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NYC FAVORITE EATS

Jennifer Mejia

 
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I’m wondering if anyone else has seen enough turkey and stuffing to last them for another year? While I love Thanksgiving, the sheer amount of food prepared and consumed over the long four-day weekend is obscene. I think I’m one of those people who only eats turkey around Thanksgiving, not counting a turkey sandwich here and there, of course. But because no family ever eats all of the food prepared for that day, there’s somewhat of an obligation to eat as much as possible before the weekend is over. Sadly, I believe I personally consumed an entire pumpkin pie (yes, that’s eight slices) from Thursday to Sunday, including one slice as part of a healthy breakfast this morning.

Not surprisingly, I’m looking forward to getting back to meals that do not include anything that once gobbled or is orange. Fortunately for me, New York City has some of the best restaurants in the world. And given that the holidays are officially here, I thought it might be nice to list some of my favorite restaurants for those native New Yorkers who are looking to get out and celebrate a little and for those of you who might be visiting during the holiday season. A seat at some of these joints is often hard to come by, regardless of the time of year, but especially between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Open Table and Resy can be helpful in your search, but I’ve found it’s always better to call, as sometimes the restaurant will confirm a spot that isn’t showing online. But if both avenues fail, don’t despair, as people always cancel, so keep calling up to a few hours before you want to dine. In addition, many places also take walk-ins, so if you have the time to go early around 5 pm when they open for dinner, your chances of getting a table without a reservation are still promising.

If you have any questions on these restaurants or others not listed here, you can always contact me. I love playing travel agent. Here are my favorites, in no particular order. Bon appetit!

 
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at Gray’s Papaya enjoying a…hot dog!

 

GREEK
Milos (I’ve always known it as Estiatorio Milos) in midtown is my favorite Greek restaurant. I’ve loved Greek food ever since we honeymooned in Greece in 2006! It’s difficult to compare to restaurants in Greece, but Milos does…it’s that good! The restaurant is also stunning. All of this comes at a price, BUT you can always go for lunch and order off of the $32.00 three-course prix fixe menu. It might just be the best deal in town!

ITALIAN
I’ve never trusted a person who doesn’t eat pasta. My love for Italian food knows no boundaries, except for cannolis and tiramisu, which I don’t really care for. For Italian cuisine, I really couldn’t limit my favorites to one. So I’m giving you three.

Marea is everything wonderful that you could imagine. Why? Because they serve two of my favorite things—pasta and crudo—and they do it like no other. But that’s not all. Want oysters on the half shell? Check. Caviar? They have that, too. And all of the cooked fish and pasta you could want but never knew you needed. They offer a four-course prix-fixe menu that is a bit steep, but a la carte is also an option.

Emilio’s Ballato on Houston Street doesn’t even have a website. They don’t need one. They also don’t take reservations, unless your name is Alec Baldwin, who we saw the last time we dined there. But they take walk-ins, and as luck would have it, we went on a very cold night around 9 pm and didn’t wait at all. They serve all of the classics like spaghetti and meatballs, which are the best you’ll ever have and smell sooooo good. But they also have nightly specials, and I recommend trying those, as well. It’s worth the wait if there is one.

If restaurants gave out frequent flyer miles, I’d have a ton at Lupa Osteria Romana. When we lived downtown, I think we ate there at least twice a month. Owned by Joe Bastianich (started as a partnership with Mario Batali, who is no longer involved), it’s the best Roman cuisine at a reasonable price. They also have daily specials, and you’re a fool if you don’t order one or two because they are masters at preparing seasonal ingredients.

STEAK
Strip House Downtown is the place to go for steak. For this restaurant, I think location matters a lot. Downtown’s red and dim interior gives it a sexy vibe to go along with the delicious food. The midtown location is too corporate. Fabulous steaks, an outstanding wine list, and raw oysters are a few of the reasons it’s been on my tops list for years.

SUSHI
There is no shortage of fabulous sushi restaurants in NYC. Thankfully. Because if it wasn’t for the fear of mercury poisoning (and my budget), I think I’d eat sushi every day. Right next to Lupa on Thompson Street in the West Village is Tomoe Sushi. You’ll know it when you see the line down the sidewalk because they don’t take reservations. Besides Lupa, I think I’ve been to this restaurant the most out of any in NYC. You go to Tomoe for the fish, not for the ambiance or decor. It’s nothing fancy. But I promise you will not be disappointed with the sushi. They only accept cash and American Express. And it'’s difficult for them to accommodate parties larger than five.

Also in the West Village is Neta. I’m usually a gal who likes her sushi simple. But Neta dresses up raw fish better than anyone. The best part is that every server we’ve had has been spot on for recommendations. So if you’re not sure what to order, fingers crossed you get someone just as knowledgeable. But to be safe, sit at the sushi bar. Those guys know what’s up.

