ferdydurke's Profile
Blackbird Parlor in Williamsburg - not so good
I don't really like writing negative reviews, but sometimes something is so egregiously bad and/or disappointing that it just feels wrong not to sound the alarm. I'd been to blackbird parlor on Bedford and N6 a couple of times near when it opened last year (I think), and I remember being happy with the food and the cute space. Yesterday, a friend and I decided to stop in for a quick lunch on our way to the subway. Either I misremembered my previous experience, I caught them on a bad day, or they've seriously gone downhill.
I ordered the fava bean salad ($7.50). This "salad" was clumps of mashed and underseasoned fava beans, unceremoniously scooped out of some container straight from the refrigerator, to judge by the temperature (nearly icy) and the portions of the congealed clumps that retained the shape (smooth, curved) of whatever container they were recently housed in. This desperately needed olive oil, lemon, some sort of pepper or herb or onion or diced cucumber or something savory; instead, it was overwhelmed by chopped parsley, some of which was fresh, some of which was limp and past its prime. My addition of salt tableside made it a bland, salty mess, instead of just a bland mess. However, the olive-oil soaked toast alongside was not too bad.
The service was correspondingly careless. Our waitress didn't bring the side of potatoes my friend ordered, or the ice tea that I ordered (I should note that there were only a handful of other customers, so it's unlikely she was overwhelmed by business). On the plus side, at least those two items did not appear on the bill. There were also swarms of flies — okay, it's summer, what can you do? — still, somewhat disconcerting.
All in all, this was one of the most disappointing lunches I've had in a very long while. And with so many good coffee options nearby (especially el beit), it's probably not worth stopping in for coffee either. I most likely won't be going back.
brooklyn girl searching for amazing food
Hi everyone! I'm visiting Chicago from Brooklyn for a few days, and am, as always, hungry, and seeking the assistance of my fellow foodies to remedy that situation. I have only been here once before, and am pretty unfamiliar with neighborhoods and the general geography of the city. I should also say at the outset that I am mostly vegetarian (I make occasional exceptions for fish), and that my budget is not huge -- I'll probably by necessity stay away from places where entrees top $18. I'm staying near the clark/division st. el stop, but I just got a three-day unlimited subway pass, and am eager to redeem its value.
I love mexican food, and have heard it's great here. Are there any particular places or areas that would be good for exploring? I read a bunch of recommendations in a thread below: Frontera Grill, Topolabambo, Fonda del Mar, Nuevo Leon, Mundial Cocina Mestiza. I'll probably look up more info on these to start. Any place else that should be on my list?
I was also reading the thread below about Ba Le and other vietnamese places around the Argyle el stop. Would this be a good area to explore? There actually isn't that much awesome vietnamese in NYC (at least compared to the DC area, where I'm originally from). What other cuisines is Chicago known for?
Also, if any of you all have recommendations for restaurants that use a lot of seasonal/local vegetables, or farmer's markets, that would also be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much in advance!
jackfruit?
foodwich, i think you may be thinking of durian. They do look quite similar to jackfruit, but they smell like death.
Pig Spleen?
yikes, pig spleen sounds totally terrifying to me, but you might want to try Marlow & Daughters in Williamsburg. The last time I was there, there were definitely whole pigs hanging out. They might be able to spare you a spleen... :)
arepa arepa in williamsburg
I just had lunch at arepa arepa, on Havemeyer between S2 and S3, and I wanted to offer some quick thoughts in case anyone's interested in checking it out.
I had the ceviche arepa; my friend had the guayanes and one that had black beans, avocado, plantain, and cheese (i can't remember the name). The ceviche was quite good -- white fish, very fresh and lime-tangy, with generous cilantro. The salsa that is served alongside really enhanced it. I also had a bite of the guayanes cheese arepa, which was great. Guayanes seems to be kind of like ricotta; creamy and a bit salty.
Unfortunately, the "del corazon" arepa listed on the menu was not available. It includes hearts of palm, avocado, watercress, olive oil & vinegar; however, the owner said that they would be offering it soon. I'm a total freak for hearts of palm, so when they do have it, I will most definitely be there.
We also had the mango basil juice, which was really outstanding. It was freshly made — I'm trying to think of a good way to describe it. Not so much squeezed as macerated? It was a little thick and not very sweet; the basil serving as a highlight on the flavor of the mango.
I've been to caracas a couple of times, and i like it a lot as well. To very roughly compare the two, these arepas seemed less greasy and dense. Arepa arepa might also be just a bit cheaper. Prices for arepas ran from around 4 dollars to 6.50, and the juice was $3.50 — all in all, very reasonable. I've only had take-out arepas from shachis; they got really soggy on the way home, so I can't really compare with those.
