Posts Tagged With: NYC food

Balaboosta – Vey Zmir What Flavors!

Posted on December 30, 2013 by Ziggy

This is gonna be a goodie and a quickie. Or maybe just a quickie, we’ll see how it goes. I’m just a little busy lately with all sorts of things going on including an invitation to the latest Jean Paul Gaultier collection. Yes, another thing you didnt know about me I suppose but I am a Jewish Fashionista of sorts. When I’m not busy travelling and eating, I am busy checking out the latest fashion trends. Jean Paul (or JP as we friends call him) latest tells me that I need to get a new buyer (wife). She keeps buying me black and I’m starting to suspect that this is her way of calling me fat. But at the same time, JP’s Rabbi Chic collection at the Brooklyn Museum yesterday tells me black is still the new black and my buyer will be kept. For now.

Balaboosta (which loosely translates in Yiddish to “She who will drop the lobster remains on your shoulder during dinner time if you say anything negative about her mother again. Next time will be your head”) is one of those places that’s been on my list for a while. Pretty much ever since seeing owner Einat Admony won Chopped. I’ve been a fan of Taim for a while now, even while enduring the suffering of seeing them misspell S’chug over the years. And of course, after all that, Einat was not there to receive the complaint directly as she had a family function to attend.

As I explained recently to a friend, I dont write posts about bad meals. If I have a bad meal I simply dont write anything (which happened quite a few times this year). Balaboosta is Israeli/middle eastern at its best…

Crispy Cauliflower – With lemon, currants, pine nuts. Sweet, savory and delicious. This is sort of a celebrated dish here, mentioned on forums, various websites, cookbooks. Children books written about it; “Goodnight Balaboosta Cauliflower!”

Hummus “Mortar and Pestle” – tahini, roasted garlic, za’atar pita – We know our hummus and this is damn good hummus. As with Taim pitas, love the use of za’atar. No surprises here, like Brian Boitano announcing he’s gay

Homemade Swiss Chard Spaghetti – With heart of artichoke, ricotta, crispy garlic and walnuts. Simple and delectable. Kids, wife attacked it like its the last day of the Mayan calendar. Leaving almost nothing for Ziggy

Yemenite Pizza – shaved fennel, caramelized onion, feta, arugula. Put this one under “why did I order this category” not a fan of this combination to begin with. Oldest child proclaimed “Interesting”

Braised Short Ribs – sauteed okra, oven dried tomato, spinach, chickpea cake, hawaïj & white wine reduction – Meaty and tender. Chickpea cake’s texture a little off, mushy, but tasted fine

Lamb Kebabs (special) – Excellent. Tasty, herby, like a nice cross between Adana and Indian kebabs. Sitting on top of crisped pita on a bed of eggplant tahini (fancy for babaghanouj)

Moroccan Curry Seafood – seared fish filet , shrimp, scallop, eggplant, baby carrot, kale, bokchoy. Terrific, though not quite sure how its Moroccan or “Curry”. Mild bright sauce, letting the well cooked seafood do the talking. My Balaboosta thought it was too bland but probably due to trying this after the well spiced kebabs. I liked it

I must say the desserts here were exceptional. Banana Bread pudding is NOLA quality! For those who’ve been to New Orleans know what I’m talking about. Knafeh, or as we called it while touring Israel, “The Hairy Baklava” is quite good as well, with rose water ice cream which was a pleasant surprise.

Special thanks the young French waitress helping us out.

Balaboosta

214 Mulberry St

Maialino – When in NYC do as the Romans do

Posted on December 22, 2013 by Ziggy

**** Terrible old post with terrible Iphone pictures replaced by a slightly less terrible post with more terrible Iphone pictures. I didnt take my camera to this one since I wasnt planning to make a post *******

Just the other day I was giving a food tour of Hell’s Kitchen to a young couple from the Philippines, and the subject of this blog came up. I told them something I realized lately, that this is the weirdest blog they will ever encounter as its all about eating in 3 peculiarly different places: NYC, Italy, and Turks And Caicos, a place they were not even familiar with. “Its in the Caribbean” normally follows (Although technically its part of the Atlantic Ocean really). But when my wife is often busy at work with older customers and does not have the time for 20 questions she prefers to just follow with “Turkey” instead. Its not that I had any sort of plan when I started blogging, but now over a year later I find myself trying to please 3 different audiences somehow.

In a strange way Union Square Hospitality’s Maialino in the Gramercy Park Hotel connects all 3 subjects together, at least in my mind. With TCI becoming increasingly Roman, I finally had my first Carbonara there (In Via Veneto). In NYC, I now have all sorts of Roman options including Lupa, and even Eataly where you can get a decent Cacio e pepe. But when I asked on Chowhound recently where do Italians eat in NYC, I was not surprised that the answer is A) a lot of what we call Italian food, and B) Maialino, according to one distinguished Roman and Food Author Maureen Fant.

For me to come back to the same place twice in one year is almost unheard of. But I just had to impress my Aussie friend Tanya and had to play it safe. The only thing I dislike about Maialino is the bar area. Its always packed with beautiful single people. So whenever I have to pass by it quickly to my seat in the back, it always serves as a ~~gruesome~~ reminder that I never had much of a single life. @NickAnderer, any chance you could give me some back door access next time. Anyway, another exceptional meal at one of New York’s exceptional Italian establishments.

Salumi Misti – You can select 3. We’ve chosen Finocchiona, Prosciutto di Parma, and Mortadella. All very good with the Finocchiona (salami with fennel) being my favorite.

Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe – Beautifully simple, simply beautiful. Along with the carbonara perhaps my favorite pasta here. Perfectly creamy, peppery, and addictive. Having it sit there among the other pastas is like visiting the bunny ranch after trying out all the bunnies, and constantly picking you favorite. Sorry you had to read this Tanya, Mrs Ziggy, ~~ex girlfriends~~.

Tortelli – Wow this was good. Little explosive mini pillows stuffed with pork and chicken liver drizzled with tasty balsamic oil and almonds. Poignant, surprising flavor. Not the type of surprise like Brian Boitano announcing he’s gay. Really surprising.

