Large format dinners are big in this city. And not just due to the amount of food you get. Also because you need large amount of friends to bring down the costs and prevent bagfuls of leftovers.

We’ve seen large format punches for a while now at places like Clover Club and Cienfuegos, but now modest little Elsa is getting into the act with the Broken Mirror Skyscraper. Time Out included it on their list and said the $60 cocktail serves six. Do the math and that’s actually a cheap cocktail ($10) for this city.

I have somewhat of a connection to Elsa. It used to be the Hangar Bar, which was a favorite hangout of a close friend. It was rather grimy, sketchy, and divey. But it had character. The owners (who happen to be a friend of my friend) re-named it and spruced it up big time turning it into Elsa, a jazzy, old-time cocktail bar. It’s amazing this is the same place.

I had been to Elsa when they first opened a few years ago with that aforementioned friend (oh, let’s just call him Holt) and thought their cocktails were decent and affordably priced. I hadn’t been back since, mainly because Holt had moved to LA and it’s quite far east (between Avenue B and C). Well, it was the perfect excuse for a return visit because this cocktail was on our list. And because Holt was in town.

We got a group of 5 (I think we could manage six servings) and ordered the Broken Mirror Skyscraper. I saw it was also listed on the menu as a single portion called the Broken Mirror, but if you order the large format version, it comes served in a “skyscraper” and you have lots more fun.

It was a very dramatic presentation with a large shaker (the skyscraper), five glasses of shaved ice with mint sprigs and cucumber slices, and a bottle of a soda mixer. The server gave us some instructions on how to mix the drink, which made it sounded much more complicated than it needed to be. We just poured the liquid over the ice and then cut the strong alcohol with the club soda.

There was lots of ice everywhere, which was very sleek and cool (pun intended) and made for a crisp drink. The cocktail itself was a blend of absinthe, muddled mint, lime, and dandelion/burdock bitters. It was indeed strong, but I loved the herbal, slightly sweet qualities. The soda definitely helped mellow things out and made it much more drinkable.

I will say it’s a good thing I didn’t drink all 6 servings myself because I was wobbling out of the bar with just one and a half. But the flavors were so balance and refreshing, that major inebriation was quite tempting.

Would Elsa’s Broken Mirror Skyscraper make my Top 100 of the year? It’s both a fun, interactive experience and a delicious, complex cocktail so it gets a 9 out of 10.

Every time I’ve been inside the subterranean craft beer enclave Jimmy’s No. 43, it’s smelled like sausage. That’s not a bad thing, mind you. In the back of this maze of a bar is a small little kitchen and they’re turning out some upscale bar food that can easily measure up to the wide variety of microbrews on offer. The first time I ever came to this popular bar was indeed for a sausage tasting and perhaps the memory of that still lingers in my mind (and nostrils).

I didn’t get any food on my most recent visit, but instead sat with one of their current draft beers. The rotating selection of 12 taps always includes some interesting options. And while I was pleased to see that they currently had four local breweries represented, it made my decision of what to drink a bit more difficult.

I finally settled on Kelso’s Industrial IPA, which I had not encountered yet on my beer journey. It’s a strong Imperial IPA coming in at a whopping 11.5% ABV (Alcohol by Volume). Maybe I should have ordered some food to soak up the booze.

The beer was poured in to a goblet and gave off a hazy apricot color. There was no head but some nice bubbles that quickly congregated to the top. Lots exploded on the nose: grapefruit, flowers, and hops! The flavor matched the strong aromatic smell – it really packed a punch. Every adjective I would use to describe hops could be attributed to the taste here. It turns out that they use five different hops for this monster and you can certainly taste it.

That being said, there was still some sweetness that lingers and off-sets the bitter components. I did find it a little syrupy and the chewy mouthfeel was almost too thick like a medicine (but a full-bodied flavorful medicine). It was clearly a strong beer, but the alcohol was not overwhelmingly present. I don’t know how many of these I could drink, but I appreciated the intensity and the balance.

And as I stumbled out of Jimmy’s (after one drink, thank you very much!) with the sweet hop flavor of beer on my lips and the smoky sausage smell on my clothes, I smiled fondly with the anticipation of another visit.

Is Kelso of Brooklyn’s Industrial IPA the best beer in NY? There’s no backing off of flavor on this one and even though it is extraordinarily hoppy, it’s well-balanced and enjoyable, although the thick texture keeps it at an 8 out of 10.

