Ukate (Tokyo)

Ukate (Tokyo) - 3/29/10

Ukate in Tokyo is the most refined teppanyaki experience we have ever had. No Benihana here. You will not see the typical grill stations with chefs entertaining guests with chatter and knife work. This Michelin rated restaurant - apparently the only teppanyaki spot to receive the distinction - is without question the best in it's category. Very high end. Beautiful, really... You know you are entering another world when you are met with that stunning half-circle grill that separates diners from several chefs who are there to serve each dining party. It is a personalized service -- Mr. Machida was our chef for the evening. We decided on a special set of lobster and beef, ordered a bottle of bordeaux, and let the experience unfold. It was exquisite.

Daiwa Sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market (Tokyo)

Daiwa Sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market (Tokyo) - 3/29/10

Pretty much all Tokyo guide-books say that visiting Tsukiji fish market is a must. The Cho family agrees. Probably one of the few times that dad would get up at 5:30am, we were advised to get there by 6am to watch the incredible tuna auction that takes place. And as we arrived and maneuvered our way to the auction area, through the maze of active stalls and vendors of all sorts of food items readying themselves for the day, we were awed by the frenetic energy of people hard at work doing what they do. The auction was amazing. You've probably seen this on TV, but as with most cases, being there was something else.

After the auction experience, we found the sushi spot that everyone recommends. Inside the market and in the middle of a row of restaurant stalls, Daiwa Sushi was indeed the one of 2 stalls with the most people waiting (the other was Sushi Dai); and it was only 7am. This was an atypical day for us - waking up before sunrise and waiting in line for food. Can't say it wasn't difficult, squashed like sardines amongst starving foodies (locals, as well as tourists from China, Korea, Germany), but when it was our turn to enter the sushi den, we were all smiles. And in the midst of the chaos, the sushi chefs were calm, friendly, and welcoming.

We ordered 2 of the suggested sets/platters and some individual pieces of our favorites. The chefs were masters. They placed the pieces on our plates as they were made, and even thoughtfully cut Ella's pieces in half for easy eating. The freshness was without equal, and the rice was perfect. The accompanying miso soup was also just right, tiny clams added for flavor; and the ice-cold Asahi beer washed it all down. This was indeed the best sushi we ever had. Ella was in agreement.

Zakuro (Tokyo)

Zakuro (Tokyo) - 3/28/10

It was an eye opening experience to taste the real thing. We've had shabu shabu many times and in many fine restaurants, ... but our meal at Zakuro in Tokyo showed us how it is done when done right. Maybe it was the authenticity of being served by kimono-clad staff in a restaurant known to be one of the finest. Maybe it was the quality of presentation; or the amazingly well marbled slices of meat; or the freshest greens and mushrooms imaginable; or the perfect noodles that ended the ritual. Everything played a part in our enjoyment of the best shabu shabu in the world.

The Inn at Saw Mill Farm

The Inn at Saw Mill Farm (West Dover, Vermont) - 2/15/10

They say that the restaurant at Saw Mill Inn is one of the best in town - West Dover in Vermont, a convenient 5 minute drive from Mt. Snow. The Cho family agrees. We feasted. The sweetbread resting on a bed of fried spinach was quite possibly the best appetizer dad has ever had. And the potato crusted red snapper was hearty and fabulous. The wine list was superior, and the staff here was so friendly. The country-inn vibe was warm and appreciated, as well. We will be back for sure.

Co.

Co. (230 9th Ave., NYC) - 1/30/10

Co. was started by the owner of Sullivan Street Bakery. We recommend this pizza spot to everyone. We started with the escarole; so fresh and so tasty. As would be expected, the pizzas here are absolutely fantastic; and the 2 we had on this day were both heavenly. The Honshimeji & Guanciale was topped with quail eggs, honshimeji mushrooms, guanciale, bechamel, buffalo mozzarella, parmesan, rosemary, and garlic. Outstanding. The Boscaiola had tomato, mushroom, buffalo mozzarella, pork sausage, onion, and chili. Also very delicious. And you can complement your meal with a great selection of beer and wine. Very casual, comfortable, and solid - but be sure you are cool with communal dining, because you will have strangers seated next to you. And so what.

