100 BEST ’18: Top Ten (Numbers 10-6)

I’m counting down the 100 best dishes I tasted in 2018…

One thing I vowed to do this year is to eat less meat. And I was mostly successful at that, as is evidenced in my list of 100 Best dishes. I found some amazing vegetarian (and vegan) food around the city. It’s easier and more exciting than ever to eat less (or no) meat in NYC. But it was also a good year for simplicity. Many of the dishes on the following Top Ten contain very little fuss – just good ingredients with traditional preparations and that usually equals deliciousness in my book.

NUMBER 10: DINNER at MOMO TEST KITCHEN

This exclusive multi-course meal is totally under-the-radar for now and I was fortunate to get to experience the Momo Test Kitchen before it was discovered by the masses. In the Brooklyn Army Terminal commercial kitchen space of Momo Dressing, co-founder Yukimi Momose prepares traditional Japanese dishes with some of their housemade sauces and dressings. Highlights include an earthy dashi-based hot pot with meaty mushrooms and pork meatballs, pressed sushi, and an appetizer platter to end all appetizer platters,

NUMBER 9: CRAWFISH at LE SIA

Some people might be horrified to see a big bowl of red insect-like crustaceans put in front of them. But then you’re missing the pleasure of crawfish boils. The Beijing-style newcomer Le Sia amps up the flavor by allowing you to choose your sauce. I recommend the numbing and spicy option. In addition to those promised flavor profiles, there’s also a nice hit of salinity and a surprising addictive sweetness. Slurp out the tail meat, dip it back in the flavorful broth, and suck out the rich funky head bits. Savor and repeat. Price: $15/pound

NUMBER 8: TROUBLESOME JELLYFISH from FIFTH HAMMER BREWING COMPANY

For me, the most exciting brewery to open in the last year or so is Fifth Hammer. It’s the brainchild of Chris Cuzme and his wife Mary Izett, both heavyweights in the craft beer world. The greatest example of their brewing prowess was the elixir held inside a colorful can labeled Troublesome Jellyfish. It was a New England-style IPA made with a double dry hop of Mosaic and Motueka varieties. It had a thick mouthfeel but went down so smooth. It basically tasted like pineapple juice with barely a hint of alcohol. And at 7.7% ABV, that can be quite dangerous. It’s currently no longer available, but if we are lucky in 2019, Fifth Hammer will brew it once again. Price: $19 per 4 pack

NUMBER 7: CÓCTEL DE CAMARONES Y PULPO at LA ESQUINA DEL CAMARÓN MEXICANO 

Mexican Cócteles are more related to shrimp cocktails than the Old Fashioned but both will certainly give you a rush. The version at this secret Mexican counter contains chunks of meaty (and I mean meaty) octopus and shrimp floating in a liquid base of housemade tomato sauce, lime, olive oil, and clam juice then garnished with onions, cilantro, hot sauce, and a generous helping of avocado. It’s served with a spoon and a side of Saltines (which can be crushed up and mixed in for extra texture and salty sustenance). I couldn’t get over how delicate the flavors were here – sweet and briny with an overwhelming freshness. I really wanted to toss the spoon and drink this like… well, like a cocktail. Price: $9-$23

NUMBER 6: THE SOUTHSIDE at SOUTHSIDE COFFEE

It takes a lot for an egg sandwich to make its way onto this list. When I tasted the Southside at the neighborhood coffee shop of the same name, I knew exactly where it belonged. Fluffy organic scrambled eggs, tender ham from Heritage Meats, and sharp Cabot cheddar cheese were expected. The one component that was not expected is what brought this entire masterpiece together. It’s something called breakfast mayo, a sweet/tangy/addicting condiment made from eggs and oil, sure, but also maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and coffee grounds. Price $9