When I visit a city, I like to get a taste of it all. From street food to fine dining, there are no limits; good food is everywhere and my mission is to find and devour it. In fact, it’s kind of an obsession: ask any of my travel buddies and they’ll confess that they usually need to raise the white flag at some point during our gluttonous journeys. And the more diverse the cuisine: the more food stops I squeeze into our itinerary. Nowhere is my list more ambitious than when I visit NYC. Here’s what I feasted on during a recent trip…
Won’t Break The Bank ($)
Katz’s Delicatessen – As the oldest delicatessen in NYC (established in 1888), this institution should be on everyone’s “must eat” list. Their pastrami sandwich is the best I’ve ever tasted: incredibly juicy, perfectly seasoned and ginormous! What I loved most? Chatting with the counterman as they carefully carved each slice of meat. Some have been working at the deli for decades. Tip: order at the counter and find your own seat (cozy up next to a stranger – everyone is family here), share a sandwich (trust me, you’ll be full with half) and do NOT lose the little ticket they give you upon entry (you’ll be charged a $50 fine).
Vinny’s Nut House – This street vendor has been selling all kinds of goodies in Little Italy since 1973 – from cookies and biscottis to roasted nuts. Tip: indulge in their Italian nougat – chewy and nutty!
The Halal Guys – You’ll notice swarms of locals surrounding this street vendor at just about any time of day (I snapped this at 11 am). The original location – which looks to be the most popular – is on West 53rd & 6th Avenue. Tip: order the platter (chicken with rice) and get their magic white sauce on everything.
Jacque Torres Chocolate – Known as “Mr. Chocolate”, the world-renowned chocolatier produces some of the most heavenly delights around. I’m talking real, quality chocolate that inspires chocoholic pilgrimages. But what blew me away was their thick, velvety hot chocolate; it’s quite possibly the best in the city. Tip: devour their chocolate chip cookies and classic hot chocolate (don’t skip out on the whipped cream).
Baked By Melissa – After being fired from her advertising job in 2008, Melissa pursued her passion of baking and set up shop in SoHo. The rest is history; her bite-size cupcakes stand out in a saturated cupcake market and have won the hearts of locals (she now has 12 locations in New York). Her creations are innovative, colourful and are no more than 50 calories each. Tip: try the cookie dough, peanut butter cup, cinnamon and mini of the month flavour.
Blue Bottle Coffee – This is where you’ll want to head for fresh coffee – no really, they only sell coffee at its peak flavour (less than 48 hours out of the roaster). The beans are responsibly (and obsessively) sourced, the coffee is delicious and the experience is elevated. Tip: don’t go here if you’re in a hurry; each cup is manually brewed and takes 3-5 minutes to make. Oh, and it’s one-size only.
Moderately Priced ($$)
Dominique Ansel Bakery – Call him what you want – the “Willy Wonka of NYC” (New York Post) or the “Culinary Van Gogh” (Food & Wine) – Dominique Ansel is undoubtedly the world’s most famous pastry chef. Known for the Cronut™ (a croissant-doughnut hybrid, which sold out at 9 am the day I visited), this bakery has a range of delectable treats that will bring a smile to just about anyone’s face. Tip: skip the cronut and try the DKA instead. Their baked-to-order madeleines and chocolate chip cookie shots (only avail after 3 pm) are divine too.
Eataly – Dedicated to high-quality food and drink, the lively marketplace has seven sit-down restaurants for you to choose from. It’s a great place for a casual dinner or bevvies with friends. Tip: head to Le Verdure for fresh, seasonal dishes and Birreria (their rooftop restaurant and brewery) for a night under the stars.
Wondee Siam II – This hole-in-the-wall resto in Hell’s Kitchen is a favourite for those in search of affordable Thai food. The dishes are refreshingly bright and well-balanced, the service is super friendly and the ambiance is cozy. Tip: order the Grilled Beef Salad, Tom Ka, Panang Curry and Pla Fra Tiam (whole red snapper). Oh, and I hear they have a secret menu. Be prepared for a lineup: this resto is popular and tiny.
Worth The Splurge ($$$)
Le Bernardin – Attention all seafood lovers: do not even think about heading to NYC without stopping at this three-star Michelin restaurant. Executive chef Eric Ripert’s exquisite dishes are colourful, innovative and true works of art. The fish here is sublime – with subtle flavours and delicate textures that only a meticulous and incredibly talented chef could execute. The service is immaculate, the space is sleek and the dishes are beautifully composed. This is world-class dining at its best. Tip: order the White Tuna, Barely Cooked Scallop, Lobster “En Brioche” and Tropical Pavlova. If you’re looking to save a bit of cash, head here for the prix fixe lunch.
The Garden – Overlooking the grand lobby at Four Seasons Hotel New York, the restaurant is the perfect place for a relaxing and decadent brunch. Tip: order their signature Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Salmon Tartare and Grapefruit Panna Cotta. Oh, and they take reservations so book ahead and have a civilized rendezvous with friends.
The Russian Tea Room – Walk through its antique revolving doors and you’ll find yourself in a different realm. Founded by the Russian Imperial Ballet, this gem is nestled beside Carnegie Hall and has attracted the who’s who of the world since 1927 – from musicians and politicians to actors and Manhattan’s elite (random fact: Madonna worked the coat check before striking fame). Tip: head here mainly to soak in the ambiance, perhaps during afternoon tea.
Sushi of Gari – Regarded as one of NYC’s finest raw fish joints, you’ll be served authentic, Japanese sushi at this Michelin-starred restaurant. The fish is fresh, the rice is perfectly seasoned and the menu items are creative. Tip: splurge on the omakase. If you’re ordering off the menu, get the Salmon with Sautéed Tomato, Seared Toro, Yellowtail with Jalapeño and the Japanese Red Snapper. Oh, and the mochi is highly addictive.
Ça Va Brasserie – Headed up by four-time James Beard Award winner, Todd English, this brasserie is a great place for pre-theatre dinners with friends, power lunches or family gatherings. The space is a bit meh, but what the restaurant lacks in character, it makes up for with exceptional cuisine and service. Tip: order the Coquilles St Jacques Aux Champignons, Oeuf Mimosa and Canard À La Cannelle. Mais oui!
Well, that sums up my gluttonous journey. I’m already building a list for my next visit and would love to try out your faves – let me know where I should feast!
Some of the meals listed above were complimentary. As always, opinions are my own.
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