Spaghetti with lobster – Delicious! Not quite as sharp as the Lobster Fra Diavola I just had at my favorite restaurant in the Caribbean, Caicos Cafe led by a San Domenico veteran, but delicious nonetheless.

Oxtail – Roman style, slow cooked with tomato sauce. Tender, falling off the fork, absolutely scrumptious piece of meat you just want to attack. But we couldnt. We were stuffed. Just stared at it thinking how in the world I’m passing on this thing, reminiscing on the great oxtail we had at Cesare al Casaletto. Nick, thanks for correcting my pronunciation of Cesare al Casaletto at the Bonci/Parla event at Paulie Gee’s

In the past we also enjoyed the terrific Carbonara (better than the ones I had in Rome), octopus app with beans, Pappardelle, and a fine Garganelli al Sugo di Coniglio (yum). We skipped dessert this time but enjoyed the bread pudding over the more popular (I think) olive oil cake last time. Check out Maialino boys and girls

Categories: Gramercy, Flatiron, New York City | Tags: food, Maialino, Maialino NYC, NYC dining, NYC food, NYC restaurants, restaurants, Travel | 2 Comments

A Major HKSG Update

Posted on December 3, 2013 by Ziggy

Major facelift to the Hell’s Kitchen Survival Guide folks. Not just a little botox job, I’m talking about a Joan Rivers. Many additions, 1 extraction, and some clarifications (what to eat in Pure and Mercato), and a bunch of breakfast places. A marked improvement over the previous number of breakfast places, zero!

Click here for the full guide

Additions:

Peruvian – Inti. 10th ave is the new 9th ave. Can someone go here please? Anyone? Bueller? Its always empty for some reason and it would be a real shame if it closes. A Pio Pio alumni with a twist. And the twist being ~~empty~~ ceviche. Great looking and tasting Ceviche Mixto (top), Fresh fish chunks, shrimp, octopus and calamari with red onions, cilantro and rocoto hot pepper. Add sweet potatoes for much needed contrast and baby corn and you got yourself a heck of a dish. Or try the always reliable Rotisserie chicken which I’ve had so many times prior to snapping the streak finally

Dominican – Lali. Read this while listening to this. Ready? Lets go. Love this new discovery. Home cooking cant get any more homey than this. Small, Diner-ish, Reggaeton music blasting in the background to help you chew. And the 2 nonnas serving including Lali, well you just want to take one of them home. You get whats available today which will normally include some sort of beef stew, chicken, ribs. Go for the braised chicken if available, or the beef stew, with rice and beans of course.

BBQ – Daisy Mays. After a 5 year hiatus I’ve decided to check it out again to see if its HKSG worthy and looks like it is. Well, barely. Not so much of an endorsement I know but if you are looking for delicious ribs, while its not the best BBQ in town, its satisfying. And as is the case with everything in life, Dry Rub over Wet.

Mexican – Toloache. I realize that there’s a better chance seeing Lindsay Lohan win an Oscar than seeing tourists (without guides) in one of those bodegas I’ve recommended. So another option is needed. Try to sit downstairs (a chili’s atmosphere otherwise). Good tacos (lobster yum!) but on the small side. You can make an argument that its not considered to be in Hells Kitchen, but its close enough.

Korean Fried Chicken – Hell’s Chicken. Or “Hell’s Kitchen” as I read it in my head 100 times while passing by, mumbling “how can another restaurant call itself Hell’s Kitchen” until I finally looked closer and its CHICKEN, not Kitchen. The wings are glossy, meaty and tasty. Try the Garlic Soy. This is a very tentative addition to this list as I’ve only been here once and reports out of Yelp hint on some inconsistency.

Gotham West Market. The most exciting thing to happen to Hell’s Kitchen since Ezra the Falafel Nazi cracked a smile 4.5 years ago. I’ve been here only a couple of times (day 1 and day 2) so much more on this during the next update, but meanwhile here’s a post on what its all about

Farmer’s Markets – Stiles on 52nd is a tiny market with a big heart and Outer Boroughs prices. You also have the 57th st Greenmarket on 57th and 9th open Wednesdays and Saturdays from about mid April to December. What fantastic timing on my part, eh?

Café/Bakery – Bis.Co.Latte. How did I miss this spot the past 10 years. 50 shades of Biscottis baked in the back of this colorful cheerful Café. GREAT daily Risottos, soups like the Tuscan inspired Ribollita, and the Tuscan inspired Tuscan White Bean soup.

Café – Café Ole. Click on the Reggaeton link for this one as well. This hole in the wall has been here for some time now and the place I probably frequent the most. Simple, delicious sandwiches, paninis, soups and my go to place for fresh salads. And then you have Anna the owner who will teach you how to salsa by the time your order is ready.

Café – Rex. The new kid on the block and by kid I mean Rex, the hardest working baker in HK. And only 3 years old! Ok, not really, he’s 4 now! Ok, not really again, his father helps out a little but still. Nice muffins here – Try the Morning Glory.

Bagels – Pick-A-Bagel. Ess got nothing on these guys. This is by far my favorite bagel place in the area, and trust me I’ve looked. A good place to try the walnut raisin spread but I normally go for a simple bagel with butter. Muffins are great in size and taste, and the only place that has Ziggy’s fave banana nut. Its a great concept: You say “Bagel” and they pick one for you. 🙄

Diners. Westside is the classic, Georgio’s Country Grill the not so classic, and Renaissance is somewhere in between. All 3 offer your no frill basic diner fare.

Removing: Uncle Nick’s. Just one too many dry kebabs. Took a group here last time and just cant think of any reasons to keep recommending this

Places tried but didnt like: Nook, Turco twice (seems geared more toward tourists than Ziggys

Click here for the full guide including what to order in Pure, Meske and much more

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: Best food in Hell's kitchen, Bis.Co.Latte nyc, Daisy Mays nyc, food, Hell's Chicken nyc, Hells kitchen, Inti nyc, Lali nyc, NYC food, restaurants, rex nyc, Toloache nyc, Travel | Leave a comment

Eating Without Ziggy – Buddha Bodai, Gluten Free in Chinatown

Posted on November 24, 2013 by Ziggy

More eating adventures from the Hummus Whisperer…

I told you I’m gluten sensitive! Did you or one of your family members ever say that? By now we all know gluten is a more common irritant/allergen than most people think. Some people’s intestines think gluten is evil and cause Montezuma’s revenge or worse. This is awful to know because if you live or visit America finding gluten-free food can be depressing while you sit there watch others eat cakes and cookies. Well, not so fast I say. You can still enjoy yourself worry free in places like Buddha Bodai in Chinatown.

