Posts Tagged With: Travel

Five Pre-Theater Restaurants to Target

Posted on October 17, 2014 by Ziggy

Taboon

The other day I was checking out a restaurant in the theater district for a friend and the very first line of the first Yelp review made me almost spit out the Shawarma I was eating. “Theater District is well known for its dining”. What? Where? Boise? If you say it out loud to someone in the subway you will get crazy stink eye stares from the locals. The pre-theater bunch on 46th street and around has plenty of decent options like Carmen’s, Becco, Basso56 and its not necessarily a bad idea to dress up and go to one of those. Most likely the average place is an upgrade over Boise. But considering the level of cooking you find everywhere else in NYC, the truth is that Theater District dining is close to the bottom of the pack.

But the point of this post is not to slam Theater District dining, though I do get some pleasure from it it seems. The point is to make it easier for the Hell’s Kitchen’s guide followers to pick a solid, affordable but somewhat unconventional place to eat before or after your show. The HK guide is one big mishmash of mostly cheap ethnic eats, not really suitable for pre-theater unless thats what you are after. So to make it easier for the readers I’ve flushed out five places out of the guide where you can have an exceptional meal. All these places are not in the district but close enough (5-10 minute extra walk on average depending on the size of your heels). Or you can just take a 5 minute taxi ride that will add $5 to your $500 evening. I think you can afford it

Taboon (Middle Eastern)

In that spot (10th/53rd) you gotta be good to succeed. Nothing but data centers, a liquor store, a deli and appartment buildings surround you. Taboon utilizes its good looking “Taboon” oven to create the type of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern dishes that will make your kids put down their phones and tell you about their day. Yes, that powerful. One of the top chefs in Israel help create the menu for Taboon initially. Try any of their bread specialties, the chicken with the Israeli couscous (big and bubbly just like I like em), and the sick Silan, one of my favorites desserts in the city.

Danji (Korean)

An instant winner with the Michelin man, this Hooni Kim’s Korean inspired tapas joint dishes out greatness in consistent fashion. When you sit next to your new friend at the Broadway show who will boast about her Filet Mignon at Joe Allen, astonish her with the Tofu with Ginger Scallion Soy Vinaigrette, and the fiery Korean Chicken Wings, Bulgogi Beef Sliders and the Pork BibimBop you just attacked at Danji. And after you explain to her what a Bibimbop is, perhaps its also a good time to tell her that there’s also a Joe Allen in Miami Beach where she lives and/or she can get a decent filet mignon in Boise

Mercato (Italian)

You have a plethora of Italian joints in the area. Plenty of mediocre ones with Becco and Carmens one of the better and most popular, especially with families seeking family style dining. But I have a different spin on “family style”. Instead of sharing one huge chicken parm and penne alla vodka (Carmens) or order the all you can eat pastas of the day (Becco) why not share four or five different pastas that are much closer to the true south Italy cooking, vs the the south Italy cooking Americans often confuse with. Pastas like the stupendous but simple Trenette with garlic, almonds, tomato and basil, or the rich gnocchi with finger licking beef and pork ragu, or the pasta of the day like the Cavatelli. This is true Italian, by Italians, with Italian accents (for those with a Fish Called Wanda syndrome)

The Marshal (American)

Sysco, Cargill, Fats R Us, are some examples of names you will see if all the area restaurants would require to print their distributors on the back of their menus. But at the Marshal you will see the 14 local farms they deal with to produce just about every ingredient on the menu. This is our answer to Slow Food in Italy. If something is no longer on the menu it means its not currently grown. A brilliant sides lineup, along with the best bread and butter in the area, followed by roasted chicken, meatloaf, best mussels this side of Newfoundland, and an amazing ice cream sundae to boot. American food, in America, cooked by Americans (with a little bit of help by Central Americans!)

Ippudo (Ramen)

You may not be able to hear each other, but you will have more fun than 96.5% of all the restaurants in the district. Between all the shouting of the staff every time someone comes in (“welcome”), leaves (“Thank You”) or goes to the bathroom (“aim well”), and the slurping of the best noodle soup you will ever have, you wont have time to talk to your spouse anyway. Dont be surprised if you are the only none Asian couple in the room (unless you are not a non Asian couple of course). The best pork buns in the city (I tried a bunch) and you will be hard pressed to find better Ramen than the splendid Akamaru Modern

Happy Eating!

