Posts Tagged With: restaurants

San Rasa – On Top of the Sri Lankan Ziggurat

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Ziggy

On the way to Staten Island’s Sri Lankan gem San Rasa the other day, I felt a little uneasy. I was quickly losing yet another argument in my head. I’m bringing another couple with me and I don’t have reservations on a Saturday night. That is because the young man on the phone (I feel a little old today) told me I don’t need to make reservations. And not because he knew who I was! “Are you sure? Its Saturday, prime time and its the four of us”. Emphasizing on the number 4 which can be very large on a Saturday night across the pond. “Yes, I’m sure sir. You don’t need reservations”. Fine! But if we come in to a full house and we don’t get a table.. oooh boy.. watch out. Sentences that begin with F words like “Forget this, we are going to Lakruwana ” will be flying out the door. Forgetting to take the young man’s name however was the mistake that lead to losing the argument in my head.

We show up to an empty restaurant! And I don’t mean empty as in a couple in the corner, and a family from France that read about the place on EWZ in the other corner (like last time). I mean there was no one there. “Should we leave and check out Lakruwana” briefly entered our minds. But this is after all, Staten Island’s lone entry in the coveted Z-List, and we made it this far ~~unharmed~~. I’ve been to San Rasa for lunch, and dinner at the old location, but this was the first dinner at the new and improved San Rasa. Seeing it empty disappointed but did not totally shock me.

Without upsetting too many people, San Rasa is simply too far for most folks who appreciate good food. There are plenty of people on the island of Staten that appreciate good food, but not nearly enough to fill a quarter of San Rasa on a Saturday night. Staten Island doesn’t deserve and cant really appreciate something like this. Give em a buzzy American Italian trattoria, a pizzeria that serves chicken parm, a few Russians to satisfy the Russian communities, a few glorifies diners like Z-one, Z-two, [Name any chain], and the residents are more than satisfied. Like any residents in the burbs would I should add. For most residents the ferry area is quite a schlep (30-40 mins for many) and the true island gems like Sri Lankan Lakruwana, San Rasa, New Asha, and other gems like Enoteca Maria are unrecognizable names. The ferry area is almost like a Manhattan extension, albeit too far and arguably not interesting enough for Manhattanites.

But as often said on this blog, Sri Lankan food is the number one reason to stay after you take those selfies with lady liberty off the ferry. The new San Rasa is not only walking distance, but its décor is now much closer to the Sri Lankan museum-like Lakruwana. The old place was too bare bones and cold looking. Not that I mind when the food is that good. Sunday at all the Staten Island’s Sri Lankan is Funday. By that I mean, some of the best, most unique buffets in the city. For $12 you get a nice array of vegetable, rice, egg goodies, along with two meat specialties. Exceptionally great value and the only buffet I take my family.

But dinner is when the fun really starts. San Rasa turns out is under new management and new chef. While the empty house did not exactly look promising, the result was best San Rasa ever. Meet chef Lalith (one name like Madonna) who has taken the great chef Sanjay lead, adding his own bolder, spicier spin. You feel it right off the bat with the Mulligatawny soup. Unlike the prior Mulligatawny, this one is a little creamier, nuttier, spicier, and simply has more oomph. Thats the only starter I recommend. Save room for the goodies to come. Like the Lamprie, an old dutch colony classic that is the one must get here. The pictures here can only set the bar low, or prevent you from ordering it altogether. But that would be a mistake. Proceed with the hoppers and egg hoppers (not available on this day) before hitting the “Ziggurat” shaped String Hopper Kottu, all with your choice of your favorite curry. And with that my friends I’m announcing the addition of “Ziggurat” to my vocabulary. A fittingly bizarre combination of Ziggy and Borat (for those that know me too well).

Add the award winning Chicken Biryani to the list of musts here. It comes oddly decorated as if it just came from a Bar Mitsvah in the Staten Island Hilton. But I’m betting its the flavor profile that gave it a third place finish in a recent NYC Biryani competition. Mounds of crispy fried chicken on top of gorgeously spiced basmati with more succulent chicken inside was like no Biryani I’ve ever seen. And instead of dessert, finish with a fiery sizzling Deviled something. We usually do shrimp.

San Rasa – better and emptier than ever. “Ayubowan” – May you live long!

