“I wish they did this four times a year,” said my brother Craig as we watched Chris Lilly pull two shimmering pork butts from the smoker, some of the 3,000 pounds of pork cooked by the Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q crew at this year’s Big Apple BBQ Block Party.  Lilly, 8-time Memphis In May Champion and co-creator of Big Bob Gibson’s famous Bar-B-Q sauce, then proceeded to pull, chop and sauce the best pulled pork I’ve ever tasted.  Read on for the step-by-step pulled pork photos and a look at some other hits and misses at the 2009 Big Apple BBQ Block Party.

The Disappointments

Disclaimer: All the opinions within this post are written with the utmost respect for the art of barbecue and the pitmasters who took part in the Big Apple BBQ Block Party.   The barbecue they served in Manhattan, adjusted for the masses under imperfect conditions, may not be a fair representation of the delicacies served at each of the participants original establishments.

Ubon’s “The Champion’s Choice” Pulled Pork – Yazoo, MS

My friend Charlie recommended Ubon’s after hearing it was the best pulled pork at the event.  His source had obviously not tasted Big Bob Gibson’s.  The best part of Ubon’s pulled pork was the bark, the dark shards of skin redolent of smokey deliciousness.  The pork itself was fatty, a bit tough and didn’t have much flavor.  The thin sauce was flecked with black pepper but more tangy than spicy.

Pappy’s Smokehouse St. Louis Style Ribs – St. Louis, MO

Our hopes rose as we watched Mike “Smokey” Emerson pull rack after rack of St. Louis spare ribs from a huge container.  Mr. Emerson, also known as “Pappy,” cuts the knuckle off of the tough spare rib before coating each rack in a Memphis-style dry rub.  He mainly serves “loin back” or baby back ribs at his St. Louis smokehouse (link), but today he proudly brandished a rack of spare ribs and said “I wanted to give New York a taste of St. Louis.”

He should have stuck with the baby backs because the spare ribs weren’t great.  The flavor of smoke was almost undetectable.  The ribs were as tough as you’d expect, not quite fall off the bone, and not even the sweet, thick sauce could save them.

17th Street Bar & Grill Baby Back Ribs – Murphysboro, IL

After the spare rib disappointment at Pappy’s, I was hoping for baby back rib enlightenment at 17th Street Bar & Grill, the baby of champion pitmaster Mike Mills, a consultant at Manhattan’s Blue Smoke.  Unfortunately, transcendence was out of reach.  The ribs were dry, covered in a pasty mustard-based sauce and didn’t fall off the bone.  A friend later scoffed at my choice of 17th Street saying they weren’t very good in 2008 either.

The Favorites

Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q Homemade Smoked Sausage with Pimento Cheese & Saltines – Birmingham, AL

Cheese? Crackers? Sliced jalapeno? One might wonder how these accoutrement found their way onto any plate at the BABBP, but I’m certainly happy they did because they paired perfectly with the charred, spicy sausage from Jim ‘N Nick’s. The combo of spicy pork, creamy cheese, crispy crackers, and bright jalapenos was a flavor trip I’d love to take again.

The Salt Lick BBQ Beef Brisket & Sausage – Driftwood, TX

If you’re wondering why it says “brisket” above but you don’t see any below, it’s because the pink slices of fatty meat are so delicious, Salt Lick ran out by 3PM on the first day of the BABBP.  Lucky for Craig and me they still had some of their juicy, garlicky and slightly spicy sausage.  Sweet sauce covered an outer skin with just the right amount of snap.

Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q Pulled Pork Shoulder – Decatur, AL

Wow.  Just wow.  If ever there was a moment I was happy to have written a year’s worth of posts to get from the 2008 BABBP to now, it was when Don & Carol McLemore, owners of Big Bob Gibson, offered us the chance to stand directly in front of the raised cutting board upon which the best pork shoulder ever was being pulled.  Let’s see how it all comes together….

Step 1. Remove the bone and pull

Step 2. Chop the Pulled Pork with a Huge Knife

Step 3. Drench Pork in Apple Juice-based liquid

Step 4. Look at all that delicious pulled pork

]]> http://nycfoodguy.com/2009/06/23/babbp2009/feed/ 15 http://nycfoodguy.com/2009/03/04/east-village-mexican-skirt-steak-tacos-tilapia-tacos-unique-guacamole-and-perfect-churros-at-mercadito-cantina/ http://nycfoodguy.com/2009/03/04/east-village-mexican-skirt-steak-tacos-tilapia-tacos-unique-guacamole-and-perfect-churros-at-mercadito-cantina/#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:06:25 +0000 The NYC Food Guy http://nycfoodguy.com/?p=2281 There’s still no definitive “best taco shop” in NYC and while Pinche, La Esquina and Pampano Taqueria are quality, they’re not supreme enough to keep me from telling you about the delicious skirt steak taco, tilapia taco, unique guacamoles and perfect churros at Mercadito Cantina.  Read on to find out which tacos disappointed and which of the six guacamole choices impressed…

Eye-catching tilapia tacos and a simply delicious, cinnamon-sugar covered churro.