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: Best Pre-Theater restaurants in NYC, danji, food, Ippudo, Mercato, Pre-Theater NYC, Taboon, The Marshal, Travel | 2 Comments

Somtum Der and Hava Nagila Shoes

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Ziggy

The other day I went to a fairly lavish wedding. There was caviar, lobsters, oysters, and all sorts of opulence. Heck, I even had to not only wear a suit and tie, but also the special shoes that are hidden in the hers and hers closet. The special Hava Nagila shoes! You know, the ones that you only ~~allowed~~ can take out when there’s Hava Nagila involved. Another words, a big, special event. So we danced, we laughed, we cried, and we met some unexpected familiar faces which was a big surprise since I came expecting to know no one. In fact when someone asked me how I’m related, I said “you know the mother of the bride? I know her boss” Meaning my wife. That’s the only person I knew. But on this day, with all the caviar and all the wonderful things I ate, the best things I ate was fried chicken and grilled marinated pork, just 5 hours earlier at Somtum Der with none other than the Hummus Whisperer.

Somtum Der is the type of place you wouldnt caught me dead wearing Hava Nagila shoes. Meaning she will kill me if I ever attempt this terrible crime. But the place is pretty neat. I normally avoid eating Thai outside of Hell’s Kitchen since Hell’s Kitchen is fairly represented. You want Isan cooking, we got that. You want Ratchaburi, Hell’s Kitchen got that too. But there were two places outside of HK that I wanted to try for a long time. Somtum Der and Uncle Boons. One down, one to go.

Somtum Der is a newish Isan, joining Zabb Elee, Larb Ubol and the great Queens Isan joints. Isan is the historically poor Northeast Thailand region. Normally poor means a lot of seasoning to compensate for the otherwise uneatable meats and fish. Poor = creative = opportunity. Like the folks in Turin, Italy back in the day, who added hazelnuts to chocolates to compensate for the great cocoa shortage, hence opening the doors to Nutella, Ferrero Rocher and every chocolate with hazelnut out there you’ve enjoyed all those years.

Papaya salad

This Isan feels different than the rest. The Papaya here is king as the name implies (Somtum means Green Papaya Salad. Der means Dare as in “I dare you Americans to eat our Green Papaya Salad”). In fact, “Papaya King” was replaced in the title by “Hava Nagila shoes” midway through the article. Yes, thats how I operate. Sickening isnt it? But dont worry, I’m seeking help. The menu is filled with 8 papaya salads. Like kindergartners, we chose the one on the menu with the biggest picture, the one that says “Recommended”, while the rest of them either said “Not Recommended” or “Not Obamacare Friendly” (meaning, Thai spicy). Our Tum Thai Kai Kem, papaya salad with salted egg was just right. Just what one would expect from a Papaya Salad. Some traditionalists may expect something more fiery but it was just right.

“Sharing is Caring” is the motto here, eating with forks and fingers, no knives (just like in Laos inspired Khe-Yo. Laos is Isan’s neighbor, sharing some of the dishes and traditions. Papaya salad was actually invented in Laos). The Khao Moo Tod Kratiam Prik, fried garlic pork with jasmine rice and fried egg was good, Sa Poak Kai Tod Der der-style deep-fried chicken thigh was one of the highlights. Moist, juicy, very flavorful, and not greasy at all. Moo Ping Kati Sod grilled coconut milk marinated beef skewers was another winner. “Moo” oddly means pork, not beef, but you can sub it with beef. A tiny bit dry but excellent profound sweet coconut flavors. Perhaps the dish of the day was the Moo Rong Hai Der, house special grilled marinated pork. Fantastic seasoning producing deep lasting flavors, with two coconut rice sticks to help cool things off. Just about each dish came with the house made hot sauce, other than the rice dish which came with fish sauce. The only disappointment was the Sai Krok Isan, fried Isan sausages. Not much flavor, or crunch on those sausages. We tried to revive them with fish sauce, hot sauce, mouth to mouth to no avail

Marinated Pork

Dont leave without trying their refreshing Lemongrass Juice, and Thai Iced Tee. In that order. They were sadly out of the Taro in Condensed Coconut Milk, but the Thai Tee Panna Catta was surprisingly scrumptious. It tasted just like Thai Iced Tea. Cant wait to try the rest of the picture friendly menu

Somtum Der
85 Avenue A
$$
Recommended Dishes: Lemongrass Juice, Sa Poak Kai Tod Der, Moo Ping Kati Sod, Moo Rong Hai Der, Tum Thai Kai Kem

Rice and Pork

Beef Skewers

Chicken

Sausages

Categories: East Village, New York City | Tags: Best Thai in NYC, East Village Thai, food, restaurants, Somtum Der, Somtum Der NYC, Travel | Leave a comment

Great Vietnamese Combo at Cull & Pistol

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Ziggy

It hit me, like the sharp dressed man, missing a step, stumbling on the steps of the subway today, that I havent been to Chelsea Market since spring.

