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!

Alright, listen up you culinary adventurers and hungry heathens! We're heading down to the 305, the land of the sun, sand, BBL's and the best damn food in Florida. Miami, baby! And let me tell you, this town has some serious game when it comes to grub. I'm talking about the kind of food that will get you laid on the a first date. I've eaten my way through this city, and let me tell you, these are the five spots that you don't wanna miss. So buckle up, grab a napkin, and let's dive into the top five restaurants in Miami, Florida. 

Versailles Restaurant

 I'm gonna talk to you about the mother of all Cuban sandwiches - the one you get from Versailles Restaurant in Miami, Florida. This is the real deal, folks. It's got everything you could possibly want in a sandwich - roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and mayo - all pressed between two slices of crispy bread. It's like a flavor bomb exploded in your mouth. The pork is succulent and juicy, the ham is salty and savory, and the cheese just brings everything together. And don't even get me started on the pickles - they add the perfect amount of tang and crunch to this already perfect sandwich.

Joe's Stone Crab

 If you're in Miami and you don't hit up Joe's, you're fucking up. The stone crab claws here are the stuff of legend. Sweet, succulent, and served with Joe's famous mustard sauce, they're a true Miami classic. And don't forget the sides. The creamed spinach is like a hug from your grandma, and the hash browns are so good you'll want to bathe in them.

Yardbird Southern Table and Bar

Yardbird is the real deal. The fried chicken here is what every other fried chicken in the world wishes it could be. Crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor, it's like a symphony of taste explosions in your mouth. And the mac and cheese? Don't even get me started. Creamy, cheesy, and with a breadcrumb crust that's so good you'll want never stop eating it. This is the place to come for classic Southern cuisine done right.

KYU

Alright, so we're talking about KYU in Miami. I gotta say, I was skeptical when I first heard about a place that serves Asian-inspired BBQ, but damn, these guys really know how to get the flavors right. The atmosphere here is slick and trendy, so it's a great spot to bring a date if you're looking to impress. But let's get down to business - the food. The standout dish here is the Korean Fried Chicken, and it's pretty much what it sounds like - crispy fried chicken with a spicy glaze that'll knock your socks off. They also do a mean Wagyu Beef Brisket, cooked to perfection and melt-in-your-mouth tender. But the real star of the show for me was the Grilled Octopus, served with charred scallions, garlic aioli, and a citrusy ponzu sauce. It's a real flavor explosion in your mouth, and you'd be a fool not to order it

.

Zuma

Zuma in Miami is one of those places that just screams "I have money and I know how to spend it." And let me tell you, they don't disappoint when it comes to the food. I checked out Yelp to see what people were raving about and holy fuck, the dishes at this joint are like food porn. The miso-marinated black cod with pickled ginger and green tea sauce is the stuff of legends. Tender, buttery, and with a flavor that will make you want to weep with joy. And if you're feeling fancy, the Wagyu beef with truffle and ponzu sauce will blow your mind. This ain't your grandma's pot roast, folks. It's rich, decadent, and will make you feel like a king. And don't even get me started on the sushi. The spicy tuna roll with chili daikon and sesame seeds is like a flavor explosion in your mouth. Zuma is where you go when you want to indulge in the finest things in life.

In conclusion, Miami has a wide range of dining options, but these five restaurants stand out for their exceptional service, decor, and, of course, their delicious food. From Cuban sandwiches to stone crabs, chicken and waffles to wood-oven roasted chicken, and al pastor tacos, Miami has something for everyone.

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

www.SushiZo.us

Dim sum is a beloved Chinese cuisine that is characterized by small steamed or fried dumplings, buns, and other small plates of food. If you're looking for a delicious dim sum experience in New Jersey, there are many great options to choose from. In this article, we've put together a list of the 7 best dim sum places in New Jersey, each with its unique features and flavors.

1. Green Lake Seafood Restaurant Located in Green Brook, Green Lake Seafood Restaurant is a popular dim sum spot that serves up traditional Cantonese dim sum dishes. The dim sum here is made fresh to order and the steamed dishes are especially popular. The restaurant is known for its friendly service and is a great place to take the family or a group of friends. The stuffed eggplant and sticky rice are the best in the state.

   

   Stuffed Eggplant

   
   

2. Dim Sum Seafood Restaurant Located in Avenel, Dim Sum Seafood Restaurant is a Cantonese restaurant that is known for its wide selection of dim sum options, including steamed buns, dumplings, and rice noodle rolls. The restaurant's atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, and the prices are reasonable. Dim Sum Seafood Restaurant is a great option for those looking for traditional dim sum dishes. One of the specialties of the restaurant is the steamed shrimp dumplings and chicken feet are a must.
   