I think second chances are very important. When restaurant critics review a restaurant, they eat there multiple times to check consistency and make sure they didn’t first come on a bad night. Unfortunately, I don’t have the means and resources to be a full-on restaurant critic, but I am happy to offer second chances.

The first time we came to Porsena was a total disappointment. I was very eager to try Sara Jenkins’ rustic pasta dishes, since I’m a huge fan of her little sandwich shop Porchetta. But when we dined at Porsena (a few weeks after they opened), I found the food uninspired – the pastas were overcooked and bland. I think somebody forgot the salt.

It wasn’t so bad that I would never go back, but I had no real reason to until Time Out included one of their dishes on the Top 100 list. And I’m glad they did because our second meal at Porsena was world’s better than the first go round.

I was surprised the dish they included was not one of her signature pastas, but instead the green bean salad. I couldn’t remember if we had this the first time we came. We definitely had a salad, but whatever it was wasn’t terribly memorable.

The meal this time around was much better and now I understand why this place has been getting a moderate amount of critical reception. We started with a nice bowl of meaty mussels in a tangy, spicy saffron broth. It was served with some of the best garlic bread I’ve ever munched on. I also liked the rustic poached baby octopus which were tender and smoky with lots of textures from crisp celery and crunchy fried chick peas.

The Green Bean Salad was nothing special, but it was quite enjoyable. Time Out mentioned Szechuan peppercorns and I detected none of those. This was a crunch party, which I always appreciate. The combination of crisp green beans, raw fennel, celery, and slices of pickled red onion didn’t add many contrasting textures, but it was clean and refreshing. The dressing was bright and zippy and there was a harder crunch from some toasted almonds.

But the best thing we tried was one of her famous pasta dishes. We chose the Anneloni con Salsico e Rape, which were pasta rings (like stumpy ziti) cooked al dente with spicy lamb sausage pieces and sauteed mustard greens. If the first visit lacked flavor, this dish made up for that. It was toothsome and warming on a cold night.

Now I finally understand what all the hype is about at this place. We had a very pleasant, affordable meal. And unlike the last time we visited, this time I’ll be sure to return for a third chance.

Would Porsena’s Green Bean Salad make my Top 100 of the year? The salad itself was very pleasant and fresh, but I didn’t find it as memorable as the pasta. It gets a 7 out of 10.

15. MEATBALLS at RUBIROSA

Meatballs may have been the new cupcake this year. Could you imagine a meatball cupcake? They seemed to be everywhere – just meatballs, not meatball cupcakes. Not only did a second restaurant open specializing in different versions of the little guys, but they found themselves on the menu of many restaurants. And while some can be overly bready or too spicy or flat and dry, the ones at Rubirosa were none of those things. And quite a bit more.

Rubirosa, which comes from the owners of Joe & Pat’s out on Staten Island, is getting well-deserved praise for their thin crust pizzas. But everything (including the service and the music) was memorable, especially the homemade meatballs in a classic red sauce with parmesan and herbs. You can get them as a side, on a bruschetta, or with a plate of spaghetti. However you choose, you may finally understand the new meatball craze. Price: $8 (side), $3 (brushetta), $16/$26 (with spaghetti)

14. JALAPEÑO HUSH PUPPIES at DIRT CANDY

One of the most exciting meals I had this year was completely vegetarian. Amanda Cohen is a genius with vegetables (she calls them “dirty candy”) and could convert even the most stubborn carnivore. The best way to start that conversion is with an order of her beautiful jalapeño laced hush puppies.

These modestly sized irregular-shaped balls are fried golden. When you bite into the dough, in addition to plenty of warming steam, you also get crunchy jalapeño bits which give a healthy kick, along with sweet and yeasty flavors. And with a dip into the provided whipped maple butter, you understand why Amanda Cohen calls this place Dirt Candy and you’re now prepared for a consistently delicious meal. Of vegetables, no less. Price: $6

13. KIMCHI ARANCINI at KIMCHI TACO TRUCK

This year we saw many food trucks popping up serving Korean tacos – a fusion of Mexican and Korean flavors. But only one truck attempted to combine Korean flavors with other cuisines. Kimchi Truck, which serves its fair share of Korean tacos, features a dish further down their menu that is a play on a classic Italian dish.

