London 'Hound seeking list refinement, advice and tips (bit long)

That's a very good idea, thanks von_levi. I agree with you about pastrami sandwiches being more of a lunch food. Think we'll shift Katz's from its dinner spot to our last lunch.

We definitely won't miss Big Gay Ice Cream. Looks fantastic, and everything on the menu sounds ridiculous - in a good way.

Ibrahim.Salha in Manhattan

London 'Hound seeking list refinement, advice and tips (bit long)

A lightbulb just went off thanks to your post, BrettLove. I've got a prepaid cellphone from a couple of years ago. I wonder if it still works... Good call, thanks!

Ibrahim.Salha in Manhattan

London 'Hound seeking list refinement, advice and tips (bit long)

Thanks MVNYC. I reckon we'll try the one on Broome Street and might share a sandwich from Nicky's if we have time.

Ibrahim.Salha in Manhattan

London 'Hound seeking list refinement, advice and tips (bit long)

Sorry, just realised how silly that question about Ippudo was. I blame looking at information about TV show tapings and their queuing systems at certain times...

That monte cristo sounds excellent. Thanks once again :)

Ibrahim.Salha in Manhattan

London 'Hound seeking list refinement, advice and tips (bit long)

Thanks a lot :) How does Nicky's compare to Banh Mi Saigon on Grand Street? We went there when we were most recently in the city and enjoyed it. Is Nicky's better?

Ibrahim.Salha in Manhattan

London 'Hound seeking list refinement, advice and tips (bit long)

Thanks a lot sam1, that's really helpful.

I actually agree with you to an extent about Crif Dogs. We went before and I thought it was alright...but my brother really wants to try the bar and the hot dogs available there (like the Wylie Dufresne dog).

Joe's pizza is a place we go to every time we come to the city. We like the slices there. I've heard South Brooklyn Pizza in the EV is good for a slice - thoughts?

Yeah, Redhead was chosen because I saw it on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives (guilty pleasure) and you're right, we don't really have anything even close to that in London. Looking at reviews of Bobwhite Counter, which Kathryn mentioned, and it looks quite good. Might be a toss-up, but I'm leaning towards Motorino for our first night dinner.

Thanks for the list of bars, too. I was meaning to ask for places that weren't just houses of mixology, or whatever, as I like bars like the ones you mentioned and the cocktail places. Really, I just want a good gin and tonic and I'm happy...

Ibrahim.Salha in Manhattan

London 'Hound seeking list refinement, advice and tips (bit long)

Wow, thanks a lot, Kathryn :) That's amazing. A lot to consider... a lot to take in. Do you know what time Ippudo start taking reservations from on the day?

Just asking my pals about moving Minetta to the Sunday, their brunch menu looks great. Plus I do really want to go to Shopsin's, so that could work on the Thursday. I've chickened out about six times now... Though, actually, thinking about it my brother really wants to try the French dip sandwich at Minetta so that could be another weekday lunch somewhere.

I think Prune on Sunday for brunch is probably our best bet? Enjoyed reading Gabrielle Hamilton's book, so would like to visit.

Ibrahim.Salha in Manhattan

London 'Hound seeking list refinement, advice and tips (bit long)

Hello NY Chowhounds.

I'm coming over in a couple of weeks (arrive on 23rd and leave on 31st May) with my girlfriend and my brother and I'd appreciate some help with our eating schedule/list.

Just a few things to note/questions:

- We're aged between 23-25 so we tend to lean towards places with a younger crowd but feel comfortable dining anywhere

- We're staying on East 2nd street, between 1st and 2nd

- We don't really have budgets - we've booked a few lunches at higher end/more expensive places (see below) as it seems the best value for money. We'll keep it more casual at night generally

- It's Memorial Day Weekend while we're there. What sort of effect does this have on restaurants in the city generally? Emptier? Do they close for the weekend? Any change at all?

- This might sound a silly question but… Can anyone explain Russ and Daughters, please? I have been there before and am planning on going again, but would like an outline of how it generally works. The one time we went we just went up to someone and asked for a lox bagel, which was pretty good - the fish and other components were very nice, but the bagel was pretty poor. Are you encouraged to try different slices of fish and then make a decision? What should we get if we dislike the bagels they use?

