a few days in New York
I am often asked for Big Apple dining recommendations from friends and customers. These are a few spots I enjoyed on my last visit:
Aldea
If you watched the most recent season of Top Chef Masters, you’re familiar with Aldea chef/owner George Mendes. His Iberian-inspired food (his parents are Portuguese) is at once rustic and refined. The sleek dining room is a calm and soothing respite from the city. 17th St near Union Square
The John Dory Oyster Bar
This is the latest project from April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman, of The Spotted Pig fame. We went twice for towers of pristine oysters, chorizo stuffed squid, and the best eccles cake this side of the pond. Broadway @ 29th, in the Ace Hotel
Taim
I’m always amazed at what New Yorkers create in miniscule spaces, and Taim is a classic example. If I lived in NYC, I would have one of their fabulous falafels and a smoothie everyday. There are five bar stools, but if the weather is nice order yours to-go and enjoy the bench outside. Waverly Place near 7th Ave, West Village
Café Gitane
Staying at the Jane Hotel, Café Gitane (in the lobby) was the perfect spot for leisurely breakfasts. Perfect cappuccinos, croissants and killer breakfast smoothies got the day off to a good start. If you go, make sure to say hello to one of their managers, Justin, a UGA grad and native of Dublin, GA. @ the very end of Jane Street, in the Jane Hotel, West Village
