NYC Tastes

It's official- Bar Goto is my favorite cocktail bar in New York City.  I've been coming here for the past two years and each visit I'm still amazed with their incredible Miso Wings tossed with toasted black sesame seeds and scallions.   These are executed to perfection with a crispy exterior and the perfect balance of sweetness and heat.   Of course most people enjoy a fantastic chicken wing but when was the last time celery ever had some wow factor?? Fresh stalks are drizzled with sesame oil then dusted with red shiso, white sesame seeds and salted komba creating a crunchy, nutty side dish that will make you see this tepid vegetable in a totally new light.   The cocktail program has always been excellent at Bar Goto but the two newest menu additions may be my favorite yet.  The tart and sour Jasmine-Apricot 75 made with champagne and gin...  ...and the insanely delicious Matcha Sesame Punch that's both creamy and cool; an absolute must for match...

Stanton Social was absolutely my favorite restaurant when it opened years ago.  I went there for almost every occasion- birthdays, friends visits, mothers day...really anytime was an excuse to hang out in those cozy booths and share small plates all night.  I'm not really sure why we stopped going.  Maybe I just got caught up in all the new places opening but I totally forgot about this lively little spot until last week when Mr. T suggested we stop in for brunch. I mean any meal that comes with a mini Philly Cheesesteak sandwich is a big yes in my book... ...not to mention a delicious martini made with mango and sage.  We were both so excited to be back we may have done a tad bit of over ordering. Croque Monsieur "Satays" on a buttery brioche bun with country ham, gruyere and munster cheese. r That glorious mini cheesesteak and a mini Kobe Beef Burger.  Did I mention the cheesesteak was covered in a truffle and goat cheese fondue...

Have I talked about Katz's Deli yet?  Of course I have.  It's one of my favorite places in NYC and so good I think it deserves to get mentioned again.  It's just a no frills, down and dirty institution for incredible food like their famous pastrami sandwich. Mr. T is a purist just pastrami on white bread for him but I prefer mine in Reuban form... ...piled high with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing with a couple of super snappy hot dogs on the side.  Just looking at these pictures make me feel all warm and happy inside :) Katz's Deli 205 East Houston Street New York, NY 10002

One of the newest bars to hit the LES scene is Bar Goto a tiny  Japanese style cocktail den  helmed by Kenta Goto a Pegu Club vet. The cozy space is perfect for enjoying a few cocktails like the Yuzu Calpico Fizz adorned with a soft pink marshmallow... . ...diving into a classic Japanese Okonomi-yaki... ...or devouring some incredible Miso Wings tossed with toasted black sesame seed and scallion.  These are executed perfectly with just the right amount of heat and sweetness with an ultra crisp exterior. There's just so much to love at this Lower East Side gem. Bar Goto 245 Eldridge New York, NY 10002

The newest venture from the Contra team opened just a few doors down on Orchard Street; Wildair is the causal sister restaurant with an open kitchen serving up a variety of small plates. Be prepared for adventure when dining at brunch.  Most of the plates include ingredients like seaweed butter, boudin noir and littleneck clams with lardo.  Probably the only true "breakfast" item on the menu were the wonderful Soft Scrambled Eggs dusted with herbs and a flurry of toasted kale. The Fried Squid was more of a whole fried platter with slices of lemon and onion fried right along side with the seafood and a squid ink mayo for dipping. The only dish I really didn't enjoy was the Little Gem Lettuce.  This is one of my favorite types of green but it was overdone by too many sesame seeds and a thick sour lime sauce. As always the wine list was stellar.  I had a gorgeous sparkling rose and Mr. T enjoyed one of the orange wines by the glass that always taste...

Mr. T and I kicked off our 4th of July weekend with dinner at Contra; one of the newest hot spots serving a prix-fixe only tasting menu.  Immediately upon seeing the space and cuisine I thought of Manfred's & Vin ; the cozy restaurant we fell in love with during our visit to Copenhagen last year. The idea is much the same- small courses, built around three or so ingredients, that change daily.  As with Manfred's & Vin I was completely blown away by the incredible food combinations and creativity by the chefs.    Gem lettuce, milkweed, almond- this crunchy stalk reminded me a Cesar Salad with a salty, nutty tang that was addictive. Bread & Butter- this was a $3 addition to the regular prix fixe and possibly the best $3 I've ever spent.  That luscious creamy butter and warm sourdough bread...YUM Summer squash, burrata, sorrel- just a bright, vibrant summer dish. Crab, english peas, potato- this combination surprised both Mr. T and I.  We'...