hhhippo's Profile
Sunset Park/Brooklyn
Just so you know, you're not actually going to find very much in the way of classic "Jewish deli" places in either of the aforementioned heavily Orthodox neighborhoods. They're mostly Glatt kosher establishments, especially in Borough Park (13th Ave. area). It's interesting sociologically, but I wouldn't go looking for pastrami around there.
David's Brisket mentioned elsewhere in this thread really is delicious (although it's no longer actually a Jewish establishment). A couple of more far-flung Brooklyn Jewish delis that have a little more of the classic atmosphere and good sandwiches, matzoh-ball soup, etc. are Adelman's on King's Highway and Jay and Lloyd's on Ave. U. All three of these places are kind of a hike from where you're staying, but if Brooklyn is becoming more your focus, each area will provide plenty of authentic, local color for you to see.
Greenpoint does in fact have good Polish places, but nearer to where you're staying, in Bay Ridge (the neighborhood to the south of Sunset Park), there happens to be a great Polish place called Polonica, on 3rd Ave. (b/t/ 72nd and 73rd). If kielbasa stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon sounds like a good idea rather than a terrifying one, this is your place. Bay Ridge also happens to have a lot of decent Italian and Middle Eastern places.
You're staying fairly nearby Giuseppina's at 6th Ave. and 20th St. It's a spinoff of Lucali, the famous pizza place, and their pizzas are supposed to be pretty much as good but without all the fuss and waiting at Lucali.
Enjoy your stay! Please make sure to go to Sunset Park (the actual park) just a couple blocks down 5th Ave from where you're staying. Climb the hill for the best view in Brooklyn. It's a great place to take a few tacos to go (I think all the previous recommendations for Mexican places are solid. Tacos El Bronco is probably my favorite, and their truck is right along 5th Ave. at the bottom of the park.)
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Lucali
575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Jay & Lloyd's
2718 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY 11229
Adelman's Kosher Deli
1906 Kings Hwy, Brooklyn, NY 11229
David's Brisket House
533 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Polonica
7214 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
Giuseppina's
691 6th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Tacos El Bronco
4324 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
Tacos El Bronco
5th Ave 43rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Sunset Park Diner and Donuts
It's OK. The food's edible. Nothing special. I can't think of any really great "all American" diners around here. George's Restaurant at 57th and 5th (i.e., about 20 blocks south of where you're staying) is somewhat better.
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George's
5701 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
Bad Experience at Tacos Matamoros
Yes, the truck is excellent. It's Tacos El Bronco, the original truck location of the sit-down place tex.s.toast mentions. Both truck and restaurant are good, and I agree that the al pastor is great, the best I've had in the neighborhood. The chorizo and suadero are also great.
To get back to the original subject, I agree with the general response of subsequent posters. Never ever had rude service at Matamoros. It's sometimes slow and very occasionally there's been confusion due to a language barrier, but I've never felt mistreated for being a gringo. I would never call the place overrated, but maybe that's because I've always thought of it as reliably good rather than revelatory. I think most of the pork-related tacos at Matamoros are pretty good. Their guacamole is very tasty.
Your hunch that there is better (or at least comparable, depending on your take on Matamoros) in the neighborhood is correct, depending on what you're ordering. El Bronco (tacos) and Xochimilco (tortas) mentioned elsewhere in this thread are good places to start. Piaxtla es Mexico (tacos), La Flor (tortas), Speedy's (tamales), Don Paco Lopez (tamales) are some other good options that are gringo-friendly.
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Piaxtla Es Mexico
505 51st St, Brooklyn, NY 11220
La Flor de Piaxtla
4202 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Don Paco Lopez
4703 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
Tamales Tonchita
5919 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
Tacos Xochimilco
4501 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
Tacos El Bronco
4324 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
Tacos El Bronco
5th Ave 43rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
How does Fette Sau *work*?
I guess I could've been more detailed. Sorry. I just thought it was funny that your wording pretty much sums up the experience.
