December 2010
71 posts
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Ms. G's
This has to be one of the most exciting openings of the year. I was scared I was going to miss it as I was away in November, but it seems like chefs Dan Hong and Jowett Yu waited for me to get back! It was so damn good. The place itself would be full every night just because of its looks, with 4 levels of dining rooms and bars, but everything is great. The food, some kind of momofuku/vietnamese...
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WatchThe TOYS family helping Morgan to plate his dessert
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WatchDarren plating his “Bird Bath”
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[TOYS] - Issue #4: Water (after)
Because chefs have to eat too! The “after-party” you might call it. We headed to Supper Inn. See how it went from Embrasse to the city.
John Paul & Morgs
Mel, Banjo & John Paul
On our way to Supper Inn
The extended team at Supper Inn
Mel en pleine forme
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[TOYS] - Issue #4: Water (backstage)
Now this is getting interesting. Take a peak at how much work it is to build such a dinner. From the linen ironing to the prep, it’s a huge process. I was a little Ratatouille and sneaked in the back, enjoy!
Morgan prepping Darren’s bread
Morgan, Nic and Darren receiving some fresh produce
Darren prepping his bread for the “Bird Bath”
More prep by Nic and...
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[TOYS] - Issue #4: Water
What a night! So much fun, amazing dishes, great crowd, and the feeling that you’re participating to something unique. The first Melbourne gig of the Taste of Young Sydney people was a huge success. It happened at Restaurant Embrasse, in Carlton, where chef Nic Poelaert usually serves some great food. But that night it was special, 2 Sydney boys went south (Darren Robertson & Morgan...
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Sawada
Now this is the end. I’m flying back to Sydney that night. And I’m ready for a last lunch. Which will happen to be the most creative, by far, of all my Japanese meals. Thanks to Chuckeats, I picked this place. And man, THANK YOU! It was phenomenal. His sushi might not be perfect (I mean he’s at 98/100 or so if I had to give him a mark) but his sashimi courses are as good as...
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Elevage
That wine bar was sick. 1st floor of a random building, a tiny bar and some great wines by the glass, even from old vintages as the owner decides he will open a few bottles every week and sell glasses until they’re gone. Great concept, amazing atmosphere and a superb wine list. You’ll feel like you’re a member of a secret society when you go through that door! A little Japanese...
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WatchMore Saito-san magic
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WatchSushi making at Sushi Saito
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Sushi Saito
The last dinner of the trip. The last but not the least. Maybe the best one actually. I couldn’t compare my top meals in Tokyo to any other ones, from London to Paris via New-York. It’s too different, a whole new art. I had a feeling Saito would be one of the best. After all it has 3 Michelin star, such as Mizutani, but this time I was going to have sashimi and sushi. Sashimi is the...
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Asagi
That was a great lunch. Definitely as good as Kondo, and less than half the price. It has only 8 seats, right in the middle of Ginza, and was definitely my “discovery” of the trip, even though it’s in THE guide. It was quite a random pick, but man it delivered. I had to choose ahead which menu I wanted, I took the most expensive one (if you go to this kind of restaurants,...
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Mon Cher Ton Ton
I went 3 years ago to Kani Seryna, in the same Roppongi building, and had a fantastic “Kobe” beef experience, my first one in Japan. There, the meat was cooked on some kind of big volcano rock, by a cook standing next to the table. After my dinner at Shima, which was great but not “life changing” as I thought it would be, I headed to Mon Cher Ton Ton, the teppanyaki part of...
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Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi
You can’t get a booking at the “Honten” original one if there is nobody speaking Japanese in your party. Which is supposed to be the best sushi experience in the world. They opened this branch, with the son as the chef, for foreigners like me. I went for lunch, and had no booking as I did not plan anything for that day but my concierge found me a seat very easily. I was actually...
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Shima
I have read about Shima on Chuckeats and was really keen on trying some beef during that trip. My most memorable experience last time I was in Tokyo was “wagyu” beef at the Roppongi branch of Kani Seryna. My palate might be sharper, but I really think we are quite spoiled in Australia with David Blackmore, as I was less overwhelmed than I expected. It was bloody good, and rich, and...
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Sushi Mizutani
That’s it. I’m getting closer now. The holy grail. The perfect sushi experience. That’s what I was telling myself when I entered the lift for another 9th floor sublime meal. Cloud nine they should call it. I had that day a sushi only omakase. And it was perfect. Flawless. Almost too perfect as people say it might lack a bit of emotion. But I really believe sushi can be perfect, I...
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WatchMore and more tuna at Tsukiji
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WatchMore tunas at Tsukiji
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WatchHuge tuna at Tsukiji
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WatchTuna cutting at Tsukiji
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WatchEel killing at Tsukiji
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Tsukiji
This is the biggest fish market in the world. If you love Japanese food, and especially sashimi and sushi, it’s the closest you’ll get to heaven. Every different kind of fish and seafood, live, a buzzing atmosphere and the true impression that you’re at the place where you will find the best fish in the world. It probably is. I went at 4.30am (Tokyo might be the only city where...
