I’ve been to a lot of fabulous restaurants in New York in the past few months. Here is my short list of the best-of-the-best.
The Beauty & Essex pawn shop entrance.
Beauty and Essex – I’m not usually into places with this much hype, but it’s well deserved. B&E has a great bar scene and awesome food. Don’t leave without trying the box of donuts or venturing to the women’s room for a free glass of champagne!
Roof Garden at Bell, Book and Candle.
Bell, Book and Candle – can it get any better? Farm-to-table is just this simple: grow it on the roof, serve it downstairs. That’s the claim-to-fame at Bell, Book and Candle. 80% of the veggies and herbs are grown upstairs on the roof, proving that great food really can be local, fresh and fabulous.
Truffled Honey and Ricotta with Grilled Bread at Locanda Verde.
Locanda Verde – Worth the wait! Everything on the menu is decadent. Chef Carmellini is a downright fabulous. If you can’t get a reservation, show up early and wait at the bar.
Bar at The Smith
The Smith – I think I’m the last of my friends to finally visit The Smith. Apparently if you’re a New Yorker, this is the place to eat right now. The food is fabulous, reasonably priced, and the atmosphere is awesome. What more can you ask for? Oh, a great Side Car, right!
Escargot and Bone Marrow at M. Wells
M. Wells – this new Queens diner is anything but your traditional diner. In fact, I’d call the food downright outrageous with a menu including brains and pickled pork tongue. Definitely a must-visit for anyone with an adventurous palette.
Fluke at Ma Peche.
Ma Peche – I actually went here for the first time last summer, but it’s still on my short-list. David Chang really knows how to serve an amazing meal. My favorite dish is the fluke photographed above, but I really don’t think you can go wrong. Everything is packed full of flavor. Skip the dessert at Milk Bar on the way out – undeserved hype. The “crack pie” is just so-so.
