A-Trak

Dance music is having its post-Oakenfold moment right now and, not surpirsingly, A-Trak is in the thick of it all. The sharply dressed DJ, producer, Fool’s Gold label owner, and ambassador of good taste is on the cover of this week’s Billboard Magazine with Diplo and Skrillex. As half of the duo Duck Sauce, A-Trak is up for a Grammy this weekend for “Barbara Streisand,” which will go down in history as one of our favorite videos ever. And although he’s originally from Canada, A-Trak has found a home here in NYC. He’s done a lot to influence the ever-changing nocturnal culture in New York City over the last decade. It also seems that he’s eaten at a restaurant or two.

Anyone who follows A-Trak on Twitter or the web knows he’s a man who likes to talk food and hospitality, so a Friday Fives made perfect sense. He’s actually not the first member of his family to participate either – A-Trak’s brother Dave is the bad ass gourmand half of Chromeo.

Next time, we’re gonna get a Duck Sauce Friday Fives, and only do Chinese restaurants. See you in Chinatown.

A-Trak’s “Perfect For” Picks

Chronic Brunch

The Smile (26 Bond St.) – “Doubling as an old-timey general store, The Smile is also a great restaurant and cafe on the East Village’s best-looking street, Bond. It’s an unassuming spot for you to bring your strategically disheveled hair. The food is simple yet delicious – they’ve nailed the basics like the egg sandwich on English muffin with caramelized onions. You can easily spend an entire afternoon there and do some casual people-watching.”

Date Night

Aria Wine Bar (117 Perry St.) – “I haven’t actually been on a date there but I think it would lend itself well to that, mainly because the food comes in small shareable portions. It’s the type of spot you just stumble into, walking around the West Village, and in fact this is some of the best Italian food I have ever had in New York. Meatballs that make you want to propose to your date. The wine is an attraction too, and the ambiance makes you feel like you’ve been going there for years even when it’s your first time.”

Full On Pork Indulgence

Fatty ‘Cue (91 S 6th Street / Brooklyn, NY) – “File this one under “unique.” Fatty ‘Cue has some sort of special BBQ pit that’s actually outside the restaurant in the alley and that you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in the city. Legend has it, some of the food cooks for many days and result is tender, flavorful treats. This is the type of restaurant where you shouldn’t try to find a familiar item on the menu. Ask them to help you put together an assortment of plates for your table and just indulge. Also, you might need to air out your clothes when you get home. It’s worth it though.”

Oysters

Maison Premiere (298 Bedford Ave. / Brooklyn, NY) – “Yeah yeah, Williamsburg hipster oyster bar for beardos, be as cynical as you want. You know what though? This spot is fantastic. Perfect for a late afternoon bite. Everything I tried on the menu was exceptional. Also, try the mint julep.”

Quick Eats

Ruby’s Cafe (219 Mulberry St.) – “I’m about to make a controversial statement: this is my favorite burger in New York. Some might argue it’s not even a burger. To be clear, this is the Australian take on the burger, and I’m a fan of it. New ingredients are added, like beets or sweet chili, and the bread is ciabatta. Progress, people. This is quite possibly Australia’s greatest contribution to the advancement of Western culture. Experience it in the heart of Nolita.”

Bonus

Miss Lily’s (132 W Houston St.) – “Downtown New York finally has a good Jamaican restaurant with Miss Lily’s on Houston, and the affluent rapper contingent has discovered it. The food does live up to the hype, and this can be a good spot to bring a bigger group. Next door they just opened a Miss Lily’s variety store and juice bar. Bring your friends from out-of-town here.”