Chris Stang
Co-Founder and CEO
Since its inception in 2009, Chris Stang has been the architect of The Infatuation’s editorial voice, creative vision, and marketing strategy. Today his role still encompasses all of those things, but also includes pushing the company forward into new arenas, including the creation of The Infatuation’s food festival, EEEEEATSCON, and the company’s acquisition of Zagat from Google. The Infatuation has evolved into one of the most influential voices in restaurant discovery, and was deemed one of the “World’s Most Innovative Companies” by Fast Company in 2019. Chris was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2015, co-authored a best selling book, How To Drink Wine (Clarkson Potter), in 2020, and has continued to lead The Infatuation & Zagat’s growth through its new ownership by JP Morgan Chase, which purchased the company in 2021. Prior to taking on The Infatuation full time, Chris was the VP of Marketing at Atlantic Records, working closely with many of the label’s biggest acts including Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Skrillex, Gnarls Barkley, and Panic! At The Disco.
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Page 2Totto Ramen
Five years after it opened, the original location of Totto Ramen is still packed pretty much all of the time. That's because it's still awesome.
Viand
The New York experience is really about making this gigantic metropolis feel smaller. Viand is one of those places.
Zaitzeff
Once you get past the prices, the burgers at Zaitzeff are pretty damn enjoyable. While it's not our favorite spot, you could certainly do worse for yourself in the Financial District.
Faun
Faun is an excellent neighborhood spot in Prospect Heights serving seasonal, Italian-inspired food. Eat pasta on their patio whenever possible.
J.G. Melon
JG Melon is an Upper East Side burger institution. It's also the best and cheapest thing you can hit for lunch after the Met.
Il Posto Accanto
Il Posto Accanto in the East Village is home to some of the best meatballs and pastas in town. Plus, it has a great wine list and open air dining.
Jones Wood Foundry
A great British pub that will help you solve all of your Upper East Side problems, or at least the ones related to food.
Socarrat Nolita
At Socarrat Nolita, the only way you are having a comfortable meal sitting at the massive communal table is if you have the body frame of Beaker from The Muppets. Bring a bigger group so you can sit at a real table and enjoy your delicious paella in peace.
Da Umberto
Da Umberto is a classic old-school Italian joint, but without some of the shtick found in other Little Italy joints.
Village Yokocho
A great East Village date night spot, especially when you get the adjacent cocktail lounge, Angel's Share, involved.
American Cut
American Cut is a reminder that all steakhouses are big, but not all steakhouses are boring. Hit it up for the next time you have a big night with your boss on the books.
Souvlaki GR
In a pinch in the Lower East Side, Souvlaki GR supplied The Infatuation with some great Greek street food. Yes, it’s random. And yes, it’s delicious.
Almayass
We’re not exactly sure that New York City was in desperate need of an Armenian/Lebanese restaurant, but this stateside opening of Almayass, a Beirut-based establishment with locations across the Middle East, is very exciting for at least three or four of us here.
Dudley's
Dudley's is more about the hang than it is a memorable meal. Go in with the right expectations and you’ll be glad it’s there.
Peacefood Cafe
We learned a lot of things from eating at Peacefood Cafe, mostly related to non-violence and how nachos are apparently good for you.
Blind Tiger
What we have found at Blind Tiger is a New York City bar that actually has an extensive microwbrew selection AND excellent food. Unfortunately, the place gets very crowded at times.
Cull & Pistol
Cull & Pistol is our new favorite destination in Chelsea Market. Say what you will about the crowds, but this is as good as workday eating probably gets.
Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria
The Italian food at Noho’s Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria has the honor of being among the only things in history to improve after a key lineup change.
Community Food & Juice
Community Food & Juice is one of the best brunch spots around Morningside Heights and Columbia University. Unfortunately, that's exactly when it's at its worst. Hit it any other time for best results.
Lupa
Lupa is an ideal spot for that early-in-the-week dinner in Greenwich Village that you sort of want to cancel but can’t.
El Quinto Pino
This restaurant/wine bar in Chelsea from the folks who brought you Tia Pol and Txikito delivers solid authentic Spanish eats, wine, and sangria.
Aburiya Kinnosuke
An authentic Japanese establishment, all the way down to the robata grill. Aburiya Kinnosuke is a Midtown East experience you should have.