Michelin Star – Page 6 – Rays Picks NYC

Innocenti Evasioni *

Innconeti Evasioni
Via Privata della Bindellina
20155 Milan, Italy
02 33001882
Official Website

Innocenti Evasioni in Milan was the first Michelin starred restaurant I visited on my week long trip in Italy last month. Located about 15 minutes taxi ride from the city center, this restaurant is situated in a quiet and small residential street.

Two chefs Tommaso Arrigoni and Eros Picco took over Innocenti Evasionin back in 1998, and turned it to a Michelin starred dining establishment. The menu changes monthly and the chefs take on Italian cuisine is an incorporation of their own modern twist. It’s best described as “playful cooking” (in a 2011 article High End Dining in Italy.) by former NY Times food critic Frank Bruni.

Once my dining companion and I arrived for our 8 pm reservation, we were the only ones in the dining room along with sommelier and the two servers. Unlike in the U.S., dinner in Europe usually starts at 9 pm, so for the first hour we had the place all to ourselves.

The dining room is quiet and serene. It overlooks a Japanese garden that serves as back drop. The space is full of round tables covered in white table cloth and red-cushioned old wooden chairs. The walls looked like they needed to be repainted, and red tiled flooring seemed like it was there on their opening night. Though outdated, the décor added to charm of Innocenti Evasioni.

Our dinner started well with an amuse-bouche of fried pasta, with vegetable puree and thinly sliced raw fish. We were both eager to savor our very first meal in Italy, that we decided to forgo the bread basket despite of the aroma and appeal it exuded.

For starters, we had the Octopus and the Cardi or Cardoon, the only vegetarian dish in the menu.Cardoon’s similar texture to a half boiled potato is seasoned accordingly. The octopus meat on the other hand was firm and tender, breaks easily using minimal force. The dish is plated with tomatoes, cheese and powdered dehydrated olives sprinkled throughout the plate. It’s one messy plate of goodness. Both dishes were quite palatable.

Our pasta dishes were the freshly made Ravioli and Gnocchi. I liked the ravioli and it stuffing of mushroom, which was topped with cream sauce and beans. But the gnocchi, with its fish cheek confit and shell fish sauce, also packed a lot flavor.

The Fillet of Beef for the main course is a lovely piece of flavorful beef. The beef’s outer layer was gloriously roasted, creating a crusty texture while the inside is soft and juicy. The sauce added a touch of sweetness to the meat. The other main course was The Swordfish. Presented with pieces of thinly sliced mushroom, it blankets a nice cut of sword fish meat that is moist and clean. In addition, this was drizzled with puree’s of spinach and nutmeg, which provided another level to its multiple layers of flavor.

We let the sommelier pick a bottle of white. We gave her our budget and wanted something fruity with some acidity. She came through with an excellent bottle of Sauvignon Blanc that paired well with our meal.

To cap off an excellent meal, we had the dessert sampler which was more than enough for two. It consisted of four dessert items from the dessert menu that the kitchen handpicks for the table. My dining companion, who is a devout dessert enthusiast, enjoyed the sampler very much.

We were tempted to go for the tasting menu priced at 68 Euro’s. but instead decided to go a la carte. Tasting menu is usually more economical way to go when dining in Europe, but at Innocenti Evasioni, a la carte prices are reasonable. Between the two of us, we both had three courses each and shared a dessert sampler and a bottle of wine for 157 euros (212 US dollars).

The service was top notch, attentive and polite. Language barrier was never an issue and that night, one of the chefs, Eros Piccos, was present. He introduced himself to us, explained the menu and took our orders. He even brought some dishes to our table. A gesture in which I was unaccustomed to back in the US since I have never had a chef introduce himself/herself before the start of the dinner in my years of dining out. It’s usually during or at the end of the meal, the chef decides to show up in the dining room.

My visit at Innocenti Evasioni gave me an idea what the dining culture is like in Italy. It’s a slow paced where diners can take their time and not be rushed unlike in places such as New York. In between courses takes a little longer than what I’m used to. The restaurant allows you to digest your previous dish before the next one arrives.

Innocenti Evasioni delivers high quality food with hospitality to match at a reasonable price. A top notched restaurant that is worth the cab ride outside the city center.

