Kasadela - Japanese Small Plates

On 11th Street, near the corner of Ave C., is Kasadela, a neighborhood Japanese that does not disappoint. With its subtle entrance and simple sign, its easy to walk right by.  Once inside though, you see why there is always a steady crowd.  The waiting area is centered around a small sake bar, and the dining area is made up of around twenty tables in a warm and homey brick lined room with a glass front looking out onto 11th street.

The food follows the comfortable feel of the restaurant and is comprised of Japanese home cooking meant to be shared as small plates.  Dishes range from bite sized portions of tofu, tar-tar, and salads to larger portions of fried dishes such as potato croquettes and tempura, to donburi's (meat or fish over rice), and grilled meats and fish.  My favorite dish, and the perfect combination with a nice cold beer, is the Tebasaki which are sweet and crispy grilled chicken wings.   In addition to the extensive regular menu, there is a printed special menu as well as additional specials on several chalkboards. With the wide selection of dishes, it can be difficult to judge what to order all at once, so if you have time, take the meal slowly and order one course at a time.  The restaurant encourages this and usually will leave the menu with you even if you don't ask. 

No Japanese izakaya can be complete without an extensive sake selection, and Kasadela definitely delivers on this as well.   I've yet to master selecting sakes, but the few times I went, the friendly staff was able to steer us to a good sake to match the food.

What makes it good:

- Tasty Japanese home cooking

- Comfortable and casual atmosphere

Know before you go:

- Its not a huge restaraunt and the portions are small to share, so its best to go in a small group

- For two people -  1 salad, 2 small appetizers, and 2 larger dishes (chicken wings and unagi) was more than enough food

Recommended dishes:

- Tebasaki (the best chicken wings) 

- Buta Kimchee (daily special)

- Snow crab and arugula salad (daily special)

- Miso Cod

- Potato Croquette

Kasadela 647 East 11th Street, (At Ave C), New York, NY 10009  212-777-1582

Nicky's Vietnamese Sandwiches

I've been told that any true vietnamese sandwich shop has to sell other goods to be considered "authentic". Some of the most authentic in the city are apparently located in the back of jewelry shops, or sell their sandwiches alongside offerings as varied as as bootleg dvd's, fake watches and lingerie. Nicky's (fortunately or unfortunately depending on your viewpoint) keeps it simple and all about the sandwiches. Located in a little shop on 2nd street, just around the corner from Avenue A, Nicky's is a consistently popular spot for those looking for a quick five dollar sandwich fix. There's nothing fancy about the place, and I would have avoided it if not for the raving reviews from my friend. Its mostly a takeout joint, but if you can snag one of three tables, you can sit and enjoy your sandwich while watching The Simpsons (they've had it playing every time I've been).

What makes it good:

- Soft french bread and the perfect combination of ingredients.

Know before you go:

- If you're hungry, go for two sandwiches. You'll regret it for sure if you don't.

- You can order the sandwiches spicy, but I think it takes away from the taste (they use very spicy jalapenos).

- They are closed Mondays, and only open to 9 on other days. Also they sometimes sell out of sandwiches before 9.

Recommended dishes:

- The classic and the pork sandwich

Nicky's Vietnamese Sandwiches 150 East 2nd Street (Bet Ave A and B) , New York, NY 10009 212-388-1088

East Village Soba #1 -Soba-ya

I know my soba series is out of order, but in my mind there is no doubt, Soba-ya is hands down the best soba restaurant in the area and deserves to be number one. Located on 9th street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, this casual, traditionally decorated Japanese restaurant always has a crowd. Both for lunch on the weekends and for dinner all week long, a sizeable crowd of Japanese families and twenty-somethings will be waiting. Don't be daunted though, as the hostess usually overestimates the wait time (she'll say 30-40 mins, but it will really be 15) and they'll give you a call when your table is ready.

