DINING OUT JUNE 2019: NYC

Thep

Thep, a Thai eatery named after Bangkok, which is often called Krung Thep or City of Angels, will indeed make you feel heavenly when you bite into their Basil Fried Rice or Pad Thai. You'll definitely want to be spotted in this Upper East Side neighborhood spot where they have everything from wok to noodles. The Lemongrass Pork Chop and Avocado Massaman Curry, made with white meat chicken, avocado, potatoes, onions and peanuts simmered in creamy coconut and massaman curry paste, are a few of the favorites at this decorative restaurant that also serves their signature Thai Iced Coffee or Tea, plus Lychee Thai Tea. 

Thep will treat you like royalty, especially with dishes such as Goddess Garlic and Queen of Siam Basil, while the Ginger Joy, sautéed with fresh ginger, scallions, mushrooms, onions and bell peppers in a light brown sauce, will have you jumping for joy with all the unique flavors brought together in one delectable dish. Their salads, including the Tea Leaves Salad or Papaya Salad, as well as the Chicken Satay, are sure to leave you satisfied, but your full Thai experience at Thep wouldn't be complete without trying the Pla Abb, a tilapia filet marinated with Northern Style Thai Curry Paste Wrapped in Banana Leaves, or the Volcano Chicken, a grilled whole Cornish hen topped with Thai herbs and a zesty BBQ sauce. Just make sure your taste buds can handle this flavorful explosion!

1439 2nd Ave. 

New York, NY 10021

212.392.6700

thepnewyork.com

De Mole

De Mole is known for offering the most de-licious and mouthwatering Mexican food in all of Brooklyn! With creative chefs cooking up authentic and delightful dishes, De Mole, whose name is based off of a legend, does indeed make legendary creations! Nibble on the De Mole Nachos made with black beans, cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream, or savor their Pan-Seared Salmon and other authentic foodie fare. 

Their specialties, such as the Cast Iron New York Steak, Tinga de Puebla, or Beef Brisket Stew, made with red rice, avocado, queso blanco, beans and corn tortillas, as well as the Pollo con Mole Poblano and Tampiquena, will have your taste buds tingling with excitement. You won't need to go to Mexico to find the most authentic Mexican meal of your life! 

With vegetarian options, salads and breakfast items, you can make De Mole the perfect go-to spot for any time of day, regardless of dietary restrictions. When it comes to their burritos, which are always bursting with flavor, you can choose from the Carne Asada, or grilled steak, Pollo, or Camarones with sautéed shrimp, vegetables and cilantro. The quesadillas and tacos are also tasty favorites, which will make you want to get down to De Mole!    

2 Hope St. 

Brooklyn, NY 11211

347.721.3399

demolehopest.com

Samwon Garden

One of the oldest Korean BBQ restaurants in South Korea, Samwon Garden Korean BBQ is bringing its original recipes and authentic flavors to New York City. Set your sights on their lunch Hansik Set, where you can try their Chadol Buchu, or sliced brisket and chive; the Buk Uh Gui, fried pollack filet with traditional spicy sauce; and Osam Bulgogi, spicy stir-fried squid and pork belly. Their barbeque dishes, which have developed a cult following, include the Daeji Bulgogi, marinated spicy pork shoulder; Samwon Galbi, marinated Korean traditional beef shorts; and Woosul, sliced beef tongue, which will definitely have your tongue wagging! 

Their barbeque is sure to have your taste buds on fire, while their mixologists mix things up with some of their seriously delicious drinks! Some of their mouthwatering main dishes include their signature Bibim Bap, a Korean staple, and nobody does it better than Samwon! This hot stone pot with rice and vegetables is available with bulgogi, spicy pork or fried tofu. Other Korean favorites, which are sure to become your own favorite dishes at this truly unique spot, include the Maewoon Galbi Jjim, or red wine sauce braised beef short ribs; and the Yeonuh Gui, grilled salmon with miso glaze. With so many palatable plates to choose from, you'll just have to keep coming back to try all their tasty and traditional dishes.

37 W 32nd St.

New York, NY 10001

212.695.3131

samwongardenbbq.com

Yume Japanese Funk Bar

You will be saying yummy to the Yume Poke and endless ramen dishes at Yume Japanese Funk Bar 345. Try their Classic Tonkotsu Ramen made with Berkshire pork broth, Mugifuji roasted pork, scallion, kikurage, menma and ni-tamago, or spice things up with the Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, featuring spicy mustard leaf, menma and chili. 

Taste the yellowfin tuna or other tasty treasures at this fun funk bar tucked away inside the bustling Hudson Market on West 57th Street. This scrumptious spot really hits the spot! Yume is already the ruler of all things ramen—just try the Gyokai Tonkotsu, a ramen noodle dish with rosu (pork shoulder), ume onion, bonito flakes, daikokn cress and ni tamago (soft egg) or the Roasted Veggie Curry Ramen comprised of vegetable vegan broth, miso soy, scallion, corn and ume onion. It might be vegetarian, but it's just as tasty, so you won't even feel like you're missing out on the meat! 

Munch on their mouthwatering and healthy Musubi, made with low-sodium spam, sushi rice, furikake, dried seaweed and mayo, or try the Japanese potato salad with shiso, house dressing, ni tamago and ao niri and dried seaweed flakes for the ultimate fun foodie experience! 

601 W 57th St.

New York, NY 10019

212.757.2893 

Zusik

Savor the best of South Korean fare at Zusik in the uber-trendy West Village, which just got a bit tastier! The two founders of this eatery offer authentic and fresh food, spirits and service from their homeland. Zusik's marinated and grilled Beef Short Ribs served over truffle mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of sea salt, plus their Braised Pork Belly, which makes the owners feel like they're back home in Seoul with its kimchi salad and soy bean paste sauce, will take your taste buds on a culinary food tour. Their traditionally prepared lunch sets feature Gui, pan-fried or grilled dishes, Dolsot, rice served in a hot stone bowl, Jjigae, authentic Korean stew and Jorim, which will have you tasting new and exciting flavors with every soy-sauced or seasoned bite! 

You can also get your brunch on with their signature scrambled eggs featuring kielbasa sausage, spam, vegetables, mushrooms and queso fresco, plus Truffle Mac and Cheese featuring a rice cake (your mom never made it like this before!). With Beef Ramen Pasta and a Kimchi Pancake, it's time to get this palatable party started with some of the most unique culinary combinations you've ever tried.  

202 W 14th St. 

New York, NY 10011

646.370.5331

zusikny.com