Before I went on this trip, I did my homework on the best places to dine in Milan, and yet I was still undecided up until that morning. I guess some things are just better left to the last minute because my experience at this restaurant was nothing short of phenomenal. I was glad that I had my first dinner ever in Milan at the Innocenti Evasioni.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a treatment prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to regard about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In supplement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other folk even if their state appears to be the same as yours.

Marea **

Famous for his Italian fare and homemade pasta, Chef Michael White has created a restaurant empire in New York City that has been welcomed whole heartedly by this city’s serious diners. Marea, the flagship of his Altamarea restaurant group, on Central Park West is one of the top seafood and Italian restaurants in New York City. It has been a recipient of two Michelin stars for the past four years, a Three Star review from the NY Times, and one of the only few Relais & Châteaux certified dining establishments in the world. The praises in the culinary universe for Marea is immeasurable.

Opening in 2009 during the height of the recession when fine dining is said to be on respirators, it was the most ambitious and riskiest project of Chef White’s career. Fast forward to today, Marea is a busy restaurant and frequented by the New York City elite, moguls, and celebrities. On the weekend, the lounge in the front of the restaurant and its gold onyx bar is congested with patrons while more people are being ushered to the dining room way after 10 pm.

Housed in the old San Demonico space, this pescatarian haven is accessible through revolving doors where hostesses greet each guest with a friendly smile. After the welcoming festivities are over, guests are led to an elegant dining room where the tables are covered in white table cloths surrounded by lush chocolate leather seats and glossy rosewood flooring and walls. Sea shells are on display in the dining area and windows large enough to provide a back drop of Central Park. I couldn’t help but notice when I last visited Marea for dinner that hip-hop music was the choice of tunes in the restaurant. I never expected that.

The restaurant’s menu is significant and derived from the coast of Italy. A $99 four-course pri-fixe during dinner, where guests can design their own courses, is a brilliant way to get a taste of Chef White’s cooking. Between two people you can sample up to eight dishes.

All the dishes that I’ve had here were remarkable, beginning with the raw plates like the Tuna Tartare made with Blue Fin tuna, it was so fresh that it taste of the ocean was apparent. On the other hand The Dentice, or Pacific snapper, was cut thinly and given a citrusy touch. The seafood is fresh, as if it were caught from their natural habitat a few hours ago.

The antipasti dishes like the Polipo, octopus grilled to a nice texture and worked well with the pickled red onions. The Goberra Rosso is a large sautéed Mediterranean red prawn which was meaty and delicious. Next, I enjoyed the Nova Scotia lobster with Buratta cheese also known as Astice. A rule of thumb in the culinary world is to never mix seafood with cheese, but here, the Burratta and lobster were a perfect marriage making this an amazing dish.

Chef Michael White’s fresh pasta is just as advertised which is handmade daily in the restaurant. The Garganelli with crabs and sea urchin in a light sauce blended rightfully. Of course, you can’t come to this restaurant without having the Fusili pasta with braised octopus and bone marrow. This signature dish is raved about in the online community, along with the Astice, and I must say that I’m in agreement with what’s being said.

A variety of fish dishes, or main plates, are available to choose from. Ippogloso, or halibut, is a tender dish served with a salsa verde sauce which added moisture and additional flavor to the fish. Rombo, a dish highlighting a hearty fish called turbot. Turbot, similar to cod with its big flaky meat, holds together well but is very mild in flavor. It could easily get lost among strong herbs. The turbot was pan seared and accompanied by market green beans on a tangy lentil bean sauce. It seemed to get better and better as you continued to eat. The large sea scallops, Capesante, was also pan seared until just done and arranged on peaches, Chanterelle mushrooms, and garlic. These unique flavors added an additional layer of sweetness to the already tender, sweet scallops. Amazing!

The desserts are handled by Executive Pastry Chef Robert Truitt who was previously at Corton in Tribeca, also a two Michelin star restaurant. His desserts, like the Semifreddo Di Nocciola with hazelnut, chocolate, and mascarpone cheese and the Strati Di Cioccolato made with dark chocolate crema, salted caramel, and coffee crumble with gelato, as well as the Bamboloni , bite-sized round donuts with a side of dipping chocolate and spiced honey leaves a lasting impression after a fantastic meal at Marea.