Arancini balls are breaded and fried rice balls usually stuffed with meat, tomato sauce, and cheese. Chef and founder Phillip Lee has the audacity to take this classic and spin it on its head with the addition of Korean flavors. And amazingly, it works wonders. These tender bites are stuffed with mild kimchi flecked rice, a generous helping of Oaxaca (keeping it Mexican) cheese, parmesan, garlic, and spices. They’re fried in Panko breading and are endlessly addicting. A dunk into the special hot sauce makes this rival the original version. Price: $3

12. CAPPELLETTI at OSTERIA MORINI

Michael White really took off this past year with three hot new restaurants: Marea (which technically opened in 2010), Ai Fiori (which I’m dying to go to once I save up some money), and this place. I already sang the praises of the tiramisu on this list, but now it’s time to focus on what Osteria Morini is all about: rich, decadent, delicious pastas.

These little balls of surprise packed so much flavor they practically knocked me off my seat. It’s an exercise in textures: the soft pillowy ravioli melt away to a sweet, creamy mascarpone center. Through it all are crispy, salty bits of fried prosciutto and the wonderful aroma of truffle. They’re perched in a rich butter sauce that makes this a dish you’re dying to order four more of, but you know you better save room (and arteries) for some of the other dishes. And you’ll be glad you did. Price: $20

11. WILKINSONS at HENRY PUBLIC

These little balls were one of the most delicious things I tasted from Time Out’s 100 Best list this past year. We discovered them at Henry Public, a gastropub that underwhelmed us the previous year. But I don’t care what anything else at this restaurants tastes like, these alone are worth the trip.
Named after consulting chef Shannon Wilkinson, these are a hybrid between pancake and doughnut. They’re airy balls of sweet, rich batter that have been fried just long enough to develop a beautiful yeasty exterior. Inside they’re still creamy, eggy, and complexly flavored. At dinner, they’re served with an amazing rum caramel sauce that puts all maple syrup to shame. Sweet, sweet shame. Price: $9

20. PICADITAS DE JAIBA at HECHO EN DUMBO

Hecho en Dumbo has nothing to do with a lovable little elephant, but in fact refers to the neighborhood where this Mexican gastropub was first created. They’ve since moved to the East Village, but their philosophy of refined, seasonal Mexican food in a drink-happy setting remains. We sat at the Chef’s Table and had a pretty memorable meal.

We started with these picaditas de jaiba, which are little corncakes of flavor. On top of the firm buttery patties, sits a delicious salad of fresh jumbo lump Dungeness crab meat tossed with a gently biting jalapeño oil and topped with ripe avocados. A squeeze of lime brings out the brightness and lightness. These small bites are too easy to gobble up regardless of the neighborhood. Price: $8

19. PASTRAMI RUSS at RUSS & DAUGHTERS

You know I’m a big fan of the pastrami sandwich. I’ve spent months searching for the best version of the deli staple. That meaty, smoky goodness is a heart attack that’s more than worth it. But wait a minute, a pastrami sandwich minus the meat? Why would anybody do that?

If you’ve ever been to Russ & Daughters in the Lower East Side, you’ll understand. This is a classy old-time shop that specializes not in smoked meat, but rather smoked fish. If you want the hard stuff, you’ll have to go next door to Katz’s. But they make a pastrami sandwich here that rivals the classic version. You get to pick your bagel of choice for the Pastrami Russ, but trust me when I say you need to order it on pumpernickel. Not only will you get the approval of all the guys behind the counter, but these are the flavor combinations that make the most sense. With a generous schmear of mustard, crisp sauerkraut, and the freshest smoked salmon you’ll ever taste, you won’t miss the actual meat for a minute. And you may live a little longer. Price: $10.45

18. CHIMBORI JALWA at TAMARIND TRIBECA

Crab cakes tend to be the same everywhere you go. Aside from the bread crumb to crab meat ratio, most versions are pan fried, served with citrus and an aioli of sorts. The chimbori jalwa appetizer at fancy Indian restaurant Tamarind Tribeca was unlike any crab cake experience I’ve had before.

The colorful tower of meat was loaded with plenty of sweet lump crab meat and tinged with some Indian spices, ginger, and garlic. It had a restrained hint of curry with lots of balanced sweet (tamarind) and spicy (chile) flavors. Served on a bright spiced tomato sauce with scattered scallions and corn kernels, it was complex and delicious. And made for my new favorite crab cake in the city (just beating out Del Frisco’s baked version from last year’s list). Price: $15

17. PIKE QUENELLES at MILLESIME

Millesime really is a little gem: a hidden, French brasserie that can work as a relaxing cafe or a fine dining seafood restaurant. It’s located above the bar in the Carlton Hotel and it will transport you to Paris. And not just because of the ambiance, but because of the expertly prepared seafood and classic dishes. Take the pike quenelles, which are made in the style of Jean-Louis Dumonet. I don’t know much about this old French chef, but I do know he made some amazing quenelles.

