Gradisca" from the convivial character in the Fellini movie "Amarcord. Her bon vivant personality embodies all that is good in life. All that is good in life is present at Gradisca.
Gradisca 126 W. 13th Street (bet. 6th and 7th ave) New York, NY 1001 212-691-4886 www.gradiscanyc.com ]]>http://www.nycfoodie.com/index.php?entry=entry120112-1252492012-01-12T00:00:00Z2012-01-12T00:00:00ZTABLE FOR ONE: SALINAS Your fist insight into a good meal starts with the complimentary olive tapenade spread that comes with the bread. It's delicious!
A dish of fried brussel sprouts ($9), green cauliflower, citrus, mint yogurt, and pimenton de la Vera, is flavorful and nice.
Tripita ($12), braised veal tripe, veal feet, iberico ham, chorizo sausage, tomatoes, pimenton de la Vera, chorizero pepper, and crispy garbanzos, is great. I love when chefs make tripe dishes tender and fabulous. This is one of them.
A dish called Rosejat Råpida ($25), crispy fideo pasta, chicken breast, chorizo, cockles, and saffron aioli was pretty good. I almost loved this dish, but really thought that the saffron aioli was totally unnecessary. The dish would have been great had it been left off the plate.
So get your tapas on in Chelsea, a sexy night awaits.
Salinas 136 9th Ave (bet. 18th and 19th) New York, NY 10011 212-776-1990 www.salinasnyc.com]]>http://www.nycfoodie.com/index.php?entry=entry120110-1349242012-01-10T00:00:00Z2012-01-10T00:00:00ZNYC FOODIE QUICK BITE: BARRIO 47 Much of the menu utilizes a wood-fire oven, and pairs with classic and specialty cocktails. Every dish I ate last month was excellent, and I was surprised how much I loved the food here. Chef Miguel Rosado, and owners Alex and Roman Volland definitely know what they are doing. Drop in for a drink and a bite to see for yourself.
Try any of their Cocas ($12) (flatbreads that are a specialty from Majorca). The ones I tried were delicious.
Marble charred Portuguese octopus ($13), with a trio bean ceviche, is excellent. Perfectly cooked, a great char.
Handmade potato gnocchi ($14) with chanterelles, brussels sprouts, pancetta, and parmesan, is sublime. I loved this dish. It was like "butta".
Caramelized scallops ($15), with tri-color cauliflower terrine is also superb. That terrine was so addictive and amazing, it blew my mind.
Also fabulous are the Mayan Shrimp ($26). Served with an awesome saffron rock shrimp rice, this dish was tasty as heck. Perfection.
So grab a drink and a bite at Barrio 47. Sounds like a great night to me.
Momofuku Ko - David Chang's 12 seat foodie gem blew my mind. All 12 courses.
Top Newcomers of the Year:
Redfarm Isa Tertulia Fatty Cue (West Village) Zabb Elee Barrio 47 Buvette The Dutch
Go To Spot of the Year:
New Malaysia Restaurant - I found myself at this restaurant most often. Love this place!
Most Memorable Dishes of the Year:
Oysters and Pearls (Per Se)
All sushi from Sushi of Gari (Midtown location)
Sea Urchin Cappucino (Eleven Madison Park)
Pork Soup Dumplings (RedFarm)
Oyster Pan Roast (John Dory Oyster Bar)
Most Fun Dish of the Year:
All the ice cream cookie sandwiches from the Coolhaus Truck. Unbelievable!
Restaurant I sent two dishes back:
Imperial No. 9 - oops, someone messed up.
Burger of the Year:
Lamb Burger (The Breslin)
Runner up: Steakhouse Burger (The Brindle Room)
Charming West Village Restaurants you need to go to:
I Sodi and Buvette
Fried Chicken of the Year: Lexington Brass
Waiter of the Year:
Raphael (Buvette)
Ok, so these were just some quick highlights of a truly magical year. 2012 promises to be even bigger and better. Look out for the NYC Foodie, Foodie Magician, on a tv channel near you soon too! Have a wonderful 2012!
Bon Appetit!
NYC FOODIE
:)
]]>http://www.nycfoodie.com/index.php?entry=entry120106-1437192012-01-06T00:00:00Z2012-01-06T00:00:00ZNYC FOODIE CHINATOWN RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK: ORIENTAL GARDEN
Oriental Garden 14 Elizabeth St. (bet. Canal and Bayard) New York, NY 10013 212-619-0085 www.orientalgardenny.com]]>http://www.nycfoodie.com/index.php?entry=entry111229-1706242011-12-30T00:00:00Z2011-12-30T00:00:00ZNYC FOODIE BROOKLYN RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK: MESA COYOACAN Carne Asada Sopecitos ($10), three corn masa "sope" cooked over the grill, were delectable.
Mixiotes de Carnero ($18), spiced lamb with chile Ancho, chile Guajillo, and avocado leaves steamed in a banana leaf, and served with cactus salad, black beans, and pickled habanero red onions, was sublime. That lamb so tender and juicy. The flavor, aromatic and wonderful.
End with a lovely flan ($5), and your Mexican night in Brooklyn will be complete.
Another magnificent joint, across the bridge.
Mesa Coyoacan 372 Graham Ave (bet. Skillman Ave and Conselyea St) Brooklyn, NY 11211 718-7782-8171 www.mesacoyoacan.com
