Are overhyped restaurants on social media just that — Overhyped?
My recent trip to a popular food spot was one of many that have fallen short of the TikTok hype.
This week, I got sent not one, but two Instagram reels from my girlfriend “suggesting” we go to a new hot spot called Sip and Guzzle. The Japan-bred restaurant has been all over social media. People are hailing it as the “best new spot,” and it’s been featured on a bunch of foodie’s best dishes lists this month.
I eat out six nights a week if not seven, so I’ve always tried to be cost-effective in a city like New York, where it’s not easy. But heck, it was my birthday just a few weeks ago, and my incredible Mom had given me a present in the form of cash, which is always appreciated. With it, I decided to do a date night in the city and further celebrate the birthday that never ends.
By the way, I’ll admit, I'm probably a bit obnoxious at this point with birthdays. I’m over 50, and I should not be doing a birthday celebration in NY and LA, nor multiple celebrations at this age, but I use it as an excuse to get together and see friends. I’m also a Leo, which explains a lot. Most Leos, I would assume, are like me and are extroverts.
So, with cash in hand and the birthday excuse as validation, off we went to the newest social media explosion in the West Village, which recently opened in the city after being a staple in Tokyo.
I will say that over the last six months, I’ve been feeling some TikTok-hype fatigue. I’ve been checking out so many new spots, and I get all excited to try the food every time, but I’ve found that more often than not, I’m a bit let down.
I have a friend who doubles as a food critic, not to the public but to me personally, and it’s a constant conversation we’ve been having. A few months ago, we were dying to try San Sabino, the counterpart to Don Angie's, and honestly, it wasn't anything to write home about.
For those of you who know me, I'm a major foodie. I go into all dining experiences wanting to love them. There have been a few rare occasions when I could actually see myself returning to spots, like Konban (Get the corn, you'll thank me), which is definitely worth a trip back.
What are the criteria you might ask? Pretty simple. For one, if the bill is over $100 for two, you must ask yourself — Is there at least one crave-able dish that you need to go back for? If not, what’s the point?
We ponied up the Sip and Guzzle bar (because like many times before, I made a reservation on the wrong day) and tried some dishes.
First up … The mochi french fries with nacho powder and gochujang sauce.
This was like if a mochi donut met french fries. It was novel at best but satisfied me. Would I ever get it again? Probably not.
Photo credit for all featured images goes to my girlfriend, Natalie.
Next up … The heirloom tomato salad. This looked amazing but tasted like a regular tomato with salt, which you had to add yourself. Hmmmm.
Round three … The Electric Chicken, including the gloves and scissors. This dish tasted like KFC to me, and clearly, the gloves and the scissors didn't add too much, other than it’d make for a good TikTok, which I didn't do. Taste-wise, I’d compare it to regular fried chicken with some fatty pieces.
The fourth course … The Bikini, which is billed as “the world’s thinnest sandwich.” For some reason, they forgot the ham in our ham and cheese sandwich. Other than it resembling the flavors of a ham and cheese crepe, I couldn't find anything to grasp here.
Last but not least … My favorite item was the honey butter meringue, which also made for a good picture (or video).
In conclusion … I would give this meal a 7.1 on taste, but a 10 for Instagram or TikTok appeal.
The one exception to the rule would be Win Son Bakery, quite possibly the most hyped breakfast spot in NYC, but in this case, it’s well worth it.
The hot mochi donut is stuff of legend. The egg sandwich and custard toast are worth it as well. These three items alone are worth the trek to Brooklyn, or you can still visit the pop-up in Manhattan, while you can.
This leads me to the final criteria: Am I coming to eat or to take a video?
I’d love more of those crave-able dishes, please, and less TikTok’s.
Do you agree? Let us know in the comments.
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