TOP TASTE-maker picks of 2024!
RUBY
Momofuku: i visited momofuku for the first time in 2019 so when i revisited in 2024, i remembered how much i loved them and their twist on asian flavors. i love their chewy buckwheat noodles & pork buns which were always my fav. this year i loved their tomahawk katsu, corn ribs & the pineapple soft serve — i highly recommend these!
San Sabino: san sabino is a seafood divided italian restaurant in new york city, sister of don angie! the must gets are the creamy lobster triangoli, octopus carpaccio, the steak (fried and lightly crispy on the outside (like katsu)), and the cheesy frittelle (imagine an empanada and ravioli had a baby, stuffed with lemony, ricotta cheesy goodness & drizzled in honey). they also offer innovative cocktails which were delicious, like their garlic bread flavored martini.
Tha Praya: tha praya is my current favorite that restaurant in nyc who also just got on the michelin guide!! they offer thai dishes you probably haven’t had before or they do it better. im obsessed with their beef thai hot pot (nuer toon mor fai), duck noodles and panang neua (beef curry). you must also get their sai ua spring rolls, a juicy chiang mai sour sausage with a spring roll exterior (such a beautiful harmony of textures and flavors). their food is freshly prepared and beautifully presented, just be wary of that thai spice!! they’re booked and busy since their opening but i’m telling you, it’s one of the top spots in nyc to visit right now.
Cho Danggol: also known for their dishes using their housemade tofu, cho dangol is the spot for korean comfort foods in new york. while you should definitely try a tofu soup or dish, i highly recommend getting the galbi jjim & bossam — meats were so so tender! i would def wait in another line for this spot, they dont take resys!
CALVIN
HYUN
There are literally no words… The meat MELTS IN YOUR MOUTH AND ITS ALL YOU CAN EAT! But the price is high at $165 per person but I truly think this was worth EVERY dollar. The aesthetic of the restaurant is modern and cozy, a great special date night spot or for a celebration. Something I would personally like to highlight and emphasize is how their SIDE DISHES WERE ALSO SO AMAZING!!! Their side salad, spiced scallion salad, and kimchi really complement the beef and help really take the greasiness and fattiness away. Although the wagyu is all you can eat, it is very hard to eat copious amounts of wagyu, the way you might enjoy regular beef at KBBQ. The reason for this is that Wagyu is extremely rich and fatty. So you may not be able to eat as much as you think you will!
CAFE CARMELLINI
From the service to the table-side white truffle service on this pasta dish, this dinner was beyond memorable. Our favorites (hard to choose) were the white truffle seasonal pasta and the veal. Both are packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. Both pastas were cooked perfectly and beyond that the sauces were perfectly seasoned and not overly heavy which was a highlight of the meal. The desserts PLEASE don't skip!!! These desserts are a must-get if you go here but you really cannot choose wrong. But make room for dessert or I promise you will regret it! I am still dreaming about this Olive Oil & Sorrento Lemon Coppa.
KELLOGS
This Brooklyn gem has reopened and is back and better than ever! DO NOT SLEEP ON THE MEATLOAF!!! It tastes nostalgic and delicious and if you don’t like meatloaf I’m convinced you are a psychopath:)
They serve diner classics from banana splits, burgers, BLTs, and more! Their iconic smash burger was delicious and had a great spice to it that we enjoyed. The chicken biscuit was good but due to the dish being popular in other places we are a bit pickier but the biscuit was perfection. Our only complaint was we wished for the chicken to have been better. The French toast was a bit too oily and heavy for me personally and I definitely think the savory dishes like the meatloaf, burger, and blt were the highlights of the dinner. PLEASE DON’T FORGET DESSERT!!! We got to try the passionfruit Tajin ice box pie, banana split, and the strawberry pretzel salad.
GLIN THAI
DO NOT SLEEP ON THE SALADS!! Both the mangosteen salad and pomelo salad were packed with flavor and spice, and they were such a great way to start the meal! The Mangosteen salad had a great kick with the nuttiness flavors to compliment, and I truly thought these apps were show stoppers as well as a must-order when you come here. The ambiance of the space is small and pretty, making it a great spot for a weeknight dinner. My favorite dish is the short rib massaman curry as it is beyond tender and flavorful. This is a must-order the next time we are here. If you’re in Brooklyn and want to try a new Thai spot… @glinthaibistro is one to put on that list!!!