Author: Sarah Hemmerle

New York City College of Technology, CUNY 

Hospitality Management Department

Janet Lefler dining room

To: Professor Abreu

From: Sarah Hemmerle

Date: 10/2/2019

Re: A Brooklyn Burger that Conjures old New York. 

Billy Durney, a man well known for his amazing fried chicken and cooking skills, restaurant owner and pit-master. Owner of a newly opened restaurant called Red Hook Tavern in Brooklyn. Durney is also known for owning a restaurant called Hometown Bar -B -Que famous for his chicken and steak that opened in 2012. Red Hook opened on July 2019, and since then it has been a success. Appealing from the inside out with its rustic charm, and cool interior decorating of electrified gas lamps, white oak bar and wearing wallpaper that give it that 21st-century saloon look. The star of the menu is something that is found almost anywhere at your average American restaurant, a cheeseburger. Not Durney’s famous chicken but a cheeseburger. This is not a regular cheeseburger, as Pete Wells the New York Times food critic writes its a pub burger, only served at lunch, a thicker than average patty served with American cheese, onions and a side of fries.

Allison Plumber the chef at Red Hook has done most of her work in Brooklyn cooks the strip steak very well. To quote Wells “a touch so right it may qualify as art”. Pete Wells states that this burger is “one of the few absolutely mandatory burgers in NYC”. Wells rated this restaurant two stars, with the prices being moderate, the noise level on the higher side and a unique atmosphere. He recommends the New York strip steak, tavern burger and to try some of the local beers and wines that are offered. 

I think I would not go to this restaurant because it doesn’t sound that unique in my opinion. It’s just like your typical American restaurant with burgers, fries, beer, pickles, and steak. I don’t like to eat that kind of cuisine so I would not eat at Red Hook. 

 

Newly opened restaurant with a burger as its star

New York City College of Technology, CUNY 

Hospitality Management Department

Janet Lefler Dining Room

To: Professor Abreu

From: Sarah Hemmerle

Date: 9/26/2019

Re: A New Destination for Dim Sum 

       and Culinary Discipline

Not your regular stereotypical Dim sum. Hutong a higher end Chinese restaurant recently opened in July located in midtown in NYC. Rated two stars by food critic Pete Wells from the New York Times, it seems he finally gave in after weeks of only giving out 1 star ratings. This restaurant isn’t like your usual Chinese restaurant. You won’t find carts rolling around, its much more than dumplings and stir fries. Hutong offers more unique options that you wouldn’t typically see such as wagyu beef mille feuille, and steamed buns in the shapes of mushrooms. This restaurant serves more northern Chinese cuisine such as incorporating lamb, ribs and peking duck in their dishes.  Wells was impressed by the overall presentation of the food, he states “ There is real skill in the kitchen” he also calls their cooking has “precision and technical mastery that’s rarely been seen in the city” (pg1,Wells).

Hutong is on the more expensive side, with main dishes ranging from $16-80 dollars. They are open for lunch and dinner. What also caught Wells’ attention is that the interior design of the restaurant was very modern and pleasing to the eye. The service is not the best but the food is divine and beautifully presented. Hutong also has another location that opened in Hong Kong in 2003. It is more traditional in its decor and food. 

If I had the chance I believe I would go check this restaurant out, I enjoy trying new things and using my different senses when eating. Getting to feel new textures, tastes, and smells helps develop my understanding  for food and the cuisine. 

Hutong providing service since 2003 

Memo dining 2