emmapeel

I just bought the Le Crueset Wok because I saw it had a flat bottom, and good for my gas range that doesn't generate enough heat compared to commercial ranges. It should arrive tomorrow. Cutlery and More has a sale (also no tax and free shipping) because it's one of Le Crueset's newer products. The new one has a glass lid. Although it is a westernized product, I believe it will serve me well. As for no heat ranges within the wok because it is cast iron, I am a bit concerned, but I hope to get around it. Any ideas?

My list of consistently good restaurants are (some are not 10 years old): Shun Lee West, Japonica, Shelly's, Brasserie 8 1/2, Blue Ribbon and Blue Ribbon Bakery, Cafe des Artistes, Gotham Bar and Grill and Uncle Nick's on 9th Avenue. I have not been to Shun Lee since they started construction across the street, so it has been a few years. The reason? I worry that when there is a huge construction project such as the one on Broadway and 65th, the rats go looking for a home and Shun Lee's was the perfect place. So now the building is open, I'll return in a few months.

I've had Mariebelle's and I thought it was really good, and then I bought a can ($25) and at home it tastes awful. For good Hot Chocolate in this town, I have to make it. My latest technique is: Scharffen Berger's Drinking Chocolate. Mmmmm mmmm. And they have a similar recipe for making the product. Or when in the mood for unsweetened Hot Cocoa, I use Scharffen Berger Cocoa.

Although the last post in "Best Fries" is old, I'd like to add an update. B. Frites is now closed and they were great! My favorite fries are now from Keens Steakhouse on 36th Street, they taste double fried, and are both creamy and crispy. The good thing is they have a pub as well as a restaurant, so you don't have to have an expensive dinner to try them.

Thanks so much Pan, I'm so glad you said it. Because I'm new, I didn't want to ruffle any feathers but that is exactly what I was thinking.

I rarely eat outdoors, but I do like the Terrace on 119th Street. It's high in the sky.

Irwin, is this the place? Pizzaria Bianco

Thanks all for clarifying this for me...Sal and Carmine must be in their late 60's. The older one arrived in America at 12 years old. Ghost, thanks for the warm welcome!

First, Yes I love Quiche! I also never realized they were untrendy because I consider them a staple. Second, Once I was in Avignon, and stopped by a restaurant and ordered the quiche, it was Leek. I wasn't expecting to have the taste sensation of a lifetime. It was light as a souffle, and the cheese and custard were one and the same, the crust was crisp. I cannot tell you how often I think about how wonderful it was. Third, In my neighborhood, (Manhattan) there is a bakery called Silver Moon, and they make four quiches; but their leek and onion, is almost like the one I had in France. They are individual, and baked in tart pans. If you can go the the Silver Moon Bakery, call first, because they sell out quickly.

I must agree about Sal and Carmine's. This pizzaria is often on "best of" lists, but it is an aquired taste. The first time I had it, I was unimpressed, but I live 3 blocks away so I have it often now and the key is the crust although thin, is simply a presentation of a mild, truly authentic Italian gravy, topped with real cheese. I don't know what cheeses the other common pizzarias use, but it is doesn't really melt for long. Sal and Carmine's cheese is simply delicious. And the "Two Characters" who run the place...they are brothers and I don't know who is who, but one told me he came to America alone at 12 years old and then sent for his brother. They've been doing this ever since. I'll take a picture if they let me and post it. One other thing, they don't deliver. They could make a fortune, but I guess it keeps the business managable for two old guys.