When I worked in the food industry, the account rep at the agency we hired was a huge foodie. He introduced me to Jewel Bako, and I’ve never looked back. While it’s a hike from our present home on the Upper West Side, it’s worth the trip to the East Village. It’s a bit expensive, but it’s a sexy setting and the sushi doesn’t get much better. As with Neta, it’s wonderful if you can snag a seat at the sushi bar.

FRENCH
I don't know if it’s just me, but I’ve never found great French food that comes cheaply. So when I want good French food, I usually reserve it for a special occasion. Hands down, Daniel is the best I’ve ever had. The entire experience is top notch. The restaurant is gorgeous, the service impeccable (they even give you a little stool on which you rest your handbag), and the food is what I’d request for my last meal on this great Earth. It’s a special occasion type of place (I went for my 40th birthday), but if you’re visiting, I think that’s a special occasion. Go for it! And get all gussied up. It’s not a jeans and t-shirt type of place. But the service is not stuffy.

I went to Gabriel Kreuther to celebrate another birthday. I wanted to kiss Chef Gabriel after my meal. As with Daniel, perfect food, service and ambiance. It’s also right at Bryant Park, so taking a stroll before or after dinner just adds to the experience.

BURGERS
As I was typing this section title, I was about to write “Burger Joints.” That’s kind of funny because a favorite burger joint of mine is called The Burger Joint, and it’s off of the lobby of the Parker Hotel (formerly Le Parker Meridien). You enter through a thick velvet curtain. It’s dark but not depressing. You order at the counter and find a seat while you wait for them to prepare your food. You’re going for burgers, fries and a milkshake. Oh, and onion rings.

We used to go to Corner Bistro in the West Village a lot when we lived a few blocks away, but we haven’t been for years. That said, it used to be a favorite, so if you’re in the ‘hood, I’d say it’s worth a shot.

NEW AMERICAN
Anyone who knows NYC might think this is a no-brainer, but I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t include Gramercy Tavern. I don’t know of any other restaurant that has consistently fired on all cylinders for so many years running. The tavern where you enter is gorgeous…like something out of a fairy tale…perfectly rustic and chic all at the same time. The food is perfection and the service superb without being stuffy. Reservations are hard to come by, but the Tavern is walk-in only, so go early and fall in love.

Tocqueville’s website says it’s French-inspired, but it’s New American in my book. The food is outstanding. Years ago, one of my girlfriend’s boyfriends rented out the private dining room for dinner with her parents. Someone was trying a bit hard, don’tcha think? So I was reluctant to try it, thinking it would be too stiff for me. And while I wouldn’t refer to it as a hip restaurant, it’s lovely and the food is outstanding, and I consistently return, year after year. Not in the private dining room…in the main restaurant. (Insert wink emoji.)

 
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Photo via La Mercerie Cafe Instagram

BEST BRUNCH
La Mercerie Cafe downtown is a feast for the stomach and eyes. While you can go for dinner (they’re open until 10 pm), I think brunch is a much better choice so the light pours in to illuminate the stunning space. Oh, and did I mention that it’s one of Ina’s favorites? Sold!

KOREAN BBQ
Koreatown is full of Korean BBQ restaurants. One of my husband’s business school classmates organized a group outing to one every year, and I’m actually going with friends this coming Saturday to one, followed by karaoke. That should be a night full of good stories. But if you’re not a risk-taker, you can head to Cote. Sadly Do Hwa in the West Village is now permanently closed, as that would have been my first recommendation. But Cote is wonderful and indulgent with in-house dry aged beef you grill right at your table (without the smoke, which I sort of like for an authentic experience, but I’ll live!)

BEST “HAPPY HOUR”
If an early dinner fits your schedule and you’re looking to explore a popular family neighborhood, visit The Mermaid Inn on the Upper West Side. From 5-7 pm, this spot is the best deal in town. It’s a lively atmosphere so although you’re going for the food, it still has that happy hour feel. $1.25 oysters on the half shell and $6.50 fried clam sliders are two of my favorites. And of course, lower than usual cocktail, beer and wine prices. We take our kids, and you can, too, as they have a wonderful kids menu to boot. But it’s still hip and not at all overrun with toddlers.

DELI
On Houston Street is Katz’s Deli. I don’t think my mouth will ever be able to open wide enough to take a full bite of one of their sandwiches. It’s the only place to go if you want to visit a quintessential New York deli.

HOT DOGS
And last but not least, there are hot dogs in NYC. I’m at the famous Gray’s Papaya on the Upper West Side in these photos. There aren’t any seats, but that means the service is fast. The hot dogs are surprisingly decent, and you can wash it down with a delicious papaya drink. If you're going to get a hot dog in NYC, avoid the street carts and head to this spot right by the 72nd Street 1-2-3 train.

I hope you’ll try some of these places if you haven’t. If you do, please write to me and tell me about your experience. Bon appetit!