It’s Michelin season. Ahead of the official Michelin Guide ceremony on Tuesday, November 7, the worldwide restaurant reviewer released its list of Bib Gourmand restaurants—that is, restaurants that “offer a meal of good quality at a good value,” according to the guide, but are not awarded stars.
“We are thrilled to announce these new Bib Gourmand restaurants, which add to their cities’ dynamic culinary scenes,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the Michelin Guides. “A tasty dish at an excellent value makes for a meal that really hits the spot. Our inspectors enjoyed these restaurants thoroughly, and they know you will, too.”
Many of these Bib Gourmand restaurants received highly coveted Michelin recognition earlier this year. Eleven restaurants in New York City earned the Bib Gourmand distinction, bringing the city’s total to 102 Bib Gourmand restaurants throughout the boroughs and surrounding area. This year’s additions include a casual vegetarian diner, upscale Thai cuisine, elevated fusion concepts and more.
Here are the 11 new Bib Gourmand restaurants in New York, with excerpts from the inspector notes:
8282 (Lower East Side; Korean Cuisine)
Are there any rules about showering a scoop of honey-infused vanilla cream with grated Parmesan cheese? Is there a consensus on whether an entire orb of creamy burrata goes well with rice cakes and gochujang-marinated chicken? There’s a first time for everything at this rambunctious little restaurant.
Agi’s Counter (Brooklyn-Crown Heights; Creative Cuisine)
You have room for one more dish, right? It’s a question that will come up often at this sweet little diner. Chef Jeremy Salamon takes inspiration (and the restaurant’s name) from his Hungarian grandmother for a delightfully casual but fine-tuned effort.
Alta Calidad (Brooklyn-Park Slope; Mexican cuisine)
Alta Calidad, means “high quality” and this talented chef certainly puts his money where his mouth is. Crispy tempura shrimp are set atop a tortilla with crunchy cabbage remoulade for an original dish, while paper-thin carne asada sprinkled with Chihuahua cheese and griddled until caramelized and crisp is another standout.
C As In Charlie (Greenwich Village; Fusion Cuisine)
Chef Eric JaeHo Choi’s spot flies a bit under the radar, but with this wildly creative, cultural collision cooking, it deserves to be top of mind. A compact menu keeps things tight with around ten dishes, but it’s sprinkled with widely appealing Southern- and Korean-minded tapas-style plates. The cooking is straightforward and earnest with bold flavors.
Café Mars (Brooklyn-Gowanus; Contemporary Cuisine)
This trendy spot from co-chefs Paul D’Avino and Jorge Olarte is quirky from start to finish, and that’s exactly what makes it shine. The contemporary menu is equal parts modern and nostalgic, with an outlandish creativity to boot.
Flora (Brooklyn-Park Slope; Italian Cuisine)
Emiliano Cammardella and Rossella Episcopo are behind this welcoming, light-filled spot that retains many of the rustic touches of its former incarnation (think exposed brick walls and wood-framed doors and windows) interspersed with industrial touches. The food is as winning as the ambience.
Kru (Brooklyn-Williamsburg; Thai Cuisine)
Husband-and-wife Chefs Ohm Suansilphong and Kiki Supap are behind KRU, which is Thai for “guru.” Indeed, you will get a lesson in traditional Thai dishes albeit ones that have been spruced up in a decidedly contemporary way.
Peppercorn Station (Mid-West; Chinese Cuisine)
The menu runs a decent length and offers a comfortable collection of favorites designed for sharing. Fish fillet with pickled cabbage is a must-order with its golden, numbing broth, as is the mapo tofu that’s been turbo-charged with fermented black beans. Sliced pork belly with garlic-chili sauce is a classic starter.
Potluck Club (Lower East Side; Chinese Cuisine)
Chrystie Street wins big with this high-energy restaurant that is always down to have a good time. The cooking offers a fresh take on Cantonese favorites using top-rate products. Pan-seared pot stickers get their boost from a Berkshire pork and chive filling. Fried tiger shrimp slicked in mayonnaise has never been more appealing.
Pranakhon (Greenwich Village; Thai Cuisine)
The name may reference Bangkok’s original name, Phra Nakhon, but this busy spot is all about the now and just might convince you that you’re dining in an alley in the capital city. It’s precisely the point, as this restaurant from Intira and Norapol Youngphitak celebrates Bangkok’s street-eats scene.
Superiority Burger (East Village; Vegetarian Cuisine)
What began with a handful of seats and vegetarian burgers has evolved with a new location and new menu, which is equal parts quirky and contemporary, and fully vegetarian (even sometimes vegan). It’s very creative, as in sweet and sour beets over jalapeño cream cheese and pretzels. Yes, it sounds weird, but it works.
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