Eating With Ziggy

Khe-Yo – Steak of the Year and More

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Ziggy

Courtesy of Zagat

Feels weird writing about steak after the horrific events in Paris. But life goes on.

Steak to me is like Family Guy. I enjoy it tremendously, but rarely seek it. I grill it at home, I order it when I feel like it, but rarely crave and go out of my way for it. Steakhouses in general are not part of my regular diet, and the vast majority of my steak intakes come from non-traditional steakhouses and elsewhere (Italian, French, American). But then, about once a year, I get to taste something like this, which makes me question my diet and our overall existence. I’m well overdue with this post since this particular piece of meat has been on my radar for a few years now. And for the same reason I dont record new Family Guy episodes, I’ve never actually made it to American Cut to have it. But I thought this was a post about Khe-Yo Ziggy. Liar!

American Cut is Marc Forgione’s steakhouse in Tribeca. Khe-Yo is its exotic, wild half sister. She sleeps naked, whistles at construction workers, and doesn’t come to company meetings on time. Khe-Yo is a collaboration of Forgione, another dude, and Laos born Soulayphet Schwader offering Laos inspired dishes (Essentially Thai on Crack). I’ve been to Khe-Yo before including four days after it opened in 2013, but this time I figured I’ll bring Mrs Ziggy for her first Khe-Yo experiences. However, things didn’t quite go as planned. They were better.

Before the waitress had a chance to tell us about today’s specials, I already knew that we were having the steak special. That’s because my sharp steak radar was able to pick up these words from the table nearby “Pastrami, rubbed, rib eye, hmmmm, yes, so good”. It sounded like what you normally hear at the other end of a sex line (I was told). The Ribe eye, rubbed with pastrami seasoning is after all, the Amarican Cut classic I keep hearing about. And it was as magnificent as I imagined. Expertly cooked, good size steak, that’s easily shareable between two ($56). The meat cant get much more tender for a rib eye, with perfectly rendered fat. The peppery pastrami crust is nicely charred and buttery. Its the perfect steak!

If you want a great steak you should probably go to American Cut. If you wan to experience the bold flavors of Laos, dont mind to get your hands dirty (or dont mind having your spouse feed you in public), and can handle some heat, than I highly recommend Khe-Yo. They start you off with a bang, the complimentary sticky rice with fiery “Bang Bang” sauce (lime, chili, fish sauce) that sets the tone for things to come. You eat that and much of the rest with your fingers. The smell for the next 10 hours is complimentary as well. Try the complex Jurgielewicz Duck Salad, the quail, and the crunchy coconut rice balls with sausages. I wish they would provide more sausages with that rice. And finish off with the apple crumb with pineapple and rum raisin ice cream. The whole meal is like Havah Nagila in your mouth!

Khe-Yo
157 Duane St
$$$
Recommended Dishes: Jurgielewicz Duck Salad, quail, coconut rice, Rib Eye (if you lucky)

Categories: New York City, TriBeCa | Tags: food, Khe-Yo, Khe-Yo NYC, Laos NYC, restaurants, Travel | 1 Comment

Top 10 Things We Ate in California

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Ziggy

Carne Cruda at Perbacco (SF). If you close your eyes while eating this magnificence, you may find yourself chasing chickens on the hills of Serralunga d’alba, while a little Barolo tipsy. Once you open your eyes, you are eating this delicate hand chopped raw beauty aided by hazelnuts and quail egg at Perbacco. This is one of San Francisco’s elite Italian specializing in dishes from the severely underrated region of Piedmont.

French Toast at NOPA (SF). I’ve had a lot of French Toasts in my young adult life, and got the kilos to prove it. While this French Toast doesn’t look very different than the rest of them, it couldn’t be more different. A lot of work involved to reach such richness levels, and it only comes in one size, extra large, so great for sharing. And while you at it, do try the great burger, before checking out SF’s version of the Painted Ladies nearby

Carnitas Tacos at La Taqueria (SF) – Yes, the Carne Asada Burrito griddled El Dorado style was heavenly alright, but those Carnitas just blew me away. Heaps of juicy porky goodness topped with pico de gallo produce pure awesomeness on every morsel. At this busy Mission legend, off hours means only a 20 minute wait

Culotte at Cockscomb (SF) – Yes, I still have a job, which means “Cockscomb” can be safely Googled. Its actually the comb of a rooster, and also a name of a flower. But in SF, its a name of a hidden gem in the SOMA neighborhood. Their Bacon Chop is sort of of a revelation, and the beef heart tartare is as good as it gets. But it was the perfectly cooked Sirloin cap (Culotte) that left that special lasting impression. To make a Culotte this tender, requires talent, and all signs point to no shortage of it here.