Their wine list is massive and can become overwhelming as you flip through the many pages. Dominated by different regions of Italy, there are bottles that are priced as low as thirty dollars to as high as five figures. If opting for the dinner pri-fixe, have it paired with wine for a manageable $55 as a recommendation.

The service is professional and relaxed, engaging and not overly intrusive. Exactly what’s expected in a restaurant of this caliber.

Not only did Marea survive the worst recession to ever hit the globe, it also collected numerous accolades along the way. The consistency in providing New York City diners with the freshest seafood available and properly executing every plate that is put in front of their guests has made Marea one of the top restaurants in New York City.

Marea
240 Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
(212) 582-5100
Official Website

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication set to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In complement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are mostly able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Dressler

Dressler
149 Broadway
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 384-6343
Official Site

*This restaurant is now closed.

Recently Brooklyn’s culinary landscape has rivaled that of Manhattan. Its residents no longer need to cross the bridge to enjoy a wonderful dinner. The borough is now home to NY Times rated and Michelin starred restaurants.

I rarely come to Brooklyn to eat or drink and I can basically count on one hand the places that I’ve visited. Living in Manhattan has given me the snobbery attitude that there’s no restaurant better than my home borough, but I do admit I was wrong.

The neighborhood of Williamsburg is a testament that Brooklyn is now a dining destination; there are restaurants on almost every block right next to each other. The south side of the neighborhood, away from the bustling Bedford Avenue is where you will find Dressler, a Michelin starred restaurant for the past six years and one of only six starred establishments in the borough that 2013 guide has awarded. The restaurant sits across from the famous Peter Luger Steak House (another Michelin starred restaurant) along Broadway and a few blocks away from the J and M Marcy station making it accessible to people travelling in from Manhattan.

There were so many good things I’ve heard about Dressler that when it was time to venture to Brooklyn it was my first choice. Unfortunately, with the departure of Executive Chef Polo Dobkin in September of last year there was some hesitation on my part to visit, especially with an average price of $35 an entrée. I never had the chance to dine here when Chef Dobkin was still manning the kitchen, but after multiple visits I was convinced, he left Dressler in good hands.

The New American menu has very good entrees that justify its lofty prices; like the Pan Seared Stripe Bass with broccoli and sun choke cream. The fish was cooked properly and the nice crispy skin was complimented by the sun choke cream. The Long Island Duck Breast was another succulent dish as was the Roasted Chicken with smoked onions and parsnip puree. The chicken was well seasoned and roasted to perfection while the puree added additional moisture to its texture.

Dressler has several starters to choose from, the two that I enjoyed the most are the Grilled Octopus made with chickpea and roasted tomatoes and the Chicken Liver Mousse served with onion jam, pickled ramps, and bread. Chicken liver is not for everyone, but in here this dish was spot on. The octopus on the other hand has a nice texture and the roasted tomatoes added another dimension that tantalized the taste buds. Although these starter dishes average $12 to $19 it’s a norm for New York City.

There are about six selections in their dessert menu that were pretty stellar, like the Maple Panna Cotta. This was a wonderful dessert to end a great meal; the sweetness was low key not at all overpowering to the palate. There’s also the Warm Gingerbread and its potent rum sauce that is balanced out with the pumpkin ice cream making this yet another delightful dessert.

Not only does Dressler possess a formidable wine list but also a host of creative cocktails. One being the Grace Jones, a cocktail made with rum and allspice dram which adds a hint of spiciness. There’s also the light and refreshing Ingenue, cucumber vodka, Prosecco, and St. Germaine for sweetness. This drink goes down smoothly, which can be dangerous if more than a few are drunk as the night goes on.

The restaurant is handsomely decorated with artisanal metal works that are displayed throughout its interior. In the front is a long galvanized iron bar top with high chairs that are made of steel. It is crafted beautifully and seems most likely to weigh a ton. There are exquisite chandeliers that create a dimly lit dining room. Large mirrors hang on the brick walls, which are painted in red, while black wood tables and chairs complete the space. Giving the impression of what an 18th century establishment might have looked like.

