Parmhero

Regarding cheesecake, if its name is cake, it's cake. Especially the dry Italian ricotta ones. Along the same lines: Is coffee cake cake? (A delightful pecan ring from William Greenberg Jr.'s on Madison Ave.)

There you have it. By every acceptable standard, it's hip.

I'd like to be able to give a clear black-and-white answer, but the truth is that it would depend. I like cake and pie, and could go either way depending on the particular types and choices. I'd have to see them or at least know something about the comparitive selection. A great chocolate cake could trump a pie, but a great homemade pie could trump a cake, depending on type and flavor. It could also depend on mood. However, if it's a really great cake, I'd probably lean that way.

NOTE: harlanturk, who recommended August, has posted a review under the title AUGUST. August also is reviewed in the NY Times today (Eric Asimov) and receives two stars ("very good"). The review, as are others posted on the August Web site, is very positive, and the restaurant appears to draw a crowd. However, says ckgourmet in response to harlanturk's encomium to August: "I had a good meal, about a year ago, at August, but I can't say that it was so good or unusual that I thought it worth going back. Perhaps you can recommend a few other dishes?" Boo, if you do do brunch at August, you must tell us your impressions, as well as if it was indeed painfully hip. (The name "August" does not have a particularly "painfully hip" evocation to it, more of a stuffy resonance.) August itself says it strives for a "charming ambiance reminiscent of Europe's classic resturants." The NY Times describes its atmosphere as "Urban rusticity." A review in New York Magazine (HAl Rubenstein) says that "August feels like a local taverna along the Mediterranean." Nice, but not necessarily hip. So it will be interesting to see if painfully hip people actually dine there and if the place deserves that reputation. (It would be interesting to hear what eGulleters believe is "hip"?) Sounds like a photo-expose is in order.

Alright, Daniel! You've delivered. The White Rose Burger looks highly reminiscent of the now deceased White Diamond burger on Bayway Ave. in Elizabeth. Too bad about the second-rate crinkle-cut fries. The fries at White Diamond were excellent. I agree that a place that specializes in burgers has to have top-shelf fries. Now, how about that Spirito's visit? I may beat you there. I'm thinking about a shootout between Spirito's in Elizabeth and Sally's in New Haven CT. Who is the cheese pie champion? From pizzatherapy.com: "No other city has better pizza than New Haven and Sally's is the TOPS there." http://www.pizzatherapy.com/sallyfans.htm From Yahoo User Reviews : "Spirito's Is One Of A Kind And A Must Eat... Famous perhaps for its pizzas, but any dish served there can stand on its own two feet." "People rave about the pizza, but they have the best homemade cheese ravioli on earth." http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=10748248...sz=Elizabeth+NJ

Thanks for the tip, eatingwitheddie. I'm in the vicinity and will check it out.

Well, I thought that if it were my restaurant and that happened to guests, I would feel that I should offer the guests a free dessert or drink or something. We all realized it was an accident, but it wasn't pleasant and it happened in that establishment. It's kind of customer service 101. A good will sort of thing. Restaurants generally don't do bad things on purpose--like overcook your food or forget to serve you something. But good ones generally will make a gesture to restore good will.

The "Comped for No Reason" thread made me think of the times when bad things happened at restaurants and there was no compensation offered. Example 1) My wife, daughter, and I were eating at a nice country restaurant in Westchester, when the waitress stumbled and spilled a glass of water all over my wife, splashing water all over the table as well as me and my daughter. The waitress apologized but no other compensation was offered. Example 2) I was eating lunch in a diner-like restaurant in Manhattan with a co-worker--uptown, mid-40's, off of Madison Ave. There was a brand new bottle of ketchup on the table. It was summer. When I opened it, the ketchup, apparently under pressure in the heat, flew in the air and all over the front of my white business shirt. The waitress and manager apologized. I thought they would offer to pay the cleaning bill for my shirt or comp the meal, but nothing was offered. I never returned to these restaurants, but probably would have had they shown a more tangible level of caring. Anyone else have some horror stories to share?

