NYMike's Profile
Smoked Fish, Queens
I went to pick up my order.. and was a little surprised about the size of the new place.. they moved it into what looks like a hallway with the refrigerators on the side and back and a cutting table in the middle.. its just enough space to do what needs to be done. The fish is the same high quality with great prices..
Smoked Fish, Queens
The place in Middle Village didn't close.. in fact I just placed a phone order with them at 718-326-2170 - call them for specific hours.. I don't know if they are open all the time because I don't go that often, but I know I am picking some up for this weekend...
ACME smoked fish - other wholesalers?
I don't think it was exactly that low when I went, but it wasn't that far off. They have Sable, Sturgeon, Baked Salmon, Whitefish, etc.. I am sure you can speak to the girl over the phone to get the current price.
I also went to Russ and Daughters two years ago.. and its seems the price of everything everywhere has gone up dramatically since then.
ACME smoked fish - other wholesalers?
This was the most recent information I have:
Rego Smoked Fish Company
69-80 75th Street
Middle Village, Queens
718-326-2170
I was just there on Mother's Day weekend and everything was great. I went to Russ and Daughters for our annual Mother's Day brunch when I mistakenly thought Rego was closed and easily paid double for the same quality fish and hand carved attention.
As with everything.. their prices aren't as low as they used to be, but still well worth the money.
Katsuno Japanese in Forest Hills
Thanks Janie for the link. I tried this place about 3 weeks ago. This place IS NOT cheap. We only had one cooked dish we tried mostly sushi and the Salmon and Sea Urchin salad. We did have steamed crab meat dumplings special that were very bland, but I guess that might have been the point?
The fish quality seemed pretty good and most stuff was tasty. I found out that Sea Urchin wasn't for me (first and last time having it). The quality seemed pretty high, but the portions were on the small side and it was pricey.
I was and am a Mickey's Place lover. The quality of the fish and value for what you get is probably unmatched in all the sushi places I have gone to around NY in my opinion. I still schlep over to Bell Blvd to get my fix.
Wafa's Mediterranean in Forest Hills
Just wanted to say that I tried this new place in Forest Hills, just north of Metropolitan Avenue called Wafa's Authentic Mediterranean Food. It is a Takeout & Catering place with excellent freshly prepared food on the cheap. Nothing on it's menu is over $8..
They have soups(Split Pea and Chicken), Tabouleh, Hummus, Babaganoush, Mousabaha and three types of pies (Meat, Cheese and Spinach) and along with Falafel, Chicken or Lamb Shawerma and Kibbe. Desserts include Baklava and Rice Pudding.
I wanted to post this because it is slightly off the beaten path (Metropolitan Avenue) at 96-08 72nd Avenue.. Not sure of the hours but the # 718-263-2757.
The quality of the food is great and the prices are probably this low because they just starting out and the location. I highly recommend dropping in and trying some of their delicious take out.
Forest Hills Happy Hour Suggestions?
Dirty Pierres sounds like a good choice.. do they have happy hour specials? (2 for 1 drinks?).. also what about music? Thanks for the help..
Forest Hills Happy Hour Suggestions?
Thanks for the info Greg.. How is the food at the Irish Cottage - I've never been.
Forest Hills Happy Hour Suggestions?
Anyone have recommendation for any Happy Hour places in Forest Hills. Perhaps a place that has 2 for 1 drink specials and to get some good eats to boot?
Anyone know about Bonfire Grill, Irish Cottage, St. James (on Metro), 5 Burros or any other place not listed that has a happening happy hour?
I need a drink..
Glendale, Atlas Park Farmers Market?
There probably is no comparison between USM and the one at Atlas Park. I have yet to go this year, but last year I went often. There was at most 5 vendors at one time, sometimes less. No seafood - mostly fresh fruit and vegetables, a bakery.
I live within walking distance and find it worth it to go on the Saturdays. I think the prices might be comparable to the produce stores on Metropolitan, but at least you know these items are grown locally and in most cases superior.
Perhaps I will get there this Saturday - If I do I will give you a report.
appetizing in queens
I mistakenly thought the place had closed also, but I was there on Mother's Day weekend to get smoked fish for a brunch. Their hours are pretty limited - usually only until 2 or 3 in the afternoon. I don't go too often, but I am happy to know it is there when I need them.
