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Serious Jamaican Jerk Smoked & Grilled on North Side

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

Sushi Azabu

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

Gramercy Tavern

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

Regional Spanish Cooking Expands in Chicago

Spanish food and drink are enjoying a resurgence in Chicago, and we’re not talking about tapas bars. That “small plates” concept is certainly still around, but we’ve now entered the next phase of Spanish dining in the city: food and drink from regions like the Basque country and Catalonia.

Russ & Daughters

As iconic as they come, Russ & Daughters has exemplified the simple beauty of the New York “appetizing store” since 1914, where the emphasis is on seafood. While the experience here is essential, a visit to the sit-down cafe down the street, opened in 2014, offers smoked fish platters at the bar. I make a … Continued

Uncle Boons

Behind the unassuming name lies an oasis of fiery, funky and bold Thai flavors, curated and executed by two former Per Se cooks, husband Matt Danzer and wife Ann Redding, the latter of whom was raised in northeastern Thailand. The restaurant picked up a Michelin star in 2015. Uncle Boons 7 Spring St., New York, … Continued

Mile End Deli

A Jewish deli with Montreal roots (that means smoked brisket, denser, slightly sweeter bagels and excellent smoked fish), Noah and Rae Bernamoff opened Mile End Deli with their close friend Max Levine, and now have two locations. They’ve also opened Black Seed Bagels, one of my favorites as well. Mile End Deli 97A Hoyt Street, Brooklyn, … Continued

The John Dory Oyster Bar

Oysters, crudo, and seafood entrees are the one-and-only focus at The John Dory Oyster Bar, tucked into the corner of the über-cool Ace Hotel, next to a swanky hipster clothing store. The John Dory Oyster Bar 1196 Broadway, New York, NY 10001; (212) 792-9000

Xi’an Famous Foods

It’s a little hard to find the one in Flushing, Queens, but now there are six locations in Manhattan, two in Queens and one in Brooklyn, making it infinitely much easier to track down the addictive lamb-and-cumin buns and jagged noodles that made this Northern Chinese joint such a darling with the Bourdain-and-Zimmern set. Xi’an … Continued

Sushi Yasuda

I get asked quite a bit about sushi recommendations in New York, and Yasuda is one of my go-tos in NYC. A sushi restaurant only, the trio behind this traditional spot hold very dearly to the clean aesthetic of the Japanese in ambiance and technique. Please don’t ask for Dragon rolls. Sushi Yasuda 204 E … Continued