Top Tens: New York Food
Monday, November 23, 2009 As requested, for the New York challenged individuals. And, Yes, of course, the majority of these things are some of the cheapest restaurants I could find to eat at without sacrificing the fun-ness.
1. Aura Thai - 36th + 9th - Try Pad Thai Noodles
Probably some of the best I've had in a really long time, but you have to eat it at the restaurant. Delivery seems to take some of it's perfection out of it. aurathainyc.com
2. Cara Mia - 45th + 9th - Italian - Try Scallopini Picatta and the Tira Misu
I feel like I've eaten here a dozen times, because its such a great fail safe. Its small and cozy and reasonably priced. caramiany.com
3. Chez Josephine - 42nd + Dyer - French - Try the Escargot and polenta
A little on the expensive/fancy side, but the place is owned by Josephine Baker's son, Jean Claude and the whole restaurant is modeled after one of those racey 1920's jazz places. chezjosephine.com
4. Shake Shack - 23rd St, Madison Sq. Park - Try Black & White milkshake and side fries
You'll probably have to wait in the ridiculously winding line for about an hour (no joke), but the milkshakes are famous. Just make it a group thing, bring a travel game and the time will fly by faster. shakeshacknyc.com
5. Hudson Yards Cafe - 35th + 10th - Pub style - Try Smoked Salmon Fettuccine
I ate at this place practically on a coin flip and it turned out to be quite amazing. Go on a sunday night, chill, eat, watch a game. Make friends with the guy behind the bar. It used to be Billy, but I don't think he's there anymore.
6. Eat Records - 124 Meserole Ave, Greenpoint Brklyn - Try the goat cheese and apple butter sandwich and coffee
Mmmmm I love this place. It's so Brooklyn. Part chill record shop, part organic cafe. Talk to Casey who plays the records about any recommendations for good music. eatrecords.com
7. HK - 39th + 9th - American - Try the cheeseburgers and smoothies
Great place to go for lunch on the weekends, if its nice out they'll lift up the garage door style walls to make it breathe. Also, they have a great brunch drunkness special. Stay for the weekend flea market outside.
8. Ignazio's Pizza - 4 Water St. under the Brooklyn Bridge - Try Margarheta Pizza
After your walk across the bridge, head down to the water front for amazing pizza, blueberry ale and the famous ice cream shack across the street. Pizza so good, we sacrificed our last few intern dollars for a second pie. So good....we actually ...licked the plate. Don't judge me, Buddha tells you not to.
9. Sushi Deli Box - 39th + 6th - Try Nigiri Combos
Unbelieveably affordable for such great fresh made sushi. The have upstairs quiet seating, but if you want the ambiance, sit at the counters and watch the chefs work their magic.
10. Alpha - 34th & 9th - Try Sesame Chicken and Black & White Mousse Dessert
Ok, so this is one of the best things about living in south side Hell's Kitchen. Alpha is right next door and a glorified plan for every week night. A small Asian fusion restaurant with a warm atmosphere, awesome food, flat screens to watch the games, great drink specials and fun servers. I can't tell you how many Tuesday nights were spent chilling with the girls, Ing the waitress, a glass of wine, a basketball game on the tv and my sketch book on the table. And as for the sesame chicken? I can't even convey to you the importance that you try it, love it, need it for the rest of your life. alpha34.com
Reader Comments (1)
I'm so impressed that someone of your lean age could write so well and be so 'adult, wise and knowledgeable.' In so many ways I'm so envious and yet I did my own thing during a time when blogs were a twinkle in someone's eye. As I turned my own mother's hair gray so you do mine--except I have a better hairdresser and a God who answers prayer. Blessings my child!