The Aris-tocracy: Grill 21

Grill 21: 346 E. 21st St. (bet 1st & 2nd), Gramercy

When eating like a rockstar, it helps to have an adventurous spirit and an insider connection. Fortunately for me, the insider connection came via my world traveler friend and fellow foodie, Bea. Her friend, Aris (the happiest human on the planet) is Executive Chef at Grill 21 where he’s charged with preparing familiar Filipino fare. Last night he demystified the cuisine, leading me on a full-fledged tour-de-eat. We ordered a deliciously milky concoction, Ginataang Sitaw & Kalabasa (string beans and squash sauteed in coconut milk with shrimp) followed by liempo--tender, heavenly bite-sized pieces of grilled pork. For dessert, we gobbled down Halo-Halo. Translating to "mix mix," this colorful dessert comes in the form of a trifle: lavender-colored Ube ice cream tops milky shaved ice, and a cocktail of flan, sugary beans and gelatin cubes. As a finale, Chef Aris serenaded me on guitar, playing his rendition of Queen's greatest hits. I have no doubt that Freddie Mercury would have loved the food and the cover. Aris, You're Best My Friend. Save Me from your food.