Last night B and I ordered in from our favorite neighborhood sushi spot and while I was chowing down on my chopped toro (I’d put it up against any dish, anywhere) he says, “Can you believe it’s been a whole ten days since we’ve had Sakura Hana?” B’s always got jokes. We laughed, but then I woke up this morning thinking about the same vow I make every year: to try new restaurants.
It’s funny because when it comes to cooking I have no problem with this. I’m always curious about new fruits and vegetables I see in the grocery store and new recipes I find online. I buy them, I make them. Done and done. I try to be creative about eating out, too: I have a list of restaurants that I am dying to try stored in a note on my iPhone. I get an A for effort, no? B even emailed himself that list so he can make surprise reservations for us. (He’s always trying to rack up OpenTable points.) But when it comes to eating out/ordering in during the week — it’s always the same three places. Fine, two. We can’t help it though, right? It’s convenient and we like what we like.
Guess I shouldn’t be surprised then, that when I flipped through the most recent issue of Bon Appetit, that I have only been to four of their 20 most important restaurants in America. They clarify “important” by saying not the fanciest, trendiest, or even the ones with the most stars — but the places that define how we eat. The ones that are fearless and innovative, they argue, are the ones that matter.
Fearless and innovative! I can get behind that. So I say we get started — I am borderline ashamed that 8 of the 20 are in New York. It’s only March, the year is still young and Mission Chinese has been at the top of my to-try list for some time now anyway. Another one on the list is in Austin, Texas — where I’m heading tomorrow for SXSW! But tell me: what’s on your list? And how many have you been to of their 20? Holler at me in the comments.
They may seem small and unimportant, but don’t forget to order the snacks at Mission Chinese – the carrots and peanuts are both great!
thanks for the tip, Tess! adding those to my note now.
I am SO glad to know I’m not the only one with a list of restaurants in my phone! I live in Boston so if you’re ever in the area and need suggestions! I also have lists for upcoming trips to Chicago and Charleston. There should be a support group for this.
no support group needed, Nicole — this is a healthy, smart habit! (or at least that’s what I tell myself — I have a list for my trip to austin this weekend too.)
Never been to Balthazar or Le Bernadin. I’ll admit – I’ve avoided Balthazar, figuring it’s an overhyped, trendy celeb haunt. But I’ve heard great things about the food (especially the pastries and bread) pretty consistently. I may have to give it a try!
I’ve never been to Balthazar either! We both definitely need to try — it’s a NYC institution and I love all of Keith McNally’s other restaurants.
I just recently started making a list of must-try restaurants. It’s kind of sad that I live in such a small city but there’s a long list of places I still haven’t been. Loved seeing Cochon on the list! It’s one of my have-to’s when we visit NO.
Not sad — totally normal, Ashley. One at a time — all you can do.