Village Voice Choice Eats; Review of Many NYC Restaurants

More than 50 restaurants, generous samples, 3 hours: it's the perfect equation for wonderful, sinful gluttony. Shared with three friends/food enthusiasts, this was one insane food event and I highly recommend it! Restaurants that are invited to participate by the Village Voice food critics put their best samples forward and woo potential diners to their home base. It all took place at the Armory on Lexington and 26th, conveniently located steps from where I work. Luckily I got there early and my friends were able to join me in line because by the time the doors were opened, the line went around the block! My reviews and opinions on the following restaurants and samples are my own, but the photographs are all courtesy of the official event photographer from the Village Voice. I only selected photos from the places that I thought are worthy of a actual visit. As a critique to the whole event I would like to say that there were not enough sweets or dessert samples. When I enjoy a meal, I would say 20% of is my dessert. So I would expect for there to be at least 10 different places sampling desserts at this event. Unfortunately, that was not the case but the few places that did have a dessert were all quite lovely. For starters here is a picture of the building outside as foodies wait in the rain for sample insanity:

                              

And take a look at the inside. It looks crowded but actually the lines were all workable and assisted in the digestion of the samples:

Alright, time for the food! Please note, each photograph is preceded by the restaurant name and the sample.

Bunny Chow: Bread with South African Toppings

Heavy and warming, good for a winter meal. Pieces of toasted bread were topped with cumin spiked stews and lamb curries. The lamb was tender and mixed with soft chunks of potatoes and chickpeas. Different types of jerkey will also available.

Bunny Chow

74 Orchard Street

212-260-5317

DuMont: Seafood Stew with Tender Potatoes

One of my colleagues raves about the burgers at DuMont so I have to say I was a little disapointed that the sample was not a burger, but this small bite of their seafood was exquisite and definitely makes the restaurant worth going to. There was one thick scallop and one large shrimp, one small potato half and whatever else goes into their stew. Rich and creamy, the seafood cooked perfectly, I can't wait to try this place!

DuMont

432 Union Avenue, Brooklyn

718-386-7717

Jimmy's No 43: Crostini with Special Sauce and Brisket

I was actually going to by-pass this sample because I had had so much meat and bread and the thought of eating another crostini with meat made me ill, but I had heard SO MUCH about Jimmy's No 43 and this was my chance to get a small bite from them and see if all the hype is true. Wow! This was definitely the best little piece of meat and bread I have ever had! The brisket was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and whatever sauce they had on the bread under the brisket was buttery and yummy. This small bite was perfect! Was I lucky, or should I really go and try this restaurant with their constantly changing menu?

Jimmy's No 43

43 East 7th Street, New York

212-982-3006

Juliette: Rillette with Muscovy Duck and Celery Root and Green Apple Slaw

Juliette is a small French Bistro and their sample was sample too, but flavor packed and very rich and delicious! The Muscovy duck was well-fatted and pounded and served on a little toasted piece of buttery bread and topped with a sort of French slaw. Normally I don't jump at the idea of well fatted duck, but this was one of those sinful nights and this was a perfect little bite that warranted the calling of my friends to immediately come and get their own because I wasn't sharing this bite.

Juliette

135 North 5th Street, Brooklyn

718-388-9222

Kuma Inn: Crisp Pork Belly with Carrot Green Papaya Slaw

Filipino style tapas. This was one of the many pork belly samples available that night, but the Kuma Inn did stand out. The freshness of the gingery carrot and green papaya slaw was a wonderful compliment to the juicy and fatty pork belly.

Kuma Inn

113 Ludlow Street, 2nd Floor

212.353.8866

Madiba Restaurant: Malva Pudding Cake

                                

One of the few dessert samples at the whole event, this was a lovely South African malva pudding cake. It was similar in texture to bread pudding but not too sweet. It is a lovely comfort dessert that I'm sure would taste quite perfect with some milk or vanilla ice cream. My date and I signed up for free $10 gift certificates to the restaurant, which, if nothing else, I plan on going for some Malva pudding and tea.

Madiba Restaurant

195 Dekalb Avenue, Brooklyn

718.855.9190

                             

  Luke's Lobster: Buttery Shrimp Rolls
         

This was my second time having the pleasure of trying Luke's Lobster rolls and both times, it has stuck out as one of the best things I ate all night. The rolls were simple and completely melt-in-your-mouth good. Fresh, juicy small shrimp were on the soft white potato roll that had be rolled in butter and grilled. Once the shrimp was on board, the sandwich was topped with sea salt and some other seasonings and of course a generous drizzle of butter. Luke's Lobster had one of the longest and most competitive line at the event and it was well worth the wait!

Luke's Lobster

93 East 7th Street

212.387.8487