Peruvian-American chef Erik Ramirez was raised in New Jersey where he learned about food from a young age, taking in everything he could from his family about the cuisines of Peru and Nikkei. His restaurant, Papa San in Hudson Yards, is the product of that education.
And, lucky for us, the food Ramirez serves is some of the most exciting in the area, let alone the city. From the burger sando (with pickled cucumbers and Papa San Sauce) to the BBQ Eel Pizza (with shiitake mushrooms, mozzarella, and Pecorino), flavor combinations and presentation are unexpected in the best possible way.
This summer, Papa San had a viral moment with the addition of a limited-time lunchtime hot dog cart. From said cart he served four inventive Peruvian-Japanese hot dog variations including the Mr. Miyagi topped with teriyaki sauce, wasabi mayo, pickled cucumber, crispy onion, and nori, which sold out often and quickly. The hot dog cart was so successful that chef Ramirez told DiningOut it’s returning this fall with a brand-new set of four dogs, plus a plain one.
Recently, Ramirez and his team competed in the inaugural NYC RARE Steak Championship in the creative category and won big. Papa San took home first place Judge’s Choice and second place People’s Choice for the wagyu short ribs from Snake River Farms with a yuzu béarnaise sauce.
After the big win, the chef gave us his favorite places to eat in and around Hudson Yards, as well his favorite haunts all over Brooklyn, and around Manhattan.
Ramirez’ Picks Before and After Work in Hudson Yards
Chirp
“I also really like Chirp; it’s a friend’s spot for Peruvian rotisserie chicken. If I want a simple quarter chicken with salad, that’s kind of my healthy-but-not-healthy to-go situation. I’ll do a quarter chicken with a salad of avocado and romaine lettuce.” 369 W. 34th St., Hudson Yards, chirpnyc.com
Russ and Daughters 34th Street
“When I’m tired of eating Papa San’s food, which happens a lot [laughs], I’ll go across the street to Russ and Daughters. I really like the Super Heebster (whitefish and baked salmon salad with wasabi-infused flying fish roe).” 502 W. 34th St., Hudson Yards, russanddaughters.com
Back in Brooklyn, Where You’ll Find Ramirez
Oslo Coffee Roasters
“I’m usually running around between Bed-Stuy, Williamsburg, and Hudson Yards, so I have my spots for quick bites. When I’m in Williamsburg, I always go to Oslo to get my coffee. For some reason, Oslo still feels like an affordable cup of coffee.” Multiple locations, oslocoffee.com
Good Ol’ Days Diner
“I have two young sons so going out is a family decision,” laughed Ramirez. “We like to do weekend brunch and we like going to Good Old Days. We always get the big pancake for the table. I always get the classic breakfast: home fries, two eggs any style, toast and either sausage or bacon.” 212 Patchen Ave., Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, goodoldaysdiner.com
Santa Fe BK
“I like Santa Fe for their breakfast burrito. Every week there’s something new to check out in Williamsburg and I’m like, I’m probably not going to get to any of these, so I just pick my spot.” 178 N. 8th St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn, santafebk.com
Saraghina Pizzeria
“Me and the kids like going to Saraghina— that’s a pretty cool spot. We like their Neapolitan oven-style pizza. Their meatballs are good too. And I like their brick chicken [Pollo Al Mattone].” 350 Lewis Ave., Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, saraghina.com
Dolores
“I haven’t been yet—but I’m looking forward to checking out Dolores when I have a moment! When I don’t have the kids, I want to go there because I’ve heard great things.” 397 Tompkins Ave., Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, doloresbk.com