Buddha Bodai is a kosher, vegetarian Chinese restaurant on Mott Street. Come here if you are kosher, vegetarian, gluten-free, or all of the above. If you are neither, you may still like it. This is the only place in Chinatown where you may share a table with a(nother) Chinese grandma, Hasidic Jew, Buddhist monk or a European tourist (An avid EWZ reader). This is the kind of place you slowly fall in love with. Unfortunately, the menu is heavy on the faux meat dishes. I personally never go for the mock meat because its just does not taste the same as the real thing, but I do enjoy veggie dishes here. I ordered $10 worth of various dumplings. There are some nice looking lunch special dishes, not all are gluten-free but still the largest GF selection in Chinatown. There are no carts going down the aisle as you would expect in other places in the neighborhood. There’s a sign upfront that this is a kosher place so that means no outside food or drink. So don’t bring in the pork rinds.

First up, two kind mushroom Congee. Then bamboo pith dumplings and steamed watercress dumplings.

This was my first time ever eating Congee. While the name and texture (similar to oatmeal) are not appealing, the taste is simply delicious. Mushrooms, some veggies and ginger – delicious! A Congee is simply a rice porridge with a different name in every country in Asia. Many Asians, non-Asians, and now hummus whisperers consume Congee during the day. Bamboo pith dumplings – more awesomeness.

Bottom line is, there may be some better tasting options around Chinatown, but if you make it to Buddha Bodai you will not be disappointed and will be happy you ate healthy, gluten-free food.

Buddha Bodai

5 Mott St

Categories: Chinatown, New York City | Tags: Buddha Bodai, Buddha Bodai NYC, Chinatown, food, Gluten Free NYC, NYC food, restaurants, Travel, What to eat in Chinatown | Leave a comment

The Hell’s Kitchen Survival Guide

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Ziggy

Updated: January 29th, 2020

Although the emphasis was on the “Hell” part initially, as in the only place potentially hotter than hell, Hell’s Kitchen today boasts some of the city’s most incredible array of kitchens. It wasnt always the case (hence the title) and there are plenty of naysayers out there that still live in that past. But the neighborhood is rapidly changing, and despite gentrification, 9th avenue and around is a food lover paradise. Its a beautiful mishmash of world cuisine, with Thai, Mexican, Ramen, and Korean dominating these days, pretty much in that order. After working in the area for 20 years, and running food tours during the last four, I’ve written a guide with a map to help you out…

Food Tours of Hell’s Kitchen, East Village and Brooklyn

Best Dishes in Hell’s Kitchen

Best Tacos in Hell’s Kitchen

Top Pre-Theater Options

Food Halls

Gotham West Market – Perhaps the coolest thing ever to open in Hell’s Kitchen. In a city suddenly flooded with all sorts of food halls, this is one of the more intimate, and less visited ones. Main reason being the tourist free zone of 11th and 45th, making it more of a neighborhood stop. Only about 9 high quality vendors, and a bicycle shop. Ramen, Italian, Seafood, pizza, great ice cream and more.

Middle Eastern

Middle Eastern – Gazala’s Place. Fabulous Druze cooking. Some of the best Hummus in town (I’ve spent plenty of time in Israel including the druze village where Gazala Habibi came from). The place is slightly larger a hers and hers closet (in my house at least. I count my blessings to have 2 shelves left for myself). The Bourekas with goat cheese and sun dried tomato is always solid.

Gourmet Middle Eastern – Taboon. One of the most successful, long running hidden gems in the area. A fine “Middleterranean” menu created by Israeli chef Efi Nahon. Try any of their bread specialties baked in their Taboon oven, and the Silan (below), one of my favorites desserts in the city. Taboon Silan

Doner Kebab/Turkish – Turco. This is perhaps the closest thing we have to the Berlin style Doner Kebab (Turkish immigrants in Germany made it the most popular fast food snack since the invention of the Speckpfannkuchen and Zwiebelkuchen). The main culprit is that thick, crispy tasty pita bread that holds its own. I slightly prefer the chicken over the lamb but you should try both.

Asian

Momofuku – Bang Bar. Leave it to David Chang to make lines fun, and for a $5 snack no less. Oddly situated in the Columbus Shops at the Warner Center, its worth the short trek for the spicy pork “U”. And for a price of a Halal cart lunch its… I’m saying it… a Bang for your buck. Get it? Because its called Bang.

Sushi – Uogashi. Perhaps the Holy Grail in Sushi deprived Hell’s Kitchen. An East Village import that shuttered in EV after a building fire in 2018. The space housed a different sushi place which explains why it took me 6 months to find it. From the freshness of the fish (Uogashi means fish market) to the quality of the rice, its not only the best in HK today but some of the best Sushi I’ve had in NYC.

Korean – Danji. One of the more reliable old guards, and best Korean in Hell’s Kitchen. Chef Hooni Kim can flat out cook. He travels to Korea multiple times a year to gather inspiration. Best Tofu dish in town. And you will be hard pressed to find better chicken wings and sliders in the area. Michelin people agreed (initially ta least), rewarding it a star soon after opening.Ramen – E.A.K. Cant decide between Chicken or Pork based broth? Why not try a blend of both. Its the first successful infiltration of IEKEI (pronounced EAK) style Ramen in NYC, albeit on tourist heavy restaurant row (46th) for some reason. So far I’ve enjoyed the Oh So Hot with spicy Miso so much that I’m having trouble ordering anything else. Skip the boring $3 extra appetizers they offer for lunch.

