Author Archives: Ziggy

A Weekend of Firsts: Mogador & Cookshop

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Ziggy

Cookshop

We visited two old timer, neighborhood spots for the very first time this weekend, and here’s what happened.

Cafe Mogador (Williamsburg)

Considering the amount of places we visit, it almost feels embarrassing that we never made it to this popular Tagine mecca in East Village or Williamsburg. Only the couscous gods can explain why it took me so many years, especially considering a well made Tagine is one of my favorite things to eat on this planet. With that said, now that I’ve finally done it, and made to the schlep to the Burg, I feel like the couscous gods need more explaining to do.

Once inside, its no mistaken that you are in a bustling neighborhood spot in the heart of Williamsburg. Arm Tattooed hipsters hovering all over, along with arm tattooed hipsters holding arm tattooed babies. You can tell that these are the coolest babies in the world. The ones that go to sleep before us. The quoted 20-30 turned into a closer to an hour, though we didnt mind as the bar was roomy and the drinks were good. Good Dark and Stormy.

Started with a nice Mixed Platter consisting of an Eggplant & Tahini concoction, an “I cant believe this is not Israeli” Arabic salad, and a surprisingly decent Hummus. In places like this, the hummus usually lacking the creaminess, and texture that I like. We also shared a tender tandoor marinated chicken, and a delicious grilled Halloumi cheese. Unfortunately, and quite shockingly, the fun essentially stopped here. The famous Tagine, with the choice of apricot & prune was fall off the bone tender and juicy alright, though somewhat one-note and sweeter than should be. Yes, apricot and prunes are sweet, I get it. But where are those bold Moroccan spices, the Taginess you bump into from time to time like at Bar Bolonat. The great Mogador Tagine is widely known for the best Tagine in town (Google it). This was more like a second place potluck dinner party with friends winner. The same, albeit, slightly lesser degree can be said about the Couscous dishes which are almost similar to the couscous you get with the Tagine. I would consider introducing those pearl like bubbly Israeli couscous instead to go a long with the Tagine. 133 Wythe Ave (7/8)

Cookshop (Chelsea)

Yes, I know, I know. I’ve never been to Cookshop. Like Cafe Mogador, this is another super popular neighborhood spot, and yeah, I do have some serious hood envy. But just like with Mogador, I never felt that this is a destination place. Cookshop is long considered as one of our premier Brunch spots, and now I see why. 40 minutes wait on a Sunday morning, even though the place is kind of huge. Its so big that the staff, when leaving and entering the kitchen area, is instructed to direct people to the vacant airplane like bathrooms that are in the same vicinity, but not directly next to each other. A couple of them are essentially in the kitchen. They can easily hire a bathroom attendant whose job would be to direct traffic while wearing aviation ground headset (its really loud in there) and sticks.

We had some major cooking plans that night courtesy of the Chelsea Market nearby but we did get enough of a taste here. We started with the Beignets, filled with Di Palo’s fresh ricotta that blended nicely with the dough. Beignets that NOLA experts may appreciate, though I cant say the same thing about the Bloody Mary. The kids opted for burgers. The older opted for a fried egg with hers, which had me shed a little tear. This is the most important milestone since she tried squid ink pasta in Venice. The burgers were nicely cooked, though the fries were salty to the point of uneatable. 100 kuddos points for removing the Beignets from the bill after mentioning this to the waitress.

