The Berger @ Hillstone

I have been going to Hillstone for a very long time now and it definitely deserves a place in this blog. I decided to go back and take the picture of one of my favorite hamburgers in NYC. Hillstone is a great place because everything they make is delicious. You can get anything from amazing steak and fish to sushi and big tasty salads. I always either get the berger, ribs, the club salad, or a soup and sushi. Everything is amazing.

The Hillstone hamburger is amazing because it is loaded with tons of amazing ingredients. They put a little BBQ sauce and ranch dressing on the berger so its just like a meal in itself. There are two location in NYC, one is on 26th and Park Ave. The other one is on 54th and 3rd Ave. They are both awesome.

I suggest asking for the sundae if you have room, it's to die for.

$18.00

http://www.hillstone.com/hillstone/

Duck Dumplings in Beautiful Broth @ Momofuku - Ssam Bar

Momofuku Ssam Bar never ceases to amaze me. I decided to go back after having a incredible taste of their  pork bao buns with hoisin sauce. Today was different. today, the menu consisted largely of duck, and when duck is served I am always happy to eat it. Even if you don't like duck at all you will like this. It had a nice marrow broth probably made from the duck bones and a few other nontraditional additions. There was jicama in it which gave the dish a nice sour crisp flavor to it. Bok Choi was added for a nice earthy marriage between the duck and the land as well as a little spiciness.

The main reason why I went nuts over this gorgeous bowl of soup was the perfectly formed dumplings. The dumplings were perfectly cooked and inside them was expertly packed duck meat. The meat was extremely soft and tasted very savory with a little hint of garlic.

Ssam Bar also serves Mexican Coke so it just made this lunch one I wouldn't so easily forget.

Lentil Soup @ Eataly - Veggie

Eating at Eataly is always a pleasure. The food is all imported from Italy and everything is always super fresh. I just wanted to point out that Eataly is NOT Mario Bataly's creation. Mario merely told the owners of the international chain to open in NYC because it didnt have anything like it. The growing trend of food halls in NYC is widely accepted. I believe Eataly does the best job and really specializes in Italian Cuisine.

 

Inside Eataly there are 5 restaurants. Each one has their own specialized food type. You could theoretically see a food pyramid inside Eataly because they cover all types of foods. I wanted to try the Vegetable restaurant because I would usually shy away from an all veggie place.The lentil soup is excellent, it was a special but nonetheless a very hearty and warming dish. I recommend going to Eataly during the week for lunch or an early dinner, it does get very crowded! 

Carnitas Tacos @ Dos Toros

I have been going to Dos Toros for quite a while now and it always never tastes bad. The Seattle chain has set up in NYC with huge success, they recently opened on the UES on 77th street and Lexington ave. Everything on the menu is short and sweet, but everything is very fresh yet very simple. They do have killer Guacamole, so if you like avocado goodness on your burrito you can indulge in it here.

The chain is set up like a Chipolte, but in Dos Toros, Chipolte is a dirty word. All the meat and ingredients are local so you get the freshest tasting produce and meat. Definately try it, you might want to replace your Chipolte lunches with Dos Toros buritos!    

Okonomiyaki @ Otafuku

These cold days are only getting colder but waiting in for this small 9th street hole in the wall to make you a Japanese pancake is completely worth it. I love hearing about cool dishes from Asia and I became obsessed with finding the best Okonomiyaki in NYC. The internet told me to go to Otafuku because its pretty much all they do. 

Okonomiyaki is a Japanese pancake or "pizza" that is made with cabbage and egg. They top it with two amazing and savory sauces and dump bonito flakes on top. I think they overkilled my bonito flake dosage so just watch that they dont dump half the bag onto your meal. Unless you want to troll everyone in your office with fish smell. 

Go here drunk if possible. :D

Fantastic Veal Schnitzel @ Radegast Biergarten

I don't go out to Brooklyn very often but when I do, I always have a great time. I love German food as you can tell and finding great Shnitzel in NYC can be tough! Radegast is a great place, I loved the atmosphere and the way it was lit. The food was amazing and I was stuffed. There is nothing better than a tall glass of German brew and a hot plate of expertly fried meat. I sat at the bar and the service was impeccable, i recommend going at night, they have live music and dancing if you are not too full. :)