Part restaurant, part 380 year-old tofu manufacturer, this iconic, serene building is tucked away, just off a busy pedestrian shopping street. Try to go during lunch, when you can see the beautiful gardens through the windows, just fyi: it’s strictly tatami (floor) seating, and the tofu is the star. I met one of the shokunin … Continued
I’ve always thought Nick Nitti had a way with dough. Ever since he opened Forno Rosso in the Dunning neighborhood, on the city’s far West Side, he’s been consistently cranking out some of the best Neapolitan pies in the region. He is somewhat of an evangelist on the merits of fior di latte, San Marzanos … Continued
It’s not that hard to find a good biscuit in Chicago, but in a bar? That’s the case everyday at The Long Room, which has installed a tiny kitchen called The Sidecar, and rents it out to two very different businesses each day. At night, it’s burgers and poutine, but in the morning, The Biscuit … Continued
Every now and then, I get the urge to head north to the land of beer, brats and cheese curds. But Milwaukee offers so much more than those three clichés. In fact, it’s full of hidden surprises, including one restaurant emphasizing regional cooking.
This casual off-shoot of Cochon, tucked away behind the restaurant, is my favorite source in New Orleans for anything sausage-related. We’re talking boudin, andouille and more, along with duck pastrami and head cheese. Donald Link’s staff is well-equipped to answer questions about any aspect of the butchering process. Don’t forget to try at least one … Continued
Lovers of deep dish are probably still smarting from Jon Stewart’s famous rant from two years ago, when he tore into the city’s iconic pie so hard, it required a (tepid) on-air rebuttal from Marc Malnati. Of course, everyone else in the city who thinks of deep dish merely as a cheese casserole was probably … Continued
I’ve had jerk chicken and pork from the source – Boston Beach, Jamaica – but I’ve rarely had jerk in Chicago that matched the flavor profile of those spicy, tongue-blistering, sweat-inducing memories. Thankfully, a former food truck has expanded to a full-time brick-and-mortar operation on the city’s Near North Side, now cranking out Jamaican food … Continued
I’ve always loved French fries, especially the crispy, thin frites you find in French and Belgian restaurants. I’ve also begun leaning toward a mayo-based dip as opposed to my ketchup-laced childhood preferences. There are several great version of fries in Chicago, but none that have stood out as much as the ones I had recently … Continued
A literal sushi den uncovered in the basement of Izakaya-focused Daruma-Ya, Sushi Azabu serves Edomae sushi only, honing in on one ingredient and one ingredient only. The nigiri reminded me only of the very best I’ve had in Japan. Sushi Azabu 428 Greenwich St., New York, NY 10013; (212) 274-0428
For well over two decades, Gramercy Tavern continues to stand out in the densely-packed field of New American restaurants. One of Danny Meyer’s gems in the Union Square Hospitality crown, the opening chef was a guy named Colicchio, and has seen a progression of talented chefs at the helm ever since. Service is almost telekinetic, … Continued
From their 48-hour marinated kalbi to their pitch-perfect bibimbap and bulgogi, the BBQ at Miss Korea is among the best along 32nd Street. Try to eat upstairs for a more intimate experience. Miss Korea BBQ 10 W. 32nd St., New York, NY 10001; (212) 736-3232