You want to take a bite out of the Big Apple but don’t know where to begin? Worry not intrepid eater- there’s a world of choice out there alright, but I’ve taken the liberty of narrowing it down a bit with a few of my favourites that are tried and true. So wear stretchy pants- you’re gonna need them!
High:
Esca- The restaurant name means fish lure in Italian and makes some of the best Italian-inflected seafood outside of Bari. Head chef and fisherman (more like fish obsessed!) David Pasternack put the Italian coastal staple “Crudo” on the map after trying it for himself in la Bella Italia with business partner Mario Batali. Citrus dressed and finished with some exotic sea salts and olive oils- crudo is the freshest, most beautiful way to eat seafood aside from well-crafted sashimi or Latin American Ceviche. His house-made pastas always please too if you’re not so seafood adventurous (your loss I tell ya!). And yes, meats are also on the menu.
Porter House New York- I have TONS of respect for Chef Michael Lomonaco. Not only because the man used to helm the kitchen at Windows on the World in the former Twin Towers (he’s alive to tell the tale because he went in to get his glasses when the first tower was hit), but because he started a fundraising drive for his deceased staff’s family AND he’s an incredibly talented cook. Like steak? Then you’ll love Porter House where Lomonaco’s dry aging program renders choice cuts drool-worthy, grilled works of edible art.
Mid:
Rosa Mexicano- I don’t usually recommend chain restaurants – in fact, they usually give me a bad case of the hives. But, this is not your typical chain restaurant- it’s elegant Mexican that doesn’t do “Tex Mex” (amen!). Mexico’s own Chef Susana Trilling flies around the US teaching the restaurant’s head chefs how to make the meanest mole, the most perfect pipian and tremendous tamales so that lucky Americans can feel like they’ve flown to Oaxaca to eat at her cooking school. The table-side guacamole- made fresh before your every own ojos is also a thing of delicious beauty.
The Spotted Pig – British-born April Bloomfield worked alongside uber-celeb Jamie Oliver before he was a household name. She had to cook for co-owner Mario Batali before landing this gig to prove her salt. Her culinary chops knocked ‘em dead and she was hired post haste. Gastropub fare using local, seasonal goodies that are infused with an Italo-Anglo touch is just the ticket for a hungry traveler. Her Banoffee Pie is a cult classic- which could explain why at 11:30pm at night, there was a line up outside the door and down the block. Call ahead first- you’ve been warned.
Cheap and Cheery:
Arepa Arepa- Venezuelan style arepas (the ultimate version of a sandwich made using white corn meal instead of bread) can be found in Brooklyn- accessible via subway so no excuses! For under ten bucks, you’ve got a feast fit for a king- robust arepas stuffed with anything from spicy chorizo, flakes of fish, chicken or skirt steak ribbons. Fried plantains and queso freso, a natural jugo and you’re good to go!
GROM Gelato- On Bleeker Street, you’ll find one of the Italian gelato makers only US outposts and you’ll be glad you did. Pistachio, Amalfi lemon, traditional Turinese Gianduja chocolate- these and other flavours will seduce the taste buds. You’ll feel like you’re in Florence without leaving the continent!
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