Jean Georges (New York)

We arranged our dinner at 3 Michelin star Jean-Georges as a way to wrap up our visit (in my case, reward for a few days of business meetings).

We went for the prix fixe menu of 4 courses. I really enjoyed my foie gras brulee with smooth foie working so well with the candied pistachios. My partner’s trout and oyster tartare was such a smart combination. Our meat courses of duck breast and lamb were beautifully presented and the meat perfectly cooked. Service was impeccable from start to finish and we thank them for a great experience.

Details:
Jean-Georges
1 Central Park West
New York
http://www.jean-georgesrestaurant.com/jean-georges/

Neta (New York)

After a full day of sightseeing we headed to Neta for dinner, we decided to order the ‘omakase’ (chef’s choice) to sample the best that the restaurant can offer.

The meal was a progression of fantastic flavours starting from the fresh Dungeness crab salad, to tataki, uni and scallops, tempura, salmon tartare on rice… then to a series of sushi. Our highlight of the meal was definitely the melt-in-your-mouth toro sushi and the overflowing uni suishi.

What a way to end a fantastic day!

Details:
Neta
61 West 8th Street
New York, NY 10011
http://www.netanyc.com

Momofuku Má Pêche (New York)

We arrived at Momofuku’s Má Pêche restaurant on a very wet New York morning for breakfast. Situated inside a Midtown hotel, it is very close to the shops on 5th Avenue.

The breakfast menu is consistent with the Asian theme and has a twist from the Momofuku’s classic. I had the egg bun with pork belly which was delicious especially with the crunchy fried potato bits. The rice cakes with fried egg and sausage was really rich and filling, great for a cold New York morning.

Details:
Momofuku Má Pêche
Located in Chambers Hotel
15 west 56th Street
Between 5th + 6th Avenue
New York, NY 10019

NoMad Restaurant (New York)

We dined at Daniel Humm’s (of Eleven Madison Park) new restaurant inside the NoMad Hotel in midtown New York, opting for a more casual setting than his 3 Michelin star establishment.

The highlight of the meal was the roast chicken with foie gras and black truffle to share. When presented in whole, it smelled fantastic. The skin was perfectly crisped up by the foie and the breast meat extremely tender. Other dishes were also excellent. My cauliflower starter was very sophisticated with different textures of cauliflower combining with almonds, cheddar and grapes. It was quite an eye opening meal.

Details:
NoMad Restaurant
Inside The Nomad Hotel
1170 Broadway & 28th Street
New York, NY 10001
http://www.thenomadhotel.com/#/dining

Grimaldi’s (Brooklyn New York)

We visited Grimaldi’s as part of a day tour in Brooklyn for lunch over a couple of slices of pizzas. Once entered into the restaurant you see the brick oven and the pizzas being rolled out in front of it.

The simple margherita pizza was excellent with a fantastic crust. The mozzarella cheese and fresh tomato worked so well together. No wonder the place is voted as New York’s #1 pizza!

Details:
Grimaldi’s
Under the Brooklyn Bridge
1 Front Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
http://grimaldisnyc.com

Carnegie Deli (New York)

Upon arrival in New York, first thing first – a deli sandwich. We strategically booked our hotel close to the famous Carnegie Deli. The menu has all the classic sandwich combinations that the deli is famous for. We decided to share ($3 extra) a corned beef sandwich, rather than going for the Woody Allen (corned beef + pastrami).

The sandwich was so big I struggled to hold it together. The 2 inch stack of corned beef was moist and tender, perfect with mustard, and most importantly not very salty. Pity we didn’t have room for a slice of strawberry cheesecake after.

Details:
The Carnegie Deli
854 7th Avenue at 55th Street
New York
http://www.carnegiedeli.com

Wafels and Dinges (New York)

On the first morning of our New York visit, we went to the nearest Wafels and Dinges stand for breakfast. We did not check the opening times for the day so we ended up standing in the cold for 30 minutes waiting for the stand to open.

The soft liege wafel was a delight to eat, especially with the spekuloos spread (think nutella plus peanut butter – but nicer). Pity the wafel cooled down too quickly in the weather. In our next visit, we hope to find the food truck to try the crispy Brussels wafel.

Details:
Wafels and Dinges
New York
For locations check out http://www.wafelsanddinges.com

Grand Central Oyster Bar (New York City)

Arriving at New York City at night after work on train, the group visited the Oyster Bar at the Grand Central Terminal for dinner. An institution recommended by many food critics around the world, the restaurant was still half full despite being close to 10pm.

With much expectation, the food unfortunately missed the mark. While my deep fried oysters were plumped and soft on the inside, the Maine lobster cocktail was not super fresh. My friends’ lobster salad and crab cakes were not great either.

Details:
The Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant
Lower Level, Grand Central Terminal
89 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017
http://www.oysterbarny.com/

wd~50 (New York City)

Battling jetlag, I visited the Michelin-starred wd~50 for dinner on a rainy New York evening. Specialised in molecular gastronomy, I was delighted by the food served. The crab roll entrée (in a soft hot dog like roll) was amazing when eaten with the little crispy salt ‘n vinegar chips. My main course was a deconstructed Manhattan clam chowder. Served as a piece of snapper on what appeared as stock, the flavours combined beautifully when mixed into a chowder and enhanced by the subtle oyster crackers.

Special thanks to the helpful staff who offered me an umbrella after the meal.

Details:
Wd~50
50 Clinton Street
New York, NY 10002
http://www.wd-50.com

Katz's Delicatessen (New York City)

A day of leisure in New York City was all I needed to explore what the city has to offer. For Sunday brunch I headed to Katz's Delicatessen for the famous Rueben sandwich.

At the sandwich bar, the friendly staff offered a couple of slices of meat for sampling upon ordering. Make sure you give a generous tip to sample other cuts of meat. My sandwich was big – with a full inch worth of corned beef accompanied by sauerkraut and cheese. I didn’t feel hungry for the rest of the day while shopping at nearby SoHo.

Details:
Katz's Delicatessen
205 East Houston Street (corner of Ludlow Street)
New York City, 10002
http://www.katzsdelicatessen.com