Fickle at Heart
January 20th, 2009
You know who you are. You puzzle over everything on the menu. Debate the minutest detail. Ask your companion to choose for you. And then follow the server into the kitchen and change your mind – to only wish later that you went with the sole instead. Give yourself (and your companions) a break and head to one of these fickle-friendly establishments.
UPPER EAST SIDE
Park Avenue Winter
[100 E. 63rd St.] [212.644.1900]
What could be more fitting than a restaurant that changes its name, décor, and menu – as frequently as the seasons? The filet mignon sandwich at lunch is fantastic – and fish dishes are first rate. Plus, it’s a good thing your fickle nature doesn’t lend itself to getting too attached to things because it’ll be entirely different next season.
CHELSEA
Tia Pol
[205 Tenth Ave.] [212.675.8805]
Although we certainly miss Chef Alex Raij, her former kitchen is still turning out flawless Basque tapas. Order whatever is on the chalkboard and then supplement it with chorizo, head-on shrimp, croquettes, and several cod dishes. And as these are snacking sizes – your appetite will be able to keep up with your fickleness.
CHINATOWN
Ping’s Seafood
[22 Mott St.] [212.602.9988]
Try out this concept – carts of food roll by and you point at what you want. Before you even have time to change your mind another cart will be along with a whole slew of new options. At Ping’s the room is smaller – and food better than at some of the larger Chinatown Dim Sum halls. Come on the weekend when the selection is better – and be prepared to approach the steam cart yourself when it’s too crowded to wield it through the aisles.
WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN
Zenkichi
[77 N. 6th St.] [718.388.8985]
Slip into a curtained booth and order the seasonal omakasi menu for two ($96) and sit back as each carefully constructed course is delivered. The only choice you’ll make is between the Pork Belly Kakuni (magically simmered for three days) or Yellowtail and Daikon – but really, is there actually a choice when pork belly is involved?
January 25th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
I’m not fickle, just slightly picky when it comes to peanuts and meat. However, your blog makes me want to live in New York. That is to say, I want to slip into a curtained booth with you and eat something other than seasonal omakasi for $96.
January 25th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Just so the world knows….I’m not creepy. I actually know this girl.