SusanX's Profile
Non-Thanksgiving dinner
I have nothing against turkey, but we've no family here and can't cook a big meal because we have no oven in our studio. So we wanted recommendations for something different. Something that isn't Thanksgiving.
We need a place that is open on the big day and doesn't serve turkey. We'll go anywhere. We like Chinese, Indian, Latin, Middle Eastern, Thai. We're sadly ignorant of Korean, Vietnamese and most African cuisines.
Ideas? Suggestions for other things to do on the day?
Mexican food in Philly
Looking for good Mexican-American food. Nothing too cutting edge. Anywhere in the city proper is fine. I don't want to go to far afield since I'm here on business and have to take a cab.
Ideas?
Thanks!
Susan
First visit to Philly
I'm going from NYC to Philadelphia for 3 days this week. I'm on a limited expense account, so I need to keep my lunches to $20 and my dinners to $40.
Where should I eat to get a feel for Philly? I want good, local favorites. Something unique to Philadelphia, if possible.
I'm staying downtown, but I'm willing to go anywhere I can get to in a cab.
Ideas?
Susan
Lavagna in E. Village--Review
Went to Lavagna on 5th St. last night thanks to the tips I found on Chowhound. Thanks to those of you who recommended it.
Every item was perfectly prepared and fantastic.
Our server was friendly, knowledgeable and seemed to be there every time we needed something.
The octopus carpacio alone is worth a visit. Add the wood-fire roasted red snapper and you won't be disappointed.
Very good, reasonable, and just large enough to allow for a leisurely meal but not so large you feel lost.
Slippery Shrimp?
For many years I went to Yang Chow in Chinatown in LA and feasted on their signature dish. Slippery shrimp is lightly fried, then covered in a sweet, spicy, lustrous orange sauce. This is probably a common Chinese dish, but I haven't seen it in New York.
Can one of you more knowledgeable foodies tell me if this is a unique dish, or can I get my fix here in New York?
Thanks!
Pies and Thighs-Williamsburg
I had to take two subways and a bus, and after I ate I got hopelessly lost trying to get to BAM. The bus I took there (Q59) didn't seem to run in the opposite direction.
I learned that most black car drivers don't know Brooklyn any better than I do, which is not at all. I was a half-hour late for King Lear, even though I allowed for an hour to go less than 3 miles. Despite it all, I heartily recommend this little (very little) spot and can't wait to go back.
The fried chicken was a delight. Flavorful, light, crunchy, and well-seasoned. The baked beans were also hearty and delicious. I should have ordered some pie, since it looked fabulous, but instead I snagged a couple of sinkers for breakfast. They were great, so my Pies and Thighs experience continued into the next day.
It's on Kent at S. 4th in Williamsburg and it's open until 10 p.m. You have to look for it, since it's behind a bar and the signage is very unobtrusive. Most of the seating is outside, so head over while the weather is nice.
Miami's best recommended?
Went to Talula last night. We're from Manhattan and have gotten tired of the same entrees in most restaurants. We were very, very happy with Talula. We ate like kings for $220 for 3 and we tipped about 24%. Our server was friendly and knowledgable. No 'server drama' like you can get on Ocean.
The room is tasteful and quiet, with nice music that doesn't overwhelm conversation. We had snapper, the pork chop and the hangar steak, and we couldn't decide which was better. I also loved the ceviche, and the foie gras was absolutley perfect.
Save room for dessert if you love bread pudding.
And the Vero Beach Lemonade was a lovely cocktail. Not too sweet, not too tart.
Our waiter was Carlos, and he was just perfect. Friendly but not unctuous.
Cafe Grumpy in Chelsea
The Manhattan branch of the Brooklyn coffeehouse recently opened on 20th between 7th and 8th, I used to walk down to 9th St. Espresso, and this addition is very welcome to the West Side.
Their espresso is fantastic, with a thick, caramel-colored crema. The cup they use is just right--not too big and not too small.
They also have brewed-to-order regular coffee made with a cool new-style machine.
I honestly didn't realize how mundane McStarbucks was until I tasted craft-brewed espresso. It's rich and creamy and almost sweet. No bitter coffee face.
They serve a few healthy-looking muffins, but I like to swing by Cafe Bergamote on 9th and 20th for a pain du chocolate. Peerless!
