burton's Profile
Burmese Excellence at Flushing's "Excellent Thai"?
The also have some Burmese items on the menu (eg, yellow tofu salad, tea leaf salad), which are pretty wonderful. I note some of these items (tea leaves) have been unavailable in recent months so it's a bit unpredictable. Perhaps things are back in gear once again.
Azerbaijani-Iranian food
Had a few meals at Azer. Grill the most recent being about a year ago. Enjoyed them both overall though I'd agree it's nothing extraordinary. Look forward to trying Ravagh at the next opportunity. Sounds promising.
Azerbaijani-Iranian food
From your comment I assume you're familiar with Azerbaijan Grill in Westbury Long Island. Not sure where it falls on the North-South divide but I did think it was quite good.
Orlando area top 10 - February 2012
Have not been to Bosphorous so I can't contribute to the comparative discussion. But wow - Anatolia is truly one of the best Turkish restaurants I've encountered outside of Turkey. In three meals over the past year I have consistently been impressed. It also happens to be a very appealing spot with good service. Orlando is so fortunate to have a place like this in the area. Despite the multitude of Turkish options in and around New York I have yet to find one at this level. Seriously. Can't wait to return.
Asian Taste 86 in Elmhurst--Mostly Indonesian
Have been here a few times and while the food was mostly fine and the people particularly nice, I can't really say it was anything at all out of the ordinary. Smashed catfish and smashed chicken each was somewhat tasty if uninteresting; nasi goreng nice,simple; beef rendang dry and tough (fairly typical I know but not inevitably the case); chicken satay excellent; coconut cake outstanding (green tea version also delicious). Forget what else we had...but that's my point I guess. Am happy to return but would not go at all out of my way. Hope they survive as we can always use more Indonesian options. However I would give Mie Jakarta and Java Village the edge (though the latter seems to have slipped a bit of late). Not a big fan of Upi Jaya. Sigh.
Stellar Kimchee WangMandoo at Grand Opening of Da Myun in North Flushing
Third Mapo for kalbi and second Tong Sam Gyap Gui for sam gyap sal (and the spicy pork bulgogi). Mapo is a fairly comfortable, standard setting (despite the gratuitously cheesy magazine cover posters on the wall) with decent service. TSGG is a bit rough and ready - don't expect doting service or much English. Can get fairly rowdy. I like both spots. Also like nearby Bangane on Northern for goat and chicken stews in a homey setting and what surely is some of the best kimchi in all of Queens.
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Bangane
165-19 Northern Blvd, Queens, NY 11358
Stellar Kimchee WangMandoo at Grand Opening of Da Myun in North Flushing
Very dense and delicious - yes. Quite simple but not at all boring. It's in the classic 'ponque' mold. Can't say I detected anything resembling an arepa texture. I suspect they use lots of eggs...
Stellar Kimchee WangMandoo at Grand Opening of Da Myun in North Flushing
Don't recall jajangmyun, which is more of a niche item. But they do have quite a few noodle dishes not all of which are spicy. besides, the people there are very nice - especially the chef/owner - and I expect they'd be more than happy to accommodate kids if at all possible. Worth a try. (On an unrelated note you might make a quick dessert stop at the Colombian bakery across the street and slightly to the north for some pretty incredible pound cake.)
Latest on Himalayan food in/near Jackson Heights?
Pretty sure that cart has been around for some time. Agreed that their momos are nothing special. Much better at Thakali Mustang or Tawa among other spots in the immediate vicinity. Also really liked Lala Guras on 76 St.
Moving to North County, need restaurant recommendations
On a different wavelength, El Tejate on W Mission in Escondido provides excellent Oaxacan cooking in a humble, simple setting. Moles, especially the red and negro, were outstanding and the chiles rellenos also excellent. Nice people, low prices. Replete with whooping parrot. Ask for a taste of the traditional 'tejate' beverage if you're curious. Highly recommended.
Zero Otto Nove/Arthur Ave with kids in Dec?
You may face a bit of a wait but my guess is it will be manageable (at least until 6 or so). Besides, if there's a wait the immediate area is conducive for walking and exploring. All in all, ZON is a good spot for kids in terms of menu and setting. You won't regret the decision.
El Shater sunnyside - moving to Astoria
The falafal at Habibi really is...ridiculous. Cold, mushy, bland. Not even close. Literally threw it away. Is it just me/us? Among the worst in memory. Complete waste of time and money (albeit very little of the latter). Didn't try anything else and at this point am not inclined to. Yikes.
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Habibi
43-02 43rd Ave, Queens, NY 11104
Indo-Chinese in Queens?
Used to be a fan of TM in Elmhurst but gradually lost interest after a handful of non-descript meals over time. Have not been there in a couple of years now. On the other hand, I would heartily recommend Himalayan Hut, including chili fish, masala noodles and momos. Consistent and pleasant too.
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Himalayan Hut
75-18 37th Ave, Queens, NY 11372
El Shater sunnyside - moving to Astoria
Tried the schwarma and frankly we were less than thrilled - we found it quite dry - but maybe our timing was off. We then moved onto some of the steam table items noted in previous posts and...wow. A stew loaded with kale-like greens and tender chicken was exceptional and another with generous servings of okra and beef was very good as well. And agreed on the kibbe - really good. Nice people. What a find. Can't wait to return for more of those daily specials!
