The Spot: Yakitori Taisho

photo by LaTur © 2006

FYI, a majority of all Japanese restaurants (especially sushi restaurants) in the NYC boroughs are not really owned or even run by Japanese people. If you need an easy way to find some authentic Japanese meals, just go to St. Marks place. Yakitori Taisho is one of those spots on St. Marks that serve some awesome real deal Japanese eats. Yakitori means flames/grilled chicken, but it has become the general name for this Japanese style skewer BBQ. You can get all of the traditional skewers like chicken, chicken meatball, beef, pork, chicken gizzard, chicken skin and squid, to some not so traditional like scallop wrapped in bacon or quail eggs.

You can also order other dishes that aren't yakitori, which are all just as good. If Yakitori Taisho is packed, you can try Oh! Taisho few doors down which is an exact duplicate of the eatery. Both spots are usually packed during normal eating hours but it's definitely worth the wait. I can't get enough of this place and everytime I'm in the city I usually end up there. If you are hanging out in the area, definitely stop by.

- Yakitori Taisho and Oh! Taisho are located between 2nd and 3rd avenue on St. Marks place NYC.

+ Yakitori Taisho [Yelp!]

+ Yakitori Taisho [New York Magazine]

- Sonic

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The Spot: Tea & Sympathy

The Food at Tea & Sympathy

When a friend of mine told me about Tea & Sympathy, I was instantly excited to try it out. I mean, it has the word "tea" in the name, and I of course love tea! It was small but somehow cozy inside and although I was there for the tea, I was ready to eat! I had shepard’s pie which was the best I’ve had, and apple crumble for desert. It was ummm…. banging!? I was slightly worried it would be too sweet but it actually wasn’t at all. Trust me on this, go here and try it!

When you order tea, they bring you a personal pot of loose tea which gives you about 3~4 cups. The prices are a little high but it’s a cool little spot to get some good eats or have a pot of tea and chat with some friends. They also have a shop next door that sells loose teas, British candy, tea pots and what not. It's great, just freakin' go!

+ Tea & Sympathy is located on Greenwich ave. between 12st and 13th st in NYC

[Official Website]

- Sonic

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Restaurant Feature: Blue Ribbon Brasserie, Brooklyn

photo by Dennis Mueller on Flickr

It's rare, but it happens; a perfect dining experience. I honestly can't think of a single bad thing to say about the Blue Ribbon Brasserie in Brooklyn. I enjoy going to those pricey, "nice" restaurants for a good meal once in a while but most of the time I don't feel like dressing up just to have dinner. Although Blue Ribbon is one of those nice restaurants, it has a very casual vibe about it. I was wearing a zip-up hoodie, jeans and sneakers but didn't feel a bit under dressed or uncomfortable. Even some of the staff had jeans on.

So the food... expensive? Yes, but when you measure the portions and quality against the price it's reasonable. The oysters and clams I had from the raw bar was really fresh, and my lobster entree was amazing. The best thing about Blue Ribbon aside from the awesome food is their service. As the side plate was getting full of lobster shells they would replace it with a new plate without us asking. The waiters were very knowledgeable and on point. You can't really ask for much more. I'll be heading back there again soon, definitely my new favorite restaurant.

+ Blue Ribbon is located at 280 5th Avenue between 1st St. and Garfield Place in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY.

[official website]
Blue Ribbon Brasserie [Yelp Reviews]

- Sonic

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Consumer Monument: Mitsuwa Marketplace

Shopping Isle - photo by Ishkibibble Fish on Flickr

Mitsuwa Marketplace is a real taste of Japan right outside the Lincoln Tunnel in Edgewater New Jersey and it definitely puts the super back in supermarket (yeah, I said it). It has everything you will find in a regular grocery store plus a whole lot of Japanese stuff you won't find anywhere else. From Kobe beef to beer and sake, this place has it all.

Food Court - photo by roboppy on Flickr

My favorite part of Mitsuwa is the food court. It has a wide selection of authentic Japanese eats and each dish is beautifully displayed so you won't have to ask what it is. Food display is an art form in Japan and it's pretty amazing how real they make everything look.

The Food Display - photo by wmliu on Flickr

Outside of the supermarket you will also find a bookstore, toystore and a pottery store where you can buy tea pots, plates and other items. Honestly there are so many things here to see and buy and say "what the fuck is that?" to, my crappy writing won't be able to describe all of it coherently. Just trust me if you like or have any interest in Japanese culture, go here and explore.

+ Mitsuwa Marketplace is located at 595 River Rd. in Edgewater, New Jersey

[official website]
Mitsuwa Marketplace [Yelp Reviews]

- Sonic

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