Wakiya

I went to Wakiya the other night. Wakiya is located in Gramercy Park Hotel, newly renovated by Ian Schrager.

It was 9 o'clock. I did not have any reservation, so they told me to wait at the bar


Bar was full of people. Nice looking people there.

Interior was very modern, elegant, and gorgeous.



After 15 minutes, we got the table.
Sofa table was very comfortable, and we were so happy we could get seats very quickly than expected.

Bang Bang Chicken

It was very good. I eat this dish in Japan all the time, but I could not find good Bang Bang Chicken in NY. But this one is really good. great sauce.



Lobster & Pork Juice Dumpling



















These Lobster&Pork Soup Dumpling was phenomenal. Very juicy. Lots of lobster meat. Very yummy!
I can eat all of these 4 by myself.


We also tried Shark Fin Soup. It was also good too. SO much shark fin in the soup.



I have been reading bad reviews about this restaurant, like;

"Although food is not that good, price is outrageous"
"Service is awful"

Well.... price is high. But this is not like China Town. This is high-end modern Chinese restaurant. So it should be higher than China Town price.

I did not even think service was bad at all. As a matter of fact, there was a great waiter to take our orders.


I will definitely come back there. Next time, I would like to try much more food.

They also serve "Dim Sum" on weekend. That is also appealing to me.



Wakiya

2 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10010
212-475-4320

Takashimaya

I went to Takashimaya last Thursday.
Takashimaya is Japanese high-end department store located on 5th avenue/54th street.
I have not been there for 1 year, so I decided to check it out.
After cruising around inside, I went to downstairs to eat.
Yes, there is a restaurant offering great tea selection as well as some food.

I had this $18 afternoon tea set (I forgot what to call).
You can try several kinds of desserts, and there are also unique sandwich.

I have to say sandwich was not that good. rice was squished too tight. I needed some soy sauce.. but I didn't ask.
But all sweets are very good.

I also tried Japanese Sencha green tea.
This place is very quiet, and the great place to enjoy tea while you shop around this area.


Takashimaya
693 5th Ave
New York, NY 10022
212-350-0100

Kyoya

Kyoya is one of my favorite restaurants in NY.

They offer very authentic Japanese food. I feel like being Japan almost.

I always ask if we can sit in front of chef Sono. Chef Counter.

He is very friendly person, and I always enjoy having conversation with him about his food.

If you go, make sure to check out their special menu.

This time, they have a great sea urchin, octopus, and a mackerel sashimi.

According to Sono, 80% of ingredients are from Japan, and 20% are from local.

Except sea urchin, they were from Japan. Sea urchin was from Prince Edward Island.

Sea urchin tastes very sweet and mild.. Texture of octopus was very crunchy, and it tasted very good with sea salt.

Presentation is gorgeous, and almost you do not want to mess with it.

I also tried "Karasumi". Karasumi is Bora fish's egg......

Ok... I didn't know what to call Bora in English, so I just checked.

......................??????

Mullet....?? Yes, it was MULLET.

Why? does Bora have long hair in a back? LOL

Anyway, Mullet's egg tastes yummy!

I also had Chawan Mushi (Egg Custard), Miso Marinated Beef Tongue, and Rice with Crab.

Those were very very good.

My favorite was Chawan Mushi. It has a lot of ingredients inside of custard, and enjoyed so much.

If you go, you should also try some desserts.

They have Houji Tea Ice Cream. Of course handmade by chef.

Houji Tea is roasted green tea, so it gives roasted aroma and flavor.. very good.

Kyoya is located in East Village, and you almost feel you find your own hidden place.

Kyoya

94 East 7th St.

Bet 1st & A

212-982-4140