The Mega Porky Bánh Mi Is Here!
Early Review: Bánh Anh Em is supremely delicious; plus, what to order from Momofuku Kabawa's $145 menu. Also: notes on Adda's opening menu and new reviews for Bridges
In this new column, I put together monthly dinner plans for everyone!
This’ll be a chance to talk about cool new places I haven’t necessarily had a chance to hit up yet — with intel on what to order and how to snag a table.
The Lo Times isn’t the first publication to do this. But I hope this “Where to Eat in May” column is different.
Sometimes, we’ll talk about what the other critics are writing, because we all win when we know what everyone’s saying about a particular restaurant or bar. Sometimes, I’ll sneak in a review or two myself! And I’ll (eventually) cover older places in these guides, because what’s delicious and relevant isn’t always what’s new.
But First…Sweet City!
You’ve seen me mention Sweet City in this space. The author, Mahira Rivers, is a food journalist who writes reviews and who reports on the city’s dessert scene. I encourage you to check out her recent missives on Birdee Bakery and on Masa Madre.
If you like, you can also read this Q&A that Rivers did with me last week. I chat about Korean banana milk, a Venezuelan baker making amazing pastries in Denver, and the importance of writing about larger political issues, including Trump’s immigration crackdown. Here’s a quote:
The true pitfall [of criticism] is presuming that a reader only wants to know about what’s on the plate, or what’s inside the four walls of a restaurant. So many people are screaming right now on the inside — or out loud at the dinner table — so you should let your restaurant reviews be not just escapist delights (which I love) but also places to fan and foster our collective screams.
Five Restaurants to Check Out in May!
You can get into most of these places on a same-day basis, but a few might require a little wait. Info on how to snag a reservation below
Review: Bánh Anh Em shows early signs of awesomeness
At 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Bánh Anh Em in the East Village opened its doors.
At 6:01 p.m. or thereabouts, the following illogical thought raced through my mind: I should grab a quick snack at this Vietnamese small plates place before swinging by The Whitney.
At 6:03 p.m., I approached the restaurant, which launched a full dinner service in late April. And I saw approximately 50 people lining up to get in. Sh!t.
By 6:07 p.m., a host was telling folks the wait would be two hours...