Pan con tomate
$$$, Wine Bar, Tapas, Bar, Midtown
"It's open until 2 a.m., so it's a great spot for late-night snacks."
ChefKoji Kagawa
New York
Where I Go Out
Oroshi tonkatsu
$$, Japanese, Midtown Manhattan
"I am addicted to tonkatsu. It reminds me of my childhood, when my mom would take me to a restaurant in Japan renowned for its pork dishes. The outside gets crunchy but the pork inside is savory."
Chawanmushi
$$$$, Japanese, Reservations, Ukrainian Village
"My go-to for traditional Japanese custard... The meat and veggie components change according to the season."
Shima hokke
$$, Japanese, Greenwich Village
"Grilled Japanese fish, especially the shima hokke (atka mackerel), is sweet and flavorful."
Akamaru modern ramen
$$, Happy Hour, Ramen, Japanese, Full Bar, East Village
"One of the best pork ramen dishes in the city. Healthy, savory and satisfying. I always add takana (mustard greens)."
At My Venues
Moqueca mista
$$$, Sushi, Lounge, Japanese,
"As an alumni of the restaurant, I have to pay tribute to this incredible dish. It's one that I crave at least every season; especially in the colder months. Moqueca is a true dish from Bahia, Brazil with a succulent sauce made from shrimp/lobster stock, dende oil and coconut milk with fresh seafood. Ask for a splash of lime juice and an extra side of rice."
Cinnamon oxtail gyoza
$$$, Sushi, Asian, Bar, South Beach
"Oxtail is too underused and scary for the average person to try, but this part of the cow is so tender and flavorful when cooked properly. I love the way Michael fills the wontons and gives it a nice crunchy texture by quickly sautéing them."
