“What is your favorite restaurant in New York?” is, without a doubt, the most frequently asked question I hear. It is a difficult one to answer. I usually reply with a question of my own “In which category?” That seems the easiest way to narrow the field, because I do have many favorites.
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Old age and too many trips around the block have left me a bit blasé and jaded. I have less and less patience for the high prices, mediocre food and un-attentive service of many Gotham eateries. I have de-volved in to a creature of habit, preferring to frequent my list of sure-things, in-between meals at all the next-new places as they open. If I’m going to spend the money, I’d rather go here (in alphabetical order).
Cones, 272 Bleeker Street, 212.414.1795
Grand Sichuan, 229 9th Avenue, 212.620.5200
Panya Bakery, 10 Stuyvesant Street, 212.777.1930
Wow Mme Snack, four of my favorites. Both Cones and Grand Sichuan always so enjoyable; I spend so much money there! Until the waitress at the Ninth Ave Grand Sichuan get to know you, they assume you won't want the huai gwûh rou (double cooked pork) fatty or spicy. But you definitely want it that way. At the St Marks location, they fortunately give it to you this way. And only the 2nd Ave location has the astouding boned lamb chops and my favorite noodle dish chuan bei liang fûn (cold bean noodle in spicy peppery sauce). The tacos at La Esquina are probably the best in Manhattan, and it was fun to watch the World Cup on their outdoor tv. Finally, Will Goldfarb of Room 4 Dessert was so charming earlier this week on the hottest night of the century. And he just changed the menu, offering even more intriguing $12 tastings. I would happily die there eating all his desserts. Can't wait to try Mme Snack's other great selections!
Posted by: Steven | August 04, 2006 at 10:30 AM