NYC's Top 10 Food Stories of 2024: A Year of Epic Openings, Closings, and Controversies

2024 was a year of significant events in NYC's culinary scene. From the arrival of a giant dumpling empire to the unfortunate loss of a celebrated chef, here are the top 10 most-read food stories that defined the year:

1. The Passing of a Culinary Legend: James Kent

<figure> <figcaption>Jamal James Kent</figcaption> </figure>

The untimely death of James Kent, the celebrated chef behind the Michelin-starred Saga, Overstory, and Crown Shy, shocked the city. His influence on NYC's culinary landscape will be remembered for years to come.

2. The Endangered Sandwich: A Liverwurst Quest

<figure> <figcaption>Liverwurst sandwich</figcaption> </figure>

Robert Sietsema's exploration of the liverwurst sandwich, a seemingly forgotten classic, sparked a conversation about NYC's food history and nostalgic favorites.

3. The Fall of a Food Hall Giant: Gotham West Market Closes

<figure> <figcaption>Gotham West Market</figcaption> </figure>

After 11 years, Gotham West Market, a once-iconic Hell's Kitchen food hall, announced its closure, signaling a potential shift in the city's food hall landscape.

4. H Mart's Massive Food Court Opens in Long Island City

<figure> <figcaption>H Mart Food Court</figcaption> </figure>

H Mart opened its largest NYC food court yet in Long Island City, generating significant buzz among foodies.

5. Pizza Paradise: Mama's Too and L'Industrie's West Village Showdown

<figure> <figcaption>Pizza from L'Industrie</figcaption> </figure>

The unexpected proximity of two popular pizzerias, Mama's Too and L'Industrie, in the West Village created a pizza lover's dream.

6. Top Chef Controversy: A Recipe for Drama

<figure> <figcaption>Danny Garcia on Top Chef</figcaption> </figure>

Accusations of plagiarism on Top Chef sparked a debate about recipe ownership and intellectual property in the culinary world.

7. Dumpling Delights: Chinatown's Best

<figure> <figcaption>Dumplings from Chinatown</figcaption> </figure>

A ranking of affordable dumplings in Manhattan's Chinatown highlighted the neighborhood's enduring appeal.

8. The Great Red Sauce Debate: NYC's Best Marinara

<figure> <figcaption>Various Red Sauces</figcaption> </figure>

A taste test of bottled red sauces from iconic NYC Italian restaurants ignited a passionate discussion among readers.

9. Lundy's Seafood Returns After Nearly Two Decades

<figure> <figcaption>Oysters at Lundy's</figcaption> </figure>

The reopening of Lundy's, a historic seafood restaurant, after a long hiatus generated considerable anticipation.

10. Din Tai Fung's NYC Debut: A Dumpling Dynasty Arrives

<figure> <figcaption>Dishes from Din Tai Fung</figcaption> </figure>

The opening of Din Tai Fung, known for its world-famous soup dumplings, marked a significant addition to NYC's dining scene.