The Baked French Toast here requires more attention than it gets. It comes with poached blood oranges, and a lovely, cinnamony cream with almonds. The nutty bread is just rich and sweet enough. Some of the best French Toasts we’ve had in NYC. The Roasted Broccoli & Cheddar Scrambled eggs, with caramelized onions and a fantastic supersized buttermilk biscuit was another solid dish, if not a tad too salty as well. We enjoyed Cookshop overall. In a way it reminds me of one of those SF Farm-to-Hipsters spots like NOPA, albeit not quite as good. 156 10th Ave (19/20)

Categories: Brooklyn, Chelsea, New York City | Tags: Brunch NYC, Cafe Mogador, Cookshop, Cookshop NYC, food, restaurants, Travel | 1 Comment

Taboon – Magic Oven

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Ziggy

Taboon Update…

Eating With Ziggy

Courtesy of Taboon

March 3, 2016 Update:

Taboon is better than ever. Our first visit since Efi Nahon came back to where it all started resulted in the best Taboon meal ever. After leaving his marks at Barbounia and more recently at Bustan, Efi is back with a vengeance at the place he helped built back in 2004. He got a Sicilian type offer he couldnt refuse. There he was at the kitchen, doing his thing while us and another couple waited patiently for our table. Best time I ever did! Since I had the opportunity to talk to the man next to the blazing, beautiful Taboon oven, like two ~~lovers~~ people near a fire place. Well, I’m sure he didn’t quite take it like that, and I already had a few drinks by then. Ok, just one.

You can tell just by looking at the menu that its no longer the same old Taboon, even though…

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Categories: New York City | 1 Comment

5 Destination Sandwiches

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Ziggy

A post about Sandwiches! How exciting! John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich (Kent county, England) must be rolling (the dice) in his grave. After all, he was the one that asked his servants to bring him something, perhaps meat, between two pieces of bread, so he could hold in one hand and not interrupt his gambling. After a while, town residents started flocking to the same shop asking for “give me same as Sandwich”. Yes, the sandwich was invented by someone who thought eating was a waste of time. Granted, 250 years before the invention of the Fuku.

Sandwiches in general rarely excite. They can be good or decent, but rarely you get that ‘Ratatouille Moment’ that makes you forget where you are and maybe even wet yourself a little. Well, bring your diapers to this journey, as we are about to change all that. I’m talking about a thrill, as in reaching for something in your bag and finding half a cookie you were saving for your spouse but forget to give her kind of thrill. Looking at “Best of” lists out there, I see an army of sandwiches that frankly dont sound very interesting (chicken parm, Italian, BLT). Sure they can be satisfying, but I wouldnt go out of my way for a nicely crafted club sandwich. These 5 on the other hand, are worthy of a subway ride across town, and dont appear on many lists for various reasons.

Roberto Tuesday at City Sandwich – This Hell’s Kitchen Sandwich Award post looks extremely odd without the mention of only the best sandwich in the area. Most likely I havent discovered it in time. Slow roasted, delicious pork combined with salty Portuguese Bacon, jalapenos, sauteed onions and fresh spinach. All in that top notch signature Portuguese baguette that makes us go back to City Sandwich even on non-Tuesdays. 649 9th Ave (45/46 Hell’s Kitchen)

Lobster Press at Lobster Press (The Pennsy) – We need another food hall like we need another food hall. Yes it’s officially an expression now that we have as many food halls as pharmacies. But the brand new Pennsy, with only about 6 high end celebrity chef filled hall is quiet different. Marc Forgione’s Lobster Press may not have the biggest line in the room, but his Lobster Press, a Panini like pressed lobster sandwich may be the best sandwich in the neighborhood. More like a lobster salad with plenty of chunky lobster aided by a tangy lobster chili sauce. Try it with cheese or without. 2 Pennsylvania Plaza (Midtown West)

Pop’s Pastrami at Harry and Ida’s – The only sandwich spot on the Z-List says something about this place (My wallet says: slow down pal, I’m no PayPal). Something tells me there are 2 or 3 sandwiches here that could have made this list (my money would go on the pastrami dog, and smoked eel). But I’ve only had this marvelous pastrami sandwich loaded with think, beautifully spiced, juicy slabs of pastrami with buttermilk fermented cucumbers, dill and mustard. An homage to papa Harry’s original. 189 Avenue A (E. 12. Alphabet City)