Last year I didn't even check if they were closed and went to Russ & Daughters in the city and easily paid double for the same fish. I should have checked this place considering I could walk there..
There is usually a wait here because there is one person behind the counter slicing the order, but it isn't terrible. She always allows you a taste to see if it is to you liking.
I always feel that this is one of those "secret" finds and hesitate talking about it, but I still want them to stay in business so I spread the word. Hearing the answering machine message adds to the secretiveness of these place - no name of the place, just "We will be open August 28th. Thank you.". The voice sounds like the woman who usually slices the fish.
Check'em out when they reopen - I doubt you will be disappointed.
appetizing in queens
Rego Smoked Fish Company
69-80 75th Street
Middle Village, Queens
718-326-2170
It is a "hole in the wall", but the prices and the quality of the hand carved smoked fish are excellent.
Casa de Elian--new Mexican on Metropolitan
I have to agree with the reviews for the food and service. The roasted corn was awesomely flavored and spicy. Guacamole was fresh and flavorful and the chips freshly made. The service was very attentive.
The decor is mix of modern along with rustic, especially with the tables and chairs that may be TOO rustic. The wood they use seems to have many splinters coming out of it and an odd staple sticking out. It reminds me of the wood that was used for old wood crates. The wood is very porous and I could see food eventually staining the lightly colors tables. If the furniture can't be changed, I think some table cloths and cushions would go a long way to protecting the customers and making the experience more enjoyable.
Don't let my furniture criticism deter you from trying this place. I think the food is great and will get better with more choices once people start frequenting this place.
parking by Pio Pio
It really all depends on the night. Friday and Saturday nights you will probably have a problem, but you may get lucky down one of the side streets off of Northern Blvd.
There are meters on Northern Blvd. They end at 7pm. I think they also have no parking from 4pm to 7pm on Northern so the closer you get there to 7pm the more likely you will get a spot.
Hope that helps
Sushi in Queens
Why would you be happy that Mickey's moved to Bayside when you lived right next door to it in Forest Hills?
I am a big fan of Mickey's and nothing has changed in regards to the food and sushi. It still the best, but the place is considerably smaller - probably about half the size. It is nicely decorated and it also has a patio for outside dining which will be nice in the warmer weather.
It would be nice, if the opportunity comes up, to open a second location returning to Forest Hills - perhaps they could find something on Metropolitan Ave. Seems like a lot of restaurants are opening there lately.
Toyo on Metro
Thanks MidVil for the recommendations. I have to check out Mado and Sato they sound like good places. I found some other reviews on the net and it looked positive.
I have to recommend another Thai place in Forest Hills on Metropolitan Avenue. It is called Star of Siam (It is near Danny Brown's Wine Bar). I usually order delivery from there, but we went to eat there a couple of weeks ago and really liked the place. Nicely decorated and very calm inside. It is very intimate with great service.
The food is very good - my wife likes the Chicken Massaman. I usually get the Salmon which is in a curry sauce. They consistently have a nice balance of spicy heat and flavor. The Tom Yum Goong soup is good also which my wife ordered. Without being asked the waitress brought an extra small bowl and spoon in case I wanted to share my wife's soup - nice touch and thoughtful service. The also have some good vegetarian dishes. I had the vegetarian duck dish and found it to be quite good. Their appetizers are decent although nothing really stands out. I thought they also had reasonable prices.
Also, how does Megumi stay in business being consistently bad?
Where is Asia Kitchen - is that the place by Subway near 73rd Place?
It seems like I have to give Toyo another shot..
Toyo on Metro
Glad you like Wakamatsu. How do you like it compared to Toyo? I think you probably like Toyo more than Megumi, but at least we both agree that Megumi is completely worthless :)
I want to try that Linda's Shell House also. Do you remember a place on Flushing Ave in Maspeth (near the underpass) that served fried seafood. It was in white and there was no sign outside. The owner was known as Joe Fish. I miss that place - it was so good and inexpensive.
Toyo on Metro
I thought with cook with a pizza stone you put in the over for a half hour before to preheat it and get it really hot so it crisps the bottom of the pizza when you put it directly on it. I never used one but I thought that was the purpose.
Have you been to this place? I just seen a review in the Village Voice. I remember seeing this place and though it was a failed restaurant, but it seems like it reopened.