   
   

3. Chengdu Palace 1 Located in Green Brook, Chengdu Palace 1 is a restaurant that specializes in Szechuan dim sum, which is known for its bold and spicy flavors. The restaurant offers a unique twist on the traditional dim sum experience and is popular among diners looking for something different. The pork sui mai and the soup dumplings should be on your order list.
   
   

   

   
   
   
   

4. Wonder Seafood Restaurant Located in Edison, Wonder Seafood Restaurant offers a wide variety of dim sum options, including steamed shrimp dumplings, steamed spareribs with black bean sauce, and steamed shrimp and chive dumplings. The restaurant has a casual and friendly atmosphere, and the prices are reasonable. Honestly, just get everything, I haven't had one bad dish here so it's hard to choose just two or three to highlight.
   
   
   

5. Qin Dynasty Located in Parsippany, Qin Dynasty is a Chinese restaurant that specializes in traditional Cantonese dim sum dishes, with a particular emphasis on steamed dishes. The restaurant's atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, and the prices are reasonable. The menu offers a variety of dim sum options, get chicken feet, soup dumplings, and anything sui-mai.
   
   
   

6. Noodle Wong Located in Parsippany, Noodle Wong is a Chinese restaurant that specializes in hand-pulled noodles and dim sum. The restaurant is known for its fresh and flavorful food, as well as its fast and friendly service. Noodle Wong's dim sum menu includes a variety of steamed and fried options, such as steamed shrimp rice rolls and pork sui mai. The restaurant also offers a variety of other Chinese dishes.
   
   
   

7. West Lake Located in Matawan, West Lake serves Dim Sum on the weekends for breakfast and brunch. Not too many places for Dim Sum in the area so get there early if you don't want to wait. Green Lake serves me beloved Crab Claw, the only place I have seen offering it in the state.
   
   
   

I may have not conquered all of New Jersey's Dim Sum scene, but these are my the best seven places when I feel like eating a little of a lot of everything and anything on any given Sunday morning.

Carbone is a legendary Italian restaurant located in the heart of New York City. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a bygone era of old school glamour and sophistication. The atmosphere is electric, with the sound of clinking glasses and lively conversation filling the air.

The menu at Carbone is a culinary masterpiece, featuring a wide variety of classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. One of the standout items on the menu is the spicy vodka rigatoni, a hearty and flavorful pasta dish made with spicy vodka cream sauce and topped with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Another must-try dish is the lobster ravioli, a decadent and indulgent treat that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. The ravioli is filled with rich and buttery lobster meat, and served in a savory cream sauce.

If you're in the mood for something a bit more casual, be sure to try the mario's meatballs. These giant meatballs are slow-cooked to perfection and served in a savory tomato sauce, making them the perfect comfort food.

For those who prefer something a bit lighter, the broccoli rabe is a great option. This dish is packed with nutrients and features tender broccoli rabe sauteed with garlic and chili flakes.

And no meal at Carbone would be complete without trying the burrata, a creamy and indulgent cheese that is the perfect accompaniment to any dish.

To finish off your meal, be sure to save room for the rainbow cookies. These colorful and delicious cookies are a fan favorite and the perfect way to end your dining experience on a sweet note.

Overall, Carbone is an exceptional dining destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're in the mood for a romantic dinner for two or a lively night out with friends, Carbone is sure to exceed your expectations. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, as this popular spot is often fully booked.

Carbone
181 Thompson Street
New York City
CarboneNewYork.com

 I would say there are a handful of things in my life that haunt me. The cancelation of Perfect Strangers, my monthly Amazon purchases, and not buying Bitcoin when it was $1.58. But one situation in particular that stands out in my mind was my meal at Single Thread Farms. It has been about 3 years and the meal continues to play over and over in my head like a newly released Justin Bieber song on a Summer day.

Now just like everyone else, I love fancy shit. Vintage Porsches, expensive watches, banned cheeses from Foreign countries. But, Fine Dining was just one thing I never got into. While I appreciate the food, it's the overabundance of hospitality that gets on my nerves. You see, I have something called a " Resting Brooklyn Face" (old Brooklyn, not New Brooklyn) which people tend to think I am pissed off when I'm actually just fine. In my past experience such as Del Posto, Nakazawa, and 11 Madison Park I felt the servers were trying to overcompensate on services due to my "Fuck you" demeanor and honestly it was just annoying. I don't trust nice people.