You don’t see quenelles too often in New York, especially not like these. The delicate little dumplings are absolutely delectable, so soft and tender in a rich tomato lobster butter sauce that begged to be sopped up. Reminiscent of an airy seafood sausage, they fell apart like a buttery soft matzo ball of the sea. Très bien! Price: $14

16. TOSTA MATRIMONIO at TERTULIA

The new Spanish tapas hotspot Tertulia is more than just a bar for celebrity watching. It’s one of the best restaurants of the year. Truly any of the dishes I tried could have made my Top 100. The fried eggplant was spectacular, as was the sliced acorn-fed Iberico ham, and I haven’t even mentioned the tender as sin ribeye. But the one dish that blew everything out of the water were the little anchovies that inconspicously lay on heavenly toast points.

They’re referred to as both “tosta matrimonio” and “black and white anchovies.” The two meaty fish (the black are cured and the white are pickled) are simply halved and arranged on a toast-bed of sweet roasted tomatoes, creamy tangy sheep’s milk cheese, and a generous drizzle of aged balasamic. The dish is a perfect example of balance and brightness with the sweet cheese and tomato pairing perfectly with the salty, acidic anchovies. And amazingly, the delicate dish don’t even taste fishy. Maybe that’s why so many celebrities come here. Price: $9

25. TRES HOMBRES at DINOSAUR BARBEQUE

It’s quite a statement that we took this barbecue platter to go from the ultra-busy BBQ joint up in Harlem and by the time we found our picnic area on a holiday weekend, the meat was still so tender and full of flavor.

I can never decide what to eat at a BBQ joint (or anywhere for that matter) because I want a little taste of everything. The Tres Hombres combines my favorite smoked meat staples: pulled pork, beef brisket, and 1/4 rack of ribs. There’s more than enough food and all of the meat is incredibly tender and loaded with sweet, charred flavors. Served with sweet cornbread and a choice of sides, it’s a testament as to why Dinosaur BBQ is my favorite in the city. Price: $19.50

24. PORK CHOP at APIARY

I’ve been working as a server at Apiary for about a year now and in that time, I’ve had the honor to learn of the culinary genius of Chef Scott Bryan. Many in the food industry know him (there’s even an entire chapter about him in one of Anthony Bourdain’s books), but he tends to fly under the radar. His food is simple, but with powerful, rich flavors that make you question whether something as plain as chicken should be allowed to taste this good.

This year I’ve been pretty obsessed with his pork chop. It’s a thick cut of Berkshire pork that’s pan roasted to a soft, tender texture. On its own, it’s full of deep, moist flavors but the chef pairs it with a rotating group of accompaniments. Currently, the hearty mascarpone polenta, sweet braised escarole. Price: $26

23. STEAK TARTARE at BRINDLE ROOM

Our first trip to Brindle Room was sort of lackluster. Nothing was bad, but nothing blew me away. That changed on the second visit when I got some tastes of amazingly flavorful dishes and was taken care of like I was part of the family.

The dishes this time around, including a nice kale salad and a thick juicy pork chop, were much more memorable, but it was their version of steak tartare that really got me excited. It’s served with housemade potato chip crisps which are much preferable to a limp baguette. Chef Jeremy Spector’s raw chopped meat is fresh, flavorful, and kissed with some special hot sauce that gives it a surprisingly tangy, mustardy kick. Price: $9

22. OXTAIL TERRINE at SALT & FAT

I was frightened about eating at Salt & Fat. All the reviews, while raves, talked about how rich and fatty the dishes were. The “Crack and Cheese” (which was no longer on the menu when I finally made it out to Sunnyside) sounded like a heart attack. But I am pleased to announce I did not suffer a heart attack at Salt & Fat and I discovered dish after dish of deliciousness.

