Foodle

@tinsnyc is a place you should add to your list this weekend. Or any day for that matter.

I had the chance to meet owners Mercury and Philip, and they’re two of the nicest people you’ll come across. You can tell how much love and care they’ve poured into this place. What started as a way to bring Mercury’s favorite Shanghainese comfort food to New York has grown into a place that feels incredibly personal.

Even the name, Tin’s, stands for “Things I Need,” a reminder of the people, food, and moments that matter most.

One quick note. They’re still waiting for the city to turn on their gas, so the sheng jian bao and a few other hot dishes aren’t available just yet.

That said, don’t let that stop you from going. Stop in for a drink, some cold bites, and show them a little love. I have a feeling Tin’s is going to become a neighborhood favorite, so now’s the time to check it out before it’s a lot harder to get a seat. Swipe through for a look inside!

📍109 Ludlow St, NYC

#tinsnyc #speakeasy #shengjianbao #lowereastside #LES

Upstairs bar area

Shaoxing Sherry Cobbler. Love it!

Salsa macha popcorn

Tinned fish

Mala caesar spears

Shaoxing shrimp cocktail

Sourdough bread and Housemade cultured butter

Sparkling tea Less

If you’re willing to cross the river for great pastries, make @panaderyasalvaje your next stop.

This small-batch bakery in Jersey City draws inspiration from the flavors of the Philippines and is making some seriously delicious pastries.

They’re also celebrating their first anniversary on Sunday, August 16 with a one-day-only Greatest Hits menu and special donuts. If you’ve been looking for a reason to visit, this is a pretty great one.

I also had the chance to meet Nicu and Mikee, the husband-and-wife team behind it all. They’re some of the kindest people you’ll meet, and it’s impossible not to support them after spending a few minutes together.

They’re only open Thursday through Sunday, so plan accordingly. Go support a wonderful small business, come hungry, and don’t leave without grabbing a few extras to take home!

Swipe through for a look at what I tried.

#panaderyasalvaje #filipinobakery #jerseycity #sosarap

Ube latte croissant - coffee pastry cream, ube infused dough, ube ganache

Pork belly sando - soy glazed cabbage, mayo, atchara

Mango graham danish - graham crumble, condensed milk pastry cream, fresh mangoes

Monkey bread - croissant pieces, blue berry, cream cheese

Piaya - flat bread filled with muscovado sugar

Bistek hand pie - shredded beef, calamansi, fried garlic Less

Our second stop on last month’s Northern Italy tour took us to the beautiful @davittorioristorante Da Vittorio ⭐⭐⭐.

We started the evening exactly as it should be, with cocktails on the terrace before taking our seats for dinner. The setting is stunning, the service polished and, as you’d expect, the cooking is of an incredibly high standard.

That said, it ended up being a slightly frustrating experience.

As we’d already enjoyed a full tasting menu at lunch, we’d specifically planned to have dinner à la carte. I’d even emailed in advance to confirm this would be possible, and the restaurant does indeed offer an à la carte menu.

However, once we arrived there was a very strong push towards another tasting menu. Despite explaining our plans, it became increasingly difficult to order the way we wanted, and we eventually found ourselves eating what was, for all intents and purposes, another tasting menu.

It’s a shame because it did detract from what was otherwise an excellent evening. Sometimes, especially on a food tour, guests simply want the flexibility to choose a few dishes rather than commit to another long tasting menu after already spending the afternoon eating.

The quality of the food was never in doubt, but the best hospitality is also about listening to what your guests want.

Still, another memorable evening with a fantastic group, and onto the next stop…
.
#DaVittorio #ThreeMichelinStars #NorthernItaly #FineDining #Achefabroad Less

Mibu Ginza, membership Kaiseki. Early December 2025. Awesome.
壬生さん十二月。会員制。とても美味しい。

南京ハゼ
五明道人　お軸　霊芝
コウシン椎茸　きぬさやいんげん　お寿司　雪月花　雪輪の器
甘海老　メジマグロ　サヨリ
ミゾレ　霰　薄氷　聖護院蕪
三笠の松
ナマコ　黄身酢蓮根　むかご
穴子　餅米
徳川の折戸茄子　出汁寒天　白和え
北海道　てぼ豆
横溝柿　蔵六 Less