But lets stay with the stumbler for just a minute. Have you ever stumbled while walking and decided that its the perfect opportunity to start jogging so to avoid the embarrassment of stumbling. That doesnt work very well sometimes, especially if you are wearing heels, or a suit. The frontal balding stumbler this morning, wearing a sharp black suit, holding a suitcase in one hand and a bag in the other, stumbled on the next to last step coming off the subway into street level. But he’s waaaay to proud to stumble. The folks behind him, me included watched in horror as he tries to regain his balance by stumbling and pretty much jogging his way into a full blown puddle after refusing to go down initially. I admire the baldy’s perseverance and technique but a quick fall would have been far more graceful. His entire right leg along with the $800 Salvatore Ferragamo shoes was inside a puddle on a beautiful sunny day. I dont know about you but this is why I go to work.

I also go to work to eat, and this week has proven very interesting so far. I came to Cull & Pistol looking for more Uni Tagliatelle (below) but instead I got back to back visits eating some of the best Banh Mi and Pho I’ve had in NYC. Introduced just this Friday as part of a new Fall menu.

Swordfish sandwich was simply outstanding. Hoisin glazed, moist, meaty Swordish, pickled carrots, ginger aioli in a nice warm baguette. Swordish is a tough fish, and I normally try to avoid after having one too many dry ones. But this preparation nailed it.

Lobster Pho the next day was even better. Lobster stock with vermicelli, lobster and hake chunks, mussels, with strong lemongrass action. It was served with a plate of condiments that included coriander, basil, and mint leaves. I turned possessed while eating this thing, like eating after a fast.

Cull and Pistol, is quite possibly Chelsea Markets biggest gem, somewhat hidden. Its owned by the same team that owns Lobster Place next door, and so they share some of the same fresh seafood. In addition to the fantastic squid ink Taglietelle with Uni you also have a hefty lobster roll with fries, fish and chips, and the scrumptious Long Island Clam Toast with ham from Disckson’s a few doors down.

Check it out. Just watch your step. And try not to open the main door unless you dont mind suddenly turning into a door man waiting for an entire polish tour group to walk in. Just let someone else open the door for you

Categories: Chelsea, New York City | Tags: Chelsea Market, Cull & Pistol, Cull & Pistol NYC, food, NYC seafood, restaurants, Travel, Vietnamese food in NYC | 1 Comment

Hell’s Kitchen – What’s Up?

Posted on October 5, 2014 by Ziggy

I haven’t eaten much to write about lately. Partly due to religious holidays where I either had to eat at the in-laws or survive the annual semi fast (eat light, not brush teeth..). So I’m taking this opportunity to update you all that there are no updates to the Hell’s Kitchen guide. “That’s it. He officially ran out of things to write about” So, so not true. I have plenty of things to write about. Like, about the wonderful fan mail I’m finding in my Spam box lately (Brazilian girls are big fans apparently, all sorts of Russian marriage proposals, quality of life improvement suggestions…). Anyway, here’s what’s happening in the neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen lately

Pizza. New gourmet pizzas are popping up everywhere these days in the area. I already discussed Pamela… err I mean Annabel (confusing spam email fans). Vinyl owners teamed up with NYC-LA-Back to NYC chef Jason Neroni to open B-Side (Get it? Vinyl, B-Side? I actually don’t get it). It looks very promising and I plan to check it out very soon. There’s another place on the Capizzi side of the area that I’m long overdue for a first visit.

Larb Ubol (above) – Big Mazal Tov to LU for joining the coveted Michelin Bib Gourmet list, awarded to best cheap(er) eats. Although awarding the same distinction to Khe-Yo means that I dont quite understand the qualification or I should probably get half of my Khe-Yo check back

Danji – Losing their Michelin star this week. Does this mean it should be avoided? My theory is that the Michelin inspector sat in the same seat as I did a few weeks ago where I couldn’t open the drawer at the bottom to get the menu out as it was hitting against the side of the wall. That’s the only explanation I have since the menu hasn’t changed since they got the star, and the dishes come out in consistent fashion

Oxtail – One of the best things I’ve eaten lately is the Oxtail soup at Pam Real Thai. With two Thai places already on the list I’m not so quick to add a third, but this soup is tremendous. Pleasant heat, A LOT of pleasant heat, with deep lasting flavors and a coupe of hefty meaty bones. There are all sorts of amazing soups in the area I’m enjoying lately, perhaps worthy of a post?

