Reality Bites

With reality competition shows dominating time slots on television, naturally, it's absorbed into daily lives of individuals who watch these programs, i.e. me. For this reason alone, Solo, an otherwise overlooked kosher Mediterranean restaurant in the Sony Building on Madison Avenue, was the destination on Sunday evening. Top Chef's season three winner Hung Huynh, is currently the guest executive chef until late summer. Giving the benefit of doubt to Top Chef alumi (Harold Dieterle's, season one winner, bistro in the west village leaves something to be desired) and taking a leap of faith, we were ready to welcome another reality tv chef's culinary creation into my world.

We started with Kona Kampachi and Sweetbread. The yellowtail was refreshing, the texture and flavor of the sliced strawberry, chunks of avocado, and fried vegetable crisps were tasty, inventive complements. The style and preparation of the sweetbread definitely demonstrated Hung's Asian influences, it was savory and it melted once it was in my mouth. The appetizers were followed by a Honey Miso Cod and Wagyu Beef Sliders. The cod was delicious, and the sliders were juicy and scrumptious. Also on the plate were guacamole and a spicy dipping sauce, which were not necessary since the sliders were already flavorful, but they made the miniature burgers all that much more addictive. I intend on returning to Solo before autumn so I can have those sliders again. Dessert was a decadent, well-balanced whiskey mousse and accompaniment. This is the first time I've ever had alcohol that was approved kosher for Passover, the Rashi Pinot Brut went well with the whole meal, can't go wrong with sparking wine when having fish, burgers, and chocolate.

There was one other table dining in when we arrived, and three new parties were still eating at the end of our meal - not too shabby for a neglected eatery hidden in the Sony Atrium. Of course, every patron inquired whether the celeb chef was in house that evening, unfortunately, he had retired early for the night (our reservation was at 7pm). After relishing this fantastic and inventive meal, I am definitely looking forward to Hung's new restaurant debut later this year.

Solo
550 Madison Ave., (Sony Building)
New York, NY 10022
at 56th St.
212-833-7800

Adieu, Mon Sherry-Netherland

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A timeless classic. Steps away from Central Park, my favorite hotel in NYC. I fell in love with the décor of the room, feels as if I had walked through a time machine and was transported a few decades back to the past. It was elegant, classic, and romantic. Everything in the mini-fridge was included, no alcohol, but the Godiva Chocolate Coffee Drink was delicious - the ultimate definition of indulgence.

Surprisingly, I preferred the breakfast at Harry Cipriani over Norma's at the Parker Meridien. I enjoyed the peaceful environment, straightforward, no-frills menu, and the efficiency of the morning waitstaff.

Sherry-Netherland Hotel
781 Fifth Ave.,
New York, NY 10022
nr. 59th St.
212-355-2800