Porchetta at Porchetta – This is one of those situations where describing the making process may lead a stranded web surfer who came here accidentally to choke on his own vomit. There are various ways of making Porchetta (Porketa) but generally it involves a whole pig, deboned, and stuffed with heart, liver (hungry yet?), and other parts you didn’t know exist. Along with a heavy hand of herbs, and spices, its then rolled, tied up, and slow roasted for hours before slicing for sandwich use. I’ve had it in classier joints that I didn’t enjoy as much, and in Italy. Here, the simple Porchetta in a Ciabatta is the real deal. Although the ciabatta isn’t arriving from Sullivan St Bakery anymore, it’s still holds its own. 110 E 7th (A/1st Est Village

Lobster Roll at Cull & Pistol – There are lobster rolls, and then there are lobster rolls. See the difference? There’s no shortage of lobster rolls around town these days but around 90% of them carry very little value, and wont fill you up. This one will. A hefty amount of mouthwatering, sweet claw meat is stuffed into a toasted bun, served along with excellent skinny fries. I prefer the Connecticut style, here at least, warm with a little bit of Mayo. Yes its $27, but at least you get a complete meal out of it. Chelsea market (Chelsea). Pictured at the top

Bonus Pick:

The Koreano at Fuku – This one is growing on me. A Chick-fil-A inspired David Chang creation. Fried to perfection, habanero marinated, buttermilk coated, and spiced some more thigh meat with cucumbers inside a rather simple potato roll that’s pretty much served as holder. The off menu Koreano adds pickled Daikon to the mix which adds more layers to the flavor profile. 163 1st Avenue (E 10th. East Village)

Categories: New York City | Tags: Best Sandwiches in NYC, City Sandwich, Cull & Pistol, food, Fuku Koreano, Harry and Ida's, Lobster Press, Porchetta, sandwiches, Travel | 3 Comments

Provo: What Where Why

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Ziggy

TCI, Provo lovers. Check out the latest issue of Where When How to read about What to eat, Where to eat it, and Why, by yours truly. Flip to page 118. or type 118 in the box on top. Also check out the wonderful story by my friend Mackenzie Tewksbury about the Taste of TCI tour on page 62. A very cool way of spending three hours on the island.

http://onlineissues.wherewhenhow.com/publication/?l=1&m=11667

Printer friendly direct link to story

http://onlineissues.wherewhenhow.com/display_article.php?id=2400949&id_issue=290949

Categories: Turks and Caicos | Tags: Best dining in Providenciales, food, restaurants, Travel, Turks and Caicos, Turks and Caicos Cuisine, What to eat in Turks and Caicos | Leave a comment

The Hell’s Kitchen Survival Guide

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Ziggy

Major update to the guide. Organized, reworded a lot of stuff, dish mentions, Gotham West and much more. Painful read (for me at least) so save it for a flight or a very long bathroom break

Eating With Ziggy

Updated: February 17th, 2016

“One more block” is what I normally say to tourists who come to NYC to experience one of the best NY attractions (Broadway shows) along with one of the saddest NY attractions (Theater District Dining). One more block and you are in the middle of ethnic galore 9th avenue. To experience eating in NYC, one of the greatest food cities in the world, one should take advantage of one of its greatest strengths, ethnic dining. From amazing Sri Lankan food to fiery Thai. Most visitors don’t realize that you wont find any Theater District Restaurants on any “Best of” lists, but you WILL find some of the following. And if you insist on fine dining, why not go to something like Ma Peche, Lincoln, Marea, Betony or The Nomad which are not in the district but a short cab ride away or a nice stroll on Broadway. You already paid $300 to…

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Categories: New York City | 1 Comment

Emporio- Romancing the Stove

Posted on February 19, 2016 by Ziggy

I love Valentine’s Day. The Vermont Teddy Bear, 1-800 Flowers, Viagra/Cialis commercials are in full swing. Roses of every color sold everywhere. Macy’s perfume girls are out in full force. Restaurants offering heart shaped pizzas, and special Valentines Day menus. I love it because I don’t have to do and see any of this. These days I’m given special instructions, sometimes written, of exactly what’s expected of me. And I execute those instruction in the best possible way I can. “Throw out the garbage”, “Take the dishes out”, “Call your mother”…. stuff like that. I was told it’s called “Communicating”. Another reason V day isnt that special in my household is that it happens to be my youngest’s birthday. In your face Hallmark.