Dressler can be loud on busy nights, especially the front where locals and out of borough guest wait for a table. The music is not too overly loud that you need to shout for yourself to be heard but it isn’t soft either. In one of my visits Talib Kweli was playing in the restaurants background adding to the BK atmosphere.

The website states that Dressler is a “fine dining in Williamsburg” but it’s more of a casual restaurant. The service and hospitality exceeded my expectations. They provided impeccable service that can definitely be found in fine dining establishments. The servers were engaging and knowledgeable, very accommodating to make sure their guests have an excellent dining experience.

Twenty years ago crossing the bridge to dine in Brooklyn was unheard of. The borough has evolved; gentrification has sprouted restaurants that are very good and worth a trip. All though Manhattan might still be the gastronomy capital of New York City, Brooklyn has closed the gap in recent years and Dressler is in the forefront of that evolution.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication set to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you must ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are mostly able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Aquavit

Aquavit
65 E 55th St
New York, NY 10022
(212) 307-7311
Official Site

The average life span of a restaurant upon its first day of opening in New York City is three months. During that time it will either make it or break it. Aquavit, on the other hand, has withstood the test of time in this city’s competitive dining environment. For 25 years it was the premier Scandinavian restaurant as well as a fine dining establishment in New York City. It has received numerous accolades and rave reviews throughout the years.

This restaurant was once home to celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson who made a name for himself while manning its kitchen. During that time Chef Samuelsson received a three star review from The New York Times making him one of the youngest chefs to accomplish such a feat. Now, Aquavit’s kitchen is under the helm of Marcus Jernmark (who was the executive sous chef up until Chef Samuelsson’s departure in 2010). His modern interpretation of Nordic Cuisine was recently awarded a star by the Michelin guide’s 2013 edition.

Aquavit has a lovely modern interior and an unconventional layout that is complimented with a wonderful Scandinavian fixture that was popularized by IKEA. This restaurant in Midtown East has a long lounge area with high ceilings visible as soon as you walk in. It has clusters of Danish designed egg chairs and aquavit jars displayed on the wall. Towards the back is the bar followed by a series of rooms that are used for private events. The medium size dining room in the front is decorated with beautiful chandeliers, dark wood flooring, and numerous round space tables in the middle along with arm less oxford and elbow chairs. Uncovered dark Mahogany table tops with comfortable leather booth seats are on opposite walls while the windows with street views serve as a back drop to Fortune 500 diners that mainly occupy the room at dinner time during weeknights.

In order to truly experience Chef Jernmark’s seasonal cooking; the $85 four course (an extra $55 for wine pairing) dinner is my personal recommendation. It allows the diner s to design each course from the menu. During lunch, a three course set menu is available for $35 dollars as well as an a la carte option for both times.

The kitchen has a few surprises to start up the dinner, like the chilled truffle soup served in a canning jar that when it’s opened it resembles a waterfall of smoke that is a prelude to the amazing things to come.

The Herring is a staple food to every Scandinavian country, so I had to have the Cold Smoked Holland Herring. I liked the smoky taste and zesty sourness from the pickled onions. The Herring Trio was pretty good as well as the Gravlax for starters. Then there was the Nantucket Sea Scallops that was presented beautifully on top of the shell inside a wooden box. The sea urchin with the scallops made this deep oceanic dish delectable.

The Day Boat Cod with cauliflower and caviar has a deceitful look of an uninspiring plate of whiteness, but once you have had a taste of the cod, with the cauliflower against the saltiness of the caviar it has a remarkable flavor combination. The Wild Mushrooms with poached eggs was another dish that was surprising. I loved the mushroom and the poached eggs were just an added goodie that made this plate more than delicious.

Meat dishes like Wagyu Beef “Rydberg” where the pieces of meat were juicy and the truffle jus created an earthy fondness to it. Then, there is the Swedish Meatballs with mashed potatoes and lingonberries. The meatballs were very moist and the lingonberries provided a touch of tartness as well as sweetness. While poultry options like The Crescent Farm Duck Breast with Foie Gras was also very good. The fatty foie gras with the tender duck meat went very well together and a similar style dish, Penobscot Chicken Breast, was pan fried perfectly.

There isn’t much selection when it comes to dessert s, but the Peach and Pistachio and the The Apple and Rye with caramel is an excellent way to end a meal with something sweet.