Burrito Mojado at Los Agaves (Santa Barbara) – Who knew Santa Barbara was such a Mexican mecca. You certainly wouldnt know while watching all those soap operas in the late 80’s (remember?). Guadalajaran specialties throughout the menu with this grande wet burrito at the helm. Grande often means dry, lacking flavor, but not the case here.

Mussels at Montrio Bistro (Monterey) – Since the meal at Montrio we’ve had Mussels on three different occasions, and all three resulted in disappointment, anger, and even expletives on one occasion. PMD (Post Mussels Depression) is apparently a real thing. Something one can get after experiencing Mussels from Penn Cove in Whidbey Island, Washington that can put Prince Edward Island Mussels to shame. Cooked and served with a mild red curry broth, these were some of the fullest, sweetest mussels I ever had

Rotisserie Chicken at El Huarique (LA) – A pleasant surprise in the middle of Venice Beach boardwalk was this hole in the wall producing some of the best Peruvian in recent memory (recent memory is 10 days give or take these days). Unlike the plethora of touristy eats outside, there’s zero atmosphere here, unless you have a wall fetish. The menu includes a nice Lomo Saltado, Chinese like beef and veggie stir fry, ceviche, and this perfectly spiced chicken.

Hummus With Mushrooms at Itzik Hagadol (LA) – “Big Isaac” came up as Donald Trump would say, “Huuuuuuuge”. This Encino gem dishes out all the Israeli classics in a sprawling space that allows you to bring the entire Mishpucha without notice. WITHOUT NOTICE! The hummus had that perfectly creamy texture and flavor you can only find in select places. And those shrooms elevated this thang even further. And while you at it, try the Moldovan Mititei, beautifully spiced kebabs made from mixed ground meat. Some of the bulkiest, juiciest Mititei I’ve had in ~~recent~~ memory

Fried Chicken at Big Sur Bakery (Big Sur) – I know fried chicken. I mastered in fried chicken (minored in couscous). This was good fried chicken. And the pizzas, especially with egg, not too shabby at this perfect stop on your stop-go-stop-go-stop-lose-your-glasses Route 1 day

“Toast and Jam” ice cream at Humphry Slocombe (SF) – We fell in deep lasting mad love with this ice cream shop in the Ferry Building. The ice cream has all the textures and sharp flavors of a top notch Gelato (technicalities!). While their top seller “Secret Breakfast” was brilliant indeed the “Toast and Jam” was even brillianter (Is that a word? I think so). Dying wish type stuff.

Strawberry Ice Pop at Yosemite National Park – Nothing particular noteworthy at this stand by the entrance to the mist trail. Though having it at the end of the hike to the top of the falls on your way back can be as satisfying as any of the items above. Like a gift from the gods.

Categories: California | Tags: Big Sur Bakery, California, Cockscomb, El Huarique LA, Humphry Slocombe, Itzik Hagadol Encino, La Taqueria, Los Agaves Santa Barbara, Montrio Bistro, NOPA, Perbacco, Travel | Leave a comment

Capizzi – Fughetaboutit!

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Ziggy

Staten Island readers (both of them) can now rejoice. Capizzi of Staten Island is now a reality, and what delicious reality it is. Same great pizza, same friendly smiles, same napkins, even the same antique fridge as Capizzi in Hell’s Kitchen. This is the old La Bella location on Hylan Blvd near Armstrong. And if you still have not visited the HK branch, what are you waiting for. The not your average Pepperoni alone is reason enough to come

Eating With Ziggy

I figured the best way to express myself this time around would be by sharing the latest clinical results from my team of doctors. The monthly report is normally 38-50 pages long but here I will just share the “thoughts” pie chart on page 17. The chart varies from month to month but the big players are more or less constant. And since my Islanders were ousted last night, I expect Hockey to be replaced by sex, pasta or a combination of sorts very soon. But as you can see, I do think about pizza often. I recently had to impose a limit on my pizza intakes and now I’m down to just twice a month. So when I have a bad one on occasion, I do get cranky a little. I need to make it count.

