Restaurants in New York City

Restaurant Spotting – Mayfield

Cuisine: American | Featured in First Bite, Reviews

Brooklyn has been beckoning Manhattan-based food journalists and foodies across the river for awhile now. But there are still plenty of under-explored neighborhoods in the borough. Case in point: Crown Heights, which is perhaps one of the most rapidly changing sections of Brooklyn right now. The latest addition to the neighborhood is a New American restaurant called Mayfield.

What I’m Loving – Yopparai

Cuisine: Japanese | Featured in First Bite, Reviews

It’s not easy to surprise me with a great, new restaurant that’s not really new at all.  It makes me feel like I’ve failed as a food writer and restaurant chaser.  How did I miss the memo about Yopparai?  Seriously. I suggested we go for Japanese to a friend who responded, “I just went to a great spot on the Lower East Side.”   When I neared the entrance, I realized I’d been to the same address for sushi just a year before when it was Sushi Uo, an oddball sushi spot that sadly didn’t last long.  I buzzed the same mysterious buzzer, then passed through a door into a railroad-style apartment building where the restaurant occupies a long, narrow space on the ground floor.  There’s a long wood sushi bar with cozy, cushioned seating, several two-tops along the wall,...

Q & A with Tavern on the Green’s New Chef Katy Sparks

Cuisine: American | Featured in Chef Q&A

Katy Sparks may be a farm girl at heart, but that hasn’t stopped her from making her mark at some of the most revered four-star restaurants in New York City.

First Bite: L’Apicio

Cuisine: Italian | Featured in First Bite, Reviews

It ain’t easy to open a restaurant in this city, nevermind a successful one.  First, there’s the task of finding a space with reasonable rent, then liquor licenses to wrangle, and building out the space.  Not to mention coming up with an original concept and menu, which ain’t easy either.   Yet, Joe Campanale and his partners, August Cardona, Gabe and Katherine Thompson, continue to open successes, which manage packed dining rooms and full reservation books around the clock.   What started with a West Village trattoria named dell’anima has expanded into a growing empire of hip Italian-bent eateries that includes L’Artusi and Anfora.   L’Apicio is their fourth venture and their first East Village eatery, located on the Bowery (just around the corner from DBGB) in a spacious locale that used to house Bowery Wine Co.   The interior...

Parm’s Thanksgiving Hero

Cuisine: Italian | Featured in Best Of, Fall Foods

Indiscriminately piling leftovers on a hunk of bread is the average Joe’s answer to Thanksgiving leftovers (and not a bad idea at all), but Parm’s iconic sandwich has made an art of the dish with some surprise flavors and textures.  A crusty semolina hero is layered with cranberry sauce, mayonnaise, fried sage leaves, mashed sweet potato puree, hunks of house-roasted honey and garlic turkey breast and a sprinkle of fresh thyme — the perfect accompaniment for a day of football-watching from the confines of your couch or Parm’s counter...

Dirt Candy’s Corn Grits

Cuisine: Vegetarian | Featured in Best Of, Fall Foods

Corn is one of summer’s undeniable superstars; picked fresh from the cob and delivered straight from the grill with little more fanfare than a sprinkle of salt and a slathering of butter.  It reappears again — albeit briefly — on the Thanksgiving table, taking the form of Native American dishes, like corn bread or corn pudding.  Thanks to the veggie-adulating eatery Dirt Candy, however, we can appreciate the sweet starch any time of year. Experience corn in multiple forms in Amanda Cohen’s entree of Stone Ground Grits topped with Corn Cream, Pickled Shitakes, Huitlacoche, and a Tempura Poached...

Momofuku Milk Bar

Cuisine: | Featured in Uncategorized

Chuko’s Brussels Sprouts

Cuisine: Asian Fusion | Featured in Best Of, Fall Foods

It’s no secret that Brussels sprouts are experiencing a serious renaissance in New York City’s food scene.  We’re particularly partial to the Asian-inflected mini-cabbages found at the Brooklyn ramen house, Chuko.  Not your traditional sprouts, these are halved and deep fried before being tossed in a flavorful bath of fish sauce and soy, and liberally sprinkled with a salty/sweet combo of honey roasted peanuts and pickled...