Aquavit has an extensive wine list that is derived from different parts of the globe. I once requested the Sommelier to pair my dinner with wine and it was done amazingly to my liking. But the flavor of the infused aquavits is a must to try here. There is a plum flavored aquavit for those that prefer a little sweetness, a Horseradish for a more potent taste, or an Asian Pear for those that enjoy a more fruity drink.

Way before the explosion of Nordic cuisine in New York City and the US, Aquavit had established its brand here. It is a pioneer and an institution in this city. I once dined at this restaurant a few years back and I vaguely remember anything, but I have enjoyed my recent visits .The staff are attentive and professional. Chef Jernmark’s brilliant technique and precision are seen on every plate that comes out of the kitchen. Having no recollection of a dish that I disliked, I realized how Aquavit has withstood the test of time.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication set to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In supplement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their state appears to be the same as yours.

Danji

Danji
346 W 52nd St
New York, NY 10019
(212) 586-2880
Official Site

When a restaurant receives raving reviews after only a few months it opened its doors to the public and a star for each year that it has been in full operation by the Michelin guide (including the 2013 edition), then it must be worth a visit . I’m talking about Danji here, a modern Korean restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen where the chef and owner Hooni Kim previously cooked for some of New York City’s most notable restaurants like Daniel and Masa. Chef Kim’s interpretation of Korean cuisine combined with his French technique in small plate offerings has been impressing this city’s demanding diners for the past few years.

This tiny restaurant on West 52nd street has a total seating available for less than 40 people. Danji’s narrow layout is designed with a beautiful golden bar top in the front that can easily get crowded from guest waiting to be seated due to the restaurant’s no reservation policy for parties less than six. The bar is followed by two communal counter tables both accompanied by white frame high chairs. In the back are a series of two top tables and a long bench. The space is decorated with clay pots that are displayed along the whitewashed brick walls, hanging light bulbs from the ceiling and a section divider that showcases an assortment of wooden and metal spoons.

The staff is informative and warm. Old guests are welcomed while new ones are instructed that the menu is located in the drawer of the table. They will answer all of your questions about the menu and will even provide recommendations to make the meal more enjoyable.

Danji’s small plates are very good and reasonably priced. There is no item that cost more than $20. The menu is divided into “modern” and “traditional” dishes with close to ten items on each. A party of four can easily run through the entire menu.

An earthly bowl of mushroom risotto with truffle oil is a great intro to a wonderful meal and a side order of the trio of kimchi is an excellent compliment to each plate.

The best dish that I had here was the Poached Sablefish w. Spicy Daikon. This happens to be SPE certified .The poached sable fish has a nice soft texture and soaked in dark, sweet sauce that is very appealing to the palate. The chef, as well as our server recommended ordering a side of white rice to soak up all the succulent sauces after devouring the fish.

I enjoyed the spicy ‘K.F.C.’ Korean fire chicken wings. It has a nice crunch and spiciness. Another outstanding plate was the Spicy Yellow Tale Sashimi. The fresh fish that Chef Kim uses for the was so tender that it melts in your mouth and the jalapenos add a nice kick with every bite.

The Bulgogi beef sliders were tasty. The beef seemed like it was marinated with some sort of Asian or soy sauce that is very recognizable. The fried calamari with wasabi mayo was cooked just right and minimal chewing was required to break it down. The wasabi mayo added another depth to the taste.

During the lunch, excellent rice bowls like farmers market bibim – bop and dup bop brisket bulgogi are available as well as the empanada-like handmade vegetable dumplings.

All of these savory dishes goes along with Danji’s decent selection of sake, soju and an Asian inspired cocktail list. A price range between $20 – $50 for a bottle of sake or soju, while the majority of cocktails are priced at $12.

Chef Hooni Kim might not be a house hold name yet like David Chang when it comes to Korean cuisine, but his cooking and his restaurant Danji are simply superb. The food and the hospitality are always on point. It was consistent throughout my visits to Danji.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you must ask your druggist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are mostly able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may switch on erectile malfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

2013 New York City Michelin Guide

The big news this year is that Tribeca newcomer Atera scored a coveted two-star rating, and Blanca, Cafe China, The Nomad, Torrisi Italian Specialties, Lan Sheng, and Hakkasan debuted with one star each. There was no change in the top tier: Brooklyn Fare, Daniel, Le Bernardin, Masa, EMP, Per Se, and Jean Georges all have three stars. And somehow, as always, Gordon Ramsay at the London and Gilt still have their two stars.