And so to make it count I either go to Don Antonio or Capizzi these days. Sure a slice…

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Categories: New York City | Leave a comment

Mocu-Mocu – Sister Act

Posted on November 7, 2015 by Ziggy

Watching Mocu-Mocu grow is like watching a child grow. I wasnt there during inception, but I watched the development for the next 9 months, and the rapid changes after birth. Its only been 5 months, but before you know it, you are standing there swooping three different bra sizes into that laundry basket. I watched them build a modern, casual, artsy Japanese eatery specializing in… stuff (more on that). I watched them move from front window ordering to a comfortable sit down surrounded by smiles. I watched them build the constantly changing menu that includes a la carte, sets, pictures, and more sets that mimic Japanese traditions. Its a work in progress, but a fun and most interesting one to follow.

Mocu Mocu, a dream come true for two Japanese sisters, sits in a rather odd location in Hell’s Kitchen (10th/51st). Unlike Tex-Mex El Original which opened around the same time one block over, Mocu employs no PR firms, and didnt spend any time on any hot lists. Scorecard so far: One visit to El Original, four to Mocu Mocu. El Original, the name, is actually a better fit for Mocu Mocu since there’s nothing like it in the area and perhaps in the entire city. A true original

So what’s the specialty here? Well, some may say things that end with “yaki”. Takoyaki, doughy octopus balls, come topped with a posse of dancing bonito flakes. Okonomiyaki, tasty veggie filled savory pancakes are used almost like sandwiches hugging chicken, pork belly or coconut shrimp. The chicken Okonomiyaki is in danger of becoming my regular. Then there’s the larger and messier Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki that comes with a dollop of cabbage and fried noodles. And while consuming all these Yakis, you get brainwashed via the videos in the front into ordering perhaps the tastiest yaki of all, the Obanyaki. A gorgeous, not too sweet, dessert pastry filled with various “half and half” combinations. The one I tasted, titled Matcha de Bosco (should come with its own Reggaeton soundtrack) was filled with Matcha Cream and Mixed Berries.

There are six sets on the current menu featuring various combinations, and in true Japanese traditions (I’m told) all the items arrive at the same time. Along with your favorite “yaki” it may include seasonal Oshinko (pickled veggies, normally cabbage), salads, and unique soups like Chilled Edamame Vichyssoise with dried Edamame which I havent tried yet. Though I did have and enjoyed the minestrone like white bean and Sausage Miso. This most unusual miso is a product of Hiroko Shimbo, an acclaimed cookbook author that served as Mocu’s consultant. And if none of this works for you, there are always wings. Quite satisfying ones actually

In this corner of Hell’s Kitchen where tourists and high-heeled office workers are at the minimum, you either need to offer something cheap for the children walking from school or interesting one-off flavors that arent easily found anywhere. Totto Ramen around the corner is a good example. While there’s nothing unique about Ramen in NYC these days, there’s nothing like it in the immediate area. Mocu Mocu takes it even further as there may not be anything like it in the entire city. Go!

Mocu-Mocu
746 10th Ave
$$
Recommended Dishes: Soups, wings, and everything that ends with Yaki

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: food, Japanese restaurants nyc, Mocu Mocu, restaurants, Travel | Leave a comment

Village Halloween Parade Confirms it

Posted on November 3, 2015 by Ziggy

We are doomed. Doomed I tell ya. A disturbing trend I noticed as of late is the amount of women walking around looking at their cell phones. Its not so much a male thing, and not so new, but its getting worse and worse. They cross the street while texting, use it in restaurants, friends, family included. But this was the most bizarre. Perhaps the most fun parade in NY, saw so many parade participants staring at the phones instead of the crowd. There were plenty of fun ones that acted their costume, don’t get me wrong, but those fixed to their phones were as noticeable. Its only the most unboring thing one can do anywhere.