Good’s Crispy Turkey Scallopine

Cuisine: American | Featured in Best Of, Fall Foods

The comfort food is pretty darn good at this all-American spot in the West Village so we’re excited to see what they do with the flavors of our beloved, turkey-centric holiday.  Post Thanksgiving, we’re still craving the bird, which gets an elegant update with their spin on a Classic Veal Scallopine.  It’s made with Turkey instead, which is pounded, sauteed, and topped with Ricotta Salata and fresh pea shoots, in a zesty, lemon and brown butter...

Barbuto’s Lamb Ribs with Cranberries

Cuisine: Italian | Featured in Best Of, Fall Foods

If your idea of cranberries is limited to muffins and jellified sauce that holds its shape in a can, be sure to pay a visit to Jonathan Waxman’s rustic, West Village eatery to experience cranberries as they should be.   While the menu changes frequently, his current obsession with the tart, jewel-like fruit is yielding delicious results.  We’re particularly intrigued by a current special of Costini Di Agnello, juicy Lamb Ribs cooked in the wood-fire oven and anointed with Cranberries and...

What I’m Loving – Ootoya

Cuisine: Japanese | Featured in Reviews

I had nearly given up on eating at the new Japanese izakaya Ootoya in Gramercy.  Every time I tried to stop in for dinner I’d stumble into a fleet of hopeful diners surrounding the hostess stand and come up against an hour or two wait for a table.  Having become very impatient in my old age, I’d sulk near the bar for ten minutes, then head to nearby 15 East or another Japanese joint.  I’d all but given up, but I thought I’d do one last drive-by on the evening of the recent Noreaster.  The room was still buzzing and the eating counter packed, but the snowfall had scared off a few diners, so there was one two-top left in the house.  The counter seats and main dining room were all taken, but I was happy to be indoors, gifted a cup of...

The Breslin

Cuisine: | Featured in Uncategorized

North End Grill

Cuisine: American | Featured in Best Of, Holiday Eats

It’s hard to believe Danny Meyer’s Modern American Grill opened a year ago right around this time.  You could celebrate Thanksgiving or the fact that Chef Floyd Cardoz has been back on the dining scene and as creative as ever.  Either way, you’re in for a great meal.  Chef Cardoz is offering Pumpkin Soup with crabmeat, and a very un-Thanksgiving (and delicious sounding) Lobster Egg Custard with sea urchin and bonito flakes.  And those are only two of the appetizers.  You’ll have plenty of entrees to choose from, including Heritage Turkey with corn bread stuffing and gravy, and Quinoa Mustard Pilaf with mushrooms and chestnuts, communal sides included.  And last but not least, a choice between four holiday inspired desserts including Chestnut Doughnuts with chocolate dipping sauce. Prix Fixe menu, $85/person, 11:30am –...

Back Forty

Cuisine: American | Featured in Best Of, Holiday Eats

A farm-to-table locavore Thanksgiving dinner may not be what you’re used to at home because it’s so much better.  Peter Hoffman crafts a locally sourced, holiday menu at both Back Forty outposts where his large-format, laidback dinner is perfect for a group of family and friends.  The menus vary depending on location, but both offer up a three-course meal, served family-style.  For the first course, you’ll be enjoying either a rich Autumn Vegetable Minestrone with ricotta dumplings, or Chicken Liver Mousse with house pickles.  Second course includes Pumpkin Ravioli, Grass Fed Steak, Salmon, or Turkey Breast.  And for dessert, plan on enjoying a slice of Pumpkin Cheesecake, Apple Pie, or Pecan Tart. 3-course family style, $60/person (East Village) $65/person (SoHo), 2pm –...

