Sunday, February 13, 2011

1 Somm, 1 Master Somm, 1 Eve in NYC; 11 fevrier 2011.

Date:  vendredi 11 fevrier 2011
Locations:  Momofuku, Morimoto, Tocqueville, 15 East 15th... all in the NYC. 

This is how we roll... San Francisco and NYC sommelier style.  Cleaning up shop in NYC in one night!  Dear friend Jesse B Master Somm was in NYC this weekend for the grand La Paulee Event.  These guys aren't messing around.  http://www.lapaulee.com/

When dining out with Jesse, food and drink pairings happen naturally (and quickly) - conversation is intense and multi-dims around none other than the most unthinkable gastronomic experiences and wine explorations of the world...  It's people like Jesse B that help drive the buzz in the NYC and SF food and wine scene. 

Started early 6pm with infamous pork buns @ Momofuku and Hitachino Nest Real Ginger Brew Beer. 

Moved on to 15 East 15th Sushi, as recommended by Jesse's friend Chef Daniel Bouloud earlier that day.  2.5 hour wait, so we put our names down and taxi'd few blocks over to Morimoto - the sexy swank sushi joint by Iron Chef Masuharu Morimoto.  WOW.  What an entrance.... you suddenly feel cool and sleek walking up toward that metal side wall panel and through those Japanese red flowing curtains.  Went down to bar area to grab a cocktail or two (which are the best in NYC so far - fresh ingredients and sophisticated, clean mixology happening here) and a few bites of insanely delicate and fresh sushi (and of course, expensive). 

Next stop, Tocqueville - grandeur very classy and sophisticated old French yet modern contemporary approach;  we relaxed at the bar and had a glass of beautiful Pinot Noir from Oregon, which Jesse B was able to tell me all about that wine having been to that winery himself and loving it very much.  The bartender was a doll, brought out appetizers on the house for us (so much respect!) as we chatted away excitedly about wine industry shop talk.

Finally...onwards to the star of the evening. according to Chef Daniel Bouloud himself, NYC's hottest new sushi joint.... 15 East 15th.. you heard it here first guys.  http://www.15eastrestaurant.com/index_.html

We were served by the ever knowledgeable and passionate Head Sommelier of 15 East - Seju Yang... whom we immediately became like kin. Seju was excited by our passion and interest in food and drink... so he brought out some special master chef sushi creations and paired exquisite beer and sakes for us to taste. What a night. This is eating out in a NYC minute with somms... food and drink taste and exquisitite knowledge sharing!! Finally.... Seju came out with a huge box.... to share with us his treasured wines that he would be pouring for his private wine tasting event Sunday night.... guess who got an invite too... :) Yours truly... so watch out for next upcoming blog with only oh say.. some of the most gorgeous and highly sought after rare french wines that I may never get my hands on otherwise.... THANKS JESSE B, SEJU YANG, and NEW YORK, Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, Theres nothing you can’t do...


Pork buns @ Momofuku.


Sushi @ Morimoto.
Menu @ 15 East 15th through eyes of The Master Sommelier Jesse Becker.

Tocqueville.

15 East 15th Street.

15 East 15th Street.


15 East 15th Street.


15 East 15th Street.


15 East 15th Street.


Morimoto.

Tocqueville.