As I have said before, the United States is a land of diverse eating from coast to coast, city to city, and more specifically from one neighborhood to the next. From French to Chinese and Italian to Thai, Americans enjoy a wide array of cuisines to choose from. No where is this more apparent than in arguably the greatest food city in the world – New York! Upon arrival and calling for my black cab to take me to Brooklyn, it was so hard to not stand in awe of the city. Its views, its energy, its people, and the millions of different restaurants offering different cuisines make you feel alive. At that point, I realized this trip was not only going to be a nice get away from work, but more importantly an unforgettable food experience enjoyed with good friends. After doing my research, I decided to visit a couple of French bistros, a pizzeria or two, an authentic Asian establishment, and take advantage of one high end, haute cuisine experience. As a result, I ended up at the following restaurants and with the following observations:
Le Gamin
(Greenwich Village 132 W. Houston St, New York, NY) – We all usually associate New York with noise, too many cars, and too many people but this great little bistro in Greenwich Village, suggested by my friend Katie, was just the opposite. Quiet, off the beaten path, and with only 15 tables, it was a haven from the norm. Classic dishes such as Nicoise salad, crepes Suzette, and croquet monsieur were offered. However, I decided to go with my favorite, Moules Marnier (Mussels in white wine). It came with crusty French bread which I and my friends used to soak up all the sauce. All in all, the setting was great with the food and company even better.
Brasserie Les Halles
(Manhattan 411 Park Avenue New York, NY) – As I am a huge fan of Tony Bourdain, author of Kitchen Confidential ‘Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly’ and host of No Reservations (currently airing on The Travel Channel Monday nights), I had to revisit his NY establishment. All I can say is Steak au Poivre (steak with peppercorn cream sauce), Pommes frittes (French fries), Mesclun salad, and a Cote du Rhone glass of cabernet sauvignon wine. No pretentiousness, no ‘cool’ scene, no waiting or having to know someone to get in, just real and simple to the point classic French fare. I truly enjoy visiting this restaurant and take the pleasure in sharing it with a good family friend, Julio, from Argentina.
Chai
(Williamsburg 124 N. 6th St Brooklyn, NY) – Fresh and authentic Thai food in a setting of both mirrored and dark wooden walls with Sake bottles surrounding the top of the walls. In an unassuming way, this place was very stylish and the food complemented it very well. The BBQ Beef Thai Style was scrumptious and served with fresh greens, julienne carrots, and a spicy ginger and soy sauce. The spicy duck spring rolls were not greasy but crispy and delicious when dipped in their home made plum sauce. Once again, thanks to some good friends, I was fortunate to experience authentic Thai food in a unique ambience.
Danny’s Pizzeria
(241 Bushwick Ave Brooklyn, NY) – Even though I truly wanted to go to Di Fara’s in Brooklyn, my very good friend, Jon, insisted (possibly because they delivered and Di Fara’s did not) we order pizza from Danny’s. This pizza was not only good, it compared with the best here in Austin – pizza from Cippolina, Unos (Davenport Village), or Saccone’s. I only wanted to have a couple of slices and ended up eating four. Even though I was full, I wanted more and decided to take a couple of slices on the plane with me for dinner later that night on my way back home to Austin – enough said…
Lure
(Soho 142 Mercer St New York, NY) – Upon entering this beautiful restaurant, I quickly noticed the yacht-like interior, long wooden floors, multiple fresh seafood bars, and the smell of really good food. Gourmet magazine was on hand for a photo shoot while I met my friend Natalie, Lure’s sommelier (wine expert), and enjoyed a wine tasting with a new wine rep out of New Zealand. After tasting several appetizers and more wine, I decided I needed to come back and bring my friends Jon and Katie. So, there we were on a Saturday night in Soho enjoying an unforgettable seven course meal with wines I never have tasted nor could even afford. Gooey duck clams ceviche style with red pepper, lime and apricots; watermelon and yellow heirloom tomato gazpacho shooters, braised halibut with chanterelle mushrooms and lobster brodo, lobster tails in a roasted tomato and corn citrus butter sauce. Really, need I say more? The service was excellent, the food outstanding, and my friend Natalie overly generous with the wine, champagne, and drinks. Overall, this truly was an unforgettable food experience.
If you ever have the opportunity to travel to New York, please take advantage of the food scene. Don’t go to the chain mall restaurants near 42nd St and Times Square. Get out, explore, and see all the city has to offer. You can use the restaurant addresses I listed above for a head start. Not only will you learn more about the culture of New York, but also the food and its wonderful diversity! If not, you are truly missing out on an excellent learning experience.