San Rasa
19 Corson Ave, Staten Island
$$
Recommended Dishes: Mulligatawny soup, Lamprie, Hoppes, Kottu Roti, Chicken Biryani, Deviled Shrimp

Categories: New York City, Staten Island | Tags: food, restaurants, San Rasa, San Rasa Staten Island, Sanrasa, Sri Lankan Staten Island, Travel | Leave a comment

Sarjai’s – Anguilla Idol

Posted on December 22, 2015 by Ziggy

“It’s not Sanjaya, it’s called Sarjai’s” I kept telling her all week. “You are thinking of American Idol”. It didn’t matter as she wouldn’t budge. Brains are on vacation too. By the 4th day I said good morning at 8 pm, to a cactus, without anything to drink of significance. And by the 6th I was calling it Sanjaya too. We needed to be on the same page to survive this brain freeze. We talked about Sarjai’s often partly because I wanted to break our #1 rule. But she wouldn’t go for it. First trip to foodie powerhouse Anguilla and you want to eat at the same place twice? That stands against everything our ancestors stand for. Our ancestors been to Anguilla?

On our first dinner in Anguilla I was like a 9 year old girl at a Justin Bieber concert. Forget the appetizers… the Caesars, the Capreses, the Crispy “anything but the F word, fri@#d” Calamari are just the warm-up acts that no one cares about. Bring me the Bieberlicious! 4 Mains, nothing less! “Oh thats just Meshugenah. My Xanax from the flight hasnt even fully kicked in yet”. 3 Mains! The fourth was the infamous Steak au Poivre, the most delicious thing on this vacation I haven’t had. After all, it comes with something called Aunty Joan’s Home-made Curried Fries. And if there’s one thing I learned during my travels is that anything with the word Aunty in it is a must get. Think about it. Have you ever had something that made you say, “this is great, but that aunty side suggests this Aunty needs a stint or two at Le Cordon Blue. Get rid of her”. Most likely never.

My first wife and travel companion believes there was a Welcome to Anguilla sign at the ferry entrance, and she has pictures to prove it. My eyes meanwhile were fixated on an Anguillan goat. That was my Welcome to Anguilla sign. That same night, the stewed goat at Sarjai’s was spot on. Tender, succulent, fatty in all the right places, like slow dancing with your mother in law.

The perfectly flaky creole snapper could have come just a perfectly flaky creole snapper with some rice and peas as in so many places like this, but not here. It arrives with delicious curried cabbage (buried under that fish – oh what fun) and coconut sweet potato dumplings that chef Darren’s grandma makes. Those dumplings grew on us in a hurry, and next thing you know we can’t get enough of them. A brilliant dish that set the bar nicely for many more snappers to come

And our first foray into the Anguillan Crayfish was quite a success. Crayfish in Anguilla is essentially spotted spiny lobster and has no resemblance to the sea roaches of New Orleans. At Sarjai’s they come plentiful, sweet and buttery even without the help of the butter on the side. Not overcooked at all unlike some of the Crayfish we enjoyed the rest of the week.

I enjoyed the warm coconut pie, especially since the wife wouldnt touch the stuff. When she tries anything with bits of coconut in it, her face turns into Robert de Niro and she starts spitting profusely. She did enjoy her passion fruit cheesecake.

Sarjai’s, named after chef Darren Connor’s daughter, delivered the kind of vacation debut I can only wet dream about. Chef Connor, like a true Anguillan idol, represents Anguilla from time to time in cooking competitions. Fresh from his trip to NY and Omaha where he learned more about the art of beef, shows the kind of passion and skill you dont normally see in places like this. Places without a sommelier or dedicated stool for your man’s purse. Its the kind of place you are free to run around like a two year old, and talk to the chef like an old friend. I need more friends like this. Ok, one will do for now.

