Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao in Little Neck?

Stopped by Prince Street today and noticed, on their Chop Stick wrapper, they listed three locations. : Prince street, a second on Northern Blvd in outer Flushing and Northern Blvd in Little Neck. On line I can't find any listing (Yelp and Google maps). Have I been sleeping and missed the Little Neck opening ? I live a lot closer to Little Neck than Prince Street and if its true, eating many more soup dumplings looms large for me and my wife. Yes, Yes, Yes, (I hope)

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Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao
38-12 Prince St, Queens, NY 11354

toby1355 in Outer Boroughs

What's Up With the Orient?

We went by the Orient several months ago only to see that they were closed for renovations. Just called a few minutes ago......no answer. Does anyone know what's going on? With only it and Fortune Wheel as the only authentic Cantonese Chinese on the Island, it'd be a shame to lose either one.

toby1355 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Lunch in Flushing

Went by Canton Gourmet on Monday and they had a Health Dept. rating of "C". We went else where.

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Canton Gourmet
38-08 Prince St, Queens, NY 11354

toby1355 in Outer Boroughs

Need Help in Naples!

Hi,

We're staying in Naples for the month of Feb. and have yet to find or read about a restaurant that sounds interesting. I don't want to sound like a jerk. But we've eaten out or ordered in several times and each time have felt less than satisfied with the food. We've ordered in from Empire China in Naples Plaza and thought the food was less than good. We went to the Dock and their sister place in Tin City (Riverwalk?). The Dock was good (Great fried calamari) and Riverside was just okay. Also went to the sushi place at Fujiyama, on Rt. 41. It was really odd having our sushi and rolls made by a non-Japanese chef.. It wasn't the worse thing in the world, just a little odd. Food was okay.

We've been shopping at Food For Thought and basically have been pleased with variety and quality. Been filling in at Publix. Been to Wynn's for a quick walk thru but will definitely go back.

So, what we're looking for is good food, prepared by people who care about what they're serving. Specifically, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Italian, a place for ribs and plain old American. I've read many of the Chow postings here and nothing stands out. We're not looking to spend a fortune at every meal but don't mind a splurge now and then. We do come from the NY metro area and are used to lots of diversity in our eating choices. I hope I.'m not asking too much. Thanks in advance for your help.

Toby 1355

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Empire China
2085 Tamiami Trl N, Naples, FL 34102

toby1355 in Florida

Charlotte , off of Interstate 85

We're looking for local, traditional type of restaurant off of the interstate. We'll be coming from NY on our way to Athens, Ga. Not sure of our timing so lunch and dinner suggestions would be welcome. Thanks for the help

toby1355 in Southeast

Crab Cakes near Interstate 95?

Could anyone suggest where to get good crab cakes, for lunch, nearby to Interstate 95? Will be passing through on the way to Georgia to visit our son. Thanks

toby1355 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Banh Mi on Long Island

I agree that , on L.I., making your own banh mi's is the way to go. You really have no other options. You might try Chow.com and enter "banh mi". There are several recipes; I looked at the first, and it looked good to go. I might add that the carro, radish relish only needs an hour to be ready. Likewise, sirachi (sp?) Asian hot sauce added to the mayo can replace the hot chili peppers. Good luck.

toby1355 in New York State (exc. New York City)

anything good in Port Washington/Roslyn area?

Bistro Toulouse is French in name only.We ate there about a year ago and were very disappointed. If anything I would call it more like the old "continental" . But solid French it was not. And it wasn't very good to boot. Sorry

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Bistro Toulouse
43 Main St, Port Washington, NY 11050

toby1355 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Southern Spice Flushing question...

The last few times we were at SS, they had signs posted that customers could NOT bring alcoholic beverages into the restaurant. Also, they would not be serving any themselves. It appears that policy has been reversed.

toby1355 in Outer Boroughs

Hicksville Farmers Market (greenmarket)

I'm used to the Terry Farm run markets in Garden City and Rockville Center. From the list of venders you mention ( None of which I recognize), I'm assuming that this market is NOT one of theirs. Is that correct?