No Addition – Not that I’m not trying new places. Briciola – Feh! and awkward. Puff Cha – Dido. But trying desperately to like it. I’m completely content however with the current list and dont feel the need to add anything.

Now, back to fan mail…

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: B-Side Pizza, food, Hells kitchen, Larb Ubol, Pam Real Thai, restaurants, Travel | Leave a comment

Meet Dave!

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Ziggy

Dave is a husky, meaty fella with a fiery personality. He answers to no one and a master of his own domain. When opportunity knocks and he’s not home, opportunity waits. You get the idea? Dave is the latest City Sandwich sandwich I tried and quite possibly my new favorite in this Portuguese Sandwich mecca. With ample amount of fresh minced sausage, chili pepper, garlic, olive oil, melted mozzarella, and peppers for the occasional much needed acid. This was meaty, sharp and pleasantly fiery with a great finish. Winner!

But as with any other sandwich at City Sandwich, it all starts with the bread of dreams. Naples born Chef Guerrieri who spent a lot of time cooking in Lisbon, fell in love with the Portuguese bread and spent a lot of time looking for the right formula. Thankfully we have a large Portuguese community in NJ where he was able to find that diamond in the rough. To me its like the perfect Po-Boy baguette. A hollow interior, and an exterior that has just enough teeth friendly crunch. This is as good as sandwich bread gets.

Other than Dave, there are plenty of other winners here. Todd is perhaps the most popular… Smoked Portuguese Pancetta, Tomato, Seasonal Lettuce, Honey Dijon and Yogurt Sauce. Yogurt and olive oil is what you’ll find here generally instead of mayo. And before you complain about the +$10 prices, just try to buy these ingredients (including bread) separately. Besides meat sandwiches, there are also vegetarian and egg sandwiches like Bench Girl which I had a few weeks ago. Omelet, Portuguese Alheira sausage, spinach, Melted Mozzarella and olive oil. The egg took center stage at this one in a very good way. They also have daily specials which at times can be seasonal like the Sofia below, with battered Zucchini blossoms. This is perhaps the only sandwich in NYC that is destination worthy.

City Sandwich has been in Hell’s Kitchen Survival Guide from day one as the lone sandwich representative. There’s a very simple explanation on why you dont see any Eating with Ziggy mentions on their front window. There’s no more room.

If you check-in via Yelp while waiting for your order (you just need to install yelp and check in) you get a free Panna Cotta. And somehow I missed the fact that they make those little Lisbon style Pastels that we’ve been munching on daily when we visited Portugal, which remains near and dear to our hearts (the country, not that pastries. Ok the pastries too)

City Sandwich
649 9th Ave

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: Best Sandwiches in NYC, City Sandwich, food, sandwiches, Travel | 1 Comment

Marta – Roman Rule, Stage 2

Posted on September 28, 2014 by Ziggy

Update 5/30/16:

4-5 trips since the last update and a lot more awesomeness out of Marta to compensate for the dubious title (I must have just watched Gladiator for the 100th time). The Carbonara pie is just about my favorite pie in NYC at the moment, though recently I also discovered the Mushroom pie that does it for me. Rabbit meatballs was replaced by chicken but you hardly notice a difference. Get the grilled chicken people. One of the most tender, gorgeously brined birds out there. The Suppli Cacio e Pepe (there he goes again with the C&P) carry a lot of punch. Took friends here last night and Marta Marta Marta delivered yet again.

Update 9/28/14:

Two more fantastic meals at Marta. Patate Alla Gricia – Good amount of potato with Guanciale, Pecorino, Black Pepper, and egg which was a supplement at that time. The Gricia was later replaced with Patate Alla Carbonara. Same potato, Guanciale, Pecorino but now with lovely egg “juice” poured all over the pie. While I missed some of the original black pepper this was still quite fantastic. Another must is the Rabbit Meatballs with fresh Ricotta – Some of the best tasting meatballs I’ve had in NYC (though I fully admit I’m saying it quite often lately). The plain Margherita is where you can really appreciate the thinless of this thing. Any thinner than this and you get an Olsen twin. Once done with the pies dont let them take the tray away until you have a chance to play with the crust crackers leftover. By play I mean eat (for the bread fetish readers). The chicken here is delicious as well. Its what every family BBQ chicken should taste like. Its beer brined and the result is super moist, juicy, and very flavorful. Gelato sandwich is more than a respectable finish.

