I made the panna cotta from the recipe in his cookbook; holy s&l* it's honestly one of the best things I've ever made. The combination of flavors is incredible and nothing I've experienced before, the creamy base of the vanilla panna cotta with the flaked salt on top, and the sharp vinegar that hits you for a second before it's offset by the sweet honey. And it's so simple to make. No clue if Estela should be called one of the best restaurants in the world but I'm impressed with that one recipe.
Well, some of those dishes seemed very expensive. But I have cooked in restaurants for years and I like the direction they are going with the flavours anyway...
Estela is my favorite restaurant in NYC and not super hard to get a last minute res. It is however, a very loud restaurant and not a vibe in that sense that you would expect from a Michelin star spot
I know what you mean. It got loud pretty quickly in there. As a single diner, I didn't mind it, but if I was with someone, I could see it becoming a problem. Still, the food is the most important aspect of a restaurant to me and I really enjoyed that aspect.
Really enjoying your channel. I fully expect your sub count to continue to grow. Keep it up man! If you ever find some great restruants in the midwest(kansas specifically) lmk!!
One of my favorite restaurants in the city. The food is always delicious. The food looks simple, but is anything but. It is for sure a really loud and tight restaurant and at times, not very comfortable, but they make it up with their food, wine and service.
Hey, great review! I completely agree with questioning the criterias of the best 50, but more than that I question the Michelin star for this restaurant! Looks very underwhelming and cheap - if its a Western/Euro place Michelin star- the bread and butter shall normally be included...May I also request that you put the prices of each dish as they are shown, and maybe also the final bill? I think that would add great value to the content! Greetings
Thank you! Yeah, it annoys me when the bread is not included with the meal, but I also understand the restaurant's perspective in that if one doesn't care for bread or eat all of it, it's kind of a waste. Indeed! I'll try to include pricing more with my future videos.
I was very surprised wood ear mushrooms (which I’ve only seen used in Asian cooking) would be used on this menu and with lobster of all things. It seems logical that it would over power the delicate sweet taste of the lobster - just like that hanging plant overpowered you. 😆Sorry.
Waffle House, Double Order of Hash browns, Scattered Smothered Chunked Diced Covered Topped and Capped. With half a bottle of Tabasco Sauce on top and A-1 Sauce and Heinz 57 Sauce...
James, Did you ask the bartender or hostess to modify the decorative floral arrangement after being seated at the best bar seat in the place? I'm fairly certain that the staff would have gladly removed the decorative flower arrangement for you if they knew it was an issue.
I'm not sure they would. It's a pretty big plant and it would've taken some effort to move. From what I can tell, the plant is still there in the restaurant, which is surprising since pretty much anyone sitting there will have the same problem I had.
That was not enough food for the money. No way in hell you could share any of that! Especially the rice dish was super disappointing in looks and not exactly a bounty. I’d rather go to Papaya King.
Haha! You can't go wrong with Papaya King! Yeah, certain plates are more difficult to share than others. If I was with someone else and we were sharing, we would have to get twice the number of plates just to be adequately full and that would be pretty expensive.
It was unacceptable to expect you to dine with that gigantic plant in your face…especially when the server came over and you could barely see him. You could have asked the server if he could bring hedge trimmers with your silverware. OR you could have been dramatic and held the plant back with your arm in order to talk to him. There was definitely some comedic material that I would have taken advantage of.
That is pretty, even if artificial, bramble. Too bad it’s so poorly placed and/or arranged for where it’s situated. It’s so close to your head when you’re chatting with the staff! How are they not noticing and immediately pulling out a pruning er, kitchen shears! Ack!
That you think Michelin is the only benchmark for restos is absurd. Many, many restos are not on the Michelin list but are extraordinary nonetheless. Why would you tie your expectations to Michelin??????????????? And, your choice of seating is your own fault. Dude, sitting under a plant is your fault...especially when you had a choice.
Right 👍. "They sat me inside a fake plant, and I just decided to stay planted there for the Entire Evening." What's Up With That?! Hahahahahahahaha 😂!!!
You put too much emphasis in the Michelin guide. Michelin doesn’t operate in all the cities. does that mean that there aren’t any good restauants in other cities? Central, in Lima, Peru is considered one of the best in the world, but since Michelin doesn’t operate in Lima, it has no stars. Broaden your horizons
I don't think you were paying attention, because like I said in the video, the one thing I appreciated about the World's 50 Best List is that they highlight numerous areas that aren't yet covered by the Michelin Guide.
Call me crazy, but when a tire company awards “stars” for restaurants, it’s incredibly sus. Not to mention France has the most restaurants with 3 Michelin stars, all awarded from a company based in France. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know this rating system is incredibly biased and outdated.