Where to buy "happy" lamb legs?
Have you been to Marlow & Daughters -- the Marlow & Sons spin-off butcher shop? All their meat is locally sourced and raised by small producers. The head butcher is really friendly and knowledgeable about the provenance of the meat they sell. I was there a week or so ago, and they definitely had lamb. It's just a few doors down from Marlow & Sons on Broadway, between Bedford and Berry.
New + Wonderful Taco Truck in Williamsburg
They also have a jar of spicy pickled vegetables (including cauliflower, carrot, jalapeno if i recall correctly...) I'd also recommend asking for some of that on your quesadilla, if you're into that kind of thing. Sorry you had a bad experience with the burrito! I wonder why they don't use the homemade tortillas for those as well?
Taco Bite, Williamsburg
I second this! I've posted on this board about my love for Taco Bite before. Their veggie quesadillas are really special; they are filled with a really tasty mix of perfectly grilled and seasoned vegetables, and their salsa verde is awesome. I can't wait until it's consistently warm out so that I can go sit at their sidewalk tables drinking margaritas and eating a quesadilla and their tasty home-made tortilla chips, and just loving life in general.
Banh mi in Wmsburg?
Nha Toi also has seared tofu as one of the options for sandwiches/summer rolls, as well as a pickled vegetable summer roll. the seared tofu is really tasty.
Marlowe & Sons — Unhappy Experience
The restaurant Diner, next door, serves brunch (and lunch), and there is often a wait for tables. Especially when it's cold, people frequently wait inside Marlow & Sons for a table at Diner to open up after putting their name on the list. Not to speculate on motives, but I think it's highly likely that the staff at M&S may have just thought you guys were waiting on a table next door. Sorry you were confused, but I think the M&S staff may also have made the honest mistake of misinterpreting what you were doing. I suggest you give the place another shot, whether for dinner, or to get one of their delicious take-out sandwiches from the counter during daytime hours. Also, the brunch next door at Diner is great.
Cheap Eats Williamsburg
Nha Toi (I may not be getting the name exactly right) is a new banh mi/vietnamese spring roll place on Havemeyer and N2. Prices are between $3 and $6 for rolls and sandwiches. I just went today for the first time and had the seared tofu spring roll, which was delicious, and the pickled vegetable roll, which was intense. Even though I don't eat meat, the pork sandwich/roll sounded awesome; it involves toasted rice powder. These are the non-fried spring rolls, by the way -- with a thin rice paper wrapper.
There's also a new arepa place next door (it's called arepa arepa) which i haven't tried, but looks as though it might be worth investigating. caracas arepa bar on grand between roebling and havemeyer is also pretty good, and moderately priced.
Also, the argentine place malibu mentions is called el almacen, and i second the recommendation. and that taco truck on bedford & metropolitan rocks.
Santorini in Williamsburg
I agree that this place is quite good, and that the folks who run it are super friendly and nice. The space is also really pleasant. I'm also vegetarian (occasionally pesce-vegetarian), and what I generally order is either the spinach or cheese pie and a salad. The "pies" are actually coils of phyllo dough (you break off sections to eat your way to the center); they are delectable. The salads are substantial; I usually get the one that is greens and feta and olives. These two things together constitute a pretty hearty (and possibly healthy?) dinner.
Also, the dandelion green sauteed with lemon side dish is good, if you like the slightly bitter flavor of these greens. And the potatoes! Yum.
As for the BYOB -- there's a wine store a couple of blocks away, at S2nd and Bedford, and Khim's Millenium around the corner on Bedford and N1 and the bodega across the street have a shockingly good selection of beer.
New + Wonderful Taco Truck in Williamsburg
A couple of weeks ago, I noticed a taco cart parked on Bedford between Metropolitan and North 3rd. I was a little bit skeptical, as their signs indicated that they served "American" food (burgers, cheesesteaks) alongside tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
My skepticism was totally unfounded, because this place is really great! Way, way, way better and more authentic than Endless Summer, which parks over near the Bedford L. And I think a bit cheaper, as well. ($2.50 for tacos, $5 for relatively large quesadillas, I'm not sure about the price of burritos). I stopped by for a quesadilla about an hour ago, and am still giddy about how good it was.
First off, the corn tortillas are made fresh to order -- lumped and pressed and then tossed on the griddle -- and are delicious in their own right, with a sort of nutty corn flavor.
