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Tanoshi Sushi is the Holy Grail of New York Sushi Restaurants

Oh, and really excellent piece, @Kenji! I'm planning my next day off around exploring the UES after I sign up at Tanoshi!

Tanoshi Sushi is the Holy Grail of New York Sushi Restaurants

I'm going to go ahead and represent my borough, and nominate 1 or 8 in Williamsburg for that list of reasonably-priced-yet-excellent omakases. They have 3 sizes, last I visited, which begin at $50. Chef Kazuo is incredibly skilled, as well as amicable and entertaining. If he knows you're the adventurous type, he's more than happy to oblige with some exotic seasonal specials. I've eaten some--not all--of the best omakeses to be found in Manhattan (Azabu, Yasuda, Ushiwakamaru, Neta), and would definitely say this one stacks up (though some might say I'm slightly biased for its location, but who wouldn't love to have amazing omakase in their neighborhood?). Also, the red miso soup with house-made tofu served at the end is some of the best I've had anywhere.

Snapshots from Hong Kong: Steamed Milk Pudding from Yee Shun Milk Company

I'm going to Hong Kong this summer, and this is now on my list. Thanks for the well-timed series!

We Chat Amari with Maialino's Bar Manager, Erik Lombardo

Very nice post. I love amaro--this post provided some inspiration for new ones to seek out. Also, Lombardo's quirky narrative style of explaining is fun, and shows he has a lot of passion for his work! Always refreshing to see that.

A Sandwich a Day: Pastrami at Stage Restaurant

Also worth mentioning: I think their pierogi are among the best in the city [I prefer them to Veselka's, as does my Polish husband].

Ask the Critic: Restaurants That'll Let You Linger, Food Tour with Mom

This is such a great column. There should be more food advice columns in the world--or even just NYC.

Despana would be a nice addition to the food tour, I think. It's in the neighborhood, and it's both shopping and nibbling in one location. And it's awesome.

First Look: Nightingale 9, New Vietnamese Restaurant from Seersucker Chef

Sounds great. I love cha ca! I would have never thought eating a pile of dill could be so bliss-inducing. I've never seen it served in a restaurant in NY, but I look forward to trying this one.

Hanjan: Hooni Kim's Sophomore Effort Establishes Him as NY King of Korean

I wanted to try this place, but almost tossed it into the pile o' restaurants-I-thought-about-trying-and-then-eventually-forgot-about, due to the long waits/crowds. I'm sold now. Thanks for the great write-up!

Raccoon Bacon and Sautéed Mealworms: The Bronx's Third Annual Small Game Dinner

Is it DK Cool Herc or DL Cool Herc? Also, Terry Richardson is a chef?

Salvation Taco: April Bloomfield's Offbeat Taqueria in Murray Hill

@Carey Jones: Good to know. I will likely give it another shot, if only to try that kimchi-pork belly pozole. Thanks!

Salvation Taco: April Bloomfield's Offbeat Taqueria in Murray Hill

Hm. I went a few weeks back, and didn't feel compelled to return, even though I work just a few blocks away. Both the lamb and the cauliflower tacos were tasty enough, but the pigs' ears were fried well beyond recognition--think incinerated bacon with a thin, leathery strip of collagen inside--and most problematic, absolutely zero salt. The chicken feet were cooked fine, but nothing to remember. The ceviche and guacamole were very delicious, but I have to say, the portions were indeed disappointingly small, and not only in appearance.
I really wanted to like this place more, as I love her other restaurants, and it would be a great after work spot. The drinks were nice, but the atmosphere (in the back dining room/lounge) struck me as sort of awkward. However, this review has me thinking that maybe I should give it another shot.

Win Two VIP Tickets to Cochon 555 on February 10th

Crispy pork with chili and basil at Sripraphai.

Win Two Tickets to the Village Voice's Choice Eats on March 19th

Txikito(!), Del Posto(!), and Maima's--because when am I going to go to Jamaica?

Open Thread: It's Cold Out! Where Are You Eating to Warm Up in NYC?

Also, a glass of fino sherry when I get home has been the perfect topper these past few nights.

Open Thread: It's Cold Out! Where Are You Eating to Warm Up in NYC?

Had a very satisfying bowl of shio ramen and pork buns at Ramen Yebisu the other night, sitting under an intense--but very welcome--heater. Partner had the chicken special ramen, which I almost wish I had gotten. Both broths were extremely soothing...mmm.

We Chat With Chef Matt Lightner of Atera

"Your work at Nomad and Castagna both incorporated a good deal of foraging."
He worked at the Nomad? Noma seems more plausible, especially w/regard to foraging.

