OUR TOP FIVE NYC RESTAURANTS

We asked our founder, Caroline Abernathy, to list her top five favorite restaurants in NYC. Here is her response…

Starting the list is @aldolabrooklyn trattoria. Husband and wife Emiliano Coppa and Chef Anna Klinger have run the Park Slope establishment since 1998. Their no frills northern Italian fare favors heavy pastas with ragu, braised meats and belly-warming polentas. An ideal order here would be; zucchini salad, fave e cicoria, casunziei, paccheri, and coniglio with a side of braised greens, and maybe an affogato for dessert.

At number four we have @cloverhillbk located in a quiet corner of Brooklyn Heights. Clover Hill offers a tasting menu of 10 thoughtful courses in an intimate 20-seat space. The kitchen is run by Chef Sam Rogers, who took over from Chef Charlie Mitchell after he departed to become Executive Chef at Saga. While I have not revisited Clover Hill under Chef Sams' direction, I can only imagine what is in store and it's very exciting.

I had never had Korean Barbeque before moving to New York, and then I was introduced to @cotekoreansteakhouse ... which ruined all other Korean Barbeque because it is just that good. The quality of the meat is just unparalleled and the amount of food is ungodly, but with the right group and a great wine recommendation from famed sommelier Victoria James, it can be a night to remember.

Coming in at number two is @redhooktavernbk . From the mind of Billy Durney, who is also responsible for Hometown BBQ, comes the quintessential neighborhood tavern. Expect elevated favorites like a wedge salad, shrimp cocktails, and a super succulent roasted chicken. The burger is the best in the city, in my opinion.

Finally, Estela. This is my favorite restaurant in the city and I might've never found it if it wasn't for my good friend Alison accepting a GM position there a few years ago. Open since 2013, @estelanyc is an intimate bistro located in Nolita where Chef Ignacio Mattos provides an inventive menu that is full of surprises and interesting flavor pairings. An ideal order would be; Jamón Ibérico, oysters with yuzu kosho mignonette, PenBay scallops, endives, fried arroz negro, ricotta dumplings, and both the panna cotta and chocolate cake for dessert.