New Japanese Brasserie Roki Le Izakaya In NYC’s Flatiron Is A Must Spot For All Foodies

Experience the newest Japanese izakaya in NYC for some delicious bites.

Japanese Canape

The perfect starter for your meal, the Japanese Canape at Roki Le Izakaya highlights a selection of fine ingredients like uni (sea urchin) topped with flying fish roe, kani (snow crab) with avocado, unagi (eel) with Japanese pepper, and spicy maguro (tuna) with mayonnaise all served over crispy sushi rice.

Kanpachi Carpaccio

Fresh filet of raw amberjack is topped with crispy garlic chips and radish sprouts, and served over a bed of pickled onion and radish. The ponzu sauce with wasabi add a finishing touch to the dish.

ROKI Shrimp Steamed Gyoza

The plump steamed gyoza is stuffed with shrimp, water chestnut, bamboo shoot, pork belly, and egg white. The gyoza is served with three different types of dipping sauces, including truffle oil.

Pork Belly Bun

Two slabs of juicy, tender pork belly topped with pink peppercorn and cilantro is served with fluffy house-made buns with cucumber, mayonnaise, and mustard.

Powdered Foie Gras Over Duck Charsiu

The perfect marriage between two of the finest ingredients, the Powdered Foie Gras Over Duck Charsiu features juicy duck charsiu topped with frozen, shaved foie gras that melts in your mouth. The duck is served over a bed of arugula.

Classic Chashu Shoyu Ramen

The traditional ramen features sliced pork belly, seasonal vegetables, arugula, and soft boiled egg with soy sauce broth

Organic Vegetable Ramen

This vegan-friendly ramen is served in creamy soy milk broth with konbu, miso, sesame seeds, seasonal vegetables, and seaweed in green kale noodles.

Popular Poké Restaurant Pokéworks Plans Expansions Across The Country

Pokéworks, the first poké ocean-to-counter concept restaurant, is expanding rapidly across the country to offer the delicious build-your-own poké bowls, burritos, and salads made with fresh, sustainable ingredients.

While poké - raw fish salad that originated from Hawaii - appears to be a rapidly growing trend in NYC, the expansion of popular chains like Pokéworks is a testament to the fact that this cuisine is not just a trend, but a fan favorite that is here to stay. Pokéworks specializes in build-your-own pokéworks bowls, burritos, or salads that incorporates fresh fish tossed in sweet and savory sauces over a bed of rice and other toppings.

Pokéworks opened its first location in NYC about a year ago. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Pokéworks has a long line of customers that stretches around the corner on a typical lunch hour. However, the efficient service and assembly line mitigate the congestion, and the line moves fairly fast.

You can get creative with your own poké, which includes a base (sushi rice, brown rice, or quinoa), protein (everything from fresh ahi tuna to salmon to chicken), flavor (Hawaiian classic salt, umami shoyu, wasabi aioli, just to name a few), and various mix-ins and toppings like cucumber, macadamia nuts, hijiki seaweed, and avocado.

My personal make-your-own bowl featured quinoa as the base with fresh ahi tuna, salmon, and seared albacore tossed in ponzu sauce, and topped with wasabi tobiko, masago, seaweed salad, crab salad, and pickled ginger. For an extra crunch texture, I also added toasted rice puffs and lotus chips. The result? One of the best lunches I have had in a long time!

So what are you waiting for? Head over to your nearest Pokéworks to create your own delicious lunch! Pokéworks is slated to open multiple locations across the country in the coming years, including Seattle, Houston, Chicago, and even Vancouver in our neighbor up north in Canada!

Best Place To Experience The Kaiseki Cuisine In NYC

Treat yourself to an exquisite, one-of-a-kind meal at Hakubai in NYC to experience the meticulously prepared Kaiseki cuisine.

Tucked away in the basement of The Kitano Hotel in New York City, Hakubai Restaurant is a cozy, intimate Japanese restaurant that specializes in Kaiseki cuisine. Kaiseki - a traditional multi-course dining experience - highlights delicate small Japanese dishes served on an array of porcelain, pottery, and lacquer dishware at carefully timed intervals. Indulge in the culinary ingenuity of Executive Chef Yukihiro Sato, who combines the best seasonal ingredients with a breathtaking presentation that will delight your eyes and palate.

First Course: Appetizers

Served on a wooden tray, the appetizer includes an assortment of small dishes like creamy, smooth tofu with nutty sesame flavor, tender duck breast topped with a dollop of mustard, deep-fried tilefish soaked in vinegar sauce with pickled radish, and lobster & asparagus with yolk sauce.

