Eating my way through New York City 2009

Good friends, great times enjoying sushi!

Ok, so I've held on to these photos long enough..its time to share with the world.  Well, maybe not the world, but defiantly YOU if you're reading this.  My best friend and I welcomed a friend to the United States last april in NYC.  We seemed to have an asian fetish while we were there: going to China Town and eating sushi daily from local markets.  Here are my top picks:

First stop was IchiUmi Japanese and seafood buffet located on 6 E. 32nd St.  Upon walking in we soon discovered ourselves in a Japanese seafood heaven.  There was a (seemed like) 50 ft buffet of sushi, sashimi, and other seafood delicacies including whole soft shell crab and shrimp.  My favorite was the fresh clams and stuffed seafood mushrooms.  Also, the sushi was so fresh and presentation was a work of art.  We stayed there long enough to have 3 servings PLUS a meander at the dessert buffet.  The desserts were so small and each one made with delicate and delicious care.  Only come here if you love authentic japanese food/seafood and if you're hungry!

We tried another place close to Grand Central Station and 42 st. (the name escapes me for the time being).  This restaurant is high-class and fine Chinese cuisine. I sampled the traditional cantonese spicy soft crab shell.  The spices were savory and crab was succulent.  However, spicy can not be emphasized enough!  I would have enjoyed it more if they weren't out of lobster, but the crab had excellent flavor.  I hear that the roasted rabbit is their specialty dish but I will have to try it next time.

Next, I had the pleasure of trying my first udon noodle soup at a chic place called Gomen Kudasai in New Paltz, NY (about 1 hour outside of NYC). We had this restaurant all to ourselves--too bad more people do not know of this place!  Their beautiful boutique welcomes you as you enter: my best friend bought some Japanese traditional trimming shears and I bought some chopsticks (with holder).  The udon noodles were extra thick and tasted doughy.  The broth was delectable and I was disappointed when I neared the bottom of my tall bowl.  The restaurant also specializes in traditional Japanese pickling featuring pickles, cabbage, and beets.

Next, a night out with great friends at Oskini Japanese restaurant near Bard College.  This place had great presentation and atmosphere.  Great sushi and many different options that are reasonable in price.