Eatmywords

Ahh Alchy, this brings back memories! Similarly, I worked at Wendy's in the mid 80's (my last year of highschool). At the end of the night we disposed of some 20 bags of unspeakable mess into the dumpster. (It's opening was, oh, about five ft high). Of course as lazy kids we would fill the bags way over their capacity making the challenge of heaving them into the dumpster in one piece close to impossible. Needless to say, many of those bags broke in the lot or on their way up into the dumpster and allover us. I'll never forget the smell of old burgers, fries, chicken, various condiments, grease, soda and 20 other perishables either in the lot or on my uniform.......Nasty! There were no rats but lots of big cucarachas. Dumpster drop was not fun!

Swank, what's the age range of this wild crew?

Rich, This easily could have turned into a major scene with someone ending up in the hospital or dead. Not worth it. (though I did enjoy your wife egging you on) I'm sorry it had to be at your expense but I would just like to thank you for creating a very entertaining thread. A nice break from the Per Se's, Gilt's and WD's. Who's got the popcorn?

I think Buddakan is a great idea but is the B&T thing really an issue? I've lived here for 12yrs and it's never bothered me when dining (clubs and bars can be another story). If you're considering this place call today! I would also consider Matsuri in the Maritime Hotel across the street. It's a beautiful sceney-space serving slightly higher end Japanese fare (a little cheaper than Morimoto). The other bars in the hotel (outside on the 2nd flr or the main deck) are great for drinks before/after din-din. Congrats

Crazy story. I'm not really surprised though. I've seen this "we're doing you a favor by allowing you eat here" tough guy attitude in a few steak houses. Is it just me? The fact that a steak house even has a bouncer (if that's what he was) is strange.

Damn those ribs look amazing. These pics are torture for carless city dwellers like me!........Is it near a Metro North stop?

Time Cafe had a funky lay out. I'm curious to see how they used the space. Great pics btw! The bbq pork looks fantastic

Did you check the best breakfast thread? http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=66697

Yes, the grapefruit was slilghtly overwhelming and the caramel sc a tad thin. (A thicker version may have helped offset the acidity). And yes, they torch the strawberries right there infront of you. (I can't imagine what grilling would have added) From a viewing perspective, I'd say the open kitchen is better than most. You can really see everything they're doing.

Aside from how the show ended, was anyone turned off by the general demeaning attitude of the judges? The way they belittled everyone and the negative tone was a huge downer. I assume they were following the "rip the sheet out of them than pass one or two compliments" reality show format that's been proven effective ala Apprentice, etc. I was turned off and wanted to tell the all to f-off.

Maybe this was discussed upthread but why was Lorraine Bracco a judge? What are her culinary accomplishments? She added nothing. All I attribute to her is very bad acting which slows the Sopranos down to a snail's pace.

Salt, great link! Love the pics and blurbs on 11th Ave history. I don't have any specific recs but I will say that Astoria, Queens is famous for some of the best Greek Diners. Many pride themselves on inhouse baked goods and various greek specialities. I imagine it would be pretty easy to Google a best of......gluck!

This place certainly is no joke. Chef Wesley Genovart and his army of two are turning out deliciously creative tapas (if you want to call them that) The space is small but striking. 16 seats surrounding an open kitchen. Charcoal and rust slated wall tiles provide a modern, industrial Japanese dungeon vibe. I didn't feel anything French or Spanish. We sat in the front corner (by the sous-vides station) and had the pleasure of watching various vac-packed meats dance around the bath. (Apparently things start moving after a couple minutes. Who knew?) They started us with a croquette ball amuse. -One lonely perfectly d-fried sphere about the size of a 10cent superball…..perfect panko crunch with a creamy liquid center (maybe béchamel). I immediately put in for a jumbo order of 5. Next was the baby artichokes lightly sautéed and immersed in a warm mussel broth with arugula flowers and topped with a white foam (not sure but daikon may have been in there). Incredible, maybe the best artichoke app I've ever had. Also shared the slow poached egg in a miso like broth. Didn't taste as magical as it appeared but I could see how many would find it unique and very slurpable. Midway, squid stuffed with lentils and short rib. A divine combo. Squid seared to a perfect tenderness with rich short rib worked very well with chorizo and lentils on the side. Three of these could cure depression. Well, maybe four. For mains, foie over caramelized grapefruit slices. Foie was expertly seared and seasoned but wasn't crazy about the grapefruit. Maybe better if another ingredient was absorbing some of the acidity and let the foie have more say. Still it was easily inhaled and damn tasty. I'm not sure, but I think we had the lamb chop too. (was on my 3rd glass of wine by this time so I don't remember how it was done other than it was a good selection). One thing we noted about the service which was otherwise perfect and very friendly was the number of times place settings were changed. Maybe 8 to 10x (no, I'm no exaggerating). I think twice before we consumed anything and after every course often when clearly unnecessary. It was bizarre, laughable and eventually annoying. I don't recommend coming here starving. Everything is on the smallish side but ever so well executed. It's a great date spot and seems like it would attract chefs and others in the biz with it's front row view and easy access to the approachable chefs. We didn't order desert but a citrus sorbet with ginger and berries appeared gratis on the casa. Refreshing and spicy, a nice end to a surprisingly good Degustation. W/love to hear other opinions.