In Rome, a tourist can come and go back to the boat or hotel room without ever experiencing the true Roman Pizzerie. And there’s a very simple explanation to that. It’s closed! The tourist may have seen pizza by the slice (Pizza a Taglio) at some stores or bakeries and may have enjoyed some of those, and perhaps a pizza Bianca or 3, but for the true Roman Pizza experience you need to seek out the wood burning oven joints that are normally open at night only. Some open as late as 8. I can go on and on explaining why pizzeries are open so late and that Italians take their lunches more serious than Americans, and historically even more serious than dinner… But I have to make this post quick because I have to go feed the kids and check their homework, and yell at them for not vacuuming the kitchen (I have muffin crumbs stuck to my feet. Tastes like chocolate so its them).

So while Romans have to wait until 8 to eat their pizza, new Yorkers can now have it starting at noon. It would have been just as odd to make this one evenings only for New Yorkers, as taking away a free bread basket at the Italian restaurant near you.

Roman Pizza is Matzoh-like thin. Danny Meyer and Nick Anderer’s second Roman venture Marta opened 5 days ago in the Martha Washington hotel. Nick is there mopping the floor and inspecting every pie coming out to make sure its Kosher. Get a seat at the bar to watch the team in action including Rabbi Nick inspect every pie coming out of the wood burning oven. He lifts the pies up as he looks for consistency, a crisp bottom (dont we all) and to make sure he sees the ceiling light fixtures through it.

Started with the Popettini di Maccheron, a pair of aromatic fried pasta balls with tasty tomato pecorino sauce. The balls had a hard solid exterior which provided a nice crunch, unlike your average Arancini that break apart when you just stare at them

I broke my own rule and started with something other than Margherita (I do it often these days and I’m not liking it). This is the Salsiccia – Mozzarella, Tomato, Pork Sausage, Crimini Mushrooms. Very good overall. Not soggy whatsoever, cracker crisp at the edges and fairly crispy thoughout. No forks were hurt or needed in the process to scoop up ingredients trying to escape. Nicely done! With Roman pies I found that less is more, meaning the more ingredients and toppings you add the less exciting the pie gets. This was simple enough with good flavor, but I do want to try the Margherita next. And the rest of the good looking, fried filled menu.

Marta (Martha Washington Hotel)
29 East 29th Street
$$
Recommended Dishes: Rabbit Meatballs, Patate Alla Carbonara, Chicken, Ice Cream Sandwich

Marta Rabbit Meatballs

Patate Alla Gricia

impeccable concentration

Sausage Cremini Mushrooms

Categories: Gramercy, Flatiron, New York City | Tags: food, Marta, Marta NYC, Marta Roman Pizza, restaurants, Roman Pizza NYC, Travel | 7 Comments

Don’t Get Hemorrhoids, Go to Piedmont!

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Ziggy

My office is undergoing major renovations. Last week it was time to shut down the bathrooms and start using the bathrooms on the 6th floor again as we’ve done in the past (normally when people decide to flush their belongings and clog the toilets). Problem is the 6th bathrooms now require a key. So we were given 2 keys attached to pocket size keychains that we can use and put back in the jar when we come back. Apparently that concept proved a little too much for some of my co-workers and both keys were lost by the morning of the next day. Solution: Attach the key to a binder. So here we are walking with the blue binders all the day long. Everyone suddenly looked busier and more professional to other office workers from other offices. Except that our binders were totally empty and we were not heading to any meetings.

The binder experiment failed rather quickly after we realized it was a little awkward and we suddenly were short on binders. Enter.. Disco Sticks. Like the ones they handed to you at the last Bar Misvah right after the oversize glasses and the hats. The bathroom keys are now attached to flashy glowing disco sticks. So picture this, while all the female employees enjoy the luxury of being able to use a small keychain, the male employees are walking around with flashy disco sticks. Other offices are starting to notice that as well.. “What are they doing with those sticks” “Is he just happy to see me”. “No, he’s going to the bathroom”, “and no one can be this happy to see you Betty”. Its embarrassing. Sometimes we, grown men, have to go in groups (single file) because we only have 2 sticks. Feels like a tour guide leading his group to the bathroom.

