Greenwich Village -Deborahs

Thanks to my good friend LHong's brunch suggestion, we went to get a brunch fix at Deborah's in Greenwich Village at 45 Carmine Street, very close to West 4th Street Station.

Cute place and we got a table in the back. I got the duck confit hash served with eggs. It was delicious and I very filling! Bits of lean duck meat, fried eggs over the duck hash was a nice touch and I finished my whole plateful of food. My friends enjoyed the exposed brick wall (not much of it is found in Atlanta) and our servers were friendly and efficient.

I give this place a 9 forks out of 10 forks based on my duck confit hash dish alone!

Chocolate by the Bald Man.... in Union Square (NYC)

Went to Max Brenner to sample some chocolate in this big restaurant with an attached store around in Union Square. I head first heard of it from Leewa last month after he showed it to me. This time I got some time and brought some friends with me.

The main dining area is big and spacious. We hung out and I got the chocolate banana bread with a lemon mint granita. Both were great and great suggestions! There is an extensive menu of hot, cold drinks and many different types of chocolate desserts with crepes and variety of other goodies. But though I enjoy desserts, too much of a good thing gets too much for me too.

I give this place an 8 forks out of 9 forks.

Kum Gang San-Korean BBQ

I always seem to head to Kum Gang San when in NYC for Korean BBQ! (On 45 32nd Street between Broadway and 5th Avenue in Heralds Square). Brought a group of people to have some Korean BBQ and snacks. We got seafood pancake, chapchae ( clear noodles with meat and veggies), bulgoki (marinated beef) and galbi (marinated rib meat) (all my faves)! They were all hits and the there were plentiful side dishes to be had as well!

The waitstaff cooked the kalbi and bulgoki for us but we ended up serving ourselves and finishing up the bbq meat. Everyone was happy and enjoying the food. The conversation and food were flowing and good times were had by all.

We left with tax, tip $28 lighter! But for this quality of Korean bbq you cannot get in Boston, it is worth it! Then we wandered into the night to take the guests to Times Square to check it out!

9 forks out of 10 forks

KAI Restaurant (Upper East Side) NYC

Doing some research, I wanted to have some Japanese for lunch whilst in NYC. After some research, I found "KAI" in upper east side owned by Itoen, a brand that makes teas. There is a nice tea store on the lower level.

Lunch is only served from 12-3 on Saturdays. I got off my transport to take the "6" train to 69th Street stop. It is a short walk to the restaurant on Park between 68th and 69th streets.

I was seated at the last seat at the sushi bar. It was nice to relax and settle in for a nice lunch. Great service as they offered to take my bag. My water glass and tea cup were constantly refilled. I enjoyed the Hoji Cha (Roasted Green Tea) I was served. Yum! I settled on the $40 KAI bento. I figured it was the best way to try alot of great food.

I enjoyed watching the sushi chefs cooking and making the food. Watching a master at work, using economical movements (no waste) and everyone spoke Japanese save the runners. One of the waitresses noticed the hiragana I wrote and asked if I know Japanese.

I first got served dark miso soup and a fresh made tofu served with bonito shavings. The dark miso was nice and intense. The fresh tofu was delectable with an ultra smooth and creamy texture, very much a silken feel to the tongue. Next I got my bento box, I got some fresh daily sashimi (flown from Japan), tempura (veggies and a shrimp piece), grilled sake (Salmon) and red snapper, with one unagi piece rolled to envelope a burdick root piece, mixed rice, and a bowl of seasonal fresh veggies. Everything was simple, delicious and very fresh.

The dessert consisted of chocolate mousse cake sliver, some fresh fruit pieces and a piece of yuza cheesecake.

Overall with the food, atmosphere, and excellent service I give Kai a 9 forks out of 10 forks.