Wednesday 20 May 2009

Calling all New Yorkers, past, present (and future)

The time has come to reach out and metaphorically shout out into the global street that is the Internet. You're time has come. I need you. Yes, you. Don't duck down at the back there, I can still see you.

We're off to New York on Friday.

For me, it's a first. The GF has nibbled at the Big Apple many times before but I am yet to taste the sweet flesh.

Naturally, I am planning a gastro-tour of truly epic proportions. Sure, we might have time for MOMA or a stroll through Central Park but, really, we all know it's about the food.

And this is where you come in. Thus far the list is short - and the words mean nothing to me, yet but they make GF make 'oooo' noises: Mac 'n' Cheese at Freemans, street dog with everything, bagels from H&H, pilgrimage to Les Halles, midnight cupcakes at Magnolia bakery. And even Sunday brunch at Balthazar - if the budget stretches.

Are there any glaring omissions from this list? Or mistakes? Please share below. There may be a drink in it for you...

Thanks y'all. Any input greatly appreciated.

15 comments:

Ollie said...

Luger's temple to beef across Brooklyn Bridge (and while you're there, Jewish food and a key lime pie); Chinatown; loads of Mexican; Lombardi's in Little Italy for a piece of historic pizza; Katz's deli where Harry met Sally; and brunch.

Su-Lin said...

My first trip to NYC was last year! My friend dragged me off one day to get a knish - yummy mashed potato in a thin bready crust.

I also went to Shake Shack for burgers and Babbo for their pasta tasting menu.

Sacramento said...

Used to live there and this is my top three list for whenever I get the chance to visit.
Momofuku for pork buns, ramen, and the Momofuku dessert and milk bar where you should get the arnold palmer cake!!
Arepas at Caracas.
A pretzel croissant and hot chocolate with a marshmallow from City Bakery.
And definitely go to Balthazar!!

Sacramento said...

Oh, and forget H & H for bagels. Go to Absolute bagels on Broadway between 107th and 108th. Small family place, wonderfully nice, and even better bagels!

Alicia Foodycat said...

I've never been to New York, but surely there is room for pastrami on rye from a deli in your itinerary?

MarĂ­a said...

I'd recommend Bagel Bob's on University Pl. between 9th and 10th, also Spice (NOT Spice Cafe) for Thai on University and 13th, Crumbs for cupcakes over Magnolia's, and the absolute beauty that is Joe's Shanghai for Chinese on 9 Pell Street (yes, you want soup dumplings. Pork), which you can follow with some delicious cannoli (try the totally not traditional chocolate covered ones!) at Ferrara Cafe on Mulberry and Canal. All cheap places, for more expensive I recommend Bottega del Vino on 59th and 5th. I'll probably add more as I remember, I base my NY life around food.

Hopie said...

Another great brunch place (one of my favs) is Sarabeth's Kitchen, but the one on the east side: 1295 Madison Avenue (at 92nd Street). There are a couple locations and not all are equally good in my opinion. But their eggs benedict is amazing! (And so is the rest of their food -- I had one of the best fresh tuna salads ever there.) Oh, and you don't mention it, but if you want bookstore recommendations, just say so! There are some wonderful little ones in NYC. I'm sure you'll have a great time :-)

Anonymous said...

Skip Magnolia (unless you want to really see if the hype is worth it!) and go to Sweet Revenge, in the west village. I would agree wiht Sacramento on his spots.
I would also go to Minetta Tavern, try and go at like 5:00, for a table, because it is one of New York's newest hot spots.
Also, try Pearl Oyster Bar for their lobster roles - AMAZING!!

Laura in Paris said...

Have a great stay!

Kathleen Bade said...

For sushi and well a sleek contemporary atmosphere...

Blue Chili, in Hell's Kitchen.

I've blogged in my NYC posts
if you want a peek.


I'm serious. You won't be disappointed.

ex-lawyer said...

i would visit one of the momofukus -- noodle bar or ssam bar; milk bar if you want something sweet.

taste traveller said...

Grey's Papaya for juice. And maybe a hot dog. Above all else, go to Shanghai Joe's for soup dumpligs (not dumplings in soup, dumplings filled with soup). I'm so jealous!!!

we are never full said...

many many omissions - pizza? jamaican patties? possibly some burmese food or any hole in the wall colombian restaurant in jackson heights. it's all off the beaten, non-touristy ny which is where it's at for me! maria is right on - magnolia is alot of hype and uber touristy. try crumbs... ohhhh crumbs.

Anonymous said...

Second various suggestions of Momofuko. And the shake shack. It's not brilliant, but it is an institution.

For pastrami it has to be Katz's on Houston. I would also suggest Barney Greengrass, the sturgeon king, on the upper west side for another kind of deli experience.

For Chinese, I'm a big fan of Grand Sichuan. A bunch of them in NY but my favourite is at 50th and, what? 9th? Midtown anyway. you'llm find it in Zagats, which is a must.

Oh, and just stop off for half a dozen oysters at the oyster bar in grand central. It can be done pretty cheaply if that's all you order...

Jay Rayner

Jonathan said...

Probably too late for a recommendation now, but Supper on 2nd St and Ave A is excellent italian with an impressive wine list.