The Usuals
Before we get too deep in the hype, let’s first look at some of my favorite spots. All these places have been tested, and re-tested, for deliciousness.
The Hype
Some spots that I caught wind of, in no particular order. If you're in the know of some tasty eats, email me at chris@yubites.com.
Salare Restaurant
JuneBaby
Blank Space Cafe photo taken by vvanessapl
Bateau photo taken by pm_foodie. Still on the hype list
Asadero Sinaloa. Pic thanks to Kelly Le.
Café Vizcaya photo thanks to Warren Chin
Cycene photo taken by Justin Oba.
Shiro's Sushi photo thanks to Annie Lu
The Fat Hen Photo credit to Chey.
Arashi Ramen Photo thanks to Emily B.
Krasnodar Bistro This pic is thanks to Oleg Sukhman.
Butcher Bar Pic thanks to Samantha Basile
Nick Tahou Hots Pic thanks to Bobby Belgium.
ABC Kitchen Photo credit to n.y_240.
The Soup Bowl of Park Slope. I couldn't find a photo worth using, so I decided to just make my own. This is what I imagine this soup of miracles would be like. Like many New Yorkians, I too dreamt of soup on long winter nights. For me its usually Tomato soup.
Jake's Handcrafted Der Kommissar Formerly known as Der Kommissar, Jake's Handcrafted is on the list for hot dog hype. Pic thanks to jakeshandcrafted
The Queens Kickshaw Pic thanks to Queens of Queens NY
Plump Dumpling Pic thanks to m_y_h_us
Vanessa's Dumpling House Photo thanks to Bread Bunny.
Ashbox Photo thanks to Meghan
Ravagh Persion Grill Zereshk Polo. Photo credit to Alexis Patterson.
Four & Twenty Blackbirds Photo credit to Taste Notes.
Little Skips Photo credit to Megan.
Lionie's Italian Heroes Photo credit to Lionie's Italian Heroes.
Ba Xuyen Photo credit goes to Rena.
Peter Pan Bakery Photo credit to Jess Eats Ice Cream.
Peter Luger's Steakhouse Pic thanks to Ellie.
Milk and Cookies Bakery Photo credit to NYC Eats.
Diner Photo credit to Zoe Neuschatz.
Creo-ru (くれおーる 京橋本店) Marie's description will make you want this too. "However, not all takoyaki are created equal. I strongly recommend Creo-ru, where each little ball is prepared with finesse and the sauce is to die for. It’s easy to spot--this shop always has the longest line in Dotonbori, despite all the competition (and the wait is totally worth it). If you’re a true fan, you can head the first Creo-ru shop, located in Osaka’s Kyobashi neighborhood. I like to go here as it’s too local for the tourists so I don’t have to wait very long for these little bites of heaven." Photo taken by Marie
The Regrets
As they say, life’s biggest regrets are often things you didn’t do. Here’s a list of restaurants that made the hype list, but not my stomach. It should come as no surprise to anyone that running a small business is hard. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, 75% of new businesses survive the first year, 69% survive the first two years, and 50% make it to five years. Pour one for my homies.
Corton Word on the street is Corton has closed after Chef Liebrandt left in 2013. R.I.P. my hopes and dreams. Photo curtesy of Alberto Faccani.
Dassara Brooklyn Ramen. Word on the street is they are closed. Photo curtesy of Dassara Ramen. Hopefully they'll reopen again the next time I find myself in Brooklyn
"Fat Boy Food" Cart There are many food carts on 8th ave, and apparently there is one ran by a huskier fellow who's said to be the best food chef cart in the area. I only know the place by the name Fei Jai Dong. Though I can't help but think it's probably just Fat Ni BBQ Cart doing their side hustle. Photo credit to Nicole.
Also, they're grilling on charcoal. If you don't know why charcoal is superior, then you ain't livin' right.
The Backlog
Restaurants I’ve tried, but just haven’t gotten around to writing about. If you’re curious about anything in particular. Hit me up, I’ll write about it (or at least I’ll try to)
Tarsan i Jane Because homie loves spanish food. There are unspeakable things I would do for paella. Photo credit to Katherine Guzman Sanders.
Isarn Thai Soul Kitchen photo thanks to Lia.
FRANK Restaurant This is a pic thanks to frankprisinzano
The Butcher’s Table photo taken by Mike Pope
Tsukushinbo. Photo credit to Andy Bokanev.
Musashi's Photo thanks to John.
Richmond Night Market Photo thanks to Jessie Chiem.
Hurry Curry of Tokyo Photo thanks to Sushirina.
Katsu Burger Photo thanks to Lucy Dang.
Momofuku Pic thanks to Jennifer.
Momofuku Milk Bar. Photo thanks to Alison Quirk.
Xi'an Famous Foods Photo thanks to Julian.
Craftsman & Wolves Pic thanks to Monica
Taiwanese specialties. We went to Elmhurst for the stinky tofu, but never got around to making an actual blog post about it. So was it worth the trel? Yes. Yes it was.
Cones This is a paragraph
5 Napkin Burger. This is a paragraph
Annisa
I actually ended up going to this place, but unfortunately didn't take many photos. photo credit goes to @ari102 It was delicious and I would definately go back. Chef Anito Lo is just a badass.
Russ & Daughters Photo Credit to Sophie
Veniero's Italian Bakery This is a paragraph
Panya Bakery This is a paragraph
Cafe Zaiya. Shoutout to Katherine and Maggie for the awesome photo.
Olea Mediterranean Taverna I was able to grab a bite there while I was still in NY, but wasn't aware it was tapas. I'm not the biggest fan of tapas mainly because I'm not a wine drinker. To me tapas without wine is like dim sum without tea, except exponentially more expensive and smaller portions. Tasty food, but wouldn't go again. Photo credit to Nicole
Peak's The Bite I wanted to take here was their horchata frozen custard. The owners are from Wisconsin, so you know they do it right. Unfortunately they are now closed. Photo cred to Susan. I will have to live vicariously through your photo. Fortunately they still pop up at Farmer's Markets and such and their vanilla and chocolate flavors are still thick, rich, and awesome (like Beyoncé.)