I actually love the pork belly, and the cheeks, and the sausage is good, too. You can't go too wrong with any of the meats, and I agree the sides are mostly not worth filling up on. If you're not that into eating chunks of pure fat, it's true, the belly is pretty intense, but there's just so much flavor in those chunks.
How does Fette Sau *work*?
"Do you just order a big slab of flesh and tear into it, or what?"
Basically, yeah.
We usually order big slabs of many different kinds of flesh and tear into them family-style.
XSG Dumplings gone?
I've heard there are a couple of Halal places in Flushing that serve Tianjin-style shaobing. I unfortunately don't get over to Flushing that much, so I haven't tried them myself. I can't think of any other places to look for them in the city. Sorry I can't be more helpful. Like you, I love meat-filled shaobing, but I've actually eaten more of them in California. Anyway, unlike their guo tie, the shaobing at XSG were pretty good but not great. Let me know if you find any good specimens if you make it up to Flushing.
Anyone else have any recommendations for where to find shaobing?
good taco places at 53rd and 5th in sunset park?
This might be reaching you too late, but if it's not, your best bet would be Piaxtla es Mexico on 51st St. just east of 5th Ave. (just off the corner). The awning says "Ricos Tacos" in big letters and there's a mural on the wall outside of a pig relaxing in a boiling cauldron.
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Piaxtla Es Mexico
505 51st St, Brooklyn, NY 11220
XSG Dumplings gone?
Yeah, it's sad. I don't know where the XSG folks went. It's true Prosperity is a good substitute. Both Brooklyn and Manhattan branches are really good. But there was something really special about those dumplings from XSG. The wrapping was so tender and springy, the filling so moist and flavorful. I still dream about those dumplings.
Tacos Xochimilco (sunset park)
I like Xochimilco too. I've mostly had pork-related tacos there. I agree that the cooking there comes across as homier and the spicing and seasoning is sometimes a little more robust than at Matamoros. I'm a fan of both places, though, and I go back to each (as well as to Piaxtla es Mexico further south in the neighborhood). I'll have to try the nachos and this pambazo I keep hearing about. Thanks for the tips, everyone.
It's true the park is a great place. Rather than visiting the park and then going to eat, I often do the reverse and get portable food like tacos, banh mi, even dumplings, and bring them to a bench at the park to enjoy outside.
Tacos Matamoros & Sunset Park
Yes, just another confirmation that they put what is unmistakably papalo in the cemitas at Matamoros, not cilantro. I like your guys' diplomatic "acquired taste." My dining companion took a bite and called it "soapy." She could maybe use etiquette lessons from you.
I've found the cemitas and tortas at Matamoros to be good but not great, but I'm always really happy about the tacos. I'm usually happiest with the tacos al pastor, carnitas, carne enchilada, and lengua. The one time I've been there earlier in the day, I had the chilaquiles there and they were OK, too.
best dumplings in Sunset Park
I know you said you were going a couple of days ago, but thought I'd chime in late. I agree Prosperity's potstickers are great. I also really like the ones at XSG Dumpling House.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/647296
I don't love everything at Yun Nan Flavour Snack, but I agree that those dumplings in hot and sour soup are delicious. They're my favorite thing on the menu.
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XSG Dumpling House
5301 8th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
Totonno's, L&B, or Brennan & Carr - easiest with car before heading off to JFK?
I third Roll-N-Roaster. I actually think Brennan & Carr is pretty good, but even though the place has a lot of character, the ambience is a little gloomy and subdued (I like that about it, but it might feel a little somber for a fun family outing). Roll-N-Roaster is like B&C's sunnier, livelier cousin. It's a unique, slice of nostalgic 70s-era Americana, with great sandwiches and an upbeat, cheerful atmosphere. It's also convenient in terms of parking and proximity to the Belt.
L&B's also sports a lively scene, and the spumoni is good, but I never understood why people liked their pizza. It's basically the opposite of a place like Totonno's or John's. The square pizza that everyone gets has a thick, spongy, soggy crust with sauce that tastes kind of jarred to me. You already had better New York pizza at John's, and you would get better pizza at Totonno's (although I agree that you might endure a wait at the latter).
