Goal Setting

Here at The Bookery Cook, we are all about setting and achieving goals. We thought that the new year is the perfect time to set ourselves some gastromonic goals.

As the Bookery Cook representative in NYC, one goal for 2012 is to eat my way through New York's best 101 restaurants (compiled annually by Adam Platt). 

Proud to say that I have, unknowingly, already knocked 11 off the list

Fette Sau (101)

A old warehouse converted into a school like dining all that sells meat by the pound, beer and whiskey. What's not to love? 

Roberta's (98)

Has a repreutation for the best pizza in NYC, and the best outdoor rave parties on a Sunday afternoon in the summer. 

Balaboosta (90) 

Means 'perfect housewife' in Yiddish. Unusual menu but super delicious- recommend you try the catalope soup. 

Lupa (76)

Beautiful Italian nestled away in the back streets of SoHo. Warm and cosy for a winter meal with just the perfect balance of fancy vs family still dining. 

Momofuku Ssam Bar (73)

Join the hustle and bustle of the LES and have lunch here. Packed everyday with people from all walks of life. Try the rotisserie duck on a bed of rice and greens, washed down with some Akitabare- Momofuku's on 'spring snow' sake. 

Balthazar (71)

One of NYC's most talked about restaurants. If fine dining is not your thing, oysters and champagne at the ar are a must and won't break the bank. Head in around 5pm when they put out the bar complimentary bar snacks- olives, bread and olive oil.

The Dutch (69)

Having been open less than a year this place already has an incredible following. Get in early or you could be waiting up to 2 hours for a table. Try their seafood platters (more like towers!), and sea scollops with saffron rice.

Fatty Cue (68)

There are a few Fatty's ventures dotted around NYC (Fatty's Crab in the West Village). The food atmosphere makes up for what the food and the service sometime lack. Maybe head for a beer and a snack and test the waters before diving in for a full meal. 

Vinegar Hill House (45)

Incredibly beautiful little restaurant tucked down a back street in Vinegar Hill. If you weren't looking for it you could completely mistake the front room as someone's living room. The brunch menu and standard of food outweights that of the dinner menu. Brunch- the bourbon pancakes are a must! Dinner- try the peanut brussel sprouts as a much enjoyed addition to any main. 

Eataly (40)

A warehouse full of 4 different restaurants and as many different types of cheeses, meats, pasta, sauces, gelattio, coffee, beer, wine- you name anything italian and they have it. Do not attempt to get here if you a) hate crowds, b) are hungover or c) hungry crazy lady! Worth a look though and a cheese platter in the standing dining area. 

Momofuku Noodle Bar (38)

Much the same vibe as the Ssaim bar. Haven't managed to try their fried chicken, but if the pork ramen is anything to go off, the chicken will be delectable. 

That leaves 91 remaining restaurants to eat at in 360 days... let the feasting begin!