Anne's Profile
Grand Cayman
Don't miss Welly's Cool Spot. GREAT tasting food, VERY inexpensive prices. This is NOT a tourist spot, but well-favored by the locals. Not in a great location, so I'd recommend take-out. It's been many years since we've been, but I still remember how wonderful the Lobster Cayman-style was. Goat curry is the local favorite.
STL---Arcelia's re-opening?
Arcelia's website says only that it is reopening this month. So...what's the buzz? Hoping to have sour cream enchiladas and chili Colorado when we visit next month.
New to using a slow cooker---Easter ham in it?
OK, I've been cooking for over 30 years, but I can count one one hand the number of times I've used a slow cooker. Anyway, I have a 4.5 lb. boneless smoked ham I want to cook for Easter dinner. Was thinking about just putting some pineapple in the bottom, then the ham on top. Here are my silly questions:
1. Will this work?
2. Do I need to add any liquid?
3. Do I cook it on high or low?
4. For how long?
Thanks! And a Happy Easter/Passover to all!
Visiting from Chicago, looking for cheap eats in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan.
2 places to recommend in Rego Park (Queens), both very near the 63rd Drive subway station:
1) Hot Bagels on 63rd Drive. Closest I've found to a REAL old-fashioned, New York water bagel. Keep it simple---plain bagel with a simple cream cheese spread.
2) Ben's Best on Queens Blvd. Get the pastrami sandwich. Say yes when he asks if you want mustard on that. Do NOT order it lean. A bit over your $10 wish, but the sandwich easily feeds 2 people. BTW, this is one of the last KOSHER delis left in NYC.
One other tip: I'd skip the Mexican food while you're in NY. I think you'll find better Mexican food back home in Chicago. You'll have much better luck with the Asian cuisines in NYC.
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Ben's Best Kosher Deli
96-40 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11374
Hot Bagels
95-08 63rd Dr, Queens, NY 11374
new gyro grill set to open on woodhaven in Rego Park?
Had take-out from here about 2 weeks ago. VERY, very good! We got several items for the family to sample. The lamb kabobs with roasted vegetables were very good, as were the stuffed grape leaves, the mousaka, hummus, and tzatziki. My favorite, though, was the spinach pie. Best I've ever had.
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Gyro Grill
63-02 Woodhaven Blvd, Queens, NY 11374
Visiting NYC from CA - need help planning a day trip to the Burroughs!
Some good suggestions here, but I'll add another. From the Roosevelt Ave./Jackson Heights subway stop, take the M or the R about 4-5 stops to 63rd Drive/Rego Park. On Queens Blvd., steps from the subway station, you'll find one of the last remaining KOSHER Jewish delis, Ben's Best. You can have breakfast, but you'll want to return for a hot pastrami sandwich for lunch. Be sure to get a half-sour pickle to go with it. There is some "foodie" shopping to be done along 63rd Drive, too. You could have the closest to a "real" NY water bagel at Rego Bagels. Or wander around Jumbo market for Asian specialties. There are also a couple of small Russian/Polish/Ukranian deli/markets along the Drive. For good Turkish/Middle Eastern, try Istanbul (on Queens Blvd.), or walk about 3/4 mile to the new Gyro Grill on Woddhaven Blvd (more Greek than Turkish). We just tried Gyro Grill about 2 weeks ago and it was VERY good. Very informal, mostly a take-out place, but the mousaka and spinach pies were among the best we've ever had.
Finally, if you want to go more upscale, you'll get a delicious seafood meal at London Lennies, also on Woodhaven Blvd.
http://www.bensbest.com/
http://regobagel.com/
http://www.gyrogrillny.com/
http://www.londonlennies.com/
Have fun!
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Ben's Best Kosher Deli
96-40 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11374
Istanbul
95-36 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11374
London Lennie's
63-88 Woodhaven Blvd, Queens, NY 11374
Jumbo Seafood Supermarket
93-17 63rd Dr, Queens, NY 11374
Gyro Grill
63-02 Woodhaven Blvd, Queens, NY 11374
Rego Bagels
95-08 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11374
Lunch on the Water in Bonaire?
I highly recommend Sunset Bar & Grill for lunch. Beautiful location, right on the water, and quite possibly the best fish sandwich on the island.
Indo-Chinese in Queens?
My husband & I will be in Queens next month and are craving delicious Indo-Chinese food. We were a big fan of Tangra Wok in Rego Park, but I understand that's gone now (?)
So, seeing some good reviews for both Tangra Masala (the one in Elmhurst) and Himalayan Hut. Although we hear good things about it, the Tangra in Sunnyside would be too difficult for us to get to to consider. So, which would YOU choose: Tangra Masala (Elmhurst) or Himalayan Hut? Or is there somewhere else even better we haven't yet heard about? Thanks!
