The Luxurious Journey

I’ve been spending quite a bit of time in New York City lately. Over the past ten years New York has been a sort of second home to me. For a while whenever we would visit the City, I would make a a point of trying a new restaurant each time. After this past year though, comfort and familiarity seem to be on the menu and I’ve focused on revisiting some of my old favorites.  My focus is always on south of Union Square, as that’s where I spend most of my time. A few of my choices will come as no surprise to some, as they are on many top lists, but they are inevitably the ones I keep coming back to and there is a reason for this. They are amazing!

Balthazar (Soho)

Want to feel like you’re in Paris for the night? Head over to Balthazar. Keith McNally hit his mark when he opened this French bistro. It is transformative. You are no longer in Soho, you are on the left bank and you are about to sit down to a perfect steak frites after a day enjoying the City of Lights. I recently took my daughter there for her first Balthazar experience. We shared the Lobster “Vol au Vent” as an appetizer and we both wished we had ordered our own. Melt in your mouth chunks of lobster in a puff pastry surrounded by a creamy bisque ensure that I will dream about until I can have it again.

Black Tap (Soho)

Come for the milkshakes, stay for the burgers. One of our absolute favorites. The milkshakes need to be seen to be believed. Slice of cake with that milkshake, sure? Incredible, yummy works of art. There used to be several locations in the City but only the Soho location is open currently. The midtown Black Tap is scheduled to reopen at the end of this month.

But Black Tap isn’t just about the milkshakes. The burgers are amazing too! A Black Tap burger is one of my very favorite burgers in the City. I love the Texan (prime) Burger. Second only IMO to Raoul’s Burger au Poivre in Soho, which is my vote for very best. Actually, just add Raoul’s to the list too.

Carbone (Greenwich Village)

At the top of many NYC lists of best restaurants, Carbone is my hands down favorite. While it’s true it’s nearly impossible to get a reservation there, it’s not impossible to get in for lunch. The menu is pretty much the same lunch or dinner. So pretend you’re in Italy and dine like the Italians. Go for a big lunch in the early afternoon and then enjoy a nap before a late dinner out. 

When you go be sure to order the Spicy Rigatoni (they also offer a GF version). This dish, for which they are famous, is consistently cooked al dente and the sauce has just the right amount of heat. What makes Carbone special? The dishes are perfectly executed every single time.

Da Andrea (Greenwich Village)

This small neighborhood gem is where you want to go when you’re craving fresh pasta and really good Italian food without too much fuss. Romantic but low key. The pasta choices are plentiful, so there is something for everyone here.  My favorite is probably the Spaghetti alla Chitarra con Ragu’ Bolognese. Great. Now I’m craving pasta.  

Dirty French (Lower East Side)

The lower east side is an area of the City that has an electric energy and retains some of that old, cool New York vibe. It offers some really special meals away from the trendier neighborhoods. Dirty French, located in the Ludlow Hotel, stands out as one of the best dining spots in the area. While it is known for the Chicken and Crepes for two, you have to try the Chicken Persillade (parsley and garlic). This roasted chicken in pan sauce is one of the best chicken dishes I have ever tasted. Crispy, tangy, fall-off-the-bone delicious. As they say, the proof of a superb chef is often found in their roasted chicken.

Ippudo (East Village)

If you want a great bowl of ramen, Ippudo is the place for you. I never really understood the esoteric word “umami” to describe food until I tried the Shiromaru Classic at Ippudo. The earthy flavor of the broth, the tender pork, the noodles…so satisfying. And you feel like you’re eating something good for you. There always seems to be a line at the East Village location, but there are 2 others to try if that one is out of the way.

Pastis (Meatpacking District)

I mentioned Pastis in my last blog about the Meatpacking District. Pastis is my hands down favorite brunch spot in the city. The Eggs Norwegian are my favorite dish there. The smoked salmon melts in your mouth. The french fries are skinny, crisp and golden, exactly as I imagine the way the French intended.

Scalini Fedeli (Tribeca)

Old school Italian in the heart of Tribeca. Consistently amazing. Somewhat formal feel but in the best way possible. This is not your red sauce Italian type of place, it’s more your romantic Italian type of place. Straight out of a beautiful Roman film. A $70 pp Prix fixe menu that is actually fairly reasonable for the level of food and service you receive there. Come hungry. You won’t be disappointed!

Tim Ho Wan (East Village)

Often described as the “cheapest Michelin star” in the US, Tim Ho Wan is truly unique. If you can’t get to Chinatown for dim sum, you can find some of the very best here, four blocks from Union Square in the Village. The Baked BBQ Pork Buns are a must. They don’t take reservations and there’s often a line, so best to go during off hours. They also have a location in Hell’s Kitchen.

Union Square Cafe (Union Square)

I loved USC from the start. It was one of the first restaurants I went to as a real adult in the city. It is owned by fellow Trinity College alumnus, Danny Meyer, who credits his start in hospitality with his semester abroad at Trinity’s Rome campus (an experience we have in common). USC has changed locations since its inception, but it’s still on the edge of  Union Square. I’m not sure if I love brunch or dinner there more, but either way you cannot miss the Fettucine al Limone.