HowfreshEats's Profile
help at russ & daughters?
As Baconbits said, most definitely a chunk of baked (kippered) salmon (about $10 per 1/4 lb). Always moist and delicious. As well as a chub, or white fish, maybe a quarter pound of the midsection of the fish, similar in price to the baked salmon. I prefer the salty belly lox, the other stuff is too mild for me. Not sure if this is just for you and your mother, but 1/4 to 1/ 3 of belly lox is more than enough at around $9 per 1/4 pound. I'm not a fan of herring, but a slice of matjes, or the cream is usually a fan favorite. And finally, try the egg and spinach salad. Murray's has some of the best egg and spinach salad in the universe and R&D might serve a similar one.
Hunting for the best Fried Chicken In San Francisco
The fried chicken at Pizzaiolo was some of the best I ever had. A huge breast that had flavor throughout. Crisp shell surrounding very moist meat. There was a sweetness but also a hint of Indian spice and flavors. The rest of the meal was incredible too- pizza, fried green tomatoes, gnocchi with oxtail ragu, buccatini with tuna, etc...
cheap burgers, good atmosphere
In terms of comfort and a decent burger Stand is probably the best bet. I prefer the burgers at Burger Joint and Shake Shack but they wouldn't work with a big group. Stand has plenty of large tables and is large enough to not feel rushed.
And their milkshakes are next level. Yeah, the toasted marshmallow is special but the chocolate is incredible, as well as the black & white.
One other thing, don't get the Stand Burger- felt like I was eating meatloaf, unless of course that's your thing. The cheeseburger with a side of fried pickles is the move.
Bronx Jury Duty
I need to agree with Feeding Tree. Been going there for years and have never been disappointed. Their shrimp dishes are great- jerk, curried, pepper, garlic- though they can take some time since they are made to order. They have a $5 lunch special including oxtail, jerk chicken and several other items.
Other than that the neighborhood lacks in food. Molino Rojo is serviceable, Court Deli the same. If the weather's nice grab a sandwich from the deli between Gerard and River on 161st and walk to the park. Forgot the name of the place(used to be Banana Deli) but they make really good Boar's Head sandwiches.
Donut Plant - 2 donuts, 1 chance
The Blackout is a necessity. A must have. I usually don't mess with the yeast donuts, but the coconut cream is pretty good. I haven't had a bad cake donut. Most recently the chocolate covered banana was worth getting several. If they have raspberry or strawberry glazed cake I would go for that. Tres leches is cool but sweet overload- too much for me. The lavender was worth a try but if you have 1 shot choose something else.
family needs local places to eat
I would choose Amy Ruth's- some of the best fried chicken in the city- and their sides have never let me down. I'll be honest, I've never been to Sylvia's, but many people I know have and don't talk so highly of it. Another worthy soul food spot is Miss Mamie's Spoonbread on 110th off Columbus Ave. Short ribs and catfish are recommended.
You could order to go from either place and walk several blocks to northern Central Park by the Harlem Meer (lake). There your family can enjoy a meal in a beautiful setting, either on the benches lining the lake or on the grass.
milk shakes
Another vote for Shake Shack- a black and white is necessary with a Shack Burger. Recently had a good one from Jacques Torres in DUMBO- choc/choc raspberry.
Unfortunately my favorite shake is no longer available. Gem Spa on St. Mark's and 2nd made the meanest black and white- but recently removed their ice cream freezer. They were great. They still make a very good egg cream so all is not lost.
my new hamburger ranking
This is how I'm feeling as of late:
Shake Shack
Piper's Kilt
Black Iron Burger
JG Melons
There are others out there but I'd be lying if I put them in a top 5. I enjoyed City Burger's Black Label burger but I don't get the urge like the other places. I prefer a smaller more mobile patty, i.e. Shack Burger and Black Iron. Hate black irons sesame overload buns, but their patty is no joke.
Don't understand why Piper's Kilt is never in the conversation. If Donovan's is, PK's needs to be also.