The Oxtail Terrine was my favorite dish. The presentation is rather dark and rough – it looks like a big, black brick. If this was dessert, I might have been more eager to dig into what looked like a brownie. Once I touched my fork to the terrine, it generously fell apart and revealed itself to be a meaty, umami delight. It’s been braised in a dashi and shiitake mushroom broth before being assembled and perched on some exotic mushrooms with a spread of  sweet, rich caramelized onion puree. Price: $10

21. LECHON ASADO at EL NUEVO BOHIO

“Lechon asado” simply translates to roasted pig, but the version at old-time Puerto Rican restaurant El Nuevo Bohio is so much more than that. And the always crowded dining room is proof. I don’t know if I ever would have discovered this place if not for a summertime visit to the Bronx Zoo.

The chopped pork is a moist, meaty mess of flavors with crispy pork skin shards for texture. A wonderfully intense mojo sauce gives the meat an extra garlicky kick, while the side of tostones (fried green plantains) provide a sweet. starchiness that complements the meat. And even though it’s simply roasted pork, this dish makes the trip to the Bronx worthwhile. Price: $7

NUMBER 40: PAPDI CHAAT at BHOJAN

Chaat is sort of the ultimate street food in India, but yet you really have to go to a restaurant or a fast food takeout joint to get a sample of this addicting snack. It’s quite surprising that I have yet to discover a food cart selling this specialty. The best version I’ve had was this past year at vegetarian (and kosher) Indian restaurant Bhojan.

The papdi chaat is a fantastic combination of fried dough bits (think those crunchy wonton freebies at American-Chinese restaurants) topped with curried potatoes, crisp bean sprouts, a sweet chutney, a spicy chutney, and plenty of cooling yogurt sauce. It’s a wonder of textures and flavors beautifully refined to sit-down restaurant fare. Price: $6

NUMBER 39: MAIZ TOASTADO at BARZOLA

Barzola is quite famous in the Ecuadorian community. People travel from as far away as Pennsylvania just to get a meal here, but many locals don’t even know about its two locations in Queens and Brooklyn. I can’t even find a single NY food blog entry about the food here. Well, let me be the first then.

 At their well-hidden location on a residential Williamsburg street, we had some really good ceviche and tamales. But the dish I ordered seconds of were the very simple and crunchy maiz tostada, also known as cancha. It’s the perfect bar snack: a bowl of toasted puffed corn kernels that have been tossed generously with oil and sea salt. They’re hot, starchy, and helplessly addicting. I couldn’t stop eating them. Maybe it’s a good thing nobody knows about Barzola because they’d have none of these left. Price: $2

NUMBER 38: SAAG PANEER at JACKSON DINER

Spinach and cheese dip is a pretty American dish, but Indian cuisine has a far superior version of melding the green vegetable and cow product. Saag paneer literally translates to spinach cheese and the best version I’ve had yet was at Jackson Diner, an old standby Indian restaurant in the heart of Jackson Heights.

Some people claim that Jackson Diner has gone downhill over the years. This was my first visit and I was very happy with my meal, especially the creamy and earthy saag paneer. Cubes of silky and smooth paneer cheese float in a rich creamy spinach sauce. The result is a not too spicy dish with lots of textures and enjoyable subtle flavors. Soak it up with some tender basmatic rice or nan bread. Much more refined and delicate than a bowl of that nasty goo most American restaurants call spinach dip. Price: $9.95

NUMBER 37: HIRATA BUNS at IPPUDO NY

Last year, Momofuku’s famous pork buns made my Top 100. I fell in love with those years ago and it’s a must order whenever I visit one of their hip East Village locations. However, the pork bun phenomenon doesn’t end there. Many people who hear about my love for Momofuku’s version will tell me that Ippudo’s buns are even better. And this year, I finally gave them a try.

Ippudo is known for both it’s serious ramen noodle soups and it’s ridiculous long wait for a table. I had been here before and liked their overpriced ramen dishes, but I had never tried the pork buns. Late one weekday lunch, I found myself back at Ippudo and I knew these had to be part of my order. I don’t know if they’re better than Momofuku’s but they’re different and still decadently delicious. These are slightly less refined, but just as sweet, spicy, and fatty. The steamed white bread bun soaks up all the sauce and meaty juices to ensure you get the full experience. Crisp iceberg lettuce and smoky mayo round out the experience. Price: $9

NUMBER 36: MUSLIM LAMB CHOPS at FU RUN

Fu Run is an inconspicuous Chinese restaurant serving food from the Dongbei region. The food here has lots of worldly influences, but lamb seems to be the favorite meat of the cuisine. Their most famous dish is the massive Muslim lamb chops, which is actually the lamb breast. But you’d never be able to tell what kind of meat is under all those cumin seeds. It’s a dramatic (and slightly scary) presentation and that alone could put this in my Top 100 list. 

