New York Food Porn

I have to prepare you,

because this post may be overwhelming, 

and will very likely leave you hungry..

but I just have to share my dining experiences from last weekend in New York with you.

So, without further delay...

I should really know better than to make dinner reservations for the night we're due to fly in. 

It didn't work out in San Francisco, and unfortunately, we got delayed during our flight into NY too. 

Our original plan was to nosh on a pre-fixe menu at Mr. Chow,

which I still want to check out some day,

but I can't exactly complain about our back-up option either. 

Blue Ribbon is one of those low-key spots that most natives prefer to keep to themselves. 

Lucky for us, we have some intel,

so when we needed a last minute, late night reservation, this restaurant jumped to the top of our list. 

We waltzed in right after midnight,

and although we were sat immediately, I can't say that the place was empty.

In fact, the restaurant filled up to capacity pretty soon after we got there,

and by the time we were leaving (around 2 a.m.) there was actually a line out the door!

Which pretty much means one thing - the food here must be great,

a theory we proved to be true. 

The standout of the evening was definitely the bone marrow! 

Seriously the best I've ever had.

The mixture of the fattiness with the oxtail marmalade makes me drool just thinking about it. 

The oysters is just an appetizer that I can never resist.. 

anytime it's on the menu, it's guaranteed to end up in my belly. 

The fried chicken was a crowd favorite too! 

Perfectly crisp, served with a side of honey... aw comfort food heaven! 

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I think it's no secret that it gets pretty darn cold on the east coast in February. 

I love popping in and out of coffee shops when the bone chilling winds become unbearable,

and it's always a nice bonus when the cafe is as handsome as La Colombe.

We cozied into one of the warm booths and took in the comforting atmosphere, cappuccinos in hand,

before heading back out into the concrete jungle. 

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Lightly Cured Arctic Char

Bamboo Rice Risotto

Crispy Braised Duck

The Marrow is one of the new kids on the block,

but in the short time that it has been opened, the restaurant has already managed to gather up some outstanding reviews. 

This is Harold Dieterle's third restaurant in NYC (first two are Perilla and Kin Shop),

and if his name sounds familiar, 

well it's probably because you watched him win the first season of Top Chef. 

The cuisine here plays up the flavors from Dieterle's German heritage, along with some Italian influence to keep it interesting. 

We started the evening off with some dirty martinis, because, well, you can never go wrong with those, right?

Once seated, the girls and I decided to try a few different options,

starting with the Lightly Sauerbratened Lamb Ribs with caraway yoghurt,

which are not pictured above simply because they were inhaled too quickly. 

Next up we sprang for the Lightly Cured Arctic Char, which may have been a little too fishy for my liking, 

but it doesn't matter because the Crispy Braised Duck and the Bamboo Rice Risotto more than made up for the taste. 

I must tell you that it was pretty hard to get a reservation at this place already,

and I have a feeling that it's only going to get busier as more people find out about it. 

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The next morning we were in desperate need to fill our bellies since the night before lasted into the wee hours of the early morning. 

Russ & Daughters was a perfect choice. 

This classic institution has been run by four generations of the Russ family since 1914,

and it really doesn't get any more "New York" than salmon lox bagel sandwiches!

I really love how well it has been preserved over the years.. 

the tastes, traditions and the old-world class of this landmark is spectacular. 

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Foie Gras Brulé, Dried Sour Cherries, Candied Pistachios and White Port Gelee

Crab Dumplings

Madai Sashimi, Warm Black Truffle Crostini

Black Sea Bass, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Spiced Apple Jus

Poached Turbot, Steamed Mussels, Puree

Roasted Loin of Lamb, Crunchy Polenta, Red Wine-Smoked Chili Glaze

Crispy Confit of Suckling Pig, Rutabaga “Pudding” and Smoked Marmalade

Sweetbread with Glazed Chestnut and Black Truffle Vinaigrette

And this brings us to the grand finale.

On our last night in the city, the girls and I wanted to treat ourselves to something extra special.

After much deliberation, we settled on Jean-Georges,

an iconic Manhattan restaurant located on the first floor of the Trump Hotel Central Park. 

After three decadent courses and dessert, we could barely even hail a cab,

but the experience was truly unforgettable and left us satiated and then some.

The crowd favorites had to be the Foie Gras Brule, the Butternut Squash Soup and the Crispy Confit of Suckling Pig. 

Simply divine and a helluva way to end a vacation. 

If you're planning a trip to New York any time soon,

I would highly recommend any of the places mentioned above, along with a few from my last trip there.