Very Promising Korean-Chinese Noodle House
Guh Song is excellent, the best I've found in NYC (and a close second to Mandarin Restaurant in Palisades Park NJ). All of the staple dishes mentioned - jajiangmyun, jamppong, gangpungi - are done well. Place is very simple, quite bare bones but they're friendly. Not sure how I feel about the parking in back in case you're driving...may be best to find a spot on the street.
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Guh Song
47-24 Bell Blvd, Queens, NY 11361
Portuguese restaurants in Newark
Only problem is that once you've discovered SM there's no longer an incentive to branch out and hit the other spots in the area. This place is just so good. Especially nice later in the evening when things quiet down a bit.
Roast - Melville
Totally agree. The sandwiches are particularly good, including specials, with lots of appealing and varied options. Soups and salads also good. Really nice people, smooth operation. More than worth the price.
Uvarara in Middle Village?
Had dinner at Uvarara earlier this year and found it thoroughly underwhelming. The preparations were middling to disappointing (not least the badly oversalted pasta), service erratic to non-existent (as comically fawning attention was lavished on a party of regulars across the room), and the live music so loud as to defeat any semblence of conversation. I have no idea if this was a representative experience but must say it was a major disappointment (and not cheap). Zero desire to return.
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Uvarara
79-28 Metropolitan Ave, Queens, NY 11379
Kimchi & Sushi, Lincroft
The dolsot bibimbaps (served in hot stone bowls) were especially good . We tried the ones with bulgogi and spicy pork as well. The duk mandoo guk (soup with rice cakes and dumplings) was also a hit. The regular bibimbap (cold) was much less impressive though. Clearly this place does a few things very well. It's really a nice find in the area.
Ga Si Ri; Or In Search of Flushing's Best Kalbi
I second both Jang Tuh and Mapo for kalbi.
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Jang Tuh
136-93 37th Ave, Queens, NY 11354
Mapo BBQ
149-24 41st Ave, Queens, NY 11355
Portoguese cuisine in Newark
Highly recommend Seabra's Marasqueira on Madison St for seafood, especially if you sit at the bar. You won't be disappointed. Parking in the designated lot across the street with validation.
How does Fette Sau *work*?
A few quick thoughts:
Most of the meats really are very very good, incl brisket and pulled pork. Beef ribs also good.
When you order at the counter you can check with the carver to confirm the appropriate portion size. It's really quite simple.
The communal table set up is a pain unless you get very lucky. As a medium size party we were able to stake out seats while queuing up and ordering. By all appearances however others were having a tougher time and in one case the competition for space became extremely heated - nearly to the point of a brawl. Granted it was Saturday evening but the level of stress was absurd and all we could think was that there had to be a better way. Smoke in Chicago figured it out so why can't Fette Sau?
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Fette Sau
354 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
What else should I eat at Szechuan Gourmet tomorrow?
In addition to a number of the items previously noted: Chilled noodles with spicy sesame vinaigrette (superb); braised fish fillets with either silken or crispy tofu; brocolli with spicy garlic sauce (simple and remarkably good).
Syrian bread
Not sure if they'll have what you're seeking but I'd start with Damascus Bakery on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn Heights. At least they may have useful suggestions. From there I'd be prepared to do some traversing of the borough (possibly including Bay Ridge).
Seeking best Graeter's ice cream alternative in NYC area...
Not sure how close this comes but a limited assortment of Jeni's can be found in Manhattan, including at Grace's Market on 3rd Ave at 71st. It's made in Columbus not Cincinnati but they're pretty wonderful all the same.
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Grace's Marketplace
1237 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021
UWS rejoice! Grand Sichuan coming to Amsterdam
So true about the value - even necessity - of learning how to navigate the menus. Whether it's Spicy and Tasty, Little Pepper, Chengdu Snacks, Szechuan Gourmet, Grand Sichuan, Wu Liang Ye,...I've had relative successes and disappointments in each and every case and inevitably it fluctuates over time. Places I've all but given up on have gone on to amaze me - and vice versa. You ferret out what works best for you and hope the good fortune lasts a while. Nothing surprises me in terms of varying critical reaction and mostly I'm delighted we have so much to choose from.
UWS rejoice! Grand Sichuan coming to Amsterdam
If so they've come a long way. Consider another try. If the steadily growing number of Chinese patrons the past few months is any indication you've clearly been missing out.
UWS rejoice! Grand Sichuan coming to Amsterdam
I assume the OP is referring to the Szechuan Gourmet location on W 56th Street. It's quite good - really good if you order correctly - and does deliver to at least a portion of the UWS. It's the only Chinese in the area worthy of attention.
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Szechuan Gourmet
244 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
Inexpensive meal near Lincoln Plaza
True they're not particularly consistent but have found a number of the dishes quite good, including cold noodles with sesame vinaigrette, whole bass w/ pickled chili, poached chicken w/ szechuan peppercorn, chicken w/ broccoli (surprisingly).... Considering the limited options for food of this type in the immediate area and above I'm perfectly content to head there on occasion. So while I do know where you're coming from I think it's all relative.
CLOSED: Cono & Sons O'Pescatore
Not to mention the eggplant parm...or even the chicken. That side takeout window was the best. Very sad. R.I.P. Cono's.