The soba is hand made in the front the restaurant, and on many weekends you'll see the chefs pounding and stretching the buckwheat into noodles. I prefer to go to the restaurant for lunch on the weekends to get the lunch box sets. You'll get a serving of soba (either hot or cold), various appetizers, and an entree portion of a don buri (meat, fish or vegetables over rice). The don buri's and sides change, but include salmon sashimi, oyako, tempura, and my favorite combination- unagi. You won't be disappointed with the combination of cold soba and warm unagi over rice.

What makes it good:
- The soba lunch sets always leave you satisfied
- Good food, nice casual atmosphere, quick service
- The variety of dishes you can order with the soba are more appealing than Soba-koh

Know before you go:
- Soba by itself can leave you hungry. Go for the lunch sets.
- There is usually a wait, but it goes quick.
- If its just two people, sit at the bar - it'll be more spacious.
- The sets are not available for dinner so you'll have to order a la carte. You can order a serving of soba and small don buri separately.

Recommended dishes:
- Soba cha cold tea
- Cold soba and unagi lunch set

Soba-ya 229 East 9th Street (bet 2nd and 3rd Ave.) 212-533-6966

East Village Soba #2 - Soba Koh

The second restaurant in my east village soba series, is Soba Koh, located on East 5th Street. A mixed crowd of Japanese families and east village locals, filled the row of ten or so tables along the wall and separate counter this sunday night. The restaurant is set in a tastefully decorated space, with beautiful art on the exposed brick walls. The menu has a long list of special appetizers, along with a set menu of about 10 cold and 10 hot soba combinations. I've been a big fan of soba for sometime, and have always felt that it tasted healthy and refreshing. But from the Soba Koh menu I picked up these health benefits of soba: 1) buckwheat (from which soba is made) is officially classified as a fruit, 2) buckwheat is high in protein and minerals such as rutin and glutamine, which are good for the heart.

Aside from being healthy, soba is the perfect seasonal food, and for me nothing beats cold soba in the summer. Most of the cold sobas come with a dipping sauce on the side, and a small entree such as tempura (anago - sea eel, softshell crab, shrimp or vegetables). I have heard from many that broth at Soba Koh is better than that served at Soba Ya. While overall Soba Ya is my favorite east village soba, I agree that the broth at Soba Koh is better. It is very strong and flavorful, and you feel like you've gotten your fill of minerals when you drink it at the end.

What makes it good:
- Authentic soba
- Small with a neighborhood feel

Know before you go:
- Service can be slow
- A soba only meal can leave you hungry, so order appetizers as well.

Recommended dishes:
- Cold Soba w/ Ground Duck and Deep Fried Eggplant
- Hot Tofu Clay pot appetizer

Soba Koh 309 East 5th Street (bet 1st & 2nd Ave.), New York, NY 10003 212-254-2244

Curry-Ya? Why not.

I am a big fan of Japanese curry, so I was eagerly anticipating the opening of Curry-Ya on 10th Street (between 1st and 2nd Ave). Its a simple and bright place with a long counter and stools, nothing fancy. Here, the focus is clearly on the curry. There are some salads, but the only real choice you need to make is what type of ingredient to get in the curry, the spice level and whether you want toppings. We tried the organic chicken and the croquette, both were good. To be honest, its not the best Japanese curry I've had in the city (that honor goes to Kamui Den), but its good and authentic - it reminded my Japanese fiancée of home cooked curry.

What makes it good:
- Curry, curry, and more curry

Know before you go:
- For curry its expensive
- The portion seemed small but it fills you up in the end
- If you like spice, ask for it - "Karai" - spicy or "Geki Kara" - ultra spicy

Recommended dishes:
- Croquette curry

Curry-Ya, 214 E. 10th Street (bet 1st and 2nd Ave), New York, NY 866-602-8779

Miniature Mercadito on Ave B

Checked out Mercadito's second restaurant on Ave B (between 11th and 10th) that opened just last week - called Mercadito Cantina. Its dubbed a "modern taqueria" and along with a full bar, they have a menu of appetizers, tacos, a few entrees and sides. Its set in a narrow and deep space, but is bright and lively with seating around the bar/kitchen and on high tables with stools. It was a great place for a casual dinner along with some drinks on a Tuesday night. The portions are bite sized, so be prepared to order many tacos if you're extra hungry. Sit at the bar to watch the kitchen in action and to get quick and friendly service.

