360840 Tue Jan 16 17:48:01 -0800 2007 17 18 Manhattan 0 2194308 Last time I was in NYC I ate at WD-50. What an interesting meal! I will be in town this weekend and would love to find another restaurant where the chef is really thinking about food. I've done Masa, Alain Ducasse etc, am looking for something really different, any suggestions? Tue Jan 16 17:48:01 -0800 2007 18508 hamahoney 1 2195368 Here's what I wrote in another thread: "Ahhh "molecular gastronomy." Not that much in NYC, especially now that 71 Clinton is gone. "Seconding WD-50, and the Dessert Tasting at Varietal in Chelsea. "If you're interested in the dessert angle then I'd also take a look at Room 4 Dessert, Chikalicious, Kyotofu, the dessert tasting at WD-50 (current pastry chef is Alex Stupak, ex-Alinea). "There are also a few places that are coming soon: Sam Mason (ex-WD-50)'s not-yet-open dessert place, Tailor, and P*ONG." Tue Jan 16 21:46:31 -0800 2007 2194308 10936 kathryn 2 2195515 Try Momofuku Ssam...very creative, very good way different than wd-50...hard to define the menu, go after 6pm for the night menu... Tue Jan 16 22:14:39 -0800 2007 2195368 10479 Cpalms 3 2195957 agree with both the Ssam Bar and the Room 4 Dessert recommendations. Recently went back for the umpteenth time to Momofuku Ssam Bar and had the Bahn Mi sandwich (after 6pm) and the pork belly buns. The Bahn Mi sandwich was pretty much incredible (a little small but still filling) and the pork belly bun was really good, but I actually prefer the pre-6pm version that uses pork shoulder. Slightly more flavorful though not as decadent as the belly. Wed Jan 17 00:05:22 -0800 2007 2195515 20586 dkstar1 4 2196266 Yeah, SSam's Bahn Mi are tops IMO in the city right now. The pre 6pm pulled pork cole slaw buns were excellent, i prefer them as well, but then again they are both awesome. The benton's ham alone is enough to make the trip. there is so much to explore on that menu, its really a great place. I hope they are able to keep the quality and creativity up. Wed Jan 17 02:04:04 -0800 2007 2195957 10479 Cpalms 1 2196427 i like Ssam Bar and esp. the banh me but that's no wd-50 food... dessert-wise, Jordan Kahn's desserts at Varietal and Will Goldfarb's at Room 4 Dessert blow Stupak's dessert tasting at wd-50 out of the water (but that was an early-ish visit so maybe the desserts are better integrated now) for savory dishes? hmm, JOse Andres' Mini Bar in DC? Chicago? Wed Jan 17 03:03:37 -0800 2007 2194308 64416 nuxvomica 2 2200977 Agreed -- as much as I love Ssam Bar, it's not really WD-50-ish, which is what the OP was going for. But, yes, you'll have to take a bus or plane to get to more restaurants like WD-50: http://www.chow.com/stories/10411 I really must get myself over to Varietal, and soon... Thu Jan 18 05:32:54 -0800 2007 2196427 10936 kathryn 1 2196437 Have you been to Tabla? Don't bother with the bread bar, but the restaurant is a minor revelation. Wed Jan 17 03:09:49 -0800 2007 2194308 12339 dbird 2 2197905 yes, which I love. We eat there almost every time in NYC. Wed Jan 17 17:23:06 -0800 2007 2196437 18508 hamahoney 3 2199794 Ok, then how about Sumile? I haven't been in over a year for no good reason; I had a fabulous dinner there right before Josh de Chellis went to Jovia (where his food was completely different, and not for the better); I know he left Jovia and is perhaps back at Sumile? There was that other restaurant that fell through in the mean time-- Kobe Steak?--unsure about what kind of relationship he has maintained with Sumile through this process. I tried to get a read from this board a few months back but no responses. It's on my list though. Re Urena-- I posted on this somewhere. Food is great but not great enough to overcome egregious deficits in service, room, etc. Momofuku may be a little overhyped but it certainly meets your criteria. I don't think all the dishes on the new ssam bar menu have been sorted out yet (I had an inedibly salty chawan mushi and a not quite there uni dish the other week) but it's smart and serious and not self-important and will tease your brain a bit even as you fall ravenously on your plate. Wed Jan 17 23:47:46 -0800 2007 2197905 12339 dbird 4 2201997 hmm, well here is the plan for Saturday; lunch at momofuku dinner back at WD~50 go listen to music or have a drink somewhere and then late dessert at Room 4 Dessert That sounds like a nice day, no? Thu Jan 18 16:31:55 -0800 2007 2199794 18508 hamahoney 5 2203062 I'd go to Milk and Honey or Pegu Club for the drink :) Thu Jan 18 20:02:14 -0800 2007 2201997 10971 Nehna 6 2205639 Is this the place you meant? http://www.mlkhny.com/newyork/ I think it might be private...Pegu looks interesting though... Fri Jan 19 13:57:35 -0800 2007 2203062 18508 hamahoney 7 2206086 Yes that's milk and honey...no, not private, just a hard number to come by (it's sort of a speak-easy). Pegu's great too but not quite as good as M&H. And there's a new 'high end/innovative' bar called Death & Co. in the EV that I havent been to yet but looks fantastic. Fri Jan 19 16:42:05 -0800 2007 2205639 10971 Nehna 4 2202525 i was thinking of sumile as well. pretty interesting creations. not your typical fusion fare. Thu Jan 18 18:19:28 -0800 2007 2199794 23603 ceeceee 1 2196679 I haven't yet been to Urena, but from what I've heard, Alex Urena, who spent time with Adria some time back, is serving interesting Spanish-inspired cuisine. Varietal is a brand new restaurant. The dessert chef is Jordan Kahn. From discussion and photos on another food forum, his creations are *very* unusual! Wed Jan 17 04:39:53 -0800 2007 2194308 13867 RGR 2 2198773 the desserts at Varietal are not only 'unusual' but also very good . i especially liked the celery and chocolate gel ones. the maitake mushroom caramel is truly amazing - i could just get a jar of it and a spoon. worth stopping by just for desserts, IMO. Wed Jan 17 20:17:34 -0800 2007 2196679 64416 nuxvomica 1 2206814 Sumile has changed rather dramatically since its opening - it's now Sumile Sushi, the menu looked very different the other night but i think de Chellis is back there for the time being (he was there one night recently. we looked at the new menu but it didn't wow us). not sure how long or how often - i hear they're opening a place in Japan Death & Co is quite good and should work for you geographically (as would milk & honey). it's pretty small though and 'hot' right now so it will be crowded on a weekend. if you are a large party (6+), they take reservations on weekends after 8pm. i like their signature drinks, although found them a touch sweet for my taste. the daiquiri with mescal is wonderful and the tequila oldfashioned interesting take on the classic. and the pink lady was delicious Fri Jan 19 19:20:08 -0800 2007 2194308 64416 nuxvomica