I'm vegetarian, and for my veggie quesadilla I was given two options: shredded zucchini and corn, or mushrooms. I choose a combination of both. The marinated mushrooms were almost certainly made from fresh (not canned) mushrooms, and both they and the zucchini mix were well-seasoned, though they could have been a bit spicier (next time I'll ask for jalapenos as well). A ladle-full of roasted and marinated onions and peppers was added on top: totally awesome. They use shredded, almost mozzarella-like queso fresco in the quesadilla, and then sprinkle some more on before serving. There's a choice of salsas and sour cream -- I got the salsa verde, which was satisfyingly tart and had a bit of heat -- as well as cilantro and chopped onion as additional toppings.
The truck is run by an older hispanic couple who are incredibly friendly. They haven't been there every single day, though they seem to be there occasionally during the week, and on both days of the weekend. Highly recommended!
Vegetarian options at BBQ pits?
To clarify a little: given that we'll only be able to go to one (or maybe two) of the BBQ pits, -- Kreuz Market, Smitty's, Mueller's, Luling City Market, Black's, Sam's, et al -- the availability of a non-meat side dish (especially anything involving okra) alongside the main attraction could play a factor in deciding which one(s) we try. However, the deliciousness of the meat is far more important than the presence of vegetarian-friendly accompaniment.
Vegetarian options at BBQ pits?
Apologies beforehand if this question is just too ridiculous to be taken seriously...
My boyfriend and I are going to be in Austin for five days on Saturday, and would like to check out some of the legendary BBQ places, either in Austin proper or in Lockhart, Luling, etc.
I don't eat meat (though I do eat fish). Do any of the famous BBQ joints offer meat-free but nonetheless delectable side dishes? Or will I just have to settle for the vicarious thrill of watching everyone else chomping on heaps of brisket and sausage?
Thanks so much for your advice!
anyone tried tipico (new paraguayan) in williamsburg?
I went the other day as well for the second time. it's such a nice neighborhood place; pretty simple food, but obviously done with care. as i mentioned before, they have real mate service -- with the gourd, bombilla, thermos -- which will be nice to share in the little garden they have out back, if it ever gets less muggy. They also have free wi-fi, i believe.
I don't want to seem like I'm plugging this place excessively, but it's just so pleasant. A good alternative to supercore and definitely to atlas (i think the coffee at atlas is totally insipid) for working afternoons, in any case.
Williamsburg Brooklyn Best Pizza Pie?
It surprises me that Baci & Abracci has only gotten a mention in passing here. I like fornino a lot, but I think B&A makes the same style of pizza, only better. Brick oven, thinnish crust, savory sauce, and easy on it. I like the mozzarella that both fornino and b&a use on their pies. I pretty much exclusively order the anchovy pizza at both places, though, so I can't say that my comparison covers a range of different pizzas. (i also think B&A is a more pleasant place to eat, for what it's worth.)
anyone tried tipico (new paraguayan) in williamsburg?
Tipico is located on a somewhat quiet, mostly residential block (south 1st between roebling and havemeyer). I've stopped in for mate cocido (the real thing, which is not so easy to find around here), and the owner is incredibly friendly and enthusiastic, but I haven't had a real meal there yet -- though i keep meaning to. Has anyone tried it out yet? There's a garden out back, and they have free wifi, so I might go sometime this week for a working lunch. Any recommendations?
new seafood restaurant and paraguayan place in williamsburg?
hi everyone!
i noticed two new places that seem to have opened up recently in williamsburg, both somewhat off the main drag, and wondered if anyone had had a chance to check either of them out...
the first --a'shaya, i think it's called -- is on south fourth, just west of havemeyer, right by the overpass and the bridge. It's a seafood restaurant; kind of swank looking, and with a garden in the back.
The other place i ran across a couple of weeks ago, when they were having their opening party. I don't recall the name, but it's Paraguayan -- on south first between driggs and roebling, in the middle of the block, north side of the street. (or it might possibly be between roebling and havemeyer). it, too, has a garden. the youngish owner didn't have any paper menus to give me, but he seemed thrilled to be opening a restaurant.
i'll probably check out one or both of these places next week (especially the paraguayan).
Vegetarian or vegetarian friendly on Staten Island?
go to new asha cafe! it's a terrific sri lankan restaurant on victory blvd. ask for the vegetarian platter. it's always different items -- black curries, jackfruit, chutneys, spinach with indescribably delicious spices, daal... you won't be disappointed!
dinner around broadway and 175th?
I have to be at the United Palace tomorrow (Monday night), which is way up on Broadway and 175th st, an area that I am woefully unfamiliar with.
I've heard that there are a bunch of Dominican places up there. Are any especially worth checking out? Or is there any other great place I could get a very early (around 6pm) and not too elaborate or time-consuming dinner? I eat, basically, every kind of food, enthusiastically. I rarely have african or caribbean food -- and i'd be thrilled if there's any great roti in the vicinity.
