Month: June 2010

June 27, 2010

Thoughtful and Fresh...Diner Food? Nombe's Izakaya Menu Proves it Can be Done

[rating: 4]

In my opinion, Nombe (pronounced "nom-bay") has been the best addition to the Mission's dining scene in the last year (in fact, I included it in the May edition of my Examiner series "Restaurants to Impress." The spirit of the area is completely embodied in the restaurant's concept: no-frills, relatively inexpensive, open late, a hip-without-trying-to-be vibe on the inside, and a unique menu (well close to it, as there are almost no izakaya-style restaurants in SF), that proves seasonal, sustainable, local, Japanese diner food has a place in this city...

June 26, 2010

Bar Tartine Knows Exactly How to Seduce Me and Keep Me Coming Back For More

[rating: 5 stars]

I already wrote about it for Examiner, but after another meal that left me in disbelief, I have to write about it again. I'm making it my personal mission to make sure that anyone considering dining in the Mission doesn't overlook one of this areas best options: Bar Tartine...

June 20, 2010

Degustation: One of NYC's Best Kept Secrets. Doesn't Advertise, Doesn't Need To.

[rating: 5]

First, the breakdown. The restaurant's concept: creative. The dining experience: unique. The cuisine: exceptional. The execution: flawless. The service: impeccable. The cost: cheap, considering the quality of what's being served. When you take each of those pieces and put them all together again, you get Degustation, a restaurant that ranks amongst New York City's finest...

June 16, 2010

Colicchio and Sons: Tasting the Technique of NYC Fine-Dining

[rating: 4]

Saturday night. New York City. The air is hot. The streets are crowded. The restaurants are filling up with people just starting their nights. And there I am. Walking into Colicchio and Sons, ready to take on the chef's tasting menu with the accompanying wine pairing. Alone...Continue Reading

June 1, 2010

Eleven Madison Magic, or, The Best Meal of my Life Part 2

[rating: 5]

In my review of the French Laundry I wrote that, in terms of my culinary experiences, I hoped that I hadn't peaked at 22. Two years later, I'm happy to write that after indulging in the 11 course tasting menu at Eleven Madison Park, that fear is completely gone...