Dinner in Elko? Breakfast in Twin Falls? and lunch in West Yellowstone?
About a year ago while visiting Yellowstone, before entering the park we went to Eino's- a cool little spot. Local beef, where you cook it yourself on 2 grills in the back. Had a great porterhouse. If you have no problem preparing the steak, you won't be disappointed. Salads and sides are prepared by the proprietor, a nice woman- forgot her name.
A short drive to the Western YS entrance, a couple of miles north- I think off 287.
PacNW tour - Olympia/Seattle help
Just got back from 9 days in the Pac NW/Alaska and can only chime in about Elliot's- hit it the first night we got there and then had enough time during our layover to take the bus into the city for one last meal. It was that good to risk missing the flight. Can't beat the oysters, manilla clams, and mussels while sitting on the Puget Sound. The wild troll Alaskan salmon was no joke too. In terms of their happy hour, there was at least an hour wait around 3:30-4 on a Friday. Had tix to the Mariners game so we just got a regular table and ordered off the menu. A dozen oysters(sampler) for $23 is still better than what I'm paying in NYC. The 50 cent oyster special is great but not if time is limited and you're visiting. If I was a local it would be another story.
You mentioned Bainbridge Island- if you have some time and want to experience a great ride and get rewarded with one of the meanest Alaskan salmon sandwiches off a grill, head to the Port Townsend Farmers Market- only problem is that it only operates on Saturday- probably 30-40 minutes or so past Bainbridge Island. Along with the sandwich, great artisanal cheeses and incredibly fresh produce. And if you want to get your clam on, hit the area just to the right of the Hood Canal Bridge and go clamming and oyster digging- what kids don't enjoy that? Just throwing it out there.
Best Authentic Jewish Deli
Murray's is my # 1 but their bagels are terrible. If making your own sandwiches I'd say Murray's lox with H&H bagels, but if you need a sandwich on the go, R&D is the move. Along with lox, their "Super Heebster" with baked salmon and whitefish, wasabi infused roe and horseradish cream cheese is very good stuff.
In terms of delis, though it's in the Bronx, Liebman's on Johnson Ave. stacks up with the best.
Quick solo dinner tonight on 110th and 1st?
La Casa De Los Tacos on the sw corner of 117th and 1st makes some great tacos and tortas. You can hear some good tunes at Camaradas on 115th St. and grab a drink.
Alaskan Culinary Adventures
I just got back from a NW trip- stayed in Juneau for 2 nights. 2 meals I recommend- the salmon bake at the Thane Ore House- all you can eat fresh salmon filets and beer battered halibut chunks with beef ribs (only focused on the fish) and a salad bar- located near the water overlooking Gastineau Way with bald eagles perched in the surrounding trees. Great time. The halibut stole the show.
Tracy's King Crab Shack located downtown by the dock served some serious king crab. The cocktail, bisque and cluster were delicious. 3 legs and 2 claws for $47- not a bad deal. There are a couple of tables outdoors to enjoy the food.
I hear that the Hangar and Twisted Fish offer fresh seafood and are worthy of a visit. My trip wasn't long enough to give them a try.
If you were spending the night I'd suggest the Pelmeni House downtown. A great meal after a night of drinking some Alaskan ale.
jG Melon
Fries do not come with the burger- you need to order the cottage fries separately- definitely do it. Cheeseburger medium rare is the move in my opinion. As a starter the mozzerella in carozza is pretty good- similar to a savory french toast with mozzerella filling- make sure to use the lemon that accompanies it.
Shake Shack Recommendations
I can do this routine at least once a week- Shack Burger, Bird Dog (sometimes plain, without the extras), a black and white, and a shackmeister ale or 2 while I wait online. Fries are ordered only with other people, not necessary for the dolo trip.
Authentic Mexican in NYC?
