Summer 2024
Barley Swine | The tasting menu is excellent and their team is wonderful. As always, I prefer a bar seat. It is heavier for summer, but I expect to see them recognized by Michelin and know that’ll bring a new, possibly slightly different crowd.
Birdie’s | I like that you don’t need a res and can stand around in the parking lot with a glass of wine. It feels a bit like a new generation’s Texas French Bread in that when you begin the experience as soon as you roll up to the parking lot.
Ezov | Emmer & Rye’s group does no wrong. Ezov offers cuisine that’s light enough to enjoy in the summer.
Nixta Taqueria | They continue to evolve and I’m quite eager to visit their monthly Persian pop-up.
Suerte | I also enjoy Bar Toti for a taste of the group’s flare.
Uptown Sports Club | As someone who was born in Louisiana, it feels wonderful to have a taste of it in Austin.
Yellow Bell Tacos | From the team at InterStellar BBQ comes Yellow Bell.
RESTAURANTS | NEW YORK, NY
Fish Cheeks | This really blew my mind, particularly the steamed fish.
Fradei | I’m in my Fort Greene era this summer. They serve wine (no food) on the patio if you want to make a quick visit of it.
Hometown BBQ | Few things are better than waiting in line with a margarita. I always have a good time here and prefer to go on the earlier side, as much of your wait is in the sun.
The Long Island Bar | I am a fan of no reservations, and this has been my go-to lately. With cool enough weather, the outdoor seating makes for great people-watching.
S&P | I go here many Saturdays following the Union Square Greenmarket.
Sunken Harbor Club | I will admit, it feels a bit Disney-esque, which is not their aim. (As does anywhere that blows bubbles on the guests and shouts funny phrases when people order particular cocktails.) But it’s upstairs from Gage & Tollner, one of my favorite spots in the city, and the contrast between the two is cool.
Theodora | For a special occasion. Sit at the Chef’s Counter.
TIDBITS
Acid League added hot sauces to the market.
I read Anything that Moves last month. Couldn’t put it down. If you’re interested in America’s food culture, read it.
Tess Bryant Selections is new to my radar.
Gabrielle Glas International is Corner Bar’s glassware of which the Somm spoke highly.
The BA Test Kitchen shared their spicy food favorites, including Aji Amarillo hot pepper paste.
I love Dashi Okume so much. If you’re into Japanese culture or cuisine, explore that stretch of Greenpoint.
Believe it or not, you should care about the oil in your pantry. There’s quite a bit of talk about that right now, and I ended up subscribing to orders of the Chosen Foods avocado oil after much research.
Pina Pro lamps are all the rage in New York right now. Restaurants with outdoor seating depend on them for table lighting. The price point is steep, but I have one on my wishlist.
INTERESTING THOUGHTS
“The degree to which a person can grow is directly proportional to the amount of truth they can accept about themselves without running away.” — Unknown
“Risk is the tariff paid to leave the shores of predictable misery.” — John Poley
“Many people leave our what they don’t know because they mistakenly think it shows ignorance or a lack of hard work. Asking the question ‘What don’t I know?’ is not the same as throwing out an ‘I don’t know.’ In truth what you are saying is, ‘No one right here right now knows, and I was observant enough to notice this important fact and open it up for others to help me find the answer.’ If we reframe our attitude about it, others will follow.” — Amy E. Herman, Visual Intelligence
