NOV. 2018 DINING OUT: NYC

New York City is known for its diverse landscape of culinary offerings as well as world class entertainment venues. This fall there is plenty to discover from Michelin inspired Japanese to French Northern California cuisine, boozy brunches, and decadent cabarets.

Mifune New York

Named after Toshiro Mifune, the revered Japanese actor famous for his emotional portrayal of samurai warriors, MIFUNE New York is taking the NYC dining scene by storm thanks to its cast of top young chefs with extensive Michelin-starred experience.    Hiroki Yoshitake, the chef/owner of Michelin-starred Sola in France who trained under Iron Chef Hiroyuki Sakai, developed the delicious menu.  Helming the kitchen as head chef is Yuu Shimano, previously of Guy Savoy's eponymous three Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris.

The menu is based on Washoku cuisine—traditional Japanese cooking that places supreme importance on the seasonal bounty of the land and sea which has been reimagined using French techniques and Michelin starred attention to detail.  The minimalist space was designed by Katsunori Takeuchi and inspired by nature which sets the stage for what is to come.  

The jewel of the restaurant is the nine course Chef's Tasting Menu that showcases the unparalleled talent of the kitchen and changes seasonally.  The fall menu includes delicacies such as smoked Botan shrimp and caviar, truffle and mushroom chawanmushi, seafood bouillabaisse, snow crab and liver croquette, wagyu ribeye, anago sushi with a porcini and truffle croquette, and the chef's selection of sashimi. 

This sublime omakase menu is enhanced with the wine and sake pairing.  For a more exotic combination try one of Shingo Gokan's carefully curated cocktails that blend traditional cocktails with the fusion of fresh Japanese liquers and juices.  

245 East 44th St. 

New York, NY 10017

212.986.2800

mifune-restaurant.com

Paella Sundays at Boulud Sud

Even if you can't hop on a plane to Spain you can still experience the culinary flavors of the Mediterranean with Paella Sundays at Boulud Sud.  Available every Sunday, this Upper West Side Mediterranean gem serves Family-style Tapas, authentic Paella "Valenciana" topped with fresh mussels and jumbo prawns, crispy Churros with melted chocolate, and a complimentary glass of Sangria for $49 per person (2 persons minimum) starting at 5 pm.  

Boulud Sud is Chef Daniel Boulud's vibrant celebration of the sun and the sea located by Lincoln Center. Drawing inspiration from the coastal Mediterranean, including France's Côte d'Azur, Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Israel, Turkey and beyond, the menu emphasizes regional flavors, featuring an abundance of fresh vegetables, seafood, citrus, grains and herbs. Complementing this breadth and depth of Mediterranean soul, the wine list ranges from French rosés and Italian reds to more unique expressions from Greece, Spain and other coastal regions.

20 W 64th St.

New York, NY 10023 

212.595.1313

bouludsud.com

The Pandering Pig

The Pandering Pig is the best kept secret in the beautiful enclave of Hudson Heights, that combines innovative renditions of classic French dishes with a distinctively Northern California flair.  Originally from Marin and Sonoma, owner and Executive Chef Nicole O'Brien and her husband Wine Director Senator O'Brien have brought their love of music, theater, and Northern California gastronomy to create this culinary oasis to the western shores of Northern Manhattan. 

Taking inspiration from Julia Child and James Beard the menu has balanced flavors using the best ingredients of the season.  Start with the French pate board for two with a selection of foie gras, duck rillettes, and charcuterie with brandied cherries.  For vegetarians, there are plenty of options such as the Sonoma fig and olive tapenade over goat cheese served with buttery garlic toast, or the roasted brussels sprouts dripping with creamy California Point Reyes blue cheese. 

Entrees show Chef O'Brien's signature Fre- No- Cal influences with classic French dishes such as the lamb shank braised in white wine, bone in short rib Beef Bourguignon made with a trio of secret spices for a sweet and savory punch paired with parmesan mashed potatoes, coq au vin with creamy polenta, and a seasonal fish of the day.  Their signature dish, the Poulet de Sonoma is marinated in herbs de Provence and Northern California white wine, complemented by Sonoma ingredients of peaches, blueberries, olives and capers, served over braised rice and roasted asparagus. 

The wine list has been carefully developed by Senator O'Brien with many wines hailing from Provence, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Napa and Sonoma.  Or try some hard to find batch produced spirit selection that have been sourced from around the world.   