Anyway, it was still a blast. Here are some pictures from the parade. Oh, note to future self. Don’t have a full meal before the parade. Reserve a spot along the route at around 6 instead. And hope you have more hair and better looking, tho I cant see how both can be possible…

Categories: New York City | Tags: Travel, travel+photography, Village Halloween Parade | 2 Comments

Le Philosophe

Posted on November 1, 2015 by Ziggy

Ziggat 50 Preview…

Eating With Ziggy

November 1st, 2015 Update: Despite the mediocre mussels this time, still loving Le Philosophe. Over the past few years it transformed into a fine neighborhood bistro. The classics are still on the menu, but the numerous nightly specials must get some attention. The Lobster Thermidor puts all other overly rich Thermidors we’ve had in the Caribbean over the years to shame. The Tournedos Rossini is still a nice ode to the classic, and so are the frog legs with Hen of the Woods (aka Maitake) Mushrooms. The mussels this time did not have the “Balls” of the old ones. Hope they didnt change suppliers. But those Profiteroles, even if you are remotely into Profiteroles, you must get them. Earlier this year, a new half sister called L’Antagoniste was born in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn. Hoping to get there one day, but considering the location its a tough sell.

May 27, 2013 Post:

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Jun-Men Ramen – Come for Nails, Stay for Italian

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Ziggy

Photo by Jun-Men Ramen

March 29, 2019 Update:

I cringe sometimes when I read things I wrote over 3 years ago. I had to take an entire paragraph about Cialis, yes Cialis, from this post because its not very relevant or funny today. But here it is.. an oldie but.. Ok, just an oldie. Z-List staple Jun-Men is clicking on all cylinders, and established itself as one of the most important Chelsea neighborhood hangouts. Well, you cant hang out for too long as the place is very small and waits can stretch to the corner. But this is the only place I know where you add yourself to the list on the ipad in the front, where you can see exactly how many are ahead of you. A good spot to go before Hudson Yards if you want to eat “local”

The Ramen here settled down to a silky smooth broth, losing, in a good way, some of that heaviness felt sometimes here. The Spicy Miso is the way to go on a cooler day. The signature Uni Mushroom “Mazemen” (brothless ramen) is still the same feel good creamy pasta goodness I crave every time I’m here, even though it includes truffle oil. Fake truffle flavoring rarely works but it does no harm here. The wings I noticed later in the afternoon can get a bit greasier but that soy makes up for it big time. And on a recent visit I was impressed by the elaborated quinoa based poke bowl (below). What happened? I simply woke up that day realizing I ate nothing but pizza, pastas, and burgers for 5 days.

Jun-men Ramen poke

October 28th, 2015 Post:

The historic Ramen attack of the 21st century has been in full swing for a while now in Hell’s Kitchen, lower Manhattan, Queens, and parts of Brooklyn. And it has now infiltrated the belly, the pork belly of NYC if you will, Chelsea. This is a fierce, no prisoners, noodle assault on a city already overrun. Even those who dont specialize in Ramen succumb eventually and add it to the name (Puff Cha Ramen specializes in Thai curry Puffs, started as just Puff Cha. Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen specializes in steamed buns). Its just a matter of time until this site is changed to Eating Ramen With Ziggy to boost more eye balls. EWZ ~~interns~~ researchers report the Staten Island is the only place in NYC where 9 out 10 residents react with a “You mean like.. instant?” when asked for local Ramen advice. The 10th will go “fughetaboutit” and direct you to his favorite eyetalian.

Outside Jun-Men looks like a swanky nail spa, especially when someone sits by the door facing the right bar/reception. Inside however, Jun-Men looks like a swanky nail spa with an open kitchen. Plenty of Instagram friendly natural light, communal table in the middle provide nice space for you and your phone, and then there’s counter seating facing a small army of pork belly torcherers. Drinks, apps, four Ramen items (one not really ramen, but more on that later), and two desserts are all listed on one idiot proof page. Considering the place is new, the kitchen seems to run things smoothly. On our last visit, the main (Ramen) came a few minutes after the half finished appetizer, and we were given the boot (check) before we were asked if we want dessert or anything else. But those are minor quibbles that will be corrected, if not soon, as soon as the first angry Yelpers mention it.

