Had an amazing time in NY in January and wanted to share a quick summary here. My family was traveling, so I dined solo each time.
Gabriel Kreuther: Excellent as always, it was my fourth time there, and it always delivers. My favorite choice is the 4-course menu ($235) as the duck portion is significantly larger than on the full tasting menu. It was the best GK duck I’ve had, this time with a sweet potato purée (pic 1). I didn’t love the ube pearl dessert (pic 2), but I wanted to try something new since I usually get the chocolate tart. GK has probably my favorite bread in NYC, especially the savory kougelhopf. Best service of the trip.
Sushi Noz: First time trying high-end sushi in NYC, and it was fantastic. 5 of the 6 otsumami courses were excellent, especially the grilled bonito and what Noz described as a “clam chowder” with perch (pic 3), which was probably the best dish of the trip. Nigiri part of the menu was also fantastic, especially the tuna (pic 4). The only downside was a guest seated directly in front of Noz who couldn’t stop coughing over the sashimi, which was pretty annoying. Still, not Noz’s fault, overall a great experience.
Eleven Madison Park: I went for the 20-year anniversary menu and didn’t enjoy it at all. black-and-white cookie course tasted industrial, the carrot tartare was bland (pic 5), and the duck (pic 6) was dry, gamey, and far worse quality than Gabriel Kreuther’s. The milk-and-honey dessert was also not particularly memorable. The one standout was the avocado with tomburi, the “land caviar” is genuinely interesting and delicious. Service was ok, nothing beyond what you’d expect from any fine-dining experience. Overall, I’m glad I tried it, but I won’t be returning.
Sushi Sho: Lived up to the hype, highly recommend. The service is exceptional and choreographed like a ballet. Every server made an effort to connect, and we had some great mini-conversations about my recent trip to Japan. The shorter omakase portion is very fast-paced; highlights were the hairy crab, black cod, monkfish liver with pickled watermelon, and the smoked bonito. I also ordered eight extra pieces from the okonomi portion. Favorites were the hireshita, the aged toro roll, and the tomato nigiri. The tomato was so good I ordered a second one. Chef Nazakawa was thrilled I loved the tomato and mentioned they’re planning to introduce a vegan menu soon.
The Modern: Went for lunch and did the full tasting menu. It was probably my fifth visit, and it remains one of my favorite NYC restaurants, despite being disappointed last time at the 20-year anniversary dinner with DOM. “Eggs on Eggs on Eggs” (pic 7) is still one of my favorite dishes in the city (along with César’s monaka and Jungsik's kimbap). This time, every course was great, especially the scallop, the chicken, and the Australian wagyu (pic 8). Desserts are usually where I feel The Modern underdelivers, but the chocolate-and-cherry dessert was genuinely strong. I was seated by the window facing the garden, and watching the snow fall was lovely (pic 9).
Aquavit: Fourth visit, and this time I went with the shorter three-course menu. Started with the scallop and then had the meatballs (pic 10) which are outstanding every time and perfect for a winter lunch. They pair extraordinarily well with the potato purée, pickles, and lingonberries, as expected, leagues better than IKEA’s version :). And of course, for dessert: the Arctic Bird’s Nest (pic 11), which is one of my two favorite desserts in NYC.
Overall, I was very happy with my choices. EMP was a huge disappointment, but I’d heard all the warnings from this group and still wanted to try it once. GK, The Modern, and Aquavit were repeat visits, and I’ll definitely keep going back. Noz and Sho made great first impressions, and now I want to try Yoshino next.
by PlusFisherman1348