Basta Pasta
 |
| Linguini with fresh sea urchin in pink sauce; Tuna tataki; Breaded veal cutlet; Tiramisu with fruit |
This place is always busy, even on a weeknight, but we managed to secure a last minute reservation and enjoyed a balanced meal filled with all my favorites: sea urchin pasta, seared tuna, breaded veal, and dessert (I have a lot of favorites).
Basta Pasta
37 W 17th St (17th St between 5th and 6th Ave), New York, NY 10011
Sakagura
 |
| Soft boiled egg with sea urchin and roe; Deep-fried pork; Grilled eggplant three-ways |
 |
| Washu ribeye grilled on a hot stone; Onigiri rice balls with salmon and roe; Mango panna cotta |
Such an interesting place - partially hidden and located on the basement level of a corporate-looking building. The sake menu was massive and the marbling on the grilled ribeye was perfect. Definitely a place to experience!
Sakagura
211 E 43rd Street (43rd St between 2nd and 3rd Ave), New York, NY 10017
Danji
 |
| Spicy yellowtail sashimi; Poached sablefish with spicy daikon; Kimchi bacon paella; Grilled BBQ Wagyu shortribs; bulgogi beef and spicy pork belly sliders |
Probably the most chill Michelin-starred place I've ever been to (they have one). Unfortunately, they don't take reservations, and we ended up waiting almost an hour for a table, but definitely worth it. It helps that it is less than a block away from both Ippudo Westside and Totto Ramen, which helps to draw away the masses :P No complaints there... hopefully this place stays a secret a little longer.