By the way, I just tried the roast pork sandwich at Dinic's in Reading Terminal a few months ago, too. I liked it but thought it was a tad dry, even though I asked them to douse it with extra gravy. If you ask them to double-dip your sandwich at Roll-N-Roaster, they don't mess around. And if you ask for cheese and roasted onions, that's all four food groups right there in one sandwich.
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Brennan & Carr
3432 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11229
Roll-N-Roaster
2901 Emmons Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235
Decent non-Asian/Mexican near Sunset Park/Borough Park?
Kind of a stumper.
Is El Salvador far enough from Mexico for you? El Morro at 40th St and 14th Ave has decent pupusas.
Schnitzi, the Israeli schnitzel bar on Coney Island Ave in Midwood, has had a sign up on their wall for a while now that says they have a new location coming soon to Borough Park. I can't remember exactly when or where the new one's going to open up, but they make pretty tasty sandwiches.
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El Morro
4018 14th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11218
Mexican restaurant in Brooklyn?
There are a bunch of excellent taquerias in Sunset Park, including Tacos Xochimilco and Tacos Matamoros (both on Fifth Ave near 45th St) and Piaxtla es Mexico, often referred to as Ricos Tacos because of the signage (right off of Fifth Ave on 51st St). It's hard to go wrong at any of them for tacos. Do a search for Sunset Park Mexican for more information on the Fifth Avenue corridor running roughly between 39th and 60th streets, which forms the backbone of Brooklyn's most concentrated Mexican (and Central American) neighborhood.
In North Brooklyn, Bushwick's Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos is well known and now frequented heavily by hipsters, but the place still cranks out pretty tasty tacos.
Other folks on here have provided good information on the whole taco truck scene (as opposed to sit-down restaurants), so do a search for that as well if you're interested.
Al Di La... Overrated?
I haven't been there too many times, and I don't plan on returning because I agree with you and the overall tenor of posters like Bob Martinez, Olive123, and Yussdov (who really nails the place sociologically as well). I might be even more negative in my assessment in that, while I agree that the food is reasonably good but in no way mind-blowing, I actually think the prices are a little steep relative to what you get and how much they give you. But that's probably just because I'm a cheapskate and a pig.
What Happened To Shane's Bakery In Woodside?
I never had the pleasure of visiting Shane's Bakery in Woodside before it closed, but intrigued by the resurrection of this thread, I dropped by Swing the Teapot and Tulip Bakery on a general Floral Park/New Hyde Park mini food tour. If you like scones, these are the real deal. My friend, who's more an expert than I, said she's never had such delicious ones this side of the pond (excepting homemade). We had scones at the cafe and bought more at the bakery. We also shared a nice strong pot of Barry's tea and tasty sausage rolls at the cafe. Service at both places was friendly and courteous.
There's plenty of generic American stuff on the cafe's menu, like wraps, sandwiches, and such, but there's a whole section called something like "From the Old Country" that makes me want to go back. I'm planning on tackling the full Irish breakfast some day. Oddly, we couldn't find scones on the menu, but we just asked the waitress and they came right out.
For those nostalgic for Shane's Bakery, there's a painting inside the cafe featuring the old store sign and streetscape in Woodside (I wish I'd heard of the old bakery in time to visit).
Asian Market in Brooklyn?
The big place across the railroad cut is Fei Long Supermarket. If you can stand it or go at off-peak hours, Fei Long has better produce than HK and a much more comprehensive selection of groceries than anywhere else in the neighborhood (including HK and Great Wall), but it's often insanely and unpleasantly crowded and chaotic. I can't comment too specifically on the Vietnamese/Thai ingredients at any of these places because I'm usually looking for Chinese groceries, but I've bought SE Asian basics like fish sauce, Thai basil and fresh thai chili peppers at all of them.
Rocco's Calamari vs Casa Calamari?