The worst feeling is when you need to go to the bathroom before a long meeting and there are no sticks to be found. Or you have been texting your way into a high level meeting, not realizing you just showed up carrying one of the disco sticks, in flashing mode (there’s a switch that turns it on, and the frequency of the flashing). “That’s probably the guy that lost the keychains” you can hear then whispering. Actually the worst part is when you sitting in the bathroom and hear keyless people trying to get in. At that point you feel the need to stop your Candy Crush and start rushing things. A recipe for popped veins and Hemorrhoids as I see it.

Piedmont cant come soon enough is what I’m trying to say. I should have timed this trip better to avoid all this. In about a month time, with the help of my disco stick, I will be leading a group of 2 out in the rolling hills of the Langhe and visiting the legendary Truffle festival in Alba before moving on to Emilia Romagna. I’m seeing reports of 30 euros per shaving which is much higher than I originally anticipated and much higher than shavings of black truffles we’ve enjoyed in the past (apples to oranges but still). At the NoMad last year I paid $34. Truffle season is also here in NYC btw. Marta will have them sometime this week or next (you may be able to shave them over eggs and pizza) and the Nomad, Maialino and the rest of the gang joining soon in the action. But I will wait out the month truffle free.

You know those cable commercials “Don’t wake up in a roadside ditch, switch to cable“. Don’t get Hemorrhoids, go to Piedmont!

Categories: New York City | Tags: food, Hemorrhoids, Travel, truffles | 2 Comments

Crispo – Eat Drink Man Woman

Posted on September 20, 2014 by Ziggy

Crispo Carbonara

One food related task that I dont particularly enjoy much is picking a place for a family function. Normally what I have to deal with is a large group, not enough time, a place we havent been, ~~not too adventurous~~ Italian. Good luck, you have 24 hours. Normally I enjoy picking restaurants but this can be as much fun as a vasectomy consultation (ok, last vasectomy joke this week I promise. Its not even that funny if you ask me). But somehow, by pure miracle, perhaps with the help of Whole Foods cereal I was having that morning, I came up with the perfect spot. No problem reserving a table since the place has been around for a while, perfect menu for this crowd, and a table that is… let me put it this way… If Don Corleone ever needed a table to entertain 20 of his immediate family in NYC, that is the table he would get. Located in the Crispo garden, partly covered which was perfect for a cool summer night, this table set the tone to a beautiful dinner.

Crispo is one of those spots I’ve known for years but somehow never made it. The menu featured classics from the entire nation of Italia, a few neighboring countries (neighboring to Italy, not talking about Canada), and some food trucks. Without knowing the quality of any of these ingredients I can see an Italian Slow Food student throw up a little when looking at the menu. Its almost as if they kept adding items without ever removing anything. This is more of an observation than a complaint however. Americans in general love big menus. I don’t particularly care for them, but I can bare it, especially with a large group.

The result was a scene from Eat Drink Man Woman, something Anthony Bourdain and I share in common – our favorite food movie. Great food, a good time with the family, helped by a great wine list

As usual we shared a bunch of starters. A fine Prosciutto, figs, parmigiano platter from the Prosciutto section of the menu. Risotto Balls were especially popular, and so was one of the best Caponatas I’ve had in NYC. Normally, its a disappointing bland mess, but that wasn’t the case here. Mixed olives – I wouldn’t know. They were ordered by someone who’s rapper name would be “Dame Never Shares A lot.” Stuffed hot Cherry Peppers was the only early regret. Reminded me and everyone else on the table why I don’t care so much for Cherry peppers, and their taste buds altering ways. Bad idea in particular to have them right before the switch to a young but feisty 2010 Renato Ratti Barolo. The Caprese Salad here features the sweetest beefiest tomatoes you can possibly imagine in a Caprese salad, with Mozzarella as rich and thick as the accent of a young Vito Corleone. Note: This was one of 24 Insalatas one the menu. To further explain my “Slow Food” comment, at Da Roberto in Montisi in Tuscany, there is one salad on the menu on any given day.

Only 14 pastas on the menu. The Carbonara here is one of the specialties. It features the 3 “P” Pancetta, Smoked Pancetta & Prosciutto with an egg that you need to mix in on your own. It worked overall, quite enjoyable actually, but not as addictive as the more traditional one you can find in Lupa or Maialino. The Black Truffle Ricotta Ravioli certainly had its share of truffle aroma and flavor, unlike so many dishes out there with the word “truffle” in it. And just when you think you’ve eaten all the pasta shapes out there there’s a Trofie, Twisty, thin, chewy little noodles, a specialty of Genoa. This one featured more truffle juice (yes please), with peas and prosciutto. By the way, did you hear the horn? Alba white truffles season is upon us, and supplies are looking good so far. Then there was the good and basic Mike Tyson’s favorite, Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe & Fennel Sausage, and a Shrimp Spaghetti Fra Diavola consumed quickly by Dame Never Shares A lot

To find a memorable Secondi these days can be as tough as pronouncing Secondi correctly. One glance at the Pork Shank and two things come to mind.. Huge and dry. Nope! huge and juicy with sweet pleasant tones was the result, and enough of it to go around.