Kajitsu was dropped from two stars to one, and Veritas, Laut, and Marc Forgione were all axed from the list. Also, the currently-shuttered Picholine retains its star. See the full list below.(Eater.com)

Three Stars:
Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare
Daniel
Eleven Madison Park
Jean Georges
Le Bernardin
Masa
Per Se

Two Stars:
Atera
Corton
Gilt
Gordon Ramsay at the London
Marea
Momofuku Ko
Soto

One Star:
Adour
Ai Fiori
Aldea
Annisa
Aquavit
Aureole
A Voce Columbus
A Voce Madison
Blanca
Blue Hill
Bouley
The Breslin
Brushstroke
Cafe Boulud
Café China
Casa Mono
Danji
Danny Brown Wine Bar & Kitchen
Del Posto
Dovetail
Dressler
15 East
Gotham Bar and Grill
Gramercy Tavern
Hakkasan
Jewel Bako
Jungsik
Junoon
Kajitsu
Kyo Ya
Lan Sheng
Minetta Tavern
The Modern
The Nomad
Oceana
Peter Luger
Picholine (CURRENTLY CLOSED)
Public
Rosanjin
Rouge Tomate
Saul
Seasonal
Spotted Pig
Sushi Azabu
Sushi of Gari
Tamarind Tribeca
Tori Shin
Torrisi Italian Specialties
Tulsi
Wallse
Wd~50

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be mature. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a therapy set to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you must ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In complement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile malfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other humanity even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Three Stars

Synopsis:

Three Stars depicts the daily drama of life in the world’s finest restaurants including exclusive interviews and intimate access to some of the world’s most talented chefs as they work in their gastronomic laboratories, hunt for exquisite ingredients in local markets and gather rare edible plants along rough coastlines. Hachmeister’s camera reveals the kitchen rituals of these culinary mavericks, probing their varying food philosophies that embrace the highest convictions on molecular gastronomy and innovation alongside the exaltation and embodiment of local ingredient sourcing and traditional cuisine. The Chefs include Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Chef of Jean George in New York; Rene Redzepi, Chef of Noma in Copenhagen, Denmark; Yannick Alleno, Chef of Le Meurice in Paris; Nadia Santini, Chef of Dal Pescatore in Runate, Italy; Olivier Roellinger, Chef of Les Maisons de Bricourt in Cancale, France; Sergio Herman, Chef of Oud Sluis in Sluis, the Netherlands; Sven Elverfeld, Chef of Aqua in Wolfsburg, Germany; Juan Mari and Elena Arzak, Chefs of Arzak in San Sebastian, Spain; and, Hideki Ishikawa, Chef of Ishikawa in Tokyo. Watch in wonder as these culinary masters perform such gastronomical feats as the deconstruction of a raspberry, the delicate assembly of caviar blinis with salmon cream, decrusting rhubarb baked in a sugar cylinder with the blow of a hammer and the perfecting of a quintessential handmade pasta. With access to the vision, craft and kitchens of some of the most revered chefs in Europe, and with commentary from the powers that be at the Michelen Guide, Three Stars is a non plus ultra cinematic foodie fantasy experience.
(Article Credits)

For on the film visit the home page here.

The film is currently playing at Quad Cinema thru Thursday September 27. For showtimes click here

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication preassigned to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are as a rule able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may switch on erectile malfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other folk even if their state appears to be the same as yours.

SUAC Restaurant

SAUC Restaurant
Via Laietana 49
08003 Barcelona, Spain
933 21 01 89
Official Site

*This restaurant is now closed

When I was in Barcelona a few months ago I wanted to visit a Michelin Star restaurant, of course I’ve heard all about the great restaurants that the region possessed, like the now closed El Buli and El Celler de Can Roca.The closest restaurant to my hotel was SAUC restaurant at the Ohla Hotel. A one Michelin star restaurant, it is known for its classic Catalonian cuisine prepared with a modern technique by Chef Xavier Franco.