Linda's Shell House
60-11 Metropolitan Ave
Ridgewood, NY 11385
Phone: (718) 366-1818
price: $
This revamped and relentlessly green seafood shack–the new decor includes a pair of agreeable hand-painted murals–presents the usual fried selections, but also imparts a southern Italian twist, where appropriate. If the garlic crabs are not ready yet, get the garlic shrimp: five shell-on beauties “pressure cooked” with Old Bay seasoning, garlic, and hot sauce. Maybe there’s a dash of Worcestershire in there too; the flavor is unforgettable. Good too are the fish sticks–stubby fillets that taste better than you’d expect sided with steak fries and coleslaw.
Toyo on Metro
What is the old saying on Pizza? Even when it's bad it's still pretty good. I guess it can be said about other things as well.
I have tried Nick's in Forest Hills and they were very good.
I'm glad you mentioned El Jarro - I was going to check it over the summer but never got to go. We have some friends that live in Woodside so we should check it out. They used to eat a place called La Flor on Roosevelt and 53rd st I think. Everything from that place was great and the prices were awesome. They ate there so much that it just got played out.
At the European Deli do they have the filet of sole sandwich all the time are do they only make it once in a while? What other food do they have in there?
I agree with you on the Fame Diner. I wish the Metro Diner was better because it is closer. It would be nice to have more places that we could just walk to and get good food.
Do you use a pizza stone to get the crisp crust when you make it at home?
Toyo on Metro
Sorry about your experience at Megumi. It is a consistently bad place - I've tried 3 times and each time it was horrible.
We usually have better luck with Wakamatsu. They delivery over to us and we are south of Metro. I wouldn't say they are my favorite, but they are good to order when you are lazy and don't feel like going out. I think the Sushi Deluxe is 12.95. They have some good rolls also. They are way better than Megumi and Toyo in my opinion, but they aren't a stand out sushi place by any means. You should give them a try though.
Everyone keeps saying that the Rosas on Metro has gone down hill. I don't see it. I still like their Sicilian slice. It still tastes like I remember getting from the Rosa's on Grand Ave (that is now a mcdonalds) when I was a kid. I agree about the chicken ceasar - but rosa's puts too much dressing also. My wife likes the eggplant slices from Rosa's. Their grandma slices come out pretty good once in a while.
We like Carlos for the onion slices - but find a lot of their pizza gets dried out. Their eggplant slice is pretty dry. I also get disappointed with their Broccoli Rabe panini - they cut the roll like a pac-man and stuff it on one side while the back has nothing. Their brick oven pizza is good - you just need to get it freshly made.
I agree about the sauce from both places. We were ordering eggplant marinara from Carlos for a little while, but it has been pretty bad lately.
I would say we probably order more from Rosa's - I guess I can't help it because I grew up on their pizza. I still love their sicilian slice. I do like Carlo's for a change of pace now and then.
Any other pizza you find better in the area?
You are right about Metro diner. I don't think they make anything in their particular well. Im not even crazy about their breakfasts - and usually diners are reliable for that.
It looks like we are running out of places to talk about in Middle Village and surronding area.
Toyo on Metro
Ah German food.. I have been waiting for fall to actually arrive. It is something about the cooler weather that puts me in the mood for German. I usually go to Zum Stammtisch and find them very good. I like everything about the place and it has been the same for years. They are in the middle of an Octoberfest so it might be worth checking out.
We never been to Chalet Alpina, but also heard good things about the place. My parents went to Octoberfest and that found it just ok. It is very small in there.
I am the same way about going out for Italian food. It is what we usually make at home. When I go out I like to get things that are harder to make ourselves. For example, it would be more difficult to make sushi at home and probably just as expensive getting quality ingredients - I rather find a good restaurant.
Have you ever been in the European Deli on metro? I heard they have good polish food in there, but I never been there either.
I think the area needs a good greek place. My wife is greek and we always have to travel to get good Greek. People seem to like Corfu on Austin St - we haven't been there yet. We sometimes get souvlaki or spanakopita from the Metro Diner which is ok. We usually head into Astoria and go to Agnanti or Taverna Kyclades - both are good, but we have been favoring Agnanti lately. When by my mother-in-laws we sometimes go to Mythos on Northern - my wife said the calamari is the best she has ever had there. Know any good greek that we are missing?
