Results tagged “enjapanesebrasserie”

Despite years of sake drinking experience at many of New York City’s finest izakaya ranging from the rarefied Sakagura to the funky yakitori spots on St. Marks nothing could have prepared us for the Joy of Sake. Hordes of revelers gathered in the Puck Building last week to sample more than 300 hundred sakes, many unavailable in the U.S. Just because of the sheer variety of rice libations on offer, the three-hour event was overwhelming, although it did eventually take on a somewhat rosy glow.

Talk about joy -- over 300 sakes will be poured at the largest sake tasting in the United States, coming our way tonight. Over 100 of them are generally not available outside Japan and about 150 are silver and gold award winners in the National Sake Appraisal that takes place each year. Never fear, there will be appetizers to soak it all up, from the likes of Bao Noodles, Bond St, EN Japanese Brasserie, 15 East, Megu, Sakagura, Tocqueville, Woo Lae Oak, wd-50, and more. There's also a sake info desk where an expert will be able to answer all of your burning sake questions. 6 - 9 p.m., the Puck Building, 295 Lafayette between East Houston and Prince Streets. Tickets are $75 in advance and $90 at the door. For more info or to make reservations, call 212-799-7243, or visit joyofsake.com.

May 3: Cheezapolooza III: Naked vs Cooked

Bruni three-stars the recently renovated Picholine. Though he doesnt much like the physical changes-"still too quiet and sadistically bright"-the renovation "reinvigorated this restaurants soul," he says. In fact, he now likes it so much he celebrated his recent birthday there.

Tofu is like chopped liver in the world of haute cuisine—overlooked and undervalued. A handful of restaurants are challenging that attitude though by presenting dishes with tofu front and center. A few even take the next step and make tofu from scratch. At En Japanese Brasserie in the West Village, the menu makes a big deal over the homemade tofu, listing the timeslots that the kitchen makes up a batch each evening. It may seem like a silly touch, but on the other hand, you’d wait for a risotto or a soufflé, wouldn’t you? The white stuff here is surprisingly rich; you’d swear it’s laced with cream. You can order it warm or chilled ($7), but warm is better. And douse it liberally with the flavorful dashi broth on the side. You’ll be tempted to slurp the last morsel from the bowl. It only makes sense that tofu would be a signature dish at Morimoto, the latest restaurant created by the eponymous Iron Chef. Everything here is glimmering white; walking in feels like entering Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. The menu’s Yose Dofu ($16) is prepared tableside with the kind of panache you used to find only in fancy French places. The waiter sets down an earthenware vessel of warm soy milk, pours in a little salt mixture, and uses a little paddle to slowly stir in a most mesmerizing way. The pot is then covered and you’re instructed not to peek. Ten minutes later, ta-da—a solid pristine block of tofu. The accompanying sauce varies seasonally and recently included octopus and mushrooms. This represents a key principle in bean curd enjoyment: Tofu doesn’t have to be a strictly vegetarian food. In fact it’s most interesting when combined with meat or fish. Its allure (especially with soft tofu) is more in its texture than its taste.

Okay, Valentine's Day is Tuesday and you still haven't pulled anything together. What the hell have you been waiting for?! In addition to checking out Open Table you'd better hit up some of the options listed in the various V-Day roundups (visit each one for individual links):

September 25-29: Latin Beer Tasting

April 16th: Brewtopia World Beer Festival. This brewfest features unlimited samples from over 300 of the world's finest craft beers. Who can resist? If you're still wavering, you might want to know that the event's organizers will be making a donation to Citymeals-on-wheels, which provides hand-delivered meals to homebound elderly New Yorkers. Convinced yet? Tickets for each session are available online at www.brewtopiafest.com or by phone at 877-772-5425 and are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th street between 6th & 7th Aves, two sessions: 1-5 pm, 6-10pm.

Today: Danny Meyer's Shake Shack re-opens. People are all in a tizzy about this place. We have to admit, we like the burgers at the Burger Joint more, but we haven't tried the famed dogs and custard yet. It's only open from 11-4 through April, but extended hours start May 1st. Madison Square Park, Southeast Corner.