CurEat: Classic City Dining – in a New York Minute
Anyone who has experienced NYC through their stomachs knows all too well that it serves creativity, diversity, taste, playfulness, elegance, authenticity and liveliness at its absolute finest. It’s well worth the indulgence. So, over the course of four days, Sean and I ate a lot – but mostly, we filled up on truly distinct dining experiences that showcase what makes New York New York. Skip out on a cab – the 30+ miles you’ll log during your visit will help balance it out… right? Here’s hoping! ‘Till next time, NYC.
Here, in my second roundup for CurEatApp, I attempt to provide some classic city dining picks in a New York minute.
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Published Dec. 19, 2019
Since our wedding anniversary falls within Thanksgiving week, we’ve made it a yearly tradition to take that time off to feed our wanderlust – and our stomachs. This year, we opted for staying stateside to explore New York City in new (to us) ways. While I’ve spent countless time in the city, my husband has not, and there is lots left to experience together. So, on Thanksgiving morning, we landed in LGA to take in some NYC classics and dive into the most delectable dishes we could find – all seasoned with a dash of classic NYC.
What we experienced was a blend of both old and new restaurants, accessible and fine-dining options, and traditional and more eclectic menus, all of which left us craving more of the city. Where else can you stay up way past your bedtime and still enjoy a streetside snack under a canopy of neon lights? Or eat Chinese, Italian, Cuban and Turkish cuisine within the same block? Or enjoy a cocktail 60 stories above Manhattan?
Here, the highlights of our most recent dining experience – served up in a New York minute:
Nom Wah Tea Parlor – This well-known NYC staple has been serving up traditional dim sum since the early 1920s from its Doyers Street location in the heart of Chinatown. We were the first in line on that cold Thanksgiving morning to be the first to taste an array of hot, steamed delicacies, including the usual suspects like Shanghainese soup dumplings and siu-mai and also more unexpected treats like chicken feet (a first for me – and yes, I loved it). Hands down, our favorites were the roast pork buns – the house special and an absolute must! Get yourself a warm pot of long-jing (dragon well) tea, and you’ll be set to kick off your day.
Manhatta – As if the views from this venue, perched 60 stories above Lower Manhattan, weren’t dreamy enough, the service was up there with the very best (note: it’s a non-tipping restaurant). The down-to-earth yet stunning ambiance enveloped our prix-fixe Thanksgiving dining experience, which included the best beet salad of my life, wagyu & lobster tail, a side of the creamiest sweet potato casserole and a carrot crumble cheesecake that left me soaring – I could just as well blame the views or the exquisite wine pairing, but the whole night was the NYC of my dreams.
Noda – Most definitely not meant to be enjoyed, much less written about, in a New York minute, no words could sum up this nearly ethereal Michelin-starred dining experience (my very first!). Orchestrated by the incredible Chef Shigeyuki Tsunoda, this 2.5-hour reimagining of a traditional omakase dinner left me speechless. Amid 20+ freshly prepared courses (served at an eight-seat bar), engaging conversation and imaginative cocktails and Japanese whiskey flight, it’d be nearly impossible to pick a highlight – though after tasting three grades of maguro (tuna) and ankimo (monkish liver), sashimi will never be the same again.
Bathtub Gin – While not my first visit to this little gem of a speakeasy in Chelsea, it was a nonnegotiable must for my gin-loving husband. Thankful to have scored a reservation, we made our way through the hidden entrance and into the dimly lit, 1920s-throwback bar, to our little table in the corner. Delicious handcrafted cocktails (the Garden Swizzle and the Golden, both musts) and an impressive tableside presentation of Nolet’s Gold Reserve were the perfect precursor to dinner.
Boqueria – You’ve likely seen this Spanish tapas bar all over the city (and in D.C.), but don’t let its visibility take away from its authenticity. For a comfortable, lively, delicious and well priced “kiosko” experience, look no further. We visited the West 40th Street location ahead of our date with The Rockettes at Radio CIty Music Hall. Just as its SoHo and Flatiron locations, it did not disappoint. My favorite nibbles? Pulpo a la plancha (always), boquerones and croquetas – with the mushroom ones being the most unexpected delight. And when our Venezuelan-born waiter confirmed that the churros were filled with San Ignacio dulce de leche (one or Argentina’s best brands), this Argentine just had to taste-test them. The verdict? Perfectos!
Russ & Daughters – My husband loves Jewish delis. Give him lox and pickles and bagels, and he’s a happy man. Add in some caviar, and he’s bliss personified. So, I knew I needed to introduce him to Russ. If you haven’t been, know this: everything is good, everything is fresh, and everything about the experience makes you feel like you’ve been going there since 1914. We dined in at the Cafe on Orchard Street, but for a special treat and unmatchable experience, be sure to also stop by the original Shop (on E. Houston). L’Chaim!
Yes, we ate a lot over the course of four days, but mostly, we filled up on truly distinct dining experiences that showcase what makes New York New York. Anyone who has also experienced the city through their stomachs knows all too well that it serves creativity, diversity, taste, playfulness, elegance, authenticity and liveliness at its absolute finest. It’s well worth the indulgence. Skip out on a cab – the 30+ miles you’ll log during your visit will help balance it out… right? Here’s hoping! ‘Till next time, NYC.