Slowly making my way through my most recent food experiences... Had the extreme luxury of dining at a few more Michelin-starred restaurants over the past few months. From Japanese to French to Modern American, the prix-fixe / tasting menu format really allowed us to experience the most of what the places had to offer.
Torishin
Torishin offers probably one of the best tasting menus for the value - $65 per person for an appetizer, a few small plates, 8 skewers (6 meat, 2 vegetable), a rice dish and dessert. I'm usually not a huge fan of chicken (which this place specializes in), but every skewer I tried was different in texture and taste, while still bursting with flavor. I was unbelievably stuffed by the end and would probably opt for a la carte next time I visit, but for those who have a big appetite, this is the perfect dinner spot.
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| A few skewers (I think these two are chicken thigh and heart), grated daikon and an appetizer of grilled uni that we ordered on the side |
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| Yam, radish, tobiko, quail egg and seaweed; chicken breast with plum and shiso; chicken meatball; chicken oysters; shishito peppers; chicken cartilage |
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| Potatoes; another appetizer ordered on the side (scallops and mushrooms); oyako don (chicken and egg over rice); green tea ice cream |
Dovetail
At $88 a person, the four-course menu at Dovetail is not a bad deal and the portions are definitely sufficient. For an even more affordable multi-course meal, I would recommend going on Sunday nights for their "Sunday Suppa" menu, which offers an appetizer, entree and ice cream sundae dessert for under $60. Overall, the food and presentation was executed very well, but there was nothing extremely special about the cuisine that would bring me back anytime soon. However, definitely a solid option for those looking for a fancy / romantic date night or dinner out with the parents!
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| Great bread selection (truffle arancini, cornbread and multigrain cracker); Potato soup (I think) and a tiny lettuce wrap; Steak tartare, chayote, pumpkin seeds, masa |
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| Venison, saucisson poivre, salsify, trumpet mushrooms; Tuna crudo, baby beets, watercress, pumpernickel; Baked cauliflower, caramelized onion quinoa, dandelions |
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| Popcorn sorbet; Mignardises; Bittersweet chocolate souffle, cardamom, earl grey ice cream; Brie creme brulee, pecan financier, pineapple, sherbet |
The Modern at MoMA
My friend was super excited about visiting The Modern, mainly because it was located in the Museum of Modern Art, and was known for its supposedly artful presentation and ambience. The dining room itself is beautiful with floor to ceiling glass windows that showcase the outdoor sculpture garden (unfortunately we had a later dinner so were unable to enjoy the views outside). Right outside is the Bar Room, an open area with a more casual dining atmosphere with smaller tables and a bar.