Pan, I agree that a lot has changed, and that I'm not up to date on the status of many E. Village eateries. Seems this thread veered off course a bit. I never recommended (or intended to recommend) Odessa or Veselka or Kiev to the originator of this thread (Boo), who was looking for "painfully hip" brunch possibilities (I actually recommended Bubby's or Odeon, Tribeca restaurants that are pretty hip and serve ok food). Regarding Odessa, Kiev, Veselka, et al., I was using them as examples of places that don't necessarily serve great food but can nevertheless be enjoyable--and hip. (Of course, one man's hip is another man's lame...) Nevertheless, I remain interested in the status of all these E. Village places. I was saddened to see that 2nd Ave. Deli was closing because of the high price of its lease. I was lso saddened to hear that the Stanhope Hotel had closed (I spent my wedding night there). Thanks to Megan for the update.

I have to ask how long ago you lived on 10th St., because I don't consider any of these places worth going to. ← It's been more than 10 years since I lived on E. 10th St. I'm sure these places have changed. My point (which perhaps I could have made clearer) was that you can enjoy a place like Bubby's without it having great or incredible food (and I do enjoy great and incredible food). I liked eating at Orlin, Vesleka and Odessa (which has always been a dive) because the food was good enough and they were interesting scenes. I like corned beef hash and poached eggs, so I often had that at Veselka. I didn't eat at Odessa that often, but it was interesting once in a while. They were all in my neighborhood in the E. Village, and it was usuall pretty enjoyable/entertaining to eat at them. The food at Cafe Orlin used to be pretty good. One of my favorites was a pasta with green sauce, which I would just drop in and have on walking on my way home from work. They also made homemade pies--blueberry/cherry was my favorite--which were great when they were fresh. I recall the breakfasts at Orlin being fine. I usually had scrambled eggs, homefries, toast, coffee there. Sitting outside on the sidewalk in springtime in front of Orlin on a weekend morning was pretty nice. And the scene at Odessa was usually pretty interesting characterwise. There were lots of other little cafes and restaurants in the neighborhood, like Life Cafe on 10th St and Ave. B. Another place that was right down the block was the Second Avenue Deli--I used to like to just drop in and get corned beef/pastrami sandwiches, or hot dogs and french fries.

These look great, harlanturk. Good-looking menus, nice graphics. I'll have to check some of these places out next time I'm in NY.

The food at places like Bubby's is good, not great. It's a neighborhood place and my wife and I enjoyed eating there when staying with family in Tribeca. Relaxed atmosphere, interesting crowd. All in all, a pleasant brunch experience. Plus, we're talking about breakfast/brunch--eggs, pancakes, home fries, toast, coffee. Bubby's is is kind of upscale/homey. You can get a pretty good breakfast at Bubby's--inluding a pretty good eggs florentine. When I lived on 10th St. in the East Village, my favorite weekend breakfast/brunch spots wer places like Cafe Orlin, Veselka Coffee Shop, Odessa, and sometimes Kiev, probably in that order. All cheap. Cafe Orlin is a small and pleasant cafe, and you can eat oustide at a sidewalk table. The other places are on the grungy side but I, my friends, and plenty of others, liked eating there. At Veselka, Odessa, Kiev, you can get Ukranian dishes like pierogies. I also spent a good deal of time at the "legendary" Veniero's Pastry Shop on 12th St., for Italian pastries and cappucino. The food at these cafes and restaurants tends to be ok to good, not incredible, but the experience is enjoyable. Another spot in the village that has pretty nice ambience for romantic type brunch is the Cloisters on 9th St. and 3rd Ave. There are always new hip places cropping up in the East Village, so if you walk around you can drop in one that looks cool. For a more lavish, upscale lunch/brunch, there are places like Union Square Cafe or Cafe Un Deux Trois, or Tavern on the Green and Boathouse Cafe in Central Park. Another very nice upscale brunch can be had on upper East side on Fifth Ave. by the Metropolitan Museum, such as a brunch on the sidewalk at the Stanhope Hotel.

I'll also be in Portland in May. I've seen a number of recommendations for the restaurants in this thread-i.e., Park Kitchen, Lucy's Kitchen, Hurley's etc. Haven't seen one in this thread for Higgins Restaurant and Bar, which is #3 most popular on TripAdvisor and has rave reviews from every reviewer. Is Higgins out of business or just not deemed top notch by Portland afficionados? Example: >"Of all the restaurants in which we've eaten across the US, we put Higgins in the "top 5"! The food is imaginative and perfectly prepared and presented, service is top notch and the ambiance of the restaurant is just right. (Relaxed elegance says my husband.) Fortunately, we now live just a few hours drive from Portland and have been able to enjoy many fine meals at Higgins; our expectations are raised with each visit and we are continually delighted. The fact that Greg Higgins, chef and owner, is committed to sustainabilty in the products that he uses is an additional "plus". A meal at Higgins always feeds our bodies and our spirits! The menu changes seasonally and focuses on regional (Northwest) food products. (If you are a fan of duck, we'd wager that you'll find none better than the various treatments at Higgins!) We've introduced many friends to Higgins and it quickly becomes one of their favorite places too. A "can't miss" and if you're feeling like something more simple than the main dining room menu, small plates and wine in the bar is always delightful."