Thanks in advance for your help!
bacci Abracci Vs. Fornina
i LOVE bacci and abracci and i'm always afraid that it's going to close....
i assume you're comparing the two on pizza? I find them pretty similar; both are good, though i'd also give the edge to baci and abbraci.
and one more thing -- the violetta di parma at b&a are supremely good. fluffy little gnocchi, made with beets and goat cheese.
also, b&a has a nice garden out back for when it's *finally* not winter.
Roebling Tea House in Williamsburg...thoughts?
Roebling Tea Room has a ton of great things about it. Their brunch is probably my favorite in the neighborhood -- i love those drunken beans, not to mention the new cheese grits they have. they have a terrific tuna sandwich for lunch: it's on brown bread, with capers and lemon, and no mayo (i hate mayo). The prices are pretty good. You can get a frittata for brunch for five dollars, for instance. The place is nice -- well lit, spacious, with couches in the back. It should not be forgotten that the tea selection is excellent. Also, they have wi fi, so you can go there and work. It's usually not so crowded weekday lunchtime and afternoon.
BUT -- and this feels like such a petty complaint after i've said all those things -- their ventilation in the kitchen is terrible, so pretty much whenever I go there, especially at brunch, I leave smelling like all kinds of food. I don't know if anyone else has noticed this? Seriously, if it weren't for this small problem, I would go there ten times as often as I do.
Cheese in London?
wherever in london you go for cheese, i'd urge you to try a cheese called "oxford isis." it's supercreamy, and i think it's aged in mead. it was certainly among the best cheeses i have ever had the pleasure to eat (and i eat a LOT of cheese). the flavor was orchestral, insane. tragically, they don't seem to import it to the US.
Please tell me of a restaurant open at 1/2am in Williamsburg
i recently heard that dumont burger on bedford serves food until 4 am. i've eaten there at 1 -- the skate sandwich is awesome.
best ethiopian food in dc? or -- good things to eat in arlington
thanks for the info on the ethiopian restaurants. the show is at iota -- 2832 wilson blvd. does that help? I grew up in the maryland suburbs, and would rarely venture to virginia -- so it's all a blank slate for me.
best ethiopian food in dc? or -- good things to eat in arlington
Sorry for the double-pronged question, but here's the situation:
I'm going to be down in DC for a night, and although I grew up in the area, I'm not really familiar with the scene anymore. I remember a terrific ethiopian restaurant in adams-morgan -- but i have no idea what it was called (though i could probably get there blindfolded) or whether it's even still there...
I love ethiopian food, and there aren't so many options in NYC (where I live now). So I ask the hive mind: what is the best place for ethiopian food in the district?
additionally, or alternately, I am going to a show in arlington which starts around 9:30. is there any place in arlington that is good, not too diner-y, not too expensive, and not too fussy where I can grab a reasonably quick bite to eat with a friend? we are ecumenical eaters -- that is, we're happy with any sort of cuisine -- but lately i've been craving lebanese and japanese.
Thank in advance!
Alchemy, Park Slope
i was there last night --
it's an attractive place. the chef clearly gives lots of attention to detail. excellent roasted chickpeas at the bar, the rye croutons in the parsnip soup were awesome... i had the skate and fries, and was happily surprised that the "fries" were roasted baby fingerling potatoes. the fried skate was maybe even better than the one at dumont, which is my long-standing favorite. everyone else seemed equally happy with their choices -- the chicken and the fish stew, if i recall correctly.
some service issues, though. the waitress couldn't have been sweeter, but our entrees took a long, long, long while to come out -- maybe a little more than an hour after the appetizers. they were very gracious about it, and comped us a bottle of wine.
apparently they just got their liquor license. some interesting-sounding cocktails on the menu, though i stuck with wine.
Falafel Chula in Williamsburg
mmm... to be fair, the place isn't NEXT TO uncle mina's, but is actually in the uncle mina's location. many of the menu items are prefaced as "uncle mina's" ... e.g. uncle mina's lentil soup. i suspect (though haven't confirmed) that the takeover, if that's what it was, was not hostile but amiable. maybe they've partnered with mina? or maybe mina retired? in any case, i really liked uncle mina's, and have gotten food from falafel chula once and enjoyed it. the foul was really excellent, as was the carrot salad. certainly comparable to mina's. and as for liberal guilt... the owners of taco chulo are locals, and women -- i certainly would think the liberal response would be to support, rather than condemn, them? but maybe i'm missing some back story?
Williamsburg Morning grub?
also, egg -- on n5 around bedford (it's what sparky's is before noon). i haven't been there in a couple of months, but their omelet is full of cheese and their coffee is strong.
