stagiere in nyc. couple of questions

[luckyboy]

hello everyone.

going to be in new york soon for a stage in a fancy restaurant.

any thoughts on

best chinese?

best sushi? or just a great latenight local sushi?

greenmarkets times and stuff just to have a look?

eating corton 11mp, should i do per se? should i do ko or ssam?

best sandwich??????

thanks everyone.

[hcbk0702]

I haven't explored NYC Chinese food that much, but for Szechuan try Szechuan Gourmet in Manhattan as well as Spicy & Tasty and Little Pepper in Flushing.

For sushi, the three absolute best would be Masa, Kurumazushi, and Sushi Yasuda. Masa stands alone in its approach (incorporating high-end kaiseki) and price (over $400/pp), Kurumazushi is the most venerated (and expensive) traditional sushi-ya, while Yasuda is known for its exceptional rice and being the most approachable in terms of price. Also consider Kanoyama, Sasabune, Sushi Azabu, Sushi Seki, and Ushiwakamaru.

Corton and EMP are definitely worth trying. Corton will probably be more interesting than EMP if you're into modern/progressive cooking, but EMP has a great lunch deal ($28 for two courses). Per Se is a special and singular experience if you're willing to pay for it; alternatively, you can order a la carte at their walk-in only Salon if you wanted to just try a couple dishes without committing to the full tasting menu. As for the Momofukus, Ko, Ssam Bar, and Noodle Bar are all quite unique. Trying a significant portion of Ssam Bar's menu will probably give you a better idea of David Chang's style, but if you can manage getting reservations at Ko, I wouldn't miss it.

If you haven't tried it yet, get the pastrami on rye at Katz's and make sure to order it fatty. I don't think it's necessarily the best sandwich in NYC, but it's great and iconic to the city.

[kathryn]

What hcbk0702 said.

Szechuan Gourmet is excellent, but if you venture out into Flushing, I'd look into the other, non-Sichuan types of Chinese food. There's a much bigger variety than what's available in Manhattan!

In terms of serious sushi, I'd also add 15 East to that list.

For biggest Greenmarket in Manhattan, that would be Union Square's, which is M, W, F, Sa from 8-6 (although a lot of vendors get there before 8 and/or leave well before 6). Earlier is better. Bundle up, it's cold out there! Check out also their Twitter:
http://twitter.com/UnSqGreenmarket

[LeahBaila]

Damn, you know your stuff. Great response!

www.thelunchbelle.com

[kathryn]

Have you seen these threads?

Don't leave NY without eating these foods
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/610739

I highly recommend RGR's self guided Lower East Side Gustatory tour:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/493333

Best brunch:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/598414

Best foodie shopping:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/585538
http://www.chow.com/lists/edit/33
http://www.chow.com/lists/edit/924

Best mixology:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/609073

Top Ten Bars for Beer Snobs
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/572919

Manhattan for 5 days over New Year
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/676209

Other hounds' itineraries/reports:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/611116
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/597021
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/604369
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/609656
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/589834
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/610739
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/623860