Yet the flavors here are rich, bold, and surprisingly new. I’ve had cumin lamb at other Chinese restaurants and it verges on being overpowering and inedible. Not this one. It was dangerously edible. The fatty, fall-apart tender lamb meat gives the toasted cumin seeds a run for their money in the flavor department. And the unusual sensation of the crunchy cumin seeds is an exciting mouth experience. This is a unique hearty dish that I’ve been craving ever since. Price: $21.95

NUMBER 55: BUTTERNUT SQUASH MACARON at DESSERTTRUCK WORKS

Every single dessert from the brick and mortar location of Jerome Chang’s DessertTruck Works was heavenly. Time Out brought us here to sample their Honey Rosemary Ice Cream and we went a little ballistic – ordering just about everything on the menu. Including a very unique little bite: a butternut squash macaron.

French-style macarons seem to be everywhere of late, but I’ve never discovered a flavor quite this special. Sweet potato or pumpkin are one thing, but butternut squash are usually saved for soups, right? Well, the dessert masters here manage to balance the rich, earthiness of the squash with maple caramel and make it delicate, refined, and unbelievably delicious. And that was just one of their desserts. Price: $2

NUMBER 54: SFERA DI CAPRINO at DEL POSTO

If I hadn’t called this dessert by it’s proper Italian name, many people may have stopped reading. This is in fact a vegetable dessert. And the veggie used is not as obviously sweet as butternut squash or sweet potatoes. This is a dessert made with celery. Can’t even imagine it, can you? I had celery in a fruit salad a few years ago at an Italian restaurant on the Upper East Side and enjoyed the light earthiness it brought to the other fruit’s sweetness. But with this dessert at Del Posto, the celery is the main attraction.

The words actually translates to “spheres of goat cheese”. Pastry chef Brooks Headley starts with little balls of creamy goat cheesecake and dips them in salted olive oil bread crumbs. They’re accompanied by a thick sweet and sour fig agrodolce and two celery components: light, vegetal celery sorbet and a shredded celery salad garnish. All these flavor come together to make a light, refreshing, sweet finish to a rich, decadent Italian meal. And it makes me a celery dessert believer. Price: $14

NUMBER 53: ZUCCHINI PANCAKE at JAY & LLOYD’S

We all know potato pancakes. They’re a staple of Jewish deli food and a good one could have easily fit into this category as well. But the fact that Jay & Lloyd’s, which is an old-school deli in the far reaches of Brooklyn, is taking those classic Jewish dishes and playing around a bit, makes the trip on the Q train that much more worth it.

You can see specks of the green vegetable dispersed throughout the fried potato patty. The addition of zucchini gives the pancake a more vegetal flavor with a hint of sweetness and an extra textural crispness. The brown exterior is perfectly fried giving way to a moist, earthy treat. I love when restaurants re-invent the classics. It’s a subtle little change, but it makes a world of difference. Price: $4.95 (for 3)

NUMBER 52: THREE DIFFERENT EGGPLANTS at ST. ANSELM

I had some grief when I discovered St. Anselm changed their entire concept this year. They originally were serving artery clogging New Jersey specialities like disco fries (featured on Time Out’s 2010 list) and Trenton pork rolls. But after closing for a few months to obtain their liquor license, they re-opened with a brand new concept: grilled food. That meant no more fryer and no list item for me.

But after having a phenomenal meal there, I was so happy they made the change. I could have probably included any of the dishes on this list, but the one that really blew me away was the appetizer of three different eggplants. I didn’t even know there were three different types of eggplant. St. Anselm seasons and chars Japanese, Thai, and Italian varieties which gave some different levels of texture and sweetness. The smokiness of the aubergines paired beautifully with a block of fried goat cheese (wait, I thought they didn’t have a fryer!) and a sweet, tangy pool of caramelized onions. Amazing that perfectly cooked vegetables don’t make me miss fries or pork! Price: $7

NUMBER 51: MARKET PLATE at WESTVILLE

Westville is such a refreshing little spot. This is affordable food that’s real and hearty and delicious. Sure, they serve hot dogs and hamburgers, but the best thing to order here is a mixed plate of their market vegetables. Every day offers a new list of almost 20 different local, seasonal vegetables prepared simply. Not much is done to these veggies and that goes a long way.

