Showing posts with label new york city. Show all posts

When it comes to chowing down on some raw fish in the Big Apple, you've got options, my friends. You can go for the convenient but forge...

When it comes to chowing down on some raw fish in the Big Apple, you've got options, my friends. You can go for the convenient but forgettable sushi at Whole Foods or the high-roller route where you drop a couple hundred bucks on a mind-blowing omakase experience at one of the city's finest sushi bars. But what if you're craving that top-quality omakase goodness without selling a kidney or starting an OnlyFans, I'm here to let you know it's fuckin' possible! You just need to know where to look. Lucky for you, I've gathered a list of spots that serve up chef's choice sushi that'll blow your mind, all for under a hundred bucks a head.  So, get your asses out there and embark on a sushi journey that won't leave your wallet crying for mercy!


Uotora  1075 Bergen Street, Brooklyn New York


 I've got a spot in Prospect Heights that's gonna blow your mind. Uotora is where neighborhood vibes meet some serious high-end sushi action. Picture this: friendly staff, a cozy little joint with bright and minimal decor that'll make you feel right at home. Now, here's the kicker, my friends. They've got some sushi and sashimi platters that won't drain your bank account like your 27-year-old side chick. Saddle up at the bar and prepare yourself for an $85 omakase experience that'll leave you speechless. We're talkin' uni and toro, the real luxurious shit, alongside an eclectic selection of whatever the hell fish they've got in coming your way. And listen, if the menu's got that king salmon calling your name, get it, you won't regret it, 'cause that's how you take it to the next level. Uotora is a goddamn culinary playground where neighborhood "charm" meets high-end sushi mastery. So, grab your appetite, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey that'll leave you craving for more.




Matsunori  151 Allen Street New York


For a sweet deal of $78, you'll be treated to a mouthwatering feast that includes 12 pieces of high-quality, mind-blowingly diverse fish. And that's not all, my friends! You'll also get an appetizer, a kickass handroll, and homemade mochi for dessert. Let me tell you, the fish highlights at this joint will blow your fucking mind. Imagine sinking your teeth into some soft-as-a-dream needlefish that turns into a crispy little beast in your mouth. And if that's not enough, brace yourself for a piece of eel that's so crispy and succulent it'll make your taste buds do a little happy dance. Oh, and guess what? They even throw on a tiny square of melted foie gras on top, 'cause they're all about taking your taste buds to the next fucking level. Matsuroni only has five nightly seatings and is BYOB, so make sure you load up on Sake before you come in. 



Sushi W 2673 Broadway, New York 


Let me lay it down for you. If you're on the Upper West Side and craving some wallet-friendly omakase action, Sushi W is where it's at. Here's the deal: you've got a solid one hour to devour one of the most affordable omakase experiences in the concrete jungle. Now, the cheapest option sets you back $54, or a sweet $38 if you hit it up for lunch, but trust me, it's worth every penny. For the ballers out there, they've got a $68 omakase that'll blow your mind with 15 pieces of pure sushi bliss and not one, but two outstanding handrolls. Now, let's talk about the highlights. Get ready to have your taste buds seduced by the torched unagi and the Toro. But hold up, my friends, because the real hero of the show is the chutoro, sprinkled with a touch of salt that'll send your senses into overdrive. Now, I gotta warn you, time is a scarce commodity here. So, if you're looking for deep conversations or a rowdy group outing, this ain't the spot. But if you're down for some solo dining, where you can focus solely on the symphony of flavors dancing on your palate, then Sushi W is the place to be. Trust me, this is one sushi joint you don't want to sleep on.





Sushi 456  456 Hudson Street New York


In a dice game, 4-5-6 is a winner and so is Sushi 456 in the Sushi game. Now, from the outside, it might look like your run-of-the-mill casual sushi joint, but let me tell you, my friends, looks can be deceiving. Step inside and you'll be greeted by a cozy little space. But here's where things get interesting, and by interesting, I mean fucking mind-blowing. This place serves up nigiri that's on a whole other level of perfection and precision. We're talking king crab that's so delicious it'll make your taste buds weep tears of joy, monkfish liver that dances on your palate with fruity and floral flavors, and even the leanest tuna that fucking melts in your mouth like a goddamn culinary miracle. Now, brace yourselves, my friends, because the deal here is either 10 courses for $70 or 15 courses for $100 and the best part is the BYOB option. Sushi 456 is a hidden sanctuary where the art of sushi is taken to celestial heights, and it's about damn time you experience it for yourselves. So, grab your appetite, bring your favorite booze, and prepare for a sushi journey that'll leave you craving for more.