BTW, did anyone else notice that the Vermont Teddy Bear is getting bigger and bigger. This is so bizarre, that it almost looks like an SNL commercial. I cant even begin to imagine the look on her face when I bring one of these home. Who gets to go first out the window. Me or the bear. Most likely bet it’s the bear, with me stuffed inside it. I might as well bring her a small container full of ants hovering around a severed finger. It will result in just about the same reaction.

Back to Emprio. Oh, we havent even started. Emporio does two things well – both of which combine to about 35% of my body mass. Pizza and Pasta. You see me write about places that do pizza well, and places that do pasta well. But very rarely I come across a place that not only does both, but does both well. The “Romancing” also stands for Roman. And while I dont quite see those classic Roman “Cucina Povera” pastas like Carbonara and Cacio e pepe on the current menu, I dont particularly mind. In NYC, they open them, and slowly adjust to the demand and neighborhood. So a Sicilian place today, may not be so Sicilian tomorrow.

But the pizzas at this Aurora group owned were Roman alright. As usual I like to start any pizza relationship with the Madame, Margherita. And here it is a fine rendition, with quality raw materials including fresh Buffalo Mozzarella sitting on that wonderful Roman style super thin crust. Same kind of promise followed with the Emporio Margherita which simply adds Prosciutto di Parma to the basic. The pies, although thin, are not Matsoh like as in Marta’s house, but when the dough is as delicious as this, I’m more than ok with this. The Spicy Sopressata featuring fior di latte mozzarella was a ok. Sopresatta not quite as refined as others (eg. Don Antonio). And it wouldnt be a Roman pizza without a Roman pasta disguised as pizza. Here you got a fine Gricia, with Guanciale, Black pepper, provolone and pockets of fresh ricotta that you smear on other slices. Nicely done.

Pastas may have been specials on this V Day, led by the outragously delicious Gnocchi alla Norcina. Parsley green Gnocchi mixed with Porcini, house made suasage. more fresh ricotta and the kicker… crushed Black truffles. Albeit not exactly like “shaved”, its rare to see pastas with black truffles priced the same as truffle oil. More of that black truffles but not as defined can be found in the terrific Raviolacci. Pierogie like ravioli filled with ceamy burrata and topped with brussel sprouts leaves. The seafood Taglierini, while good, did not posses similar flavor explosions. Perhaps a little more of that Calabrian Chili or something to balance the “one noteness”.

Emporio is one of those names that have been on my radar for a while, but I somehow never found the right opportunity to go. A bustling, fun, casual trattoria in the bustling, fun, casual Nolita. Another marked improvement over the Little Italy spots just a block away. Go!

Emporio
231 Mott St (Nolita)
$$$

Categories: New York City | Tags: Best Italian in Little Italy, Best pizza in Nolita, Emporio, Emporio NYC, food, restaurants, Travel | 3 Comments

American Cut – An American Review

Posted on February 15, 2016 by Ziggy

I had a strong hunch about American Cut. Aided by clues I gathered here and there, there was enough to believe that it is one of the strongest, unsung heroes of the NYC steak scene. When our fine Hungarian Damian Lewis waiter asked us if we’ve been here before, I suppose I should have said yes, to save the usual 5 minute spiel about the menu and its content. I already had your signature steak, and even the chili lobster, even though I’ve never actually set foot at American Cut. But now I’m finally here, and I dont know what took me so long.