In this Ramen infested city, blogging about ramen is no longer considered sexy. While there’s definitely some fine Ramen at Jun-Men, the sexiness lies in the other dishes, one of which is pasta disguised as Ramen. The Uni Mushroom Mazemen may be considered dry even for Mazemen standards. Its a well crafted Pasta with mushrooms, salty pancetta, Porcini butter and truffle oil. The lower quality uni is just there for Instagram. I would order it with or without the uni. The tasty Kimchi Ramen featured unramen like juicy bits of pork shoulder, along with a solid broth. On the other hand, the Pork Bone on the last visit wasnt nearly as good. A bit too rich, too funky, too fatty chashu for my taste. The fried rice even with the too sweet Chinese sausage was one of the best fried rice in recent memory (7 days give or take), and priced very well considering the the crazy fried rice prices out there. The good looking wings will be next on the agenda, and maybe even some Matcha flavored cheesecake. Go!

Jun-Men Ramen
249 Ninth Ave (25/26), Chelsea
Rating: 2 Z’s (out of 4)
Stars range from Good to Exceptional. Simple as that
Recommended Dishes: Fried Rice, wings, Uni Mushroom, Kimchi Ramen, Spicy Miso, Poke Bowl

Borrowed from Jun-Men Ramen

Categories: Chelsea, New York City | Tags: Best Ramen in NYC, food, Jun-Men Ramen, Ramen Chelsea, Travel | 1 Comment

Lazy Post – Random San Francisco

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Ziggy

Categories: California | Tags: San Francisco, Travel, travel+photography | Leave a comment

Food-pourri

Posted on October 24, 2015 by Ziggy

Reviver Mahi

Random EWZ food news, announcements, and other nonsense

Ziggy gains weight! This means two health plays entering the Hell’s Kitchen Survival Guide. Fairly newish Reviver is a small take-out fast food spot on 8th ave with a varied health, gluten-free conscious menu. And Mooncake Foods, a chainlet with three locations offering various Asian inspired meals like tuna, salmon over rice, and some excellent soups I’ve been enjoying the last few years. Perhaps I should finally join… what’s that thing called… Googling… a Gym (stop laughing family, friends). The closest thing to a gym in my life was when Mrs Z brought me the wrong deodorant one day, just so I could come home from work a little stinky, or manly, as if I’m coming from the gym.

Mark the date. The Ziggat 50 is coming, December 9th! The Ziggat 50 (will be changed to the Ziggy 50 once I get sued) will feature Ziggy’s favorite $10-100 meals in NYC. This means it will feature places that are generally less than $100 per person (no Marea, Ko, etc), and more than $10 person (no pizza slices, cheap tacos, etc). A list for the rest of us 99%.

Capizzi Pizza

Staten Island Pizza – I’ve always said that the only reason to cross bridges to Staten Island is for Sri-Lankan. Well, I’ve been saying that for years while secretly enjoying some amazing pizza in SI as of late. Joe & Pats, Giove, Nonna’s, Lee’s Tavern, the inventor of the bar pizza, and of course the classic, always busy Denino’s. Check out this recently produced One Minute Meal on Denino’s. And in a couple of weeks there will be another big name joining the gamg, Capizzi of Hell’s Kitchen. Owner Joe is no stranger to Staten Island. He’s converting his old classic NY-American La Bella on Hylan blvd, promising to dish out pizzas just like in Ziggy fave Capizzi.

Bruno Pizza – one of my favorite new restaurants of the year is getting a lot of attention as of late. Pete Wells gave it zero stars in his somewhat bizarre, disgruntled yelp style review. The attack on hype machines along with other things has instigated heated discussions on Chowhound, and hype praising articles. Try it yourself, order what I recommend, and judge for yourself.