Craft

Cuisine: American | Featured in Best Of, Holiday Eats

If you’re looking for a truly traditional Thanksgiving meal that you don’t have to cook yourself, consider making a reservation at Craft this holiday.   This Tom Colicchio original is known for its simple, seasonal and flavorful fare, and their holiday menu follows suit.  Start with a first course of Crisp Bacon with apples, followed by a Roasted Free-Range Turkey, a side of Sweet Potato Puree, and end with a slice of Sugar Pumpkin Pie.  And that’s just one of the options from the American nouveau crafted menu. Prix Fixe menu, $135/person, 2pm –...

No. 7

Cuisine: American | Featured in Best Of, Holiday Eats

Sure, Tyler Kord’s sandwich shops (No. 7 Subs) are all the rage these days and rightfully so, but it all started with this teeny Brooklyn joint and some serious talent.  Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to revisit or experience it for the first, not to mention what a great deal it is.  It’s not every day that $85 will get you a three-course family style dinner, including wine, beer, and leftovers. And remember: there’s always the extra beer and wine to be grateful for. 3-course family style (includes wine & beer), $85/person, 3pm & 6pm...

Bar Boulud

Cuisine: French | Featured in Best Of, Holiday Eats

The great thing about living in America is eating just about anything is patriotic, including French food.  That’s right.   I said it. Why not have apple tarte tatin instead of apple pie?  Or coq au vin instead of turkey?  If you’re going to do it, do it right.  Daniel Boulud has always set the standard for French in New York, so we suggest you head to Bar Boulud for their  three-course, Thanksgiving menu.  Just how do the French celebrate?   Here, they start with a Peekytoe Crab Salad, or Beef Tartare .  As an entrée, Chef Olivier is cooking Roasted Turkey, Ravioli de Champignons, Mediterranean Sea Bass, or Steak Roti.  And there’s desserts aplenty,  including a selection of glaces, sorbets, and fromage.  Not to mention, they’ve got an innovative and expansive wine list, so it won’t be hard...

L’Apicio

Cuisine: Italian | Featured in Best Of, Fall Foods

If you’re bored of the same old same old, try a new joint.  This is New York City afterall and new restaurants open every few hours.   Besides, these guys have a good track record.  What started with Dell’anima, followed by L’Artusi is quickly becoming a thriving  restaurant empire.  L’Apicio is their newest venture, an Italian-inspired eatery with a long, wood far, expansive and super cozy upfront lounge and plenty of dining.  The decor is industrial meets living room — the perfect combination of cool and comfort — with floating black banquettes scattered around the room and sexy, low lighting.   (Come spring, there will be plenty of outdoor seating in the courtyard, too!)  Enough about the space, let’s talk drinks.  These aren’t your average cocktails at all.  Beverage director (and master sommelier) Joe Campanale has devised a creative list...

Milk & Honey

Cuisine: Bar | Featured in Best Of, Fall Foods

A pioneer on the cocktail scene, Milk & Honey singlehandedly made old cocktails new and exciting again.  If you’re a cocktail connoisseur, this is your Graceland.  This super stylish, Soho spot with an outpost in London is so cool it actually has members, but non-members can thankfully drink, too.  This season, they’ve got an outstanding selection to choose from, organized by Hot Drinks & Flips. Shorts & Sours, Champagne Cocktails, Pick Me Up’s and more. Where to begin? Hmm… well, we’re digging on the Devil’s Share with Bourbon, Orange, Maple, Lemon and Ginger, and the Bumpkin’s Antidote with Cider, Bitters and Sugar.  Ooh, lest we forget the Hot Drinks, the likes of an Apple Toddy with Calvados, Cider, Honey, Ginger, Lemon and Spices.  What are you waiting for?...

The NoMad

Cuisine: American | Featured in Best Of

Restaurant Girl visits The NoMad on her search for the best fall cocktails.