Kenji's Top 8 Bites in New York From 2012

Sadly, I had a meal at Kajitsu about a month ago, and was sorely disappointed. I had been wanting to go for a long time, and finally made it there--with much excitement--only to be served a few decent (and beautiful) starter courses, followed by a couple that verged on inedible, and ending with a solid thunk. We left with hearts sunken and bellies grumbling.
Apparently they changed chefs in March, and it seems the change was not for the better.
I never got a chance to eat there with the old chef, but I would be curious to hear your (or Serious Eats') take on the new menu.

Slurped: The Rice Noodles at Yun Nan Flavour Snack

@gargupie - ah, good to know, thanks! So delicious.

Slurped: The Rice Noodles at Yun Nan Flavour Snack

I love Yun Nan Flavour Snack Inc.! The 'noodle with crispy meat sauce' and 'dumpling with hot and sour sauce' are my favorites. I have no idea what the 'crispy meat sauce' consists of, but as far as I could guess it was these delicious, tiny fried nuggets of what I suspect was some kind of bone marrow, floating in their delightful broth. Give it a try next time! And don't be afraid to use the little pots of ancient looking chili oil--it's excellent on everything.

Also, nice job with the persimmons. You can always make persimmon bread if they start to go over (I like to just sub them in for bananas in my favorite banana bread recipe).

With Classic Cocktails, The Journey Is Not The Destination

Great article about a wonderful drink, indeed.

Tiny nitpick--you wrote 'strip of lime zest' in the initial list of ingredients.

Staff Picks: Our Favorite Late-Night Bites in NYC

Bone marrow w/oxtail ragu at Blue Ribbon is a good NY classic, too.

Staff Picks: Our Favorite Late-Night Bites in NYC

Seolleongtang from Gahm Mi Oak, with a pinch of salt, lots of scallions, and a pile of ggaktugi (radish kimchi). Soothes the soul, washes away woes--like a big plushy blanket over your drunkenness.

Serious Eats Neighborhood Guides: Scott Hocker's Prospect and Crown Heights

Ah, Tom's, Franny's, The Islands...Makes me miss my old neighborhood!

Slurped: Of Far-Out Korean Rice Cakes

While ddukboki is a pretty common dish in Korean restaurants, topping it with cheese is not. If I'm not mistaken, I think the owners of Arang may even claim to be the originators of the travesty (though, perhaps partially inspired by budae jjigae--Korean "army stew" which is often topped with cheese).

I love ddukboki, and goodness knows I love cheese, but yeah, sometimes good+good=bad, and just plain wrong.

Serious Eats Neighborhood Guides: David Schuttenberg's Greenpoint

No Name Bar recently changed their food program to Thai food, cooked by some awesome and extremely friendly Thai chefs. I had the pad kee mao (Drunk Man's Noodle Plate) and the pad thai, and both were excellent!

Affordable Space for a Rehearsal Dinner in NYC ~ 20ppl

Hi all,

I am trying to find a place to have a rehearsal dinner for my and my fiance's families in September, but we don't want to spend an exorbitant amount of money. Ideally, it would be nice, but not too formal, for about 15-20 people. Private dining room would be a plus, given the number of people, but not strictly necessary.

Also, there will be Korean and Polish people, dining together, some of whom may not be the most adventurous of eaters--we were thinking either American or Italian would be the safest choices.
We are open to places in outer boroughs.

Ack, also, if babysitters cannot be secured, there might be 2 (well-behaved) children and an infant in tow.

Please help! Thank you!

Decent non-sports/Irish pub bar in Murray Hill?

Hi all,

I'm looking for a place for a quick pre-dinner drink. Anyone know of a casual bar in the Murray Hill area where one could get a decent cocktail (classics, nothing fancy), as close to 29th St near Lexington or Park as possible, but trekking a few blocks in favor of a better bar is fine.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Morcilla? Morcilla!

Hello all,
I'm looking for a great morcilla [Spanish blood sausage/pudding] recipe, and google is turning out to be somewhat unhelpful. I found a couple, but it'd be great to have one that's tried and recommended.
That said, if you have any, tried, recommended, or not, please send them along!
Thanks!

Quintessential NYC Eats

Sorry if this is a common topic, but I have a friend visiting, and I want to take him somewhere that is unique to New York.
He's from Austria, has lived in Paris, and this is his first time outside of Europe. Ideally, I'd like to take him somewhere where the experience is as interesting and memorable as the food itself - not necessarily high-budget memorable, just unique.

What are some food-experiences that you would consider to be not only awesome, but quintessentially New York? Any suggestions?

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