Located on the mezzanine of the Ohla Hotel, SAUC is small and has a clean modern décor. The interior is designed with hard wood flooring, a black wall that serves as separator between the kitchen and dining room as well as counter, and it is surrounded by glass windows overlooking the street. While the covered tables and the low ceilings provided a dim lighting giving it an intimate atmosphere. Oddly enough the space and atmosphere reminded me of SHO Shaun Hergatt and Ai Fiori here in New York City.

Now on to the food, I began with an amouse bouche of olives in different textures. The one that left a lasting impression were the black olives that looked and had the texture of a gummy bear but with a black olive taste. My first course was the Spanish mackerel with almond milk poured over it. Surprisingly enough the almond milk and mackerel created a milky fish flavor. The second course, was the potato artichoke with poached egg, it was good but nothing spectacular. The entrée, cod fish with beans was very enjoyable.The salty flavor of the fish was neutralized by the beans when eaten together. To finish the meal I had Milfull and Cream with strawberries for dessert. It was very good, the dessert wasn’t as sweet as I expected and was well balanced. I paired my meal with a handpicked white wine by their sommelier which enhanced each of the flavors in my meal.

SAUC was a good choice to have a Michelin Star meal in Barcelona. The food was very good and the service was not less than spectacular while the setting was subdued and intimate.The question I would like to ask is, can this restaurant be as successful in New York City as it is in Barcelona? New York diners and critics are thorough when it comes to Spanish cuisine, just ask Miguel Romera. Then again Gastroate, on the Upper West Side, has been well received here. There’s only one way to find out and that is to dine there and have your own opinion like I did. In my opinion (SAUC Restaurant) will do very well here in NYC.

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Tori Shin

*This venue has moved to another location

Tori Shin may not be your idea of a typical Japanese restaurant; they do not serve seafood but rather specialize in chicken “yakatori” or skewered grilled chicken. But don’t sleep on this Upper East Side Michelin starred restaurant. Its use of high quality organic ingredients, meticulous arrangement of food, and exotic mix of flavors will leave you mesmerize with a new appreciation for Japanese cuisine remixed.

Entering Tori Shin through its sliding black wooden doors feels like entering a restaurant in Tokyo. The hostess and the grillers behind the bar announce your arrival in Japanese for the entire audience of diners and staff. The authenticity of the atmosphere begins with the people, the Japanese staff and predominately Japanese clientele. On one occasion, I overheard a Japanese guy, explaining to his American friend what “yakatori” is and how it is very similar to the food in Japan.

The restaurant has an authentic Japanese dining interior. In the middle a three sided bar (similar to a sushi bar) built with maple wood is paired with red leather chairs all of which occupy the majority of the small intimate space. A long red swayed bench sandwiched between 2 Japanese plants serves as a waiting area. Some uncovered tables by the windows are also available. Soft lighting and minimal noise allows for a very subdued setting.

Whenever I come to Tori Shin I always sit by the bar to witness the artistry of the grillers. The grillers are masters at their craft. Knowing the exact timing for turning the skewers to get the right balance of heat, and knowing exactly how much soy sauce to add to bring out the right flavors takes years of intense practice. The highly specialized techniques they use are unmatched. During a lunch visit I saw the same grillers meticulously butchering chickens and preparing skewers with ridiculous precision for the dinner service.

The omakase dinner is highly recommended. Priced at $55, it consists of 10 skewers (6 meats, 1 special meat and 2 vegetables,) grated daikon (to clean the palate,) a rice dish, pickled vegetables and dessert. Submit yourself to the chef, as I did and he will wow you as you watch him work. With over 40 chicken skewers grilled in charcoal, you will want to try all 40; the skewers are that good! The freshness of the organic chicken prepared with various types of sauces is amazing. Skewers like the chicken meatballs are moist with an indescribable chicken flavor. The special chicken meatballs with egg yolk sauce are enough to make you want to return again and again. The rice balls are as good as the skewers especially the Special Oyako Don made with chicken and egg over rice, it was definitely a sublime taste. I enjoyed the texture of the rice, soft and watery. Contrary to my previous posts where I mention that Asian cuisine is not known for their desserts, Tori Shin is the exception; the “Shiso Sorbet” or “Japanese Mojoto” was a unique threat. It tasted like a mojito but 10 times better.