It's definitely not a perfect system and I don't think anyone would always agree with how they give out stars, I certainly don't, but it does bring to light so amazing restaurants creating incredible food.
Japan has more ***s than France. I'd agree that for a long time there was a clear bias towards French food but that has been softening for years now, though you might argue that it's now a bias towards French AND Japanese food! I entirely agree with James that, while it's by no means perfect, it does do a job of highlighting restaurants creating ambitious and interesting food. I've been to more than 50 restaurants with stars and only two of them I felt didn't deserve a star at all.
@@mosmarb That's true. Although Japan has a far larger population than France, which would account for more restaurants. Indeed, the guide does seem to be evolving in regards to its most awarded restaurants, but I also think it's partly a reflection of how certain cuisines have been pushed forward such as Korean food, which has really made a mark in the last decade with numerous Korean restaurants achieving stars. Still, no matter what, the Michelin Guide will never be perfect, but I appreciate what it does.
@@Jamesnu I think one of the best things to happen to the guide in the last ten or fifteen years is the realisation that they no longer exist in isolation and can't only award stars to french restaurants with tasting menus. Interesting that you mention Korean food - it's been much slower to catch on in the UK than in the US but the most interesting restaurant I've been to this year is Sollip in London, a restaurant owned and run by two Korean chefs cooking in a French style but with Korean ingredients and techniques. Highly recommended if you find your way across the pond. What we do have a lot of now are Indian restaurants with stars, all quite different from each other. Again, worth a visit if you're in London.
@@mosmarb Exactly! There's a great variety of food in the world that extends well beyond French cuisine. Unfortunately, the Indian restaurants here don't seem to be up to the level as in the UK. There's currently only one starred Indian restaurant in NYC, in fact, I'll be uploaded a video about the restaurant soon. The good thing is, is that I think people are becoming more openminded and adventurous these days about food which allow various fine dining restaurants of different cultures to become more appreciated.
after watching the entire vid, I did not see that plant in your face...Who are you to critique a restaurant of this caiiber???? What are your culinary accolades? so pedestrian....
Quite the opposite I think actually. He’s reviewing a restaurant. If he left out all the small things then it wouldn’t be a review. The whole point is to find all the small things that are an issue or could be an issue for somebody. Sounds like you’re a bit pretentious to me.
Very thorough, transparent and helpful review - glad you enjoyed the room and survived the plant in your way.
Haha! Thank you! I can put up with an intrusive plant for good food!
Great production values. I like how you seem to give honest reviews. You can poiny6out the few negatives but enjoy the whole experience.
Thank you! Yeah, I always try to appreciate the experience for what it is, even if it isn't perfect.
I made the panna cotta from the recipe in his cookbook; holy s&l* it's honestly one of the best things I've ever made. The combination of flavors is incredible and nothing I've experienced before, the creamy base of the vanilla panna cotta with the flaked salt on top, and the sharp vinegar that hits you for a second before it's offset by the sweet honey. And it's so simple to make. No clue if Estela should be called one of the best restaurants in the world but I'm impressed with that one recipe.
Nice! Yeah, the flavors in that dish just combine so perfectly!
My fav resturant in NYC, their Arroz Negro is in my top 5 best dishes ever.
That's a great dish for sure!
Love your content man! Great footage paired with perfect commentary
Thank you! I really appreciate it! I always try to put a good effort in.
I always enjoy your photography if both the food and the neighborhood the restaurant is located in.
Thank you! I really appreciate it!
Never seen a bramble bush used for interior design - very avant-garde! Jokes aside, another great vid.
Haha! Thank you! It was a nice looking plant, it just wasn't nice from where I was sitting. Haha!
Haha... I was watching the endive portion thinking the same thing the waiter ended up saying. This place looks great.
Yeah, it's definitely an interesting restaurant.
James, I have to say this is one of my favorite restaurants that you have reviewed.
Nice! Yeah, it's definitely a good place!
Any restaurant that has a squid ink dish on their menu has a spot in my heart
Same here!
Another nice review, James. I noticed they also have a lunch menu, maybe I'd start with that one day and get a feel. Thanks as always!
Thank you! Yeah, their lunch menu looks pretty solid and contains the majority of their most famous dishes.
Great video! The food looks terrific! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! Indeed! It was a tasty dinner!
I’m sure your Mom would have been happy to see you get your greens in with all that endive. 👍
Haha! I bet you're right!
Thank you for sharing your restaurant tour.
Thanks for watching!
Love your reviews thank you for sharing
Thank you so much! And thank you always for watching!
Well, some of those dishes seemed very expensive. But I have cooked in restaurants for years and I like the direction they are going with the flavours anyway...
It was definitely costly, but it was delicious food.