There you have it, my fellow sushi enthusiasts! We've embarked on a flavorful adventure through the concrete jungle to uncover the four best sushi spots in New York City where you can indulge in a tantalizing omakase experience without breaking the bank. From the sleek and intimate setting of Uotora in Prospect Heights to the unassuming charm of Matsunori on the Lower East Side, these places have proven that exceptional sushi doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. And let's not forget about the culinary gems like Sushi W on the Upper West Side and Sugarfish with their consistent and delectable offerings. So, whether you're a solo diner seeking a transcendent sushi experience or looking for the perfect spot to impress a date, these four joints have got you covered. Now, it's time to grab your chopsticks, savor every delicate piece of nigiri, and let the flavors transport you to sushi paradise. Happy dining, my friends!






As someone who has traveled the world in search of the best food, I can say without hesitation that Sushi Zo in Los Angeles is one of the be...





As someone who has traveled the world in search of the best food, I can say without hesitation that Sushi Zo in Los Angeles is one of the best sushi restaurants I have ever had the pleasure of dining at. From the moment you walk through the doors, you know you are in for a treat. The sleek and modern décor, combined with the expertly crafted sushi and top-notch service, make for an unforgettable dining experience.


One of the first things that struck me about Sushi Zo was the atmosphere. The restaurant has a minimalist design, with sleek lines and a neutral color palette that exudes a sense of calm and sophistication. The lighting is low, casting a warm glow over the diners and creating an intimate and cozy atmosphere. The attention to detail in the décor is impressive, with everything from the furniture to the tableware chosen with care and precision.



But of course, the real star of the show at Sushi Zo is the food. I opted for the omakase, which is the chef's selection of the freshest and most flavorful fish available that day. The omakase at Sushi Zo is truly an experience in and of itself. Each piece of sushi is expertly crafted and presented with care, and the flavors are bold and complex. The chefs at Sushi Zo have an incredible talent for combining different flavors and textures in a way that is truly unique and unforgettable.

The meal started with a delicate and perfectly balanced piece of toro, which melted in my mouth and left me wanting more. This was followed by a piece of hamachi, which had a slightly firmer texture but was still incredibly flavorful. The next piece was a small but incredibly rich serving of uni, which was the highlight of the meal for me. The flavor of the uni was so intense and complex that I found myself savoring every bite, trying to discern all of the different notes and flavors.



The meal continued with a variety of other sushi, each one more delicious than the last. There was a piece of mackerel that had been marinated in vinegar, which gave it a bright and tangy flavor that was perfectly complemented by the soft texture of the fish. There was also a piece of squid that had been lightly grilled, which gave it a smoky and slightly charred flavor that was a nice contrast to the soft and delicate texture of the squid.


One of the things that impressed me the most about the omakase at Sushi Zo was the variety of different flavors and textures that were presented. There were pieces of sushi that were rich and buttery, others that were tangy and acidic, and still others that were smoky and charred. Each one was different and unique, but they all came together to create a cohesive and unforgettable dining experience.


But the food is only part of the story at Sushi Zo. The service and staff at the restaurant are also top-notch. The chefs were friendly and engaging, taking the time to explain each piece of sushi and answer any questions we had. The waitstaff were attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that every need was met and every question was answered.


Overall, I cannot recommend Sushi Zo highly enough. This is a restaurant that truly understands the art of sushi and takes it to the next level. The combination of expertly crafted food, stylish atmosphere, and attentive service make it a standout among the many sushi restaurants in Los Angeles. If you are looking for an unforgettable dining experience, look no further than Sushi Zo.


Sushi Zo
88 West 3rd Street
New York, NY 10012

The Best Places to Eat Pizza in Southern Brooklyn You know that feeling you get, when you're interested in someone, and that wave of n...