Thanks

toby1355 in New York State (exc. New York City)

West Village for three days.

We're (I like to think), a young couple in their early 60's and we've rented an apartment in the West Village for three days. We'd appreciate ideas about where to eat in the area. We're interested in places such as Barbuto and Recette . If we can't get into those , where else might we try? Also interesting places for lunch would be appreciated.

Thank you all in advance. Toby 1355

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Recette
328 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10014

toby1355 in Manhattan

Asian- American Festival in Port Washington, 5/22/2010

All I have is a flyer I picked up at the Orient last week. Says there'll be Arts & crafts and culinary delights from China, India, Japan Korea and Pakistan. From 12 noon to 6pm. $3 to park.; North Hempstead Beach Park, West Shore Road , PW.

toby1355 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Two Meat Hook Items

Sorry, I don't understand your post comment.

toby1355 in Outer Boroughs

Two Meat Hook Items

This is a topic I've been struggling with for some time now. Having read Pollan and adopted his ideas we went to Marlowe and..., and the Meat Hook to buy meat. When we cooked the ground beef I could not really discern improved flavor. As a matter of fact, I found it to be a bit bland. But then I thought that this beef had been grass fed ( and not even grain finished). It had not been fed the industrial meat diet, with all its additives, flavor enhancers, etc. So, isn't it then true that I was eating beef as it had once upon a time been like? And, if bland, then, that's what real beef was. And that in time I would come to adopt that taste as my standard for what beef should taste like. And if nothing else, it was safe, healthy, and local. And, so far that's been enough to keep me committed to this new way of eating. It also suggests why the French came up with all their sauces and stews when preparing beef.
Food for thought?

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The Meat Hook
100 Frost St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

toby1355 in Outer Boroughs

Long Island sources of grass fed, pastured, humanely and sustainably raised meat and dairy

I have bought into Michael Pollan also. As such, here are some of the things I've done, accomplished, discovered and failed at in an attempt to "convert". These are offered in no particular order.

Makinajian's raises organic chickens but the main ingredient in their feed is still corn. That is not pasture raised as I understand it. In addition, the list of other ingredients was full of things I'd never heard of.

I joined a CSA that gets its produce from Golden Earthworm Organic Farm in Jamesport. The winter CSA was full of root veggies but was fun nonetheless. Borscht, anyone? I've signed for the Spring-to-Fall season also. It costs $510, and starts 5/31 and ends 11/23.

Whole Foods is not much help. Almost all their organic produce comes from California or South America. Their Organic chicken is on the expensive side and their grass-fed beef is expensive and very limited in terms of cuts of meet. Most has to be braised. They do have 90/10 grass-fed chopped meet. Also they have Neiman Ranch products. Although they are not, to my knowledge, grass-fed they are sustainably raised. They are also very high in fat content. Applegate also has grass-fed hotdogs.

I have gone to Brooklyn to buy grass-fed meats. Because I live in Nassau county, when I go, I tend to buy $100 or so worth of meat. I've been to Marlow and Daughters and The Meat Hook , both in Williamsburg. The butchers at both are very patient and informative. I've bought whole chickens, steaks, chopped meat, lamb chops, pork products and various sausages from both. By and large I've been very happy with everything I've bought there.

To fill in, I also go to Fairway, Waldbaums and Stop and Shop for organic milk products and some produce. Fairway has grass-fed milk. The produce is from California; Not thrilled but If i want a salad in winter, well.......

Well that's it so far. It hasn't been real easy or very economical but I do feel good about the food "path" we've embarked on.

toby1355 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Bayside lunch recommendation

Press 195: panini style potato knish stuufed with pastrami! Wow!

toby1355 in Outer Boroughs

What to do With a Watermelon Radish/Turnip

Today at the Farmer's Market I bought what I thought was a watermelon TURNIP. When I went on line to learn more, I found that it is really a RADISH? or is it? I'm not sure from what I read. Soooooo, Help! what is it and how do I use it? Eat it raw? or can it be cooked? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks Toby1355

toby1355 in Home Cooking

I Love My LC's, But.....