Estela is my favorite restaurant in NYC and not super hard to get a last minute res. It is however, a very loud restaurant and not a vibe in that sense that you would expect from a Michelin star spot
I know what you mean. It got loud pretty quickly in there. As a single diner, I didn't mind it, but if I was with someone, I could see it becoming a problem. Still, the food is the most important aspect of a restaurant to me and I really enjoyed that aspect.
Really enjoying your channel. I fully expect your sub count to continue to grow. Keep it up man! If you ever find some great restruants in the midwest(kansas specifically) lmk!!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support!
Nice review and commentary.
Thank you so much!
Next on my bucket list. Nice watch though.
Thank you! Estela is certainly a solid spot!
The food looks delicious. I need to check out Estela. You should invite me next time 😎
Yeah, in regards to presentation, the food looked beautiful, but luckily it also delivered on flavor!
jesus you need more subs and loves dude. your content is fucking amazing!!!!!! keep going!!!!!!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support! And I'm going to keep on pushing!
Telling my dinner partner to go to Hell because I refuse to share my food.😂 This would be a quick end to my date.
Haha! Maybe that's why my dates don't last that long. Lol
Im gonna go just to experience the plant.
Haha!
His bill was surprisingly cheaper than I expected. Lol. Not a bad price for one person to treat themself.
Yeah, there are definitely more expensive one Michelin Starred restaurants in NYC.
Happy New Year 🎉
Happy New Year!
Can you check out Butter NYC? Alex Guarnschelli Iron chef restaurant?
I've always been curious about that restaurant. I'll try to check it out sometime. Thanks for the suggestion!
Jeeez that is one huge branch man🤣Food looks good tho👌
Haha! Yeah, it was a sizeable plant! Indeed! The food was beautiful!
I could eat 4 of those plates.. too expensive but looks good. Needs more food on the plate
I know what you mean! Things add up quickly at that restaurant.
Agree. I went to Estela and wasn't impressed, it was good but that's it.
I know what you mean.
One of my favorite restaurants in the city. The food is always delicious. The food looks simple, but is anything but. It is for sure a really loud and tight restaurant and at times, not very comfortable, but they make it up with their food, wine and service.
Indeed! It's nice to have a good atmosphere in a restaurant, but I go to restaurants first and foremost for their food and Estella serves good food!
It's always nice to be surrounded by nature, but maybe not that close. I'm glad your dinner was still pretty good at least.
Yeah, but that plant was an imitation of nature. Still, the food was good!
Mr James hi & good times 🫖🍎🍉🥐🥖🍲🍦🍨☕️☕️☕️☕️
Hi there, and thank you!
Hey, great review! I completely agree with questioning the criterias of the best 50, but more than that I question the Michelin star for this restaurant! Looks very underwhelming and cheap - if its a Western/Euro place Michelin star- the bread and butter shall normally be included...May I also request that you put the prices of each dish as they are shown, and maybe also the final bill? I think that would add great value to the content! Greetings
Thank you! Yeah, it annoys me when the bread is not included with the meal, but I also understand the restaurant's perspective in that if one doesn't care for bread or eat all of it, it's kind of a waste. Indeed! I'll try to include pricing more with my future videos.
I was very surprised wood ear mushrooms (which I’ve only seen used in Asian cooking) would be used on this menu and with lobster of all things. It seems logical that it would over power the delicate sweet taste of the lobster - just like that hanging plant overpowered you. 😆Sorry.
Price doesn’t seem that bad
Yeah, compared to the price of other one Michelin Starred restaurants in NYC, it's not bad depending on what you order.
I agree ,how can that be one of the World's greatest restaurants ,it was nice but not brilliant
Exactly!
I think Applebee's is better
Haha! There's nothing wrong with Applebee's.
@@JamesnuApplebee's has $2 two dollar pints Samuel Adams Boston Lager
Applebee's #1
One thing is for Certain. You will come out of Applebee's with a Lot more 💰 Money left in your Wallet! Hahahahahahahaha 😂!!!
Waffle House, Double Order of Hash browns, Scattered Smothered Chunked Diced Covered Topped and Capped. With half a bottle of Tabasco Sauce on top and A-1 Sauce and Heinz 57 Sauce...
James,
Did you ask the bartender or hostess to modify the decorative floral arrangement after being seated at the best bar seat in the place? I'm fairly certain that the staff would have gladly removed the decorative flower arrangement for you if they knew it was an issue.
I'm not sure they would. It's a pretty big plant and it would've taken some effort to move. From what I can tell, the plant is still there in the restaurant, which is surprising since pretty much anyone sitting there will have the same problem I had.
I would have asked them to move that bush for the amount of money you're paying.
I should've. It was pretty annoying.
based
Thanks for watching!
i was not impressed by the food.......not go back when i am in NYC......