- The first night we'll want to stay reasonably close to the apartment we're staying in as we'll probably be quite tired. Redhead looks a good option. Thoughts?

- We've been to Momofuku Ssam Bar before and enjoyed it about two years ago. Is it still good for dinner? We're aware of the duck lunch, which looks fantastic, but dinner might be our best option.

- We're staying reasonably close to Clinton Street Baking Co., Prune and Shopsins, and are anticipating a wait at all three. Which is the most comfortable wait out of those three? Or is there somewhere else close-by to get pancakes etc. that isn't quite as packed as these?

- We won't actually have working phones apart from for wi-fi use. I know some places take your number down and call or text. Is there any way around this if you don't have a phone?

- Which bars should we be drinking at? I've seen mentioned: Angel's Share, Please Don't Tell, Death and Company, WD50 bar. Other good ones?

Our schedule:

23rd May (date of arrival - evening)
Dinner: Redhead / something else in the East Village

24th May
Lunch: Minetta Tavern (booked)
Dinner: Momofuku Ssam Bar

25th May
Lunch: Torrisi Italian Specialties (booked)
Dinner: Free spot = Unsure - somewhere in the East Village, perhaps? Somewhere fun, not too mobbed if possible

26th May
Lunch: Smorgasburg
Dinner: Empellon Cocina (booked)

27th May
Brunch: Clinton Street Baking Co. / Prune / Shopsins / Another East Village or LES brunch spot
Dinner: Katz's

28th May
Lunch: Free spot
Dinner: Free spot

29th May
Lunch: Del Posto (booked)
Dinner: Free spot

30th May
Lunch: Eleven Madison Park (booked)
Dinner: Free spot

31st May
Lunch: Our last lunch in New York. We'll need to be at JFK at around 4pm or so. Perhaps somewhere in the East Village where taking luggage won't be too problematic. Suggestions?

Other places we've seen and are interested in:
Motorino
Paulie Gee's
Shake Shack
Crif Dogs / PDT
Ippudo
Danji
Mad For Chicken
Joe's Pizza
Gramercy Tavern (Tavern)
Caracas Arepa Bar
BaoHaus

Thanks in advance :)

Ibrahim.Salha in Manhattan

New as in New York Style Deli (London)

Ah, disappointed to hear that. I've actually read similar reports since it opened. Seems generally people who went in the first week or so had some decent food coming out, but since then it's gone a bit off the boil already?!

Agree about the layout of the place. It's pretty uncomfortable. I think most people take out, which is what they were perhaps expecting.

Ibrahim.Salha in U.K./Ireland

Eat Street Kings Cross London- Food Trucks UK style?

So you didn't actually try the paella? Maybe it's just me, but it seems a bit pointless to bash them on this thread in that case...

Ibrahim.Salha in U.K./Ireland

New as in New York Style Deli (London)

I was there last week.

It was pretty good. A bit disorganised (didn't know what the deal was with getting a table, where to order from, who worked there and who didn't; turns out you find your own seats and then order at the counter). It's not a big place and can therefore feel a bit cramped during the lunch rush, but I think it's worth a visit.

We had salt beef (£8.50 for a sandwich, Brass Rail prices). Good beef, decent enough bread, very, very good pickle. Still doesn't beat BK Salt Beef Bar in Edgware for me (which does a bigger sandwich for half the price) but it's a promising sandwich for sure. Unfortunately didn't get to try the pastrami out but from the sounds of it that is the thing to get. Their chef has actually been brought over from NYC, so they're taking their curing and smoking very seriously.

We also tried the hot dog. Decent enough, one of the better all-beef hot dogs I've had in London. Pretty similar to the hot dog at Katz's from what I can remember.

Also had kugel. In all honesty I don't know if it was good or bad kugel because I've never tried it before but it was pretty tasty.

No fried chicken on the menu from what I can remember. More cured meats and matzoh ball soup etc.

Ibrahim.Salha in U.K./Ireland

Takoyaki London?

You mean Izakaya-type food?