Ramen – Totto Ramen. Shoe box setting and potential long waits adds to the charm at the original. Just write your name on the board outside (Not Seymore Butts – already done) and wait. Order the spicy Ramen, add the egg and you are all set. Newer, bigger Totto located a block away 464 West 51st. Less wait if any than the original

Ramen – Ippudo Westside. Perhaps the most exciting HK opening in 2013. One block away from Totto and others making HK a NYC Ramen powerhouse. Just like Totto, this is an experience, but a little different. Its bustling, noisy, energetic, and that’s just the wait inside and out. Clearly my favorite here so far is the Akamaru Modern, but you must add the egg, and for a little more spice the spicy miso paste. Highly recommend this one

Japanese – Blue Ribbon Sushi. Not all chains are created equally. This is far from Applebee’s. And depending on who you ask, and the day of the week, this is not exactly in Hell’s Kitchen but close enough (Yelp thinks that it is). Its located in the SIXTY Hotel on Columbus Circle (on 58th st). Whether you are a sushi lover is irrelevant in this case. Good fried chicken, steaks, and the sick oxtail fried rice alone is worth the price of admission. And other goodies such as the excellent Ika Shoga (sautéed squid), and Kanpachi Usuzukuri (amberjack sushimi) worth detouring.

Thai – Pure Thai Cookhouse. Not your average NYC Thai food among a plethora of all kinds of great Thai on 9th. No drunken noodles, no red curry, no green curry and not even purple curry on the menu. What you do get is something a bit more authentic with all sorts of complex flavors and extra heat. Read the post for what to order. Try the ribs, Pork with curry paste, Ratchaburi crab and pork with dry noodles, and the pumpkin or Mango custard with coconut sticky rice off the board (may not be on the menu)

Pure Thai Ratchaburi

Thai – Taladwat. The new kid on the Thai block is a possibly the most important opening in Hell in the last few years. Thats because its the latest from David Bank and his wife, the owners of Pure Thai Cookhouse, and its three times bigger. The menu focuses on 20 or so small plates covering a wide array of protein. You have the option of getting two for $16 for lunch (a bit more for dinner). So far the Crabmeat Tom Turmeric is the winner

Thai – Pam Real Thai. I was hesitant to add this one for too long, partly due to having two Thai places on the list already. But.. a) Many EWZ readers have already been to Pure and/or Larb Ubol, b) The Oxtail Soup, and c) Just about everything else I’ve had here is pretty darn good. Setting redefines minimalistic, and the place could use some refreshing, but I dont go there for the decor. Try the Pad Kra Prow (w/shrimp), Pad Prik Khing, Khao Soi, best Kee Mao Seafood in the hood, and the Oxtail Soup which is just about my favorite soup on the planet.

Chinese – Gourmet Szechuan 56. By far the best Chinese in the area. Like Pure Thai, Spice level significantly higher. Loving the Shredded Beef w/ Asian Spicy Green Chili especially. Update Jan 30, 2020: Now Rong Cheng House. Still Szechuan(ish) but havent tried the new space

Chinese – Le Sia. Its one of those rare situations where I add a place to the guide before my first visit. I’m well too familiar with Le Sia in East Village and what these guys are capable of. Expect fiery Chinese style crawfish/crab boils, BBQ skewers, and the type of authenticity the neighborhood isnt used to. The most important Chinese opening in Hell’s Kitchen in a long time. Le Sia Crawfish

Chinese/Dumplings – Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen. A little piece of Chinatown on the border of Hell’s Kitchen, steps away from Times Square. Contrary to what the name suggests, this place isnt known for its ramen, but for its soup dumplings. The place is tiny, and at peak hours there could be a line but it moves quickly. Communal tables add to the fun, but try not to squirt that dumpling soup juice on your neighbor. Unless its a Broadway actor

Indian

Indian – Saar Indian Bistro – My little Indian rule of thumb – pay special attention to the latest from Indian master Hemant Mathur (Malai Marke, Chote Nawab and many more). The dude just knows how to cook and how to hire them. He finally opened one in the Kitchen in 2018, making Saar instantly the most important Indian in the area, and very different than the rest. Its a nice bridge between a curry house and gourmet Indian. Try the Chicken kebabs, Cauliflower Latkes, Butter Chicken, and Pepper chicken

Italian

Dell’anima – Italian is the one thing that is lacking in the area even though there are now three of them on this list. That makes this West Village import at Gotham West Market one of the most important openings of 2019. Try the signature Tajarin Carbonara, and the chicken

Italian – Mercato. This is quickly becoming not only my favorite Italian in the area but my favorite restaurant in the area. Truly flavorful, mostly authentic southern Italian (from south Italy, not south Staten Island) dishes like the excellent homemade Trenette (below) with garlic, almonds, tomato and basil. A cozy Trattoria, with an all Italian staff. Check out the simple spaghetti, the meaty gnocchi, Sardinian specialties, and look for any specials like the excellent Cavatelli

Italian – Il Melograno. A lot of mediocre Italian in the area. This is not one of them. No frills, small, cheap(er) Trattoria sitting in a location where its almost impossible to survive unless you are doing something right. Owner from Brescia, no stranger to Northern Italian cooking. Try the Pappardelle with sausage and truffle oil. In the warmer months locals flock to their sidewalk wine bar Il Baretto on 11th.

American

Wine and Cheese bar – Casellula. Great wine and.. you guessed it.. Pork Ass sandwiches. No joke! Small, not the prettiest bar but the food more than makes up for it. Just leave it to them to make you a cheese and meat assortment with some vino and enjoy those asses

Bar/Gastropub – Shorty’s. Calling this a Gastropub may be a stretch, but you do come here for the Philly Cheesesteak. I’ve had it in Philadelphia, and I can assure you that this is the real deal. Same bread (arrives daily from “Le Bus” in Philly and finish baked in house), same steaks, same Whiz, same style, same everything. Owner apparently was part owner of the great Tony Luke’s in Philly. If you never had one, you are in for a messy treat.

Burger – Farm to Burger. Good burger places come and go here. Ans this very hidden gem in the Aliz hotel just came. I’ve only tried one burger here so far and it was good enough to earn the crown. The not as sweet as it sounds Honey Bee might be the best burger in the kitchen.