I agree, the food is good. Some of the best clam strips I've had in NY (although the last time may have been White Castles ). Found the burger to be a cut above the norm on qlty of meat, bun, pickles and relish. It's def slightly over-priced esp with the add-ins but with the very reasonably priced wine splits (ala Landmarc) it balances out.

I thinks it's awesome......great way to see what's coming out of the kitchen!

We attempted to get a peek and drink Thursday night around 9:30. Place was mobbed. The bouncer-hosts were maintaining a strict door policy allowing only reservations through. We watched them turn away maybe 20 people like it was Studio 54 in its prime. Granted, PR and hype shenanigans are expected for super-sceney places but I gotta think they're doing something right to fill a mega space like this… I can only guess that the food is no stretch past the Ruby Foo's of the world but I am curious

I like Kitchen Market too, but I actually meant in the kitchen, as in, hell's kitchen... it's a lot cheaper and in some cases better stuff... ← And just to add to Raji's HK mention, specifically Tehuitzingo (a popular taco joint on 10th 47/48th st) is maybe the most dedicated to Mexican ingredients including pork, poultry, beef and offal. (Don't forget to have a pig's ear taco while you browse) Now, if we could only get a decent sushi bar in the hood

Yes, congrats to the entire staff except maybe the front. I wonder how the "aloofness" reference will be addressed (if at all) I haven't read a 4 star review by Franco or other in a long time. Are some flaws like those mentioned w/execution and service normal for this honor? I assumed 4 was the absolute pinnacle of perfection all around. I did appreciate that he skipped the Bruni shtick and got right to the food and ambience. When I ate lunch at Nougatine a few months ago, I was surprised to see JG expediting. I asked the bartender about his presence. He said he spent more time their then the rest combined. I was surprised and wondered how it was possible. Obviously, it's had a consistent impact on the success. Bravo JG

And I will second that! (not that I'm any roasting or bean officianado) I was expecting something a little bolder and more flavorful. You'd think, being the perfectionist that he is, TK would have chosen a higher end or micro brand o'bean.

Ah yea, Minangasli in Elmhurst. It wasn't bad, slightly lacking in flavor I agree but very edible. Would have been better sliced and pan sauteed (w/a flame of cognac : ) rather than whole and stewed or however they did it. If someone hadn't ordered a side of Jackfruit (which the brains came with) we could have tried more.

Thx K, my bad, I found that they're both still open, La Lunchonette & Foccaceria. (This can happen when you rely too heavily on menupages).

Couldn't I just post a "We're meeting at such n'such for Offal Outing 2 on such date, etc" in the ISO Friends thread? Herb, how about coming back this weekend or next or perhaps conspiring with your old cohorts on when a good time w/be? I noticed a couple of the places from the first outing are no longer open (as far as I could tell) La Lunchenette and Foccaceria. Anyone know what happened/if they moved/changed names, etc? Any suggestions on the latest Offaly eats? I had Pig's ear, beef brain and tongue tacos at Tehuitzingo a couple weeks ago. Wouldn't mind going back for the Goat tripe and a couple others.

I stumbled on this sleeper and found myself salivating on the key board. Wow, what an amazing post (1st pg) by Slkinsey. Was there ever an Offal Outing 2? If not, can we plan one?

Nice Review Rich. Sounds like it's worth a trip! Did you happen to notice it was Meehan's $25 and Under pick in the Times yesterday? http://events.nytimes.com/2006/04/05/dinin...ews/05unde.html

Geez, they had all the warnings in the world about this stupid lighting. How could they not have known (esp with a culinary simpleton like Bruni in office) that they'd get shelled for distractions such as these come review time? So easy to fix/adjust! I remember when we were there I mentioned to her (Alex's wife) that a lighting adjustment would recreate the room for the better. She agreed and cited a semi incompetent, unreliable electrician. Crazy! The review is bitter-sweet. Fantastic they got 2 but to think the difference for a third might have been a couple of dimmers (for the most part). It's a bit sad. Would've made them the Cinderella restaurant of the year! Oh well, 2 is better than 1 or none.