tout va bien. restaurants in nyc

All is well!  How many times in life can you say that you have no regrets?  Well, this is one of them. Last week Dennis and I were in New York exhibiting Al Dente Pasta at the Fancy Food Show.   When I’m in a city like New York, where the choices abound and innovation surrounds, the idea of making a bad choice on a restaurant really freaks me out.   I am happy to report every single meal was a winner.   Here’s the list of restaurants that worked for us and just may work for you.

The $14.00 Prix Fixe Lunch at Tout Va Bien Could be the Best Deal in New York

Poached Salmon with Crudites

Coq au Vin

Let’s put it this way. The portions at Tout Va Bien are more American style than French so
we were not able to join the clean plate club.  I’m not complaining, just commenting.    The waiter had a great sense of humor and “got” every one of Dennis’ jokes.   This restaurant has been around a really long time, I think since 1948.

Jean-Christophe, the really nice French waiter at Tout Va Bien!

Momofuko Never Disappoints.  Ever!

Shitake Buns

We can never eat a Shitake Bun or a Pork Bun without thinking of Ben Saginaw.  He is the one who turned us on to Momofuko and, on numerous occasions, thoughtfully delivered Pork Buns to us while we were working the trade show.  That Benny.  What a guy.

Momofuko Octopus

Honestly, the food at Momofuku is off the charts.  To quote Dennis, “I’ve eaten a lot of octopus over the years, but this is the best!”

Tamarind Celery Soda

Even the drinks at Momofuko!  We had the Tamarind Celery Soda and Toasted Sesame Horchata.  Amazing!  For desert, try the homemade, strawberry yogurt soft serve topped with brown sugar pretzel crumbles.

ICI: Everything is Organic in this Brooklyn Restaurant, Including the Wine.

Organic Wine from Corsica

Tailor: for Creativity and Innovation Could Not Be Beat

bourbon and smoked coke

Sunday Night Dinner at Public is another of New York’s Best Deals. Seven Courses for $45

Carrot, ginger, coconut soup with a shrimp shumai, Thai basil with a puffed black rice

Trend:  Watermelon on Every Menu in One Form or Another, but Always Delicious and Refreshing. In this case, it was watermelon, feta, basil salad with pumkin seeds and schichmi

We took advantage of the fact that La Sirene is BYOB to pair up some really beautiful French wines with our dinner.  This place is ultra comfortable, with ultra charming people running the show and very good food.

Mussels at La Sirene

One of our all time favorites in New York is Savoy.  It’s actually where we gathered a “cosmic” group friends from around the country to celebrate Al Dente’s 20th anniversary back in July of 2001.  We go there every year when we are at the food show, even if it’s just for desert as we did this time.  We had an incredible “short stack”.  This desert was 4 layers of meringues (shaped like small pancakes, get it?),  featuring the flavors of blueberries, lavender, and coffee. And, finally I got to have St. Germaine, the elderberry liquor which is not available in Michigan. The bartender, who is a fellow Michigander, mixed it with Champagne for a delicious cocktail.

On our list to try next time:

The Diner in  Williamsburg

Kuna Inn, another BYOB

Again, I encourage you to check out the websites of these restaurants to help determine if they will work for you.  One of my more recent revelations is that I am not responsible for the universe and this extends to not wanting to take responsibility for your dining experience.  Nevertheless, I do hope you enjoy every dining opportunity, especially when you are traveling.

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