Second Course: Sashimi

The second course of assorted sashimi highlights the freshest fish of the day, such as the lightly seared fatty tuna, thinly sliced fluke, and plump scallop topped with salmon roe. These melt-in-your-mouth sashimi is garnished with grated radish, scallion, or petal-shaped radish.

Third course: Steak, Tempura, and Noodle

The third savory course is a dual play on warm and cold dishes. The perfectly cooked Miyazaki Wagyu steak flaunts tantalizing buttery flavor, while the deep-fried shrimp rolled with shiso and seaweed is no ordinary tempura. The green tea soba noodle salad topped with crunchy buckwheat adds a refreshing note to the palate.

Main Course: Sushi

The main course of premium assorted sushi is every sushi connoisseur’s dream. Imagine high quality, fresh sushi like toro, trout with shisho, ebi, seared whitefish, and eel blanketing perfectly seasoned sushi rice with wasabi.

Final Course: Dessert

The final dessert course features three treats – such as black sesame ice cream, earl grey sherbet, and green tea kuzu mocha – to end the experience on a sweet note.

Ultimate Guide To Experiencing New Orleans Beyond Mardi Gras

Everyone knows about Mardi Gras, but New Orleans offers so much more to do, eat, and see beyond this annual festival. Laissez les bon temps roulez!

Best Ways to Tour New Orleans

John Elk / Getty Images

While New Orleans prides in being a walkable city, there are multiple unique ways other than by foot to explore the city.

Board a Streetcar

Board the city’s historic streetcar that costs just $1.25 per ride. You can also purchase the discount Jazzy Pass, which is good for unlimited ride for $3 a day. The streetcars make a stop at all key destinations throughout the city.

Ride a Mule-Drawn Carriage

Ride a friendly mule-drawn carriage with a knowledgeable driver who will guide you through New Orleans. Both romantic and family-friendly, the mule-drawn carriage, which you can reserve with a company that has been around since 1941, will surely provide a memorable experience.

Relax on a Pedicab

Relax on the back of a three-wheeled pedicab that maneuvers through even the narrowest alleyways. The manually powered pedicab, which has a maximum capacity of two people per vehicle, operates on the streets of the city with retractable canvas roofs to protect you from rain or sun.

Hop on a Double-Decker Bus

Hop on and off the iconic, red double-decker bus that frequently rolls through top destinations like Jackson Square, French Market, and the Arts District. In addition to getting you to your desired destination, the tour includes a live guide narration and many deals & discounts at local shops when you present your ticket.

Glide on a Segway

Glide effortlessly through the historic streets of the French Quarter, the spooky cemeteries, and the breathtaking Mississippi River Front via the most fun and efficient transportation - Segway! The two- or three-hours guided tour offers unique local stories and fantastic photo opportunities…all on your favorite two-wheeler.

Best Place to Stay in New Orleans

Hyatt Regency in New Orleans

Hyatt Regency

Perfect location, state-of-the-art amenities, and top hospitality: Hyatt Regency in New Orleans has got it all. Situated in the heart of Downtown and located just minutes from the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the Warehouse District, Hyatt Regency in New Orleans offers the best blends of activities for those traveling for leisure or business. The majestic, high-tech hotel - equipped with nearly 1,200 guest rooms - features button free elevators for efficiency, swimming pool and 24-hour gym, relaxing spa, and a variety of restaurants and bars serving everything from barbecue to sushi.

Enjoy a breathtaking, panoramic view of the cityscape from your spacious room or suites. The modern interior of the room infuses southern elegance. Each room is equipped with Smart TV’s for an all day entertainment. Don’t forget to start your day at the 8 Block Kitchen & Bar to indulge in a delicious assortment of breakfast pastries, artisanal meat & cheese board, freshly made smoothies, and make-your-own omelets.

Best Places to Eat and Drink

Jazz Brunch at The Court of Two Sisters

Get the best of both worlds - live music and tasty food - when you attend the daily Jazz Brunch at The Court of Two Sisters. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, The Court of Two Sisters offers scrumptious Jazz Brunch that includes an impressive buffet selections of traditional brunch items with Southern and Creole influence. The made-to-order omelets includes options like seafood omelet stuffed with crawfish and shrimp. Sample other traditional New Orleans cuisines like Creole jambalaya and Chicken & Andouille Gumbo, all the while enjoying live jazz music.

