Eatmywords

I'll ditto Nathan's review esp on the service. I forget her name (the black girl) but if her timing, knowledge and demeanor weren't a model for any restaurant, upscale, hip, inbtwn, I don't know what is. (and I'm pretty tough having waited tables for 7yrs). The food was exceptional for the price pt.. The cavateli w/bacon and favas in a tom broth topped w/ricotta was Lupa simple. The freshness of the beans and ricotta made for a wonderful dish. I loved that as small and busy as the kitchen was they split it for us 3 ways w/out even asking. -Funny, I haven't seen that in a while. (Plus they def upsized the portions : ) . The sliders on very fresh brioche had a heavy pork sausage kick that balanced well with the grated pecorino. A good app......esp if your hungry.....very filling. The pork chop indeed was one of the thickest I've ever tackled. Imagine a squared softball. Only regret, as the Nathan pointed out, it was ever so slightly overcooked. Still very moist though. When you dabbed it in the parmesan sc (which mixed w/the pork juice) it was close to perfect. The biggest surprise was the duck salad. Very lean sliced breast seared rare w/almonds and arugula and shaved truffles. Never have I seen an abundance of shavings like this (for the price). Maybe 10-15 quarter sized disks. I ate a couple plain. Man, where they good and the extra truffle oil w/vingrt made for a great salad. At $10, I don't know where you'll find comparable. I would def go back with a ressy or at an odd time. They only seat 28 and patrons don't seem rushed. Yes, it's a little tight but you don't feel like leaving.

Yeah, that's it: very buttery. Avoid. ← Sneak, you kill me.....just seeing the word "avoid" cracks me up.....(had to pay props)......btw, I hate when they're soaked in butter too.....like deep-frying a snickers bar.....totally unnecessary.

I was googling the Russian restaurant Tatiana in Brighton to see what I was in store for. (I'm being taken there tonight). From what I've read, I have a pretty good idea but if anyone has an opinion pls let me know. Anyway, my google yielded a link to this, "Slavs of New York" blog. (Might be a bit dated but I bet most of these places are still around). Perhaps the long list of Polish venues may assist in finding the perfect pirogi......woops, I mean blintze! http://nycslav.blogspot.com/2005/08/links-...s-by-group.html

Great pics Daniel! Looking frwd to checking this place out. The herring looks particularly appetizing! (Can't believe you stopped for tacos! )

Just wanted to mention I had one of my all time best burgers at Dumont Burger in Williamsburg lastnight. We both had the larger one (I believe it's 7oz vs the 5oz). They came on grilled brioche with bibb, tom, red onion, pickles and perfect double fried french bistro style fries (as good as Balhazar). I added danish blue and mushrooms, she chose cheddar and avocado (I thought the avocado might be too rich but it comes on the side so you can add accordingly). The brioche held strong and it's slightly sweet flavor complemented the other ingredients very nicely. The patty was lean, with some fat, good formation, thick but not ridiculous (I don't like baseball burgers like Jackson Hole). I'm happy we split them but the danish blue on mine edged out as the clear winner. Was one of the better blues I've had on a burger. Bold, creamy and didn't liquify. The space is pretty tight. It's basically a small bar with against the wall seating, about 8 stools at the bar and one communal in the middle we were lucky to score and happy to share with 6 others. 20 - 25 seats in all. We waited about 10min. I imagine the waits can get a nutty but I think it's well worth it. Decent bunch of beers on tap and bottles too. I saw a Heffer, 5 Points, another ale, and Fisherman's Lager. I had the Fishermans.......perfecto

making statements like that is what got you thrown off Chowhound.... it may not be as refined as other cuisines but it has it's place........great when your jonesing simple comfort food.......good pirogis and blintzes go a long way in my book and it's not a given that they all make them well. Btw, I never thought the wait's at Veselka were warranted. I think Theresa's blows it away.

Oh, that's too bad. Didn't know they were open that long. I hope they work it out soon. The staff is so friendly. I would take advantage of this deal while it lasts though....

Bondi Road 153 Rivington 212-253-5311 Went here last wk with some friends. For a limited time they're serving a 7 course tasting for $25 (the only option). Yes, I just said t-w-e-n-t-y f-i-v-e d-o-l-l-a-r-s!!! This is due to the kitchen not being complete (They're awaiting gas and using hot plates to cook everything). For the qlty, it's a major deal. The cuisine I guess "light Aussie" though I thought it resembled a twist of classic and nuveau American if anything. All done simply but with care and precision. I can't remember too many specifics as our host made some stiff c-tails before we left and well, I was pretty hammered but here's what we had: Oyster shooter - in a citrus tabasco sc Shrimp cocktail - in a lt herb mayo sc (I thought there were other shell fish too like crab and/or lobster) (again, I was a little sauced) Summer crab wrap - think it was like a crab cake, sorry, can't remember but it was good Barramundi - over green papaya & bush tomato - very good Tasmanian Ocean Trout over sweet chili relish - also very good New Zealand Blue Nose over cucumber, spanish onion & radish - good but onions overpowered a bit. Desert : mom's pavlova and Lamingtons (don't remember mom's but the Lam was some sort of cake over mirange, very good) I wish I could give more detail other than "good or very good" but as I noted I was slightly impaired. The staff is very friendly, timing btwn courses was perfect and the place is pretty hip to match the hood. Music may be a little loud for some but it's worth the inconvenience. We had a really nice experience and w/def return. Hope to hear what others think.