Some of the veggies are just grilled, others are roasted, some are seasoned with garlic and parmesan cheese, others with ginger and sesame. Whatever they do, they bring out the flavor of the produce without sacrificing flavor. You get to pick any four on the market plate. Try the sauteed kale with shallots or the artichoke hearts with parmesan. It’s hard to find a plate this pure, simple, and affordable.

NUMBER 75: POTATO CHIPS WITH AWESOME SAUCE at WEATHER UP TRIBECA

I do have a weakness for potato chips, but it takes a superior version for me to stop the automatic hand-to-mouth process and pay attention to what I’m actually crunching on. Weather Up Tribeca is a cocktail bar (in Tribeca, duh!) that has a small bites menu furnished by Chef Tyler Kord, of No. 7 and No. 7 Sub Shop. And thanks to him, the chips almost overshadow the cocktails.

The menu says they’re served with “awesome sauce”, which is truth in advertising. The orange hued sauce is reminiscent of a thicker, smoother Thousand Island dressing. It’s the perfect sweet, tangy topping for the homemade chips which are browned to perfection and salted to addiction. And so my weakness continues. Price: $5

NUMBER 74: SWEET POTATO FRIES at SCHNITZEL & THINGS

Schnitzel & Things, which now has both a mobile truck and a storefront on 3rd Avenue, is known mostly for their breaded and fried meats. But vegetarians and lighter eaters can rejoice in their selection of delicious side orders. There’s no shame in skipping a schnitzel one day and just ordering a sampling of sides, like roasted beets with feta and cucumber salad.  When the storefront opened, they added another magical side option to those favorites.

When I tasted the sweet potato fries for the first time, I wanted to share them with the world. But I couldn’t because I ate them way too quickly myself. They’re thin-cut and fried to the perfect crispness. The generous seasoning of salt plays off the sweet candy flavors of the potatoes to make that perfect sweet, savory, salty combination. I could eat these for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With schnitzel or without. My visits to this store will never be the same again. Now if only they’d start serving them on the truck, life would be perfect. Price: $3

NUMBER 73: ROSEMARY FRIES at STRONG PLACE

There’s nothing better than a pail full of golden fried french fries. Well, maybe if you add some flavorful seasonings to it. And maybe some special homemade dipping sauce. At gastropub Strong Place, all those things are taken to the next level and that’s why these are the best french fries I tasted all year.

The fries here, which are simply seasoned with rosemary and salt, have the proper balance between crisp exterior and soft starchy center. Each bite is a burst of flavor. These golden nuggets are served with a bottle of homemade ketchup. The ketchup is much darker than the store bought variety and has a deeper, truer tomato flavor with just a hint of sweetness. It doesn’t get much better than that. But Strong Place’s huge selection of craft beer sure helps.

NUMBER 72: CRACK KALE at WHITMAN’S

Kale is the favorite green leafy vegetable of hipsters and foodies in New York. You’ll find a kale salad on every single locavore and market-driven menu in Brooklyn and the East Village. But I wouldn’t say it’s the favorite food of meth addicts, yet Whitman’s, a burger shop in the East Village has brought those two ideas together when they created crack kale.

I’ve enjoyed kale chips that I’ve bought in health food stores and even made roasted spiced kale at home that turns out incredibly crispy. Both of those recipes hint at what crack kale is, but neither come close. Here they flash fry the green leaves until they resemble crackly shards and then dust the chips with salt and seasonings. It’s a flavorful, crunchy, dangerously addicting experience and the healthiest type of crack you could possibly consume. Price: $4

NUMBER 71: FRIED EEL BONES at EN JAPANESE BRASSERIE

We came to En Japanese Brasseries to experience their monthly Fish Heads, Eel Bones, and Beer dinner. The tuna collar was on Time Out’s list last year, but we also got lots of well-prepared interesting leftovers – the parts of the fish and meat that they don’t serve to customers. Waste not, want not.

And while I enjoyed the tuna collar and many of the other dishes, the one thing I kept adding to my plate from the buffet were the fried eel bones. These are not something I ever anticipated eating in my life. They just don’t sound digestible. Well, they certainly are. There are basically two layers of crunch: a lightly Panko breaded and salty exterior and then the fragile bones themselves that crunch away much easier than you anticipate. Part of the fun is realizing you can eat through these delicate little bones. The flavor isn’t much aside from salty and greasy with very subtle hints of the sea. But with all this beer and fish parts, what more do you want? Price: Only available with $45 dinner

NUMBER 90: BABY JESUS CAKE at VESTA

Sweet baby Jesus, this cake is good! Vesta is a modern pizza trattoria on the outskirts of Astoria. It’s not close enough to my apartment to warrant regular visits, but I had been hearing about their thin crust pizzas and thought they were close enough to take the chance.

