http://www.chow.com/boards/19 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 20:38:27 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/670095#5211605 My vote goes to XSG Dumpling House on 53rd St. You only get 4 for $1, but they're pretty big, the filling is very moist and flavorful, and the skin is really delicate but still with a little satisfying chew. Most times I've visited, the bottoms have been fried a perfect crisp golden-brown. I had the opportunity recently to compare them with Prosperity's Sunset Park branch, which I'd rank as the close second in the neighborhood. When I did the A/B, Prosperity's wrapper was not quite as tender and felt a little bit gummier. I'd put Kai Feng Fu next after Prosperity, and then Family last. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:41:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/670095#5211605 http://www.chow.com/topics/667577#5211595 Check out Cafe Baco on Jay St, just off Front. Unfortunately Dumbo just lost Hecho en Dumbo last month--they are moving to the old Marion's location on Bowery. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:34:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667577#5211595 http://www.chow.com/topics/667022#5211142 I haven't been to Anselmo's on Van Brunt in Red Hook or Franny's in Park Slope but have received several recommendations for both. I'm sure someone can comment on those. We - of course - love DiFara in Midwood but it's not really the kind of place to linger with pals. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:52:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667022#5211142 http://www.chow.com/topics/670048#5210979 With my birthday next week, the wife just informed me that she was able to secure two big reservations, Brooklyn Fare and Momofuku Ko and it was up to me to decide which I wanted to keep. Plenty has been written about Ko - I love David Chang's food, and I'm sure that it would be an amazing meal. However Brooklyn Fare must be doing something right too, with months in advance needed for a reservation. There's also the appeal of it being in the neighborhood, the hands-on approach, and the BYOB policy. Has anyone been to Brooklyn Fare recently, and could share thoughts on it? thx! Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:18:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/670048#5210979 http://www.chow.com/topics/670037#5210921 I have been to numerous steakhouses in Manhattan and Long Isand. On the few occasions when I have had to send a steak back I have never been refused. The other night at Aged (which happened to be Thanksgiving), I received my steak... covered and drowning in butter. The menu did not mention this extra ingredient and neither did the waiter. I asked the waiter nicely to please give me a new, non buttery steak. He absolutely refused, took the steak, WASHED it... and returned it to me, wet, gray and still reeking of butter. If it were not for a decent crabcake appetizer I would give this restaurant zero stars. For the prices, the rudeness and the food, I would tell anyone to find another steakhouse. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:50:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/670037#5210921 http://www.chow.com/topics/669525#5210917 someone at work recently told me about the brunch here, said its owrth checking out. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:45:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669525#5210917 http://www.chow.com/topics/670033#5210910 We were at the Good Fork about a week ago. We really enjoyed our meal. I had the pork tenderloin with hominy (AND a side of parsnip mash). It was really good, but a bit a salty. Husband had the oxtail ragu which was excellent. I loved that more than my meal (and I had never tried oxtail). We tried the special veg. dumplings (good and plentiful) as well as the scallion/shrimp pancakes (another favorite of mine on the regular menu). We really enjoyed our meal there. Service was polished, friendly and attentive. I'd choose Good Fork. Have fun! Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:39:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/670033#5210910 http://www.chow.com/topics/663389#5210839 So happy they are in such good company! No Sripraphai? Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:04:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663389#5210839 http://www.chow.com/topics/669738#5210761 Jaingmaster: I walked by the Fish Place at Roosevelt & 63rd St on Tuesday and it no longer exists. Its in the early stages of renovations but don't know if it will be another fish market. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:16:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669738#5210761 http://www.chow.com/topics/669976#5210283 Not a new concept, but one that seems to be fashionable these days. I've always been ambivalent about this type of dining. On one hand, you get to try a lot of different things. On the other, I tend to always leave a bit hungry, since (in New York at least,) each item tends to be a little more expensive than I would like, and not wanting to order $40 worth of food, I never quite get enough. One of the best meals I ever had was at a tapas bar in Barcelona. There was no ordering, just rounds of small plates sent out by the chefs. Since we were obviously foreigners, they started us off easy, but once they realized we were willing to try anything, they got more aggressive. It was a truly memorable meal, full of foods I had never tried before, and not super expensive either. Really fun, especially in a group. So - is there anywhere in NYC that offers a satisfying menu of small plates? I'm not expecting to replicate the Barcelona experience, but I've been routinely disappointed by the places I've tried, especially recently. What are your feelings about this kind of eating? I feel like too often the options are mini-entrees, and priced accordingly. