Exploring cultures through cuisine in New York
Written and photographed by Daria Kurdyukova-Pillot
In New York you can experience whatever you want. It has everything and it never ceases to surprise you. The beautiful city full of beautiful people from all over the world gives you a lot of opportunities to feel like you are back in your home country. Food is one of these possibilities.
I like cooking and tasting food from different parts of our amazing world. My favorite cuisines are Italian, French, Indian, Japanese, and of course, Russian. I love learning recipes from my international friends and cooking different kinds of meals.
I have been living in New York for two years, and of course I have tried to visit different places and go to cafes and restaurants. My husband and I like to go out to eat and taste many flavors and experience different cultures through food.
Here are four of my favorite places to dine out in New York.
Dessert at Mari Vanna
1. Mari Vanna
My first choice is a Russian restaurant, Mari Vanna. I ranked it first because I’m from Russia and I really love this place. You can taste borscht with black bread and salo with onions. Try it, you won’t be disappointed. I advise you to order pelmeni (it is like Italian ravioli with meat) or vareniki with potatoes. The last time I ordered traditional Russian pirozhki. You can try other dishes with meat. It depends on your appetite! If you are a sweets person like me, you definitely have to try their desserts! Napoleon is a must. Sirniki or blinis are also good choices. Their desserts are quite big, so you can order only one and share it with your loved one.
I like this place not only because of the food, but also the atmosphere. It’s a beautiful restaurant with cute decorations. One of my Chinese friends decided to organize her birthday party there and she was very happy with the choice.
Inside Mari Vanna
2. Sushi Yasaka
My second choice is Sushi Yasaka, a Japanese restaurant near our house. I am a person who used not to like fish at all, even though I was born in a place where going fishing is a tradition. However, my husband fell in love with Japan and with the country’s food. One day, he invited me to explore Japanese cuisine, and he tried to show me how fish can be very tasty. I was very skeptical. I followed my husband and I was amazed by the best fish dish I have ever eaten. They were cooking in front of customers. I liked watching them make the best Japanese meals. Actually, it’s not only my opinion: one of my Japanese friends has mentioned this place to me as well. It just means that you should go there and have your own experience. My advice is to plan your dinner at Sushi Yasaka in advance because it’s very popular and often overbooked.
Outside of Sala One Nine
3. Sala One Nine
Sala One Nine is a Spanish restaurant. It’s become tradition for us to celebrate important events there – it’s a really good choice for celebrating your birthday. The food is delicious and there are many different choices. If you are a fan of sangria, they will make it perfectly for you. Lovers of flamenco just have to go there and watch the live dance. The dancers and musicians come every Monday night. Just check it out and enjoy your evening with flamenco sounds and movements.
A dish of paella at Sala One Nine.
4. Remi Flower & Coffee
Remi Flower & Coffee is a very romantic place. My Japanese friend likes to take a good-quality cup of coffee. After our lunch at a good Japanese restaurant, we started to look for a place for coffee. I found Remi Flower and Coffee and we went there. It’s a flower shop where they serve coffee/tea with cakes. It’s a really good place to go with your friends and loved ones!
Hot drinks at Remi Flower & Coffee
I am sure you can add a lot of amazing places to my list. I can do it as well, but I decided to share just a few with you and explain a little about why I like them. Live your food experiences in New York and maybe one day you will want to share them as I have.