The desserts here were quite good. Highlighted by the Italian Beignets, Zeppole with Chocolate Sauce. Torta Cioccolata was on the dry side even for the kids. Panna Cotta with Berries and Biscotti di Mais was surprisingly delicate for a dry Panna Cotta. Tiramisu as a cake, not in a cup was a delight to the Dame. And a duo of Crème Brûlée & Bittersweet Chocolate Pudding was satisfying. Recommend!

Crispo
240 W 14th
$$$
Recommended Dishes: Prosciutto, Risotto Balls, Caprese Salad, Ricotta Ravioli, Trofie, Carbonara, Pork Shank, Zeppole, Panna Cotta

Trofie

Ravioli

Categories: New York City, West Village | Tags: Crispo, Crispo NYC, food, Italian West Village, restaurants, Travel | 1 Comment

Nargis Cafe – Uzbek Beauty With an Attitude

Posted on September 14, 2014 by Ziggy

8/30/15 Update: Another great lunch in one of my Brooklyn faves. You cant get this stuff in Manhattan. The Plov is still Killa! So are the Monti, those giant dumplings filled with cuminy meaty goodness. The chicken kebabs and Lyulya kebab are some of the juiciest tenderest kebabs you will ever eat. Among the starters I particularly like the red eggplant dish (over the green) and the avocado salad. They make Lagman noodles but only offer it in soup (very good). It doesnt look like they have Pilmeni any more but they do offer its fried uzbek cousin Chuchvara. Wash it all down with the Szech draft beer (the second one, forgot the name) or their terrific Kompot (Russian fruit punch). Very busy place, sort of approaching local institution status. You cant get this in Manhattan. Did I already say that? Well I’m saying this again. I just read the post below and I think I must have been high on something…

Original post 9/14/14:

A love hate arranged relationship followed by a happy marriage is a good way to summarize this one. We started dating awhile back, sparks were flying and things got intense. But then she started seeing other people. A lot of them! To the point of having to make an appointment and sharing her while sitting very close to the other people and having to leave much sooner than before. Time for a break, and to check out the rest of the Uzbek fish in the sea. There was Kashkar, Oasis and some other flirts, but I kept thinking about her, my Nargisachka, who pleased me like none of the others. To quote from the great Top Secret, “she took advantage of me in ways I cannot describe” “Oh Nigel, it must have been awful” (Rolling Eyes Smiley)

Anyway, in a town suddenly filled with all sorts of Uzbek action, Nargis is probably my favorite at the moment. You got all the usual Russian/Uzbek goodies here, and pretty much everything is cooked well. Nice little Pilmeni (Russian dumplings) which I particularly like here because of its cumin action. Good eggplant salad, fried potatoes with mushrooms which is a staple among the “Russian” spots in the city. Great Monti, like giant Pilmeni that come covered in a basket. Samsa, the Uzbek bourek is another winner at Nargisachka. Last time they had a Samsa special, a hefty Chicken Samsa surrounding a drumstick. Like a Samsa lollipop if you will. They are known for their Uzbek Plov with lamb, chickpeas and liberal use of fresh scallions. Terrific Tashkent Salad (meat, shredded radish, eggs, fried onions). The kebabs here redefine tenderness and juiciness. Chicken, lamb, veal, Lulya kebabs are as good as you will find anywhere on Coney Island Ave (plenty of competition on this street)

This is a very popular spot with the local families, and its best to come here with a group so you can sample enough.