Asakusa in Mornington Crescent is very good for this: http://cheesenbiscuits.blogspot.com/2010/07/asakusa-camden.html

Admittedly, the takoyaki isn't to my liking (my comment on that blog post suggests as much!) but it's a really great place. Worth a visit.

Ibrahim.Salha in U.K./Ireland

Nigel Slater TV show last week

It was actually the lovely Banh Mi 11 ladies - http://www.banhmi11.com/

Broadway market in Hackney on Saturdays, Chatsworth Road market on Sundays. It's a really good stall.

Ibrahim.Salha in U.K./Ireland

Lunch at Marea - possibly best meal of 2011 (with photos)

Just to echo what everyone else said, great pics and write-up!

Out of interest, do you remember what was on the lunch tasting menu? Anyone had any experiences with the tasting menu at lunch?

Ibrahim.Salha in Manhattan

London Chowhound coming to NYC again (long)

Thank you very much for the feedback uwsister, it's really helpful :)

From the sound of it, I think I'll prefer the CT style lobster roll...

Good point about RUB. I think Fette Sau will be out and RUB will go in its place. I mean, the only reason I wanted to try Fette Sau again is because I've seen a few people suggest it's (*easily*) the best BBQ in NYC...i thought I just didn't get it. Will give RUB a go though :)

Haha, I had some White Castle sliders a couple of years back for the first time...never again.

I think you're right about Prosperity Dumpling. I just love the cheapness. I can't get enough.

-----
Prosperity Dumpling
46 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002

White Castle
525 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018

Ibrahim.Salha in Manhattan

London Chowhound coming to NYC again (long)

Ah, thanks for the heads up!! Would never have guessed that...or even thought to check. That's brilliant to know. The itinerary is definitely still workable. I've been following Paulie Gee for a couple of years - ever since noticing his comments on Slice, so I think I'll have to pay him a visit. Looks like a great operation.

Ibrahim.Salha in Manhattan

London Chowhound coming to NYC again (long)

Thanks Silverjay! Might try and catch Red Hook Lobster Pound at Smorgasburg, which would free up a lunch - or I could use it to go to Luke's and compare the two. How exciting.

What's the problem with the Momofuku ramen broth?

Ibrahim.Salha in Manhattan

London Chowhound coming to NYC again (long)

Cheers for the excellent reply sgordon :) That's really helpful.

WD-50 is definitely in the running for one of our meals - especially after reading reviews on here and also from just hearing so much about Dufresne. The place seems to polarize people though, and it seems that it's the sort of place that people love or hate. It also seems that a lot of chefs absolutely can't get enough of the place, but some diners feel like they're being subject to a science experiment. Also, I read Kathryn's recent review and I get the feeling that going a la carte may be a shrewd move?

I visited Vanessa's and Propserity last time I was in the city, actually...I think I preferred Vanessa's too, especially for the sesame pancake, haha. Not sure why I put down Prosperity instead!

I agree with Chang that authenticity is overrated...plus I can't get enough of those Momofuku pork buns. I think Ippudo is still in the lead, though - a lot of people seem to love it, even Yelpers (*gulp*)

Apologies for the lobster roll assumption! Will have to try CT style for sure!

-----
WD-50
50 Clinton Street, New York, NY 10002

Ippudo
65 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Ibrahim.Salha in Manhattan

London Chowhound coming to NYC again (long)

Oh yeah, that makes a lot of sense! Thank you :)

Ibrahim.Salha in Manhattan

Where is the best fried chicken?

This is probably your best bet in London, really. It's inconsistent, but when they get it right it is absolutely brilliant. Chicken and waffles in Kilburn...who knew?

Ibrahim.Salha in U.K./Ireland

London Chowhound coming to NYC again (long)

Thanks a lot for the reply :)

Degustation sounds really great, hadn't heard of it before. I think, if I'm completely honest, it's behind Kyo Ya and Momofuku Ko (in that order) right now as I've eaten at similar places in Spain and also in London. I'll bear it in mind though.

