100 BEST ’15: Top Ten (Numbers 5-1)

I’m counting down the 100 best dishes I tasted in 2015…

I have such fond memories of eating some wonderful dishes in 2015. But these five were so surprising and hugely delicious, that they stand above all the rest. While I still can taste their flavors in my mind’s palate, I can’t wait to truly try them again.

NUMBER 5: KASHK BADEMJAN at TASTE OF PERSIA

In the coming weeks, I will be releasing a video all about Persian food in the city and it will feature Saeed Pourkay talking about his incredible dishes. My favorite at his hidden counter inside a non-descript pizzeria is the kasha bademjan. For those unfamiliar with Persian food (or Farsi), this is a delicate, richly flavor eggplant dish. The browned eggplant is sweet and nutty; its flavors enhanced by lots of garlic, onions, and an amazing thing called kashk (drained sour yogurt whey).

NUMBER 4: FEDORA BURGER at BAR SARDINE

I had some really great burgers this year, but the one that I crown as the best was the modest little creation available at Bar Sardine in the West Village. I even send tourists to this local spot to get a taste of the flattened potato roll filled with an excellent chuck and brisket patty. It’s topped with smoked cheddar, frizzled potato strings, and a sweet/smoky barbecue mayo. Crisp, crunchy textures shine alongside the complex juicy flavors. And it’s rightfully named king of the burgers. Price: $13

NUMBER 3: CANELÉ at BOSIE TEA PARLOR

Food tour groups go up and down Bleecker to the usual spots, like Murray’s Cheese and Amy’s Bread. But they never wander down Morton Street to try the best French pastry in the neighborhood. Unassuming Bosie Tea Parlor offers a full-on tea service and pastries to go. However you get it, make sure to try the canelé – with a dark caramelized crust that breaks open to reveal a soft, eggy vanilla-scented cake. Price: $3

NUMBER 2: POP’S PASTRAMI at HARRY & IDA’S MEAT AND SUPPLY CO.

SADLY, HARRY & IDA’S MEAT AND SUPPLY CO. IS NOW CLOSED.

It’s rare that a chef re-invents and reinvigorates the classic pastrami sandwich. But Will Horowitz has gone above and beyond at his new butcher and sandwich shop. The place specializes in smoked sandwiches and nothing is better than the pastrami. It’s as tender as anything from Katz’s with layers of smoke, pepper, and meaty goodness in each bite. The brilliant combination of pickled cucumbers, tangy mustard, and fresh dill separates the sandwich from the usual Jewish deli construction. Price: $17.50

NUMBER 1: HONEY BUTTER CHIPS at OIJI

The most exciting meal I had all year (at Oiji) was capped off by a plate of potato chips!?! These incredible, unique bites are listed as a side but are served as a dessert. The freshly fried potato slices are glazed with, yes, butter and honey. There’s also a surprising dusting of cayenne pepper to give the dusg a slightly, smoky, savory note. No question, though, they are an indulgent sweet, rich capper to an exquisit meal. And I literally could not stop popping them in my mouth. They are something I will think about long after 2015 has come to an end. Price: $6