Nobu

I have wanted to go to Nobu since the moment I moved to New York. It's a culinary institution - one that I knew I'd get to one day, but never quite knew when. When I would tell fellow New Yorkers or even tourists that I had never been, they often couldn't believe it. But, in a town with endless dining options, it became all to easy to end up at restaurants just a touch easier to get into and just a touch more affordable. And I was never too concerned that Nobu had yet to be checked off my master list as I knew my big night there would happen one of these days.


I have felt the very same way about Las Vegas - shocking people that I had never been, all the while knowing there would be plenty of reasons to finally get there sooner or later. And so this past weekend turned into a weekend of firsts for me. There was the perfect excuse that finally took me to Vegas - and isn't a first time in Vegas the perfect excuse for a first trip to Nobu? I wasn't even worried about the build up of either spot as the great wait had almost lowered my expectations. These are two places that I knew weren't going anywhere or changing too drastically, but I am so glad that day finally arrived. A first time Vegas-Nobu duo guarantees a memorable outing.

Located in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Nobu is certainly in the heart of the Vegas scene, despite its situation off of the Strip. This is a night out on the town experience both in setting and dining, as to be expected in Vegas. There are a few variations on the menu from the original Nobu, but we decided to go with their signature dishes that I had long awaited - sampling from nearly all areas of the menu. From the cold dish section of the menu, I highly recommend the yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno. We rolled up each piece of raw fish with a slice of crunchy jalapeno and a touch of cilantro, creating an excellent blend of textures and flavors. From the hot dish section, we went with the rock shrimp tempura topped with a creamy spicy sauce and the black cod miso. The rock shrimp were nearly addictive as I popped one after another in my mouth. However, it was the black cod dish that truly blew me away. Without hesitation, I fell for this acclaimed dish. In Vegas, they cut the rich flavors of the marinade as they serve the cod in lettuce cups topped with phyllo shavings. I have never felt so taken by flavor and texture combinations as I did during the entire meal. And to sample from nearly all sections of the dinner menu, we ordered a more traditional sushi dish, the spicy scallop roll. Even the most basic of dishes turned out to be far superior at Nobu as we found ourselves getting a second round of this roll.

With such perfection in each course, we found it impossible to pass up dessert. We ordered the hazelnut semi-freddo with caramelized bananas and peanut butter ice cream topped with caramel sauce, and the night continued to soar. At Nobu, it is truly about the entire experience. The waiters are eager to guide you through the night whether it is in recommending a dish or in spacing out the meal so that you are never rushed, yet never waiting. With such care and quality in the air, a first trip to Nobu is quite an occasion. And, last weekend was indeed the perfect occasion. If you are looking for a reason to make your first trip to Nobu, perhaps to celebrate a birthday or a promotion or even the night before a proposal, this is the place for you. Once you make your first trip, you will soon realize that the only real excuse you need to go is treating yourself right - and that is something we all should do more often!



Nobu
4455 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, NV 89169-6574
(702) 693-5090
website
FOOD RATING (Out of 5):

Rockmeisha

I have yet to make it to Japan. But, after my first trip to Asia last spring, my Eastern curiosities have been more than ignited. I am not certain when I will actually get back over there, but I do know that it will happen one of these days, although most definitely not in 2009. In the meantime, a simple trip down the street in the West Village has just taken me miles closer to this travel destination high on my priority list. With barely a foot off of Barrow Street through the doors and curtains of Rockmeisha, I was actually confused as to what country I was standing in. Hands down, the atmosphere alone is worth a visit to one of the newest additions to the izakaya craze in the city. The decor is incredible. Be sure to head there with a close friend as you may spend the majority of the evening mesmerized by the various distractions scattered throughout the restaurant. I can't decide if it was the televisions broadcasting Japanese variety shows, the chaos behind the sushi bar, the strategically placed figurines, or the eclectic "art displays" arranged on the walls and counters that seized my attention more throughout the night.