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WatchKondo live
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Kondo
This was my first Michelin starred tempura restaurant ever. It was fantastic. It’s on the 9th floor of a random Ginza building, and as you enter the place, some kind of excitement strikes you. It’s really special as you feel you’re going to someone’s apartment. The movements of the chef don’t look that precise when he plays with his flour, but as the dinner goes on...
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Ichinoya
Tokyo! First meal of a trip that will be, and I’m not exaggerating, life-changing. I did not have a booking for lunch that day, as I was landing in the morning and the trek from Narita to town can be long and unpredictable. I had the list given by Masato-San from 15 East in New-York, and was keen to try his unagi recommendation, Ichinoya. It was close to my hotel, and was a perfect first...
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Ferdi
This place has the best burger in Paris. It has 2 different kinds, the normal one “Mac Ferdi” and the double one “Mac Arthur” named after my friend who is there at least twice a week since 4 years. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, a dark room, a great crowd and was one of my favourite place back when I lived in Paris, and is still a must go every time I’m in...
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L'Astrance
What a dinner! I really believe the more you go the more you love it. It is the tenth birthday of the restaurant this year and Pascal is better than ever. He is so humble and modest it’s such a pleasure to chat with him at the end of a meal there. His love for food and cooking is so sincere! This meal was fantastic, with every dish being a star. And when you become sort of a regular (which I...
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Akasaka
This is one of my favourite Japanese restaurant in Paris, in a city where it’s really hard to come by good Asian food in general. Akasaka is a very good traditional restaurant that has great sushi and sashimi, but also tempura and more sophisticated seafood dishes. I used to go every week back when I was living in Paris. I totally recommend it, and try also their crab salad in summer,...
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L'Arpège
Just back in Paris, and what is better than heading to L’Arpege for dinner? Nothing. The restaurant just reopened after a couple months of being closed due to a fire and renovations (mostly downstairs). It was my most fantastic meal at this place since my first one, which blew me away, back in March 2006. The room was full, even though it was Monday night, Alain was smiling and going to...
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New-York bars
New-York might be the city with the best bars in the world. At least that I know of. I have been to a lot during my 10 days there, and loved every one of them. My favourite cocktail bars being Little Branch, the best, secret and cosy, just awesome; Mayahuel, a tequila and mezcal bar that’s very very good; and Death & Co. which was super cool too, great atmosphere and nice staff. Pegu was...
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Fatty Crab
After an awesome meal at Fatty ‘Cue, I really wanted to try the original, even though it’s different, with a more Malaysian inspired cuisine. It’s very well located, just near Meatpacking in West-Village. The food was super tasty, they have good cocktails and the atmosphere was very relaxed. I had brunch there and would like to go for dinner one day, as the menu is quite...
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momofuku noodle bar (fried chicken)
Last leg of the momofuku marathon, 8th meal in 10 days! I booked for my last night in New-York the famous fried chicken that you can have at noodle bar. It was very good. Apparently the fried chicken at Mad for Chicken is better, but I had no time to try it, so this has to be one of the best I had. It’s fun to eat, like all the DIY momofuku experiences, and you will definitely have a great...
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Union Square farmers market
I went to this market for the first time, and was impressed by the amazing produce you could get from local farmers in New-York. Such beautiful stuff, great vegetables and some of the stalls really looked like Joel Thiebault’s in Paris. It was the start of the Christmas market as well, so there was a nice vibe and funny people offering free hugs, cool tradition!
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Roberta's (brunch)
I had to go again. I had a hard time choosing between going for brunch or dinner when I was planning the trip. But one dinner there and it was clear, I had to go back. I would go every single week if I lived in New-York. The atmosphere, with the long communal tables, the food, from pizzas to more fancy stuff, the crowd, everything is just spot on. Our brunch was great, the food is a bit less...
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wd~50
Another great dinner! It was my first Wylie experience, and I absolutely loved it. We had the tasting menu and every dish was a winner, which is not usually the case. It is very modern cuisine, but every course was full of flavor and also a lot of fun to eat. We had the tasting menu and wine pairings, with some interesting choices, and I would recommend you do the same, even though the wine list...
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momofuku ko
I made it! This is the kind of feeling that strikes you when you manage to book at what might be one of the hardest restaurant to book in America. So since I couldn’t take any pics, as they have a very strict policy regarding that matter, and it’s totally not my style to take notes, I will try and describe the experience a little bit.
Actually I have to admit, I haven’t been...
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Katz's
This is an institution. I know some people who go every single day when they’re in New-York. It is that good! Grab a Reuben or a pastrami sandwich and just smash it. A couple pickles on the side, and you’re in heaven. The pastrami is so tasty and juicy you will forget you ever had any before that. It’s absolutely a must go when in town. And don’t forget to tip the meat...
