Ssam is very underrated. Great way to blend a wonderfully cooked meats with beautifully selected produce. Brisket was a great choice and Sunn’s is a restaurant you need to visit as soon as possible. Viva la Dimes Square!

Doves Diner (Hudson Valley) - Denver Scramble (Doves #5)

Coming back from Saratoga after losing a condo in Bermudas monthly mortgage on horse racing, we were in dire straits to get a win on the card. Doves Diner was the horse that crossed the line first for us. Couldn’t recommend a better place to go to crossing through Hudson valley, I even bought their shirt. Old School diner with a new school feel.

Maruf Halal - Chicken Kati Roll

Spend half my life convincing myself to only get street meat when I’m drunk and the other half trying to find a cart when I am. One random wednesday in Tribeca dryer than a soda cracker, my primal urges got the best of me and I stumbled on Marufs. For $10 got 2 awesome kati rolls that were so delicious I almost went back for seconds. I will one day get through all of Marufs 58 item menu.

Oriana - Axe Handle Pork Chop

One of the newer beautiful restaurants from the Noortwyck team lies a culinary delight in Oriana. Great one page menu full of salivating items perfect for a group of friends or lovers who lock arms. One of the many things we got was the axe handle pork chop which was superb! Pork chops skyrocketing up my rankings lately.

Mắm - Ốc Bươu Nhồi Thịt (Pork stuffed snails w lemongrass)

Yeah i know it sort of looks gross and we kind of bugged out when it was served to us … but really really awesome unique bite. Minced pork combined with snails that you pull out using a lemongrass stalk. Can’t even remember what the sauce was I just can’t believe this is a dish.

Croft Alley - Breakfast Burrito

Pulled up to a line of woman in athleisure and every table taken thinking how am I going to eat here? Turns out the tables turn, people sit together at communal tables, and the decor feels like your in a California sitcom. I sort of loved it ? And the burrito was absolutely incredible too.

Ops - Ops Salad

They say the best salad in life are the simple ones. I’m pretty sure the only ingredients are chicories, sesame seeds, wax beans, and some sort of creamy dressing. Not sure if their produce is just that good or they sprinkled a little something extra in there, but it made me totally forget there was a pizza coming afterwards.

Socceria - Taco de Cecina con Nopales

Taqueria Rameriz team back with another banger at Socceria right by the OG location. If you could guess it by the name, it is a soccer themed bar/restaurant with more of traditional CDMX menu. These steak tacos with sautéed cactus & chili flakes were so good I didn’t even ask for salsa.

Yellow Rose - Carne Guisada Taco

Been a repeat visitor here for many years and have had every taco on the menu, the guisada still hangs head & shoulders above the rest. They certainly deserve more love in the conversation of best tacos in new york (or how about just Manhattan?).

Liberty National - spaghetti alla nerano , turbot with maine lobster in bisque, Kurobuta pork chop with some jam

Another amazing dinner by Chef Lee at Liberty National. No requests were given to him except “do what you want” and boy did he. Perfectly cooked pasta with zucchini, parmesan, basil and olive oil that Tucci raves about. Turbot fish from France topped with Maine lobster that’s swimming in its own bisque ! And some pork chop from the Berkshires in whatever berry jam that put thanksgiving cranberry sauce to shame. I could care less about golf, I come here for Chef.

Roebling Sports Club - Buffalo Wings

Quick pit stop at RBC to kill some time on a Sunday ended up to me almost passing out from mild buffalo wings. I would NOT want to try their hot. Anyways very meaty and very saucy (if you’re into it). Also very underrated sports bar imo (maybe just my Manhattan opinion).

Demo - Scallop Crudo

One of my favorite wine bars in the city for natural wine. Every time I get a new favorite wine maker that I immediately forget about the next day. But the other thing I always get is the scallop crudo which apparently is on a new variation. This one was finely diced shallot and jimmy nardellos that together created a wonderful mignonette flavor.

Carne Mare - Eggplant Parm Sando

Usually carne mare is a popular post work spot for us but on a slow friday went for lunch and had this delcious eggplant parm. The seeded semolina, sauteed eggplant, light red sauce, and burrata dripped bottom made for an excellent sando.

Me- Chicken Milanese (Fennel), Pad Krapow Gai, Gruyere Pancetta Duxelles Focaccia

After a couple months of traveling I finally decided to put the apron on and get back to my gourmand shit.

• Butterfield chicken breast panko fried topped with fennel, dill, parm, and mustard olive oil vingarette

• Diced boneless thighs with holy basil & thai chillis topped with rice and a fried egg.

• Had Beef Wellington at Harrys and wanted to find away to incorporate duxelle in another recipe. So naturally combined it with pancetta and gruyere to make a delicious bread.

Real ball knowers remember the OG in park slope but this is even better I think ? The salted egg yolk legs gave the chicken this rich buttery taste. Chili wing was all that chili flavor without an overly spicy kick… my kinda chili. Sandos are awesome too.

Ha’s Snack Bar - Snails with Tamarind Butter

I never pound on the table for snails (or escargot if you will) but I implore you to try this Vietnamese version. Its like a rich buttery (i know repeating myself) sweet n sour taste that there simply was not enough bread to clean it all up with. The team at both Ha’s restaurants are absolutely firing on all cylinders.

Park Side Restaurant - Spicy Linguini w/ crab & clam + Veal Parmigiana

Our boys Eats & Peds treated us to one of the best Italian meals you’ll have in the 5 boroughs in Corona, Queens. Everything from start to finish was incredible and I was so stuffed I was smoking cigarettes with locals outside trying to find extra room (I was offered Big Johns daughters hand in marriage). This pasta course was one of 5 and had massive chunks of crab along with lobster paring wonderfully with spicy linguini. The Veal parm… you could of cut it with a piece of floss….. incredible ! Honorable mention for their lard bread

Via Carota - Cacio e Pepe

Never a guy who goes crazy for cacio e pepe (i mean its just pasta with cheese right?), but Via Carota’s never ceases to amaze. Everything is perfect from the amount of cheese/pepper, the sharpness of the pecorino, and especially the al dente tonnarelli.

Lions Bar - Mortadella Sangweech

Another thing I never go crazy for is Mortadella because it reminds me Bologna you used to see in those Oscar Mayer packages. Also when you come here it’s hard not to automatically think burger all the way. I’m happy I was with some gents who wanted to wack some sangweeches up because this mortadella with blue cheese, pickled peppers, and lettuce on toasted bread is sick.
Billy Goat Tavern (Chicago) - Cheezboorger & House Pilsner

Post Phish concert at MSG i was in brutal shape for my flight out to Chicago, but i powered through and hopped on the jet (Southwest Airlines) to make it in. I stumbled on this legendary establishment under an overpass and proceeded to have a cheezboorger and homemade pints. The burger was nothing special but the vibe and the beer was phenomenal.

Old Mates - Chicken Sando

As much as this place pisses me off, it is right next to my office and the food is good + there’s always a crowd. One Friday during a hard day of big finance we ordered these sandos for pickup. Fried chicken breast dipped in honey w cheese , peri peri mayo, and hot n sour pickles… pretty incredible (begrudgingly).

Massi Co (Westport)- Margherita Pizza (+ Hudson !)

Had a lovely lunch at Massi Co (fka Don Memo fka Jesup Hall) with my family and new nephew Huddy. I’m not sure i buy into these being sourdough pizzas (iykyk as a baker) but the margherita was very bomb and the lil man had a great time.

Town Pizza (Fire Island) - Cold Cheese Boom Boom Slice

During an absolute ‘Send It’ of a day in Fire Island including seemingly triple digit beverages, my tall friend Jake said we had to get the cold cheese boom boom slice at Town Pizza. In my mangled state that meant absolutely nothing to me but I am so glad he did because cold cheese on top of mid cheese pizza covered in boom boom sauce (i don’t want to know) was an unbelievable bite.

Rowayton Seafood - Oysters and Pepperorcini Martinis\

In a house full of screaming children and me & Linds made a getaway to Rowayton Seafood for some oysters and pepperoncini martinis. I’m unsure if it was the brief moment of reprieve or the oysters were that good (they are), but it did feel like for a short period (10 minutes) heaven on earth.

Kismet Inn (Fire Island)

First time in Fire Island was one for the ages. I thought after parking the SS Hog on the dock of the Schooner Inn that I wouldn’t find a better moment but hours later I was proven wrong after a 5 hour shift at the Kismet Inn. The place had absolutely everything: Zippy’s, plastic duck claw machine, touchtunes, old people, young people (of and not of age), steamers (with some sand in it), nice bartenders, mean bartenders, sunset views, live music, friendly locals, mean locals, and on&on&on&on. If I could go back this weekend I would, I’d even go when its downpouring snow if the ferry was running. Absolute Cinema 🎥🍿

Zero Bond

After years and years of searching for a way into this exclusive club I was finally able to infiltrate where I enjoyed an incredible dinner among great colleagues as well as wine from ancient European bloodlines (some tasted like sediment). The food was great I think my favorite was the prawns but I wasn’t allowed to take pictures… club rules. Anyways I searched for the infamous Bohemian Grove Owl because my conspiracist friends told me they had their own in the club, but I was unable to confirm its’ location or existence. Either way it was a memorable night and I’m excited to geek out over whatever celebrity I see next there.

Company golf outing somehow gets better and better every year. The tuna we’ve seen before but still as special as the first time. The pizza oven in the middle of the golf course while teeing off on the 6th was an insane move. Great steaks, raw bar, and some old jamon iberico from spain …. i look forward to the first monday in june every year.

Howoo - elite meat package

Cote will probably never be topped for it being the absolute whole package but we had a great meal at Howoo. Great cuts of meat and felt like descendants of the last emperor here. Can’t overdue KBQQ but love my quarterly visits.

1of1 Sandwich - no sleep till gravesend

One of new favorite sando spots right by Barclays center on north park slope. House roasted beef (not sure what that means but in), griddled onions and melted provolone drenched in beef gravy on an oven toasted seeded semolina. I’m sweating just thinking about it….

Deans - quail scotch eggs (bonus- stargazy pie for shock value)

Don’t think I've ever had scotch eggs with quail eggs before but this was an absolute hit… look how jammy they are. And came with a side of Colemans mustard (my fave), they knew exactly what I needed. Also had to thrown in the Stargazy pie here for some shock and awe. Truthfully I wasn’t really a fan and no it actually has to do nothing with the fish poking out of it. Unbelievable presentation though !