Remember when I said “now I’m finally here, and I dont know what took me so long”? Well, I lied! I do know. Living in NYC, and its ever evolving food scene can make you forget about good ole’ boring steakhouses rather quickly. Especially those classic, old fashioned ones, where the waiters are over 60 and the clientele is even older. The same fine dry aged cuts can nowadays be found in [name any Italian, American French, Portuguese, your uncle Bob, you name it restaurant]. Not to mention the many modern steakhouses like the fine, Z-List winner Bowery Meat Company in the East Village. But American Cut feels like a steakhouse like no other. Perhaps the perfect kind for those looking for that classic American steakhouse experience.

At the great risk of sounding like a Yelp review… From the moment we entered until the moment we left, with Hungarian Damian Lewis taking good care of the four of us during, its was pretty flawless. Long time EWZ historians will tell you that its a tough feat, as I always, I mean always find a flaw, or four. It was just about the opposite of our recent experience at the meat experts at Quality Italian in Midtown where the flaws just kept coming and coming like erectile dysfunction commercials. Perhaps a testament to eating in the heart of Midtown vs residential Tribeca. American Cut felt unique. Like old and new New York rolled into one. Comfortable, elegant, fun, theatrical, attentive, unfussy, with a great menu that delivers. Flawless!

Biscuits – I’ve had worst bread that I paid for than this complimentary beauties. Everything Seasoned, extra large biscuits with room temperature (key) buttery veggie cream Cheese. Its the Scarpetta affect (owned by same group) where you in danger of losing yourself and your appetite during the bread course. Save some for the salad

Caesar Salad – Excellent. Prepared table side, old fashioned by your waiter, with eggs and croutons. A fine rendition. And if there was ever a time and place to order the Caesar, it’s here

Octopus – Expertly cooked octopus, with marcona almonds, nutty romesco sauce, and celery for some reason. Solid starter nonetheless

Latkes – This was a side that we elected to have a starter. A very respectable version that would make any Jewish mother proud. That’s perhaps the best compliment I can give to latkes. A “bissel” heavy so be careful

The New York City Cut – The somewhat confusingly named signature dish. Its not a NY Strip, but a 20 oz bone-in rib eye, 30 day dry aged, rubbed with Pastrami spices. The spices aren’t as overwhelming as one might expect. Nor the layer of mustard seeds sitting underneath that just gives it a little more tang. Its a nicely marbled, high quality cut that couldn’t be cooked any more perfect. As I mentioned we already had this at half sister Khe-Yo nearby as a special. It was slightly different (without the mustard seeds) but with similar results. We ordered two of those babies.

Sides – This is where I feel American Cut separates itself from the rest. In addition to the Latkes, you got some very impressive sides here that makes ordering a little difficult. That’s one reason you should order the latkes or something else a starter. Unless we just hit the jackpot with the creamy, bacony “Dry Aged” thin sliced Potatoes, and the banging Brussel Sprouts infused with that spicy Khe-Yo Bang Bang sauce.

Dessert – The Crackerjack ice cream with popcorn ice cream is the undeniable crowd favorite here, but what stole the show for us was the AC Carbomb, chocolate bread pudding with boozy Jameson Butterscotch, bananas, and Guinness Ice Cream. As I said, flawless

American Cut Steakhouse Tribeca
363 Greenwich St
$$$$
Recommended Dishes: All of the above

Categories: New York City, TriBeCa | Tags: American Cut, American Cut TriBeca, Best Steakhouse in NYC, food, restaurants, Steakhouse, Travel | 2 Comments

Seed + Mill + Chelsea Market = Mahane Yehuda

Posted on February 12, 2016 by Ziggy

Ok, not exactly! But inching a little closer. Raise your hand if you get the title.

One of my fondest food trips ever was a two week falafel/hummus/shawarma extravaganza all over Israel about three years ago. And one of the many memorable eats on that trip was the Halvah from the Halvah Kingdom, a long time staple in the famed Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem. Its quite a sight. A grown man wearing a crown standing in the middle of the market, handing out free samples. If there was ever a free sample that works like magic, this was it. The Halvah had a kind of softness and freshness to it that I’ve never had before. And the amount of various flavored Halvah on display was impressive in itself. We bought some for the hotel, and enjoyed it on a daily basis with our Shoko, chocolate milk in a bag (you make a very small hole with your teeth in order for it to last for a while – its that good). I always wondered why we cant get the same type of Halvah here in NYC, and further research pointed to the challenges involved in making it, which doesnt quite coincide with demand.

