Where New York goes, others follow. With our high density of restaurants, bars and hungry patrons, it's no surprise that our boroughs set taste standards for the rest of the country.
In that spirit, we've gathered a year's worth of reprise-worthy ideas we expect to carry over into 2010. Take a look: The world is watching:
Born and Raised The moment's million-dollar question: "Where are you from?" Chefs and restaurants have gone to great lengths to know the provenance of each leaf and berry they serve. And where the answers have been undesirable, tastemakers have sidestepped the city's geographic limitations (and legislation, in some cases) to bring these provisions' birthplaces closer to home.
Chelsea, Lately Ninth Avenue just keeps getting better. As if the new additions to Chelsea Market (both sweet and savory) weren't enough of an incentive to head west, new restaurants from neighborhood veterans and cult-classic insiders have popped up on every block. Coming next: The grocery store of the future.
Market Value The Bklyn Flea and the New Amsterdam Market have become the latest galleries for young artisanal talent. At the Flea, you can haggle over antiques while munching on foccacia with ricotta from Salvatore, slurping on a People's Pop or visiting Nekisia Davis, who runs the Early Bird stand every week. Or hit New Amsterdam for wholesome sweets from Liddabit and MILKimchi's fermented excellence.
Tap That Cask Pilsner, ale, stout: No matter your preference, it's never been easier to drink great beer in NYC. The Good Beer Seal will point you in the direction of bars with hoppy agendas or, if you'd rather drink at home, fill up your growler at one of these bars' taps. And at Park Slope's Bierkraft, you can do both: Stick around for a pint on-site before stocking up for the Bowl games.