Torrisi - San Gennaro Bao, Agnolotti Angelino, tomato martini

Man… this place is so fucking good pardon my language. And it’s not an Italian restaurant, it is a RESTAURANT. It is absolutely unfair to judge a place this good against white tablecloth Italian, not comparable. Anywhooo bbq spare rib on a homemade bao slider… insane. The agnolotti i’m embarrassed because I can’t remember what was in it but absolutely divine. Tomato Martini MIGHT be the best martini in new york right now. Could drink 10 of these (albeit not sure what happens next).

Houston’s (Boca Raton) - Spinach Artichoke Dip

For all you Hillstone fanatics that don’t know, Houston’s is the real OG and deserves to be treated as such. The one in Pompano Beach will always be my favorite but the Boca one will always suffice. Not sure if there’s anything that makes their spinach artichoke dip better than the rest but all I know is I feel better eating it here than anywhere else.

The Lion’s Bar & Grill - Cheeseburger

Will never get tired of eating this burger. No fancy sauce, no ketchup, no cheap gimmicks, & no more free randy. All you need is a juicy medium rare burger with cheddar cheese and griddled onions to make you happy in life. Top notch as always.

Joseph’s Restaurant - Lobster Pyramids

I have a very random obsession with the Lobster Pyramids at Josephs. Think part of it is that the name is hilarious and I don’t think there’s anywhere else in the world you’d find them at other than this Wall Street Italian dungeon. But they are legitimately really good and this place is slept on imo.

Lola’s - Heritage Pork Dumplings

Felt like Barry Manilow at the Copacabana here. Great dinner here full of Asian American / Southern cooking inspiration. Heritage pork is quite delicious, full of flavor even if they are leaner piggys.

Golden Diner - Chicken Katsu Club

One of the top club sandwiches in the city (not that i have a definitive ranking list… but maybe i should). Everything at golden diner excels and there’s 5 different things you could say is your favorite including the pancake , the wings, the breakfast sando, and more&more&more. Run don’t walk.

Baba’s Pierogies - Potato Pancakes

Every time I’m in Gowanus I have a hard time deciding if I love it what it is or if I was hand picked by the gods to try to gentrify it. A discussion for another time but the potato pancakes at Baba’s might be the best I’ve ever had. So crips yet tender to chew, you can practically smell it through the photo.

Commerce Inn - Softshell Crab

Commerce Inn is criminally slept on - probs for the best. I bet most people don’t even know it’s Rita Sodi restaurant but that’s alright. My favorite thing here is that they have a ton of season specialties. As a huge softshell crab fan I couldn’t help but get giddy when I saw it on the menu. I’ve wanted to buy the chinatown ones to make at home but I am terrified about crabs running loose in my apartment.

Me- Duck A’La Orange, Elote Focaccia, French Onion Soup Focaccia

Top experiences in life include crosshatching a duck breast and letting that fat render out that use in later recipe. Did an orange sauce with a scallion salad- very nice.

Nothing says summer more than elote (maybe?). I really like cooking bread in the cast iron, this was good I will deff be bringing this to a cookout.

French Onion soup focaccia where I caramelized the onions in duck fat … divine. Key is not skimping on the gruyere and making sure every bite gets an onion, one of my faves.

Another ridiculous burrito / breakfast place in Brooklyn to be aware of. This scene hitting New York has been long overdue and I can’t wait until every neighborhood has a place like this to hang its head on. Side not the churro donut here is also insane.

Kerber’s Farm - Sausage Egg and Cheese on a Biscuit

Round Swamp this, Amber Farms that,,,, how about some respect on Kerber Farms fresh out of Huntington (the Hamptons of Suffolk County). Tons of pies and baked goods in this joint that was extremely difficult not to fill by pockets with but the breakfast sando on a fat a$$ biscuit was insane. Another side not shot out is to the apple cider donut.

Liberty National - Langostines & Filet / Prawns w Uni & Caviar / Dover Sole w ramp meuniere

Alex Lee joining my bosses golf club is probably the best thing that has happened to me in years. I never care to go to another tasting menu restaurant as long as I have his brilliant mind serving us here. There were 5 more other amazing dishes in this dinner and picking my top 3 was incredibly difficult, what a treat.

Danny’s - Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

Ever since chef Nobu blessed this earth with Spicy Tuna crispy rice (according to google it was Katsuya but he put it on) it has become a mainstay at any high end Asian restaurant. It’s even gotten to the point where you woudn’’t even bat an eye if it showed up on a French menu (maybe). Anyways I’ve never had it like this where its a slice of tuna on top of the spicy tuna… thought it was special.

Lil Frankie’s Grocery - Chick Parm Sando

If you’re like every single other alpha male like me, you are always searching for the next best chicken parm whether it be in plate or sandwich form. I had no idea until recently Lil Frankie’s has a sandwich shop and more people need to know about it (unless I live under a rock). Up there with some of the best in the city imo.

Mokyo - Corn Dumplings

Think the first time I had a corn dumpling was at Ma•dé in 2023. Seemed silly at the time, but it still remains one of my favorite vegetable dumplings of all time. Sweet, but somehow savory - Mokyo does an amazing job as well.

Emmet’s on Grove - Peggy O’ with Sausage

One of the most dangerous things in existence might be the Emmett’s M-F $9 martini happy hour. It’s just an added bonus that their thin crust regular za is top 10 in the city imo.

The Whelk (Westport) - Huckleberry Bread Pudding

Truthfully the Skate wing might be the thing I left thinking about, but the western rendition of Bread Pudding was just an absolutely insane way to end the meal. Westport is an insanely lucky town to have this level of culinary expertise on display.

Gaetano’s Deli (Westport) - Kovac Special

I’ll always be partial to Fortuna’s to paving the way for excellent sandwiches in high school but when Gaetano’s came to town they stole the show. One of the best constructed sandwiches of all time - Chicken cutlet, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, broccoli rabe, roasted peppers, balsamic mingya. Don’t sleep on the buffalo chick.

The Chase (Toronto) - Banoffee Pie

Best meal i had on my yearly trip up to Canada was at The Chase. Very good classic american food but the Banoffee Pie (akin to how I felt about the Whelk) closed the meal out perfectly. Banana Cream is one of my all time favorites, will never get old.

Amsterdam Ale House - Wings

As a wing lover I always look to highlight and shoutout great wings in the city. After a day of galivanting and hanging out with my friends kids in the park (damn I’m getting older) me and the ratpack headed out to this UWS haunt for some beers, nachos and wings.

Home Cooking - Spatchcock Wood Grilled Chicken

Spatchcock chicken on a wood fired grilled is a text you can probably send to a woman that you really want to come over (you got it champ). The older you get the more you come to appreciate home cooked meals and this was next level, crispy isnide juicy chicken- best.

Lets Talk about the Polo Bar

I was lucky enough to be brought to the Polo Bar by my pals KM & AF for one of the most prized dinners in New York. You walk in and feel exclusivity, excellence, and generational wealth at the very minimum. You’re surrounded by rich mahogany, old geezers, tourists dressed up to the nines, and people like us - cool cats. The martinis might be $50 but they come with a sidecar and they are fantastic. As far as the food goes - it was all good , nothing mind-blowing or out of this world but it worked. But lets be real - besides the clout you are there for one big ticket item …. the burger. As a burger snob I have a list, i have rankings, i have opinions, and when you hear hype like you hear about this place- you’re naturally very excited. Anyhooo the order comes in and TWO medium rare burgers get placed…. it comes out medium (and the fact I’m not saying medium well is generous). I understand off nights but with a place like this and the noise around it… this can’t possibly happen. So although my company was amazing, the restaurant was beautiful, and most of the food was great (shout out coconut cake, ahi tuna burg, and corned beef). I walked away disappointed… but I’d love to try again. Till next time Ralph I bid adieu

Through a little tiny alley in the raunchy Casa Magazine lies one of the more underrated breakfast burritos in Manhattan. They call it an ‘Austin style’ burrito and they’re all premade so you can grab and go with salsas aplenty to choose from. big fan!

Crane Club Privado - Sfogliatelle & Arancini topped with caviar

Underneath Crane Clube rests another one of ‘New York’s Hottest Clubs’. It was a Wednesday so can’t say I expected a scene but it was aight, lot of cool celebrity wine lockers. We ordered everything on the menu (douchey sorry) but I’ve been before so nothing too out of the ordinary (still love preserved tomatoes). I love an arancini with truffles and sfogliatelle is a lot of fun to say. But, as a non caviar guy … it was a spectacular touch.

JR & Son - Chicken Parm & Rainbow Cookie Layer Cake

One of those dinners you get really excited about. Everything was awesome but these 2 dishes stood tall. The chicken had some heat on it, the sauce was decadent, and the chicken was succulently tender. As far as rainbow cake cookies go, my heart is very near & dear to Veniero’s. But this layer cake with a touch of coconut may just have been even better,

El Pingüino - Fluke & Scallop Aguachile Ceviche

Rawbar in Greenpoint perfect for popping into having a drink and whatver looks good on ice. The broke boy crackers were a great touch to enjoy the fishy decadence.

Corner Bistro - Bistro Burger

On a brain cell less Sunday I found myself at Corner Bistro with Kaitlan Collins. And by with her I meant she was two tables away and my colleague JMM was so distracted by her aura (she’s on his infatuation list) that he didn’t speak to me the entire dinner. Anyways I didn’t really care my brain was hurting and this was really good.

Defonte’s Sandwich Shop - Roast Pork Special

It’s a ridiculous luxury I get to have defonte’s as much as I do at work. I’m fairly confident it’s the best sandwich shop in new york and if it was in manhattan or anywhere accessible BK than it would be commonly recognized. Roast Pork, provole, brocolli rabe, fried eggplant and soaked in pork gravy minggggggggggggggggg.

F&F Pizzeria - Partanna Pie

Usually my heart lies with the Clam pie here (I think its up there with Pepe’s), but the Partanna stole the show for me this time around. Veggie pie featuring red onion & Calabrian chilis topped with two cheeses and honey… ridiculous combo.

Zimmi’s - Jambon Blanc

When i think of Ham dishes in New York I think of Bar Bete’s dish (featured in my 2023 best) setting the standard of what a dish should be as its’ centerpiece. It was wildly unexpected to find a dish on par with that at a small French wine bar that actually look their time to cure their own ham… never eating boars head again.

Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli - House Special (spicy)

I go through a quarterly banh mi craving but consistently have an issue finding people to go with for it (does no one else crave it?). I said F it and rolled up solo here and was not disappointed. Prob could of dont without one of these meats cause my mouth was not big enough to handle getting a bite of everything (thats what…) but this slapped.

San Sabino - Belmont Chicken Savoy

I’ve been dying to go to Belmont Tavern as I’ve heard their home to the famous Chicken Savoy and Shrimp Riggies. The issue is its out by like Newark so it was over before it started. Anywho, I’m unsure if San Sabino’s version is up to par with the OG Tavern but I really enjoyed it and highly recommend ordering.