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Torrisi
This has to be the hottest place to eat in New-York right now! Everyone recommended it, from foodies to chefs. It a $50 prix fixe menu at night, with antipasti, pasta, a choice of meat or fish, and dessert. And it’s off the chain! Everything was so good, highlits being the tripe, the now famous home-made mozzarella and the fish. You have to go at 5.30pm and start queuing, either to go...
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momofuku ssäm bar
Another one. Just a quick lunch. I love it too much. And they’re coming to Sydney, which has to be the best news ever! You can’t beat a pork bun, especially as I had the special one that day, and roasted rice cakes. If you have time for only one meal at a momofuku, go there and have a bit of fun. You won’t regret it! And have a cookie at the milk bar after, it’s on me.
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Crif Dogs
I went to the Kings of Leon concert with my sister that night, and so had a late dinner after. And is there anywhere better than Crif Dogs for that? (maybe Mad for Chicken). But a hot dog was all I could dream of, and tater tots as a side, Duke style! It was amazing, unhealthy as it should be, but I loved every bite of it!
b.l.t. - bacon wrapped dog with lettuce, tomato & mayo + tater...
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Eataly
Mario Batali’s “supermarket” was amazing. Everything you could wish for! Superb meat, pasta, cheese, wine… Everything Italy has to offer under one roof, truly fantastic. I was really happy to go visit this place, as it fully opened just a few days before. If I lived in New-York, you could spot me there a lot I can tell you. So much good produce it’s ridiculous! Even...
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má pêche
I went back to ma peche for lunch in order to sample more of their food, in particular some Vietnamese inspired ones. The food was totally awesome, but the room and the crowd just don’t do it for me. The cooking is quite different to the East-Village ones, so go there if you like Chang’s style because it’s quite different and totally worth trying.
Goi calamar - squid...
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Roberta's (dinner)
This is the best. It could have been the restaurant if the trip if I did not go to Tokyo. The food is awesome but what makes the whole thing is the trek to an unknown part of Brooklyn, arriving in this kind of warehouse space and feel like you’ve made it to somewhere truly special. Take anybody there and it will put a smile on their face. Pizzas are great, and the more sophisticated dishes...
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momofuku noodle bar
You might have noticed by now, I love momofuku. But somehow I had never been to noodle bar, only to ssam bar before this trip. I wanted to try them all, and have all the “pre-order” dishes at all of them. So this was a just a quick lunch, but it was damn good! Everything was super tasty as always in a momofuku restaurant, the noodles were great, totally a must go. And there’s no...
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Babbo
I wanted to go to Babbo so bad. Since forever. I love Mario Batali, especially since I’ve read “Heat” by Bill Buford. I think Mario has done a lot to make people order offal again in a restaurant, and for that he rocks. The place was packed on a Sunday night, with a great atmosphere, dark room and full of regulars. I had so many dishes I wanted to try it was ridiculous, but I had...
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Minetta Tavern
The visit of this joint had a purpose. To try what is meant to be the best “fancy” burger in New-York. The Black Label burger at Minetta Tavern. And it delivered. It is a rather simple burger, with no cheese or bacon, as they want your attention on the patty. Oh that patty! It tastes like a dry-aged grain-fed rib-eye on the bone. Absolutely amazing. The bun is good, nothing special. I...
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momofuku ssäm bar (bo ssäm)
After a rather “porky” lunch at Fatty ‘Cue, we headed for a late dinner at momofuku ssam bar to have the famous bo ssam. We were only 4, which was not enough (you’re meant to be a minimum of 6) but we did not order many starters and just smashed that piggy’s butt! The meat is as good as it gets, tender, juicy, absolutely full of flavor. And everybody loves a bit of...
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Fatty 'Cue
I absolutely loved this place! Everything was just so tasty and unpretentious. And smoked too, which is always good. We went for Saturday brunch and ended up smashed because they have great cocktails. The staff was super cool and friendly too. Everything we had was amazing, the atmosphere was great, very Brooklyn obviously, and totally worth the trek. It is a total “must go” if...
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Per Se
Now this is starting to get serious. The first 3 Michelin star restaurants of the trip. It was an awesome dinner! The service was absolutely amazing, maybe the best I’ve ever experienced worldwide. The room is quite dark for a restaurant of that level, but it makes it quite intimate even though it is pretty big. The food was amazing and the cooking times were just perfect. Of course a few...
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15 East
This place was quite the random pick. My friends felt like sushi, but I did not want to spend a fortune and hit Masa or Kurumazushi, going to Per Se that night. And Yasuda was full. So I had a quick look on chow hound and read a few good reviews of that restaurant. And it was good! Very good value, a Japanese chef, Masato-San who was super cool, and great fish. I did not picture every sushi...