I have three LCs and really love them but I have a question that makes me a little crazy.

The inside edge of the lids and the rim of all three pots are NOT enameled.

Besides wondering why that is so, the bigger issue is that left to dry on their own, those spots tend to rust. So I've taken to thoroughly drying them. But because they were once upon a time left to dry their is a little residual rust that I can't seem to completely remove. Any rec's?

Also, given this, should I be "seasoning" those specific areas? If so, with what exactly ?

Otherwise life is good, No? Thanks Toby1355

toby1355 in Cookware

Smoked Paprika in NY Metro Area

Just a note: there are TWO kinds of Smoked Paprika. One is sweet (dulce) and the other is hot (picante). Toby1355

toby1355 in General Tristate Archive

Thanksgiving: Organic, Pasture raised Turkey?

JennyL- Pollan does not specifically talk about turkeys. I was using his concerns about poultry in general; that is, they should be pasture raised. As of this date, I have not found any turkeys that are pasture raised and in my budget. At this point, I'm thinking that I'll get an organic bird from Fairway in Plainview next week. I'm not thrilled. These birds are, from what I can see, mass produced organic which looks be be more and more to be like the conventionally produced super market variety. Ce La Vie

toby1355 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Fun place to eat in Nassau County?

P.S. that last post was by my 23 year old daughter; I've never been to Miller's. According to her, I'm not allowed.

toby1355 in General Tristate Archive

Martha Stewart I Can do Without, But Her Enamel Cast iron Pots?

I got my baby in Marshall's which usually has a few. They also are currently stocking a few Cuisinart enameled cast iron. But that's another post.

toby1355 in Cookware

LC vs. Cuisinart cookware

Got the LC and am lovin' it todeath

toby1355 in Cookware

Fun place to eat in Nassau County?

If you want loud, crowded, music, and not uptight with good food then I think you should try Millers Ale House in Levitown. Yes its a bar but it has great service, good food, and basically everything you are looking for with a relaxed atmosphere and decent prices. Really awesome drink specials too if you stay there to hang out and drink some beers.

toby1355 in General Tristate Archive

Martha Stewart I Can do Without, But Her Enamel Cast iron Pots?

It never ends. The day I finally decide to splurge and buy an LC 5.5 Qt. Azur blue factory second for $140.00, the Macy's flyer arrives. It had MS's enameled cast iron 7QT. for $70-80. While I find MS, at best, an annoying know it all, could her pots be another story?

Times being what they are, the allure of a bargain is very, very tempting, especially at half the price of the LC.

Help! ( I really want to keep the LC). Thanks in advance. Toby1355

toby1355 in Cookware

LC vs. Cuisinart cookware

Thanks for the info Toby 1355

toby1355 in Cookware

Thanksgiving: Organic, Pasture raised Turkey?

Much thanks...will follow up on your leads. Toby1355

toby1355 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Thanksgiving: Organic, Pasture raised Turkey?

Michael Pollan is making me crazy! Nevertheless, I'm hunting for a source of pasture-raised, organic turkey for the holiday. I'm in Nassau but will travel to Suffolk and NYC for such a bird. Please help! And thanks, in advance.

P.S. Any and all sources of LOCAL organic products would also be welcome.

toby1355 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Sripraphai is opening a second branch in Williston Park

This is NOT a full review of Sri....Went tonite, against my better judgement. It was VERY crowded but a table for two was had in less than 15 minutes (Got there about 7:45 pm).
Had Ground pork over rice with chili, garlic and basil leaves (O-6); Fried sea trout fillet (sm) w/ chili, garlic and basil (F-4) and Massaman curry with Chicken (c-22). Didn't realize 'til now that the pork and fish had the same spicies/herbs.

I could quibble about the potato needing a few more minutes and the boneles chicken being a bit dry (I'd have liked it on the bone). But I won't, because Nassau County now has a real, legitimate Thai restaurant and for that I am truly happy. So, so happy.

toby1355 in New York State (exc. New York City)