_emilie_'s Profile
Best Cheap Asian Food
Others may disagree, but Grand Sichuan St Marks (to me) is every bit as good as Szechuan Gourmet and definitely cheaper. I also found it spicier.
I also love Pho Grand (it was recommended to me by a Vietnamese friend). Tons of food and pretty cheap. Anything involving pork chop is great, as is the salt and pepper squid.
Also on St Marks, and surprisingly good, is Boka - they do Korean Fried Chicken just like Bon Chon and cheap pitchers of beer, as well as other classic Korean dishes. I make no claim to its authenticity but that chicken is good!
Zabb Elee on 2nd, not quite as cheap, but in the ballpark with Szechuan Gourmet for some very spicy thai (depending on how you order it - spice level is up to you).
Xian Famous Foods on St Marks mentioned above is good too - really interesting stuff and full of spice. And its an order at the counter type place, so you'll like that. All the others I've listed are full service.
And of course Prosperity.
Best Cheap Asian Food
Yep, Prosperity is my go to. I like just about everything I've had there (sesame pancake with veggies, soup, buns) and its all just about $1. Definitely tops the list of high value NY asian foods.
Best Cheap Asian Food
Just a warning that Nicky's was sold and is now "Vicky's" (seriously). I haven't been since the change to see if its the same sandwich, but definitely new management. I assume the prices are similar.
Personally I'm a Saigon Banh Mi girl, but Nicky's always did have great crispy bread (though its a smaller sandwich and costs more - not as much as Num Pang though).
Bobwhite Lunch vs. The Cardinal ?
I have to agree, Bobwhite wins this, hands down. They have great sides (get the tomato bread pudding if they have it), the chicken is great, the pork chop sandwich is great, the prices are good, they are super nice and I get an authentic southern feeling from them, vs people trying to be southern but actually coming off as LES/Brooklyn. (I'm not saying the folks at Cardinal may not have southern credentials, but this is the general vibe I get. I'm from Georgia. I think the Bobwhite guy is from Virginia? Anyway, he gets it. There are so many fake southern places in this town that its refreshing to find someplace like this.)
Cardinal did also feel overpriced for what it was. It wasn't bad - it was fine. But I don't go running back for fine (and I live on 4th st). Service was indeed a little slow, and they WERE OUT OF PIE. Do not tell a southern girl you have pie when you don't. MEAN. (This was at like 6pm.)
Re: The Redhead, their chicken is so spot on. First time I had it, I thought my mom was back in the kitchen, it tasted exactly the same. (To be fair, the last time I had it, it was not as good. Could have been an off night.) And I adore their shrimp and grits - it is perhaps the best rendition I have ever had. I order that for myself, and tell everyone else to get the chicken. However, it is definitely more expensive than Bobwhite and a whole helluva lot more trouble. Long waits, cramped tables, and you're dining in what feels like a rec room.
Definitely give Bobwhite a try!!
Pulqueria early review -- So far so good (longish)
I wouldn't have said so, but maybe a little. I think of it as more aloe-like, a fresh green flavor, but that has started to turn. Not that it tastes like Kombucha or a funky Basque Sidra, but a similar little twang. They might flavor theirs a little, so it could actually have lime in it - they go crazy with that in DF - guava, strawberry, etc., but I don't recall it tasting flavored when I was there. I prefer the flavored stuff actually, so its like a nice fresh liquado (that started to turn), instead of a glass of aloe juice that started to turn. If you have had Peruvian chicha its like the Mex version of that, but green-tasting rather than corn-tasting. Similar texture. Again I think chicha's more palatable mixed with fruit in their frutilladas. I can't do the chicha straight. Too... saliva-y.
Pulqueria early review -- So far so good (longish)
Its really not that gross. Definitely try it! Its like a homemade beer made out of cactus. It just should never ever cost what it does at Pulqueria.
Pulqueria early review -- So far so good (longish)
Well if you have second thoughts and go back, I recommend one of the pulque cocktails. They were really delicious and inoffensive - very fresh and light. The real thing might not be for everyone, but you can probably work your way up to it. I love funk anyway (oxidized wines, kinda gamey meats, etc), so its right up my alley. Thinking about it more, pulque seems more like something you would have in a marinade, not a sauce (because of the slime factor), but I'm no chef.
Pulqueria early review -- So far so good (longish)
I can totally see a pulque-based sauce getting super slimy. And it definitely has a very particular fermented flavor that probably really comes out when they reduce it.
That whole medium rare braised meat thing is bizarre though. I think she just had no idea what a braise is, but I'm shocked the kitchen rolled with it and sent you an undercooked dish.
Momofuku Ssam Bar - new duck menu
We've had the large format duck ssam a couple of times and yes, ours were more like 70% duck, 30% sausage. I am admittedly not the biggest Momofuku fan, but I think the duck is really great.
