As is usually the case when I’m in New York for Christmas (or anywhere for that matter), all I can think about is what I want to eat When it comes to New York, I’m not as in-the-know as I was when I worked in the heart of the city’s restaurant scene, so I only know the places I love and to which I always want to return, I’m not as in the loop about the new places and I don’t keep up with the local food blogs like I used to, so I’m always the last to know. I usually learn of a “new” restaurant about ten months after it was the place to see and be seen, and by then the food world conoscenti have since moved on at least five of the next best things. But that’s okay with me because New York has more than enough mainstays to keep me happy.
Sometimes, my New York city eating wish list changes (I can now find soup dumplings in Milan!), but there’s some nosh I’ll always crave when I’m in New york. Here’s my current wish list. I don’t think I’m going to make my way through all if, but I’m sure as hell going to try. If I’m missing any ncessary eats, please do drop me a comment.
- Pad Thai (I can get this in Milan, yes, but it’s not the same)
- Shack Burger and Cheese Fries from Shake Shack
- Imbibe at Aldo Sohm Wine Bar
- Visit The Camlin in Williamsburg
- Black garlic tagliatelle at Piora
- Pizza at Marta – I live in Italy, I know, but these Roman-style pies are better than many in Italy!
- Sample Missy Williams amazing pasta at Lilia in Williamsburg
- Empellon for tacos, guacamole, and margaritas and all their goodness
- Cosme!
- Osteria della Pace, the new restaurant at Eataly Ground Zero helmed by my friend chef Riccardo
- Doughnuts! And no I’m not talking about Dunkin’ Donuts. I want the delicious serious donuts like Doughnut Plant!
- Everything at Mah Ze Dahr Bakery
- Chocolate chip cookies from City Bakery
- San Carlo Osteria Piemonte – We featured this new restaurant on the Musement blog and I love La Cucina Piemontese
- Momofuku Ssam Bar – always a classic. Those pork buns. Sigh
- A proper bagel breakfast at Sadelle’s (salmon and cream cheese and white fish salad…oh my!)
- Amazingly fluffy buttermilk pancakes
- Anything at Veselka
- Diner fare: grilled cheese and French fries with melted mozzarella cheese an brown gravy
- Brighton Beach for Russian cuisine (not sure if it’s going to happen this time around)
- Salvation Burger
- Guac Burger at By Chloe
- Also, I’ve always wanted to take that knife skills course at ICE but it’s always, always at maximum capacity