Tulcingo on 10th between 46th and 47th is worth the trip- the chalupa and torta are very good. Spanish Harlem has some spots- la casa de los tacos on 117th and 1st ave and la puebla chula on 106th off 3rd- fresh and enjoyable. Other uptown spots have closed over the last several years- namely Ciela Azteca on 103rd and Lex, but I'd probably give most spots up there a try.
good eats on way to YANKs Stadium
Go to Zero Otto Nove on Arthur Ave- the trattoria opened by Roberto. Great pizzas, pastas and pretty much everything I've had was great. For something way really low key, Catania''s pizzeria on Arthur Ave. has these mini calzones that are some of the best calzones out there.
The food at the new stadium isn't that great- eating on Arthur Ave. will be worth it. To see more about the stadium check here- http://howfresheats.blogspot.com/2009/04/howfresh-eats-new-yankee-stadium.html
Dinosaur, Hill Country or Daisy May's
For a party Dino is the best choice. The most festive of all 3. Agree with much that was written in terms of the ribs and so forth. Dessert wise the chocolate ice box pie is the move- chocolate pudding in an oreo crust with whipped cream. I don't eat peanuts but heard the peanut butter pie with oreo crust is no joke. Also had the coconut-banana pudding and the key lime pie- both were good- but the ice box is the best. Forget a cake.
Several spots have opened up 12th ave if the party wants to continue.
Don't Leave NY Without Eating...
Best Slice: Patsy's Uptown
Best Bagel: Bagel Corner in Riverdale (Bronx) (great Jewish deli-Liebman's- down the block)
Best Sandwich: Katz's Pastrami on rye with mustard, sour pickles and can of Dr. Brown's Cel-Ray
Best Hot Dog: Gray's Papaya for price and ease but prefer a Hebrew Nat at a BBQ
Best NY Diner: Tibbett Diner in Kingsbridge/Riverdale (closed due to fire)
Best Dessert: See doughnut below
Best Lox: Murray's Sturgeon King on UWS
Best Donut: Doughnut Plant "Blackout"- strawberry glazed cake donut is the truth too
Best Burger: Shack Burger at Shake Shack, Piper's Kilt close second
Best Cheesecake: S&S on 238th St. off B'way
Continuation of Jamaican food thread
I've had some very good oxtail at the Good Dine Restaurant on White Plains Road and 223rd. Same goes for Feeding Tree on Gerard Ave. and 162nd- both in the Bronx.
Spanish Harlem
A spot I tried recently that was very impressive was La Casa De los Tacos on the NW corner of 117th and 1st Ave- down the block from Patsy's. Had a taco de bistec and a torta de pechuga empanizada con queso- breaded chicken cutlet with cheese. Very affordable- cheap- and very good. Worth a visit if in the area.
Lobel's at Yankee Stadium
Agreed on the Lobel's sandwich. Generous amount of tender and juicy steak on a very good roll. Not that big, but decent. Didn't care for the garlic fries- way too much garlic for me.
After visiting the Yankees new home
Been to 2 games so far and sampled a lot of the offerings. First off the stadium is great- a freedom to move around and experience the game nowhere similar to the old stadium. And the guards don't ask you to move when you're standing in the common areas.
Foodwise I wasn't too excited based on what I read and after trying a decent amount I'm not that impressed. Luckily I enjoy baseball too much to let this get me down. Favorite dish was the Moe's Southwest Grill Billy Barou Nachos for $9. Tortilla chips with beef, salsa, sour cream, a white cheese sauce, olives, and jalapenos. I've had it 4 times already- a little messy but the ground beef was flavored well and the chips crunchy. The garlic fries were OD on garlic. The cuban sandwich was mediocre- just wanted to try a cuban at the stadium. Also wanted to try Asian so we got the pork dumplings- 4 for $6 and the pan fried chicken noodle bowl was $8.50. Dumplings were typical doughy half moons and the noodle bowl was decent with fresh vegetables. Final meal was the Lobel's prime beef sandwich for $15. Very good- a heap of moist beef piled on a cheese bun(?). No gristle- very good quality. Had most of the other food before- Carl's and so on. The chicken fingers look much better this year. Bottled beers- Heiny, Becks, Stella etc are $8.50 but for $11 you can get a 24 oz cup of Stella, Becks, Heiny, and Guiness as long as the kegs are full- way too many empties so far. Seems like every stationary stand accepts cards - if you rather use cash be warned that ATMs aren't as easy to find as you might think. I'm in the process of writing a thorough post with photos and more info.
