Well hidden on the deserted 33rd St block between Madison and Park Ave is one restaurant, a sushi restaurant, that has some of the freshest fish in the city. Sushi Sen-nin is busy but seemingly never packed, which allows you to walk in and get seated right away. If you find yourself waiting for your dinner companions, there is a small but tiny bar in the front. The entire waitstaff welcomes you as you walk in the door. The place has a simple decor with wood paneling everywhere and giant Japanese banners hanging on all the walls. The lengthy menu seems overwhelming and difficult to read, but once you've digested the expansive selection, you will be happy with whatever you order. Don't be alarmed by the exorbitant prices that you may see for the specialty rolls ($30-50), because these prices reflect not just the quality but the size. The specialty rolls are massive (each roll the size of my forearm!) and most are quite artistic.
If you do not want to share a bunch of rolls, I recommend moving to the "Matsu Ala Carte" section where for an extremely reasonable price ($20-25) you get a soup and an assortment of sashimi and sushi. Some of examples of the assortments are the Matsu Sushi, which is 5 pieces of sashimi and one spicy tuna roll or the Matsu Sashimi, which is an array of sliced sashimi. They also offer to add some Japanese spicy sauces to your sushi/sashimi, all of which are all very nice and bring a lot of flavor to each bite. However, if you don't like wasabi or anything related to that you can easily ask them for none. You can also opt for brown rice to keep things even healthier at no extra cost.
The fish is exceptional, fresh and melts in your mouth. The sashimi is delicately sliced. Everything is presented beautifully. This is truly a hidden gem, so don't let the word get out if you want to keep getting a seat!
February 3, 2009
February 2, 2009
Mmmmm Mmmm Mmm Mercadito (East Village, NYC)
Mercadito is a neighborhood gem whose name means "little market" in Spanish. Since I discovered the original location in the East Village, they have opened up several more locations; one across the street from the original and one in the West Village. This Mexican restaurant is a great local joint for a quick bite for two, or for a group dinner. The entrance is a wicker door that opens into a small restaurant, which is decorated like a small Mexican hut in the middle of the East Village. It has a great intimate feel up front, but they have a room downstairs that is great for groups.
There is a small, cramped bar ajoining the open kitchen. Seats are always at a premium, but the calesthenics are well worth the effort. The freshly mixed margaritas are fantastic, and the adventurous beer drinkers can try a cerveza "michelada" style, with lime, worcestershire, tabasco and salt. Tasty drinks lead straight into the tasty menu.
There is a vast variety of food to order, and most is designed for easy sharing. There are several varieties of freshly made guacamole, all of which are delicious. Ceviche also comes in several varieties. The selection of fish, acid and vegetable complements is quite diverse, so pick one that fits the mood and palate of your group. I suggest sticking with the Mixto, which has a great garlic-jalepeno sauce. Some of the others may be overwhelmed by the citrus but underwhelming in terms of overall flavor.
For the main course, my favorite approach is to order a bunch of the tacos, which are simply scrumptious. The two-bite tacos are made in small soft corn tortillas. Each serving contains four tacos, which makes them perfect for mixing, matching and sharing on a double date. The can't miss version is the shrimp taco (Cameron), which are covered in a roasted garlic and chipotle mojo sauce that is then topped with a slice of avocado. They're a perfect combination of taste, spice and texture. Many other types are also available, with proteins ranging from pork to steak to several types of fish. If late night dining fits your style, Mercadito offers a fantastic all-you-can-eat taco deal after 10pm several days per week.
The menu also offers a wide variety of entrees, including steak, chicken, whole snapper and stuffed relleno peppers. Several are excellent, but devote your first Mercadito experience to the tacos and save the other entrees for your second visit. And trust me- you will be making return visit!
There is a small, cramped bar ajoining the open kitchen. Seats are always at a premium, but the calesthenics are well worth the effort. The freshly mixed margaritas are fantastic, and the adventurous beer drinkers can try a cerveza "michelada" style, with lime, worcestershire, tabasco and salt. Tasty drinks lead straight into the tasty menu.
There is a vast variety of food to order, and most is designed for easy sharing. There are several varieties of freshly made guacamole, all of which are delicious. Ceviche also comes in several varieties. The selection of fish, acid and vegetable complements is quite diverse, so pick one that fits the mood and palate of your group. I suggest sticking with the Mixto, which has a great garlic-jalepeno sauce. Some of the others may be overwhelmed by the citrus but underwhelming in terms of overall flavor.
For the main course, my favorite approach is to order a bunch of the tacos, which are simply scrumptious. The two-bite tacos are made in small soft corn tortillas. Each serving contains four tacos, which makes them perfect for mixing, matching and sharing on a double date. The can't miss version is the shrimp taco (Cameron), which are covered in a roasted garlic and chipotle mojo sauce that is then topped with a slice of avocado. They're a perfect combination of taste, spice and texture. Many other types are also available, with proteins ranging from pork to steak to several types of fish. If late night dining fits your style, Mercadito offers a fantastic all-you-can-eat taco deal after 10pm several days per week.
The menu also offers a wide variety of entrees, including steak, chicken, whole snapper and stuffed relleno peppers. Several are excellent, but devote your first Mercadito experience to the tacos and save the other entrees for your second visit. And trust me- you will be making return visit!
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