Categories: Anguilla | Tags: Anguilla Dining, Best restaurants in Anguilla, food, restaurants, Sarjai's, Sarjai's Anguilla, Travel | Leave a comment

Best Thai in Hell’s Kitchen

Posted on November 21, 2015 by Ziggy

Pure Thai Ratchaburi

Pure Thai Cookhouse – Among the plethora of Thai eateries flooding 9th avenue, Pure Thai stands out (and so will you for a while unless you arrive early or in off hours). It was built to resemble a Shophouse in Thailand in order to give you a taste of the Thai food culture. The menu doesn’t feature the usual curry suspects, but more daring dishes that represent various regions of Thailand. E.g. The Jungle fried rice, the simple Ratchaburi with homemade dry noodles, crab and pork, and the more intense Wok Curry Paste with Pork. The lone dessert, pumpkin custard with coconut sticky rice wrapped inside a banana leaf always a recipe for a full blown attack. 766 9th (51/52)

Pure Thai Pumpkin

Pam Real Thai – If you are looking for chandeliers, table cloth, and a little bench for your man purse, you will not find it here. Though “Room Service” another Thai player nearby does have some of these things including nice chandeliers. The minimalist décor is the same as it was 10-15 years ago, and so is the menu. But if you are a fan of flavor and dont care about anything else, this is the place for you. The sick Oxtail soup is reason enough to go, and just about everything else I ever had here is made with a lot of love. Try the Pad Kra Prow (with shrimp), Seafood Kee Mao, Pad Prik Khing, and the terrific Khao Soi. The menu size is intimidating, so ask away if not sure. And the $2 Thai Ice Teas help combat the occasional hefty spice levels. 404 W 49th St (off 9th)

Pam Real Oxtail Soup

Larb Ubol – In the last several years, we’ve seen a slew of eateries open, specializing in Isan cooking. First there was Zabb Elee who intorduced the bold Northeastern flavors to us, until they gave birth to Larb Ubol. Don’t expect anything more than a bookstore café type décor (notice a trend here?). I bike here sweating the heavy traffic in order to sweat some more with dishes such as the peppercorn heavy Pad Ped Moo Krob and the Duck Larb. The spice levels approach “Thai Spicy” at times (but not quite there) so this is not for the faint of sugar seeking heart. But hey, this is after all Hell’s Kitchen. 480 Ninth Ave (37/36)

Larb Ubol Whole Fish

Kare Thai – You know what the next best thing to Thai food on 9th? Thai food on 10th! Yes, they are naturally spreading to 10th these days because they are running out of real estate. And among them all, little Kare is my favorite. I’ve had some pleasant meals here with co-workers though I mainly use it for a convenient quick Kee Mao grab on the go, always greeted by smiles. And the complimentary lunch special snack helps. You know what they say, “You give a smile, you get Shumai!”. 752 10th Ave (51/52)

Wondee Siam II – Back in the day, this was the place I frequented. And although I havent been in many years, I still have devoted co-workers that swear by this place. If you are new to Thai food, or simply want to taste something familiar that you are used to and enjoy back home like Green curry and Pad Thai, this may be the right place for you. 813 Ninth Ave (53/54)

Pure Thai Pork

Larb Ubol larb

Larb Ubol Pad Ped Moo Krob

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: Best Thai in NYC, food, Kare Thai, Larb Ubol, Pam Real Thai, Pure Thai Cookhouse, restaurants, Travel, Wondee Siam | 2 Comments

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

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

Cull & Pistol – Escape the Room

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Ziggy

When we were done with our meal at Cull & Pistol the other day, right before we stepped out, we paused for a few seconds. “Its like a scene from the walking dead out there” I told the hostess who nodded nervously, almost as if she was saying, “I hope you got the proper protection”. I did not. I never do. We felt safe inside, but out there they were in large numbers, walking gingerly and awkwardly in one direction, some even salivating. And before the hostess had a chance to call the manager, we had no choice but leave. And there we were again walking among them, slowly, in the same direction, toward the same goal… ice cream. Five minutes into the walk, we only made it to Lobster Place next door. We reminisced about the meal we had five minutes ago.

Cull & Pistol is more than just an oasis in this lobster, taco, zombie, Chelsea Market frenzy. And its not exactly a new-comer to EWZ. I already blogged about it here, and here. I can’t even update the latter ‘here’, because I visit C&P or sister Lobster Place on just about every Chelsea Market visit these days, including three visits in the last 4 weeks. Why? its the fresh seafood stupid (Its just an American expression, I’m not calling any of my readers stupid, again)

What I like at Cull and Pistol doesn’t really matter much, because chances are, unless its lobster or fish and chips, it wont be on the menu by the time you visit. The menu is not only seasonal, changes based on sister Lobster Places availability, but also benefits from a chef with a menu OCD. One of my favorite chefs on the planet suffers from a menu OCD – a chef that will ride the hot stuff, but also likes to dare, experiment and invent.