Lunch is also good and affordable. Their $20 lunch omakase comes with 5 skewer (3 meats and 2 vegtables,) salad, miso soup, rice and kobachi. The option of A la carte is also available for both lunch and dinner.

In the past Tori Shin was only known to the locals and hard core foodies. Hopefully with exposure from entrance into the Michelin Guide, Tori Shin can become a destination restaurant not just enjoyed by the Upper East Siders. Great friendly service and amazing unique food are the makings of a winning combination.

Tori Shin
1193 1st Ave
New York, NY 10065
(212) 988-8408
Official Site

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Laut

LAUT
15 E 17th St
New York, NY 10003
(212) 206-8989
Official Site

I have passed by Laut restaurant on 17 Street between Broadway and 5th many evenings and there has always been a crowd. Based on the crowd my first thought was, the food must be amazing. But I thought I knew better having waited for an hour on line – in the cold -to eat at a trendy brunch spot that turned out to be just ok. However, curiosity got the better of me so I gave in and followed the crowd. Little did I know that Laut is a Michelin star restaurant and the cheapest one out of the group. As it turned out the food was worth the wait. This has become one of my favorite places for intensely flavor rich Malaysian food.

The dining room of Laut can be a bit loud, full of men and women in suits, love birds on a date and students from nearby NYU. At any given night the music of Jay-Z, Usher and Bruno Mars can be heard blasting through their speakers. If you prefer a quiet dinner or lunch, this is not it. The loudness of the place gives it the essence of an Asian street eatery. Unlike most restaurants, there is no separate bar for drinks, Laut is strictly for dining. The restaurant’s interior is designed with exposed red brick walls, art work created with colored chalk and paint, and high ceilings in patterned copper. The tables are topped with marble and are accompanied by unpadded wooden chairs. A burnished wooden 2 by 4 resting horizontally next to a wall serves as a bench. At the back of the restaurant is an unmanned sushi bar with a gong hanging above. I’ve been to this restaurant on multiple occasions and I’ve never seen a sushi chef nor diners at the sushi bar; maybe they served sushi there in the past? Who knows?

Though Laut serves Malaysian cuisine the menu has a Pan-Asian touch. The food here is flavor rich with the exotic accents Asian cuisine is known for. The spices, sweet and sour are all packed in the dishes creating an explosive taste that has earned them a Michelin Star for two consecutive years (2011 and 2012). Starter dishes like the Satay Chicken, marinated and grilled on a skewer (combined with peanut sauce dip) are deliciously bathed in spices. The Roti Cani crispy thin pancake, chicken and curry sauce was also very tasty. Savory entrées like the Pineapple Chicken made with lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, ginger, coriander, bell pepper, onion, chili, shrimp paste, tamarind juice; and the Nasi Lamak with chicken, made with coconut rice, chili shrimp, chicken curry, pickled, veggie, chili, onion, anchovies, peanut and cucumber packed an incredible combination of ingredients that complement each other well. The fried anchovies in the Nasi Lamak is reminiscent of Filipino food, for which I’m well acquainted. You will be overcome by the sublime taste of the Laut Nasi Kerabu, filleted fish served in banana leaf. Unfortunately that dish was only served during the Malaysian restaurant week event. Noodle soup dishes like the Asam Laksa with Malaysia traditional spicy sour, thick lemongrass, fish flake, gravy onion, cucumber, pineapple and shrimp paste is one to behold. The flavors from all the spices can be tasted from every angle and in each bite – this dish alone is worth the trip. If there was one negative about Laut it would be the dessert. Don’t get me wrong it’s good, but I would rather pass. Most Asian restaurants are not commonly known for their desserts; but with all the amazingly flavored food, who needs dessert?

Laut is not as fancy as the rest of its Michelin Starred counterparts but the draw is the cuisine’s exotic mix of rich flavors. I’ve dined here numerous times and every meal has always been great. So don’t get turned off when you see people outside the restaurant waiting to be seated, try it like I did and you might actually like this place. By the way did I mention that the food here is very affordable? You truly get more bang for your bucks.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication set to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you have to ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are as a rule able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other folk even if their state appears to be the same as yours.