There are some places in Tribeca that might fit the bill. Bubby's is one I've been to and enjoyed. It's in JFK Jr.'s old neighborhood, so it's got to be hip/cool. "The home-baked pies and cakes are always great, and no wonder—Bubby's started in 1990 as a pie company. " http://www.newyorkmetro.com/listings/restaurant/bubbys/ And of course, Odeon, "The original TriBeCa hangout for the hip and fabulous." http://www.newyorkmetro.com/listings/bar/odeon00/

Usually, I just scroll through the pictures without noticing who the poster is. Until I read Percyn's post following yours, I had just assumed those were pictures of one of his breakfasts! The breakfast thread is going to get even better, now! ← Thanks for the kind words, prasantrin! That you thought my post was Percy's is high praise indeed.

Hey, Percy, Thanks. Your posts inspired me. Your breakfasts are great. I may have to get some truffle oil and smoked duck breast. I'll have to start looking for outlets....

Parmhero Presents, for your delectation and entertainment: Breakfast in Connecticut (Friday, April 21, 2006) I love eggs and toast. Almost every day I make some sort of eggs--soft-boiled, scrambled, omelet, fried over easy. Bread, bagels, English muffins, mostly whole wheat, whole grain, rye. The Preparation: Today, because I had these three great cheeses and some sauteed onions on hand, I made a three-cheese omelet with sauteed onions, with Thomas’s English muffin (whole wheat) and coffee. The cheeses: Emmentaler Swiss, Cabot cheddar (3-year-old reserve---crumbly and flavorful, which I buy in 2 lb. hunks at Costco), and imported parmesan, all hand grated. On different days, I use different cheeses and ingredients, sometimes Gruyere, and other ingredients on hand like herbs, asparagus, potatoes. I heartily like home fries, so I make a batch on Saturdays, but they rarely last to Friday. Saturday is pancake day (whole wheat, buttermilk, molasses). The cooking: I've made many an omelet and am of the school of thought that omelets should be cooked fast (1 minute) at medium high heat. The butter is ready when it begins to foam and turns light brown, or, as the French say, "noisette." The Presentation: my wife likes to make decorations and displays for holidays, and the Easter decorations on the table and elsewhere in our house are still on display. (You should see how long our Christmas tree stays up). This omelet is admittedly a little on the well-done side, but the upside to that are the delicious bits of cheese, like the crusty "crouton" at the bottom of the fondue pot. Ever seen an Easter egg tree? Now you have... For the total experience, the view out the window, Connecticut in spring: Finally, my dog, gazing outward, as he is wont to do:

THis is a reply to John's previous note. Sorry, my reply didn't make it into my previous note. I do live in Connecticut and pass the Chez Lenard cart when he's out there on my way to and from work when I take that route. He's on Main St. in Ridgefield. "Chez Lenard is a sidewalk cart on Main Street with no address and no phone number." Tht's why you couldn't find it listed. Here's a link to a brief report on Chez Lenard in Roadfood.com with some pix: http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=72. I haven't tried Chez Lenard's dogs yet but will do so next time I pass and will post a report. Swanky Franks in Norwalk was closed last time I passed it, but a sign said it would reopen. The Swanky Franks in Westport is open. I bought some dogs there once, with fries. They were good.

