Best New Restaurant: ABC Kitchen

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's ABC Kitchen was just named Best New Restaurant 2011 by the James Beard Foundation, and I can see why. "Artful design and exquisite, locally sourced food" are what got this gorgeous eatery the distinguished nod.

Anywhere from 70-85% of the menu is sourced from within 90 miles of the restaurant between the months of May and October. What that translates to is fresh food bursting with really bright flavors.

Some highlights of what we had at ABC Kitchen:


Rich, juicy cheeseburger with creamy herbed mayo and tangy pickled jalapenos with just a hint of heat to them. The garlicky side of herb-laced fries had the right amount of crunch.


Loads of moist peekytoe crab on crispy toast dotted with lemon aioli. Absolutely divine.


Fresh-from-the-farm sweet sugar snap peas balanced against sharp, slightly bitter endive spears dressed in a crumbly Parmesan dressing with fines herbes.