With Eater editors dining out sometimes several times a day, we come across lots of standout dishes, and we don’t want to keep any secrets. Check back for the best things we ate this week.
Recently, I tucked into a dreamy table nestled in the corner of the patio of what has slowly but surely become a tried-and-true neighborhood spot for me. We had spent the entire day outdoors and were sun-soaked, tired, and very hungry. The order was two burgers (which, I might add, easily rival those of their neighbor across the park); smoky, blistered romano beans with romesco; escargot; and this essence of summer on a plate ($22). The juicy little sun bombs scattered across the plate leached their bright sweetness into the sauce that pooled around each agnolotti. 544 Manhattan Avenue, between Driggs Avenue and Leonard Street, Greenpoint— Nat Belkov, associate creative director
A thing to know about me: I love using my hands to dig into food and embracing the mess, especially when it means getting to the tasty bits. I was supposed to meet a friend who snagged a reservation at the impossible-to-book Cambodian restaurant, but she unfortunately wasn’t feeling well that day, and graciously let me use her reservation for myself (sorry and thank you, Kath!!). For my solo meal at the bar, I knew I had to get the lobster ($95) because ’tis the damn season, and also I’m a sucker for the description of “IYKYK.” I love the game of figuring out the best way to get to the lobster — I’m not too skilled with seafood cracking tools, so I used my hands to dig into and pull the meat away from the hard shell. It’s like an earned pleasure, and the prize is this flavorful and chewy lobster, which mixed well with the rice.
The recipe comes from chef Chakriya Un’s mother, Kim Eng Mann, aka the dish’s namesake Mama Kim. My server recommended the n’gom ($20) for some vegetables, a beautiful mess of cabbage, peppers, cucumbers, radishes, fried peanuts, and crispy shallots soaked in a vinegary fish sauce condiment. I rounded out my meal with some light wine and a magical Paris-Brest with corn and peaches ($16). The vibes were impeccable — I enjoyed the early aughts soundtrack (I bopped my head to both Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child) and the blacklight-lit muraled bathroom. I can’t wait to go again and order more food, especially that squid. 724 Sterling Place, between Bedford and Franklin, Crown Heights — Nadia Chaudhury, deputy dining editor, Northeast
The steak might be the star of the show at Daniel Boulud’s steakhouse, but you’ve still got to start with something else to whet your appetite. Our party of four opted for the tableside Caesar salad and the smallest seafood tower ($130) — listed as serving two, but with more than enough food for four if you’re ordering additional appetizers and sides for the table. The seafood was fresh and flavorful: I loved the mix of the briny oysters, gussied-up mussels and razor clams, and meaty lobsters. Don’t skip the maitake mushrooms or the potato gratin, either, because you’re already at a steakhouse, so you might as well go all out. 318 Park Avenue South, at East 24th Street, Flatiron — Stephanie Wu, editor-in-chief
A girlfriend and I stopped in to one of the most stylish spots on the Hamptons, right on Bridgehampton’s Main Street, and enjoyed the buzzy scene almost as much as Maurizio Marfoglia’s creations. My friend comes from an Italian family and has always believed that meatballs in restaurants couldn’t compare to homemade versions, so we decided to test that theory, and she was blown away by these. Dressed with garlic, onions, basil, eggs, Parmigiano, and just a touch of breadcrumbs, they are relatively small, compared to the baseball-sized versions I’ve seen, and surprisingly light. Braised in tomato sauce, they are served with dollops of creamy ricotta and croutons that soak up the sauce. We ordered them with fresh spaghetti pomodoro and broccoli rabe — a perfect combo. The room’s cozy upholstered banquettes and wood-burning fireplace made me think it would be an inviting fall retreat. 2402 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton — Beth Landman, contributor, Northeast