If you have to pick just one lobster roll in NYC, this is it. To me around 90% of the lobster rolls out there carry very little value, and are as filling as a Doritos snack. A very expensive snack. C&P stuffs theirs with a lot love – sweet, juicy, claw meat kind of love. And they pair it with excellent almost shoestring fries (though a little bit less salt please). Another must for me as of late is the Spanish/Portuguese octopus. A few weeks ago it was a Portuguese beauty that came with a porky and veggy mix of some sort. One of the best octopus dishes I’ve had in NYC. Nowadays, its a heftier Spanish stallion, simply paprika’d, and served with crispy fingerling potato.

The highlight from the last meal was four Ecuadorian head-on shrimp baked with tarragon-vermouth salt. They were huge, sweet, and missing the funkiness/fishiness of similarly sized gulf shrimp. Oysters and happy hour always one of the main draws. Yesterday I grilled their succulent salmon burgers which are on the menu and can be purchased next door. Two nights before we sauteed their excellent garlic shrimp and served over pasta. Another hit on the current menu is the whole Dourade fried Thai style with mango, coconut, Thai basil, cucumber, chili, mint and fish sauce on the side. I found this more expertly done than in some Thai places where the fish is often dry and overcooked.

Great drinks is the norm, outstanding chocolate mousse for dessert. One of my NYC favorites at the moment.

Cull & Pistol
75 Ninth Ave (Chelsea Market)
$$$
Recommended Dishes: Lobster Roll, Octopus, Shrimp, Thai style Dourade, Salmon Burgers

Categories: Chelsea, New York City | Tags: Best Lobster Rolls in NYC, Best Seafood in NYC, Chelsea Market, Cull & Pistol, Cull & Pistol NYC, food, restaurants, Travel | 1 Comment

Sim Sim – Staten Island’s Lone Uzbek is Legit

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Ziggy

The island of Staten is not exactly blessed with great dining. Other than Sri Lankan I cant think of any reason to pay the hefty toll to go there. Did you ever wonder why Enoteca Maria and Vida are on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list for what seems like forever. The French inspectors are just way too busy to make room for Staten Island on their schedule. Some may say pizza is another good reason to come, and to those I’d say you can find just as good or better in the other boroughs. You just need to know where to look to find them.

Sim Sim is not another reason to travel all the way to the Midland section of the island, but it’s a solid alternative, and new experience for the islanders. While Manhattan is not exactly known for great Uzbek (I cant think of one decent), you do have plenty of good ones in south Brooklyn (Kashkar Café, Nargis to name a few). But the island residents have finally a legitimate Uzbek that can perhaps open the doors to some competition. And competition, as always, is the healthiest recipe. When you bump into the lone Indian restaurant in Pocatello, Idaho, you can bet your Vindaloo that you probably did not exactly discover a jewel. But Sim Sim is closer to the exception than the rule

At the helm in the kitchen is an Uyghur cook (ethnic group living in villages all over Asia), dishing out all the Uzbek classics… Manti, Samsa, Plov (this one with raisins) and those chicken kebabs that require that special Uzbek touch. The Uzbeks know how to grill em. The cook comes early in the morning to start the preparations that includes pulled Lagman noodles, at this point only available in soup form. The place is small and homey. Freshly renovated and decorated to resemble a casual Uzbek hang out place. The owner is Russian who operated the previous incarnation of the space, but now somewhat bravely, trying to insert some freshness into the island. No alcohol permit here, so bring your vodka, though a solid Kompot (Russian fruit punch) is always available

Categories: New York City, Staten Island | Tags: food, restaurants, Sim Sim, Sim Sim Staten Island, Staten Island Uzbek, Travel | Leave a comment

Arco Café – A Taste of Sardinia on UWS

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Ziggy

The little joys in life. Walking in Central Park, conversing with a three year old again, eating ice cream on a hot day, watching an entire show with your kids without an erectile dysfunction commercial these days, and stumbling upon a restaurant without any prior research and having a good meal. What? Ziggy? Are you ill? Did you forget to pick a place prior to your visit to Central Park North. That’s very unlikely of you. Oh I did pick a place alright, but it just happened to be in East Village for a stop on the drive back. A change of plans as we felt like eating right there and then, and so this little gem was discovered.

