nyclibkat's Profile
Williamsburg Morning grub?
I like La Gribouille. Delicious french spot off Roebling. Not sure if they're open early though - I've done more of a brunch thing there than breakfast.
Tibetan
I'm also a fan of Tsampa. I especially like the grilled noodles with piles of greens on top, and the numerous dumplings (called momos) with the hot dipping sauces! It has always been a really pleasant atmosphere and very affordable.
Aperol Aperitivo
The one I know from Venice is 1 part aperol to 1 part white wine to 1 part sparkling water. I guess with prosecco it would take care of the sparkling and the white wine in one fell swoop!
Desperate need of a good bakery!
Cupcake cafe has absolutely gorgeous buttercream cakes. Perfect for a bridal shower. It used to be near port authority but I think it moved. Anyone know?
Baltimore, trapped in Inner Harbor, HELP!?
What about Marticks? Is that place still there? anyone know? Definitely and experience!
Coffee tasting/flight in NYC?
You should stop by Porto Rico Importing Co., which sells many varieties of beans and has a small counter in the back where they feature a few different varieties every day. You can buy a cup or two, and it you find something you like you can buy a lb. while you're there.
Its on 6th Ave and Bleecker (there may be another store somewhere else too, anyone know?)
Suggestion for Lunch- Fifth Avenue 14-18th Streets
Also, for really inexpensive with big portions, there is a decent small (non chain) Mexican place called Big Enchilada on 12th or 13th btw University and 5th.
And I second Republic - good noodle soups.
bakeries in williamsburg?
Bruno Bakery is now called Settepani. It seems to be the same owners though. Its not too far from the BQE - a few blocks.
What's the most indulgent thing you ate/drank over the holidays?
Here's was what was supposed to be an appetizer:
Calmyrna figs soaked overnight in pinot noir - they turned a deep purple and soaked up so much that they were at least twice the size of the dried fig, if not more. Then, an X was cut in the top, and stuffed with a mixture of marscarpone and gorgonzola. The whole thing was then wrapped in a slice of prosciutto.
Decedent. After each of us ate one, we all had to take an hour break before eating anything else. It was almost too much. Almost : >
Help Me Cook for My boyfriend the Health Nut!
I have to agree with cheryl and Buckethead about lentils - quick and easy and healthy. The secret is getting some really good curry spices. Then just saute some onions in oil, add lentils (I like red lentils) and the curry spices and water and you have a delicious soup. Cook for 30 minutes, but otherwise very easy to prepare.
Tell me about organic restaurants in NYC
Tell me what you know about truly organic restaurants in Manhattan or Outer Boroughs.
Any faves?
Pistachio paste (Green)
I have used an almond-pistachio paste to make a pear tart. Don't have a recipe in front of me at the moment but I used one out of a Moosewood cookbook. You have to mix the paste w/something?? (milk I think? or eggs - cant remember) to soften it a bit. I also grated the paste through a cheese grater first to get finer pieces before mixing/softening. Made a brisee tart crust, smoothed in the paste mixture, then lay sliced pears on top and baked.
Pretty damn delicious, but the paste has to be rather soft & fresh to begin with and its kind of a pain in the butt to work with.
Mediterranean / Middle Eastern cookbook recomendations?
I also like Claudia Roden's New Book of Middle Eastern Food. It actually covers N. Africa (Morocco, Egypt) as well as the Middle East. It also contains some great history about Mid. Eastern cuisine and cooking. She's great!
Best food city in North America.
I guess I should say, yes, NYC probably wins in the upscale category because there certainly are the top chefs and uber-expensive spots. I just want to say that those dining experiences shouldn't cloud the fact that NYC has MORE than just the expensive restaurants.
Best food city in North America.
Those of you who keep listing NYC (and I mean all NYC, well actually I guess I mean Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens) as only winning in the upscale category - you aren't trying hard enough. Perhaps you go upscale when you come here for a visit because you want to try the top chefs on your vacation. But those who live here know it wins in the ethnic and inexpensive arenas as well - you just have to GET ON THE SUBWAY and go out of central Manhattan. You will find a plethora of places that represents every corner of the globe - with amazing quality, and often at reasonable prices.
Looking for Belgian style Frites, any part of the city. Anyone?
I have to agree. Just went to Bruxelles last week after at least a year, and the frites are still great. (and even better accompanied by moules bruxelles or moules marinieres!)
bakeries in williamsburg?
Napoli's is the best bread in the area hands down. It is almost always still warm when I go there, no matter what time of day.
I
f you are looking for other pastries (not just bread), I prefer Settepani over Fortunatos (except in the case of pignoli cookies - which I consider the one thing worth making a walk to Forunato's for). Settepani is pretty good for tarts and cookies.
However, I feel that need to mention (in reply to previous) that the gelato at Fortunatos is disgusting - I have tried it several times over the course of 8 years and it still sucks every time - granular sugary glop.
top 3 restaurants iin williamsburg?
Been to Fanny's several times and its always great. The menu is limited but everything on it is good, and of course there are nice specials. Of course Diner is still a top winner, and Marlow and Sons is next best - although the gourmet store in front is a bit over the top pricewise for average quality goods.
najeeb's on graham?
At that time last year, there was construction going on next door and Najeeb's was almost completely obscured by scoffolding (such is the way on every block these days in williamsburg). But he is there and open for business. Makes yummy fresh falafel with sour pickles, and also good cardamom coffee and rosewater mint lemonade. He also makes mandolins (i guess its mandolins - I'm not an expert) and is often there playing music. One of the nicer , laid-back places on Graham.