Farm to Table – The Marshal. One of the most exciting additions to the neighborhood in recent years. They have a relationship with 14 local farms whose ingredients fill much of the seasonal menu. Just about everything they do, they do well. From the terrific french loaf, to the meatloaf and roast chicken, to the ice cream sundae. Ditch the diner and go to this neighborhood spot to experience American cuisine at its finest The Marshal - Meatloaf

Pizza

NY Slice – Sacco. An old timer. No 99 cent slices here (more like $2.50), but a NY slice as good as it gets

Slices – Corner Slice. Gotham West Market now serves delicious airy Sicilian squares by dough wizards backed by Ivan Ramen

Neapolitan Pizza – Don Antonio. Opened by two Naples veterans who know a thing or 3 about pizza. One of them also owns the popular Keste in the village. Try the slightly fried Montanara that no one else does, and my fave Diavola boasting the best sopressata in town.

Pies – Capizzi. A solid alternative to the Don Antonio, John’s craziness and perhaps the closest thing to a pizza parlor you can only find in the outer boroughs. The ingredients speak for themselves, like the bright, fresh tomato sauce and the extra meaty pepperoni and sausages Capizzi

Latin

Empanadas – Empanada Mama. Empanadas are like little patties, and should be on everyone’s area walking tour. Try the spicy chicken, the meaty Brazil, and before you try the Viagra make sure there’s ample space between you and the person in front of you. Hmmm, this sounded much funnier in my head.

Ecuadorian – Nano. This hole in the wall on 10th has some serious “nona” action going for it. Try the homey Caldo de Bola soup which made the Best Soups in HK cut. For lunch you got various deals that include the Seco de Pollo, chicken strips in a mild but pleasant gravy, and Sango de Res, beef in a soup like green plantain sauce, among all kinds of other surprises

Peruvian – Inti. 10th ave is the new 9th ave. Can someone go here please? Anyone? Bueller? Its always empty during lunch for some reason and it would be a real shame if it closes. A Pio Pio alumni with a twist. And the twist being ~~empty~~ ceviche. Great looking and tasting Ceviche Mixto (below), Fresh fish chunks, shrimp, octopus and calamari with red onions, cilantro and rocoto hot pepper. Add sweet potatoes for much needed contrast and the traditional baby corn and you got yourself a winner. Or try the always reliable Rotisserie chicken

Peruvian/Large Groups – Pio Pio. Ok, I give up. Pio Pio is a chain. In fact I think the official name for this one is Pio Pio 8, or something like that. It’s also not the best Peruvian in the area (Inti gets my vote), and it wont win any James Beard or Z-List awards any time soon. But whenever I’m asked the question I loath the most by my employer. A last minute place for a large group that is not only affordable but will make everyone happy, this is the first place that comes to mind. Good drinks, rotisserie chickens, and much more.

Dominican – Lali. Read this while listening to this. Ready? Lets go. Home cooking cant get any more homey than this. Small, Diner-ish, Reggaeton music blasting in the background to help you chew and move, and the two lovely nonnas serving including Mrs Lali herself. You get what’s available today which will normally include some sort of stew, chicken, or ribs. Go for the braised chicken if available, or the beef stew, with rice and beans of course. Breakfast and lunch only.

Mexican – Tulcingo Del Valle. With all the fancy Mexican popping in the area during the last decade, this 20 year old Pueblan still feels like the last of the neighborhood bodegas. No shortcuts, fresh or bust approach is the reason people keep coming back. Its a very full and challenging menu but the tacos, especially best in the hood Al Pastor, are always solid. Veggie Publan specialties like Chile Relleno and Mole Poblano are fantastic, and dont leave without trying the flan.

Mexican – Alan’s Kitchen Mexican Cuisine. This one is a tentative addition as its new and I’ve only been once, but the Carnitas here are Mission-esque (Mission District is a Mexican paradise of sorts in SF). The tacos are so good I hear Los Tacos nearby are changing their name to #2.

Mexican – Tacuba. I realize that there’s a better chance seeing Lindsay Lohan win an Oscar than seeing tourists (without guides) in one of those last remaining bodegas/hole in the walls deeper in the area. This is the latest from Julian Medina of Toloache fame. And everything I’ve tried so far from the octopus sandwich for lunch to the Carnitas for dinner suggests GO!

Misc

Ethiopian – Meske. This is a fun place for groups. Just order a bunch of plates and watch them create the plate of dreams. Use the spongy Injera bread below to scoop up all those goodies. Queen of Sheba practically next door also worth considering Meske

Diners. Westway Diner for a classic NY diner

Bakeries/Cafes/Sandwiches

Sandwiches – City Sandwich. Sorry I have to use that “one of the city’s best” again. From Naples to Lisbon to the huge Portuguese community in Jersey, comes some of the best bread in the area, with some of the most unusual ingredients like blood pudding, sandwiches worthy of a run-on sentence. Just try to study the huge menu ahead of time so you dont feel pressured or confused once there. I like some of the egg sandwiches (egg based sandwiches got its own section) like Bench Girl, and of course the only on Tuesday, porky Roberto

Café/Bakery – Bibble & Sip. One of the new kids on the wrong side of the block. Technically just outside of HK but deliciousness sees no borders! A place where you can unwind and BS all you want (it says so right on their logo). The Earl Grey Banana Bread is quickly gaining neighborhood fame. Add the Earl Grey Panna Cotta (notice a theme?), Matcha Cream puffs, scones, the morning egg sliders and all sorts of rotating daily goodies.

Bakery – Sullivan Street Bakery. Talking about no brainers. Another “One of the best in town” and the source to many top restaurant’s bread baskets like Scarpetta and Maialino. Try some of the bread, the spectacular Canottos (the sweet ones), Bombolonis (donuts on crack), and the chocolate almond croissants. Many love their pizzas but its the other stuff that makes me go there almost weekly these days Sullivan Street Bakery

Cupcakes – Huascar & Co. Bakeshop. Cupcake wars champion and one of the nicest, friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

Pies – Little Pie Company. While everyone is obsessing with cheesecakes, those in the know come here for the insane Sour Cream Apple Walnut Pie.

Fresh From Hell. Quite a few healthy places surprisingly closed the past few years like Mooncake Foods despite being popular. But tiny takeout FFH is a solid new alternative with fine sandwiches featuring Sullivan bread, and the best split pea soup this side of wherever they make the best split pea soup.