Bars I Really Enjoyed - NBetween / Desert Spot 5

Japanese style speakeasy bar serving legit awesome cocktails and sake on tap… sign me up. Gorgeous wooden / slate interior + vinyl recording spinning … say less.

I mean it’s sort of basic but idgaf. In the hour I was here I was some great music & line dancing, drunk mutants dressed in cowboy outfits making their semi annual trip to brooklyn, and bartenders I’d rob a saloon for. What more could a man need?

My Top Dishes - Caramelized Apple Sourdough Pancake / Carrot Cake Focaccia / Crissspy Pork Belly

Tried recreating the famous sourdough pancake from vinegar hill house and its still not close to the OG but honestly really good

As always more focaccia creations, went with carrot cake this time around and was great. My grandpa Bob always loved carrot cake and I think the older you get the more you like it.

Did the 24 hour air out of the pork belly why you dry it out and use salt to create the crackling skin… so good but you’re nuts if you eat it on the reg.

Great way to start a meal at the legendary Omen Azen is yelling KAMPAI while annihilating a quail egg uni shot in a lemon. Don’t actually do that they would prob freak out, but i highly recommend you visit this joint full of wonderful nyc history. Some of the best udon you’ll find in the city too.

Swoony’s - Burger

I like the smashburger route for an english muffin bun- the melty cheesy meat discs play off the chewy muffin texture quite well. It doesn’t fall apart in your hands or get overly greasy, kind of works perfectly. Wonder if the Joseph Leonard’s burg inspired them.

Los Burritos Juarez - Chick Mole

One of the best burritos I’ve had in the city. What steals the show here is the flour tortilla. It is softer than a whisper and looks almost like raw dough. Biting into it almost feels like eating a marshmallow or a pillow… I’m not sure but I still think about it. Only issue is 1 of them is simply not enough if you’re greedy like me, go for 3 !

Cheong Fun Cart - Shrimp Rice Noodle Roll

Truth be told I ordered this along with 3 other things deathly hungover on a sunday morning. I had no idea what I was doing, she just kept yelling options out and I said do everything. I also got finessed by a homeless to buy him one too as well as $5. Either way the experience was memorable and this single handedly saved my Sunday. Still not sure what’s in it but definitely some shrimps.

Loser’s Eating House - Sourdough Cinnamon Roll

I finally joined the exlusive club of people pre ordering cinnamon rolls during the week. It’s a funny operation you pick it up from a take out window in Hudson Square and they ask you a bunch of questions like what’s your social security number. Anyways it IS as good as advertised and pretty monstrous, I will have to try again to try to do the illustrious pull.

Bartolo - Escalope de secreto Ibérico

Was very excited to come here as its the sister restaurant to Ernesto’s which I love. Same heavy Basque inspired type food - just a little more formal / stuffier than its dime square counterpart. Love anything Milanese so this was a no brainer and the egg yolk / piquillo pepper combo on top was a great combo.

The Wingbar - Wiiiiings

On a never ending mission to find the best wings in NYC and these catapulted to the top of the list alongside Old Town Bar. Massive, meaty, tangy, crispy, and plenty more adjectives to share regarding why you need to go here ASAP. Carroll Gardens in general is slept on way too much from Manhattanites , please go and visit.

Frenchette - Levain Pancake

Another huge NYC discourse is about best pancakes which I definitely have my opinions on (Clinton St overrated). Frenchette’s isn’t an unknown one, but I’d say it’s relatively slept on in the grand scheme of the debate. Chez Ma Tante remains my #1 in that debate but you really should make it over to Frenchette.

Wildair - Pithivier

Wildair remains one of my favorite wine bars in the city. The wine is great, but what makes this place different is their rotating food menu. There’s always seemingly something new when you visit but one of the constant Items is the Ham & Comté Pithivier that literally melts in your mouth as you eat it. Always a 10.

Los Tacos No 1 - TODO

Probably one of my more basic picks in recent memory because you live under a rock if you don’t know Los Tacos. However, it still is one of the best tacos in New York and I look forward to my visit every time. I love going up to the counter and screaming my order out in Spanish “Al Pastor, bistecca y pollo con todo en Maiz”. Truthfully I just want them to compliment me just once that I can speak Spanish, but that compliment is earned not given… will keep trying.

Me- Bread Thirst Traps

I have fully evolved into a walking bucket when it comes to bread making which I am very proud of. Everything is a hit and my confidence is sky high at the moment. These may be thirst traps but invite me over and I’d happily make you some

• Gochujang Scallion Focaccia with Chili Crisp Roasted Garlic & Honey

• Focaccia with roasted garlic honey butter topped with cheddar cheese

• Oreo Sourdough Boule

On my quarterly midtown visit I was beyond amped up for the wild game menu here which was fantastic (as well as the martini as you you can see opening the post). My favorite thing though was this pasta made with all the bones and unsalvable meat pressed down into in a machine mario carbone found randomly in Italy to form this amazing smoky meaty sauce that made me levitate. Unreal.

Lucky’s - Thick Cut Cajun Bacon

It’s funny at this point I’m very used to and accustomed to steakhouse thick bacon. But the bacon at Luckys was some of the best that I have ever had. Between the sauce, cut, and quality of it - exceptional. Also highly recommend Lucky’s for when you want a steakhouse but don’t want to be at a steakhouse.

Jungsik - Octopus & Yellowtail Kimbap

Perhaps one of the most excited I’ve ever been for a reservation and it lived up to it entirely. As much as I want to talk about everything I had i figured I’ll stick to these two. You won’t find a better octopus than the one here- perfectly cooked into a deep fryer making it the perfect mix of tender yet crispy. The Yellow kimbap had a gimmicky crispy rice roll cigar that you place your fish on top of and ate. Crispy rice at Nobu going to feel a lot different after this.

Tolo - Sweet & Sour Crispy Fish

One of my new favorite Chinese spots lays in Dimes Square at Tolo, a sister restaurant to Parcelle wine. Dark, intimate, amazing music and food. I think this was a whole cod (maybe haddock?) perfectly cooked and pulled apart easily in a delicious tangy sweet & sour that complimented it like Shaq did Kobe. Absolute banger !

Bricolage - Seafood Pancake

Was super impressed by this random Vietnamese restaurant in Park Slope. It felt very traditional to what an upper class home in the suburbs of Hanoi would be like (spit balling here sorry). Anyways love any pancake style dish and this one was stuffed like a shrimp Bahn mi , very delish.

Cafe Himalaya - Sha Momo

I don’t gatekeep so I’m delighted to share a hidden gem tucked away on the end of 1st street that is Cafe Himalaya. Amazing Tibetan food at beyond reasonable prices that will blow you way- I wish I lived closer I would go all the night. Anyways definitely make sure you get the dumplings but everything was great there.

Henry Public - Turkey Leg Sandwich

Came here on a burger craving (which we did get and it was actually really really good) but the Turkey Leg Sando I had no idea would be the show stopper. Braised turkey leg pulled apart & piled high on thicc sourdough toast with fried onions and natural gravy. Burnt my mouth eating it because I couldn’t put it down.

Babbo - Beef Cheek Ravioli & Warm Lambs Tongue

With Batali out of the way, i implore you to make a trip to Babbo to try some of the best unique Italian food in the city at Babbo. They had a lot of out of ordinary things but my favorites were these two. A Ravioli so decadent i think one almost put me to sleep with how rich it was. And then the WARM lambs tongue (did not know this was a thing) topped with fresh herbs and truffled mushrooms… awesome. Sorry if that gives you the willies.

Farra - Rice, Scallop, Egg Yolk, Trout Roe

One of my favorite restaurants and dishes I’ve had at new york resides in Tribeca at Atera’s sisters wine bar. Some of the crispiest fried rice you’ll find (up there with fishmarket) topped with chives, trout roe, a fresh egg yolk, and then the real price is barely cooked scallop underneath the rice waiting for you to come and find it.

Defonte’s Sandwich Shop - 20 Pounds of Fried Shrimp ?

If you know me you know Graz. Out of the kindness of his heart, this man brought in an undisclosed weighted tray of fried shrimp into our office at 7am that I can only guess was 20 pounds. Some of you can’t fathom eating shrimp that early with spicy marinara and that’s okay. Just wanted to let you know it will absolutely change your life.

Clark’s - Omelet

My good pal Ross who lives in BK Heights always puts on for Clark’s and I’m embarrassed it took this long for me to make it in but my next visit will be far less of a wait. One of the best diner omelets and crispy hashbrowns you can ask for. This thing had fresh turkey, spinach, and feta in it - killer combo.

Forgione - Hiramasa

Another neighborhood favorite for me is Marc Forgiones spot where one of the best appetizers in the city lies. I’ve written about it before but I’ll do it one more time cause why not. You eat the Szechuan button in that wooden spoon> your mouth goes all tingly like it fell asleep> you dive into a delicious hirmasa on top of a bed of avocado in a sweet ponzu that wake up your tongue like its been in slumber for the last 50 years. Unforgettable experience every time.

Me - Spinach Artichoke Focaccia & Homemade Sunday Sauce + Pasta

Lastly some things I whipped up I was super proud of. First for the big game I made this crazy spinach artichoke focaccia that made me question if I was born on this earth or not (I’ll get humbled again soon don’t worry).

Secondly on the last random blizzard (which one? who knows) made some homemade pasta with one of those fancy amazon machines that actually turned out amazing. Cooked down a sunday sauce for a few hours with pork shoulder and homemade meatballs. Top it with parm reggiano …. what’s better than that you tell me ?

Fuk a seafood tower, the Ice Box is where its at ! Everything in here tasted fresh out of the Gulf of Maine or whatever body of water produces something like this. Stuffed squid was amazing as well, packed with chard and tuna - divine bite. Good reminder that fried calamari is doing is selling squid far too short. Penny is one of the best dinners I’ll have this year and is a must for crudo enthusiasts.

Bridges - Live Maine Sea Urchin & Comté Tart

Another one of the best dinners I’ll have this year lies at Bridges, absolutely outstanding. The uni came in a freshly cracked open sea urchin with this lemony potato puree which was a great bite. The comte tart was a heavenly savory cheese bite with these amazing truffles and morels. They use always a lot of different mushrooms but the start stays the same, look at this beauty with chantarelles.

Bistrot Ha - Fried Yuba with stuffed Shrimp

The team at Ha’s Bac Diet is producing some of the craziest food in new york. They made a Vietnamese dumpling(?) by frying tofu skin and stuffing it with some shrimp mixture. It laid in a sweet fish sauce with fresno chilis… very good. I also ate pig hoofs this meal… did not enjoy.

