Between having laser surgery two weeks ago, and a general malaise called laziness, I’ve been incredibly neglectful of posting. No promises going forward, but the sleeper is awake.

Two new revelations in the NYC Japanese food scene…

• Yakitori Totto - In a word: sublime. This is no standard yakitori joint. The decor is straight out of Shinjuku and the food is what they serve on the Buddha’s table. If you think you can’t do grilled chicken any better than you’ve tasted, come a little further. Easily a reason to live in NYC… period.
• Aburiya Kinnosuke - OK this place isn’t really a stretch: it is owned and operated by the same folks that run Totto. Aburiya Kinnosuke focuses more on fish. That being said, one of the star attractions is the Robata grilled chicken meatball (tsukune). Coated with a wonderful soy-based sauce, and dipped in a steamed egg, consumption is a memorable experience. My favorite: kurobuta, a grilled pork filet seasoned to perfection.

Nights like this (80 degrees, passing thunderstorms and humidity like an armpit) are made more than tolerable after a grin-inducing visit to either of the above. Don’t sleep on this.