The Best Places to Eat Pizza in Southern Brooklyn

You know that feeling you get, when you're interested in someone, and that wave of nervous excitement crashes over you, when you see them? That's how I feel when I see pizza. To me, pizza is the perfect food. It's quick, it's cheap, and you can write a blog post, about your favorite pizza joints while eating it.

There are many sides to New York City's pizza scene. One one hand, you have pizza joints with $100,000 hand-built wood fired pizza ovens. The pizza is hand stretched by a Pizzaiola who tops the pizza with the freshest ingredients. On the other hand, you have the $1 slice joints, which use the crappiest ingredients, and techniques to form a slice of slop. Depending on our situation, both are good and hit the spot. But to me, the heart and sole of New York City's pizza scene is the local slice joint. That little spot on your block that you hit up everytime you're craving a great slice. These are mine: 

Delmar: Located in Sheepshead Bay, Delmar has been slinging the same classic New York city slice, since I could remember. After hurricane Sandy, I was worried they would never re-open. But after a few months they did,  with a new interior but still serving up their perfect old school NYC slice. 1668 Sheepshead Bay Road, Brooklyn NY 
Brooklyn Pizza NYC Pizza New York City


Pizza Wagon: When I was high school,  I wanted to be a chef.  The only high school at the time with a culinary program was in Bay Ridge, an hour bus ride from my house. So before I'd make my trek back home I would stop off here for a their regular and square slice, and do a little flirting with the bimbos from the surrounding all-girls catholic schools. 8610 5th avenue, Brooklyn NY 


Espresso Pizza: This place is new in my rotation. I actually came here on a whim. A few years back when Robert Sietsema was still writing for the Village Voice he did a little write-up about this place. Once again, he nailed it. The slice took me back to the late 90's.How the fuck is this guy never wrong? 9403 5th Avenue, Brooklyn NY

Difara: I mean,  come on. Do I really need to explain this to you? 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn NY



La Casa Bella: What can I say about La Casa Bella. I am here at least once a week, and I've been eating their pizza since the mid 90's. What sets La Casa Bella apart from everyone else is their Alla Vodka slice. A Crispy dough layered with thick, creamy, tomato-ey vodka sauce, topped with a blanket of fresh mozzarella,  sprinkled with parsely,  basil, and the crust is sprinkled with sesame seeds. The layers of great flavors makes this,  in my opinion, the best vodka slice in Brooklyn. 2579 Cropsey Avenue, Brooklyn NY


Knapp Pizza 2: This place serves up a great grandma slice. A perfectly thin crust topped with fresh mozzarella, a ridiculously good tomato and garlic heavy sauce and sprinkled with olive oil and fresh basil. 261 Avenue X, Brooklyn NY


J & V: The Sicilian slice or better known as the square slice is what this place does best. Their slice is thick with a crispy bottom. The inside is fluffy, topped with the perfect amount of sauce and cheese. 6322 18th avenue, Brooklyn 


Totonno's: Even though this isn't a slice joint,  I wouldn't have respected myself if I didn't add this place to my list. Totonno's is the pride and joy of my neighborhood. The charcoal pizza oven has been pumping out perfect pies since the early 1900's. Actually they have only been pumping out pies for the past twenty years. When the original owner was alive,  he would only make enough dough for 50 pies. If you were pie 51,  guess what? You were assed out and if you talked back,  he would chase you out the store with a baseball bat. 1524 Neptune Avenue, Brooklyn NY


And lastly, my favorite spot for pizza is my kitchen.  It's kind of a funny story how I got into making pizza, I was drunk. I wanted pizza, it was 3am, so pretty much I was beat. In a fit of drunken, pizzaless rage, I took matters into my own hands and bought a stone, peel, and cutter on eBay for $30 at 3am. This assured me I would never go pizzaless again. 

Something that started out with me just wanting pizza when I was drunk flourished into another beast. I became infatuated with pizza, I mean like, reading Slice & Pizza making forums at 4am on a wednesday night, infatuated. Today, I have my own dough recipe, my own sauce recipe, and in the midst of figuring out how to make my own cheese curds to stretch out fresh mozzarella. 
Sound Bwoy Burreill: San Marzano, fresh mozzarella, spicy capicola, sweet sopressata, pecorino romano, red onion, olive oil 

Triple OG: San Marzano, dry mozzarella, grana padano, pecorino romano, olive oil, sea salt,basil.