Sushi, sushi, sushi...specifically 15 East

My reason for living. Well not including my husband, family, friends and dog. But otherwise i think sushi is it.

It's hard to talk about sushi and my love of it without talking about the place that started it all...15 East. (Well, really LAN Sushi started it all but it met its untimely demise a few years ago and 15 East took over the #1 spot in my heart.)

I'll admit that I've been frequenting this establishment less since they made some major staff reshuffling but overall they are consistently excellent. Walk into this sparse, minimalist, elegant space and there isn't much to focus on other than the fish. I recommend to go full speed ahead with the Chef's Omakasa (tasting menu) and if you are lucky enough on a Thursday or Friday, having the LIVE Uni is a must! it comes to your table tentacles wiggling but its erupts in your mouth like sweet sea water and spring time.

Also, Chef Masato is a big sweetheart and if you become brave enough ask for his "must visit list" for Tokyo restaurants. As soon as we book our trip to Japan, I'm checking off every one on his list!

Check back later for my musings on all the other greats...Sushi Yesuda, Kanoyama, Sasabune, Sushi Ann, Sushi Zen, Ushiwakamura, Bond St., Sushi UO, Jewel Bako and others.

And if you're wondering why Sushi Samba or Haru aren't on this list, stop reading this blog immediately.

15 East
15 East 15th Street
NYC

Kasadela: a neighborhood spot worth the walk

Every time we go to Kasadela, which is on the far east end of the 11th street block between Ave B/C, I feel like we're taking a break from our daily lives and visiting an old friend. When it came time for Adam and I to plan our engagement party, we couldn't think of a better place than this friendly, fun, neighborhood treasure. Kasadela is an Izakaya which is a Japanese establishment that exists somewhere between restaurant, bar and general place to hang out. This is a great place to come with a group of friends or with that special someone. Come in, drink sake, enjoy delicious shared plates and generally have a merry time.

Must haves: Start with an order of Nori (roasted seaweed) to nibble on while you peruse the menu. It's hard to make a bad choice and it's fun to try something new each visit. I recommend the Eel & Cucumber salad but the star of the meal is always the chicken wings--your fingers will smell like garlic the next day but it's worth it. Finish the evening with the homemade Lychee sake and you'll be stumbling home happier than when you came.

Kasadela
647 East 11th Street near Avenue C

Day 1

Nothing good ever happened by not trying. So here it goes.

I have always had a love for New York City and the confluence of food, art and passion that this city inspires. But just like everything else in this city, the market is over-saturated and over proliferated with opinions and everyone seems to be shouting louder than the last person. So instead of adding my voice to the cacophony of noise, I offer my musings as a whisper for anyone who's interested...it might end up just being me. but here are my thoughts on what's touched or inspired or invoked something in me.