Fresh from Hell

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: Best food in Hell's kitchen, food, Hell's Kitchen NYC, Hells kitchen, NYC dining, NYC food, NYC restaurants, restaurants, Travel | 47 Comments

Costata – Fiamma Part Deux

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Ziggy

10 years ago if you were to ask me what are my favorite NY restaurants, I would probably mention Union Square Cafe, Blue Water Grill, Gotham, Gramercy Tavern, and my neighborhood Chili’s (Yes thats right Chili’s. In the burbs those ribs are the best thing you can get). Now, although those places are still alive and kicking, I’ve moved on and havent been since. But one place in particular could have become more of a regular for us if it hadnt closed so prematurely, Michael White’s first restaurant, Fiamma. I don’t recall why they closed it. It only got a Michelin star and perhaps more importantly 3 New York Times stars.

10 years later, the boy is now a man. I’m talking about sir Michael White, not Ziggy (I still on occasion cry during Family Guy). White, is now an owner. An owner of 5 restaurants including Ai Fiori and the amazing Marea. (Seriously have you seen the episode where stewy and Brian are stuck in the bank? That was pure emotion). Michael White’s 5th restaurant is 3 week old Costata at the same space as former Fiamma. Naturally, I couldn’t wait much and the result was a glorious meal of the year, and one of the most memorable meals we’ve had in NYC

Inside right away it felt like being in the old Fiamma. But one of the first things we noticed was the number of employees around us. It felt like a factory. Perhaps they don’t want to take any chances in the first few weeks with all the newspaper critics and (ahem) Ziggys visiting. In fact the main manager came over to us mentioning that she saw me taking pictures outside with my fancy new camera, and at first I though I was in trouble, but she assured me that its more than ok and I can take all the pictures I want. So I got a little carried away taking pictures everywhere including with my new best friend Michael White (we bonded while exchanging Hummus recipes)

Costata is as if Marea, Scarpetta and Minetta Tavern got together and made a beautiful baby boy named Tommy. Like Minetta, its a steakhouse with a twist. The twist being great crudo and pastas.

And we started with that amazing Crudo. The scallops with truffle vinaigrette in particular was a stunner and a dish of the year nominee. Buttery, melt in your mouth goodness, and with that amazing but not overpowering truffle sauce was a thing of beauty. Picture perfect razor clams were great as well. With bits of sopressata (wow) and fennel mixed in with the ceviched clams. Brought us back to the awesome razor clams in Venice a few years back. Great start

Pastas were more than satisfying. The Lumache Carbonara was probably the winner for me. Although the pasta didn’t have that Lumache “snail” shape. Like Orecchiette (shape like baby ear) and other pastas the Italians call it as they see it. Though, I’m not quite sure about their motivation behind the Strozzapreti which means priest stranglers! Did someone envision a pasta shape while watching a poor priest being strangled? The Cavatelli with tender juicy oxtail was another winner. The Old favorite Garganelli Alla Fiamma with light truffle cream, the only remaining dish from Fiamma, was still good but I preferred the others a bit more.

Then came the main event. One of the most flavorful steaks I ever had. A mammoth 44oz $120 Tomahawk Ribeye cooked to perfection. We asked for medium (wife demands) so I was a little worried that they would overcook the beast but it came out perfect medium rare for the most part (or “real” medium in high end dining). Black truffle butter was the choice (extra $3) and sides of fries and asparagus ($10 each) complimented nicely. But the steak, OMG the steak, basted beautifully with a rosemary brush was so addictively delicious that I kept getting lost in the moment forgetting the sides. Its almost a cliché but this is probably the best steak we ever had

Desserts were great as well. Enjoyed the Meringa (another Kodak moment) but the Semifreddo with the Rum Raisin stole the show. Kids loved the chocolate tart.

As expected the service was top notch and very knowledgeable (some veterans from Minetta Tavern and Lincoln) as you would expect in a place like this. Jokingly I offered to pay with my Minetta tavern gift card I got from friends for our 20th anniversary (thanks guys if you reading, and even if you are not). I could have really used a card here as this turned out much pricier than anticipated (just north of $400 with tip, including 2 drinks)

So yes, meal of the year and highly recommend Costata. Now if you excuse me, Family Guy is on. Where are the tissues.

Categories: New York City, SoHo, NoHo, Nolita | Tags: Costata, Costata nyc, food, NYC dining, NYC food, NYC restaurants, restaurants, Travel | 5 Comments

10 Things to Try in Eataly

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Ziggy

Something I don’t do nearly enough is read other food blogs. I wish I had the time to just chillax for a full day and read nothing but food blogs. No wife, no work, no kids, just me, myself and blogs. Not possible. But whenever we are about to travel somewhere I put the blog reading on the next gear, and naturally these days I read Italian food blogs. I noticed that not only I get many ideas on what to eat on our upcoming trip in the summer, but I also get plenty of ideas on how to improve the blog.

For example the excellent Katie Parla blog (which I found last fall while researching New Orleans and got the a great Boucherie reco from her) and Elizabeth Manchilli in Rome (and Florence) have given me something to think about, like that my site ~~sucks~~ does not have enough lists. So I gave you Best Pizza in Hell earlier this month and now I figured I’ll write about Eataly. A place dear to my heart and wallet (my wallet strongly believes in keeping your friends close and enemies closer)10 years ago I used to work right across the street from Eataly where it was a Toy Building. While we were too busy at work ~~checking out the modeling action on 22nd st with our binoculars~~ working, we didn’t have much time to check out the toys back then. But nowadays we go there often. Eataly is busy, hectic, full of Italians for some reason, and very very touristy, but for good reason. You can easily spend an entire day there. Well, I can! During the last few years I spent a lot of time there eating, drinking, shopping and learning elementary Italian cursing like “tuo padre è un pollo” (your father is a chicken) comes in handy. So without further ado, here are 10 things to try while visiting Eataly to make your visit more memorable

Sorry about some of the Iphone photos.

