240606 Tue Jul 08 13:46:25 -0700 2003 10 19 Outer Boroughs 0 1276629 With this hot, hazy and humid weather, I seem to have lost my appetite. I'm trying to think of great, light hot weather eats. Any suggestions? Tue Jul 08 13:46:25 -0700 2003 0 DeeDee 1 1276631 In this weather I crave spicy Asian food, especially Thai. I've found myself at Sripraphai at least once a week recently. The minute I read your post, the off-menu item Yum Pak Boonk Krob (i think this is what it's called) immediately popped into my head. It is deep-fried watercress with squid, chicken, and peanuts and a spicy, vinegary bite. Lately, I've also been enjoying their khao soi; the pickled vegetables that come with are perfect for the hot weather. And lastly, soft shelled crabs are in season, and Sripraphai's version is delicious. The batter-fried crabs come with an amazing dipping sauce/salad. Tue Jul 08 14:18:53 -0700 2003 1276629 0 Peter Cuce 2 1276634 Peter-- how did you find out about the off-menu item, Yum Pak Boonk Krob, that you mentioned? I would like to do more off-menu explorations at Sripraphai (which I love!) and am looking for a clue as to how to expand off-menu. Tue Jul 08 14:39:57 -0700 2003 1276631 0 Fernando 3 1276636 I saw it on someone's table and asked the waitress what it was. I have the feeling that if you know Thai cuisine well, you can ask them to make you just about anything. Also, there are specials on the wall written only in Thai. I haven't explored that area at all. Has anyone? Tue Jul 08 14:47:21 -0700 2003 1276634 0 Peter Cuce 4 1276642 The fried watercress salad is on the menu. #A-5 Crispy Chinese Watercress Salad with shrimp, squid and chicken. It is great hot weather food, as are all of the salads at Sri... Tue Jul 08 15:35:56 -0700 2003 1276636 0 esteban 5 1276712 Sripraphai has an off-menu raw shrimp item that's really good as well, it comes dressed with tons of garlic and pepper. It tied with the jungle curry for the hottest item my friends and I ordered last time we were there. As far as hot-weather food goes I'm crazy for ceviche and can attest that's it's great to eat in hot weather, having just had some on Sunday at the Peruvian festival in Flushing Meadows/Corona Park. Right now my favorite spot is La Pollada de Laura (104 & Northern). I'm also fond of the Malaysian salad, Rojak, which is chockfull of fishy mango-goodness. Lastly I really enjoy the Russian prepared salads that I find in Rego Park delis: shredded carrots with garlic and hot pepper along with various mushroom and eggplant concoctions. Eat on, Canchito Wed Jul 09 22:00:28 -0700 2003 1276642 0 Canchito (J. Distefano) 1 1276638 Last week, I tried Yamato for the first time. Sitting in their soothing back garden, I had a cold lobster soba noodle salad with ginger dressing. This arrived on a huge plate with mixed greens. An ample portion for only $7.50, and very cool and refreshing. I'm thinking of going back again this week. Tue Jul 08 14:58:43 -0700 2003 1276629 0 at203 2 1276820 I second Yamato. We went for lunch today and ate indoors because the sun was directly in the garden. The indoor space is equally peaceful. We each ordered the special lunch rolls. You get two half rolls, a miso soup and a salad for $8.95. We shared an Osaka roll, a New York roll, a valentine roll and a white river roll. They were all fresh and tasty. (My only criticism is that you have to ask the sushi chefs to slice thinly whe you order sashimi. They tend to be overly "generous".) That restaurant is a real oasis. Fri Jul 11 20:16:41 -0700 2003 1276638 0 Penelope 1 1276640 all in Queens: vegetable wrap from Oneness Heart Fountain. Last time i ditched the cheese and pesto and aasked for salsa. :)The quality of the veggies there is great....and the decor is...um...calming. Its my fav vegetarian in queens. salad (the one i get has cheese, nuts, apples, and balsamic) and jasmine iced teas at Modus Vivendi (tea cafe) cold appetizers and salads at Hemsin (Turkish) Not entrees but nice in the summer: lemon ice king of corona bubble tea to go from tenren sorbet from piu bello Tue Jul 08 15:10:28 -0700 2003 1276629 0 Jayask 2 1276641 I've been thinking of making the trek out to Oneness Fountain. What is your favorite entree there? Tue Jul 08 15:12:13 -0700 2003 1276640 0 DeeDee 3 1276678 I like the veggie wrap. i like their soups, which change daily. I like the whole grian roll they give you. Wed Jul 09 11:40:57 -0700 2003 1276641 0 Jayask