Fair enough. I enjoyed the food, but I also prefer stronger flavors and a lot of Estela's food was on the subtle side.
i agree with you.....i prefer sort of stronger sauces/etc and flavors@@Jamesnu
That was not enough food for the money. No way in hell you could share any of that! Especially the rice dish was super disappointing in looks and not exactly a bounty. I’d rather go to Papaya King.
Haha! You can't go wrong with Papaya King! Yeah, certain plates are more difficult to share than others. If I was with someone else and we were sharing, we would have to get twice the number of plates just to be adequately full and that would be pretty expensive.
It was unacceptable to expect you to dine with that gigantic plant in your face…especially when the server came over and you could barely see him. You could have asked the server if he could bring hedge trimmers with your silverware. OR you could have been dramatic and held the plant back with your arm in order to talk to him. There was definitely some comedic material that I would have taken advantage of.
Good call.
That is pretty, even if artificial, bramble. Too bad it’s so poorly placed and/or arranged for where it’s situated. It’s so close to your head when you’re chatting with the staff! How are they not noticing and immediately pulling out a pruning er, kitchen shears! Ack!
Exactly! And it's not like I'm extremely tall either. Most adults would have a problem with it.
That you think Michelin is the only benchmark for restos is absurd. Many, many restos are not on the Michelin list but are extraordinary nonetheless. Why would you tie your expectations to Michelin??????????????? And, your choice of seating is your own fault. Dude, sitting under a plant is your fault...especially when you had a choice.
Right 👍. "They sat me inside a fake plant, and I just decided to stay planted there for the Entire Evening." What's Up With That?! Hahahahahahahaha 😂!!!
You put too much emphasis in the Michelin guide. Michelin doesn’t operate in all the cities. does that mean that there aren’t any good restauants in other cities? Central, in Lima, Peru is considered one of the best in the world, but since Michelin doesn’t operate in Lima, it has no stars.
Broaden your horizons
I don't think you were paying attention, because like I said in the video, the one thing I appreciated about the World's 50 Best List is that they highlight numerous areas that aren't yet covered by the Michelin Guide.
its a shiitttyyy place
Call me crazy, but when a tire company awards “stars” for restaurants, it’s incredibly sus. Not to mention France has the most restaurants with 3 Michelin stars, all awarded from a company based in France. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know this rating system is incredibly biased and outdated.
It's definitely not a perfect system and I don't think anyone would always agree with how they give out stars, I certainly don't, but it does bring to light so amazing restaurants creating incredible food.
Japan has more ***s than France. I'd agree that for a long time there was a clear bias towards French food but that has been softening for years now, though you might argue that it's now a bias towards French AND Japanese food! I entirely agree with James that, while it's by no means perfect, it does do a job of highlighting restaurants creating ambitious and interesting food. I've been to more than 50 restaurants with stars and only two of them I felt didn't deserve a star at all.
@@mosmarb That's true. Although Japan has a far larger population than France, which would account for more restaurants. Indeed, the guide does seem to be evolving in regards to its most awarded restaurants, but I also think it's partly a reflection of how certain cuisines have been pushed forward such as Korean food, which has really made a mark in the last decade with numerous Korean restaurants achieving stars. Still, no matter what, the Michelin Guide will never be perfect, but I appreciate what it does.
@@Jamesnu I think one of the best things to happen to the guide in the last ten or fifteen years is the realisation that they no longer exist in isolation and can't only award stars to french restaurants with tasting menus. Interesting that you mention Korean food - it's been much slower to catch on in the UK than in the US but the most interesting restaurant I've been to this year is Sollip in London, a restaurant owned and run by two Korean chefs cooking in a French style but with Korean ingredients and techniques. Highly recommended if you find your way across the pond. What we do have a lot of now are Indian restaurants with stars, all quite different from each other. Again, worth a visit if you're in London.
@@mosmarb Exactly! There's a great variety of food in the world that extends well beyond French cuisine. Unfortunately, the Indian restaurants here don't seem to be up to the level as in the UK. There's currently only one starred Indian restaurant in NYC, in fact, I'll be uploaded a video about the restaurant soon. The good thing is, is that I think people are becoming more openminded and adventurous these days about food which allow various fine dining restaurants of different cultures to become more appreciated.
after watching the entire vid, I did not see that plant in your face...Who are you to critique a restaurant of this caiiber???? What are your culinary accolades? so pedestrian....
Pretentious much?
Quite the opposite I think actually. He’s reviewing a restaurant. If he left out all the small things then it wouldn’t be a review. The whole point is to find all the small things that are an issue or could be an issue for somebody. Sounds like you’re a bit pretentious to me.
I am 🤔 thinking Pretentious and Vain. Probably thinks that the Song is About Him...