Oh I just remembered there is a Peruvian place that is similar to Pio Pio on Grand Ave. called Wanka 7104 Grand Avenue (718) 476-9680
. They have Jalea (seafood salad) and other selections that Pio Pio doesnt have. We liked it, but still thought Pio Pio was better. Might be worth checking out. Do you get the Sangria when you go to Pio Pio? - its pretty good.
Ok now for the $64,000 question - Carlo's or Rosa's? Which do you prefer?
Toyo on Metro
718-326-2170 is the smoked fish place. They are usually opening in the mornings from Tue to Sunday. Call for hours if interested. Highly recommended. It is the real deal for smoked fish and delicacies if you are into that kind of thing.
Toyo on Metro
Thanks for the tip on Golden Harbor. We had a delivery from them tonight and the food was very tasty. We got the Won tons with spicy sesame sauce - man that stuff is good and a bargain at $2.00. We ordered some shrimp and scallops in garlic sauce, sauteed string beans and veg. chow fun. All were very good and fast delivery to boot. I might have a new Chinese take out place. We usually order from Zheng's Oriental Garden on Metro - they have been inconsistent lately.
I actually wrote a reply to your message before and then my browser crashed - ugh!
I haven't tried the Cafe Latte place, but it reminds me of the Milan Sport a little ways down metro. It seems to have a specific clientele in there and doesn't seem very inviting. Just a strange vibe from both of those places.
I think you are going to like Trader Joes very much - their prices are very good and they have excellent products. Practically all (if not all) of the Trader Joe's branded items are high quality and a great bargain. I was in Stop and Shop on Union Tpke the other night and saw that they added some new items to their shelves and lower some of their inflated prices. Seems they are gearing up for the competition - they should be scared. I know I will be shopping there a lot less once Trader Joe's opens.
I actually had my wedding rehearsal dinner at Abbracciamento's - The food there is very good as well as the service. I haven't been to La Vigna or Spolinis - where are those places located? What kind of food?
I never been to Alberto's either. Actually we don't go to too many Italian restaurants, but they have been there a long time so that is probably a good sign - I think you should give it a shot.
Thanks for the tip about Sake Sushi. I also heard good things about Sushi 33 on Booth St. There is also another place called Sushi Yasu down on Yellowstone that has really fresh fish. So it looks like there are a few places in the area to try. I tried Ran down on Metropolitan Avenue and didn't really see what the fuss was about.. have you been there?
Speaking of sushi - The Amish Market has sushi that is prepared by Shiro. After 8pm (used to be 7pm) the sushi is half price. I know you said you liked Shiro so this might be a good idea to keep in mind for a inexpensive late dinner. Although many people don't like pre-made sushi. Also the selection isn't that great, but then again, its half price.
La Tavernetta on Cooper is supposed to be really good, but I haven't tried that place yet. Like I said - we don't go out for italian too much.
You should try the Pio Pio on northern - its especially good for a group, but try to get there early because there is usually a wait the later you go. It is much larger than the take out place on Woodhaven, but it still gets packed.
The bagel place on Metro in the shopping center with MRI place makes really good large bagels. They have yet to disappoint. Seems like the neighborhood thinks so also because that place always has at least 3 customers ahead of me when I go in on the weekends.
Also if you are into smoked fish there is place down 75th street - near cooper avenue that sells smoked fish. I don't know if it is even still there (I saw a for sale sign there a while back and haven't gone in a while), but they had good prices and service. Whenever I went I felt like it was a big secret. 6980 75th St - 718-894-1400 is the listing I found, but I usually just go there directly. It is hard to find, but great smoked salmon, lox, sable and whitefish. I probably spent double or triple at Russ and Daughters on Delancey for the same quality fish.
Toyo on Metro
I have to stop at Golden Harbor on my way home from work to pick up a take-out menu. A few people say they have good food - I really should try it. Any recommendations?
Megumi is pretty bad. I only been there twice - I went last night in a pinch because we had to go to Home Depot. The service was HORRIBLE! We both ordered from the sushi bar and my wife's dinner came out first, then her salad. She finished her meal before I even received mine. Both times the same confused service happened to us so it must be common. We said we would never go back.
That is a shame about the Parisien place. You are right - there were no indication about the Columbian food inside. Too bad that the food was so horrible. I always try to give a place the benefit of the doubt when they first open and the food/service is bad. Perhaps they will improve?