$12 Boar's Head sandwiches are crazy- for $5 you can get a great sandwich at the Banana Deli next to Jeans Plus on 161st. I fully agree with Feeding Tree- I go there during the off season. Paula's Pizza offers a decent slice and Molino Rojo is serviceable if I remember correctly.
Best Chicken in NY - Almost Any Style??
If you're willing to venture a bit uptown, Malecon on the corner of 175th and Broadway calls itself "el rey del pollo" and deservedly so. They have close to 400 rotisserie chickens spinning in the windows and they're incredible.
Recently I had the wood roast chicken at Lil' Frankie's on 1st Ave off 1st St. and I was amazed with the moistness and flavor. Homemade pastas were serious business too.
I got north and south but nothing in between.
Near Columbia Hospital, 168/Broadway
I have to second Malecon on the corner of Bway and 175th. Their rotisserie chicken is second to none. A whole chicken (cut up) with rice and beans is around $12. More than enough food for 2 people.
ARTHUR AVE BRONX
A spot worthy of mention is Catania's Pizza at the end of Arthur Ave.- where it hits Crescent Ave./184th St. They make the best (and possibly the only) mini calzones I've ever had. Mini pockets of ricotta, ricotta & sausage, ricotta & meat, and veal and peppers. About 3"x3". Delicious. They get their ricotta daily from Calandra's across the street. As the weather gets nicer these are perfect to-go and enjoy as you walk around the neighborhood or zoo or gardens. Only problem is that they are closed on Sundays.
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Catania Home-Made Pizza Bakery
2305 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458
A Katz's disappointment
Agreed. You need to speak up and let them know. Otherwise who will tell them? I always request a new slab and always make sure it's fatty, moist, buttery etc. Hate when they try to use slabs that have already been used. Your experience appears to be an aberration- I've never had pastrami there that wasn't top notch. Close to a sandwich per month over the last 5 or so years- always as enjoyable as the last.
Next time look for the older white dude with white hair- tip him early and he'll take care of you.
Caribbean Restaurants In New York...Anywhere in New York
All along White Plains Road in the Bronx from Gunhill up to 241st St. are a plethora of spots- mostly Jamaican, with some Guyanese and Trinidadian. Some of the notables are Roc-A-Tone Seafood on 218th, Gold Star on 219th, The Good Dine on 223rd, and Ali's Trinidadian Roti Shop on 234th St. There are a lot more I've never been to. Also a big fan of the Feeding Tree on Gerard between 161st and 162nd.
Flatbush has tons but BK isn't my borough.
Your favorite underrated burger?
One of my favorite burgers that never gets thrown into the burger conversation is Piper's Kilt in Inwood, and in the Bronx. For 10 plus years I have always had a great burger there. An 8 oz patty that's always cooked the right way (medium rare) and full of flavor. While I prefer the 231st location (231st on the 1 train) because it's a little bigger, the 207th and Broadway branch works just as well. If you're hungry you can upgrade to the 10 oz. Broadway Burger.
Be warned that it's an ugly burger, no uniform patty shape, but it's in my top 5.
Pipers Kilt...OH NOOOO?!?!?!
Having just moved to Inwood, the burgers at the 207th Pipers Kilt can still hold their own. The same goes for the 231st location. While the taste has remained the same, I feel the burgers fall apart much faster than before. They never were a perfect looking burger to begin with, but lately they seem to lose form rather quickly. This hasn't forced me to look elsewhere yet.
In terms of taste my medium rare always comes cooked the way I like, bleeding. No dryness here.