In April of 2019, I found myself in Napa Valley, California, and knew I wanted only 2 things, in-n-out and to give another shot at fine dining. I didn't want to go the typical route and just go to Thomas Keller's French Laundry like every other schmoe with a food blog and a heartbeat but instead opted to try something different in the Sonoma Valley Called Single Thread Farms.

Single Thread opened up on the ground floor of The Single Thread inn 2016 serving up Japanese-influenced cuisine. Single Thread quickly racked up rave reviews from the food world including 3 Michelin Stars and the 50 Best Restaurants in the world.

Upon entering the restaurant you whiz past their kitchen which is open, yet kind of closed off from the rest of the dining room. The dining room is paneled with dark wood, lantern-type lighting, and probably the most comfortable chairs I have ever plopped my ass in. 

I am not even going to attempt to try and remember what was served to me during dinner I have a hard time trying to remember what I ate for lunch, let alone something I ate 3 years ago. Hopefully, the photos below will give you an idea, a boner, and maybe you will understand why this meal haunts me daily.

As you can see, everything was incredible, from the food, the wine, and even the services. The staff must have been classically trained Ninjas because I never once saw someone fill up my glass of wine, yet my glass was never empty. I actually was able to enjoy my meal and not be asked if "everything is okay over here". Everything and anything was on point at Single Thread Farms and this is why this meal goes down in my book as the best meal I have ever had in my life, ever. 

Single Thread Farms 

https://www.singlethreadfarms.com/

At first glance, Upland confused the ever-loving shit out of me.  What the fuck is a California inspired Italian menu? Does the food take its time to hit your table and carry a medical marijuana card? New York inspired Italian food falls into the group of old school red sauce, or so I, understand. Upland had me intrigued, not only because of a combination of food I never knew about but more so for the Chef Justin Smillie, formerly of II Buco Alimentari a.k.a the panty dropper. 

Upland is located in the Flat Iron district, tucked into a building off the corner of Park Avenue South. The restaurant has a nice comfortable vibe to it, I kind of felt like I was at home, except I was wearing pants. We were ushered over to the bar, where I had a hard time trying to get a bartenders attention. I think I had a better chance of losing to Floyd Mayweather in a spelling bee. After what felt like forever, I finally got to order a drink, but of course two seconds after I did, our table was ready. 

I wasn't really happy with the service at the bar, but I forgot all about it, after they sat us down in a booth. I love booths! It's like a vacation for your ass. Another way upland impressed me is through their complimentary breadbasket. We now live in an era where bread is extra, I can understand why, but even prisoners get bread and water for free. A few glances through the menu and this is what we got: 

Burrata ($19) Trout caviar, crispy leeks, arbequina olive oil. I'd give a hand job to Guy Fieri to be eating this right now. The trout roe gave the creamy burrata this nice natural taste of saltiness, along with crispiness from the leeks. I wasn't getting much of the olive oil, but either way this dish is a winner. 

Beef Tartar ($16) Black trumpet mushrooms, puffed faro, anchovy, egg yolk. The puffed faro and egg yolk was a nice touch, but I think the flavor notes from what I believe was mustard seeds, was just a little too much for me. The dish is good, but the single flavor profile of mustard seed or whatever the fuck it was, didn't do it for me 

Pear Pizza ($18) Stracciatella, pecan pesto, arugula, balsamic. I take my pizza seriously. I'm not one of those assholes who say "pizza is good, even when it's bad". Those people should be shot beaten with a rusty rake and then throw into a bathtub full of lemon juice. Upland's pizza though, is good. Well, the dough was good. The pear-pesto-balsamic wasn't doing it for me. 

Pappardelle ($22) Spicy sausage ragu, kale, Parmigiano. This dish is why I fucks  with Chef Smillie. The pappardelle was ridiculously fresh and super tender. The spicy sausage ragu had a fuckton of flavor with a nice little heat that danced on your tongue like a Brazilian stripper on a Saturday night. Order this dish, fuck it, and order two at the same time. 

Okay, so now I get California Inspired Italian food is. It's rustic italian but a lot lighter, and less cursing. Justin Smillie is completely killing it in the kitchen but not killing your wallet. Our bill came to $160 with a few drinks plus the tip. If you're looking for good food, a place that will get you laid on the first night or just an inexpensive night out in Manhattan, hit up Upland, A.S.A.P 

Upland 

345 Park Avenue South, New York 

www.uplandnyc.com