Cervo’s - Louisiana white prawns a la plancha

One of my favorite dishes in New York! Big Azz Louisiana prawns drenched, grilled, injected with this tangy tomato based garlicky sauce that makes you want to lick the plate clean. I’m not kidding, it really is that good and I have many people who will vouch for it.

Hamburger America - Celsius Burger from Blazer Pub

First trip to Hamburger America somehow and opted for the monthly burger instead of their traditional smash. I actually like when the bacon is crisp like this on a burger because it breaks up the texture of the bite well. Along with awesome caramelized onions and Swiss…. knockout burger.

Lori Jayne - Steak Frites

I don’t think you'll find a better steak frites for the price of $26 in new york. Perfectly cooked and crusted. Yes that applies to both the steak and the fries. Garlic butter on the side was divine but looking back at it I don’t know why we didn’t get the classic peppercorn sauce…. just will have to go back 🤷‍♂️.

Ho Foods - Beef Noodle Soup

Always looking to diversify my favorite soup/broth dishes in new york and we got another banger here at Ho Foods. I’ve walked by this place a million times but lines hurt my feelings. Finally clocked in on a freezing Sunday after a shift at Satsko’s to taste the amazing Taiwanese spicy beef broth, homemade noods, and generously big beef shanks- outrageous.

El Gallo Taqueria - Breakfast Burrito

I’m using the UberEats photo of it which is hilarious because it looks like someone is catfishing you from their ghost kitchen but this is literally what it looks like and its goood. If you don’t like bfast burritos that fall apart and the eggs are all over the place- this is for you. Crispy hashbrowns, fried egg, crispy bacon, avocado, pico de gallo…. prob not the BEST in the city but deserves your attention.

Leon’s - Carpaccio di Funghi Trifolati

It’s 2026, if you didn’t know by now please repeat after me - you can carpaccio anything you want. Trumpet mushrooms are great but sometimes hard to incorporate so I thought this was a very clever way to do so. Very simple to do too, great bite.

La Bonbonniere - Chocolate Chip Challah French Toast

On a freezing cold MLK day I found myself at one of the oldest diners in nyc with my good pal JMM. It was freezing inside there, it looked like an episode of hoarders, but it gave that local town diner feel that you miss so dearly. The chocolate chips came out practically melting into the challah toast - it was delicious.

Gunbae - Wagyu Kalbi

KBBQ is a meal you crave so much for so long (the real definition of yearning) but once you have it you can wait months till next time. This wagyu kalbi was so rich but you couldn’t stop yourself from overdoing it. Remember- it’s always worth the meat sweats.

Dessert Sourdough - Cinnamon Roll & Cookie Dough Focaccia

Have done so many savory focaccias I thought it would be fun to workshop some dessert ones, both were absolutely incredible. One tasted like a Cinnabon you’d get at the mall and the other like Tollhouse cookie dough (I made it homemade). Who knows maybe a farmers market is in my future.

A bar for a night “out” Stars and a bar for a night OUT Carousel

If there’s one thing the team at Claud & Penny know its wine… & interior design…. & food…. & service (they are great). This new wine bar comes with a small intimate 12 seat kitchen counter facing an open kitchen with people draped all over the walls drinking wine from all corners of the world. Amazing room to be a part of.

I’ve been enamored with owning a conversation pit in my future house so it was pretty much instant love here seeing it. The place has everything: dance floor, long bars, these pits in ground and above, a pool room, and even an outdoor cigarette chamber in the middle of the bar ! It reminds me of what Union Pool or The Park used to be… nothing better than reminiscing in real time.

Border Town (rotating BK) - Breakfast Tacos

Can confidently call this the best breakfast taco in NYC (key differentiation from burrito). These guys have been doing Sonoran style tortillas with traditional egg / potato / salsa as well as different guisados out of popup locations for years. Very excited for them to open up full time this year somewhere in Greenpoint.

Sixty Three Clinton (LES) - Breakfast Taco

Probably the best Michelin tasting menu you’ll find for not just the price but ambiance in new york (admittedly biased bc chef raymond gave me my sourdough starter). Menu rotates a ton but this breakfast taco never quite leaves. Perfect akimoto egg, homemade tortilla / hashbrown, salsa verde and smoked trout roe that isn’t fishy. Perfect way to start a meal

Bagel Joint (Greenpoint) - St Marks on Miso Bagel

Surprised this place isn’t talked about more- they have some of the most kooky bagel creations out there. Miso Wasabi, Gochujang, Duck Egg, Au’Zatar and the list goes on. This is the St Marks which has homemade cucumber salad, smoked tuna, and wasabi cream cheese. Apologies for my sausage fingers.

Radio Bakery (Greenpoint) - Turkey w/ basil pesto & kale on sesame focaccia

Let me get this clear, any Radio Bakery naysayer is an absolute liar. Everything from their salted chocolate chip cookies to their homemade sourdough focaccia sandwiches are unbelievable. This is one of those sandwiches that you agree to split because you want to try everything, but one bite in you quickly regret that offer.

Mozzlab (Carroll Gardens) - Johnny Cammerari

Easily one of the most unexpected sandwiches of my lifetime. From the stupid name, to the ditzy audience, and it being tucked on one of the less popular Carrol Garden streets - I didn’t expect much. Turns out to be a sandwich that should be mentioned with the Defontes and Faiccos of the world. Bread looks like normal grocery store slop but melted in your mouth. The homemade sausage patty, smoked scamorza, and broccoli rabe make for a perfect combination.

Le B (West Village) - Le Burger

OG’s remember this being the Beatrice inn which was awesome. The new Le B from chef Angie (very nice woman we met her) is a little stuffy but has an eclectic menu. But the best thing they did was their first come first serve bar burger. Luckily one of my pals is in an exclusive burger league (yes they exist) and we were able to try without the huss n fuss. Dry age blend, melted cows milk, caramelized onion jam- awesome.

Old Town Bar (Gramercy) - Wings

Have been here many times for late night cheeky drinks and always see the wings but never get them a la Tom Cruise in Vanilla Sky (maybe not that serious). Finally dipped my toes in the water and can say they are ~probably~ my favorite wing in the city. Crispy, juicy, meaty, full of buffalo tang - quite extraordinary.

Chaps Pit Beef (Baltimore) - Pit Beef

On the way back from DC we stopped in to try Pit Beef, a Baltimore staple I had never heard of (only snowballs). Thinly sliced roast beef cooked briefly on a charcoal flame so it stays the perfect shade of pink. Top it with horseradish and house BBQ, it’s one of the best things I’ve tasted in my life and I think about it weekly. The best part is its right next to a grungy strip club. Can’t imagine the amount of 3 hour lunch breaks.

Crevette (West Village) - Sicilian Sashimi

Overall we were let down by Crevette especially with how good Lords and Dame are. But this dish saved the day for me- 4 different crudos served up in olive oil with diced shallots and capers. Made famous by Bourdain’s favorite spot Swan Depot in SF. Can’t wait to make variation of this myself.

Smithereens (East Village) - japanese buri with english peas and horseradish

Great New England inspired seafood spot in East Village from Claud/Momofuku guys. Lot of good to go there, this just looked beautiful. Japanese amberjack with with peas in some light ponzu’ish oil , topped with a bunch of horseradish - a complete bite.

estiatorio Milos (Toronto) - Grilled Lavraki

Always thought this was an Avra knock off but admittedly I don’t know which one came first (the chicken or the egg?). Funny enough first time going was in Toronto on business. Felt very important getting taken around the seafood ice display, getting called by my government name. Still not sure what Lavraki is but it was a massive juicy white fish that tasted unreal with nothing more than lemon and olive oil.

Massara (Flatiron) - Candele ("ragù genovese" & parmigiano)

So I liked Massara more than Rezdora which might be the minority but to each their own. This perfect al dente candlestick pasta with long braised ragu mixed with a ton of parmiagiano makes for incredibly rich bite that makes you want to lay down. Not because you don’t feel well, you just want to think about it some more.

Cucina Alba (Chelsea) - Raviolo Fornografia

I recommend reading the article on how the chef makes this dish. Simply put its a block of mozzarella cheese inside a ravioli shell baked in an oven. Then like dipping a piece of bread - its slathered with olive oil, balsamic, and parm reggiano. So simple yet so outstanding.

Via Carota (West Village) - Tagliatelle

Somehow with everything under the Sodi umbrella you think there’s just no way it’s that good or worth the wait. Everything they do seriously is. This Tagliatelle seems pretty simple with just butter & melted cheese making the sauce. But the way the pasta is cooked and the prosciutto melts into it with peas for crunch. Buonissimo!

Lei (Chinatown) - Hand Rolled Cat Ear Noodles

One of newest best wine bar restaurants in New York. Tucked away on Doyers street in between the intuitional Chinese restaurants that have been there for years you find Lei. Think of this dish as a supped up version of lamb noodles at Xi’an Famous. Never heard of this shape of noodle, more of a wagon wheel guy but it made for a great dish.

Lord’s (Greenwich Village) - Veal Sweetbreads

Not only was Lord’s an amazing meal with another great bar burger. Their sweetbreads joined my top 3 power rankings (along side Chambers & Le Coucou - Fedora not far behind). Won’t talk too much about what sweetbreads taste like because a lot of you have probably never had and I don’t want to ruin the surprise.

Chrissy’s Pizza (Greenpoint) - Za

If I’m in the picture and the pizza still looks good , you know it must really be that good. It reminds me of Sally’s New Haven pizza. Pretty thin crust but plenty of sauce and great crunch on every bite. No flop detected or we send it back. More pics here

Liberty National Golf Course - yes chef

After another great round at my country club Liberty National, my chef prepared a tasting menu matching the one I had on my yacht in Anguilla. We dined on oysters with caviar, roasted langoustines, Peruvian ceviche, king crab linguini, rare king ora salmon, and cattle flown in from the Andes. (the food is real the rest is satire including the steak)

Sushi Nakazawa (West Village) - Everything but mostly the Uni

Omakase has fallen into a weird place in New York where there is so much sub $100 options and once you go higher your not sure where value lies (if it exists at all). While it isn’t one of the $400/$500 ones, Sushi Nakazawa isn’t cheap but the experience feels very rich. Great quality fish and amazing chefs who actually want to talk and describe whats going on to. Also here is where i think I finally found out what "next level Uni” is once you have that, damn it’s hard to go back.

Francie (Williamsburg) - Dry-Aged Crown of Duck

I used to pray for times like this, to rhyme like this… so I had to grind like that to shine like this. Played that song on my train over to Francie for a meal I waited a solid 3 years to have. And I’m happy to report the duck absolutely lived up to the bill (get it). One of the best duck dishes of my life and we had a private room to celebrate our Game.

