stuartlafonda's Profile
NYC best ethnic breakfast ???
Coatzingo indeed, for the chilaquiles with al pastor and a fried egg. Insanely good and enough to feed three people.
Noah's Ark and Bialys, a bit of history still found on the Lower East Side
Bacon, egg and cheese is one of the all time great sandwich combinations, give it a shot. Don't start with an egg mcmuffin though.
Are there any old-time soda parlor/candy shops still around?
No enemy here, just exchanging ideas and looking for good food. Nam Wha was
dirty before the makeover and I had not been there in forever but recently had lunch there with a group. Not impressed with the food but the place did look cool. With all the options for better dim sum in the area I won't be back. Hildebrandt's on the other hand is both fun and fills an important void, a place for dessert after Sri.
Are there any old-time soda parlor/candy shops still around?
Greg, not a fan of Hildebrandt's? Why? I have been going there forever. Burger salad,pasta and simple sandwiches are all very good. As for the ice cream, I like it.
Last week after a great meal at Srip I headed down Hillside and had a nice time sitting at the counter with my family. Ice cream was very good and combined with the chocolate sauce and marshmellow, it all made for an excellent sundae. The service is always friendly and efficient. As for nostalgia, sitting on the swivel seats eating out of the old metal cups, it was all pleasant. I don't know of a better place anywhere near there to sit at the counter and enjoy some ice cream.
Strategies for Dining in Barcelona with a 10 Year Old
Sorry for the confusion. The sign on the side said Torrons and above the store it said Torrons La Campana. It is at 36 Carrer de la Princessa on the corner of Falassanders. One dish we had was cherry ice cream with chocolate chunks, the best Cherry Garcia this deadhead has ever had. We also had ice crean at the other branch of Cremeria Toscana just across the street from Pacomeralgo in the Eixample. That was another good choice.
Strategies for Dining in Barcelona with a 10 Year Old
I was in Barcelona last month with my !0 year boy and my older daughter. Oh, and my wife of course. My son is a somewhat experienced New York hound and he had a great time. He keeps later hours then most kids his age, but even then, Spain dinner hours were a challenge. My family are not early risers so we had good size breakfasts, at about 9 or 10 in the morning. We happened to stay near Bar Velodromo and they serve a good selection of egg dishes in addition to the sweet pastries. A large breakfast at the Boqueria was another great starter. With that late breakfast we moved lunch back to the late afternoon and did tapas type places that had table service. The McFoie burger and patas bravas at Tapas 24 was a huge hit as was the skewered lamb. I know you are not really looking for specific places and dishes, I point those out because it was one of many tapas style places and restaurants open all day that would accommodate a late, delicious lunch. I also can't resist suggesting Alkimia for a great tasting, fairly priced high end lunch. My kids enjoyed the nearby Sagrada and then walked off a great 2 hour lunch at Park Guell. The late lunches allowed us to eat dinner late, but not so late that it was an issue. We started at 8:30-9 and my son held up well. Dinner was at places like Pacomeralgo and Allium that were very child friendly. Of course not a day passed that we did not eat ice cream at some point in our travels. On Carer de la Princesa near the Picasso Museum was a great old ice cream shop,Torrons. Just down the block on the same side was a fantastic chocolate store. We also hit them after a show the Palau Musica. An afternoon sweet stop also allowed us to relax and refuel. So, the key for us was we adjusted our eating schedule. Sadly we skipped the big ticket spots with tasting menus. Despite that, the joy I saw in son's eyes as he experienced a different culture and created memories that will last a lifetime, I would make that trade every time.
Enjoy, and don't forget to tip. (Just kidding)
Good eats in Bayside
Press 195 makes excellent sandwiches and fries with some nice beer selections.
New Malaysia Review with Question
Just finished lunch from Nyonya and it was fine, for a delivery to the office work lunch. Solid rendang and roti canai. Interesting ribs. If I was serious about this and a visitor I would try Laut just because there are many good reports and I wonder why it got a Michelin star. It does look very nice as well. When in doubt follow the advise of Lau.
Laut on Serious Eats: http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2012/05/laut-malaysian-michelin-star-union-square-nyc-review.html
Indian- Western LI/Eastern Queens?