While the pizzas were good, it was the grand finale that I’ve been thinking about since. This slice of ridiculously moist date cake is drowned in a sweet, rich caramel sauce. The side of creme fraiche cuts the dark sweetness, giving it balance.  It’s truly a holy experience!

NUMBER 89: FROZEN BANANA from NANA’S

The Brooklyn Flea has become so popular with food eater and entrepreneurs, that Smorgasburg was born to host an entire market just for eating and selling foodstuffs.

One of the food vendors who’ve gotten the most press and compliments are Nana’s. This little stand is the brainchild of Cecile Dyer from the gluttonous and delicious Pies n Thighs. It’s very simple, but mighty tasty. She takes a whole frozen banana on a stick and dips it into quickly hardening chocolate, then rolls it in any number of rotating toppings.

I chose a very satisfying mix of textures and flavors – coconut and almonds. It was salty, sweet, chocolatey, and refreshing. Lots of flavors, without complicating the simplicity of a perfect banana. Smorgasburg will be around for three more weeks, but Nana’s is finished for the season. Keep an eye out once the weather gets warmer again. Price: $5 (with one topping)

NUMBER 88: TIRAMISU at OSTERIA MORINI

I have a weakness for tiramisu. Whenever I finish a red sauce pasta meal, my body begins to crave that boozy, creamy coffee flavor. In my years of eating at Italian restaurants, I’ve had many different versions of this layered dessert – some good, some not so good. But the best I’ve ever tasted happened this year at Michael White’s pasta empire, Osteria Morini.

The version of the dessert here didn’t look like any I had been served before. It was presented beautifully, but frankly, it looked as if it was going to be dry or overly bready. Somehow the layer of espresso cream (or mousse), the moist ladyfingers, the decadent mascarpone, and the hint of cognac worked like magic. I’ve now officially been ruined with tiramisu. I can’t imagine it getting better anywhere else. Price: $11

NUMBER 87: CUPCAKES from ROBICELLI’S

It’s amazing that the cupcake phenomenon is still sweeping the nation. I think may New Yorkers are sort of over it and are trying to look for some new dessert item (pie? macarons?) to replace cupcake fever. But if all the cupcake shops in the city were making specimens as innovative and delicious as Robicelli’s, I think then the cupcake revolution would be justified.

Robicelli’s has a permanent spot at the Dekalb Market, but husband and wife team Matt and Allison also sell their cupcakes at many other locations (including some holiday pop-up’s) throughout the city. I finally purchased some at the now-closed Madison Square Eats. The flavors (which constantly change based on season) were so tempting that I couldn’t leave without purchasing three cupcakes.

These were a perfect, modest size and I was relieved that the cake was super moist and the frosting was the right balance of sweetness. I got to sample the Bea Arthur (black coffee cake, cheesecake buttercream, espresso ganache), the Pumpkin Spice Latte (pumpkin cake, espresso mascarpone frosting, spiced chocolate covered espresso beans), and the Sweet Potato Pie (sweet potato cake, vanilla buttercream, bourbon glazed pecans).

They announce their flavors daily on their Twitter page and I drool just reading them every morning. There’s a list of all their flavors on their website and I seriously want to try every last one of them, but especially the provocative Chicken ‘n’ Waffles (yes, with a real chicken garnish). Price: $3-$5

NUMBER 86: ECLAIR COOKIE at CHIKALICIOUS DESSERT CLUB

I have sung the praises of Chikalicious before on this site. The Dessert Bar might be my favorite place in the entire city, as it gives a unique, delicious culinary experience. I love sending visitors to the city here for a three course dessert.

But across the street, they offer more affordable pastries and cookies to go at the Dessert Club. It’s hard for me to go into the shop and not order their Espresso Ice Shot (which made my 100 Best list last year), but this year I brought a tour group in to taste their much more shareable eclair cookies. And I fell in love myself.

These are a hybrid between cream puff and eclair. The pastry shell is a little crunchier than most and it gives way to a rich vanilla pudding (chocolate if you choose the chocolate variety). The entire thing is dusted with powdered sugar which gives it a sweet aromatic quality. If I could, I’d breathe in sugar all day long. Price: $4.95