The Progress (SF) - bbq liberty farms half duck

Another top duck dish of my life resides in San Francisco. When I went out west to visit my bud, this was one of the only places I marked just solely based on the picture. Perfectly cooked duck breast, fried rice in the middle and hey here’s a bunch of Duck Confit to enjoy in case you didn’t think the breast was enough. Highly highly recommend stopping here the next time you find yourself in SF.

Nick and Sam’s (Dallas) - Stairway to Heaven

There's a feeling I get when I look to the west (me in new york looking at Dallas). Never imagined in my life I would have Steak Omakase but here in Dallas anything is possible. The money doesn’t matter (when you’re not paying) and when you see 24 ounces of wagyu scattered across the globe floating on a staircase in front of you, it feels like a dream sequence. Every bite melts in your mouth and I can’t even remember which I liked the most but its a hard experience to top.

Amazonia (DC) - Chicharron Bao Bun

Unfortunately I think I have the only picture of this dish to exist but it was the best bao bun I ever had. They caramelized the outsides with sugar to make a crisp but the inside is still soft as a pillow. In the midst of all the fixins is chicharron layered on top of pork belly. We considered scrapping the rest of our meal and just getting a dozen of these.

Cove (Hudson Square) - Cheese Pumpkin Schnitzel

So a cheese pumpkin is a type of squash which makes pumpkin a type of squash and I feel like a doofus for never realizing this. Anyways, I had no idea you could apparently just schnitzel anything you want or chef Flynn says F the rules imma do me. Please watch how they make it, really special dish behind a brilliant mind in the culinary world. + the chantarelle chicory salad is awesome on its own too.

Blue Ribbon Brasserie (SoHo) - Beef Marrow & Oxtail Marmalade

This was a buzzer beater entry that took me by complete surprise. Bone marrow dishes i feel like a lot of time play at restaurants solely because you don’t see it everywhere, but a lot of times its just huh alright. The oxtail marmalade was an amazing compliment to the marrow. The fat paired with the oxtail jam on toast has to be one of the most savory bites out there. Also shout out to the Brasserie, should be mentioned before Fried Chicken and Sushi every time.

Mary O’s Irish Soda Bread Shop - Bread n Butta

My favorite baked good of the year (besides my own 😏) is Mary O’s Irish Soda bread. Look at the soda bread in all its glory shining in the sun, overflowing with blackberry jam and fresh chunks of Irish kerrygold butter melting away. As much as I want to live in east village, I’m happy I can’t ruin this for myself as I’d be here every week.

Daphne’s (Bed Stuy) - Tres Leches Tiramisu

Growing up I loved Tres Leches cake and eventually got into Tiramisu when my palette got richer & I could appreciate the taste of coffee. So this dessert was a no brainer for me to love. The flavor profiles may both be sweet but their unique qualities counter each other perfectly to make for a great bite.

Ice Cream ! - Comal (LES) & Lai Rai (LES)

Comal makes one of the most beautiful soft serve swirls i’ve ever seen for a restaurant. This one was passionfruit and vanilla which seamlessly combined together to make for a perfect after dinner taste.

Lai Rai is a wine bar that is the same team as Mắm

right next door. The Banana leaf ice cream may not look like much but the taste profile is akin to a green tea x banana taste. Would have a jar of this in my freezer if possible.

my top bars of 2025 - Sake Bar Asoko (Dimes Sq), Cellar 36 (Dimes Sq), horse with no name (east village), Jeremy’s Ale House (Seaport), Minnows Bar (Greenpoint), Sake Bar Satsko (East Village)

Asoko is a newer spot from Decibel alums- Ariana and Shintaro are an awesome couple & great hosts, always feel like family here. also great sake !

Cellar 36 has consistently unqiue bottles of wine in a grungry Dimes Sq scene with a lot of guest events. absolutely ELITE sidewalk drinking in the summer

horse is a brand new spot in EV that has some of the best natural wines you’ll see at all affordable price points. it is very retro chic cowboy in there.

jeremys has been a mainstay of mine for years and years. great afterwork scene with 32 ounce beers and cocktails. also they have a NY lotto machine to play live games on !

minnows has great bar food and a great staff to hang out with as well. everytime i have time to kill in greenpoint i make my way over for a drink and sammy.

yes… another sake bar. satsko, parker, and amy are all so friendly and outgoing. every time i stop for a drink i end up staying for several, will never fall out of rotation

For those of you who made it this far - thank you for reading and tuning in for my yearly log of eats. i’m sorry no names were mentioned but for those of you in these meals, you know who you are and thank you for being apart of them. on to 2026 !

A fun fact- traditional Japanese breakfast consists of a fish, several side vegetables, tea, miso soup, and rice. I love breakfast foods but it is pretty hysterical that they’re just like ‘nah’. I’m going to start pulling up to my office with a set meal like this.

Hirohisa - Assorted Sashimi (Ichiju Sansai)

This is actually an omakase spot but for lunch they do things like sansai meals, chirashi, and soba noodle. I had a feeling it was going to be amazing based on me being the only Caucasian guy in the joint and I was right. All the fish for lunch is the same for the omakase, flown in from Japan. Homemade plum sake was great too.

Cove - Cheese Pumpkin Schnitzel + Tempura Kyoto Carrots

Quite possibly my favorite meal of 2025 (I’ll have to rewind the tape) resides at Flynn McGarry’s Cove. We ordered pretty much the entire menu, everything was excellent but these two dishes were beyond unique (also the celery au gratin… deserves a mention). No idea what cheese pumpkin is but it was pounded into a schnitzel with chicory puntarella salad, amazing. Also the tempura fried kyoto carrot wrapped in cabbage topped with dill and uni… how does he come up with this ??

Arté Restaurant - Pollo Martini

You know its going to be a great dinner when your boy gets called by his government name when you enter the building. Wilson, Martino, and the woman who I joked with about my coat being from Siberia made my night (also the people I was with , ty JC). Pollo Martini encompasses everything I need. Light breading, white wine lemon sauce with parmesan, topped over sauteed spinach - mingya !

Blue Ribbon Brasserie - Beef Marrow & Oxtail Marmalade + Escargot a la Bordelaise

Couldn’t believe this place existed honestly. Everyone talks about blue ribbon sushi, blue ribbon fried chicken - why not the OG brasserie? Imagine sitting down for dinner in 1992 and getting a plate of beef marrow & oxtail marmalade dropped in front of you. You want snails? how about snails in bordelaise sauce, it was like the remix is beef bourguignon - delish !

Keens Steakhouse - Mutton Chop

Admittedly the last time I had mutton was after a birthday party at Margaritaville and me & my boy were so sauced, we couldn’t remember if we liked it or not. 2nd time around I was feeling good but not damaged so I can report the Mutton was spectacular. Keens is a special place.

Frenchette - Poulet Rôti

This almost single handedly revived me from the dead after a night out in the east village where i saw the sun rise. Underrated top tier roasted chicken in the city i mean just look at that skin. Also Frenchette low key is pretty cheap for the quality they serve.

Red Farm - Five Flavor Chicken Dumplings

We always go to Red Farm for dim sum on christmas…. yes we’re jewish. Hard to go wrong here with any dish, they do a great job of being upscale chinese without straying to far away from what you really love about chinese. This chicken dump is loaded with flavor and I wish I could tell you what it taste like but I always forget. Which is sort of a beautiful thing to get to look forward to when you come back.

Il Brigante - Gamberoni Saltati

My man Graz took the team out for lunch, he is a very caring loving boss. The prawns in butter garlic white wine sauce… cannot go wrong with it. If your ever in the seaport you will be happy with your meal here.

Plus De Vin - Citrus Olive Oil Cake

Great lil spot resting near that WB/GP border. Wine list was awesome full of natural wines you’ve never heard before and the food was solid. This olive oil cake was awesome especially because it just looks like a slightly charred piece of white toast but is packed full of flavor.

Me- Upside Down Cranberry Tart + Bolognese

Yes I’m not just a sourdough baker, would ya believe. Upside Down cakes are very in imo and cranberry is a perfect topping for tartness to match sweetness. Very enjoyable!

I got one of those 7 quart Staub’s so I try to make a lot of dishes that are stewing/braising centric so I get to use it. Bolognese doesn’t require too much work, just more so time and love. 2025 was the year for me to really properly learn how to cook pasta al dente because if you don’t, your sort of a loser 🤷‍♂️.

Will have my top dishes article out next week , happy new year to you all and thank you for all your support!

I love soup with noodles (simplifying but whatever). And whenever people talk about type of noodle I feel like nobody brings up the Soba noodle. This spot in Greenpoint takes their Soba very serious. This one had 3 types of duck (roast, peking, confit) and an unreal duck shio broth. Also its gluten free… I know some of your ears perked up.

Paulie Gee’s - The Daniela

It’s very hard for me to get impressed with a white slice, I just find them in general bland and overly cheesey or bready. This slice was a match made in heaven for me. Sauteed spinach, shaved garlic, parm + mozz and drizzled olive oil. Bellissimo !

Dolores - Stewed Pork Taco

So the taco was the special of the day (braised pork with potato and frijoles) and apparently no pictures online or that I took so take a look at the restaurant. One of my favorite new spots I’ve been this year, intimate space with great drinks & all sharing plates. Planning my life in fully gentrified Bed Stuy 10 years from now 😏.

Chaps Pit Beef (Baltimore) - Pit Beef

Stopped here on the way back from DC because apparently Pit Beef is a huge thing in Maryland. I know this looks like slop on a bun but the reality is charcoal cooked thin roast beef is unbelievable and more people should know about it. Also this place was next to a gentlemans club which was hilarious. Already planning my next trip back, 2 Pit Beefs and a lap dance from Cherry.

Amazonia (DC) - Chicharron Bao Bun & Scallops A La Parmesan

One of my favorite meals of the year was here. Will be thinking about this chicharron pork belly bao bun for a while. They caramelized the bao bun and i guess baked it… still thinking about it. The scallops have to be mentioned too- will never not hit for me.

Chambers - Snowdance Chicken

Think I went a whole year on here without mentioning Chambers or their chicken. Happy to report it is still the best chicken dish in the city as well as my favorite restaurant. You only experience unconditional love so many times in life and I guess its possible to feel this way about a restaurant.

Shifka - Schnitzel Pita

Sami and Susu is one of the best restaurants in the city, probably on the same tier of hidden gems as much as Chambers is (well at least was). They opened this quick stop pita spot in the Bowery and it’s awesome. I don’t really care for that pepper thing or the pickle like how are you supposed to eat it with the pita. But, really really good schnitzel.

