Ravel - Asian Fusion - $$

Website (Long Island City)

I'm afraid that if I publish this, someone I know might steal the idea from me... but since I discovered this boutique hotel's rooftop, I said that this is where I'd love to have my wedding (whenever, if ever that day should arrive). It's exactly the kind of place I wanted- trendy rooftop with a view of the city. The place is such an attraction in itself, you hardly need any decoration, and it's designed just how I like, so I would hardly have to make any adjustments to fit my taste. It's a modern, small-sized hotel right on the other side of the East River in Long Island City, and it has a very sexy rooftop overlooking the entire NYC skyline. In the summer the rooftop is wide open, and in the cooler months, they cover and heat it, so you can enjoy it year-round.

I've been meaning to try their brunch, but I've only been there for an early dinner, and I have to say, I was surprised at how good their food is. But you're honestly so distracted by the view, that all you need is a drink and good company. On the weekends, this place turns into a night club, but I haven't had much desire to check that out.

- Sushi rolls
(we shared a few and they were all good)
- Sesame tuna sashimi flatbread
(Super yum)



Each with drinks, we spent about $35.

Ninja - Japanese/Sushi - $$$$

Website (Tribeca)

Ninja is a themed restaurant that is done very well, and not nearly as cheesy as the other themed restaurants in the city. It's a unique and special place, but certainly not the kind of spot that would become your regular go-to. It's actually a really great place to bring out-of-towners, or to lighten up the typical dinner-date-- just make sure that whoever you're bringing has a sense of humor. I went to Ninja 2 years ago with 2 girlfriends, and we had a great time.



Without spoiling anything, when you first arrive, you take a "journey" to get to your table, and it's pretty entertaining. The restaurant looks like it came from the set of a movie: full-on Japanese decor, dim lighting, and all the waiters are dressed up as, you guessed it, ninjas. You get seated in a private room that has paper doors (like the ones you see in Geisha houses) and sporadically throughout the dinner, you'll have a Ninja play tricks on you or pop open some secret door, and make it fun. The menu features some really tasty dishes but the portions are tiny, so it gets expensive. Whatever you end up choosing, make sure it's one of the "Ninja Art Dishes" because they all have a special way of being served. Enjoy it's a fun time!

- RIN cocktail
- Ninja Star Martini


- Floating Sashimi



- Ninja Star (Dessert)
- Rose Chocolate (Dessert)

Haru - Japanese - $$$

Website

Haru is a chain restaurant with several locations all over the city. It's a large, dramatically decorated restaurant serving mostly sushi and some select Japanese dishes. I met my friend at the gramercy location after work one night. We were actually headed to Japonais but were soon disappointed to learn that it had shut down.

Haru was just ok. I feel like sushi is sushi; a spicy tuna roll is a spicy tuna roll. And I'm not into fancy rolls with mango this or crunchy that. So that said, I have a hard time wanting to pay a lot for sushi, when I can always go to the East Village spots that first ever introduced me to sushi during my freshman year of college.

We did order a great appetizer and I tried scallop sashimi for the first time, which was delicious. Dunno that I'd ever go back though.

- Mad Crab
(A really delicious appetizer of crab and mushroom with a chili sauce. If I did ever go back, I'd definitely get this again.)

- Assorted sushis
(Nothing to write home (or blog) about)



Expect to pay an overpriced amount of $35pp.

Ashiya - All you can eat Sushi - $$

http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/new-ashiya/?restaurantid=41940&page=2

Ashiya is notorious for its all you can eat Sushi and all you can drink Sake/Beer specials. For 2 hours, your table can eat as much sushi as you can digest after sake-bombing yourselves stupid. The sushi is actually pretty decent, but you're going there for a great time- not the sushi. The place gets packed on the weekends and everyone in there is banging their way to sake-bombs all night long. It's basically NYC's version of an Asian flavored frat party. You can order all the sushi that you want, but you must eat what you order. They say that they'll charge you for leftovers, but I don't know if that's fact or fiction- we've never had any.



I've had many great nights as a result of an Ashiya pregame.

Sake-bomb, Sake-bomb, Sake-Sake-Sake-BOMB!

$40pp.