Proprietors/Executive Chef: N/A

Noho– 57 Great Jones Street, New York, NY

the best of the “secret” underground eateries. Though let’s face it… it’s not exactly that secret.  Especially if you are a foodie and especially if you just love good food.  When there is a way, there is a will.  Though their address may be published, it is a little bit hidden, and you can easily walk right by it without knowing…that because you have to walk past the butcher shop in a narrow hallway to get to bohemian and upon entrance, you must ring the doorbell.  Their phone number is unpublished, therefore, it takes a little bit of work to “find” it and “use” it to “make” reservations…once you skip all the hassle, everything else becomes much more enjoyable.  (Or if you are anything UNLIKE me…you may enjoy the process.  I have ZERO patience).   Luckily, I have wonderful friends who didn’t have to endure this kind of thing…. so thank Miss Wong’s concierge for their exceptional services…building will remain anonymous of course.

if you love Japanese…this place is great.  It’s authentic, but not so much in the traditional sense.  I love that there are only a handful of tables…and it’s never crowded.  It’s intimately nested, so very ideal for dates or small gatherings.  The decoration is pretty but minimal and the entire atmosphere is very surreal and serene at the same time.  (I kind of feel like I traveled to another country/city…. like Japan).  You can opt for the tasting menu or go a la carte.  It’s been said multiple times that going the a la carte route is best.  We ended up doing the tasting menu plus ordering the soba noodles with foies gras because we just couldn’t resist.  The tasting menu would have been sufficient….and I think next time, I will go a la carte.  For the most part, I got to try everything that I wanted (minus that damned miso black cod).  Here’s a sneak peak of all the goodies below.

Fresh veggies w/ cheese fondue

Uni with warm mushroom croquette – One of my faves for the night.  The croquette was piping hot and so tasty.  The uni was just the icing on the cake.

Washu short rib sashimi w/ pickled veggies on the side.  Mix the wasabi and eat with the beef. You don’t even need soy sauce as there is already a bit of sea salt on top. This was another stellar dish that requires just the freshest source of ingredients and very little prep work.

Branzini w/ seasonal vegetables.  Amazing.  Fish was so flavorful and the vegetables just enhanced this dish tenfold.  The bulb of roasted garlic was also an extra nice touch.  Crispy, juicy & delicious!

your choice of slider or rice bowl… my friend opted for the slider.

i chose the rice bowl…LOVE salmon roe!  Rice was OK… this wasn’t anything too special…but still good.

how could i have missed the foie gras soba noodles?? Also, a top favorite.  soba noodles were so fresh and frickin’ good and add it with foies gras?  Not part of the tasting menu but also not to be missed…. the broth was amazing as well.

almond panna cotta with boba.  I had one bite and was done…. not a big fan of panna cotta and was too stuffed to finish at this point.

This is a gold of a hidden gem, tucked away and nearly secret.  It’s got a special charm and a sophisticated hip vibe…and the food is a standout.  Adding this to the list of enjoyable eats.