If you didn't like Southern Spice, which I think is the best all around in the area, I don't know how much you would care about my opinion, but all these places are favorites for at least one thing or another so...........
1. Fiza Diner- takeout because despite the remodel it is still a dump, for excellent spicy Bangladeshi food. Keema, kabobs and curries are all really good.
2.Usha for awesome chaat
3.Mumbai Xpress for veg southern stuff and their famous sandwich
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/601750
4.Five Star Thattukada- Keralan cuisine
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/673103
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/687085
Ft. Lauderdale Dives
Tom Jenkins is closed on Monday as well. If you have a car. Georgia Pig is a legit dive with cheap prices and at least in the case of the chopped pork sandwich, an exceptional dish.
what's good and child friendly in long island city for dinner?
The attached menu has a chicken section as well as other non traditional choices such as pastrami. Like any good Q joint what they actually have available depends on when you arrive and what they decided to smoke that day. All part of the charm. Easy parking as well.
http://www.johnbrownsmokehouse.org/?page_id=8
Pre-Marlins game recommendations
Thanks, will do. Will also have to make a cafe con leche stop at Versailles for some post game marlin's talk.
what's good and child friendly in long island city for dinner?
Love John Brown'sSmokehouse. Small but comfortable enough, and like most Q joints, easy for kids. Mine love it. Food is execellent.
Pre-Marlins game recommendations
Was at the Monday afternoon game against Arizona and had some good food... the pork sandwich from Papo. I knew it was going to be a hit when I walked over and heard a loud chopping sound and saw a women with a cleaver hacking up a side of pork. Very impressive to see such a sight in a ball park. The rest of the food choices, outside that area, were sad. Nothing even remotely interesting, the usual assortment of hot dogs hamburgers and not much else. My son enjoyed the nacho supreme platter with a very hot chipotle sauce. Reminded me of what is in the can of La Morena in adobo sauce. The sushi looked interesting but that was about it. The Mets may suck but at least we have some great food choices. After the game I hit up El Rey de la Frita. I really like that place and it so unique I go there any visit that results in me being in the vicinity. Lets go Mets!
Kosher wedding places in Long Island
What I wrote in another Chowhound post bears repeating..........
"SRJC has been my wife's family temple for over 30 years and they did our wedding. I have attended about a dozen weddings and B Mitzvahs over the last 20 years at SRJC. Mary is in charge at DeLux/SRJC and she is very nice and tries hard to make the event a success. Having just reached the end of a full year of B'Mitzvahs as my daughter turned 13, I have been to more Long Island temple parties recently then I can count. So what have I learned from all this as a Chowhound? You get what you pay for. No single temple was superior to the others at every price point. It seemed that the big money events served higher quality food and better tasting food regardless of the location. Passed h's of pigs in a blanket are pigs in a blanket everywhere, and are not as enjoyable as lamb chops, which were the same wherever they were served. Set your budget and see who will give you the best stuff for that price. Otherwise just go with who has the best chapel.
Congrats and Good Luck."
Additionally, and with the understanding that I am a member of Temple Israel of Great Neck, my opinion of its food is that it is nothing special. A bit underwhelming. We had the party for my daughter at the Swan Club. It was during the time the catering was down because of the fire. I would not have had there even if it were operating as I had the non kosher option.
Where can I get Macarons on LI??? I am moving from NYC to Nassau County in a few months
Village Market in Great Neck makes them. French chef from Alsace. Worth a try if you find yourself in the area.
Awesome ribs?? Anywhere near the Miami-ish area
I ate at Tom Jenkin's yesterday at 4. It was fantastic. They were closed Monday so the meat had time to cook but had not been sitting around. As good as they get. Smoke ring, just the right pull from the bone..... The bbq sauce they serve on the side would have ruined the meat, didn't look twice at it. Even the greens and mac were excellent. As I was leaving I saw that they had a big crock pot on the counter containing Brunswick Stew, Pooler Georgia. Has anyone had it? If so, is it better then the Stew at Georgia Pig?
Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Seville recommendations please (researched)!!
My version of that dish was a mountain of mushrooms with the egg, foie and yes, a balsamic reduction. Your version sounds better for those that don't love mushrooms.
Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Seville recommendations please (researched)!!
I was in Barcelona and Madrid earlier this month...........
2. Paco Meralgo (pa comer algo/ something to eat, kind of)) was excellent. One of my favorite meals of the trip. Make a reservation, even the day before is fine. Excellent seafood, simply prepared. Comfortable setting with good service.
9. Alkimia. Let me just say, go. Go for lunch. Best meal of the trip. Prix F. was inexpensive for value, delicious and endless. Mine was fish/seafood and it was every bit as good as my lunches at Le Bernadin.
10. Quim. Very good meal. Shrimp in cava was excellent as was the mushrooms/poached egg/foie. Pulpo, pre cooked sitting out on top of the counter to the right, was not very good.
Madrid..........
3. La Barraca. Good paella, nothing very special. Comfortable, reasonably priced, solid service.
Seeking Recommendations for Lunch in Toledo
I spent the day in Toledo (4/13/12) and had lunch by the El Greco museum. Restaurant Cafeteria Carolvs. Good solid meal. The wife and I shared the $20 menu del dia. She had the fish soup, a nice big tasty bowl with a good stock. I had the Perdiz and it was surprisingly good. A whole bird roasted then placed in a shallow dish with a broth of mostly onion. The fries they dumped into the broth ruined them. Kids shared salad and pasta. For dessert my son had the chocolate pudding that came in a plastic cup that appeared to have just had the foil removed and whipped cream squirted on it. Had I known I would have gone with the creme catalan I saw at the other tables. The crowd was a mix of Spanish and non Spanish speakers. When we said we wanted to split the menu del dia the waiter didn't even blink, so kudos to the wait staff.
Good eats in the area of Solidaridad (near Playa del Carmen)?
I ate at La Bamba Jarocha in February and I enjoyed it. Nothing heart stopping good or out of the way special but a solid tasty meal. Nice mix of tourists and locals. With the wife and kids we shared the giant bowl of soup and it was wonderful. It took a very long time for four people to finish. A banana leaf wrapped fish was fine as well. Nobody should visit PDC without a stop at La Floresta. Sure, it is not the same as when it was alone on the hiway outside of town, but its still a must visit. I won't comment on where the shrimp come from, but they taste really good.
Having breakfast on Long Island
They have two four tops that seat three as it is pushed against the wall and an elevated communal table with six seats. I have never had a problem grabbing a seat. You order at the counter/cashier and they bring the food to you at the table. Coffee is self serve from the urn or juice from the open refrigerator. Sadly, the home fries are never thin and crispy. Make sure to grab a dessert.
Having breakfast on Long Island
Agreed. Try the Village Market across the street on the corner, wonderful. They will make eggs in any form with any ingredients with or on their own fresh baked breads. The breakfast sandwiches are so big I share one with my daughter. That also ensures we will have room for one of his nice pastries.
http://long-island.newsday.com/shopping/the-village-market-1.2710100
The best steakhouse on LI
I'm with you on Luger's. This past Sunday I came home from 12 "red meat less" days in Spain and within four hours of landing was sitting in Luger's. Still the best for steak.
Trip Report - Barcelona
In Barcelona now as well and after arriving from Amsterdam Friday night (clear and cool) weather has been great. Saturday,Sunday and today was bright sunshine mid to high 60's. Allium Easter Sunday and Paco Merlago this evening. Alkimia Tuesday lunch. Report to follow but I have to say the local hounds and contributors have provided great help.
Laverne of Great Neck
I go to Srip/ Williston at least once a month since it opened after years of going to Woodside. I was at Woodside last month. As a general view it is every bit as good.
Laverne of Great Neck
Have not been to Laverne. Ten minutes away is Sri, one of the best Thai restaurants anywhere. Worth the time spent to get there.
-----
SriPraPhai
280 Hillside Ave, Williston Park, NY 11596
Gret Neck, LI eats
Dan, I saw your posts on another thread but will respond here. Get yourself to Lola as soon as possible. As LJP wrote, it is indeed special. Unique and delicious, you should go on Sunday for the small plates menu so you can try more dishes. Service in not a strong point but Sunday is slow and they do a better job.