Upper West Side has always been a culinary wasteland in my mind compared to other neighborhoods, but that notion is based on history rather than present times. The truth is anything past 75th street is pretty much a foreign area to me. And if I’m driving anywhere near there, it usually means I’m on my way out of town. So finding something rather good in that part of the woods felt satisfying and refreshing. Like finding an authentic Peruvian on the Venice Beach Boarwalk last month. Or perhaps the hummus obsessed inner Ziggy read it a Acco, a town in North Israel boasting ~~some of~~ the best hummus on the planet

Courtesy of Arco Cafe

Arco is one of those places where you need to pay special attention to the specials board. The only thing better than menus? No menus. Something Yogi Berra who passed yesterday might say (RIP). Arco has a menu of course as its almost impossible to be without one in NYC unless your name is Momofuku Ko. But its the board that’s got the freshest, most exciting goodies. Like the pasta special that looked like Strozzapretti with eggplant and dry ricotta. Or the expertly cooked soft shell crab which was sitting on this simple but addictive string bean salad. Swordfish, a fish I’m not fond of. While this swordfish did not rock my world and turned me into a fan, I found it more enjoyable and not as dry as others I tried in the city.

Malloreddus is small Sardinian Cavateli. The only other Malloreddus I’ve had was at Mercato in Hell’s Kitchen, a place that has more things in common with Arco. This Malloreddus was topped with a sausage ragu and tomato sauce that will convert any “red sauce” haters. No complaints about the Caprese nor the Fritto Misto (more great spicy red sauce). The only dish I would not order again is the Gnocchi which was the fresh, super soft kind (I prefer a tougher texture), but that’s just personal preference. I’m guessing its a good idea to stick to the Sardinian stuff here. Desserts were good.

Arco is the type of neighborhood place that needs to be cherished. Very often we eat at places that make us feel like we just ate at a corporation (I’m looking at you Casa Mono) that only cares about serving you as soon as possible in order to free your table. While family owned places like Arco, Mercato, and Bar Pitti, whether you agree or disagree with their tactics sometimes, have more of a personality, more personable, and understand how to make you happy. Check out Arco!

Arco Cafe
886 Amsterdam Ave
$$$
Recommended Dishes: Malloreddus, Specials

Categories: New York City, Upper West Side | Tags: Arco Café, Arco Café NYC, food, Italian Upper West Side, restaurants, Travel | 4 Comments

Three Days in San Francisco

Posted on September 20, 2015 by Ziggy

NOPA

This post was supposed to be a lot better, and longer. Instead of eating our way through the famous Ferry Building Farmers Market, we spent the time struggling with United Airlines reps who cancelled our flight at the last minute. “But mam, you don’t understand, we need to be there for the Roti Roti Porchetta, and something called Loco Moco, 6 hours from now. I’m a famous food blogger and this is perhaps my last chance for a Loco Moco, whatever that is”. No dice! No Ferry Building Market for us. But we managed, persevered, and even made it to the Ferry building eventually.

Its been 15 years between visits for us. Last time it was the sardines, the wine, and the rise of the female chef. While this time it was the burrito, Carne Cruda and Full House. Yes, this time with Full House obsessed kids who needed to see every FH site including the house, the painted ladies, and famous Stamos arrest sites. The Painted Ladies thing totally fooled me I must say, due to my daily proximity to this scene in Times Square. I just wasn’t expecting buildings. And as I was admiring these beauties, I couldn’t help but shed a tear for the last two goldfish Ziggy Jr and Ziggy Jr Jr who tragically committed suicide while enduring all these Full House hours in that room

San Francisco food scene is undeniably good. Farm to Table concept doesn’t exists here because its pretty much assumed. Chefs enjoying easier access to raw materials and longer seasons. “Its easier to cook here” is what I keep hearing from SF chefs. Its one decent Uzbek away from a town I could actually live in (I kid, I kid. It can also use a few Sri Lankan, Isan, and Georgian). Lets begin our tour…

New York City has anywhere between 5-10 Chinatowns depending on when you read this. On average a Chinatown is added every 4 years, like the World Cup. But none of them are like the San Francisco Chinatown, the oldest in the nation. You got the fun and touristy for a reason Grant Street and the surrounding alleys. And once you feel like you had enough, you can move one block over to Stockton Street where the local Chinese actually shop, perhaps the real Chinatown if you will.