Shanghai 21 - Szechuan Style Wonton

I’ve put this spot on for one of the best Chinese take outs in the city for at least 8 years now and I’ll continue to do so. The Szechuan Style Wonton’s are not only their best dish but one of the best dim sum dishes in the entire city. Wontons submerged in szechuan chili crisp absorbing it all … incredible.

Eel Bar - Bomba rice with royal trumpet mushrooms

Another one of my favorite spots in LES, perfect for a proper sit down or a quick stop in at the bar. This was like sort of a cross between paella and risotto topped with these amazing royal trumpet mushrooms. Think this is what Goldilocks felt when eating the perfect porridge.

Nine Cases - Braised pork belly

Very unassuming spot where you’d think just wine bar with random food, first dates yadda yadda. For a little kitchen they pump out great food, the pork belly was so tender and paired great with the rice cake. My only complaint was the woman next to me burning her hair while trying to talk to the bartender which stunk up the joint.

Rigor Hill Market - Italian Roast Pork w/ Au Jus

Even though it’s now a TikTok death trap and you feel bad going there looking like a total putz (i still do cause idgaf), Rigor Hill continues to be a monthly must hit. Constant specials on the menu, this sando I imagine is an homage to Philly with a crossover in Chicago with the giardiniera. Very yummy.

Thanksgiving Eats- Apple Tart, Charcuterie, Thanksgiving, Steak Frites friday

So I baked the pie and technically designed the prosciutto plate- besides that i can’t really take credit for anything. Thanksgiving is my favorite food holiday (and regular holiday) of the year and it’s always made by my family who I love to spend time with…. almost equally as I love their cooking.

My parents have been divorced for a long time now and I’ve been so lucky they’ve been able to remain friends. We’ve shared so many life events, lasting memories, and you guessed it - meals together. They indulge my extravagant tastes now, but back in the day it would have been as easy as my dad bringing me to my favorite shitty deli in Norwalk for a cheesesteak or begging my mom to bring me to Subway after tennis practice (that OG meatball marinara 😮‍💨).

I’m no different than any other child, but I was an only child growing up and each bite of something I held special meant the world to me because both of my parents wanted to make me happy. So while I don’t think I ever took it for granted, it was that much more special that I had two sets of grandparents that wanted that exact same thing for me.

I didn’t do much dating in middle school, but every week I was lucky enough to have a hot date with my grandparents Bob & Rhoda, usually at our favorite spot Mario’s. At those tables I learned things such as lobster was originally a poor persons food, secrets about our family, and also that my grandpas grading system of dishes usually had to do with how big the portions were (the man could EAT).

At places like their club, Rolling Hills, I watched as everyone came up to them at our table to chit chat and got to learn who they were through the eyes of other people. To this day I still see people who tell me they knew me from when I was ‘this big’, all because I loved Prime Rib Wednesdays at the club.

Another meal we always ate together was sushi which is funny because all I ate for years was California rolls. Then one day at Pink Sumo, I finally ordered a sashimi set for myself. I didn’t get it because I thought the fish looked good, I did it because I saw how much my grandparents were enjoying every bite and I wanted to know what all the fuss was about. Fast forward to current day- I fear I’m an omakase elitist !

Bob & Rhoda taught me how expressive you can be while eating without saying a word. If all you heard from our table was the sounds of cutlery hitting the plate, we were the happiest people in the restaurant. Silence was golden for us and for an only child like me- it was comforting too.

When I went to Boca to visit my grandparents Renee & Howard, every time i set foot in their home I was greeted with rugelach and a spread laid out on the counter of every single item from the fridge because my grandma knew how much I loved using the panini press. Every night I would sit like a prince on the couch as they presented dining options hoping to appease me. We hit every restaurant in Mizner Park over and over including local favorite Max’s - where I once famously had a meltdown because my grandpa said I had to pay for dinner since my name was on the restaurant (I was 10 but the service was questionable).

My grandparents knew I lived for food and would tell me months in advance of my annual visits what’s new in town. When I got old enough to start directing our feasts out, i was finally handed the reins to pick dinner. My grandma would always gush over the meals I picked telling me how delicious everything was like I cooked in the kitchen myself. I don’t think she ever said one bad thing in her life relating to food (or anyone for that matter) but her love for my growing culinary appreciation helped paved the way for the food snob I’ve become (kidding not kidding).

When my great grandmother Teddy was still around, we used to go to an all you can eat buffet called Sweet Tomatoes. It was objectively ehhh, but they got so much enjoyment of how much I loved it and how I aided & abetted Teddy in stealing half the buffet in her purse. Muffins, jam packets, sugar dispensers… you name it. Some might consider having an elderly mom who you bring food to 3 times a week resorting to petty restaurant crime with your grandson as ‘annoying’. My grandma would cackle with laughter so hard that it could fill up an arena.

To this day I’m not sure if she sounded like a parrot or some foreign animal when she laughed, but it was infectious. Everybody around her couldn’t help but smile from cheek to cheek because that laugh was so pure. Her genuineness was a gift that oh so few people are able to possess in the world and I was lucky enough to know one of them.

My grandmother also pledged $80 to this blog every year which is hilarious for so many reasons. One being that I don’t have monetization even turned on so I’m not sure if she even knew that it was a ‘pledge’ and a not donation. The second being is that she was the most generous woman I’ve ever known and it will take my whole life to pay her back for what she did for me… and now theres another $80 I owe her?! I mean it seems kind of unfair but I’ll happily pay it forward !

The third reason and the most important one is ironic. This blog was started because of people like her. She never called or texted me to talk about her. She wanted to know what good meals I’ve had recently, what cool places I’ve been going to, whats my new drink of choice, who am I out with (I think she might of been prying to see if I had a girlfriend).

I loved talking every detail with her and sending pictures of each dish I ate. And while yes she did ask a lot of questions, she lived through me and I wanted to give her everything I possibly could. Because when I was young & lost, she gave me everything she could. She was the first person to look at me in the eyes and tell me that I was special. Without her, I don’t know who I would be and I’ll be thinking about her for the rest of my life. I love you RR.

It’s times like these where you realize just how much you loved someone and how much you’re going to miss them. I’d do just about anything to have one more meal watching grandpa Bob house an entire paella or grandma Renee hurling her salmon onto my plate because I absolutely had to try it. Having grandparents in your most formative into adolescent years is one of the biggest gifts in life one could ever receive. By definition I am a man now, but I’ll never stop feeling like a little grandson to either of them.

Another addition onto the best sweetbreads and wine bars that the city offers. Very decadent meat paired beautifully with mushrooms and sherry sauce that taste like an alternative marsala. Big fan of this spot, great wines and mood lighting.

Mary O’s Irish Soda Bread Shop

These scones absolutely blew me away. Homemade berry jam and with kerry gold butter is an absolute cheat code where if you don’t know now you know. It’s a little hectic getting them and it absolutely judged my patience being on that line and smelling it over & over. But i can confidently say I’d wait in any long of a line for these.

Wings - Kettle Black & Old Town Bar

If you’re a wing enthusiast, Bay Ridge is worth the travel for these. Tons of different flavors, maybe one of the best dry rubs I’ve ever had. The characters in here are unmatched and you might even see my coworker Graz, come on down !

Been to Old Town like 5 times and always say out loud how good the wings look. Finally put the words where my mouth is and it’s easily a top 3 wing in Manhattan. And it might not be No. 2 or 3 either.

Jack and Charlie’s No. 118 - Bone-In Duck Meatloaf

When I saw this on the menu there was no doubt in my mind it had to be ordered. So unfortunately the bone is just for show, they did not make meatloaf around a confit leg which I was visualizing. But turned out to be quite yummy.

J&J Seafood Bar & Grill (Delray) - Fruits of the Sea

Had a lovely dinner with my grandparents in Delray at their favorite seafood joint. This pasta took the cake for me - mussels, shrimp, scallops, lobster, and clams in some fra diavolo like sauce. Sometimes you got to Sea Food and eat it…. har har har.

Wild Cherry - Cheeseburger

Might be the hottest opening of Autumn. You come in and the whole joint smells of popcorn… it’s perfect. Food wise its a very bistro menu with some random twists and unique dishes. You can’t get more simple than a cheeseburger and theirs is upper burger echelon of new york good.

Comal - Smoked Half Chicken, Masa Stuffed Wing + rice’n’beans

Wanted to go to this joint for awhile since its the old Gem home and I keep talking about a CDMX trip. Besides a very questionable aguachiles dish, the meal was awesome and their smoked chicken rocked. Grew up on rice and beans so that was very homey for me.

Win Son Bakery (East Village) - BEC Scallion Pancake

Up to par with the BK one which is great for quality control advocates. The breakfast sando is good and ridiculous but I have to say unless you’re home or deathly hungover, eating a whole one of these might ruin your entire day. Split this with a pal and have a pastry, enjoy your Sunday !

Ice Cream- Laser Wolf & Comal

Don’t even think its a hot take anymore to say the Ice Cream is the best thing at Laser Wolf. Another trip there where I was left wishing I got more. Will never be worth going crazy for but I have great memories here that make me warm and fuzzy.

The soft serve at Comal was pretty insane, this was vanilla & passion fruit swirl. Perfect nightcap (along with the glass of wine pictured, bottles not pictured).

My Sourdough Bagels

It’s easier than you think to make these things and I fooled around with different shaping mechanisms & boiling times just see how it works. These coming fresh out the oven were dare i say on par with a solid bagel you’d get elsewhere. But as is the issue with most bagels is keeping them fresh. Maybe I'll be the next PopUp?

A criminally slept on restaurant because apparently no one wants to go to pier 17, but the peoples champ Mr. Jean Georges always delivers here. I love that this dish is warm- not cold not hot, WARM. How often is a dish described like that? This might be one of the best bites you can get in new york.

Rezdôra - Anolini Di Parma

You almost don’t even want to eat the pasta served here because it’s all so beautiful looking. They’re sorta hardos here but that’s okay when you create things like this. In one bite you get meat, cheese, breadcrumbs and a little tang of beef broth… delish.

Dallas BBQ - Brisket Torepdos @ Ten50 & Brisket Eggrolls @ Blu’s

You really have no idea how much you miss real BBQ in NYC until you go to a place like Texas and gain 10 pounds in a week. The Torpedos on the left are those bacon wrapped jalapenos stuffed with brisket and Cheese. Clogs my heart just thinking about it but it was unreal. On the right were brisket eggrolls that blew my mind. a BBQ and Asian dish combo is a match made in heaven.

Nick and Sam’s (Dallas) - Stairway to Heaven

I don’t even want to say how much this dish cost especially for only 24oz of meat, but if you never had a wagyu omakase…. its an experience you cannot turn down. 8 steaks, the first were US, Australia and something else🤷‍♂️. The last 5 were Japanese and I kid you not , you didn’t even have to chew. They melted in your mouth with such rich flavor. 100% worth it.