What makes it good:
- Atmosphere and service
- Tasty Mini Tacos

Know before you go:
- Small portions

Recommended dishes:
- Tilapia tacos
- Beer battered shrimp tacos
- Guacamole and chips

Mercadito Cantina 172 Avenue B (bet 9th and 10th), New York, NY 10009 212-388-1750

Zenkichi - Modern Japanese in Williamsburg

On the corner of North 6th and Wythe, past the bustle of Sea Thai you'll find an unassuming wood paneled building, and through a nondescript door, you'll enter into a bamboo and rock zen garden waiting area. Up a flight of stairs into a softly lit space, you'll be escorted to sectioned off booths, separated from each other by wood partitions and given extra privacy by lowered bamboo screens. As the name suggests, the experience at Zenkichi is as much about being one with your surroundings as it is about the food. But, fortunately for us, the food more than meets the high expectations set by the surroundings.

I've been to Zenkichi three times now over the last year, and each time have had the Omakase (chefs tasting menu). It changes seasonally and focuses on freshly available ingredients. There are even variations based on the number of people (I've tried both a 2 person and 3 person menu). Most recently, the 3 person omakase came with about 7 different gourmet courses ranging from a sashimi appetizer, to a beef salad, to entrees like miso cod, shrimp tempura, and simmered pork belly. All the dishes are small and light, and at first you'll think it won't be enough food. But as the courses keep coming, you'll be more than satisfied.

What makes it good:

- The recently renovated interior
- Your own private dining area
- Fresh modern Japanese food

Know before you go:
- The Omakase is $45 per person, but is worth it. This would easily be double the price in a similar Manhattan restaurant.
- Best for small groups only (2-4)
- Make reservations

Recommended dishes (If you go a la carte):
- Miso Cod
- Tskune (chicken)
- Simmered Pork Belly

Zenkichi, 77 North 6th Street, Brooklyn, 718-318-8985

Miranda - Mexican/Italian Fusion on Berry

For those that think it sounds too weird, think Italian with a kick. We really liked the food and ambiance at Miranda, a relatively new restaurant on Berry and 9th Street in Williamsburg. Its a big restaurant, that still feels cosy. The service was very friendly and efficient and seemed to be a family affair, but the food is on the gourmet side. Its a long and heavy meal, so go when you have some time to eat, drink and enjoy. The pastas can be ordered as appetizer portions, so if you like to try different things, sharing is possible. Also, we tried two specials of the day and they were both good.

What makes it good:
- A different take on Italian food
- Service and Ambiance
- Great beer selection - try the Argentinian beer

Know before you go:
- Good food comes with a price

Recommended dishes:
- Risotto with crab
- Mussels appetizer
- Branzino fish special

Miranda 80 Berry St (at 9th Street), Brooklyn 11211 718-387-0711

Silent H - Modern Vietnamese

Maybe I'm particular to Berry street because I'm about to move there, but there are quite a number of good restaurants on it. Just a block from Bedford, but a world of difference. Located on Berry and 9th (just across from Miranda), Silent H is gourmet Vietnamese, with strong French influences. The restaurant is intimate and quiet, with a long bar, tables along the big windows, and black and white photographs of colonial Vietnam on the walls. There is a nice garden out back with two big communal tables. The menu has a good selection of appetizers but just a handful of entrees. The shrimp toast appetizer was amazing (but small) and the shrimp crepe entree was good as well. The food is definitely not traditional Vietnamese, but a tasty modern adaptation.

What makes it good:
- Great appetizers
- French and Vietnamese influences
- The tea selection

Know before you go:
- The garden gets crowded but is worth the wait
- Appetizers are small but the entrees are decent portions

Recommended dishes:
- Shrimp Toast
- Crepe

Silent H 79 Berry St , Brooklyn, NY 11211 (718) 218-7063