Pok Pok Wing – Delicious New Thai Chicken Wing and Other Thai Specialties in the Lower Eastside
I went recently (couple weekends ago), and wasn't blown away by the wings. They were tasty enough, but nothing to rave about (and yes, a little small, considering it included the drummette). I did like the spice level.
However, they had a pork chop sandwich special that was really delicious. Super simple - just a grilled pork chop on a portuguese roll, maybe salt and pepper, but SO juicy and flavorful. If they offer this special again, I would take that over the wings. My apologies that I have no idea what this was called. It was just written on a piece of paper and taped on the cash register.
I also really liked the drinking vinegar (got tamarind), but it was small and overpriced IMHO for a beverage at a take out place. If it were $2, I'd come in and get one all the time, but I think it was $4.
Post 10pm Eats in Glasgow, City Centre?
Asia Style is so right up my alley - I love love love roti canai. And it looks like its open til 2:30am. I think we have a winner!
Post 10pm Eats in Glasgow, City Centre?
Thanks! Looks interesting, especially the duck. I'll check it out.
Post 10pm Eats in Glasgow, City Centre?
Thanks curious. I've been struck by the distinct absence of chatter about Jamie's Italian on this board, and took it as a sign that it might just be a tourist trap, but its good to know real people eat there too. I'd basically written it off (though I have to admit I do like watching him cook in his garden on TV, especially with Gennaro, and I'm a sucker for rustic Italian). I will check out the Turkish place too. Thanks!
Post 10pm Eats in Glasgow, City Centre?
It'll be a Monday night, in May, and we're staying at the Hotel Indigo at Waterloo and Blythswood, so around there would be ideal, but a bit of a walk isn't bad. We arrive that night into Queens St Station.
Post 10pm Eats in Glasgow, City Centre?
Hey guys,
I'm wondering how late-night the dining crowd in Glasgow is these days. We're going to be arriving in Glasgow fairly late (10pm) and fairly hungry. Are there any good dinner options at that time in the City Centre area, or are we going to be grabbing kebabs on the corner (or worse still, a bag of crisps)? And not to knock kebabs -- we're not looking for anything super fancy, just delicious. I've looked at some restaurants' hours, but I don't really trust them -- just because a place is open til midnight doesn't mean they're serving food then.
Thanks all!
Northern Spy Food Co.
It looks like the new chef is actually changing the menu up quite a bit:
http://thefooddocu.blogspot.com/2012/01/northern-spy-food-co.html
The food looks much more dressed up than the original. I've yet to try it, but hope its still as good.
15 East: A truly impressive all-out meal from start to finish
I am so pleased to hear that 15 East is as good as ever. I have never walked out of there anything less than blissful. I think he blows Yasuda away.
Glasgow and Reservations
Would you say the Buttery's a good choice among the 3 Two Fat Ladies options in town? It looked the most unique in terms of atmosphere, but I know its not the original. (Full disclosure: It and the City Center one are closest to our hotel, with West End being the furthest.)
Glasgow and Reservations
Thanks, Phil. I figure any dinners I will reserve just to be safe (and I know now to do that a few weeks in advance - thank you), but lunch can be a bit harder since we'll be out and about and I'll be unsure of the best time (but I'd book to avoid disappointment if I knew I had to). If it were you, would you reserve for, say, Stravaigin and Cafe Gandolfi at lunchtime midweek?
And yes, we were advised for both Three Chimneys and Lochbay Seafood to book as early as possible. And that you even have to book to go to the pub (but only a day before or day of)! Now that I found surprising.
Glasgow and Reservations
Is Glasgow the kind of place where I need to make my dining reservation a month in advance like here in NYC (or as I was just advised on Isle of Skye - months in advance!), or is it the kind of place where you don't even really need reservations?
We're hoping to visit Stravaigin, Crabshakk and Two Fat Ladies (probably at the Buttery), and possibly Cafe Gandolfi. We're only going to be in town a couple of days, not at the weekend (Tuesday and Wednesday, in late May). Are any of these places the type that will fill up far in advance? Do I need to reserve for lunches as well?
Any advice is welcome. Thanks!
Where to eat on Islay (Scotland) between drams of whisky?
Thank you - this is helpful.
Where to eat on Islay (Scotland) between drams of whisky?
Yikes. Book at a pub! Well, I guess it it a very touristy place. Thanks for the recs!
Where to eat on Islay (Scotland) between drams of whisky?
I'm looking for some advice on where to grab a good meal on Islay. Doesn't have to be fancy at all (we are also going to Oban, Glasgow and Isle of Skye, so we'll have plenty of upmarket places later in the trip). We're staying near Laphroig/Port Ellen, but can get around to other towns.
I figure there have to be some 'hounds out there who've done this whisky pilgrimage, and yet nothing comes up on a search.
Zion National Park - any suggestions?