Nargis Cafe
2818 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn
$$
Recommended Dishes: Plov, Samsa, Tashkent Salad, Monti, Avocado Salad, Kebabs, eggplant salad, Chuchvara

Categories: Brooklyn, New York City | Tags: Brooklyn Restaurants, Brooklyn Uzbek, food, Nargis Cafe, Nargis Cafe Brooklyn, restaurants, Travel | 3 Comments

Best Burgers in Hell’s Kitchen

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Ziggy

*** Please excuse horrible iPhone pictures. I get light headed if I don’t eat the burger right away and I rush the picture taking process. I do think of you audience, but not at that moment *****

First of all, let me just be the first blogger to say this… most likely these are NOT the best burgers in Hell’s Kitchen. There are way too many places providing quality burgers in the area, and contrary to popular belief, I am human and cant possibly eat all of them and/or judge accordingly. This list is also a list of places where you can most likely find locals as opposed to tourists. So no Shake Shack, Bareburger, 5 Napkin, and not even the napkinless Five Guys. That’s not to say my picks cant match against any of those guys. I’m also trying to mix and match different types of burgers even if it means including something that’s not even considered a burger but worth mentioning. Special attention is also paid to the fries and the place itself. Another reason why you wont see Shake Shack. “So why are you calling it Best Burger, Ziggy”? Good question tommy. For the same reason everyone else does. Its much more Google friendly than “exceptional burgers”, or “decent Burgers”, and besides, they might very well be “The Best”

Island Burger and Shakes – Perhaps the obvious one and the place I frequent the most. Great Burgers and.. you guessed it.. Churrascos! Churrascos are chicken sandwiches grilled in over 30 ways – blackened, or spiced any way you want it. The same goes for the top quality burgers where you have all these combinations to choose from including various toppings like Au poivre, pesto and even peanut thai sauce. And 6 types of bread including a fine Ciabatta. But don’t be afraid to try a very simple one with swiss, and perhaps sautéed onions or mushrooms. What separates them from the rest is that they always grill the burgers to perfection (unless you are with a group of 8 as happened to me yesterday). A medium rare is usually a medium rare. Fries here are good but extra, though I usually share them with someone. Oh and I’m noticing lately lunch specials of $10 that includes a plain burger, fries, beer, and a flue shot.

The Marshal – (top) I already discussed The Marshal extensively but haven’t discussed the burger. As with anything else on the menu, attention to detail here is key. An oven roasted fatty patty, a combination of chuck, brisket, and hanger along with kidney fat produces a perfect 80/20 fat ratio. This is the juiciest thing I’ve had since college! No fries here but the duck fat potato chips and slaw make up for it. The menu changes regularly so if you show up and the burger is not on the menu, I suggest you make a scene (how else they gonna learn). Or just have something else for a change

Genuine Roadside – Essentially a Shake Shack fast food burger without any of the pain. Every time I pass by Shake Shack on 8th ave I just want to shake a random German sock and sandals tourist and explain that there’s nothing in the land of pizza and burgers worth standing in line for. Because you can find similar quality just about everywhere. My only visit to this Shake Shack location was as much fun as a Vasectomy. At Genuine, in food mecca Gotham West, you walk in, order, get a beeper, and wait a few minutes at one of the many booths available, instead of the standing room only Shake Shack. Get the Double Stack, with american cheese, sweet pickles and house sauce which is essentially a mayo, ketchup, and mustard blend. The patties are 80% chuck, 20% hanger, on the small side like Shake Shack and generally cooked well. Fries are extra and well worth it. But the one item on the menu I prefer over everything else is the Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich

Brickyard Gastropub – For the health conscious. If you noticed that burgers with diet coke is not helping you lose wait, try beer with Bison Burger. You see what I did there kids? Bison meat is leaner than cow meat and has more nutrients. Brickyard offers regular burgers of course, and bison burgers that are slightly gamy and very tasty. But you must pinky promise that you will order the truffled fries as well. On first look they will seem greasy, but than you suddenly cant stop eating them. A total opposite than my experience with the truffled fries at the super popular Umami. But the burgers at this sport bar are solid overall. And a cute Irish bartenderess that knows her food can only be a major plus

Bulgogi Sliders at Danji – If the overrated Montmartre Patty Melt can be seen on “Best” lists than I’m adding sliders. Its my blog, I make the rules, and those sliders will make you break the rules. In a CNN 2011 reader’s poll of the World’s 50 most delicious foods, Bulgogi, a Korean style marinated beef was voted #23. Soy Sauce, garlic, sake, car keys, and a whole bunch of stuff go into a typical marinade, and you can sample this deliciousness at Hooni Kim’s Danji with a lovely spicy pickled cucumber & scallion salsa. Add the tofu and KFC wings while you at it

Happy eating and stay hungry my friends

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: Best Burgers in Hell's Kitchen, Brickyard Gastropub, danji, food, Genuine Roadside, Island Burger and Shakes, restaurants, The Marshal, Travel | 3 Comments

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