209 Pinehurst Ave. 

New York, NY 10033

212.781.3124

thepanderingpig.com 

Bartschland Follies

As the home of Sleep No More, The McKittrick is known for its unique theatrical experiential experiences found nowhere else on the planet.  For their latest entertainment offering they combined forces with downtown doyenne Susanne Bartsch to create Bartschland Follies.  For over three decades Bartsch has been a staple in the transformation and evolution of NYC nightlife delighting audiences with her outlandish costumes and providing a venue for countless creative souls and "creatures" to express themselves, come together and escape the humdrum of everyday.  This eclectic and eccentric cabaret extravaganza delights with unexpected surprises that is like a decadent burlesque circus comprised of drag queen club kids in madcap fashion providing entertainment for an unforgettable night.

Held in The Club Car, each week Bartsch will host with Ziegfeld babe Dee Dee Luxe, drag super star Shequida, and a roster of thrilling performances by nightlife icons Joey Arias, Amanda Lepore, Murray Hill, Fou York, Dirty Martini and many more. Acts range from musical numbers, strip tease and circus feats to art installations, comedy and contortionists presented in ways you've never seen before in an intimate setting.

Tickets range from $35 for General Admission, $75 for Reserved Seating, and $150 for a Cloud Nine Champagne upgrade with chilled bubbly. Doors open at 10:30pm and all guests must be at least 21 to enter.

542 West 27th St.

New York, NY 10001 

212.904.1880

mckittrickhotel.com 

Bar Belly

Bar Belly is a cocktail and oyster bar and one of the hottest spots located on the Lower East Side.   While it is best known for its lively happy hour, seasonal cocktails, and nightlife scene, Bar Belly also serves a fantastic brunch every Saturday and Sunday with a variety of live music performances and elevated comfort fare.  

Indulge in savory favorites such as the avocado or spicy sopressata toast.  For heartier options choose the Buffalo shrimp and cheesy grits, belly baked eggs with tomato sauce and pepper jack cheese, or hangover cures such as fried chicken and waffles, lamb sliders, or The Hangover with short rib and potato hash, fried egg topped with a spicy avocado and tomatillo sauce.

Start your weekend with a decadent brunch cocktail such as the spicy bloody mary fired up with soy sauce, roasted Thai chili sauce and firewater, or the caffeine laden Dead Witch with cold brew, vodka, cognac, coffee liqueur, and coconut milk.

Fun seasonal cocktails include the Dancing Queen, made with pear-infused vodka, pear eau de vie, American fruits apple liqueur, tarragon tincture, lemon juice, mint syrup, and sparkling wine or Cinderella Mans, made with rose hips infused barsol pisco, monkey shoulder whiskey, raspberry eau de vie, raspberry syrup, beet juice, lemon juice, and nutmeg.  

14 B Orchard St.

New York, NY 10002 

917.488.0943 

barbellynyc.com

Tang Hotpot

Tang Hotpot is a modern Chinese restaurant serving authentic Sichuan hotpot recipes and is located in Lower Manhattan. Hotpot is a traditional Chinese dish made in a simmering pot of broth that diners can cook a variety of raw ingredients at the table and then eats with customized dipping sauces.

135 Bowery

New York, NY 10002

917.421.9330

tanghotpotnyc.com

Bào Tea House

Located in Greenwich Village, Bào Tea House is serving both sweet and savory bào, filled bun or bread-like dumplings that have diners wanting to come back for more. Bào Tea House is creating traditional Chinese delicacies with a modern twist, such as their Choco Milk Bào, sweet baked buns with chocolate, filled with iced milk custard, and topped with almond and cocoa.

140 West 4th St. 

New York, NY 10012

646.833.7870

baoteahouse.store

Noted Tribeca

Noted Tribeca is an all-day café and bar serving Korean-American cuisine. They serve tea and croissants by day and tapas and cocktails by night. The stylish eatery that is tucked away in Tribeca makes for a great brunch and cocktail spot with a fun atmosphere for all to enjoy.

112 Hudson St.

New York, NY 10013

646.398.7807

trycaviar.com

Sall Restaurant and Lounge 

Sall Restaurant and Lounge invites guests to eat, drink, and have fun at their fun, new chic restaurant located in the heart of Mid-Town in Hell's Kitchen.  The New American and seafood cuisine eatery is an all-day restaurant serving brunch, lunch, happy hour and dinner.  Be sure to try one of their specially crafted cocktails and enjoy the sleek and modern design of the restaurant. 

818 10th Ave. 

New York, NY 10019

212.601.2643

sallrestaurantnyc.com