Planning a foray into the city, you can always pull out your Zagat Guide for dining pointers, but recently I visited five restaurants too new to be listed in the book. You may want to try them out: Social Eatz, Fifty Five (and Hash 55), Graffit, Tresanti, and the Columbus Grill.
Social Eatz: Comfort food with an Asian twist is the concept at new midtown storefront Social Eatz. “Top Chef” 7th-season runner-up winner Angelo Sosa’s inventive Imperialist Hot Dog is a totally delicious chicken apple sausage smothered in green pepper relish and dunked into a cheddar cheese sauce flavored with sake. The Charred Bibimbap hamburger, with a slow-cooked egg, kimchi, bean sprouts, and grated carrots is a full day of “food group” servings on one plate. And be sure to start with the tomato soup, not merely because it matches the cool melon and orange shades of the tabletops and padded benches, but because its Thai basil and chile seasonings are enhanced with a heavenly curried whipped cream. The mixologist’s “Far East” version of a Tom Collins incorporates yuzu, the sweetly sour Japanese citrus fruit, and the Monsoon Sour and Bloody Social are familiar cocktails with a delightful new jolt. (252 East 53rd St., NYC, 212-207-3339, www.socialeatz.com)
Fifty Five (+ Hash 55): Ham-wrapped stuffed dates, curried chicken and eggplant skewers, artichoke pancetta flatbreads and crispy lamb spareribs are among the Moroccan- and Mediterranean-inspired offerings at the hip new Midtown restaurant Fifty Five. Above the metal-trimmed monochrome dining room, on the second floor, you’ll find the Hash 55 lounge—and the chance to sip a dark rum “Sandstorm,” or “Gummy Bear Martini” while puffing on hookahs flavored with grape, chocolate, watermelon and peach. (47 West 55th St., NYC, 212-957-1899.)
Graffit: Food is literally a work of art at THE nouveau Spanish restaurant Graffit—the name means a fusion of unconventional art and food—a mixture of textures, flavors, colors, and volumes. In tailored storefront dining rooms on the Upper West Side, Chef Jesus Nunez, a former graffiti artist, treats authentic Spanish flavors with non-traditional techniques, creating presentations that are delicious—though almost too beautiful to eat. Ham croquettes are sprinkled on the plate like confetti, beef cheeks are paired with banana polenta. A separate Tapas menu allows diners to sample at will. (141 West 69th St., NYC, 646-692-8762, www.graffitrestaurant.com.)
Tresanti: Bright red awnings welcome you to this cozy new window-front trattoria, its exposed brick interior sheltering an authentic cement dome brick oven that heats up to nearly 1000 degrees. The temperature ensures crisp, delectable pizzas flavored with owner Gerald Longi’s special secret tomato sauce. (They’re so light and delicious you could almost eat a whole pie without feeling guilty.) With a background in French cuisine, Chef John Navarria has a knack for putting a Mediterranean touch on Mozzarella al Forno and the Pappardelle della Casa with shrimp and sundried tomatoes in a velvety pink vodka sauce. Before the meal, try tasting the bartender’s Spring Fling: Stoli Raspberry touched with lemon, or a classic Sangria. (15 Watts St., NYC, 212-300-3162, www.tresantinyc.com)
Columbus Tavern: Every once in a while you get a yen for good old comfort food, and a new tavern on the Upper West Side is preparing it—with an updated twist. Shepherd’s pie substitutes lamb shank for the traditional beef, the BLT comes as dumplings, and the haute burger is made with brisket and bone marrow. The dining room opens to the street with burgundy banquettes and an art deco tile floor. But the décor highlight is a 100-year old mahogany bar where they salute the neighborhood by renaming classic cocktails: Order an Ansonia if you want a Manhattan and a Dakota if you prefer an old fashioned. (269 Columbus Ave., NYC, 212-873-9400)
