MANILA, Philippines - People say it takes 10 years' residence before you can call yourself a New Yorker. And yet friends often text and email me messages, asking where best to dine in the Big Apple. So here's an insider's guide to the best dibs in the city:
1.
Balthazar. My all-time favorite. I was immediately taken in by its nostalgic ambiance that really spoke French and reeked of hip.
You notice the simple tiled floors with the letter B when you enter, and the bar to the right with an "aged" mirror with the day's specials. But most of all, you notice the crowd that runs the gamut from classy A-listers to hip students and tourists, all dressed in heavy chic and nonchalantly high-brow attitudes.
The food, of course, is exceptional, as with all Keith McNally restaurants.
It was here that I learned to appreciate foie gras. But the best item on the menu is their warm chocolate cake, that has a gentle outer chocolate crust with a warm chocolate filling that contrasts with the cold vanilla ice cream on top of it. The closest version that I have found in the Philippines is Mati in Rockwell.
2. Sarabeth's. Arguably the best brunch place in New York.
Has a warm, homey feel, like coming home to mom. And just like coming home to mom, they have the best pancakes. Just make sure you have someone to share the meal with; their servings are American-size huge.
3. Yura. Found on the Upper East Side, this place has a great cold station, and nearby residents usually order to go.
They have a couple of great Filipino staff (look for Kiko, he's hot, heh-heh) and they offer the best pinwheels! My celebrity sighting: Woody Allen.
4.
Cafe Lalo. this is my favorite cafe, initially because it's the cafe where "Fox" and "Shopgirl" (from the movie "You've Got Mail") first eyeballed, unbeknownst to the unsuspecting Meg Ryan. Later, however, the place grows on you as a charming little neighborhood cafe where they serve good coffee and great varieties of it.
They have great cakes too. Try anything; they're all good.
5.
Doma. This place can occupy your entire afternoon because they have a scrabble set just lying around. It's also on Perry St.
where "Sex the City's" Carrie Bradshaw supposedly lives. (Nothing to do with food, I know, just additional trivia for the tourist).
6.
Suba. A great date place. If feels like a regular bar when you enter, but to those in the know, there is an underground restaurant with a glass floor that makes you feel like you're dining on fresh water.
In this room they occassionally show art films over a six-course meal. There's a minimum charge though, but for the experience, it's definitely worth it.
Those are my top faves.
Others include: Payard on the Upper East Side for the best ever French hot chocolate; City Bakery for really amazing and huge muffins; Pomme Fritte for real french fries, and the Hudson Library for...
well, nothing really aside from the ambiance and maybe great memories, hahaha.
To those taking a trip to NY, enjoy and wish I could be there!
This article is dedicated to Carmen Pineda, who kept sending me SMS from NY, asking for recommendations and who made me remember all these favorites.
And to Oded B and Phil Agustin, who gave me a real glimpse of the city; Jayme, who introduced me to many chefs and classy restaurants, and to Jardy, Mike, Benj, Jon, Pristine, Marnie and Kiko Balbarin, who spoiled me in the city.
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