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Tangra Wok
95-24 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11374
Tangra Masala
87-09 Grand Ave, Queens, NY 11373
Himalayan Hut
75-18 37th Ave, Queens, NY 11372
Queens!!!
*grin*
Ben's Best is within walking distance of my parents' place. For the past 3-4 years, we've had their pastrami sandwiches for Christmas dinner! But you're right...we do need to try Katz's.
Price of food increasing?
There are many factors that can make produce more (or less) tasty: the variety grown, the soil it's grown in, the weather conditions of the location it was grown in, how close to (or past) maturity the fruit/vegetable was picked, how far (and long) it had to travel to get to you. If you have access to produce from a local (whatever "local" means to you---down the road or within your state, etc) farmer, it will almost always be of better quality than what you can get at any supermarket. "Supermarket" varieties are generally chosen for their ease of getting them to the consumer (who can often be thousands of miles away). Tomatoes are the perfect example. Compare ANY tomato bought in a supermarket to one you buy in August at a Farmers' Market. The supermarket tomato will be uniformly red, with unbroken skin, and firm----and taste like wet sawdust. The Farmers' Market tomato will be bred for TASTE, even though it may be uneven in color and shape, and will probably bruise before you get it home.
BTW, it is now federal law that ALL produce be marked with country of origin.
Price of food increasing?
Prices on "fresh" produce fluctuate based on whether they are in season or not. Lemons, limes and other citrus fruits grown in the U.S. are "in season" during our winter months, peaking in January. Some will be sold fresh during that time, but many will be put into cold storage so they can be shipped over a longer period of time. So, think about it---if you're buying lemons in November that were picked last January, what do you think has happened to the supply (and quality) in that time? You were able to find cheaper Chilean-grown produce because, since they are in the Southern Hemisphere, their seasons are opposite ours. Chilean lemons would have been picked in June or so, so the quality (and quantity) is higher than those picked in the U.S. 6 months earlier.
The best way to stretch your food dollars is to buy what is in season. Winter squashes (like acorn and butternut) should be cheap right now. Asparagus, on the other hand, will be quite expensive (if you can find it at all) until spring when it is available for harvest again.
Queens!!!
My husband & I only get back to Queens (where my parents live) once per year (we live in IL). We ALWAYS hit these three places: Rosa's in Maspeth for pizza, and Ben's Best (for pastrami sandwiches) and Istanbul (love the vegetarian appetizer platter), both on Queens Blvd. in Rego Park.
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Ben's Best Kosher Deli
96-40 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11374
Rosa's Pizza
55-26 69th St, Queens, NY 11378
Istanbul
95-36 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11374
Pizza Hounds -- Favorite Canned Tomatoes for Neapolitan-style Pizza?
From Wikipedia: "Citric acid is a weak organic acid. It is a natural preservative/conservative and is also used to add an acidic, or sour, taste to foods and soft drinks."
AND...
"Citric acid is the active ingredient in some bathroom and kitchen cleaning solutions. A solution with a 6% concentration of citric acid will remove hard water stains from glass without scrubbing. In industry, it is used to dissolve rust from steel."
I'm pretty convinced it's the way the citric acid reacts with the metals in the can that is producing that metallic taste. If you are homecanning, using GLASS jars, the addition of citric acid (or, more commonly, lemon juice) probably has a less pronounced effect on the taste.
Pizza Hounds -- Favorite Canned Tomatoes for Neapolitan-style Pizza?
Citric acid is the ingredient in canned tomatoes that produces that "off" flavor. Unfortunately, it's getting harder and harder to find canned tomatoes without it. Lately, I've been using Colavita crushed tomatoes---nothin' but tomatoes and salt. Not sure how "widely available" it is, but I paid just over $2 per 28oz. can.
Delicious and quiet restaurant in vicinity of Rego Park?
How do you feel about Turkish food? My parents live in Rego Park and we try to get to Istanbul (95-36 Queens Boulevard) whenever we're visiting. The food is wonderful! We especially like their appetizer plate. It's a small space, but I think it fulfills your wish of a quiet place.
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Istanbul
95-36 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11374
STL---What's the latest on Arcelia's re-opening?
Thanks for the reply. I was hoping "soon" would be by this weekend when my husband & I are going to be in STL. Maybe we'll take a ride by...missing their Chile Colorado!
STL---What's the latest on Arcelia's re-opening?
We were very sad when we heard of the closing of Arcelia's. However, their website is still up and says something about re-opening "soon". Anybody know how soon "soon" is? Thanks!
What should I have for dinner on Thanksgiving? - [moved from Prairie Provinces board
There is no law that you HAVE to have "traditional" foods on Thanksgiving. I know several people who have lasagne. And since my husband & I fly 2,000 miles to meet my in-laws in the San Francisco area, Thanksgiving dinner for us is usually cioppino or other seafood dish. Cook whatever YOU like, whatever YOU consider "festive". Maybe a beef roast? If you feel you *must* include a "traditional" food, plan pumpkin pie for dessert.
