Home Design with Kevin Sharkey

As a lover of sardines and pretty much anything fusion, I was excited to try Chez Sardine; restauranteur Gabe Stulman’s latest addition to the West Village.

Essentially Japanese comfort foods served tapas style, the elegantly plated menu has a selection of snacks, sushi and large plates. There are also some tongue-in-cheek twists like a grilled cheese sandwich loaded with foie gras, and breakfast pancakes topped with fish tartate.

The charming interior is a mix of Japanese simplicity and sleek Scandinavian lines, with rich wood accents. I enjoyed a glass of wine from the bar and shared a few delicious plates with friends; definitely a new gem in the neighborhood.

Anyone who knows me will tell you I'm not a fan of waiting in lines -- for anything. And since Mission Chinese Food, a beloved San Francisco restaurant that just opened its first NYC location, doesn't normally take reservations, I hadn't yet ventured down to the Lower East Side to try it out. But I was lucky enough to get a table this week, and brought Alexis Stewart to try it out.

Photo courtesy of Mission Chinese Food

Martha once threw a party at the original San Francisco restaurant, so I have a soft spot for chef Danny Bowien and his "rock and roll" take on classic Chinese cooking. The new location did not disappoint. I loved the waitstaff and the food was incredible. I normally hate spicy food but luckily I talked so much that I hardly noticed what Alexis had ordered -- I just dug in.

Don't miss Mission Chinese Food if you're in San Francisco or New York!