Did you think I had forgotten about this? You were right, I did. But then I remembered! Then forgot again… remembered… but then decided not to bother. Then I changed my mind again when someone wished me Happy New Years just the other day. If its not too late for that, its not too late for this. Personally I think about a week of Happy New Years sounds about right to me before the notion expires. And I dont quite get the writers who list their best of, weeks before the end of the year. How can they possibly be so sure that they wont eat something amazing in the next few week. I had one of the dishes below in the last few days of the year….
Uni Mushroom Ramen at Jun-men
Calling this one Ramen is like calling Maialino’s Cacio e Pepe, Ramen. Its essentially a nicely crafted, rich, and beautiful looking pasta. Mushrooms, salty Pancetta, Porcini butter, truffle oil, noodles, and Uni that gets better and better in quality. I’ve had this dish three times last year.
Courtesy of Jun-Men
Pastrami Sandwich at Harry & Ida’s
I’ve eaten many fantastic sandwiches during my youngish adult life, but very few left a mark like this one. Thick, plentiful, tender, perfectly spiced slices of pastrami with cucumber and dill. The greatest thing to enter the pastrami scene in many years
Fairytale Eggplant at Bruno Pizza
One of the standouts from a standout meal. Pizza is in the name, but the attention to detail spreads throughout. Eggplant and Shishitos come with this mild black cashew paste that transforms this dish, like a fairytale.
Mission Chinese Chicken Fingers at Fuku+
Momofuku and Mission, a marriage made in heaven. As much as I love high spice and heat levels, I find the Mission Chinese wings a bit too intense. But applying the seasoning to the meaty boneless Fuku chicken is a whole ‘nother ball of wax. Pair it with the mini Fuku sandwich for a nice fiery lunch
Squash Carpaccio at Santina
I was all set to list the wonderful Cecina of the wonderful Santina which I must have each time. But after the last visit, I think I have a new favorite. Thinly sliced squash with pumpkin seeds adding a nice texture, crème fraiche dropped like Hershey kisses, brown butter, pink peppercorn and other spices and herbs. Get this.
Breakfast Ramen at Ivan Ramen
Take out my favorite dish (White fish turned Salmon Donburi), replace it with something like this, and I quickly forgive and forget… until you change your mind about the whole “available all day” thing. Rich cheddary Dashi, Scallion omelette, ham, noodles, and more. Magic in a bowl
Eggs with Caviar at Ko
Picking a favorite from this meal is like Ray Lewis picking his favorite illegitimate child. Soft scrambled eggs with Osetra caviar and breadcrumb-like fried potatoes, with homemade bread and radish butter. Like breakfast at Putin’s!
Pastrami Rubbed Rib Eye at Khe-Yo
Lets first clarify a few things, and please dont shoot the messenger. There’s no pastrami, and there’s really no steak here. The steak is a rare special, but can be found at sister American Cut, and we are talking about pastrami spices, not actual pastrami doing its best bacon impersonation. Steak of the year!
Courtesy of Zagat
Truffle Seafood Broth at Oiji
Mussels, Shrimp, two Crispy Rice “Sheets” that sizzle when the broth is poured table side. But its all about the beautiful, dark, rich broth that makes this a winner. Just a small hint of truffle, perhaps not enough to be part of the name, but just enough to round up the perfect broth
Arctic Bird’s Nest at Aquavit
Perhaps the most instagrammed dessert on the planet. The more I learn about Scandinavian chefs (see Chef’s Table on Netflix) the more I understand the motivation. A masterpiece!
Happy New Year! 😉
Eating With Ziggy 