I give the advantage to Rocco's, but I've only been to Casa once. On that one visit, the fried calamari was heavier, greasier, the batter not as crispy, and the squid not as fresh tasting as at Rocco's, where I, like you, have enjoyed the namesake dish a number of times. But maybe someone with more experience at Casa would say my experience was atypical. There's also another Casa Calamari in Bath Beach. I've driven by but never eaten there. Anyone been?
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Casa Calamari
1801 Bath Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11214
Sunset Park Chinese grocery
The bigger place further south on 8th Ave is called Fei Long Supermarket. I actually think the selection is excellent there (a lot more extensive than Hong Kong Supermarket's), and the produce items (and the ground pork I get from the butcher counter) have always been very fresh. But it's true that the place can be pretty insane, especially at peak hours on weekends. A friend of mine refers to it as "the crazy place." The aisles are really narrow and the whole layout is just packed, so when it gets busy, it sometimes feels like you're trying to shop on a rush hour 4-5 train. I can understand the Costco comparison. It's not quite as bad, but sometimes there's that same feeling of "which of these checkout lines is the least horrendous?" You could find the staples you're looking for at either place. There are a few items, like really fresh Sichuan peppercorns and some particular sauces, that I go specifically to Fei Long for. It's just bigger and has more stuff than Hong Kong Supermarket.
Another place you might check out is Great Wall Supermarket, on Fort Hamilton Pkwy a little south of 65th St (a little beyond Sunset Park). They have a pretty good selection of pantry items and produce as well, though I've steered clear of their open freezer aisle since I was investigating "frozen" dumplings one day, and the temperature and squishiness of the dumplings gave me pause. (That was a few years ago; I can't say whether or not it was an isolated occurrence.) This place can also be insane depending on when you go. I went once the weekend before Chinese New Year and felt lucky to get out alive.
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Hong Kong Supermarket
6013 8th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
Great Wall Supermarket
6722 Fort Hamilton Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11219
Where can I find Ajvar in Brooklyn?
They have some at the Red Hook Fairway. I'm not sure what country theirs is from, but I liked it a lot. If I remember correctly, it is one shelf over from the jarred pasta sauces.
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Fairway Market
480 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Any Good BBQ in Brooklyn?
Fette Sau in Williamsburg has very good BBQ. They're not trying to mimic Kansas City, Memphis, Carolina, Texas, etc. The emphasis is simply on quality cuts of meat slow-cooked on the smoker. I particularly liked the pork I had there: ribs, shoulder (pulled), belly, cheek. I also appreciated that they weren't afraid of fatty cuts. Both the sweet and spicy sauces were very tasty. The beans are also good, but the rest of the sides we had were uninspiring.
Best dumplings in Sunset Park
My vote goes to XSG Dumpling House on 53rd St. You only get 4 for $1, but they're pretty big, the filling is very moist and flavorful, and the skin is really delicate but still with a little satisfying chew. Most times I've visited, the bottoms have been fried a perfect crisp golden-brown.
I had the opportunity recently to compare them with Prosperity's Sunset Park branch, which I'd rank as the close second in the neighborhood. When I did the A/B, Prosperity's wrapper was not quite as tender and felt a little bit gummier.
I'd put Kai Feng Fu next after Prosperity, and then Family last.
Unsung Mexican food in north Sunset Park
I second this recommendation. I stumbled upon this place because I was getting my car serviced nearby, and I had a very tasty chorizo torta. There were a few other folks squeezed into the space in back, eating, so perhaps locals agree. I think future appointments at the garage will be good for checking out the rest of the menu.
What did I have at Jing Fong?
Is it possible you had turnip cake? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turnip_cake
Luobo gao in Mandarin, or I think something like lawbok gow in Cantonese.
That's made with rice flour, shredded daikon, and bits of other stuff, like ham, sausage, dried shrimp, etc., depending on who's making it. It's steamed, and then often fried afterwards to give it a crisp surface. A dim sum classic.
