NYC Tastes

As I looked back on the past year I was seriously humbled by the amount of amazing places I've had the opportunity to enjoy.  I am so lucky to live in this wonderful city and don't take a moment for granted.  Hopefully this will serve as a guide for those of you trying to pick out some tasty meals in 2013.  It's not all new for 2012 but it was all new to me! Enjoy! Best Chocolatier- Chocolat Moderne This little shop on the 9th floor of an office building may be challenging to find but impossible to forget. Joan and her husband are creating incredible combinations such as Dark Chocolate Lime Toffee, Salted Espresso Milk Chocolate Caramel and Kalamto Olive with Sea Salt.  The patterns are almost to beautiful to eat but don't let the look fool you...they're way to delicious to leave for eyes only. Best Brunch (High End)-  Locanda Verde From the warm seasonal doughnuts (think apple cider in fall and fresh blueberry in ...

I have been to Per Se once before if you remember  .   Back when they first started their salon menu I was one of the first to check it out.   I remember distinctly pulling on those blue doors out front and feeling incredibly embarrassed when I finally realized they were just decoration. Luckily I remember this well and Mr. T and I glided through the side glass doors rather than making the same mistake twice.   Once seated we ordered a lovely bottle of Sancerre and the meal began.   Gougères-   Gruyere cheese and sauce Mornay in a little orb.   One of the best 5 seconds of my taste buds life- so rich and cheesey- delicious. Coronets- Mr T got the classic salmon with red onion and crème faiche cone while they subbed in one with fennel and miso for my salmon allergy.   “Oysters & Pearls” –   “Sabayon” of Pearl Tapioca with Island Creek Oysters and Sterling White Sturgeon Caviar.   Wow- this was spectac...

Monday afternoon I was riding up to the Bronx for a late day meeting. Since I never have much “above ground” train time, I used it as an opportunity to peruse some of my favorite food blogs.  I just happened to look at Eater where they had a report that Per Se was going to start serving an a la carte menu in the lounge that very day! Holy Cats!Anyone who knows about food, knows about Per Se. And anyone who knows about Per Se, knows it is extremely hard to get into and very expensive.  $275 for a prix fix dinner (not including wine, etc) and usually requiring a 30 day in advance reservation.  So when I heard Per Se was going to start this offer, I knew I had a golden opportunity.  I was so excited I decided to go that very night. As soon as my meeting was over I headed back into Manhattan and right to the Time Warner Center. I knew they opened at 5:30 and it was only about 5:15 when I arrived. I decided to grab a glass of wine at the Bouchon Bakery bar. I di...