December 2010
71 posts
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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...