Will consider swapping Ippudo for dinner another day or lunch some other time. I hear they do pork buns as well - any good?
I haven't been to Momofuku Noodle Bar before but I totally buy in to the whole David Chang thing, plus I've been reading Lucky Peach recently...but I'll try out Ippudo :)

It doesn't have to be sushi for the last lunch, actually, just thought I'd use that time to get something in which New York does better than London. The lunch deal at 15 East looks very good though, will note it down :)

-----
15 East
15 East 15th Street, New York, NY 10003

Momofuku Noodle Bar
171 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003

Kyo Ya
94 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009

Momofuku Ko
163 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003

Ippudo
65 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Ibrahim.Salha in Manhattan

London Chowhound coming to NYC again (long)

Hello there New York City 'hounds! Long time no post on this board. In fact, the last time was nearly two years ago when I returned from this trip: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/623359 (I posted photos of what I ate here, if you can't be bothered to read that thread / want to see some food porn: http://willeatformoney.blogspot.com/2010/02/reminiscing-about-new-york-city.html)

I'll be coming back in September from the 13th to the 20th.

I've got a long list of places which I've noted down and consider interesting - some of which I've been to before and enjoyed enough to want to eat there again.

I'll be coming over from London with my girlfriend and we're both in our early twenties, and can finally drink in the US (yes!). Not sure what sort of food I'm NOT interested in, but I guess we can rule out Indian (it's pretty good here), Middle Eastern (I'm Lebanese) and neither of us really has much of a tolerance for spicy food…I guess that's it?

Budget: doesn't matter apart from where noted. Not saying this while swimming around in gold coins as if I'm Scrooge McDuck, but we can spend a lot of money when we want to, but we are also into good cheap eats so I've included places to cater for all budgets, though bear in mind that we do appreciate variety. Location also doesn't matter - we'll go everywhere (will also consider posting on the Outer Boroughs board for recs outside of Manhattan but have included some below). No idea where we're staying yet...think either East Village or Williamsburg maybe?

Here goes:

Tuesday 13th September 2011:
Lunch - Slice of pizza somewhere (enjoyed Joe's, NY Pizza Suprema and Patsy's East Harlem last time)
Dinner - Shake Shack

Wednesday:
Lunch - Part of RGR's LES tour again (Katz's, Russ and Daughters mainly)
Dinner - Momofuku Ko OR Kyo Ya for kaiseki OR another place with an interesting tasting menu for around the same price (need some help here - realise the difficulties [still difficult?] of getting a Ko reservation, and have read up quite extensively on here and other sites about what I'd be getting with each place but still can't decide…some more opinions please! We prefer easy-going service if that makes a difference. In fact, if you want to recommend another high-end place with a tasting menu which shouldn't be missed then by all means go ahead)

Thursday:
Breakfast - Clinton Street Bakery OR Shopsin's (didn't make it down to the latter last time and I still really want to go, but also don't mind not being shouted at while eating breakfast, so the former could suit, even if we had to wait. Any other good breakfast options?)
Lunch - Red Hook Lobster Pound OR Luke's Lobster OR another good lobster roll place (I'm guessing it won't be as good as the stuff I had in Maine, but I really want a lobster roll)
Dinner - Minetta Tavern

Friday:
Lunch - Del Posto (we have pretty decent Italian in London but their set lunch seems great value...worth it?)
Dinner - Peter Luger OR Keens OR another steak house? (Once again I think I know the differences between Peter Luger and Keens, but what's the best for all-round experience? Is there a better steakhouse right now than these two that I should be looking at?)

Saturday:
Lunch - Smorgasburg
Dinner - Ramen place of some sort: Momofuku Noodle Bar OR Ippudo OR somewhere else?

Sunday:
Lunch / Brunch - Fette Sau OR RUB BBQ OR another BBQ place (went to Fette Sau last time and thought it was alright, but I think my friend ordered badly as a lot of people still seem to reckon it's the best you're going to do for BBQ in a city which isn't regarded for it's low and slow cooking. Thoughts? Josh Ozersky seems to like RUB, I've watched a few of his videos on the place and it looks decent. I know some will say the best option is to skip BBQ altogether but I'm pretty sure anything we get in NYC will be better than London's offerings)
Dinner - Mark Burger (I really like sliders...got a good review in A Hamburger Today. Any other good sliders in the city, apart from at Shopsin's?)