Eastern Bakery is believed to be the oldest bakery in Chinatown. Inside it appears that not much has changed with its ancient feel and boasting of a Bill Clinton visit while he was still president. I love this kind of old school. While the pork buns failed to impress (not many do), the Coffee Crunch cake made up for it and then some. Then there was The Fortune Cookie Factory, which was a revelation of sorts. Eating these babies fresh is like eating lobster in Maine. You can even personalize your Fortune Cookie with notes you can write yourself like “This was not Chicken”. But why on earth in a seemingly family friendly place like this they would feature X-rated fortune cookies.

I wish I could tell you about the wonderful egg tarts of the infamous Golden Gate Bakery but they were on vacation. Apparently they surprise close so much, there’s a website devoted to it. Although the track record of the site screams for another site to tell you if the other site works or not.

Our love affair with everything Piedmont has landed us in Perbacco. A semi-classy, sprawling, corporate joint in the Financial District. They make their own Culatello which is a bonus but the highlights of the Salumi Misti pretty much stopped there. Carne Cruda featuring hazelnuts and quail egg was outstanding. The pillowy Agnolotti dal Plin had that pleasant explosiveness one can expect from Agnolotti, but I couldn’t help but wonder how they taste with plain butter. The Tajarin was eggy and buttery alright but the ragu fell a little flat. The Stracci with the rabbit ragu, peppers and anise was more like it, the star of the pasta course.

Our first wow moment however came the next day, NOPA for brunch. Or what we call, lunch. The more brunch I eat the more foreign the concept gets. NOPA is a sprawling, busy, industrial space that’s efficient and good. And with those famous Painted Ladies practically next door to boot. The soft scrambled with cranberry bean succotash was why I go to California to eat every now and then. The burger was perfection. We know burgers. We got PhDs in burger. This was a good burger. The famous French toast looks like any other French toast in this picture, but I’ve never had anything like it. A lot of work involved to reach such richness levels. Also, these guys don’t mess around with their NOLA like Bloody Marys. The spiciest one I’ve had. NOPA is a screaming buy.

But the true envy for me, as in why cant we get this back home, home to 350,000 Mexicans I might add, came at La Taqueria in the Mission District. Carne Asada Burrito was griddled El Dorado style was some of the tastiest of its kind. Now I understand. But what blew me away was the tacos carnitas with heaps of juicy pork goodness. The flat Horachata can be forgiven with food such as this. Go! And while touring the murals, pop in Dandelion Chocolates for some hot coco and perhaps the best S’mores you will ever eat. We had bigger plans to explore the various latin eateries, but a defective pedal boat in Golden Gate Park changed all that. 80 year old ladies who lunch were passing us, while lunching.

The biggest mystery we faced, other than guessing if Golden Gate Bakery was open or not on any particular day, was where to eat at Fisherman’s Wharf. Still a mystery, sort of. Scoma’s did the trick overall, but felt rather touristy with prices that don’t match the joy (simple Pappardelle Bolognese $26!). Cioppino and mixed seafood grill were fine, and the crab Louis with shrimp salad was quite good, but I couldn’t help but wonder if I could have gotten a better value from any of the other touristy places around

I was determined to go to the Ferry Building after all, market or no market. We saw a nice eclectic selection of purveyors, like a modern Chelsea Market, with great water views and clean bathrooms to boot. I liked the mushroom store guys, who grow it all, including beautiful Maitake (hen of the woods). The olive oil folks had a nice selection to sample including cheap “Traditional Modena Balsamic Vinegar”, high potential for false advertisement. But since we weren’t hungry we settled for Humphry Slocombe ice cream and its creative gelato like textures and flavors. Secret Breakfast was brilliant, and “Toast and Jam” even brillianter

At SOMA Eats in SOMA, we enjoyed breakfast with local SOMAliers. Healthier, well prepared only in SOMA options like Breakfast Burrito, egg and salmon sandwich with SOMA coffee, and SOMA Orange juice. We liked SOMA eats. (memo to NYC, SF and anyone else who is listening. How about giving neighborhoods real names).