A Note on Mercadito Cantina

The third location of the Mercadito Manhattan triumvirate, Mercadito Cantina is billed as an informal dining and drinking destination to catch the overflow of Mercadito Avenue B on the next block.  The prices aren’t cheap at any of the locations but what’s lacking in value is made up for with quality ingredients, innovative recipes and great service.  Mercadito Cantina is narrow and loud but the atmosphere lends itself to making friends with neighboring diners and shouting questions to your waitstaff.  Don’t be put off by the fact that Mercadito Cantina doesn’t have a liquor license, they make up for it with very creative drinks.  “Tric-quilla”, a combo of sake, agave nectar, orange blossom oil and assorted spices, is an almost dead-on replacement for tequila and provides the base for several drinks.  The $12 “Papa Low” offers a little bite complements of  jalapeno combined with passion fruit, papalo, salt and pepper.  Open your mind and your wallet and prepare for fun and good food.

Start with the guacamole…

One ($9.50), Two ($11.50), Three ($13.50)

From left to right you’re looking at Chipotle (pineapple, pickled chipotle, tomatillo pico de gallo, mint), Mole Poblano (pico de gallo, plantain, mole poblano, chile serrano) and Calabaza (cinnamon spiced pumpkin, tomatillo pico de gallo, roasted jalapeno, toasted pumpkin seeds).

In order of deliciousness, the Calabaza is number 1, followed by the Mole Poblano and lastly, the Chipotle.  The unique taste and subtle cinnamon undertone of the Calabaza separated it from the pack.  The sweet flavor and hearty texture of the Mole Poblano surprised me while the Chipotle disappointed lacking any smokiness or heat.

Other guacamole choices I didn’t try:

• Tradicional - tomatillo pico de gallo, jalapeno, garlic, lime cilantro
• Oaxaqueno - chile pasilla oaxaqueno, apple, pico de gallo
• Torreado - sauteed chile serrano, garlic, oregano, tomatillo pico de gallo

Move on to the tacos…

Two per order served on homemade corn tortillas ($9.50)

Carne – hoja santa marinated grass fed skirt steak, salsa verde

The Carne tacos were my favorite. The tender, perfectly cooked skirt steak had a great char-grilled flavor which balanced well with the hint of cilantro and onion resting beneath the mildly spicy salsa verde.

Pescado – tilapia, chile poblano, tomatillo-garlic mojo

To my surprise, the Pescado tacos were a very close second to the Carne.  As a whole, each taco is as brightly flavorful as it is colorful, the citrus of the tomatillo played well against the garlic mojo creating an almost marinara sauce flavor.  The neutral flavor of the fresh and tender fish allowed the stronger flavors to shine.

Carnitas – michoacan style braised Berkshire pork, cacahuate salsa

My excitement for anything with braised Berkshire pork is at a consistently high level.  Expectations aside, the Carnitas taco was mediocre at best.  The tender, fatty pork was adorned with a bland and sweet cacahuate (peanut) salsa which failed to offer any notable heat or flavor.

Milanesa – lightly breaded beef, roasted poblano, avocado salsa

Paltry strips of beef fried in a mundane batter and topped with bland avocado salsa and cold strips of roasted poblano.  How many things did you just read that disappointed you? I felt the same way.  Steer clear of the Milanesa.

Add some sides…

Arroz Verde al Horno ($8.00) – Green rice casserole, manchego and oaxaca cheese

Cilantro flavored rice and burnt cheese, how can you go wrong?  Salty, stringy and delicious, this green rice casserole was excellent proving that all food served in a skillet is supreme.

Papas y Chorizo ($7.00) – Potatoes, homemade Mexican sausage

I only had a small taste of this simply prepared concoction but the fact that I have no lasting memory of the flavor is not a good sign.  This dish is what is sounds like, soft potatoes mixed with chorizo and other spices.  It didn’t disappoint but I’d opt for another side dish such as the Elote Mexicano ($6), Mexican style corn on the cob.

