Hi,

I am not a fan of the Soda Stream (for various reasons), so I was excited when the ISI Twist N Sparkle came out. It conveiniently used co2 cartridges which I had plenty of since I also use an ISI Siphon for cooking. Anyway, a few mnonths later, the Twist N Sparkle was recalled due to safety reasons. ISI ceased selling it. I noticed that a new product called the Soda Sparkle is available. It's not affiliated with ISI but the products look nearly identical. I am wondering if there are any safety concerns with this product. Some clicking about makes me think this company is Asian (China/HK). I don't have a problem with Chinese companies but I was glad ISI (an Austrian company) warned me about safety problems and did a recall. I just don't trust that an Asian company would be as willing to do the same.

Thanks for the tip about Jungsik. I am definitely adding it to the list next time I return to NYC which will probably be at least a year from now. For me, Corton has missed a step. First, I think it's over priced for what it is. I think the decor is lacking. I think the service is just ok. And we were rushed through our meal. It felt extremely fast. Also there were some issues with the starters/amuses like a chawanmushi that wasn't set. It shouldn't have gone out. I loved it two years ago, now, I think they are resting on their laurels.

I am not surprised. In fact when I was there the NYT piece just came out and they said that Chef Ichimura was worried about the publicity because he didn't want it getting too popular and making it difficult for his regulars to get a seat.

I am very surprised at your review. I dined in Nougatine and a few weeks ago a friend and I were in for lunch. We both did the 2 plates for $38 plus my friend added two additional plates for a total of 6. We also ordered every dessert. I think JG food is pretty much flawless. Even the more boring dishes like my fish was perfectly executed and elegant; simple and complex at the same time. I actually think their desserts are the weak point. I do agree with you that the service was very mediocre and not what you'd expect from a 3 star place.

I know you aren't asking me but I just got back from NY where I ate at Ssam Bar on back to back days (dinner and lunch). If I went for lunch I would deifnitely get the duck lunch but don't get the set with the lettuce and pancakes. Just get the regular one in the bowl.

In late September, I did a 18 (Michelin) star run through NYC. I won't write a review of each restaurant but the meals that stood out for me are Per Se (1st visit), EMP (second visit), Atera (first), and Ko. I went to Corton (2nd time) and it really was not the same restaurant or food that I loved the first time (2010). I thought wd~50 was pretty fun but just like Corton, I felt it was overpriced. I was at Ichimura the night the Wells review came out and it was a great mood. He had some really funky stuff like aged fish or fish wrapped in kombu to cure. Jean-Georges was amazing as always for lunch (talk about reliable), and I enjoyed the food and atmosphere at Tori Shin. It was the second week for the new format at EMP but my friend had gone the first week (and he came with me as well), so he was able to tell me the tweaks they made. If you have any questions, let me know. Oh yeah, no pictures for Ko, for obvious reasons.

Eleven Madison Park
Jean Georges
Per Se
atera
Corton
Momofuku Ko
Brushstroke
Tori Shin
wd~50

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sygyzy/c...

Sorry I didn't cut some out. Four nights, assuming a perfect world and you can actually get reservations, can afford it, and can handle the amount of food:

Jean Georges
Per Se
Eleven Madison Park
Momofuku Ko

Just note this is very French centric. Also three out of the four restaurants are 3 Star Michelin and the other is 2 star. This just means there's some consideration here for price, difficulty to get reservations, etc. Do you want something more casual?

I went at an odd like, like 3PM on a weekday and I was alone and the wait was still about 20 minutes.

Was there the night the review came out and Bouley and his partners, including Ichimura were waiting for us to wrap up so they could start the celebration. Great meal with some interesting aged fish.

My pick for your list:

Yasuda
Jean Georges
Per Se
Eleven Madison Park
Le Bernardin
Momofuku Ko

Thanks for the prompt reply. To be honest this takes a lot of pressure off me because I won't have to even bother bringing my camera or how good the lighting is. I will just enjoy the meal. I am on a flight to JFK right now. I need a lunch date Friday if you and your husband are interested. I am thinking the duck lunch at Ssam Bar.

If you couldn't get a EMP reservation, I wouldn't hesitate to go to Corton. I do think the dining room is not very attractive but the food there is wonderful.

I know this might sound weird but posting your desire to meet "foodie" friends on a public message board like you did here, or eGullet, or even asking friends to introduce you to their friends can really help. I went to NY for the first time a few years ago and had many plans to eat in fine dining establishments but I didn't want to eat alone. I posted a request on eGullet and made a good friend who I am flying to visit (on the plane, literally right now), to meet. We have a dozen places lined up. I am in the position, that I am sure many Chowhounders face, of either having friends who can't afford expensive meals or can, but are unwilling to spend the money.

Locally, I contacted a person I knew shared a mutual friend and asked her to brunch. We've been out to eat half a dozen times. It may sound weird but it works!

Thanks for your detailed review. I am having dinner there on Monday, for the first time. What is Ko's current attitude towards photography and note taking?

Hi,

This is my first post here :) I am flying into Vegas in about 4 hours. We already have dinner booked tomorrow night at Picasso. I am looking for something casual to eat tonight before the festitivies. Also, something for lunch tomrorow. Our big meal is tomorrow night, obviously, so i want something low-key but at the same time I don't want to pay $12 for a club sandwhich in a lame casino cafe either. I was thinking Bouchon but OpenTable says they are booked. Any other suggestions?

Thanks!