Since I’m the hometown boy this year for the U.S. Open, the press gang are looking to me for recommendations. So channeling my best Marty Hackel, just with food, not clothes, we’ll review restaurants during down time before the U.S. Open…like Tuesdays…and PGA National Week…and Redstone…and TPC Nawlins, (Geaux Aints!).
Today, park the car on 78th between 1st and 2d and hang out on the Upper East Side. Sushi lovers won’t meet Dan Jenkins out for a spider roll or some unagi, but they’ll get plenty of the best, freshest fish in the city. Most locals rate Sushi of Gari (402 E. 78), as highly as fabled Sushi Yasuda in midtown. I prefer the darkest sexist sushi bar in the city Sake Hana on the corner of 2d and 78th. As one reviewer wrote, “A palette of royal burgundies, deep blues, and golden yellows permeates this Upper East Side haven, while flowing fabrics swathe the ceiling and a wrap-around Lucite bar emits a warm, red-orange glow. At velvety chairs pulled up to romantic tables for two, couples nibble sushi and sashimi and order sake by the glass, carafe, traditional wooden box or bottle.” Their well-lit, blond wood sister Sushi Hana is right around the corner.
Fans of Haru from around the world love visiting the original on 3d and 76th. They opened a sleek sake bar and second sushi room right across the street. Finally, Atlantic Grill (3d between 76 & 77), has grilled fish, a terrific raw bar, and sushi.
If going out for fish will leave you or your partner eating bread and water, how about Mexican? Maz Mezcal (86th tween 1&2) has much more than ordinary, tired old fajitas and enchiladas. Authentic regional dishes and margaritas the size of Lake Superior will make you want to stay late night for fiesta. From Tortilla Soup to the Mole dishes, from the mixed grill to the mesquite sea bass, everything is fresh, delicious and less than $30 and entree, frequently closer to $20. Similarly, Canyon Road on 1st and 76th is great for Southwestern. It’s owned by the same folks who run Gonzalez Y Gonzalez, (a fave of mine we’ll meet next week, but here’s a sneak peek for now).
Best of all, you’ll get out the door with a drink and great dinner for about $40/person. Whaddya know? Caviar quality at recession prices. Who says you can’t find great deals in Manhattan.
Whatever this is, it’ll make your mouth water. Add sake and girl to taste.
Sure golf and sushi go together: just add good friends!
