We came, we saw, we unbuttoned. As we prepare to toast the new year and all the culinary escapades that may it may bring, below is a wrap-up of the places (mostly new) that made an impression on us. From a trend perspective, the Pants were most enamored with the sushi revolution going on in the city (Dojo, Nakazawa), and embraced the burgeoning ramen trend early on. (If you haven’t read our interview with George Kao, check it out, it is all you need to know to be conversant in Ramen speak.) We tried to cover some splashy trendy newcomers (Carbone, La Cenita), althgouh some alluded us (damn you Toro), and discovered some places that although not new, gained a soft spot in our heart (Rubirosa, Donguri.) So here is a brief look back at 2013, as we make our New Year’s resolution to eat MORE. P.S. I can’t insert links for some reason, but search on our site for each of the places below…
The New Sushi Guard:
Sushi Dojo- Chef Dave, you had us at hello. This unpretentious, high-energy spot in the East Village is serving up some the best sushi in town, all from a white dude from Fla.
Nakazawa- Just pure sushi perfection that optimizes that highest level of training and knowledge of how to simply elicit the best flavors from the freshest fish; a game changer.
New York Sushi Ko- Another crazy white dude, blow-torching and slicing his way into our sushi loving hearts.
Hyped Spots:
Carbone- This faux old-school joint brought us back to the best part of growing up in New Jersey- Italian joints with dressed up waiters and huge portions. Although expensive and a little silly, there is something about Carbone that makes us want to return…
Tao Downtown- Size matters, apparently, at this massive homage to all things Asian; Flashy, splashy, faffy and fluffy, this is not a place for quiet classy nights out but brash excess in all forms…
ABC Cocina- Say si senor to trying to snag a reservation at Jean Georges’ newest spot in ABC Home; the guacamole is divisive but worth a try.
Lafayette- Andrew Carmellini, swoon…Brunch, dinner, or just a croissant on the way out, this is a reliable, attractive addition to the NYC dining scene…
Brooklyn Represent:
The Elm- I can’t tell you how impressed I was with Paul Liebrandt’s Brooklyn restaurant; the food shows a sophisticated restraint that has been missing in some restaurants lately; the space has a fun energy
Antica Pesa- Although this place gets press for the loads of celebs that dine at the Rome transplant, Antica Pesa is charming and filling, a totally solid bet.
Shalom Japan- Sounds so weird, but a totally unique concept that stops short of being hokey. Ramen matzoh ball soup , what could be bad…
Ridiculousness:
ZZ’s Clam Bar – Absurd at every interaction, from the doorman to the prices, this place is just pure silliness. The food was good, some of it exceptional, but at such a great price it is prohibitive for repeat business.
Spots that are new to me but not new:
Rubirosa- I don’t know how I lived in so long without this red-sauce pizza dream, but thankfully 2013 was the year that I found it.
Donguri- This gem on the UES is restrained perfection, serving carefully created raw fish and udon soups.
