The Top Ten
BLOG ~ JULY 29, 2007
To get it started every month I’ll be posting my Top Ten. We’ll start with the basics, as in my Top Ten places to get a great meal.
1. Paladar Restaurant: I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, this place is like my living room. The chef and owners, Aaron Sanchez and his sister Marissa, are the son and daughter of famed Mexican cook Zarela Martinez. I befriended them several years ago and have not stopped drinking mojitos since. Located on the Lower East Side, the restaurant always has a festive vibe and the food and drink are not only out of this world, but also pretty inexpensive (2 for 1 happy hour between 4 and 8pm!). When you go, be sure to try at least one of the seasonal specials, these are always delicious. Favorite dishes include the sopes. Chicken empanadas, the Cubano sandwich (amaaazing French fries with chipotle ketchup), and the anticuchos. My favorite to finish with is the Tres Leches cake, when they have it. And don’t forget to drink the mojitos. Lots of them. Paladarrestaurant.com
2. Momofuku Ssam- Dave Chang is the Dalai Lama of Pork. My best friend Erin and I order and consume a stunning amount of food for two girls every time we go. Many a night it’s a pork tasting night, starting with the steamed buns (which I crave at any random moment throughout the day), a plate of American country ham, and every other pork dish on the menu. Top it off with a good bottle(s) of sake or beer, and a waitstaff that’s easy on the eyes, it is one of my favorite haunts. Plus they play Van Halen on the ipod. Eatmomofuku.com
3. Bistro 33- I live in Astoria, a neighborhood in Queens close to the city that is the crossroads for numerous world cuisines. When friend and graduate of the FCI Gary Anza opened up his little 20 seat restaurant on 36th Ave, I was hooked. Primarily French-Japanese fusion, Gary’s menu is not only creative and delicious but relatively inexpensive. He has recently reopened in a new and larger location and the menu and food is better than ever. I have even contributed a roll to his sushi menu (go and see if you can figure out which one it is). Lilbistro33.com
4. Perilla- I ate there shortly after it opened. I even helped out in the kitchen one night when Harold needed someone to expedite. As I sat at the bar afterwards eating my meal which I had earned with my sweat and tears ; ) the one thing I felt as I looked around at the crowded space and people happily eating and talking, was pride. He has worked so hard to make his dream happen and now that Perilla is real I have to say he has done an amazing job. The space is beautiful, the food is fresh and flavorful, and it has the makings of a neighborhood restaurant that will be around for a long time. Congrats H, I know you’ll continue to kick ass for years to come. Perilla.com
5. The Blind Tiger- My friend Louise is the bartender/chef of this fine beer based establishment. My friends and I waited a long time when the original Hudson Street location closed down. It reopened half a block down from Harold’s place (awfully convenient for me). Weezy’s got a great bar snack menu and you can even try my Billionaire’s Bacon, which is making a guest appearance on her menu right now. Join the connoisseurs’ club; if you drink 51 different beers over time you get a tshirt and a plaque on the wall with your name on it (though I am still waiting for mine and I am well into my second club card). Blindtigeralhouse.com
6. Daikokuya- I first discovered this ramen hotspot when I stayed in Little Tokyo at the New Otani while I was filming Season 2 of Top Chef in Los Angeles. It was a late night returning from set and I was hungry and saw that this was the only restaurant with a line spilling out the front door. I made a note to try it the next day when it wasn’t so busy. What I found was the best bowl of ramen I have ever tried. No joke. I make it a point to come here every time I am in Los Angeles (and actually, I ate there yesterday, be still..my beating heart). Get the ramen with extra pork flavor. Mmmmmm.
7. Restaurant Ichimura- I discovered this small spot on Second Avenue almost 4 years ago. It has ruined me for sushi ever since. Chef Eiji Ichimura calmly works behind the counter, making sushi from the freshest fish flown in from Norway and Japan daily, with nary an avocado in sight. This is the real deal. Get the omakase and prepare for a sublime and uplifting experience.
8. Blue Ribbon- A New York classic, there may only be one reason I come here at all. The bone marrow with oxtail marmalade is one of those dishes I dream about. Meaty, fatty, savory, and slightly sweet. It’s a beef lover’s dream.
9. Village Yokocho- Open until 4 am, I come here for cheap izakaya, Japanese street food. Order the yakitori and takoyaki. The menu is so big, it’s a great place to come with a group of friends to share. After you’re done eating, sneak next door into the speakeasy-like bar, Angel Share, for a well made cocktail and dark, classy vibe.
10. Public- I love the food and vibe here at this sexy Soho restaurant. Chef Brad Farmerie’s food is globally influenced and full of flavor. This is a great place to take a date.