So you probably heard the shrieks of New Yorker Jews when it was announced that the Chelsea Market will have a new tenant specializing in Halvah and other sesame seed (Seed+Mill, get it?) related goodies. Over a dozen gorgeous Halvas line up Bunny Ranch style waiting for you to pick and taste. Dark Chocolate, Coffee, Nougat, Cinnamon, Pistachios, Cranberry are some of the flavors on display. Nougat gets the edge for me, but I’d urge you to try the others. You can buy them at $6 per quarter pound, to go, or simply eat it right there by the giant windows on the side. Who said there are no seats at Chelsea Market? I did. Many times. But they exist. You can also try the Halvah on their awesomely fresh goat milk ice cream.

Passionate part owner Rachel from Chelsea via Australia knows all about the Mahane Yehuda phenomenon. She tells me the Halvah is made in Israel based on their specifications, and they are looking to expend on the flavors as they go along. They also sell Tehina, and spices created in conjunction with spice guru Lior Lev Sercarz at La Boîte. It’s a modest, somewhat hidden counter for now, but with big plans in store. Its just a matter of time until Rachel gets out to the main hallway, wearing a giant crown.

Seed + Mill (Chelsea Market)

Mahane Yehuda

Categories: Chelsea, New York City | Tags: Best Halvah in NYC, food, Halva, Seed + Mill, Seed + Mill Chelsea Market, Travel | 4 Comments

Hell’s Kitchen – What’s Up?

Posted on February 9, 2016 by Ziggy

Avoid Seamless Like you Avoid Times Square

Posted on February 6, 2016 by Ziggy

Seamless

Choking sign. Thats what I got from business owners when talking about Seamless the last few weeks. I knew things are bad but not to this extreme. Seamless provides a service that is, well, seamless to the consumer. Ordering food delivery has never been easier. With your CC info on file, its pretty much point and click. The hardest part is to move your tuches (with a jewish ch) to open the door. At my company in Hell’s Kitchen, Seamless is the preferred method for lunch. At least it was until I told my coworkers the real story.

Seamless charges anywhere from 10-20% commission for every purchase. The owners I spoke to get charged 16% on average. Getting closer to the 10% zone and seeing your name on top comes with a high price tag. This is a huge chunk of their profit without much to gain in terms of customers. To the business owner, its a middle man, showing up one day out of nowhere to take a hefty cut of the profits. Like a modern day mafia, leaving you no choice, and no additional business.

Why cant they stop using the service? I asked that question over and over. Thats where the choking gesture comes in at some point. Seamless has simply ballooned into something so big that dropping them means losing a big chunk of your business. With the acquisition of Grubhub, Seamless pretty much owns the field, and essentially a monopoly. There are smaller players entering the field like Yelp, and other deliver options like Maple from David Chang but none of these for the time being are disruptive to this behemoth.

The popularity and convenience of Seamless means people order out more and go out less, resulting in even more lesser profits. The brand is so big that its almost fair to classify it a generic trademark, essentially synonymous with food deliveries, as in “Hey Shlomo, wana Seamless it today”. When I sit at a restaurant these days its almost like seating at a Seamless establishment as you are surrounded by Seamless signs and listen to Seamless delivery alerts coming from the system. It makes you feel ancient, not part of the new system, albeit much appreciated by the now overly stressed business.

And as we see over and over again, those same mom and pops simply fold one day and move on. A little rent increase is all it takes these days. Mom and pop move on to Denver, a new Starbucks takes it place. You like that sandwich? You want them to continue making it. Call them directly!

Categories: New York City | Tags: food delivery, Seamless | 7 Comments

Author Archives: Ziggy

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