...more recent posts
We ate at Ping's (all the way down Mott Street, just before Chatam Sq.) recently but I forgot to write. We used to love this place when it was at 25 E. B'way. Then he moved out to Queens where we never visited. And now he's back in Manhattan.
In any case, definitely worth a look. The menu seriously rewards the adventurous eater. Lots of very weird animal parts and organs. I know that's a half assed review, but since I don't eat that stuff I don't feel like I really can comment. It sure looked good though. And my fish and veggies were all great, although I don't think that is the point of this place.
Kai was awesome to me and my guest was blow away, I met the chef at WD50 recently so he said I want to cook for you (which ment we had the $110 menu and not the Iron Goddess at $85).....jasmine tea, a sweet grilled fish began the show on arugula with some fragrant flavorful sauce, next a soup with "lake seaweed" plus very textured eel, raw fish course with fruit gelatin and caviar, abalone(sp?), another japanese fish with a wasabi sauce and some greens served with tea, granite (my favorite i have tasted, brite herbs are added), tender steak and spring veggie's toped with f. gras to which the poured on a another flavorful sauce, fantastic noodle dish, lastly a hugh assortment of desserts served with tea (during the meal we drank Monquit Champagne followed by Sake)...one of my favorite places to eat period, the use of fragrance, texture, color, and flavor rocks....
Went to Morrell Wine Bar the new one, didnt taste the food but it was easy to find a nice priced bottle to drink and i liked the room very much......
Highly recommended: "modern kaiseki" (dinner in eight, ten, twelve or more courses) at Sugiyama on W55th (Broadway & 8th). From $60 and up, plus sake -- watch out for the Fukuju at 17% alcohol! We had three fish-based meals ($100), one w Kobe beef ($150). A special vegetarian kaiseki is available with one day's advance notice. (212) 956-0670. Certainly as creative as Bond Street or Kai.