1) Italian Soda. My new obsession. The refreshingly citrusy Cedrata, Gazzosa, the ‘root beer on crack’ Chinoto, the lightly sweetened Gus Sodas. Buy a few and see what you like. All with natural ingredients and some like the Gazzosa feature the famous lemons of Amalfi

2) Maitake Mushrooms at Birreria – Put your name down for the roof garden, and wait for the text. The text is your gateway to some of the most delicious Mushrooms you will ever eat. Perfectly chewy and savory Maitake with Pecorino cheese. One of about 3 or 4 dishes in their mushroom section along with nice Oyster mushrooms and fried shiitakes. Also try the Cotechino sausage and pork shoulder

3) Grande Piatto Misto Di Salumi & Formaggi at La Piazza – Say what? thats right. A nice little assortment of the best cheese and Salumi of the day in the Piazza. Prosciutto, salami, 4 different kinds of cheese, honey, figs and more. Add a glass of one of their fine whites and its like having an aperitivo in Piazza Navona staring at la Fontana dei Fiumi. Except that you are in Eataly, inside a building, staring at a German tourist’s sandals with socks.

4) Asparagus and Egg at Le Verdure. Another example that adding egg to anything will make it better. My favorite from the veggie menu of Le Verdure

5) Cacio e Pepe at La Pasta. “A so a simple and a so good a”. Cheese, black pepper, al dente pasta is apparently all you need to make this Roman classic. Perfection on a plate. So what am I doing wrong?

6) Gnocchi at La Pasta – To compliment your Cacio e pepe. Gnocchi, with 3 hours braised + 3 hour cooked + 3 hour groin massaged, wonderful melt in your mouth lamb shank. Also try the Neapolitan pizza while there

7) Fresh Agnolotti cacio e pepe – This is to buy. Pillowy delicate Agnolotti stuffed with pecorino and black pepper. Don’t overcook. Set the timer to what it says on the box – I believe about 3-4 minutes after returning to boil. Add some freshly shredded cheese and butter and invite me for dinner and Voila! I found that a little more than 1 pound (1.2) feeds a hungry family of 4.

8) Truffle sauces. Walk all the way to the right pass the dry pasta section, and you’ll see this mostly Urbani truffle heaven. It will do wonders to your pasta. Just don’t overdo it – add just one of those little babies and invite me for inspection. You can also visit the Urbani NYC headquarters on 11th in the 50’s (I forget)

9) Pesce Alla Diamantese at IL Pesce – Seared fish of the day cooked with tomato sauce, olives, Calabrian Chiles, fennel and capers. Savory, great flaky texture and absolutely delicious. Well played Mario.

10) Gelato – Duh!! Try the Stracciatella (sort of like choc chip) and Nocciola (hazelnut). Fantastic gelato

So there you have it. Buon Appetito, and stay hungry my friends. Some more food porn…

Categories: Gramercy, Flatiron, New York City | Tags: eataly, eataly nyc, food, NYC dining, NYC food, NYC restaurants, restaurants, Travel | Leave a comment

Chote Nawab – Dinner and movie, without the movie

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Ziggy

As I’m munching on a fiery Indian snack I picked up at a deli in Curry Hill/Little India, I ask myself how come I don’t visit that area more often. I love Indian food, I eat Indian on a regular basis, and I love Bollywood movies. Ok, the last part is not really true. But whenever I pick my Indian order at Basera Indian Bistro I find myself staring at some pretty neat Bollywoody action for a few minutes. I think over the years I’ve watched an entire movie 2 minutes at the time. Just like with Full House episodes at home as my kids watch it religiously for some time now. My favorite part of that Bollywood movie is when the bad guy dies, the pretty girl is rescued, and a huge dance-off unfolds which includes the dead guy.

Chhote Nawab (with the extra h there) was a Bollywood movie, a bad one looks like according the 12 votes on IMDB. Why on earth would they name a restaurants after a terrible movie that received 12 votes on IMDB. Bloomberg do something! Is it because owner, Shiva Natarajan who owns more than 10 other establishments including 3 on the same block as Chote Nawab simply ran out of possible names? Ok, lets get to business…

Fantastic meal! I’m not sure I’ve had better Indian in NYC including some of the higher end spots

Waiter was extremely delighted with my first choice of the Tunde Ke kebab (“Very good choice sir”) as an app but then things went south in a hurry as he got a little annoyed when we asked for 2 main veggy dishes to bring with the first course as well. With that said I prefer a waiter that speaks his mind and we proceeded to have a nice chat later on.

The Tunde Ke kebab (pictured on top) was interesting but after a few bites I felt the need to have something else with it like the veggies or some sauce, which doesnt take anything away from the dish. It came sizzling in a dutch oven, with a spoon sitting on top which we could have used as a potato in a hot potato game.

Bindi Sasuralwali – it says on the menu “okra you would eat at your in laws house” – Flat out lie! Not my in laws I’ll tell you that. I’m not even sure they know what Okra is. But the dish was good and so was the eggplant with a nice peanut masala (Baghara Baigan Mirchi)

Shrimp Pappas was another sauce dish. Not one of my favorites but enjoyable nonetheless. Its cooked with Kokum, an Indian fruit and came with one dried Kokum which didnt taste that great but the dish overall worked well.

Lamb Biryani was one of the better Biryanis I’ve had. Tastes much better thna it looks. Comes with 2 sauces but I didnt feel the need for any. The only thing I wished I had ordered the goat instead if the lamb. Loved the bread covering it – nice touch. BTW, the garlic naan is very good here

The highlight for me was the Chicken Kori Gassi which was packed with flavor. Couldnt stop eating it. The chicken was super tender and very tasty. And a decent amount of heat as with most of the dishes we got

Overall, lets just say I took my time before I washed my hands later that day. Thoroughly enjoyed Chote Nawab

Chicken Kori Gassi

Categories: Gramercy, Flatiron, New York City | Tags: Chote Nawab, Chote Nawab nyc, food, NYC food, NYC restaurants, restaurants | 6 Comments

Dear Diary: What to order in Scarpetta

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Ziggy

Doctor’s Orders. That’s what I tell people sometimes when they ask me why I’ve started a blog. My doctor ordered me to start tracking what I eat. Not entirely true. My doctor cares more about what I should be snipping than eating. But the tracking part is true. I love the fact that I finally found a space where I can write about my eats in sort of an organized fashion, just in case I need to retrieve something. Like the other day when I took a group of friends to Beso, I simply looked at the site to see what we liked on our first visit. Or when someone asked us about our Israel itinerary. Brilliant!! 🙄

Something tells me I will need to revisit this post in the future. When my wife and visiting friend from Boston who we shall call Milena, because that’s her name, asked me to order for everyone I was like…(insert angel sound affect). On my second visit to Scarpetta I felt I perfected the ordering part a little more. Here’s one way to experience the best of Scarpetta

1st Course:

The bread – Still one of the best bread baskets in NYC, some of which comes from Sullivan Street Bakery I believe. Stromboli, a nice touch. This is like a full app and more

Raw Yellowtail – Wow! New for us this time. Thick buttery goodness with chunky sea salt. So so good!

