Food Adventuring Around NYC
The Place: If it weren’t for the blackboard on the sidewalk or the intoxicating smells seeping out the door, you’d think Yanni’s Coffee was just a neighborhood third wave coffee shop. And you’d be right. I especially love how this is the one and only location. Yanni’s does not look to be trying to conquer …
I’m counting down the 10 best dishes I tasted in 2025… This was the year where I surrendered to the fact that I won’t experience every single viral dish in the city and, frankly, realized I don’t really want to. While a few of the hottest and most in-demand bites found their way on my …
THE PLACE: Been a while since I took myself out to a fancy new hotspot. Markette, in one of the least attractive streets in Chelsea, fits the bill nicely. The vibe is like a fancy hotel lobby with a tranquil bar and dining room. Service is friendly and attentive and this would be a great …
The signs are everywhere, splattered all over the city that you need to try the viral Dubai chocolate. Have you spent your life’s saving to try this chocolate bar? I don’t get it – what’s all the fuss???
Just like the rest of New York City, I’ve fallen hard (in that 90’s high school crush sort of way) for crisp, seasoned smash burgers Even if I wanted to, I can’t stop dreaming about them…
Have you noticed that coffee shops now moonlight as florists and flower shops are now also cafés? How often do we need both flowers and coffee at the same time? Perhaps I have not thought of every single situation…. until now.
THE PLACE: While not as over-the-top with crowds as other similar trendy chef-driven places, Shukette is still a popular night out. With enough planning, reservations are not completely impossible. Even if you end up at the bar, like we did, it’s still pretty comfortable with a casual but energetic vibe. There is also a chef’s …
Almost anyone who’s dipped their toes in the NYC food scene know about Los Tacos No. 1. The local chain is showing tourists (and locals) that Mexican food in New York is so much better than Pedro Pascal realizes. Hope he hears this joyful cheer for Los Tacos No. 1…
I’m counting down the 10 best dishes I tasted in 2024… As I put together my list of the ten best dishes I tried in NYC, I realized just why I love this city. I didn’t purposely curated this list to be diverse in terms of neighborhood, cuisine, or price point. It just ended up …
As the weather has slowly started to get a bit chilly, it’s finally officially ramen season. I say officially because, of course, ramen is in season all year long. It’s sort of funny that now that the weather has cooled and I finally found my way to the Chelsea favorite Jun-Men, I ordered a noodle …
My wife who is gluten free, almost gave up gluten free bagels for good after breaking a tooth on one of them. This was during the early days of COVID and the possibility of seeing a dentist was terrifying. Don’t worry, it all turned out ok with her and her tooth. But she has been …
I’m very excited to start another search for another iconic New York dish. This one has always been in the back of my mind, but now that I have a seven-year old who loves when I bring him home cookies, it’s a no brainer. I’ll officially announce my search for the best black and white …
On a recent trip to South Florida to visit my family, I thought we should take this video series on the road and share it with some of Sam’s cousins. And since we would be in the most southeastern part of the country, only one country made sense to tackle. Considering the food and ingredients …
While they are not the only things on the menu, skewers are the star of the show at the new hip Thai restaurant Sappe, from the owners of Soothr. Aside from chicken satay, I didn’t usually associate Thai food with sticks of meat. But what do I know? These are called “Ping Yang” and are …
There are certain dishes that get credit for being invented in New York. Baked Alaska, Waldorf salad, the Cronut, among many others. But on that often gets overlooked are those ubiquitous Cold Sesame Noodles. Found in most Chinese takeout restaurants, the story goes these were invented by Taiwanese chef Shorty Tang at his restaurant Hwa …
I hope this doesn’t come out wrong, but while COVID was a horrific tragic time for so many, I also look back to the time of the lockdown with a bit of nostalgia. There were so many exciting innovations happening – especially among the food and drink world. One business that started during the pandemic …
I have fond memories of doing an impromptu restaurant week lunch at Aquavit a few years back before Marcus Samuelsson was on every commercial and cooking show this side of the Food Network. I was less impressed years later at Red Rooster. But now I was excited to try a brand new restaurant of his …
I love, love raw oysters on the half-shell, but I would rarely pick a plate of them as a dish of the week here in NYC, because they don’t usually reflect much more than good sourcing and storage. Sure, a chef has to be able to shuck them well and serve them quickly. There is …
One of my favorite parts of vacations in Mexico, aside from the beach, mezcal, and the ability to practice Spanish, is the breakfast at the hotels. Without fail, we are offered a plate of what some might call nachos. In reality, these are chilaquiles and they are a great way to eat chips for breakfast. …
That corner spot in front of a busy subway station is prime real estate for a quick and fast NYC joint. And Flé Flé Grill lucked out here when they opened in 2018. Set up like a Mediterranean Chipotle, this is quick and cheap and on the healthier side of fast food. I hear good …