thx for sharing your regiment and diet dude......weights 5 days a week ayy?......wow.......and when you lift the paper weights are you moving them from one side of the desk to the other or just straight up as in a shoulder raise? (sorry, I couldn't resist)

i was under the impression that this list didn't exist until yesterday or so. is this not the first year? if not, they've certainly not figured out how to make their point clear. 'wichcraft's sandwiches are 8 or 9 bucks. ← T, NY Mag has run this issue for several years (sorry, I don't know exactly how many. Atleast five) And I just want to say, as much as I disagree with the reasoning for many of the listings, I look forward to this issue and believe it sheds light on many interesting new and existing places I've yet to try.

I think it's close to 25 of the 101 that flat out would be extremely difficult to make a meal out of for under $25. (incorping tax/tip). How can a cheap eats meal for two run around $70? It should be $20 total. Here are but a few that grab me as ineligible: Degustasion Lupa Wichcraft Casa Mono Blue Smoke Alta Yakitori Toto The issue is consistency in the criteria for a nomination. Is it a meal or a dish? To me, it should be a meal. Otherwise you could go through thousands of mid level restaurants in NY and include their best plate which might seem like a value for it's qlty. I feel that this list used to be much more about obscure super cheap ethnic meals for around but more often under $10

Excellent point Sneak! I was thinking the same thing when I remembered the $120 I dropped (for two). Don't get me wrong, I love Degustation. I think everyone esp on here sh/chk it out but Cheap Eats? No way. You need atleast 3 or 4 plates (per person) to make a meal of it. Maybe the piece should be renamed: "Cheap Eats After You've Already Eaten" Is it me or does it seem like every year they stretch further to add higher end places for one dish?

I realize I'm getting dangerously close to being off-topic, but was pig's ear bad because you don't like pig's ear? Or was it bad pig's ear? ← Yes, it's off-topic but a good question Mr.Lee. I didn't like the texture. - Hard flat pieces of cartilage embedded in the meat (well, the ear). Couldn't believe they were edible. (who knew it was going to be like....well, a real ear?!) I asked the nice Mexican women in the kitchen (in the worst broken Spanish) and they said "si, manga todo" or something like that. I still couldn't do it. The meat (ear) wasn't spoiled/bad or funky tasting if that's what your asking. I also enjoyed the tripe and tongue (childs play compared to above) in addition to the chicken

Tehuitzingo 695 10th Ave, New York 10036 Btwn 47th & 48th St Phone: 212-397-5956 Looks like they stock much more than the avg bodega but then again I've only partaken in the tacos. (Chicken was the best, pig's ear the worst)

Thx for sharing that gfron......interesting stuff.........you know, as I go through this thread learning about the origins, uses and preparation of green chilies (a topic I know nada about) it really makes me appreciate the creation of egullet and all who come together to share their knowledge and experience esp when it comes to topics as obscure as this one. Perlow and FG, you guys should be praised daily for building this thing! Nice going!!

Yea, I googled "burger, green chile, spicy, New York" and got Red Barn in Colorado. Is that too far to travel? Chkd a couple NYC burger menus and found nothing with the greens. Island Burger (9th ave & 50th) does 4 or 5 spicy renditions with jalapenos, habaneros and thai chiles but that's worlds apart from what you're looking for. I gotta think some off the radar little Mexican place could produce a hybrid gluck D

For the UWS, it isn't bad, but on a par with Balthazar? No way. ← Besides the fries, what's so great about Balthazar?

Wow, not a peep on this place in almost 2 yrs. Surprising since it's always packed and there continues to be a lack of decent options on the UWS. Anyway, I stumbled in last night with a couple buddies (my first time). It was restaurant week but we passed (who needs to be treated like a cheapo not to mention the small portions, ltd menu and dessert you prob wouldn't order anyway : ) Started with: - Shellfish salad: lobster, crab, mussels & shrimp w/oranges, olives, fennel, lemon-lime vinaigrette. - classic rendition. everything very fresh and not overcooked (chewey) w/just the right amt of vingrt and chopped red onion - Artichoke Pizza w/robiola, sundried toms and leeks - pretty good white pie. The robiola was tastier than ricotta and leeks are always amazing on pizza. Crust was more french than Italian. It worked. - Sardine Nicoise - broiled and topped with swiss chard, lemon & anchovy stuffing. A little too much chard (anchovie was lost) but a decent app esp for those who don't like overly fishy taste of sardines. Les Entrees: - Steak Frites - decent cut and nice char but lacked a little fat. The mustard bearnaise was perfect though. I didn't and don't usually order steak frites mostly because the fries and lack of veggies. Seems like an incomplete dish and fries dummy it down. (Not that I don't love frites but I prefer with a burger)......I wonder if anyone else feels the same.......hmmmm - Short Ribs - these were mighty fine, nice and fatty almost broke with a fork. The reduction they were floating in mixed with the mash and veggies and a good harmony was had by all who forked in my dish. I would go back for um. - Duck Magret - a nice surprise. Breast was top qlty, cooked ruby red rare and as buttery as a good cut of fillet mignon. The baked roquefort over the top complimented unlike I ever would have thought. I would return for this one too. Place was full including the outdoor tables and lots of eye candy. While the service was a tad slow at first our waiter caught up quickly, was very friendly and took extra time to recommend wine and food. Overall, a nice experience. I wouldn't run back asap but I'd say it's on par w/Balthazar and better than Pastis.......meaning qlty bistro fare in a setting to match (esp for the UWS : )