Hell’s Kitchen Food Tour is closed for the season, and maybe for good. I’ve met so many great people during the last few years, some of whom are now friends. On a recent tour with a photographer I brought my big boy camera as well for an upcoming blog post detailing the entire tour. Stay tuned for that one. I haven’t made up my mind if this is something I want to continue doing next year

Peace and Love

Ziggy

Bruno Pizza fluke

Categories: New York City | Tags: Bruno Pizza, food, Hell's Kitchen Food Tour, Mooncake Foods, Reviver, Travel | 4 Comments

Eating in Salzburg

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Ziggy

Salzburg did not leave a mark in my imaginary culinary little black book. I dont exactly have wet dreams about it’s Salzburger Nockerl. You wont hear me say things like “oh I would die for another Schweinhaxen just about now. And with some consideration to where I live, I’m not going to miss its ethnic, seafood, fine dining scene either. But in a way, that is what makes this post so important. While there was nothing particularly spectacular about the food, in a city not renowned for its culinary ingenuity, we managed to eat fairly well. Hooray to research? Possibly. As always, I did spend a significant amount of time researching, especially considering we had four days to fill. And considering the spectacular day trips one can make from this base, four days is the minimum one should consider

We started off the bat with a foxy one, Alter Fuchs, one letter away from losing its Google friendliness. The soups here in particular were satisfying. A solid veal schnitzel, and something we haven’t seen much during the trip, spatzle, which came with pork cubes and gravy. When in Salzburg… you gotta have the great looking Salzburger Nockerl, but the higher sweetness levels proved a little too much for our palates. Contrary to what its website said this fox is open on Sunday, a rarity in Salzburg.

After a long day trip, like in the scenic Salzkammergut region, Die Weisse and its sprawling garden is the perfect retreat. The place is somewhat secluded in a residential area away from those pesky tourists. Full menu featuring a cheesy Kaspressknodelslsuppe (beef broth soup with cheesy dumpling), a brighter more acidic than usual goulash, and other classics like the Teleschpitz with an oniony gravy. Innviertler dumplings were interesting and flavorful. The place was packed with locals, enjoying good food, and one of the better beers of the trip (their own). It seemed like we were the only pesky ones there

If Salzburg is in the middle or end of your meat heavy itinerary, chances are you are ready for a change at this point. And by change I mean Korean. Koreasküche HIBISKUS in the Mozarteum is an odd location for the town’s lone Korean. The apps here were a little weak, but the rest of the offerings featured plenty of those Korean bold flavors. Bibimbap was one little egg shy from completion (ask for egg). Chicken with curry sauce was all too familiar in a good way. Fried tofu came with exceptionally tasty veggies. The winner was the spiciest dish in the form of porky goodness sautéed with fire. Mozart would be proud, and confused.

At Stadtkrug hotel we enjoyed some farm to Ziggy flair and one of the more memorable meals in Salzburg. Italian owner (my favorite kind) Luciano walks around treating everyone like long lost relatives. The bulky sweet white asparagus was something I couldn’t get enough of during the entire trip. An outstanding Beef Stroganoff with a side of yet another rare spatzle. And a fine entrecote with flavors meant to forgive and forget its slight overcookness. Another one of very few open on Sundays

The friendly smiles in one Michelin Esszimmer will win you over, if the food doestnt do that first. Four seafood and vegetable heavy fixed menus to choose from, may frustrate those looking for them online. I already blogged about this one here

At Pescheria Backi we were transported to a Key West fisherman’s shack. A family affair dishing out fresh seafood of all kinds right in the middle of Salzburg. Other than the squid that could have used a little less salt, very good seafood all around. For an appetizer you can ask them to make you a plate of various seafood salads and spreads, but verify the price first, and consider getting for one or two less people (if you are a group of 4, get for three, etc). Popular with locals

Highlights outside of Salzburg: Sausage stand at Bad Ischl (Esplanade/Wirerstrasse corner by the bridge) gave me some serious sausage envy! It was just pure juicy, spicy awesomeness. Gaststätte Echostüberl on Konigssee was another highlight which I mentioned briefly here. Beautiful setting, great fish and meat dishes.

Buon Appetito friends!

Categories: Austria/Czech Republic | Tags: Alter Fuchs, Austria, Best food in Salzburg, Die Weisse, Esszimmer, Gaststätte Echostüberl, Koreasküche HIBISKUS, Pescheria Backi, Salzburg, Stadtkrug | Leave a comment

The places