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:14:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669976#5210283 http://www.chow.com/topics/668921#5210197 awesome listing kathryn! i'll report that the famous liang peir at xian has fallen off slightly over time since its mention in that great interactive nytimes piece that had us all running over to golden mall. there is less variety of noodles, etc on the plate. nevertheless its still a mighty tasty dish and i am still there every other friday afternoon inhaling them as usual. otoh landzhou continues as usual. i had the mutton bowl recently and it was a good as ever. nothing beats eating a warm tasty bowl of fresh noodles while watching them reappear magically as they stretch & bang the dough on the counter, it's hypnotic theater. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:34:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668921#5210197 http://www.chow.com/topics/247302#5210178 LOUIE & ERNIES is definately consistently awesome. at minimum you want a white slice and sausage slice -- to hell with the cardiologist!!! Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:19:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/247302#5210178 http://www.chow.com/topics/669336#5209790 Many thanks, Scoop. This place is now on my "must try" list. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:15:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669336#5209790 http://www.chow.com/topics/669914#5209585 Hello, Does anyone know of any new or improved options in the Riverdale, Kingsbridge areas of the Bronx or in nearby Yonkers? Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:00:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669914#5209585 http://www.chow.com/topics/669852#5208771 We're headed to the Park Slope area of Brooklyn for Thanksgiving, and we'll have a 4 month old & a 3 year old, plus we're all vegetarian....any thoughts about good veggie food from a kid-friendly place that's open on Thanksgiving for an early dinner? Vegan is ideal but we're open to anything. Thanks! Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:40:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669852#5208771 http://www.chow.com/topics/334562#5208551 Xtasis is definitely not different from "anything else in the neighborhood," no offense. La Perrada de Chalo which is about two blocks away was around long before Xtasis, and I also might add is much better. When I originally went to La Perrada and was told to order La Hamburguesa Hawayana, the idea of pineapple and potato chips in my burger sounded disgusting. However like many others as well as someone else who replied in this feed, the burger was absolutely delicious. I gave Xtasis two chances after it opened. At the time I went at least, the food was slightly more expensive and just simply worse than La Perrada. The hamburger was dry and all the food was just lacking in comparison. Honestly, they need the bright and flashy flourescent pink lights to attract attention because when it comes down to it, La Perrada de Chalo's food is much better. The only food that seemed to slightly be able to compete were the cubanos. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:16:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/334562#5208551 http://www.chow.com/topics/669670#5207968 With a 4 hour break you could go to Westchester and back ;) Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:19:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669670#5207968 http://www.chow.com/topics/668849#5207722 I haven't been in a while, but some of their Greek food was pretty damn good. Glad to hear bobj's report that it is still open. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:57:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668849#5207722 http://www.chow.com/topics/644029#5207714 So let me get this straight...the burger is excessively salty, slightly over-cooked, has too much sauce and is small for the price -- but you are recommending it? :-D Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:55:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/644029#5207714 http://www.chow.com/topics/245882#5207543 didn't the owner die there? Who's cooking now? Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:49:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/245882#5207543 http://www.chow.com/topics/669744#5207469 Well, this is totally last minute, but my Thanksgiving plans changed yesterday. My sister used to have a Thanksgiving party at her place for a few years, and a friend of a friend always brought a pumpkin pie from Astoria. It was one of the best pumpkin pies I've ever had, and I'm totally blanking on the name. I'm sure if I saw the name I would remember it, but right now I'm drawing a blank. Does anyone know of any place in Astoria, that makes AMAZING pumpkin pies? Thanks for the help!!! Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:24:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669744#5207469 http://www.chow.com/topics/669679#5207171 When did you receive the call? According to Brooklyn Heights Blog yesterday, they've passed inspection and will be open for Thanksgiving. We peeked in after dinner at Henry's End last night and noticed that they were open with a few people dining in. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:04:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669679#5207171 http://www.chow.com/topics/244333#5206871 was in the area today and popped in to check this place out, and their selection looked wholly unappetizing, from the sad looking salad preparations, to what appeared to be poor looking cuts of meats, and hard to believe brownish looking bell and evans chicken breasts..the lighting was lousy in there, but man oh man, did this place have a bad vibe all around....know that this place is supposed to be connected to the good place on bleeker, so was taken aback at the difference,,, and I would hesitate to use the word clean to describe this spot..just a fair warning to anyone heading there for a special trip...much better options in queens elsewhere....2 days before thanksgiving might be affecting what they normally offer, but it didn't bode well. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:55:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/244333#5206871 http://www.chow.com/topics/663725#5206712 i'll have to second the calamar and sticky toffee at Beast. i get the former at least once a week and smile ear-to-ear upon first forkful each time. others: - skate at james. beautiful flavorful dish - grilled lobster w miso butter at blue ribbon sushi, but this is ridiculously expensive for the size of the lob - brunch eggs norwegian (i think that's what it's called): poached eggs, smoked salmon, toasted english muffin, hollandaise, greens, at jolie - believe it or not, the half plain, half olive and onion pie i had delivered (extra well-done) from antonio's on flatbush last week. it was perfectly balanced crispy tangy greasy old-school bk pizza. - shrimp sammy at el castillo on flatbush/park pl, with a side of guac salad and fries - mussels the classic herb white wine butter way at le gamin. - choc chip bread pudding at blue ribbon. a meal in itself; easily split three ways for dessert. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:47:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663725#5206712 http://www.chow.com/topics/666681#5206320 I think it was $70 pp. We had 2 bottles of wine. Maybe a bit pricey for a Monday night in Queens but worth it. I think their prices are on their website. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:11:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666681#5206320 http://www.chow.com/topics/640474#5206199 yo Scoop; thanks for the report! haven't been out to flushing for a couple months; glad you are blazing the way for us. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:19:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/640474#5206199 http://www.chow.com/topics/669606#5205989 this is one of my favorite places to order from. It's not authentic, but their Thai wonton soup is great--very tart and the wontons have delicate wrappers and a nicely gingery filling. I like their curries when they're spicy, too, but beware. If you order them spicy you'll get something between hot and incendiary. I forget what it's called, but the dish with beef and broad noodles is complex and delicious. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:58:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669606#5205989 http://www.chow.com/topics/666485#5205924 Eagle Provisions on 5th Ave. and 18th has a wide selection of ginger beers Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:32:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666485#5205924 http://www.chow.com/topics/669071#5205664 Thank you bobjbklyn, for an interesting, unfamiliar list -- except for Pomme de Terre. Had dinner there twice, about a year apart, and both meals were disappointing. Not horrible, just disappointing in preparation, service, and presentation. Portions were large, but the food was dull and expensive. Too bad b/c we WANTED to like the place. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:02:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669071#5205664 http://www.chow.com/topics/667434#5205404 its pretty simple but delicious. Ive been poaching a lot of dry figs recently but thats a topic for another board. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:46:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667434#5205404 http://www.chow.com/topics/669541#5205183 It'll be here before you know it; trying to think of something different. Looking for any help, I'll only have off the Thursday and Friday. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:13:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669541#5205183 http://www.chow.com/topics/669221#5205021 Not looking for a big space, small cozy restaurant with a small bar. Serving good, quality, seasonal food that is really priced right, "something for everyone." Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:47:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669221#5205021 http://www.chow.com/topics/373456#5204331 Come to Cannelle Patisserie in Jackson Heights, great croissants, pastries etc... http://cannellepatisserie.com/ Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:51:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/373456#5204331 http://www.chow.com/topics/475717#5204243 A new development here (sort of): I just received an email from Ichiran, with the following cryptic and not-entirely-heartening message. I'm still holding out hope that it will open, eventually -- a ramen shop two blocks from my apartment would be amazing. -------- Dear Members， Thank you for registering as a member of Ichiran limited membership shop. Since we began our promotion in December of 2008 asking for your suggestions and comments， about 3，000 local residents， who live within walking distance of the restaurant， have registered as members. We are deeply impressed and excited by this amazing response and we want to thank everyone who has signed up so far. We really appreciate your interest. In response to many requests from people all over the U.S. in many different cities， we have set up a website to improve our registration system and open it up to people outside the local area. Now you can go to our website for more information about us and our products at: http://www.ichiran.co.jp/ny Because we are dedicated to providing the same level of quality that we have achieved at our restaurant in Hakata， Japan， we promise never to compromise until we have found a way to achieve the same delicious taste our customers have come to expect. We sincerely apologize for the time it is taking us to find everything necessary to maintain our level of quality， but when we are ready to open， those who have registered will be the first to know. We hope you will be among those who will want to come in and taste this finely honed delicacy just as it is served in Japan. ICHIRAN　- A restaurant specializing in Tonkotsu Ramen - --------------------------------------------------------------- *Please do not reply to this e-mail. For information only. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:42:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/475717#5204243 http://www.chow.com/topics/668777#5204155 Not quite on topic but just to note I had turducken shipped a couple of times from LA-based Hebert's Specialty Meats and it was amazingly good (as were the boudin and most of the other sides). I mean you drop it in the oven and a few hours later - poof - it's like you're back in Eunice or Breaux Bridge. Ok so maybe not. Yes it's pricey but this stuff is damn good. Totally worth it. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:04:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668777#5204155 http://www.chow.com/topics/669070#5204041 It is not neighborhoody cheap, but for food I enjoyed I didn't think it was expensive. But everyone's mileage will vary on this question, obviously. I did notice on Friday night that we were served rice with our lechon, even though my friend had warned me that we would have to order rice separately if we wanted it. So maybe they recognized what you mention, Gnosh. I agree that there is no distinction made on the menu between appetizers and entrees, and if you read their website, you'll see this is intentional. We just told them what we wanted to start, and what we wanted as entrees, and did it that way. But if you are worried about cost/amount of food, you would be wise to make some inquries as to size, which does vary. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:10:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669070#5204041 http://www.chow.com/topics/669405#5203991 Haven't seen a post about this place in Woodside. My wife an I have been there a couple of times and I turned a couple of friends onto the place. A little looking around says that Thai Shabu Shabu is a popular twist on its namesake at Thai places in Japan. Take boring broth and kicking up a notch or ten. Three choices of broth, from a relatively mild chicken or vegetable broth to sour and slightly spicey Tom Yam, to Esan basil broth that is supposed to be hotter but have not tried it yet. You get a plate of very nice fresh veggies (taro, squash, cabbage, spinach, mushrooms, and more plus glass noodles in small qty's) and an egg plus you can choose a standard assortment of goodies to 'dip cook' in the broth, like meat centric, or seafood centric, or mushroom centric, etc. And/Or you can pick and choose add ons from the alacarte menu. You can add some more spice from the flavor bar that has add-ons like chopped peppers, cilantro, nam pla prik, limes, roast rice powder, and more. It is a very interactive meal. Both times we went I had the Tom Yam and it is genuinely delicious and does get better as the meal goes on. Just watch out for your mouth getting burned by the hot broth. All the veggies have been superbly fresh. Tonight we had the mushroom assortment with some assorted add-on sides. Very nice, again mushrooms all very fresh, fish balls were nice and firm with good flavor but not fishy, beef side was good but really overwhelmed by the broth. Both my wife and I give this place a thumbs up. Next time I'm going for the Esan broth. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:47:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669405#5203991 http://www.chow.com/topics/669391#5203906 Looking for a place that is one stop shopping for fish.. The closer to Clinton Hill the better.. I actually would prefer Williamsburg.. Looking for a place where you can buy heads and bones for stock.. Would really like to find Kingfish. Really nice sardines. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:08:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669391#5203906 http://www.chow.com/topics/634318#5203603 you can get korean pho at natural tofu. it's passable when you're really desperate, but don't want to leave the hood..... Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:07:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/634318#5203603 http://www.chow.com/topics/669314#5203248 Does anyone know the deal of the Brazilian BBQ/Asian Fusion place that is coming soon on Woodside Ave b/t 60th and 61st streets? Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:53:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669314#5203248 http://www.chow.com/topics/669220#5202962 You are so right on the parking. We met at Jade Sunday and it took me almost as long to find a spot in the big lot as it did to drive from Ct. BTW the dim sum at Jade was really great. We all had a great time. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:29:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669220#5202962 http://www.chow.com/topics/658578#5202317 Marvelous, E Eto! Thanks for the information about Jan Tur Noodles. The pictures showed exactly the place. I had a feeling it'd be something I want to try...if it weren't for the vegetarian friend who didn't feel like there were anything for her. What is Gooksoo noodles? And just in case, is the plain vegetarian? Or do they use non-vegetarian broth? Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:15:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658578#5202317 http://www.chow.com/topics/663233#5202209 Had lunch at Testaccio yesterday. I've stayed in the Testaccio neighborhood in Rome many times and although the interior may be a bit slick for LIC it's very much like some of the newer restaurants in the Testaccio. I rather like the feel and look of the place. Service was very professional - attentive but not overbearing - and the food was very good indeed. We had an Insalata di pomodori and Carciofi alla Giudea to start. I'm always apprehensive about ordering fresh tomatoes but these were ripe, flavourful and the salad as whole beautifully balanced with raw onion, fresh oregano, peperoncino and a light dressing. The artichokes were nicely done, crispy and not oily, no parmesan thank goodness but the bed of arugula was tired. I then had tagliolini alle vongole which was good freshly made pasta cooked perfectly. Sauce was light and clean tasting and there were just about the right number of clams although it was a bit disappointing that they were not vongole veraci which taste much better. But still a satisfying pasta. My GF had a pizza margarita which had excellent ingredients but could have been more charred and wasn't close to Keste's. She was happy though. We had a nice $32 bottle of Umbrian wine. All in all a very good meal notwithstanding my niggling criticisms. I'll go back. Want to try the Saltimbocca alla Romana. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:40:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663233#5202209 http://www.chow.com/topics/668614#5202065 I went there for breakfast once...the bread wasn't fresh and eggs overdone. I was passable because I was hungry. Haven't had their soups though, so can't put my two cents in for that. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:53:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668614#5202065 http://www.chow.com/topics/576080#5201717 Ate there a few nights ago and I'm sad to report that the food was just plain awful. The appetizer of roasted mixed vegetables consisted of a couple of chunks of mostly raw onion, broccoli and a pepper or two, briefly dunked in tandoori paste and yogurt and then "cooked" just long enough to be charred on the outside and completely raw on the inside. Raw onion. Yum. The black chickpea salad also tasted overwhelmingly of raw onion. Chef must have been on a roll. Tandoori chicken was dry and blah, raita was too sweet, etc. etc. They even managed to ruin the Kulfi - it was served frozen solid, but when chipped away had the grainy texture of ice cream that has been in freezer for way too long. It was also completely lacking in flavor - pistachio or otherwise. Service was quite friendly, but it just can't compensate for the complete lack of cooking ability in the kitchen. Too bad. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:22:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576080#5201717 http://www.chow.com/topics/398368#5201701 OK, why hasn't anyone mentioned Ebbingers' Huckleberry Crumb Cake"? Absolutely divine. And M&N Pizza - I used to get beat up there. And we didn't go to New China Inn, we went to Honam's on the opposite corner of Flatbush Avenue. Nice to find this stuff still under discussion. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:08:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/398368#5201701 http://www.chow.com/topics/669113#5201668 Yes, a three guys-great wall shopping trip would be cheap and bountiful! Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:37:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669113#5201668 http://www.chow.com/topics/668978#5201639 There were many mains coming out to our neighboring tables. They looked pretty inspired. Having Raiwa in the kitchen was reassuring. The place has a different vibe when she is around... Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:04:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668978#5201639