As my interest in food & cooking has grown exponentially over the last several years, I've had the opportunity to dine at some really amazing places. To me, food is an much an experience as it is a necessity; the presentation should be a work of art, and the taste should be thoroughly savored. I will not pass up an opportunity to taste the work of a master chef. So, to that end, I thought I'd list a few places here for anyone who might be traveling; I whole-heartedly recommend them all. In fact, can't wait to visit them again myself! (Note: Kansas City has so many good places that I posted them separately.)
NEW YORK CITY:
Nobu is unquestionably one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. Both times that I've been. If you're not familiar with Japanese food the menu might seem intimidating, but don't let that stop you if you're a seafood lover. You must try it, and the chefs and servers are always willing & capable of making outstanding recommendations. In fact, don't bother ordering off the menu—just tell them to bring you the good stuff. Experiment and try things you may not ever see on another menu: chef Nobu Matsuhisa is an original. You'll need to make reservations far in advance, unless you happen to get lucky like I did. Don't risk it.
'Wichcraft (Multiple Manhattan locations)
Nobu is unquestionably one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. Both times that I've been. If you're not familiar with Japanese food the menu might seem intimidating, but don't let that stop you if you're a seafood lover. You must try it, and the chefs and servers are always willing & capable of making outstanding recommendations. In fact, don't bother ordering off the menu—just tell them to bring you the good stuff. Experiment and try things you may not ever see on another menu: chef Nobu Matsuhisa is an original. You'll need to make reservations far in advance, unless you happen to get lucky like I did. Don't risk it.
Tom Colicchio's chain of sandwich joints, cleverly named after his original NYC restaurant, Craft. I had the grilled asiago cheese & carmelized onions on country bread. Amazing. Get two or you'll be hungry in an hour (granted, I have a hell of an appetite). Don't miss the peanut butter sandwich cookies—grown-up cousin to the Girl Scouts version. And a lemon Pellegrino. There's also a companion book in case you get hungry at home.
Rosa Mexicano (locations in several cities; I've visited both Lincoln Center & Union Station in NYC.) Inventive Mexican cuisine & fun decor, with large central blue mosaic water feature with tiny diving guys springing from it.
CHICAGO: I found Rick's restaurants completely by accident. I had driven up to Chicago to catch the Puffy Amiyumi show (or was it Polysics?) Walked by, hadn't yet eaten dinner, it smelled amazing, and I went inside... and was treated to an incredibly delicious & unforgettable meal! You must get the guacamole and anything with chihuahua cheese.
Frontera Grill 445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610 312-661-1434
With its decor of folk art and vivid colors, Frontera is a fun experience on all levels. It has an ever-changing menu & artistic dishes by chef Rick Bayless. Save room for dessert. Next door (also by Rick Bayless) is Topolobampo, a little more high-end and equally delicious.
With its decor of folk art and vivid colors, Frontera is a fun experience on all levels. It has an ever-changing menu & artistic dishes by chef Rick Bayless. Save room for dessert. Next door (also by Rick Bayless) is Topolobampo, a little more high-end and equally delicious.
TOKYO: If you find yourself all the way over in Tokyo, don't miss Gordon Ramsay's luxury restaurant on the 28th floor of the Conrad Hotel in Shiodome. French cuisine in Japan. So good you almost can't descibe it without using The 'F' Word.
LOS ANGELES: For me, one of the great joys of visiting LA (aside from visiting my sister, of course) is to enjoy top-notch sushi. And I've had some of the best sushi outside of Japan in LA, both at upscale restaurants & at modest shops in Little Tokyo.
Zip Fusion 11301 W. Olympic Blvd. Suite 116 Los Angeles, CA 90064
On the high-end of the spetrum, Zip Fusion presents breathtakingly beautiful maki and inventive combinations.
On the high-end of the spetrum, Zip Fusion presents breathtakingly beautiful maki and inventive combinations.
For a quick, inexpensive & fun experience, head to Frying Fish. It's かいてんすし\ (kaiten-zushi); with the rotating sushi bar where you can pull your selections directly off the belt, or summon the chefs working furiously in the center to make your favorites just for you. Pricing is determined by the color & pattern of the plates you select. Don't let the older chef trick you into thinking the giant pot of wasabi is green tea ice cream! He's a troublemaker.
OMG I just made myself totally hungry!
(photos are from each restaurants' website)
(photos are from each restaurants' website)
Waw... It's very complete information for me... Thanks Jen... *(beck)*
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