The menu was the same for Valentine's Day. They just presented you with a written one at your table. Normally White Castle does not have written menus. I am not in the hot dog business, I'm just a hot dog fanatic who is familiar with the many hot dog joints and their products. I've been to Swanky Franks in Norwalk a few times. I believe they are closed currently due to a dispute between the current owners and the people who own the property. They use a beef and pork Hummel frank from New Haven. It is quite popular in Connecticut. It is deep fried at Swanky's. For a quarter extra, they will split it and cook it on the griddle. Many of the places in Connecticut that use this frank deep fry and then finish it off on the griddle. Mac's Canteen, Merrit Canteen, Danny's, and others prepare it this way. The frank itself is flavorful and spicier than the usual beef and pork blend. I think this particular frank tastes best at the Glenwood Drive In in Hamden Conn. They use a long 5 to a lb frank and charcoal grill it. I've been to a dozen or so places in Connecticut and the Glenwood is my favorite along with Rosco's Big Dog on Franklin Ave. in Hartford. They use a Thumann's Griddle Frank and cook it on a griddle and serve it on a buttered New England style bun. They also have a variety of quality homemade toppings like Amazing Hot Dog. Their franks come in either a 6 to a lb size (standard) or the bigger quarter pound size. If you are in Connecticut, I suggest checking out these 2 places in particular. Two others that I've heard are good, but haven't yet been to are Top Dog in Cos Cob. and Chez Leonard. I don't remember where Chez Leonard is located (I can find out), but it is a hot dog cart serving Hebrew National dogs with a collagen casing. They are also known for gormet toppings. Top Dog serves a grilled (griddle) natural casing Sabrett dog. Connecticut is partial to beef and pork dogs (Hummel, Grote & Weigel, Mucke's, Martin Rosol, and others) but these last 2 places serve a good New York/New Jersey style all beef dog. What this has to do with Elizabeth, I don't know. I tend to get carried away with hot dogs. Sorry. ←

Subway is dreck, like McDonalds. My daughter and her friends love them both.

It is still good. Very good. Beyond very good. It deserves a revered spot in the Pizza Hall of Fame. ← Excellent to hear that, rlibkind. Enjoyed readng your reminiscences of Elizabeth, particularly Mother Hubbard history. Never knew they used canned apples. The total pie, filling and crust, was tremendous.

Don't know if you're joking, but I don't think the manufacturers wouldn't agree that was the point. Lots of people, probably most who buy them, use them as is. (THis is out of sequence. It was a reply to th\e previous post by dockhl: >Agreed........isn't that the point? -------------------- If Daisy Buchanan's laugh is the sound of money, then a gimlet, well executed, is the color of it. It is just the thing when you are feeling impoverished, financially or spiritually. Julie Powell, from "Julie & Julia")

I've tried many bottled sauces--including Classico and Raos. I find them all highly unsatisfying. None can compare to a good homemade sauce. Just the fact that people buy them as a "base" and then feel the need to add ingredients says a lot.

V. Day at the Castle. As my wife would say, "That's a hoot." Not sure how she'd react. She likes Burger King. Clever promotion, though. Getting back to the topic of this thread, Daniel's lunches in Elizabeth, it sounds like you have focused on the Elizabeth port area and Elizabeth Avenue and have not ventured to the Elmora section, so a trek up north with your camera would be interesting. White Castles are pretty uniform, so it may be unfair to undermine your healthy diet, but perhaps a deep fried fish sandwich on a bun would be marginally healthier, especially with lettuce or pickles. (I wonder if there are many, or any, organic helathfood restaurants in Elizabeth.) But as I ponder the topic of food in Elizabeth, Spiritos is really a key attraction. So I'm going to reintroduce the prospect of a Spiritos visit. This could be a life changing experience. And pizza is pretty healthy compared with White Castle hamburgers. You wrote: "In terms of Spiritos, I believe they open at 5 o'clock.. So it is something I have never gotten around to going to after work.. I arrive at work around 7-730 and try to be out around 430ish to be traffic back into the city.." This could be asking too much, but you could stay in Elizabeth and have dinner (technically, coukld be considered a very late lunch) at Spiritos at 5 or 6. You'd still miss the rush hour. I think the audience would find interior photos of Spiritos interesting, perhaps fascinating. Also, if the pizza is still as good, photos would capture the magic and would convey a thrilling sensation and desire. Spiritos has booths in the restaurant and in the bar. The guys in the bar are always moving, working, and the waitresses have a world-weary savvy quality that is like film noir.

Great story, John. Was the menu any different for Valentine's Day? I had a few White Castle meals this summer at the White Castle in Toms River on Rt 37 on the way to Seaside Heights. This is a great stretch of road for fast food. At the Castle, I usually order four burgers, no cheese, with fries and chocolate shake. I'm curious about your knowledge of the meats used at hot dog and hamburger restaurants. Were you in the hot dog business? Thanks for sharing the info. It's very interesting. Also, are you familiar with a popular hot dog place in Norwalk Connecticut called Swanky Franks, which has a branch in Wesport. If so, do you know the source of their franks?