Palenta with truffled mushrooms. Still amazing. Definitely one of the classics here. Very creamy, very good, and very grateful my wife does not eat mushrooms.

2nd course:

Spaghetti – Its almost silly calling it a signature dish since there are so many great items on the menu. But its definitely delicious and one of the best Spaghetti with red sauce and basil you will ever eat (likely). The sauce is probably still the best Ive had

Agnolloti – They keep changing the Agnolloti. This time with bone marrow and short rib. Last time with rabbit. But the main difference this time was the breadcrumby crunchy garlic chips. One of my favorite dishes here

3rd course:

Ravioli – Still terrific. stuffed with duck and Foie Gras with Marsala reduction. Although enjoyable I got bored with it eventually unlike some of the other dishes.

Roasted Chicken – Wow this was good. Nice and salty Spaetzle with some very tasty carrots. Chicken was moist and juicy. Enjoyed this much more than the cod last time. Chicken is sort of making a comeback for me in places like this. Trend started at Louro which delivered big time.

4th Course:

Warm Banana Bread – much better than the previous soupy mess of the coconut pana cotta. Great stout ice cream.

Chocolate cake – very good

Only problem was wait between courses was far from even and too rushed at times. They gave us 10 seconds to enjoy the great bread basket before bringing the apps. And the third course was brought in as soon as they took the plates.

Nevertheless Dear Diary, a perfect meal. Looking forward to next visit where I try nothing new

Categories: Chelsea, New York City | Tags: Chelsea restaurants, food, NYC dining, NYC food, NYC restaurants, restaurants, Scarpetta, Scarpetta NYC, Travel | 1 Comment

Aska and You Shall Receive

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Ziggy

There comes a time in life when you have to count your blessings for not being allergic to shellfish. Otherwise, you quickly find out if you are allergic to cow’s thyroid or a goat’s heart. Or baby formula!

Aska, is one of those places that you book first and research later. The immediate “hotness” it got off the bat coincided with “where am I eating on my birthday” to the point where I quickly had to reserve a table for 2 before the critics pour in. But the more I looked into it, the more I questioned the decision, especially after seeing the announcement that Saturday’s only option is a 10 courser. Will Mrs Ziggy eat blood sausage, dehydrated scallops, baby formula, cow’s thyroid, anyone’s thyroid? After taking a quick glance at the menu Aska emailed to me, her response was “Its ok I guess”. Good enough for me!

This was a memorable meal to say the least. 20 diners at the back of an art studio, 20 servants (including cooks and the man himself Mr Berselius bringing you teh final touches with the explanations), what seemed like 10o people by the bar, Morrissey blasting in the background, and one extremely interesting 10 courser.

Ok, before I start any rumors, there was no baby formula on this night nor any night as far as I know. But it did cross my mind while we were eating our apple sauce and milk

Started off with some delicious bread, crispy hard bread with whipped NY butter.

Molasses shortbread, trout roe and cheese was interesting. Seemed more like an Amuse than one of the courses

Hay, milk, tomatoes, parsnip, and milk salad. Clearly the best Hay, tomatoes, parsnip and milk salad I ever had. Seriously this was good. I couldn’t help comparing to the amazing Jungsik salad from the night before but this was inventive and satisfying. Great tasting veggies

Parsnip with brown butter and more whipped butter thank you. Delicious! The closest I get to eating parsnip normally is the leftovers from the veggies my wife throws out right after finishing making her chicken and bean bullion. So best Parsnip I ever had goes without saying. Berselius really does a great job bringing all those veggies to life.

Pheasant with sunchoke, liver. Sort of a Pheasant extravaganza with both the dark and white meat (much preferred the dark), and the liver which integrated nicely with the broth of the cooked sunchoke. Sunchoke itself had a nice crispy texture

Blood pudding with seabuckthorn, lardo, dill and anchovies. Pretty to look at without much substance, like Paris Hilton. Didnt care much for this one

Oats, tiny bits of bone marrow, Shad roe, egg yolk (pictured on top). Just like mama makes! All worked together beautifully. one of my favorite dishes of the night.

Pork and beets. A very tasty piece of fatty pork belly and the beets were another example of the great taste Berselius brings out of veggies. Beets is something I never order and the only time I eat them is with an occasional red Borscht, but this was simply delicious.

Whelk – Snails of the sea. Dont believe I ever had them. Although it was very interesting and you could really sort of taste the sea here, it wasn’t one of our favorites. But loved the dehydrated scallop “chips” that cam along

Beef, Burnt potatoes. 60 days aged served rare and very tasty. Potatoes were smoky and fantastic. Add sweet onion – Great dish.

Egg yolk. Not a fave of this one. Looked more promising than its tasted. Sort of sticky, gummy and not much flavor

Apple sauce, oats, cream, baby formula. Awesome! Ok, so there was no baby formula here but as we were discussing with our neighbors it wouldn’t be a total shock to see and Berselius could probably pull it off

Dessert – Some sort of sick ice cream with hazelnuts and other goodies. A great finish.

So there you have it. Dinner was a 4 hour marathon with a lot of big breaks between the dishes. It was mostly a local crowd with the exception perhaps of one particular couple that looked like Michelin inspectors. It was fun seeing the boys (all but one) casually Williamsburg dressed do their thing. Would I come back? Probably not but still a very enjoyable, memorable meal and perhaps the closest I will ever get to Noma, considered by many the world’s top restaurant in Copenhagen.

Categories: Brooklyn, New York City | Tags: Aska, Aska Brooklyn, Aska nyc, food, NYC, NYC dining, NYC eats, NYC food, NYC restaurants, restaurants | 1 Comment