Crane Club - Preserved Tomato

One of the biggest surprises for me this year was this joint. Being a TAO restaurant i expected a scene (which was incredible) but I didn’t think the food would be anything special. Couldn’t have been more wrong. Whole meal was incredible and these might of been the best tomatoes I’ve ever had.

Gjelina - Roast Chicken

Had a lovely group dinner here with my mates. Vegetables and Pizza is the main focus here but our uninhibited waiter said you have to get the chicken. If you know me you know I’m a huge roasted chicken guy and happy to report this joined the upper echelon of city chicks. Great skin , perfectly cooked, and nice savory sauce- ming.

Tony Luke’s (Philadelphia) - Philly Cheesesteak

Why is it that NYC has so few good cheesesteaks ? It’s a pretty slutty meal I know, but the joy of crushing one especially with a few (or a gazillion) drinks in your system is a feeling unknown to man. I mean look at these stacked on each other, soaking it up !

Kneads (Westport)- Smoked Turkey w/ fennel & peaches

Kneads stays winning always, amazing breakfast and lunch sandwiches consistently. Look at that bread i mean gaddam. Smoked turkey combined with fennel, grilled peaches, and whatever else made for an awesome bite. Love to see peaches featured in dishes- very underrated stone fruit !

il mulino - Fruit Sorbets

il mulino with lobster steve is one of my favorite nights of the year. I usually could care less about fruit sorbets but this was actually incredible and a great presentation albeit my terrible photo. Ever flavor corresponded to the fruit they were in (i said no shit to myself as i wrote it). The coconut was my favorite.

My Focaccia 😮‍💨

Starting to impress myself with how good my breads are. Sliced those potatoes thin and cooked perfectly with the bread, awesome switch up from my usual. This roasted tomato / garlic one ….. i don’t even know what I did to make it look like that but i absolutely crushed it. Hard not to be cocky when you able to do things like this, you saw the dogs reaction right?

Bars you need to visit - Red River Dance Hall & Horse with no name

Literally one of the best bars I’ve ever been to in my life. The middle is a giant line dancing circle with a bar. The outside consists of all different drink stations, surfaces, bulls to ride, and concert stage. An hour goes by of country music than all of a sudden it switches over to club music for 15 minutes where all the girls get up on the elevated surfaces and proceed to shake ass. It’s quite possibly the best loop of all time.

There’s like no pictures of this spot somehow but trust me its the wine bar you need to go to. Great wine list all at affordable prices. Vibe is retro cowboy sort of ?) (might be a reach). And its in the east village aka the best neighborhood in new york. What more can i say ? (Jigga voice)

Thought this place was a joke based off the name alone, turned out to be one of the most underrated sando spots in new york. Homemade sausage with mozzarella, pesto, and broccoli rabe was sick. also it doesn’t look like it, but the bread is insanely good.

Forgione - Fried Minnows

Felt like I had to include this one in because 1) it was actually really good 2) don’t think I’ve ever seen these on a menu 3) these things actually have a decent amount of meat on them ?! Novelty first people

Altro Paradiso - Candele Cacio e Pepe

Another underrated Italian spot imo. Super consistent, great pastas/mains, and open seemingly all day with no BS brunch menu (a nod to my mom). I don’t know whats up with perfectly cooked al dente Candele but it has rapidly ascended my top noodle.

Captain Lou's (South Haven, Michigan) - Bang Bang Shrimp

While driving across redneck land in the Southwest of Michigan you suddenly cross into The Cape Cod of Michigan (not really)- South Haven. The town seems very gentrified until you stumble into Captain Lou’s where they use the model of Hooters. Well the hook landed on me and I’m happy because I had some great beers, great views, and great bang bang shrimp.

Nubulez - Jamon Iberico + Pan Con Tomate

In reality the food here sorta sucks, but the views and drinks make up for it. However, there is nothing I love more in life than Iberian Ham paired with Pan con Tomate. Not the best I’ve ever had but it satisfied the craving for sure.

4 Charles Prime - Little Gem Salad w Crab Cake

I flex my double digit 4 Charles visits all the time but this was my first time pairing the crab cake on top of the little gem. One of the cleanest salads and the cleanest crab cakes out there, this dish should be spoken about more.

Edith's Brooklyn - Totkes

Had no idea what these were going to be but I fall victim to “Our Famous” attached to anything. Latke Tater Tots were something I didn’t realize I needed in my life and I’m happy to no longer go without knowing.

The Progress (SF) - bbq liberty farms half duck

Didn’t think I would find another duck this year that I would regard as high as Francie’s but here we are - The Progress was insane. Look at how that breast is cooked, does not get more perfect than that. Also they threw in a confit leg and wing just because ? It’s hard to call a dish that’s $80 a steal but that is exactly what this is.

Manitas Cafe (SF) - Breakfast Burrito

Did a lot of extensive research on the best burritos in SF and almost gave myself an aneurysm from it. Luckily, Manitas was a common answer and not 5 miles away so it made for an easy pop in. Pretty ridiculous, blows most of the NYC one’s out the water.

Homemade Pizza at Paw Paw Lake

The summer culture in Michigan is one of the biggest secrets in the US and I hope it stays that way. Pontooning, endless rum punches, and cookouts beats anything you can do in the Hamptons (hehe). Making homemade pizzas in a wood oven is a top experience. A lot of fun to make, mess up, and honestly it just tastes better.

Places you should drink at - Kato Sake Works, Noc Noc (SF) & Reeve Winery (Healdsburg, CA)

As an avid sake drinker I had Kato marked on my list for awhile but regrettably find myself less in Bushwick. Finally made it over and it was awesome, legit taproom with great homemade drafts & live music (lot of showtunes…) - run don’t walk.

This has to be the most unusual bar I’ve ever been to. The best way I can describe it is ‘Imagine being transported to Mos Eisleys Cantina on Tatooine except its sort of tribal and you think beetlejuice might explode out of the wall at some point and the guy who runs the joint probably knows some things about the Zodiac killer.’ In other words, UP my alley

Great small winery up in Healdsburg that I’m pretty sure if it was any chiller, peoples hearts would stop. Great wine tasting, wood fired pizzas, goats you can feed straw too, and you feel like your in a boutique AirBnB. Buy a case of the Ya Moon.

Have had some crazy meals here but this was perhaps the best one. Chef did a tasting menu for us and while everything was awesome, these two first dishes were mind blowing. I don’t nomrally care for caviar but that on top of an egg custard torched oyster was a new high. Also yeah apparently these are scampis not langoustines (i was corrected), sweet tender meat with garlic bread crumbs - think clams oreganata on steroids. My boy Tommy said “illllllll”

Quaterdeck (Martha’s Vineyard) - Lobster Roll

Not the BEST lobster roll on the island but my favorite because it is quick and easy in the middle of Edgartown. Also definitely the most fair priced one and it is LOADED on lobster meat, no skimping at the Quaterdeck ay ay captain. Cash only

Rose Marie - Patty Melt

Sprinted here as soon as it opened since Yellow Rose is one of my favorite spots in New York. This one is more Southern cooking rather than TexMex but everything was great. Patty Melt topped Vermont cheddar, griddled caramelized onions & stacked on Texas Toast was perfect. Great room here too

Massara - Candele

Was worried it wouldn’t be the same here since the old location is closed right now due to a kitchen fire (Artie Bucco) but the pastas are amazing. This was my favorite, doesn’t look great in the pic but Ragu Genovese mixed with parm and perfectly al dente Tubular pasta was obscene.

Lei - Hand Rolled Cat Ear Noodles

I was thinking something much more diabolical when i saw cat ear noodles but its just noodles shaped like floppy cat ears. Moving on…. the restaurant is amazing, crazy wine list and great aesthetic in a room no bigger than a tiny studio apartment located on Doyers street which is unique. This dish was great, noodles with braised lamb lotta cumin and tomato taste in it - must go spot here.

Lions Bar - Fried Mozzarella

Obviously the burger is the talk of the town here and rightfully so. But first time having the Mozz and was sorta shocked how good it was. Barely taste the fried edges, cheese just melts right away in your mouth. Felt like a kid again. My boy E said “Mad illll”

Chrissy’s Pizza - Half n Half

Finally, pizza that lives up to the hype. Personally I’ve always favored a more New Haven style pizza- thin crust but still plenty of sauce. This reminded me of Sally’s which is very near and dear to my heart. I thought it was impossible to replicate but Chrissy’s may be the 2nd coming.

Raoul’s - Steak Au Poivre

Pretty undeniable at this point that there probably isn’t a better Steak Au Poivre in the city than Raoul’s. Steak is killer but the sauce…. have no idea what they do to make it so good (witchcraft?) but it really is spectacular. Love it here.

Mavericks (Montauk) - Bone-In Tuna Ribeye

On the annual Montauk trip I’m always very hopeful that there is a stop at Mavericks included. It goes against what most people are out there to do, but if you don’t make it here you’re depriving yourself of one of the best dining experiences you can have. The bone in tuna ribeye is one of the best tuna dishes I’ve ever had. Look’s like a steak but you cut into it and its a perfectly cooked medium rare. Tuna freshly caught, melts in your mouth.

Fairfax - Burger

First time coming here since it was Bar Sardine funny enough. Such a great burger that is happy to be unique and its own thing. Hold’s their own in NYC burger ranks, kudos to the boys and girls at Fairfax.

Me - Seared Scallops over Linguini + Cherry Tomato Shallot Jam & Key Lime Pie

I love Scallops and if you haven’t read this article on them then I suggest you must (I know the author, good dude). Most people like to cook them down in a lot of butter and a creamy sauce, I rather have their taste stand out and be complimented. Linguine with the sauce being broken down jammy cherry tomatoes and shallots made them pop like the girl wearing pink at the club.

There’s nothing like key lime pie with a homemade graham cracker crust. The pie tang matched with the sweetness of the graham crust is a homerun on the texture & taste front.

$40 cocktails and Great Times - Crows Nest

Another Montauk highlight is going to eat at the Crow’s Nest. One of the only restaurants in the world you don’t care about waiting for your table. You sip on your $40 watermelon vodka coolers (actually really good) on their beach (its a pond with sand) while you watch people take thirst traps and kids splash in the water as their parents are too wrecked & vibing out to care. You finally get your call up to the table and climbing back up that mountain feels like your getting promoted to the major leagues. Food is awesome, whipped ricotta probably deserved a shoutout on here but there was a lot going on. Everyone who works here is hot- between the vodkas, wine & other suitors its almost impossible to think of something that would actually land on a server here. You get dessert not cause you want more food, you just want to stay longer because it is impossible to have a bad time here. Baruch Hashem the Crow’s Nest.

