[singlepic id=217 w=190 h=110 float=left]Nikki Mirasola is the Events Coordinator at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music (Tisch School of the Arts, New York University). She is responsible for planning and managing all of the Institute’s events which makes her the perfect person to be EatinAsian’s New York foodie expert. She also coordinates special guest lectures, conferences, and performance showcases. Additionally, she acts as the industry liaison bridging the gap between academia and the professional world. Here are Nikki’s TOP 5 places to unwind in a city that never sleeps.
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Momofuku Noodle Bar
CLICK HERE to check out their site.
171 first avenue (btwn 10th & 11th), New York, NY 10003
Noodle bars are really big in the city right now, but Momofuku is the one everyone is talking about the most. The noodle bar serves ramen (duh) and then the rest of their menu rotates depending on the season. Momofuku also has several other branches all in the same area, including Milk Bar which serves delectable cookies, pies and cake truffles. Just wear something loose the night you decide to check this spot out.
Betel Bar & Kitchen (Asian Fusion)
CLICK HERE to check out their site.
51 Grove Street (at Christopher St.), New York, NY 10014
212-352-0460
I absolutely love this restaurant! I love it for many, many reasons, but here are just a few:
• The concept: three Australians decided to bring the unique and varied flavors of hawker food stalls in Southeast Asia to New York City. WIN!
• The food here is truly one of a kind – I have yet to find these dishes (e.g. Betel leaves, son-in-law eggs, cuttlefish) anywhere else in the city, and all of it is absolutely DELICIOUS!
• They have a superb drink menu, which includes all of the obvious choices, but also inspired cocktails and rare types of beer and wine.
• The décor has a very classy lounge vibe yet feels very inviting and warm. Ultimately, you end up wanting to spend your whole night there.
• Oh, and did I mention, it’s in the heart of Greenwich Village?
I’ve been here with coworkers, family, and friends, and no matter what the occasion, Betel has always been perfect and a huge hit all around.
Wohop
CLICK HERE to check out their site
17 Mott Street (btwn Mosco & Chatham Sq), New York, NY 10013
212-962-8617
Wohop doesn’t believe in fancy websites or fancy décor — literally, they have old headshots up on the wall and every square foot of this tiny Chinatown restaurant is packed with plain old tables and chairs; however, this is by far my favorite Chinese food restaurant in the city. It’s not pretty, but it’s delicious. Some of my favs are the standards: sweet and sour chicken, egg drop soup, chicken with broccoli, but no matter what I order I always walk out full and satisfied. Take note: make sure to go to the Wohop downstairs (you’ll know what I mean when you get here), bring cash (it’s cash only), and be prepared to wait (sometimes you can wait up to 2 hours). Don’t worry though, it’s worth it, and hey, there’s plenty of shopping to be done on Canal Street while you wait.
Lure Fishbar
CLICK HERE to check out their site
142 Mercer Street (btwn Houston & Prince), New York, NY 10012
212-431-7676
Technically, Lure isn’t an Asian restaurant, it’s more of a seafood restaurant, but it is also an oyster, raw, and sushi bar (steak, too). I am including this in the list because the sushi here is some of the best in the city, easily. It’s always fresh, always melt-in-your-mouth scrumptious. The edamame (and calamari and oysters) are to die for. When you walk in, it looks like you’re walking into a ship – very cool. It’s expensive, but the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and professional. It’s a great spot to hold work meetings or wine and dine prospective clients/business partners.
Masak
CLICK HERE to check out their site
432 East 13th Street (btwn 1st & Ave A), New York, NY 10009
212-260-6740
Apparently I have a thing for Southeast Asia and I didn’t even know it…until now. Masak is a Singapore-influenced restaurant which focuses on combining flavors and ingredients from Southeast Asia with locally grown produce. As you can imagine, this means that the menu varies per season. I must admit that everything on the menu, including the drinks, seems a bit obscure, but don’t let that stop you, because you will certainly miss out!