You can: A Caribbean food sampler that is so inventive, there’s no way to order it wrong
Our server told us more than once that Kabawa’s chef Paul Carmichael makes sure all diners are satisfied and happy. But as New York City pre-fixe menus aren’t typically associated with ample serving sizes (let alone extra side dishes), I could not anticipate just how deliriously full—and happy—I would stumble out the door by the meal’s end. The cassava chutney appetizer is a must-try. You’ll get your money’s value with the $145 price, which includes a starter course, main dish, dessert, three small bowls each of rice, beans and salad, as well as a main and a dessert. Carmichael grew up on Barbados and has created a unique interpretation of Caribbean food, taking inspiration from Jamaica, Haiti Trinidad and Tobago Puerto Rico Barbados and more. There’s truly no wrong way to order; my personal favorite dishes were the Octopus breadfruit tostón, a ridiculously tender goat shoulder with spicy scallop creole, and the coconut turnover for two. Enjoy your front-row seats at the center stage of the kitchen, where the chefs work their magic. In a testament to Kabawa’s ethos of fine dining without the fuss—replaced instead with a palpable joy—Carmichael pays us a visit before dessert, smiling ear to ear, and demonstrates how to crack and peel open a tamarind pod with our fingers. After imparting his tactile wisdom, Carmichael blows us a goodbye kiss. —Hannah Towey
Roscioli
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village, Manhattan
You can: Enjoy a family meal and let go of the control you have over it.
This well-known Roman institution opened their first international branch in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village in 2023. The two-story space is located on MacDougal Street. Head downstairs to the cozy wine cellar for the $95 prix fixed menu and listen to the knowledgeable and friendly team explain what the evening’s offerings are, based on the Italian-regional theme and the seasons. This dining experience is different from others tasting menus because the dishes aren’t portioned for each diner, but instead served family-style. The kitchen fills every bowl and plate up with enough food to feed the number of guests. This may seem like a small, insignificant difference, but it was actually quite clever: my dining partner and I could choose how much of each dish we wanted, depending on what we liked and craved, and ensure that there was no food wasted. Since the dinner will be served in the wine cellar, you have the option of adding a $55 classic pairing, or a $135 reserve pairing. This tasting menu is a great deal at $150. It includes food and drinks that take you on a tour of the Italian peninsula. —M.O.