Prosperity Dumpling - Sunset Park
Kai Feng Fu is on 48th St just east of Eighth Ave. The last time I went there, the dumplings were fine, but I think they used to taste better than they do now. I also agree with everyone that the dumplings at Family (the few times I tried it) have really tough, overly thick and chewy skins, which is not how I like my guo tie.
Glad you liked XSG! I've been encouraging people to check out these relative newcomers for a little while now. I've been a few times around 9-ish, and the food has still been fresh. I have yet to try the new Prosperity in the neighborhood, though I have always liked the old Manhattan branch's dumplings. If I manage the side-by-side comparison I've been meaning to do, I'll report back.
Prosperity Dumpling - Sunset Park
I like Prosperity in Manhattan. I'll have to try the new location. But seriously, if you're doing Sunset Park dumpling taste tests (and why not, when the total would only come out to $3-4?), why not throw in Kai Feng Fu and XSG into the mix?
I posted previously about XSG, another recent arrival here:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/647296#
For my money, they're the best guo tie in the neighborhood. Really tender, thin skin, but still with a little chew to them. And a really juicy, flavorful filling. Every time I've been, everything's felt very fresh. Only four for a dollar, but still so worth it. XSG is on 53rd St just east of Eighth Ave.
New Dumpling House in Sunset Park, 53rd just off Eighth
O.K. Off the original topic I know, but I finally got around to revisiting Bamboo Pavilion after a long time of being a regular at Grand Sichuan House (in Bay Ridge). I had a really good meal there. As I had remembered, my dan dan noodles were not quite as tasty as at GS. But the ma po tofu was really delicious. Well spiced, not overly salty, and the texture of the tofu was creamy silky. We also had a spicy chicken dish. I can't remember the name, but the waitress recommended it. Lots of spice and mala flavor from a healthy dose of Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chili peppers. The chicken was fried in tasty bite-size chunks, some with bones still attached.
I'm such a regular at GS in Bay Ridge that I'll probably still favor them, but Bamboo Pavilion really is worth checking out as well. It's great to have two really solid Sichuanese restaurants in Brooklyn.
New Dumpling House in Sunset Park, 53rd just off Eighth
Glad you liked it! I was inspired by your good experience to go again yesterday, and the dumplings were as good as I remembered. Delicate but still pliant and chewy wrapping, very flavorful, juicy filling. I also bought a pack of 50 frozen ones. I got the pork and chive. I have a feeling they won't last long.
If you try the pancakes/sandwiches, I'd be curious to hear your reaction.
Brooklyn's Best Sandwiches
I believe David's re-opened somewhat recently. I've been meaning to check it out.
I was thinking of mentioning Paneantico too alongside Lioni's and DeFonte's. Paneantico's a little more upscale feeling. I agree that the sandwiches there are excellent. I've had really nice prosciutto sandwiches there. And I agree the bread (from Royal Crown bakery) is great. I think they also get their very tasty sopressata from nearby Piazza Mercato, where they make it by hand and cure it in-house (one time I went in and asked a question about the sopressata, and a really nice guy behind the counter gave me an impromptu tour of the back room where they make and dry out the sausage).
Brooklyn's Best Sandwiches
I agree that the doubles at A&A are tasty. I liked them better than their roti.
I also love Schnitzi. I would say that though Schnitzel King does have a larger selection of toppings, Schnitzi has the King beat on variety of sauces. The garlic mayo, chimichurri, etc. at Schnitzi are a large part of what keep me addicted to the place.
I've also really enjoyed the exact same torta (chorizo and eggs) missmasala likes at La Flor. Another good version I've had has been at Torteria del Valle on Coney Island Ave just north of Cortleyou Rd, but I haven't been in a little while.
Jumping back up to the original post's Italian-American recommendations, I agree that Lioni's is great. Excellent, fresh bread. I had a sopressata sandwich there which was huge and delicious. And I really like the Nicky Special at DeFonte's. I love the spicy-sweet crunch of the giardinera, and that thin layer of fried eggplant that somehow stands out from the big pile of hearty deli meats.
