Contra - A Gem in LES

October 22, 2013 by Jesse Hsu in Manhattan, NYC, LES, Restaurant, Review

I first met Jeremiah Stone back in September at a pig roast in Williamsburg. Night had fallen and I was devouring a chorizo caramel ice cream from Oddfellows when Michelle introduced us to her friend, Jeremy, was opening up a restaurant called Contra in early October on the LES.

He was amped about the progress; with 2 weeks left before opening, the decor and furniture were installed and the 5-course, $55 prix-fixe menu of New American cuisine were in the final stages of development.

Last week, Michelle called in a reservation for what turned out to be an enjoyable experience for our group. The five of us sat comfortably at 2 veneered wooden tables near the bar. By the time we ordered the extra bread and cheese course, the restaurant was humming along, filled with patrons eager to try the food.

Minetta Tavern - Best Steak I've Ever Had

October 10, 2013 by Jesse Hsu in Manhattan, NYC, Restaurant

My inaugural Minetta Tavern visit did not yield the best impression. My party of four was wedged into a wobbly table located in the middle of the cramped dining floor while servers brushed past our chairs every few minutes. Our goal was to try the $26 Black Label burger - delicious but not worth the price.

With that being said, their 45-day Dry-Aged Côte de Boeuf ranked high on a list of best steaks to try in NYC so...

Bassanova Ramen vs. Ippudo

August 14, 2013 by Jesse Hsu in Restaurant, NYC, Manhattan

“ps- I'm taking you to the best ramen place in the city this week- Bassanova on Mott (canal). it is blog worthy.”

I was curious to try this ramen for 2 reasons.

Reason 1: This email came from Julia, a coworker who is your average picky eater. Her idea of chinese food is chicken lo mein, fried rice, and General Tso’s.

Reason 2: The chef, Keizo Shimamoto, has recently been in the news for his buzzworthy Ramen Burger which had a very long line during its Smorgasburg debut. After apprenticing with ramen masters, including Ivan Orkin, Keizo opened the original Bassanova in Tokyo to acclaim.

The Greatest Hits at Gramercy Tavern

July 07, 2013 by Jesse Hsu in Restaurant, NYC, Manhattan

Gramercy Tavern is one of those restaurants you have heard about but have never visited. Highly decorated along with its flagship sibling, Eleven Madison Park, Gramercy Tavern is known for its New American cuisine and as one of the pioneers of farm-to-table philosophies. Famed restaurateur, Danny Meyer, opened the restaurant in 1994, but you may know him more for his flourishing Shake Shack empire.

Danny Meyer’s establishments are known for their excellent customer service, and I had the fortune of experiencing it firsthand. Greeted by the scent of fragrant, golden-yellow bouquets, I was led to the packed bar by the hostess with a smile.