Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Yakitori Lovers of New York . . .


. . . rejoice!


About two years ago, I wrote a post on the Totto family of restaurants. Soon after, Yakitori Torys, their great East Side yakitori restaurant, closed, giving way to a ramen restaurant, Hide-chan, owned by the same group. Their sister yakitori place, Yakitori Totto, doesn't take reservations after 7:00, making it quite impractical for my wife and me. We were despondent.


Until now. It turns out that the yakitori team and menu from Torys have been moved to Soba Totto, the same group's excellent soba restaurant at 211 East 43rd Street. Of course, you can also get authentic soba, which is great by itself or paired with yakitori (although this would never be done in Japan). A great sake and shochu selection is available to accompany your meal.









Eggplant Miso Yakitori (L); Chicken Stuffed Shishito and Beef Yakitori (R)

I have never tried Hide-chan in silent protest of its usurpation of Torys. Now that I have reconnected with my favorite yakitori, I will give it a try. Given the high level of quality and authenticity of the Totto restaurants, I am sure that the noodles, broth and the toppings will be excellent.


Bobby Jay

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Japan

It is impossible not to be shocked and saddened by the images of Sendai that we have been seeing for days, no matter how often they are repeated. The tragedy is truly unfathomable.

Having lived in Japan, and knowing the strength and spirit of the Japanese people, I am confident that Japan will somehow rebound, find its way back from darkness to a better place . . .


. . . and soar again.



Bobby Jay

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

No Country for Old Locavores


A recent trip to the Union Square greenmarket shows why it's nearly impossible to be a locavore in New York. Few vendors and fewer shoppers. At least the wonderful Flying Pigs Farm had a stand there.

And spring is coming soon.


Bobby Jay