Monday:
Lunch - Motorino OR Paulie Gee's
Dinner - Torrisi Italian Specialties

Tuesday:
Breakfast - I guess we can use this final breakfast to go to Clinton Street or Shopsin's, depending on what we do for breakfast on the Thursday. Unless there are other places that you guys really rate for breakfast, of course...
Lunch - Sushi of some sort would be good - anywhere downtown which is great quality and isn't obscenely expensive? Say $60pp for some good nigiri?

Other considerations: walking around Eataly and seeing what's good; Otafuku for takoyaki as a snack; Prosperity Dumpling; Burger Garage (Long Island City); Smashburger; Steak N Shake (if their NYC location is open by September); Baohaus; Halal cart on 53rd and 6th; JG Melon.

Thanks a lot in advance!

-----
RUB BBQ
208 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011

Keens
72 West 36th St., New York, NY 10018

Del Posto
85 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10011

Minetta Tavern
113 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

Momofuku Noodle Bar
171 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003

Kyo Ya
94 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009

Momofuku Ko
163 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003

Prosperity Dumpling
46 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002

Otafuku
236 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003

Ippudo
65 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Torrisi Italian Specialties
250 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012

Motorino
349 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003

Eataly
200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010

Ibrahim.Salha in Manhattan

If you could only eat one meal in London...

Yashin's full omakase is expensive, but you can do well for yourself at lunch there. The salmon and ikura don for around 15 pounds, with salad and miso soup is a bit of a bargain, for the quality.

Ibrahim.Salha in U.K./Ireland

Hersheys/Nestles chocolate chips London?

Hi. You can get them at Outsider Tart in Chiswick and Panzer's Deli in St John's Wood.

Ibrahim.Salha in U.K./Ireland

LA Hound Coming to LONDON for 2 Weeks... Critique My List!

I agree with that. It's very much on the itinerary for a lot of visitors to the city nowadays, and not just gourmets either. Saying that, there's a lot of good stuff to eat there (Brindisa's chorizo, Monmouth coffee, Ginger Pig sausage roll and so on), plus shops like Utobeer, Neal's Yard Dairy and DeGustibus are worth checking out.

young_chower: Here's a little piece on some of London's markets, which should give you a taster of what they're about. An introduction, of sorts: http://www.eatmemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=126:market-digest&catid=34:food&Itemid=53

Ibrahim.Salha in U.K./Ireland

LA Hound Coming to LONDON for 2 Weeks... Critique My List!

2) I'd say Borough Market is closest to the definitive London farmers/food market. It's probably the most popular, judging by the crowds and tourists who flock there.

3) Zucca, which I mentioned just above, is on Bermondsey St. Worth checking out, definitely.

There's a couple of pricier places on that street which are decent, but they're not worth raising your budget for. There's a place called Bermondsey Street Coffee (used to be called coffee@Bermondsey St I believe) which has some good coffee.

Ibrahim.Salha in U.K./Ireland

LA Hound Coming to LONDON for 2 Weeks... Critique My List!

YES on Malting's. Was going to suggest it as well. One of my favourites in the entire city. Zucca (sister restaurant; longer hours) is also worth a go but is slightly more expensive to make up for the slightly more expensive ingredients. The cooking at both surpasses the (low) price.

Ibrahim.Salha in U.K./Ireland

Where to find a Po Boy in London?

Places where you can find Old Bay Seasoning:
Panzer's Deli, St John's Wood (NW8)
Whole Foods, Kensington (W8)
Outsider Tart, Chiswick (W4)

Maybe some other places! I think the guys at Outsider Tart sometimes make Cajun food, and they make it well, but it's not available often so you'll have to speak to them about making specific dishes.

Ibrahim.Salha in U.K./Ireland

American-style hot dogs in London?

Bloggers' favourite The Meatwagon (http://twitter.com/themeatwagonuk) has American style hot dogs. He's trying out some new all-beef franks tonight at the Florence, Herne Hill. Could be worth trying out...his usual chilli dog is good.

Ibrahim.Salha in U.K./Ireland