Our last meal turned out to be a doozy. Cockscomb had potential to be strike two. Of things I’m not supposed to Google from work. Camelback mountain somehow became strike one. Playful, inventive menu with an emphasis on buthery stuff. Or in the case of the splendid beef heart tartare, mostly unwanted butcher stuff. Personal relationships with well respected local farms and butchers enables Cockscomb to strive in what appears to be a not so happening location. The grilled cheese sandwich with egg, one their most popular items, was a fine rendition. Calamari stuffed with risotto, came with an “I can’t believe this is not Hummus” chickpea spread. The Bacon Chop, a glorious cut with the pork belly attached, was a revelation of sorts. Juiciness levels I haven’t seen since the college days. From pork chops that is. We liked the Zampini. Nicely spiced pork and fennel sausage with corn and shishito salad. But our favorite perhaps was the simple brilliance of the Culotte, a sirloin cap cooked to medium rare perfection. And when you finish with a rare Panna Cotta that doesn’t suck, you know you are in the right place. Cockscomb – worth googling, worth going out of the way for.

La Taqueria

Cockscomb Pork

Cockscomb Panna Cotta

Cockscomb

Categories: California | Tags: Cockscomb, Dandelion Chocolates, Eastern Bakery, food, Humphry Slocombe, La Taqueria, NOPA, Perbacco, restaurants, San Francisco, Travel | Leave a comment

Red & Gold Boil – Boat to Village

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Ziggy

I personally subscribe to the popular notion of “Happy wife, happy Ziggy”. It took me years to understand what it meant exactly. So when she comes home one day with an odd demand like “I feel like crabs”, I don’t even question the oddity. I ask my friends at Chowhound where are the crabs before Mrs Z and I even finish the conversation. I can multitask! Especially when it comes to conversations about someone’s work or school. When my kids finally, after a significant amount of begging, open up and tell me about their school, my thoughts go something like “Hmmm, this is significantly less exciting than I imagined”. Followed by impure thoughts about pizza. Anyway, the so called friends on Chowhound recommended some places to get crabs, including of course Ashley Madison. But I opted to go with Red & Gold Boil in the East Village even though its pretty much the middle of crab season at Ashley Madison

Red & Gold from the outside on pedestrian busy St Marks looks more like another playful Ramen spot rather than a seriously good crab joint. Inside, I havent even peeked or leaked so dont know. We took advantage of a perfect day and grabbed a table outside. Opened about a year ago, when the owners of a four boat flee exporting crabs to China decided to let New Yorkers join in on the fun. And oh what fun it is.

The crab is boiled with other goodies such as corn, mussels, potatoes, sausages, shrimp, squid, and all presented to you with added spaghetti bonus in a bag that can keep things warm according to my rough estimate for 3 weeks. In fact it was so hot that in order to peel the shrimp without second degree burns you would need to take it out of the bag and let it to cool for about 10 minutes. Why did we order another bag of shrimp, only god knows. I would advice no to do so, and concentrate on what they do best here, sweet, meaty, messy crab.

Many years ago when Mrs Z and I lived in South Florida, we used to frequent a crab house for baskets of garlicky golden Florida crab. We would get a bib and a wooden hammer, partly to beat the crap of the crab, and partly beat the crap of the table when someones birthday was announced. Imagine 250 people pounding simultaneously on their tables until your ears bleed. Ahhh, good times. The love for crab never went away, but we very rarely do anything about it. I call it the Family Guy affect.

We started with a catfish, fried to flaky perfection, along with overly garlicky but who cares waffle fries, and ok raw oysters. The waffles and catfish are part of a

$13 app special. The seasonal $40 Dungeness crab that I was struggling to find on the west coast last month was the bomb! Only to get slightly outstaged by the slightly sweeter $25, always available red Maryland Crab. Bib and gloves are provided, and you might as well put your phone on do not disturb. Not only you’ll be busy for a while but you will get so dirty that you wont be able to take out the phone from your man purse. All the other items in the bag are just there to give you something to chew on between the cracking. Like Crab amuse bouches. All washed down with my new favorite Japanese beer, Hitachino Nest. Another great find in where else, East Village. GO!

Red and Gold Boil
30 St Marks Pl
$$$
Recommended Dishes: Crab, preferebly red, or gold

Categories: East Village, New York City | Tags: East Village Crab, food, Red & Gold Boil, restaurants, Travel | 5 Comments

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