New York City.
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HOT PLATES: NEW YORK
Three Big Apple-based executives go out for natural wines and rap over the stereo.
Legacy Records
517 W. 38th St.
“There’s a casual vibe and a good hip-hop-driven playlist at this beautiful space designed by renowned interior designer Ken Fulk.”
— Alex Harrow, Milk & Honey
The Four Horsemen
295 Grand St.
“Every dish is exceptional, the staff is warm, and there’s attention to acoustics” at the Williamsburg wine bar from LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy.
— Samantha Kirby Yoh, WME
Frenchette
241 W. Broadway
“This Tribeca bistro has to be at the top of my list. I’m a natural wine devotee, and their list is full of amazing discoveries thanks to wine director Jorge Riera. It’s got a super-cosmopolitan vibe and a poulet rôti that will knock your socks off.”
— Gabe Tesoriero, Def Jam Recordings
HOT PLATES: LOS ANGELES
Three young managers pick the can’t-miss spots in a newly crowded scene.
Petit Trois
13705 Ventura Blvd.
“Their burger, the ‘Big Mec,’ is one of the most decadent things I’ve ever eaten: two burger patties smothered in foie gras-infused bordelaise sauce. It has single-handedly reduced my life expectancy by 10 years.”
— Mookie Singerman, We Are Free Management
Alta
5359 W. Adams Blvd.
“It’s a great neighborhood hang with an equally great selection of amari to wash down the cornbread. Plus, the skillet-fried chicken is out of control.”
— Seth Kallen, This Fiction
Bavel
500 Mateo St.
“Chef Ori Menashe of Bestia is making incredible Middle Eastern food — the malawach is my favorite — in a beautiful Arts District space where the whole restaurant looks into an open kitchen.”
— Nicky Berger, Loud Robot
HOT PLATES: NASHVILLE
In a city known for hot chicken, four music insiders mix it up with noodles and nigiri.
Sunda
592 12th Ave. S.
“There is an immediate vibe here. You see a stunning wooden [sculpture] hanging above the sushi bar; the ambiance is comfortable yet regal.”
— AJ Calvin, LabeLive
Nashville Underground
105 Broadway
“The hot chicken is one of the best I’ve had in town!”
— Enzo DeVincenzo, Red Light Management
“I’m partial to the lounge seating near the window overlooking Broadway, on the second floor. Great spot to people-watch.”
— Brett Young, artist
Otaku Ramen
1104 Division St.
“Right across the street from our office, [this ramen bar] is delicious and especially great for when I’ve got back-to-back meetings. The Tennessee Tonkotsu is my favorite.”
— Jeremy Holley, FlyteVu
This article originally appeared in the Feb. 9 issue of Billboard.