I actually landed in New York earlier than expected (although my landing was one awash with turbulence, fear and discomfort) so I got to go to more places than I thought I would.  Here is part 2 my favorites list:

img_3982Sakamai

I think this was my favorite place in New York, in retrospect.  Japanese inspired and run by Chef Takanori Akiyama, I love the atmosphere and feel of the place and more so the inspired flavors on the menu.  Try the Tasting Menu (it may or may not change).  I did, and I truly appreciated each of the courses especially the Egg on Egg on Egg (which is available as a regular menu item).  It was Sea Urchin, Caviar, and Soft Scrambled Eggs. Yes. I know. It took all of my will power not to snatch everyone’s plate of this.  Another highlight was the Grilled Octopus with Gochujang Pepper and Watermelon Radish.  Beautifully seasoned and cooked! Make sure your entire party is down for the tasting menu as they only serve it to the whole table or not at all.  If you want to do a la carte, another must try is the ramen noodles with sea urchin and bone marrow.  I drop the mic and leave you with that.

Website: www.sakamai.com

 

img_4008Salvation Burger

Chefs around the world have the utmost respect for April Bloomfield and her food philosophy and this burger place is another shining example of that.  Everything is done in house, from patties to mustard. Prime local beef from upstate New York is ground in house themselves. They bake their own hamburger buns too.  Try the Salvation Burger (whose accompaniments may change after a few months) to get a burger patty that is nose to tail! I had it cooked medium rare which is the way it’s meant to be.  Burger is flavorful and juicy and had a smoked bleu cheese sauce and hen of the woods mushrooms on top.    Leave room for dessert and try their Fried Apple Pie which is unlike the one you get from the clown.  Apples have a nice tartness and crispness to them which makes for a great end to this meal.

Addendum: The place had to close down for a while due to a fire, but are re-opening again real soon, so check their website for details.

Website: www.salvationburger.com

 

img_4062Mighty Quinn’s

I regret not being to find the time and money to go to Texas and the Carolinas for barbecue, but in New York, Mighty Quinn’s soothed my feelings about that.  Make sure to order the Burnt Ends to get a great combination of meat and fat, but of course Brisket’s a great option too.  The meat is so tender and juicy and the fat just melts in the mouth.  There really is no need for a sauce, but they do have a great one too.  Remember to ask for some free pickles!

Website: www.mightyquinnsbbq.com

 

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Lady M

I’m not the dessert guy so I am definitely no expert but the Original Crepe Cake at Lady M is so beyond awesome that I want to find out if Lady M is an actual person so I can go kiss her.  Crepes are cooked perfectly thin and the cream in between each layer is light and not sweet.  They have a great almond cake and a strawberry crepe cake too but make sure to try the original one first.

Website: www.ladym.com

 

 

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Congee Village

“Congee Village is the answer for everything.”  It was a running inside joke for my friend Mae and her friends, but they insisted it was that good.  Hearing that, I could not let the opportunity to try it pass.  They were right.  Holy cow.  This Chinese restaurant, which looked like nothing from the outside, packs a wallop inside.  Make sure to try their Razor Clams in Black Bean Sauce, their Bamboo Rice, and for congee, the Abalone Congee.  I figure this place would work best when you’re buzzed from drinking, but really, just go and visit it.  

Website: www.congeevillagerestaurants.com