We also were just in Zion and had a great lunch at Flying Monkey. The pizza and apricot hefeweissen really hit the spot, and we also found it friendly and reasonably priced. (I tend to get a little snobby about my pizza - NYC has spoiled me, but this passed the test.) Definitely the best meal of he trip (which was mainly uninspiring southwestern food around the Grand Canyon and Zion).
We had a decent breakfast at Oscars, but nothing to write home about. Mean Bean was our first choice but was closed.
Pulqueria early review -- So far so good (longish)
So we went last night and tried a bunch of stuff. We had the requeson gorditas, 4 tacos (tinga, pescado, arrachera, and cochinita pibil), the house chips and pumpkin seed spread, tongue tacos, mushroom quesadilla and nopales salad. All very "antojitos" style. There's not a lot on the menu as far as entrees.
Pros:
• The place is gorgeous. Love the design. It was a complete transformation from Doyers.
• Service was friendly and attentive. I mention this because usually the service at trendy hot spots like this pisses me off, and they were great.
• The food was all "right". The chef, who I read was previously at La Superior, definitely knows how to make real Mexican food. The chips were definitely made in house (just like when my BF makes them), the nopales weren't slimy, the fried stuff was crispy and not greasy, the cheeses were good, all the flavors and ingredients were just what they should be. There were no failures, and we're pretty picky judges of Mexican food, so that's saying something.
• The drinks were awesome. Thoughtful combinations of flavors, nothing too sweet even though they were fruity, nice balance and complexity. The cocktails with Pulque were particularly great. We tried all of them except for the corn one, I believe, and I would recommend all of them.
• I had never had anything like the pumpkin spread - it was great.
Cons:
• Holy crap this place is overpriced. The plates are tiny. TINY. They say they are meant to be shared, but stuff was so small you couldn't even cut it to share it. Luckily no one in my group really cared about germs, so we just took a bite and passed to the right, took a bite and passed to the right. Stuff was all good, but my Mex BF was insulted by street food being this small and this pricey. Several things on the menu were also on the menu at La Superior, and were MUCH cheaper there. The BF thinks he could have made our entire dinner for about $20 total. All I can say is, the ingredients are dirt cheap (cuts of meat), the rent has got to be cheap (a downstairs space hidden in Chinatown that used to be super-cheap Doyers Vietnamese), and the place got packed pretty fast -- they should be MINTING money in there.
• A corollary to the above: while the food was all good, it wasn't THAT good. There was nothing on the menu that we felt we just had to return to have again. Don't get me wrong, I would go again with friends if they wanted to go.
• This could be a pro or a con - the Pulque has been rendered a bit more gringo-friendly. Its not as viscus as the stuff we had in Mexico, and they serve it over ice, which was a little weird for me. We actually started ordering it without ice, and that felt more right. You can't get pulque anywhere else in town (that I know of), so kudos to them for getting it, but its still painfully overpriced for pulque. The classico (plain pulque) was tiny. It was only $6 though, whereas the flavored cocktails were $12, and the tequila cocktails were more like $15. They DO serve it by the bucket (I didn't see the bucket, but I assume its a very cute, dressed up bucket), but it was like $54!!!! Woh!!! For pulque?!?
• They are clearly still working out some kinks because they were out of a lot of stuff. Like the pickled vegetables and the chorizo. This was at 6pm on a Saturday.
Overall, I'm very glad we went because its nice to see someone do Mexican food right. I would be most likely to go again just for some pulque cocktails at the bar, and maybe some small nibbles. And the food was good enough that I'd be happy to try some of the other things that we didn't get to this time (they do have a couple of entrees). But I know we'll spend the whole time bitching about how overpriced it all is, and how the pulque is watery :)
As an aside, the outfits they make their servers wear were just... weird. Everyone in white braces/suspenders (like we're all going to a ska show after work). Wha?
-----
Pulqueria
11 Doyers St, New York, NY 10038
Does This Exist: A Cruise ANYWHERE with Good Food?
Thanks Linda -- Crystal is sounding good. Have a great time on your HAL Noordam cruise. I'd love to read your take on that one when you return.
Does This Exist: A Cruise ANYWHERE with Good Food?
This is very helpful - thank you! Do you have a favorite?
Does This Exist: A Cruise ANYWHERE with Good Food?
That does sound pretty amazing. I actually don't know what I'm looking for as far as the ship -- my ladyfriends said they wanted to "go on a cruise" (which I'm not all that into, but I could be excited about it if the food is good). They're probably thinking pool on board, yadda yadda, but maybe they can be convinced otherwise! Thanks to both of you!
Does This Exist: A Cruise ANYWHERE with Good Food?
Has anyone out there ever been on a cruise that had good food? Like Chowhound-worthy food. I am guessing this doesn't exist, but if it does, I would love to know about it. And I don't mean cruises that eventually stop in a port where you can get good food, I mean a cruise where there is good food on the boat. Doesn't have to be fancy tasting menus either - just tasty.
