The List
Adam Platt, the great critic for New York Magazine released his 101 best of New York spots yesterday, amazing.
New York City is inspiring. Don’t tell anyone who lives there that I said that, ’cause they love hearing that shit. It really is a crazy cool place, that attracts a wonderful crew of folks. It was a great treat to live there, I never wanted to stay, never thought NYC was the place I would settle, but was that fun.
Here is a substitute for cooking school, move to NYC, work for someone in the top 101 for a year or two, and you will be able to handle working anywhere. You will be able to live and work in environments that are hostile, and challenging. With competition standing next to you so intense, and the work ethic is astounding, you will never feel fear again. New Yorkers are also honest, sometimes to a fault.
That is why, for the life of me I can’t come to terms with the inability of New Yorkers to admit that their “bagel” sucks hind tit when compared to the Montreal bagel. Here is Anthony Bourdain; “So the great debate: who has the better bagel, New York or Montreal? It’s a completely ridiculous apple and oranges discussion.… I’m a New Yorker so you know where my allegiance lies. But I think it’s unfair to both quite magnificent products to try to compare them.”
What the f@ck? Apples and oranges are different types of fruit, bagels are not different types of baked products. Comparing bagels to bagels is just fine. In any event it’s no great debate. To Bourdain’s credit he comes closer than ever to admitting the facts of the matter. Saying, “I’m a New Yorker so you know where my allegiances lie.” Is no different than saying, “I live in Minneapolis so my allegiances lie with the Rye Deli, over Barney Greengrass.” It’s nonsense. Better is better, it has nothing to do with allegiances, or where you live, if you can’t tell that Domaine Serene is better than “three buck chuck” you’re an idiot-even if you live in Cali.
Before we send flowers to NYC, they also gave us this this year, so it’s not all panties and parades.
Thanks for posting this list, Shef. Simply breathtaking! I received the Eleven Madison Park cookbook a month ago. The pictures were art. I’m in awe of that place Every one of the restaurants on that list that I’ve been to has provided a meal to remember in terms of service, food, and overall experience. I’m just sorry I haven’t been to more of them. NYC is inspiring–agreed. Glad you and Heidi came here, though. Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year to you both.
Allison, a little birdy tells me that we might get to work together on the new project, I’m looking forward to it.
That’s fantastic! I’m looking forward to it, too.
ny=better bagels.