Running a One MICHELIN Star restaurant keeps Rich Torrisi quite busy, but he still finds time to visit spots outside of his own kitchen. Below, discover some of his favorite places in New York City.
And, to read our Inspectors' take on Torrisi, click here.
Coffee: Coffee with cardamom from Punjabi Deli.
After-hours: I love "neighborhood spots." The Mulberry (a neighborhood speakeasy), The Nines, and The Bowery Lobby in the Bowery Hotel.
For a late-night snack: Great N.Y. Noodletown. My go-to orders are the salt baked squid, baby pig, Chinese flowering chives with shredded roast duck, Singapore chow fun (spicy), and wonton soup with shrimp.
Guilty pleasures: George Motz's fried onion burger with cheese from Hamburger America; lamb shawarma from Mamoun's Falafel; nocciola gelato from Gelateria Gentile; a NY street Sabrett hot dog with the works; or a dim sum feast.
Special occasion: The Grill, Torrisi, Yoshino, or Cote.
Where you'd take an out-of-towner: Either my restaurants, Russ & Daughters, Lucali, Nom Wah Tea Parlor, Minetta Tavern, Tatiana, or Sakagura.
Favorite NYC spot: I live near Washington Square Park and find myself there at least once a day, whether I'm with my dog, just passing through, or having meetings there. I love to cycle the loop in Central Park and go for runs under the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges. I enjoy Hudson River Park, Carl Schurz Park in Yorkville, and Columbus Park in Chinatown, all of which I've discovered at different times in my life. When I lived in Stuy Town, I appreciated the green areas there. Regardless of what neighborhood I'm living in, I'm drawn to the parks...I'm an outdoor/parks guy.
Address Book:
Punjabi Deli
114 E 1st St, New York, NY 10009
The Bar on Mulberry LLC
Lower Level, 240 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
The Nines
9 Great Jones St, New York, NY 10012
Hamburger America
51 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Mamoun's Falafel
119 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Gelateria Gentile - West Village
43 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014
Washington Square Park
Washington Square, New York, NY 10012
Central Park
79th Street & 85th Street, New York, NY 10024
Hudson River Park
61 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011
Carl Schurz Park
East 86th Street &, East End Ave, New York, NY 10028
Columbus Park
Mulberry Street &, Baxter St, New York, NY 10013