Decadent Beignets at Cafe Du Monde

A must stop in New Orleans, Cafe Du Monde specializes in warm beignets (a French donut) with fluffy, pillow-y center and crispy exterior. Operating since 1862, Cafe Du Monde is open 24 hours to indulge those early-risers as well as late party-goers. These decadent, square-shaped doughnuts are topped with a generous amount of powdered sugar. Pair it with chocolate milk or coffee, and see who can get the most powdered sugar on their lips

Comfort Food at Mother’s Restaurant

Experience the ultimate comfort of home-cooked meals at Mother’s Restaurant, a New Orleans culinary landmark that opened its doors in 1938. Having served as a local hang-out place for the U.S. Marine Corps during and after WWII, Mother’s is famous for its expansive menu of traditional breakfast fares (i.e. buttermilk biscuit, grits, and pancakes) that are served all day, as well as the world famous juicy baked ham, an assortment of po’ boys, and big plates of Creole favorites like jambalaya or crawfish etouffee served with a choice of two hearty sides.

Elegant Dinner at Brennan’s Restaurant

Brennan’s Restaurant

Celebrating its 70th anniversary, Brennan’s recently reopened after undergoing an $18 million renovation. The family-owned and -operated restaurant highlights the culinary creativity of James Beard Award finalist Chef Slade Rushing, who infuses an innovate flair to the traditional Creole cuisine. You can bask in the elegant yet whimsical and colorful dining room while enjoying signature dishes like BBQ Lobster, Vadouvan Spiced Black Drum, and - of course - the famous Bananas Foster that is made at the tableside.

Shareable Plates at Shaya

The bustling dining scene in the Big Easy is certainly not limited to Creole, Southern food. Shaya, an upscale, modern Israeli restaurant, draws influence from a region rich in diversity of cuisine and culture (i.e. Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa) to prepare delicious food that also celebrates the fresh, seasonal ingredients of Louisiana. The “For the Table” option featuring 3 to 5 dips and garnishes like baba ganoush, tabouleh, and Moroccan carrots are perfect for sharing, and pairs well with Shaya’s warm, wood-fired pita. Other items like a small plate of Crispy Halloumi and Roasted Cabbage are a must.

Eclectic Cuisine at Vitascope Hall

Catch up with friends or watch sports on the big screen at Vitascope Hall, a modern and casual restaurant + bar named after the world’s first for-profit movie theater in New Orleans. At Vitascope Hall, you can pair high-tech entertainment system with trendy food items and delicious cocktails. Try everything from homemade potato chips and fried oyster po’ boy to fresh sashimi and sushi rolls.

Hand-Crafted Cocktails at Public Belt

Relax in a warm ambiance with live piano music at Public Belt, a recently opened cocktail lounge at Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Named after the iconic railroad of the early 20th century, Public Belt features candle-lit rooms and intimate nooks to provide a mystique vibe of the prohibition era in a contemporary setting. Sip on hand-crafted, classic NOLA cocktails, such as the Hurricane concocted with dark rum, passion fruit syrup, fresh lime and orange juice, and cherry, while enjoying great company and live music.

Best Places to Visit in New Orleans

French Quarter

Take a free, self-guided tour of the historic French Quarter. As the cultural epicenter and the oldest neighborhood in the city, the French Quarter is home to numerous historic landmarks, colorful architecture, and lively music venues. Don’t miss sights like the 222-year-old St. Louis Cathedral, bars lined up on Bourbon Street, as well as antique shops and galleries.

Louisiana State Museums

Showcasing the unique history and traditions of New Orleans, the consortium ofLouisiana Sate Museums include nine landmark properties like the Cabildo, Presbytere, Old US Mint, and the 1950 House. Each museum has its own distinct characteristics, ranging from the elegant, Spanish colonial building Cabildo that houses rare artifacts of America’s history to the 1850 House where visitors have the chance to glimpse into the lifestyle of the 17th century.

Mardi Gras World

It’s Mardi Gras all year long at Mardi Gras World. Embark on a festive journey at this warehouse where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Mardi Gras floats and costumes. In addition to getting close and personal with the colorful floats, visitors can also watch a short video about the history of this beloved festival, get a chance to don authentic Mardi Gras costumes, and have a bite of the famous King Cake.

The National World War II Museum

Home to an impressive collection of World War II memorabilia, recordings, and artifacts, the massive National WWII Museum is a destination worth spending the whole day. Starting from D-Day, the museum highlights many important aspects of the war that are complemented by the oral recordings of war participants. With an additional fee, you can experience the “Beyond All Boundaries” 4-D movie, which is narrated by Tom Hanks.

Longue Vue House and Gardens

Bask in the beauty of the elaborate garden and elegant mansion at the Longue Vue House and Gardens. This breathtaking estate, designated as a National Historic Landmark, features a classical, revival-style mansion surrounded by eight acres of garden inspired by the Gardens of the Alhambra in Spain. Beautiful both inside and out, the mansion - built by the late philanthropists Edgar Bloom Stern and his wife Edith Rosenwald Stern - is filled with a diverse collection of antiques, pottery, carpets, and needlework.