I think it was intended to show off.......you seem proud. sucha rebel!!

It's a momentous event.......you should burn the place down in revolt.........or perhaps let the gas leak like that dude on 62nd st.........KA-BOOM!! Seriously, I wonder how many people base their residence on food supply proximity. I know it was huge for me. I have a large 24/7 Korean supermarket-deli on my corner (triple the size of most). They carry everything from produce to kimchi to Ben & Jerry's (whata deal at $5 a pint.....right!). Also, the Westerly (healthfood) Supermarket, 2 blocks away and open till 12 everynight..........g-bless those sob's for keeping my fridge stocked with healthy snacks!

D, I was thinking the exact same thing. I was in LES yesterday with a couple of hungry buds. We def would have checked it out. (We settled on some very good Domincian food.....huge portions.......massive bowl of tripe soup......but still : ) Was it a private party?

FG, I think it's very possible to do OG on the moderate to cheap. -Just can't order too many specials or out of the tanks/priced per lb. Ofcourse many will argue that the tank and specials are the main reason to go but their regular menu offers unique and super fresh options as in the scallop dumplings you loved so much. edit: I know this post is trivial.......just wanted to add that last time I was there two of us spent $20 each and had a feast.

Like a couple others, I just don't go to the same places very often even those I really like…..I'm addicted to the new……So here are my close to home, cheap eats standbyes that I'd still hit on a regular basis even if I wasn't close by (I'd like to think) Punjab Deli on 10th and 49th - yes, it's a cabby hang dive you wouldn't want to be caught dead in but for $5.50 you get some of the best steam table chicken tikka, saag, okra, lentils and eggplant over basmatti around Vynl Diner - funky modern, warm, -super friendly staff…... I often bring out of towners and they love it. Best fried calamari deal in the city, huge plate, never overcooked and they leave in the tentacles! $6! They also have very good Thai food, burgers and brunch Wendy's - yep, I did just say Wendy's. The Mandarin Chicken Salad is a last minute healthy standby with great ingredients including almonds and tangerine not to mention the dressing is fantastic for pre-packed goop. Great option after a work out! Wondee Siam 2 - I've lived a rock's throw away for yrs but only recently discovered this bare bones gem. Clean, fresh flavors with many authentic options. (Great when you can't get to Sripraphai or Pam). Bali Nusa - No brainer all inclusive Indonesian dinner for $18……main includes chicken, beef, shrimp and veggies in a curry sc over rice plus a salad w/an excellent peanut dressing, dessert and a beer (Singha)……what the hell else could you ask for? Mee Noodle Shop - love their Seafood Curry noodle soup with spinach linguine (hold the fake crab meat)…..I know, I know, Grand Sich is only a couple blocks down but the interesting stuff is too damn spicy. Zen - on St. Marks - another hole but lots of cute NYU girls! Yellowtail neck box dinner for under $10……show me a better deal for the qlty (and scenery) Kenka - on St.Marks - it's Yakitori Toto on acid. One of the better fear factorish Izakayas around. Anyone for raw veal liver sashimi or turkey testicles?.....yummy! Now, these are a few places I love (and would make my stanbyes) but only been to a couple times in the last year: - Bar Room Modern - liverwurst pate - Hells Kitchen - pork tenderloin - Oriental Garden- any scallop dish - Fatty Crab - oyster omelete or noodles w/chicken and shitakes - Momofuko - steamed pork buns and their signature ramen - Sripraphai - like SL said, it simply is the best - Hasaki - Excellent qlty sushi with a long list of specialty fish.....highly underated Now, who's gonna give me crap about Wendy's?

Hold up Murk, are you saying the entire orgy story was fabricated? - Without a peep from the Batali people in protest? What's the incentive to make up a story like that? If so, why not say it happened at Del Posto or Babbo? I have to think there's a grain of truth somewhere. Can you elaborate? http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=1...-name_page.html

Was it all down-hill after the caught-on-tape-orgy? And is it true? -Another Ollie's? Like we don't have enough Americanized Chinese food. C'est la vie mes amies