'Pink Salt' (Curing Bacon)/St. Louis
I'm pretty sure Penzey's carries it. 7338 Manchester Rd---call to confirm (314) 781-7177.
Moving to PEORIA I need Tips!
A few more ideas:
Sushi---Sushigawa. Osaka is pretty good, too, but prefer their "hibachi" meals. Avoid Sushi Popo and Kobe.
Traditional "take out" Chinese---Yen Ching.
Irish Pub food---Kelleher's.
English-style Pub---Fox Pub.
Also, get ready to try some more traditional Midwestern fare. "Pork tenderloins" are very popular. It's a slice of pork tenderloin pounded thin (usually to dinner-plate size), breaded and fried. Served as a "sandwich", it will come with a hamburger bun (which looks ridiculously small compared to the meat) and pickle chips. Our favorite place for these is Jubilee Cafe.
And don't forget about the many ethnic and/or food festivals held in/near Peoria throughout the year. For example, this weekend is the Morton pumpkin festival. Morton is the home of Libby's only pumpkin packing plant, and most of the pumpkins used are grown in the local area. The festival serves up all manner of pumpkin-infused foods. The pumpkin chili is a favorite!
This weekend is also Peoria's Oktoberfest on the riverfront. Plenty of good German food & beer to be found there.
One more note: a recently-started blog, www.restaurantsinpeoria.com has plenty of information about eateries in the area. Good source for coupons, too.
Moving to PEORIA I need Tips!
Welcome, nomers!
I think you'll like it here. Though not on the scale of SF, you will find a diverse group of good restaurants. Here are some of my favorites:
Indian: Pasand (on Main Street). Try the very reasonably-priced lunch buffet. My husband & I were just there on Sunday. Excellent chicken biryani, and many delicious veggie curries.
Vietnamese: Thanh Linh (also on Main). We love the Lemongrass Beef.
Lebanese: Haddad's (also on Main). EVERYTHING is good here, from the gyro platter to the garlicy baba ganoush.
Pan-Asian: Asia Grill, in Junction City (Prospect & Knoxville). The BEST pork fried rice anywhere! Korean spicy pork is also very good.
In the same shopping center, more or less behind Asia Grill is Cyd's. Pricey, but very good, creative cuisine---everything from sandwiches to ready-to-reheat complete meals.
Italian: Several choices here. We like Rizzi's (2 locations---one near the riverfront, one on Sheridan). Good, basic old-world Italian.
Special occasion: Seven on Prospect (actually in Peoria HEIGHTS). I love their "steak three ways": a perfectly-cooked filet mignon with 3 sauces.
Mexican: Large Mexican population in Peoria, and many Mexican restaurants. The best, though is 15 miles north of Peoria in Chillicothe---Tequila's (NOT Good Tequila's,which is by the mall in Peoria). Be daring and get the mocajete---best with chicken and the green sauce.
As for food supplies, there are several "specialty" markets. German Specialties has some great meats. Taj Emporium has a wonderful selection of Indian ingredients (including some fresh produce). There is an "international market" next to the Vietnamese restaurant I mentioned above. If you're looking for unusual Asian ingredients, this is the go-to place. Cedar's Bakery (although in a dicey neighborhood) makes their own pita breads (we like the whole-wheat ones), and has a good selection of Middle-Eastern foods, including 3-4 different feta cheeses. The Meditterannean Mart on Glen also has a good selection of MIddle Eastern foods, at excellent prices. We like the pomagranite juice and the olives. Naturally Yours in Metro Centre is a good places for organic foods, although the nearby grocery store, Hy-Vee, also has a good selection. You can get Peoria Bread Co. breads at both places. Very good stuff. Metro Centre is also the location of the every-day-but-Sunday farmers' market. It runs through the end of October. My favorite vendors are Schaer's and the Garden Spot.
Hope that gets you started! Let me know if you have any more specific questions.
Green Eggplant
My favorite way to eat long, green eggplants is in a Thai curry. I use Maesri brand curry paste (red, green, yellow, or our favorite, Panang), and follow the directions on the can. For the Panang curry, that means stir-frying the paste with a bit of oil, then adding coconut milk. I then add sliced chicken breast, half a red bell pepper (in large dice), and the chopped eggplant. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, then add some green beans (or chopped Yard Long beans). Simmer a few more minutes, then add chopped cilantro and Thai basil. Simmer a few more minutes, and when beans are tender (but still crisp), serve over hot Jasmine rice. You can add other veggies, too. This time of year I have lots of zucchini on hand, so I add it, chopped, about 5 minutes after adding the chicken, etc.
Recommendations for restaurants in Bermuda?
