mpav

Thanks for all the replies, I will pass them along.

I don't think it's the crushed red pepper. It's described this way: "Instead of red pepper flakes, they are like little red chili peppers..."

Can anyone tell me where to find peperocino in Manhattan? I'm sure it's available, can't say that I've really looked for it, but a friend is in Italy and expressed the wish that she could obtain it here when she returned. Thanks

I'm not that desperate for bragging rights,I guess. The price is right, but when I was there, (6ish) most of the little windows were empty. There were a few burgers, some wings, macs and cheese and those spam things. Plus the little condiment counter was rather a mess. All in all, it wasn't something that cried out "Eat here!"

I did go to Bamn! but tried nothing. Sorry; it just didn't look appetizing, and I was too hungry for little snacks, and not hungry enough for snacks and a meal. I'm sure you've seen the pictures, but here's my snap anyway: http://peanut-butter-and-bacon.blogspot.com/

I'm heading out there in a few minutes. I checked in here hoping to see a report. I'll let you know.

After I wrote this I realized how unfair I was being to Fairway. In truth, Fairway carries far more items and it would not be easy to match the two stores straight up. For many things I would still go to Fairway. I suppose I should have said that I don't like Fairway prepared foods that I've tried, and have enjoyed the prepared items I've bought at Trader more.

I had a week off and got in this past Thursday AM, no line at all. What I've tried so far (chevre, crackers, guacamole) has been good. Better than Fairway brands. Eggs were cheaper than my local markets, and the Hebrew National Franks were 2 dollars cheaper than in my neighborhood. Can't wait to go back when I have my little cart along.

I suppose a really special Iron Chef could have an ingredient totally unhinted at before the battle. I wonder how the results would be then.

The American Heart Association produces a widely available cookbook. I've not used it, but in addition to recipes, it should provide basic rules by which you could adapt some of your own.

I agree about Cold Stone, but then I'm not much for tons of add-ins. This one isn't in NYC, but I saw Applegate Farms in Montclair, NJ in the thread, so I'll just go one town over, and mention Holsten's in Bloomfield. (Broad and Watchung). This place is the Real McCoy, an honest-to-goodness, old-fashioned ice cream parlor complete with lunch counter, a chocolate candy counter (as far as I know they still make their own candy and ice cream.) Nothing fancy, but good ice cream, sundaes, shakes and sodas, with whipped cream so thick your spoon stands up in it. Not a low cal meal at all, but a grilled cheese and Taylor Ham, side of very good fries and an ice cream treat of some sort on the way out the door and I'm good to go. Just a short bus ride from mid-town.

I also find it gummy., although I wouldn't have used that word beofre you suggested it. I keep waiting to be impressed by the Factory, just as I wait to enjoy Doughnut Plant doughnuts. So far, I can't even pretend to like them.

About 25 years ago I bought a Waring ice cream maker. Simple, good results, I hope it never wears out.

I don't like the frozen hot chocolate at all, just a personal thing. I do love their sundaes. I can't think of anything I would bring someone from there.

I should add that Park and Orchard is not BYOB, but does have a superior beer menu.

Cobb Salad. I like Cobb as I expect it to be made, but have had it made so many odd ways that I seldom order it unless the waiter can tick off what I can expect to find in it. I once had a Waldorf masquerading as a Cobb.

I confess to enjoying this summer the ice cream at the La Salle Ice Cream Parlor. One note of convenience: it's only a couple of blocks from where I live. Second note of convenience: the local Gristede's carries it; tastes the same, but just 1.99 a pint. I'm crazy about the chocolate, like the cherry vanilla and pistachio very much, and I normally don't like those flavors at all. The coconut almond fudge is also worth a try. (I can never find that in the supermarket) Apparently this has been around since the 1970s and I just caught up with it this summer.

It's been a few years, but after an event at the Meadowlands I always liked Park and Orchard in East Rutherford. http://www.parkandorchard.com/

I just finished a dish of LaSalle Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream. LaSalle has been my ice cream of choice this summer. I don't even like cherry vanilla, but I like LaSalle Cherry Vanilla. A friend of mine, a cherry vanilla fan, sweras that it puts Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia (I've never tried it) to shame.

A couple of years back I tried a new place in my neighborhood, Murray Hill. The place came and went so fast I can't recall the name. Anyway the Cobb Salad arrived with apples, walnuts, blue cheese, celery...I told the manager/owner, I think, loitering nearby that it wasn't a Cobb Salad. He spoke to the chef who assured him that it was a Cobb. I understand variations, but I think this was closer to a Waldorf. Sort of remined me of Fawlty Towers. No wonder the place didn't last very long. BTW, he didn't change the salad, which I ate anyway. I did get a glass of wine comped.

I would confirm all those who have mentioned Payard. If you like Italian try Veniero's on 11th between 1st & 2nd. Or is it 2nd & 3rd? I don't really like Italian pastries, but when I pass by I must bring home a few pignoli cookies and a cannoli or two. I don't know of any pastries I'd spend the calories on in GCT; ditto The Little Pie Company or the Doughnut Plant.

When I was six I made a quick small fortune at a family Christmas shindig. All the kids wanted to sample the grown-up nibbles, and we told if "you take it, you must finish it." After a while, a lot of kids were trying desperately to get rid of foie gras and other things I can't describe. I ate it all, with gusto, for a quater a pop.

I use my Lodge grill pan all the time. Burgers sit up out of the grease, I like the marks on steaks and chops, and my only problem is getting rid of the odor when I grill salmon. Well worth the space in the kitchen.

I don't do this. I don't even like ordering Chinese with a mind to pleasing the table. If I want a spicy dish yet someone has already ordered a bland dish using the same main ingredient I don't like to hear: "Don't get that, we already have whatever-it-is". That's an experience I don't want repeated.

I have only one suggestion for Shake Shack: open a separate window for ice cream and shakes only. I never get the ice cream when I order my food, because it melts. When I'm done eating I don't want to wait on line again for custard. Consequently, I just don't get the custard often.