Bar Masa

Bar Masa (10 Columbus Circle, NYC) - 1/23/10

Bar Masa is amazing. The decor and ambiance are relatively casual and hip for a high-end restaurant. The food is just about the best in town. We stopped by for lunch on dad's birthday and enjoyed a great meal. The sashimi platter was outstanding; quite possibly the best sashimi that can be had in NYC... extraordinary in freshness and presentation, especially tasty with some excellent cold sake. And dad's uni risotto was exactly what he needed; beyond mouth-watering. And of course, Ella's tempura udon was perfect.

Umeya

Umeya (156 Piermont Rd., Cresskill, NJ) - 12/31/09

Cresskill NJ has quite the reputable Japanese restaurant. It is called Umeya, and it serves up consistenly good food. We check for the specials because they often have outstanding oysters. The aji special is fantastic, as well - if not listed as a special, then just order the aji tataki. Umeya has been around for some time, and it seems that the owners have access to top quality fish. Of course Ella's meal is not complete without some noodles... the tempura udon is always tasty. We enjoyed a wonderful Umeya meal on this new year's eve

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Yakitori Totto

Yakitori Totto (251 W. 55th St., NYC) - 12/11/09

This is one of mom & dad's favorite restaurants. The Japanese take everything seriously, and this place does chicken right; they also have delicious non-chicken dishes that are amazingly appetizing... all cooked to perfection by focused and dedicated grill masters. In fact, it's safe to say that everything here is excellent. On this special evening, we particularly enjoyed the grilled chicken hearts, lamb chops, and the pork belly. The tofu in hot pot and the enoki mushrooms wrapped in bacon were both fantastic, as well. We finished up the meal with some udon to warm the belly. They also have a great sake selection, which is probably why mom and dad are always up for this place. We love Yakitori Totto.

Patsy's Pizzeria

Patsy's Pizzeria (61 W. 74th St., NYC) - 11/29/09

Patsy's on the Upper West Side has always been a go-to spot for the Cho family. On this day, grandpa joined us for lunch, and we feasted on all that we enjoy -- the wonderful Insalata Siciliana, the delicious thin pizza with pepperoni and onions, and the tasty spaghetti & meatballs. Can't go wrong here... a great meal every time.

Momofuku Ssäm Bar

Momofuku Ssäm Bar (207 2nd Ave. in NYC) - 11/25/09

We happened to be in the neighborhood and decided to stop in for lunch; we were pleasantly surprised and lucky to be seated without much wait. Since we were only 3, there was no way of ordering their famous Bo Ssäm, so we ordered up the following:

Oysters with kimchi consommé
Cured Hamachi with horseradish, edamame, pea leaves
Rice noodles with braised brisket, thai basil, cilantro
Steamed Pork Buns with hoisin, cucumbers, scallions (2 servings!)

The oysters that day were kumamoto, and they were very tasty. The hamachi was good, as well. And same for the rice noodles, which we got without the cilantro. (cilantro?) But definitely the highlight was the steamed pork buns! Fatty and flavorful and simply amazing. We'd go back just for that. But after the meal, as we looked over at our neighbor's set, we totally regretted not ordering the spicy rice cakes. They looked and smelled amazing. We'll be back.

So Moon Nan Jip

So Moon Nan Jip (238 Broad Ave. in Palisades Park, NJ) - 11/14/09

So Moon Nan Jip is definitely one of the best BBQ spots in town. The marinated Kalbi there is excellent; and this is one of the few places that still use wood chips for the bbq - the resulting flavor is always extremely satisfying. We can eat here every day. An added bonus is that their Nangmyun is really good (maybe even 2nd best after Homung Nangmyun); so Ella is happy. Of course we need a Jigae with the meal. We usually go for seafood stew or Kimchi Jigae - both hearty and satisfying. Careful, though, you'll probably smell like Kalbi when you leave, so dress accordingly.