Italian Rotisserie huh? I saw that place and just thought it was a new sign for a deli. I will give that a try one day.
Agree with you on Pio Pio and Barosa. I like both places. Have you tried the Pio Pio in Jackson Heights (Northern and 84th St) - they have the Jalea (seafood salad) which is very good. Just bring friends if you order it - it's huge.
Next to Uvarara a Pool Hall/Cafe is supposed to open. They have been working on it for a little while. I wonder if they will serve food there.
Although the delivery options are limited in Middle Village they do seem to be improving. http://www.takeoutconnection.com/ does offer delivery from many restaurants for fee - but I haven't tried their service.
We are also getting the first Trader Joe's in Queens opening soon off of Woodhaven on Metro so that is another plus. Let's hope the trend continues.
Toyo on Metro
I only had sushi dishes when I went. The fish on top of the nigiri sushi was so thin that you could see through it and inside of the maki rolls the fish was about the width of pencil and the rest all rice. Besides the small portions I also felt the fish was not high quality. The tuna I had included some touch tendons throughout. I didn't try any of the entries.
I agree with you totally about the lack of restaurants in middle village, but unfortunately I can't support one that I feel is making sub par food just so it can stay open. The times I went were during the first couple of months they were open and I will perhaps give them one more shot because I really want to like them.
Mickey's Place was my favorite sushi place in Queens. I haven't heard if they reopened in Bayside yet. I also like Yuraku on Northern Blvd around 193rd St. - I go there when I visit the inlaws. Yuraku is very generous with complimentary offerings - especially if you sit at the sushi bar. I usually get sushi delivered from Wakamatsu that is located on Grand Ave. - they deliver to me and I am south of Metropolitan Ave. They are decent for the price/value of their sushi dishes, but they don't blow me away either. They work when I am feeling lazy (which has been quite often lately)
I am looking for good sushi choices in Queens - I tried Ran on Metro and found it so-so. Megumi was on par with Toyo, but they have an all you can eat option and they have sushi pieces for $1.00 and $2.50 rolls. Shiro in Atlas Park I find the price/value of their sushi so-so. I haven't been there lately.
Uvarara is great. The decor is beautiful. Their dishes all taste great and I love the wine recommendations and selection when you buy by the glass. I have yet to try the brunch there - have you? It is easy to spend some money in there though because of their small, intensely flavored dishes - we usually wind up ordering a few to make a full meal instead of snack to go along with wine.
I noticed that the place where the flower shop used to be on Metro turned into a bakery or cafe. Parisien Cafe? Have you tried anything from there - it certainly is hard to miss with its yellow and blue color scheme.
Any suggestions for delivery - It seems the same few choices keep coming up and it is getting a little boring.
Toyo on Metro
Sadly I have been to the place on three separate occasions and each time I was disappointed. The location is 3 blocks from my home and I really wanted to like this place.
The portions are skimpy and the fish is tasteless and low quality. I would put it in on par with Megumi that is in Forest Hills just past Woodhaven Blvd. on Metro. Megumi's prices are much better so you don't feel like you are getting ripped off.
I will say that it is nicely decorated, but their prices are a bit high for the quality of the food that is coming out.
Unfortunately I won't be going back.
Where can I find Soyrizo? (Not Chorizo)
http://www.amazon.com/Melissas-Soyrizo-Packages-12/dp/B0000TL6CC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-7612060-7495310?ie=UTF8&s=gourmet-food&qid=1190234907&sr=8-1%22%3ESoyrizo
Amazon sells it in 3 - 12 ounces packs through its website if you are unable to find it locally. (Link above)
This may be a different brand.
queens sushi
I posted the address in another topic:
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/438988
Kwanda of Japan, Inc.(Wine License)
d/b/a Mickey’s Place
40-17 Bell Blvd.
Bayside, NY 11361
Mickey's Place New Address
Any one that was a fan of Mickey's Place in Forest Hills probably already knows that they have closed. We all heard they were opening in Bayside, but I saw no mention of the address.
I found this on the Community Board 11 website announcing new liquor licenses:
Kwanda of Japan, Inc.(Wine License)
d/b/a Mickey’s Place
40-17 Bell Blvd.
Bayside, NY 11361
So I seems that are going to be right on Bell not too far from the LIRR station.
Any one in the area know if they have opened yet?