I’ve eaten at Nobu 1000 times in NYC (21, can you do something for me ?) but I’m pretty I’ve never had this dish before. Snapper sashimi you don’t get often which is awesome I’m pretty positive raw fish in olive oil is the new iteration of Kobe & Shaq.

Bar Tizio - Meatballs

New restaurant from Jon Waxman who heads the kitchen at the iconic Barbuto. If you’ve eaten there before I hope you have had the meatballs, they’re utterly ridiculous and may be the best in the city. This sister restaurant also produces some good balls albeit different. Me and the waiter recognized each other here which was funny.

Bobbi's Italian Beef - Italian Beef

Just in time for the release of The Bear I came here for a Chicago Italian Beef with 4 different dip options and it slapped. I don’t think I could eat this every day or week but I get why everyone goes crazy for it chicagah. CORNER !

Capital Grille - Porcini-rubbed bone-in Ribeye

Have been to this specific location over 100 times but first time in awhile and the poricini ribeye remains one of the best steaks in the city. Something about the mushrooms infusing with the balsamic reduction makes this just incredible.

F&F Pizzeria - Clam Slice

When it comes to clam slices, Pepe’s takes the crown but this slice I think I actually like more. F&F goes for more of a clams oreganata approach and when you dress it up with the lemon you can see & smell it come alive (not actually, fun fact clams don’t have brains).

Public Records - Potato Latke

Usually shy away from Vegan restaurants even though I’ve been here plenty of times for drinks and concerts. But part of the scheme to get into the Bob Moses concert was to eat brunch here which was surprisingly really good. Their potato latke special built a la Hasselback with a tahini & garam masala sauce was awesome.

Cucina Alba - Baked Ravioli

Had no idea what to expect here but it was an absolute knockout. Thiccc mozzarella baked in homemade pasta with balsamic & parmigiana. I would go as far to say to come here to the bar for a martini and order this - knowing you have dinner in an hour elsewhere.

A&C Super - Sausage Egg n Cheese on Poppy Roll

New addition to my favorite breakfast sandwiches is this really adorable (yes I’m allowed to say that) spot in Williamsburg. Look at how beautiful the poppy roll is, the cheese pull, the egg yolk dipping out, and the sausage that you can’t see but trust me its great.

Daphne's - Tres Leches Tiramisu

Amazing time eating here, one of my new favorite spaces in the city for Italian - worth the trek to Bed Stuy. Small menu, great drinks, and stellar food - nothing too flashy but everything worked. Was absolutely stuffed then saw this on the menu and had to go in on it. Tres Leches cake topped with cocoa powder and unreal tiramisu cream.

Experiences- Roll n Roaster / Farmer in the Deli

Ever since I saw the F*ck Thats Delicious episode where Action Bronson and his goons get stoned, drink Moet, and eat hundreds of dollars worth of food as this joint out in Sheepshead Bay…. I had to go. Happy to report the roast beef IS that good, the cheese fries are amazing, the pizza is beyond shitty but fun, and the Moet is the perfect compliment to this body numbing meal.

Another absolutely hysterical spot out in Fort Greene where the catch is deli sandos… chopped up ! Never thought so hard about what to get in a deli sandwich until I got here and it was intimidating to say the least. This one was turkey with a bunch of stuff in it with the kicker being Doritos Cool Ranch chips. Not sure if it was delicious or disgusting but I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Homecooking Produce- Caprese + Win Son Cucumbers

Fresh Heirloom Tomatoes and Mozzerella from Westport’s own farmers market made for an amazing Caprese salad. Nothing you haven’t seen before but you can’t beat fresh produce thank you Rick.

Do yourself a favor and make these cucumbers for your next dinner party. Ever since I had them a couple years ago I think about them constantly. Pretty easy to make, really cool way to cut them up, and excuse the lack of fried shallots. I burnt my hand while frying them which ended up burning them.

Calling it right now - this is the new upscale charcuterie board for seafood lovers. You can make a great plate going to your local fishmonger, grabbing a few different sashimi’s, and slicing em out & putting em up on olive oil with chives / capers / shallot. If I’m your guest I’ll go wild for it.

La Tete d'Or - Razor Clams

Probably one of the most underrated pieces on a raw bar menu. It pretty much is just a sweeter scallop and as someone on the record as a scallop lover, hell ya brother.

Kneads - Bacon Egg and Cheese

One of my go to’s whenever I’m home in CT, it’s a perfectly curated sandwich. Flakey croissant, sprouts, crispy shallots, whole grain mustard, sunnyside up eggs, locally sourced cheddar and thicccc cut bacon. If that doesn’t get a yas queen idk what will.

Tong - Massaman Brisket

The definition of maturing in eating Thai food is realizing that not all curries need to be spicy to be good. Also brisket couldn’t be a better choice of meat to soak up in the Massaman sauce. Branch out of your Thai comfort zone (I wouldn’t consider this branching out but just in general).

The Snail - Caesar Salad

It was a toss up between the burger and the salad but the salad prevailed as my favorite. It’s eerily familiar to the Monkey Bar & 4 Charles versions but different in its own way with more an emphasis on the lettuce standing out imo.

Frankel's Delicatessen - Pastrami Egg and Cheese

Probably one of the best breakfast sandos in new york. Egg cooked with swiss cheese topped off with generous pastrami chunks on a toasted roll hot sauce on the side, perfect. Greenpoint is such a food wagon and if you’re sleeping on it you better wake up.

Via Carota - Tagliatelle w/ parmiagano, prosciutto & peas

Funny enough I felt like this was a random throw in for the legendary Via Carota, but it happened to be my favorite pasta of the night. It was so unexpectedly light and airy, not weighed down by the cheese or ham one bit. This blew away the cacio e pepe which may get me in trouble with a certain friend who claims it changed his life.

Defonte's Sandwich Shop - Sinatra Special

One of the best sando spots in new york consistently delivering. The Steak Pizzaiola (which I assume Sinatra loved) is always a must order, it melts in your mouth and washes the pain of the work day away. Also if you have enough heads the fried shrimp with the spicy marinara sauce is a must.

estiatorio Milos Toronto - Grilled Lavraki

Don’t remember being blown away from a piece of fish (let alone sea bass !) in a long time but this was beyond amazing. And yeah I did fall for the whole take a tour of the fishes and see them up close shtick. But it made me feel important and fulfilled when I had a table full of happy folks.

L’Apéro by 4F - Tahini Cookie Sundae

Apparently they were out of everything I wanted to order for dinner when I came here, but the famous L’Appartment Tahini Cookie with homemade ice cream and a luxardo cherry on top made the entire meal for me.

Me- Croissant Boule

I fall for all the viral recipes not through TikTok but the sourdough moms online forms. This Boule involved grating up and putting frozen butter into your stretch and folds which resulted in this buttery flakey masterpiece. Will be repeating this one.

Wine I would not pay for myself- Vosne-Romanee Les Suchots 2019

Sat down at Carne Mare for a drink which turned into drinking a bottle of this beauty. It is the definition of one of those wines that you drink on an empty stomach on a chilled day in your house and don’t even think twice about what you’ll have for dinner. This filled you up and you’re not just satisfied, you are STUFFED.

Best place to drink wine outside- Cherry on Top

Drinking here from the day into the sunset made me reconsider never wanting to live in Bushwick. Its quiet, pretty, full of scenery in forms of nature & people, and also had some kick ass wines too. So I ask… Me & Who ?

Who knew opening a Bond St sibling in Roslyn, Long Island would be a hit? i kid i kid but this meal was absolutely incredible. Hard to pick just one but the A-5 Wagyu seared on the hot stone had to be the most memorable bite. Marc is the man !

Raf’s - Chestnut Ravioli

Chestnuts are perhaps the most underrated nut in the tree nut family. The only reason I could come up with for why they aren’t featured in more dishes is that they are annoying to cook. This paired perfectly with Sage and Brown Butter, more people should be talking about Raf’s it’s a beautiful dining room with a great open kitchen.

Le B. - Le Burger

My good buddy JC brought me here for an exclusive burger night (typically they only do 9 a night) and it was ridiculous. By the looks of it you’d think chewy but it melted in your mouth with this french d'Affinois cheese & caramelized onions. I’d say its better than the Black Label at Minnetta if your looking for my honest opinion. Met chef Angie Mar too she’s lovely.

Los Tacos No 1. - Chorizo Breakfast Burrito

I have a lot gripes about the hour of day I go to work but perhaps my biggest is not being able to swing by the Church St Los Tacos donkey cart for these breakfast burritos. These would literally fix me on the days I need fixing (typically wednesday and friday mornings to be specific…. maybe every day on second thought?).

JG Melon - Key Lime Pie

I feel like everyone went through a Key Lime pie phase in their life where they’re obsessed with it and suddenly their tastes change. A full slice especially after a JG burger is sorta too much but a couple spoonfuls with your buds hits the spot.

Lord’s - Veal Sweetbreads & Tuxedo Martini

Lord’s has to be one of my favorite dinners of the year especially since I wasn’t too excited for it because of British cuisine stereotypes. However the meal blew me away. The Tuxedo Martini is one of the best cocktails I’ve had in awhile, it tasted like a sweet nothing (whatever that means). And the Sweetbreads were unbelievable- crispy, tender, flavorful - paired beautifully with the hen of the woods shrooms & broccoli rabe. Better than Chambers, yup I said it.

Kiki's - Saganaki

A sunday funday that led us to reenact a Game of Thrones dinner at Kiki’s was just what the doctor ordered. Usually I’m used to being treated like I live underground by the people who work here but they were really nice this time around. A fried cheese pastry slathered in honey, sesame seeds, and lemon is just absolutely smashing.

Upland - Crispy Duck Wings

Used to come here like once a quarter with my mom so very good to be back. A great birthday dinner crafted by our good pal MTO landed us in the party room downstairs and I totally forgot how good these duck wings are. If it weren’t for a deep convo with Aunt Mary, I would of remembered to stuff some in my coat for later.

Me - Matzo Ball Soup

Ever since I started to actually cook I love cooking holiday dishes especially Jewish ones. Gives me pride to cook my own version of a cuisine that I think is really underrated and I get to compare myself to my families cooking lol. My balls were light and fluffy, think next time I’d like my balls a little more dense- okay enough now.

Bar you should go to - Adore

Man I love the east village and it’s always great to see new spots open up that take after the neighborhood’s demeanor. This is such a great place for a group of people, the tables are designed to feel like living room setups and they always have someone spinning vinyl’s. Very cozy and a solid wine list, also the guy who runs it is named Yoshi …. need anything else ?