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...

My first experience at Bonnie's was a bit disappointing.  The Beef on Weck was right on par with Buffalo standards but the wings seemed dry and overcooked.  I'd heard so much hype about this place I chalked it up to an off night and vowed to return.  Last weekend I finally got a chance to stop in again and let me say they totally redeemed themselves! These wings were excellent- crisp, snappy casing on the outside, plump juicy meat on the inside.  The sauce was the perfect balance of butter and spice with just enough heat to make your lips tingle.  These were better than some of the wings I've had in Buffalo even.  Add on bonus points for their delicious fries. These don't look like much but they were skinny and crisp with a spicy chipotle mayo on the side.  So I'm happy to report that Bonnie's Grill does indeed ROCK!   I can't wait to come back here again for another round of wings and weck. Bonnie's Grill 278 Fifth Avenue Brooklyn, ...

Thrillist sent out an email revealing the best wing spots in the country and Mudville 9 was on the list.  I was shocked. How had I never been before!  I raced out of work that afternoon, hoping to beat the lines of people that would inevitably be filling the bar after reading said email.  I hopped on the train downtown, rushed in the door and found...a dank empty sports bar.  I guess I was the only one that received the email that day. Although the bar wasn't exactly what I expected at least the wings were tasty.  The guys got one thing right-the hot wings are pretty awesome.  They come really crisp and super saucy with a buttery, spicy coating that has just the right amount of heat...not too much that my eyes were watering but just enough to start sweating after two or three.  I also loved the fact that you could order in increments of five and try out a variety. Unfortunately my second choice was no where near as delicious.  Th...

I was having a serious craving for wings the other day.  I'm on a constant mission to find the best in the city and I think I may have a new contender over in Brooklyn at Pork Slope. Chef Dale Talde's casual bar coats their wings in rice flour before frying and then make a sauce with garlic, Sriracha, Franks Red Hot, honey and butter.  The wings are both spicy and sweet with that distinctive buffalo flavor and an incredible crispy exterior that is so satisfying.  The blue cheese on the side is no joke either. The Tater Tots were nice and crispy as well....although I'd skip the ketchup which had a sugary taste that was really off putting. Mr. T ordered the famous Porky Melt.  Two big slabs of marbled rye bread encasing a house made Bratwurst, stuffed with cheddar cheese and onions.  Obviously this is one serious sandwich. I could say Pork Slope needs a better beer list but I can't really complain with...