Where I’ve Been Eating — September, NYC
Hi, everyone. Taylor here. I'm especially grateful for the chance to provide my point of view because trying new bars and restaurants is what I do outside my 9 to 5—I’ve checked out 499 places so far this year! Okay, preamble done: here are my favorite bites of September.
FOOD — CHINATOWN (@ffffooooooood)
FOOD is a revival of an iconic, artist-run restaurant in SoHo that originally opened in 1971. It’s a pioneer of what modern restaurants would soon become— celebrated for its rotating menu that used seasonal ingredients and a wide, open concept kitchen. Its second iteration in a small, bar seat-only space in Chinatown plays by the same principles.
I visited on a chilly Tuesday and although it was crowded, the space clearly fostered a special sense of community among its guests. The Bean Velouté made me feel like I was being wrapped up in a warm hug and the bitter, refreshing Endive Salad was perfectly complementary. There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll be visiting again soon.
JOHNNY’S — WILLIAMSBURG (@johnnysbk)
I stumbled upon Johnny’s the way one discovers any restaurant— walking through my neighborhood, face pressed to glass, peering into empty storefronts and reading city notices taped to shuttered windows. I stopped by the Chinese-Peruvian restaurant for a quick bite after work and shared the Chicken Lo-Mein, Sesame Caesar, and Croquetas with a friend.
The Sesame Caesar comes loaded with a saltine-sesame crumble and aji Amarillo dressing that I can only describe as life-changing, while the chicken-and-potato-filled Croquetas come with a green sauce I’ve been dreaming about since. Although the Chicken Lo-Mein was delicious, I’d opt for the Rotisserie Chicken next time.
SHAW-NAE’S HOUSE — STATEN ISLAND (@shawnaeshouse)
Getting to Shaw-Nae’s House is a bit of a trek, but one sunset ride on the Staten Island Ferry and a brisk half-hour walk will leave you at the doorstep of one of the best soul food spots New York City has to offer. I went with a group and ordered a pitcher of Rum Punch, the Jerk Chicken, Sugar Daddy Wings, Baked Mac and Cheese, and Collard Greens to share—each bite was more delectable than the last, but the Sugar Daddy Wings were the clear star of the show.
With only six tables, Shaw-Nae’s House feels more like a family get-together than a restaurant, especially when Shaw-Nae herself comes out to talk to your table about the food, the mysteries of the universe, and her incredible electric (?) bedsheets.
MO’S GENERAL — WILLIAMSBURG (@mosgeneralnyc)
Mo’s General is a staple in Williamsburg and therefore in my life. The interior is packed but cozy, and the food coming out of their kitchen makes sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with your neighbor worth it. They serve the kind of pizza that will save you from a morning-after hangover, and the frozen cocktails that will have caused it. Every single appetizer is stellar, but save room for dessert because the soft serve is next level.