I've been watching this post as my husband & I will be on Bermuda next week. We've been to the island several times before, but it's been about 5 years since our last visit. We'll be staying in St. George's where the dining is quite limited. However, here are a few pointers from our previous trips:
1. Our favorite restaurant on the island is Blackbeard's Hideout. It is in St. George's (NOT St. David), near Fort St. Catherine. Anthing made with rockfish (there's usually a special) is very good here. If the food weren't so good, it would still be worth coming here for the view---arguably the best on the island. Prices are on par with most "good" Bermudian restaurants---we consider it to be "pricey" compared to similiar restaurants at home. Still, even if you just come for a Dark & Stormy (a local drink) while watching the sunset, I think you'll be happy. Downside is that it's pretty hard to get to without a scooter.
2. Yes, it does seem sad that there is little "local" flavor to be found in the restaurants on Bermuda. HOWEVER, don't overlook what IS available. Nearly EVERY restaurant, from the least expensive to the most, will offer a version of Bermuda fish chowder. I've never had 2 that tasted the same, but they've all been very good! Don't forget to add a bit of the (LOCAL) sherry-pepper sauce and Black Seal rum that will be brought to your table with the chowder.
3. If you're at the Dockyard end of the island, forego the burgers at the pubs (you'll get better at home) and head to Freeport Gardens instead. It's off the beaten track, near "the gates". The fishcakes here are OUTSTANDING. You'll see that many locals will be getting take-out here. This may be the best "Bermudian" food you'll find on the island. Very unpretentious place, with no view from inside the restaurant. There are a couple of tables on the patio with a nice view of the harbor there, though.
Mmmmm....getting hungry for Bermuda food!
Casual in St. George's, Bermuda?
Returning to Bermuda next month after 4 (or is it 5?) years. We'll be staying near the St. George's Club. Looking forward to meals at our favorite restaurant, Blackbeard's Hideout. Also, it sounds like Wahoo's is worth trying. However, we're also looking for some more casual and less expensive options. Is Pasta Pasta still there? That's the kind of place we're looking for. Maybe someplace that serves a good fresh fish sandwich? All cuisines OK. Thanks!
Indian in St. George's, Bermuda?
When we were last on Bermuda, several years ago, we had delivery from a wonderful Indian restaurant in St. George's. Does that restaurant still exist? If so, what is the name? If not, is there another Indian restaurant in St. George's? Thanks!
Private Chef Looking for Grocery Stores Around Bay Head, NJ
OK, since the locals have answered your question, I'm going to add two things that you DIDN'T ask about!
First, if your boss is a New Jersey native, familiarize yourself with Taylor Pork Roll. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pork_roll
It really isn't found much outside of New Jersey, but you should be able tyo find it at any local deli or supermarket there. While certainly NOT haute cuisine, the breakfast sandwich is awfully good. Your boss just might enjoy the bit of nostalgia!
Second, MGZ mentioned it, but PLEASE do not leave Bay Head without trying Mueller's Bakery! The place was well established when my grandparents patronized it some 50 years ago. Little has changed in the way they make their pastries since. The place will be insane this holiday weekend, but mid-week get up early, wait in line, and get yourself some breakfast pastries. Be sure to get a crumb bun. The Danish pastries (in particular the apricot DAINTY) are also extremely good. Can't go wrong with the almond horn, or...well, you get the idea! Have them with a fresh cup of coffee (yours, not their's), and I guarantee you'll believe you've died and gone to heaven!
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Mueller's Bakery
80 Bridge Ave, Bay Head, NJ
Traveling from Chicago to Bloomington, IL and Lincoln, IL, need food recs- Newbie!
The problem with Bloomington is that so many of the restaurants there are chains. When we travel there (from the Peoria area), we always go to India Bhavan. The lunch buffet is very reasonably priced and the food always fresh & delicious.
It's been a while since we've been, but Ming's isn't a bad choice. It's a better-than-average "Chinese" buffet. Usually a good selection of sushi. Prices are well within your budget.
Favorite Vegetables
My favorite vegetable? Whatever's in season! I grow my own organically, and grow as wide a variety as possible. Right now, the asparagus is winding down, and I just harvested the first of the broccoli.
Mostly, we like our veggies very simply prepared---usually just heated in the microwave until tender-crisp. And, as you said, roasted. But we also enjoy them in Indian recipes. Madhur Jaffrey's recipe for Green Beans with Cumin and Fennel Seeds is one of our favorites
http://babooblah.blogspot.com/2010/03/green-beans-with-cumin-and-fennel.html
Davenport/Quad Cities--what's good?
In Moline there is The Great Indian Restaurant. Decor/views leave something to be desired, but the food is wonderful, and there are LOTS of vegetarian options. I've only been for the lunch buffet, but that may be your best bet if any of you are new to Indian food.
4400 23RD Ave
Moline, IL 61265