This establishment successfully lives up to the mission of an izakaya - not only attracting business men and women, but distracting them from the fast-paced business world. And, their trick, while partly in the food and drink (like most restaurants), mainly lies in the setting. Order up a round or two of draft Sapporos as it may be awhile before any food arrives - cooked or not. We were definitely baffled by what was going on back in the kitchen as our starters of raw okra and pork with bean sprouts appeared well into the night. But again, there was really too much going on around me to even focus on time. Had I not been wearing a watch, I probably would have never even noticed. Unfortunately, the presentation of these dishes in mini cast-iron pans was probably the highlight. I quickly learned, after looking around the room and noticing common traits on each table (tall glasses of beer and large bowls), the truth behind Rockmeisha - it's all in the noodles. This is a watering hole with amazing ramen. And, thankfully, that was what soon arrived in front of us. Honestly, as far as ramen goes, this one is a complete winner. The noodles were cooked almost al dente and the broth was extremely rich, quite creamy - an excellent combination for this Asian specialty. There is only one ramen option on the menu, so no decisions need even be made - ultimately, simplifying our lives even more after a long day at the office.

Rockmeisha is the very reason that I struggle with ratings. It truly was an experience - and one that I want to have again. While the food as a whole was not overly impressive, I cannot get that ramen out of my mind. As little decision-making as I took part in on my first trip there, I will have even less upon my return - a true luxury in my books. Scanning the room, it was apparent every one else had already figured out the magic duo - Sapporo and ramen. The other key to an evening at this izakaya is scoring a seat in prime location to one of its many televisions. Not to worry that the volume is turned down or if the Japanese subtitles overwhelm, the costumes and dance performances on screen will not disappoint. It's all about ambiance, noodles and improv at Rockmeisha - take it or leave it. This is one affordable and easy trip to Japan.



Rockmeisha
11 Barrow St.
New York, NY 10014
(212) 675-7775
FOOD RATING (Out of 5):

Blue Ginger

I used to never go out for sushi. Since moving to New York, sushi has been something that I crave, on average, once a week. I am not sure what is in the air here, but sushi cravings also seem to be a regular trend among my friends (girls especially). To satisfy this craving, I would descend my five flights and walk three blocks to my local Japanese restaurant - only to pick up my meal (usually consisting of a green salad and two rolls) and quickly return to the comforts of my apartment. While this usually did the trick, leaving me satisfied until the next week, I did find it odd that it was the one food that I rarely shared with friends. But, then again, I probably eat out too often, so it was sort of nice to have a night in and not be cooking. That pretty much summed up my sushi-dining experience for my first four years in New York. Until this past spring, when I discovered Blue Ginger - a japanese restaurant that blends in with about four other ethnic restaurants on its chelsea block. My days of eating sushi alone (and eating in every now and then) have come to an end!

I definitely do not claim to be the authority on sushi, but this restaurant has managed to change my sushi eating habits forever. Do not be fooled! This is neither a trendy atmosphere nor even a particularly cozy setting. But, rather, it is a fairly standard looking, average-priced sushi restaurant. Nevertheless, every time I have gone, whether it is a Monday night or a Friday night, 6:30 or 8:30 pm, the place is full- and rightfully so.

You are probably wondering how I ever decided to walk into this restaurant since I am fairly certain it is not a new addition to the neighborhood. My roommate actually discovered it - but, unlike me, she discovered it for its take out purposes, on her walk home from work. It was not until, one fateful night, when one of my friends who lives in Chelsea was also having the undeniable sushi craving that we decided to venture from our couches and meet up. Thankfully, Blue Ginger was the halfway point.

While I am obviously not the most experienced sushi eater, I do appreciate a fresh piece of fish - and, sadly, I think that most sushi restaurants actually do not cater to this. Blue Ginger has never let me down. No matter what I order, everything is extremely fresh - and simple. I do usually start off with edamame or a green salad with ginger dressing (while it is tough to screw those up, they certainly make great ones) and then end up sharing several rolls. My favorites are the spicy tuna, salmon with jalapeno, and salmon with avocado. If you are looking for a vegetarian option, the peanut-avocado roll is actually a nice and different combination. Although, throw some bacon in there, and I would probably be in my own personal heaven!

Maybe Blue Ginger will eventually teach me to be more adventuresome in the sushi department. If any place can do it, I think this one has the potential. But, to be honest, I think sushi will always be the one cuisine where I stick to the basics and my favorites. At the end of the day, my cravings are satisfied - so why mess with a good thing? I just appreciate that Blue Ginger has gotten me off the couch and out with another friend! Who really needs a night at home unless it's for a good old homemade meal?


Blue Ginger

106 8th Ave (between 15th and 16th)
New York, NY 10011
Phone: (212) 352-0911
Website