Visit New York: I'm Donut?

I first heard about I'm Donut? when I happened to walk past its long line of patrons in Tokyo. Being interested, I read up on the Japanese bakery and discovered great reviews of their nama (meaning fresh in Japanese) donuts made from handcrafted brioche dough. When I heard they had opened a store in Times Square, I made sure to visit during a family trip to New York City.

Lucky for us, there was no line outside this shop. There was a worker that greeted us at the door and helped guide us through the ordering process. I tried the original signature nama donut and my family had the strawberry chocolate ring donuts and custard cream nama donut. I was a little worried that the donuts wouldn't live up to the hype, but thankfully there was no need to worry. The donuts, albeit pricey were very delicious.    

Donut menu

Inside the shop

I'm Donut?

154 W 45th StNew York, NY 10036

 

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Visit New York: Per Se

A few years ago I visited Per Se and had a fabulous experience.  I recently revisited, but this time, I decided to try the Vegetarian menu.

Pea Cornet

Cheese Crackers

Harry's Berries Strawberry "Gazpacho"

Hen Egg Custard

The Hen Egg Custard with black winter truffle butter was as indulgent as it sounded.  

Hawaiian Hearts of Peach Palm "Croquette"

I love heart of palm, and this croquette was so yummy!  The "tabbouleh" and fava bean hummus paired nicely with the falafel-like croquette. 

"Bread and Butter"

Zuckerman Family Farms "Terrine D'Asperges"

I'm not particularly fond of asparagus, but I did think this dish was good.  I really liked the addition of the wild ramps.

"Scotch Egg"

My fave dish was the Scotch Egg.  It was a hearty dish - the egg was enveloped in a crust of forest mushrooms, and accompanied with sugar snap peas and grilled frisee lettuces.

Marsh Hen Mill "Stradette"

This was another fave - the elegant Stradette, served with oyster crackers and celery.  I'm not a fan of celery, but I ate this entire dish up!

Summer Squash "Farcie"

This dish offered zucchini prepared in multiple ways, and I loved the complexity of textures from the caramelized artichokes and cipollini onion rings.  

"Gougere"

The Gougere with "Comte" and black winter truffles was amazing!  I could have easily eaten a number of these and been happy with only that!  

There was once again an array of desserts.  

Sugar-Baked K&J Orchards Yellow Peaches

This was my favorite dessert, particularly because of the Madagascar Vanilla Bean Ice Cream that accompanied the fruits. 

The "Coffee and Doughnuts" is such a fun dessert!

Malted Brownie

The Lime-Scented Banana was so neat!

"Mignardises"

The dining experience ends with a selection of hand-crafted bonbons.  Pro tip: You can get more than one! I got Thin Mints and Banana Miso (the banana miso was my fave of the two).

Bon Bons

If you're interested in the regular menu, these were the offerings:

Salmon Cornet

"Oysters and Pearls"

Citrus-Cured Hiramasa

Hen Egg Custard

Norwich Meadows Farm Sweet Carrots

Green-Walk Hatchery Rainbow Troud "Chaud-Froid"

Charcoal-Grilled Montauk Sea Scallop

Wolfe Ranch Quail Breast

Prime Rib of Elysian Fields Farm Lamb

Although my friend said he left hungry, I thought the food was great and the service was stellar once again.  I really enjoyed the Vegetarian menu!

Per Se
10 Columbus Cir
New York, NY 10019

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Visit New York: Norma

Our East Coast friends took us to Norma in New York City one night, where we had a taste of authentic Sicilian cuisine. 

Complimentary Bread

Carpaccio di Polipo

Caponata con Crostini

Panelle

Cous-Cous con pesce

Porchetta Pizza

Ragu Arancine

Nero di Seppia Arancine

Al Burro Arancine

Norma Arancine

Pasta con le Sarde a Timballo

My faves included the Panelle (Fried Chickpeas), the Al Burro (saffron) Arancine (all the arancini are huge - not the small round balls I'm used to seeing, and are meant to be shared), and the Cous-Cous con Pesce, which was so comforting and delish.

I loved the Caponata con crostini as well (eggplant and olives just pair perfectly with bread!).  

The Pasta con le Sarde a Timballo is like a tower of spaghetti mixed with sardines and fennel.  

Of course, we couldn't leave without some traditional Italian desserts.

Cannoli

Tiramisu

Every single dish was delightful, made with simple, yet quality ingredients.  I wouldn't hesitate to go back.

Norma
438 3rd Ave

New York, NY 10016

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Visit New York: Longo Bros.

We headed out to Longo Bros to meet some friends for drinks in NYC after dinner one evening. 

Look What She's Having

The Look What She's Having Cocktail is aptly named, as a tableside smoking bubble gun completes the drink, causing everyone to "look at what she's having."

The cocktail was made with vodka, lychee liquor, strawberry puree, and lemon juice - fruity and delish!

Daisy

The Daisy had a bit of a kick, with tequila, agave, and avocado.

Gelato

We already had dinner, so we didn't order any food, but I could not resist getting gelato when it was offered!

In fact, the owner opened up a gelataria, and also owns one of the best Italian eateries in NYC, so you know the gelato and food is good at Longo Bros.  I'm definitely hoping to return to try the food.

What a great place to hang out with friends!

Longo Bros
474 9th Ave

New York, NY 10018
(332) 205-3568

 

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Visit New York: Aldo Sohm Wine Bar

We had dinner reservations for Le Bernardin, and decided to stop for drinks at Aldo Sohm Wine Bar, which is right next door to the famed restaurant (Aldo Sohm is the sommelier at Le Bernardin; Chef Eric Ripert is behind the food menu at Aldo Sohm Wine Bar). 

Our wine aficianodo friend selected the wines, and we also ordered some oysters to go along with the wines. 

We did not stay very long, but it was definitely a nice place to have some wine and chat with friends.

Aldo Sohm Wine Bar

151 W 51st St

New York, NY 10019

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