NYC Dining Challenge Update: Junoon

I selected the modern Indian restaurant, Junoon, as my next dining destination for the 2012 Dining Challenge since it was featured in NY Magazine’s top 101 restaurants in NYC and I love Indian food. It opened in December, 2010 in the Flatiron District. The combination of the refined cuisine, elegant décor and professional staff resulted in a memorable experience for me.

I ordered the $24 three-course prix fixe lunch, which Junoon offers year-round, not just during Restaurant Week. I started with the Piri-Piri shrimp in a Goan chili sauce with an avocado and jicama salad. The Nadru Kofte main course of Kashmir lotus root and homemade fresh Indian cheese dumplings in an onion gravy with fennel powder and fenugreek leaves was superb. It was served with pulao rice and naan. The Cardamom Kulfi dessert was exquisite. I was impressed with the presentations of each course as well. It was fine dining at a very affordable price point.

I had read about the spice room downstairs where the spice blends are made daily. When I inquired if I could see it, my server, Erik, said that he would show it to me. He explained the different spices in the jars and how the Executive Chef, Vikas Khanna, blends them.

When I return next time, I will go for dinner. Scott Carney, the beverage director, created a wine list to synchronize with the Indian spices and sauces. I look forward to pairing his wines with Junoon’s sophisticated cuisine.

Next up in my Dining Challenge will be Lincoln Ristorante.

Junoon

27 W. 24^th St.

New York, NY 10010

(212) 490-2100

http://www.junoonnyc.com/

Atos Trio, Noon Recital, Rockefeller University

The Atos Trio from Berlin performed at the January 27, 2012 Noon Recital at Rockefeller University in Manhattan. The Trio was founded in 2003 by violinist Annette von Hehn, cellist Stefan Heinemeyer and pianist Thomas Hoppe. I attended with a Juilliard grad, who thought that the trio needed more coaching. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the program, which featured Schumann’s Trio Nr. 2 in F-Major, Op.80 and Beethoven’s Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 97 (“Archduke”). The Beethoven piece was wonderful.

Atos Trio’s website: http://www.atostrio.de/

The free Noon Recitals are every Friday in the Caspary Auditorium at Rockefeller. Donations are always appreciated. Call the recital hotline a couple of days in advance for program information: (212) 327-7007.

Rockefeller University

1230 York Ave. at 66^th St.

New York, NY 10065

http://www.rockefeller.edu/

Sir Norman Foster: New Doc about the Architect

"How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster?" is the new doc about Sir Norman Foster, the contemporary British architectural legend. The film is playing at The IFC Center in Manhattan. Looking forward to seeing it this weekend.

NYC Dining Challenge Update: Boulud Sud

I had late lunch yesterday at Boulud Sud, which specializes in Mediterranean cuisine from Chef Daniel Boulud. It's located around the corner from Epicerie Boulud and Bar Boulud on Manhattan's Upper West Side. Since it was Restaurant Week, I took advantage of the 3-course menu for $24.07. The baby squid appetizer was superb, marmitako albacore tuna cooked medium rare was on the mark and the grapefruit coupe dessert was the perfect way to finish the meal. The service, however, needs some polishing. I was completely ignored until I asked to see a menu. During the meal, I had to ask for another iced tea and more bread. I paid the bill in cash and I never received any change. The waitress disappeared and I couldn't wait any longer and so I left the table. As I was putting my coat on, my server motioned to me that she had change and by then I was on my way out the door. Furthermore, the hostess didn't say goodbye or smile as I left. Boulud Sud needs to raise the level of its service if it wants to seriously compete in this city.

Next up in my 2012 Dining Challenge: Junoon, Lincoln.

Boulud Sud
http://www.danielnyc.com/boulud_sud.html

NYC Dining Challenge Update: Danji




Danji

After viewing the just-opened Alfred Jensen/Sol LeWitt show at The Pace Gallery and the James Brooks/Dan Flavin exhibition at the Greenberg Van Doren Gallery in Midtown, I went to Danji for a late lunch this afternoon. I had read favorable reviews of Danji last year, including in The New York Times which named it one of the top 10 new restaurants of 2011, and in New York Magazine's list of the top 101 New York restaurants. Since my goal is to dine at all 101 restaurants this year, I was eager to try it.

Danji is located in the theater district, so if you're going to a Broadway show, it would be convenient for you. It's also very affordable. Nothing on the menu is over $20. It's a small place, with only 36 seats and most are at communal tables. Danji will take reservations for parties of six or more. My server advised me to come early for dinner.

I ordered the dup-bop (over rice) set menu of brisket bulgogi ("fire meat" or marinated beef), daikon (Korean radish) beef soup and two kimchi for a total of $14 plus tax and tip. Alternatively, I could  have ordered several small plates, such as the bulgogi beef sliders ($12). Vegetarian items are available as well.

Chef Hooni Kim is doing a terrific job and I look forward to returning soon.

I have 99 restaurants to go in my dining challenge and will keep you posted on my progress.

Danji
346 W. 52nd St. between 8th & 9th Ave.
New York, NY 10019
212-586-2880
http://www.danjinyc.com/

My 2012 NYC Dining Challenge: Eat @NY Magazine's Top 101 Restaurants

It is an impossible undertaking, but I have created a challenge for myself. How many restaurants on New York Magazine's list of the top 101 in NY can I dine at this year while watching the budget and calories? To make it easier on myself, I will include any visit to the top 101, whether it is for brunch, lunch or dinner. Restaurant week is included, too. This is a cool catalyst to revisit the restaurants on the list that I have dined at in the past.
I started on this project today with brunch at Wallse in the West Village. Chef Kurt Gutenbrunner's gem of an Austrian restaurant was perfect on a Sunday afternoon. I ordered the spatzle, braised rabbit and wild mushroom entree ($14) and iced tea. Superb! Total with tax (tip not included) was $21. Enjoyed the Julian Schnabel paintings, too.
Next on the list will be Danji, Boulud Sud, Lincoln.

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Must-see NY Contemporary Art Shows: Winter 2012

Damien Hirst: The Complete Spot Paintings 1986-2011