And make room for dessert…

Churros with Chocolate Abuelita Sauce $8

The only other churros I’ve tried in Manhattan are the not-sweet-enough version at Despana and those of the Churro lady in Union Square.   Regardless of the competition, I know my churros and Mercadito Cantina is spot on.  Greasy, chewy dough is fried to a crisp revealing an almost milky interior that melts in your mouth upon every bite.

The churros are great on their own, rendering the deeply-flavored chocolate abuelita sauce (abuelita is used in mole and for Spanish hot chocolate) unecessary.

Mercadito Cantina (website)

172 Avenue B near 11th street

New York, NY 10009

212-388-1750

(Link to Google Map of Location)

Taco Salad with Shrimp ($7.50)

Mixed green salad topped with guacamole, sour cream, beans, cheese and choice of meat

What started as a genuine attempt at eating something moderately healthy turned into a bland mess.  The guacamole, sour cream, refried beans and slightly sharp cheese combine to create a mass of blandness which dominated the overcooked, over seasoned shrimp and the sparingly applied cilantro dressing. The shredded iceberg lettuce and chopped tomato waiting in the greasy taco shell below was far from mixed greens and didn’t provide the reward one deserves for mining through the mess which crowns this salad.

Al Pastor Taco ($2.95)

In my first review of Pinche’s SoHo location, the al pastor taco took the crown among the three I tried. It wasn’t as juicy, spicy or fresh this time around but it still hit the spot.  Fatty, chili pepper-spiced spit fire pork is shaved onto a single fresh tortilla and sprinkled with onion, cilantro and two types of mild salsa. If the heat you desire is lacking, ask for some hot sauce.

Nachos ($6.25)

The only thing missing from this delicious mess of hand made chips, melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream, beans, and slices of pickled jalapeno was the presence of salsa or chopped tomato to balance out the creaminess with something acidic.  This is a great order of nachos, with cheese that actually infiltrates the top layer of chips and touches bottom. But like all nachos, you need to work on them quickly otherwise you’re left with piles of congealed cheese resting on soggy chips, which in the end is really not that bad.

Pinche Taqueria

Taco de Carne Asada ($2.95), Taco al Pastor ($2.95) and Taco de Pescado ($3.95)

The Taco al Pastor is Numero Uno

Spit-grilled pork is where its at; I’m talking about layers of chili pepper and pork roasting over an open flame and then shaved into a handmade tortilla and topped with chopped onions, cilantro, and a dollop guacamole. The flavors of fire, tender, fatty pork, and the underlying heat from the chilies combine with the fresh cilantro and onion to create my favorite of the three tacos I tried. The tortillas are small, but there’s a lot of meat and toppings packed into each one.

Fish Tacos Worth Reeling In Again

Pinche’s fried Mahi-mahi fish tacos have received some praise of late but while I enjoyed the crunchy cabbage and cilantro-mayo sauce, the actual fried fish arrived cold. The result was tasty but disappointing and the manager blamed it on a new fryer. I enjoyed it more than the Kingfish taco at Pampano Taqueria but I withhold my final judgement, and put the opinion to my readers, until a future tasting.

Pass On Carne Asada

There’s a fine line between a good grilled steak taco and a mediocre one. Unfortunately, the trend tends to skew toward the latter. The problem is that the pieces of chopped steak are usually dry and somewhat flavorless. At Pinche the steak in the carne asada taco was slightly moist but generally flavorless. The only saving graces were the onion, cilantro and guacamole.

Beware the Trap of the Yucca Fries

Don’t get me wrong, fried yucca is delicious. The only problem is that it’s heartier than potato and it fills you up a lot quicker. Although Pinche’s yucca fries ($4.50), which come with either cilantro mayo or roasted jalapeno ketchup, are tasty, they’re best when shared, otherwise this crispy snack will steal space for the main meal: tacos.

Taqueria and a Whole Lot More

Looking at Pinche’s menu, its a wonder how they can offer so many delicious dishes in such a small space. I recommend you come for breakfast, served until 4PM, to get a taste of their exemplary Heuvos Rancheros ($5.65 with rice, beans and tortillas), a personal reccomendation from the manager. This same manager also recommends the massive salads (bottom right on the menu) which come with your choice of meat.

Click on photos for Hi-Res Full Size Images

Pinche’s New Location

If you’re out drinking in the West Village, SoHo or even the East Village, you’re in luck. Pinche recently opened a new branch of their authentic taqueria at the corner of Lafayette Street and Bleecker Street, in the former space of Sparky’s. From Wednesday through Saturday you can now eat Pinche’s delicious Mexican food until 4AM. Liquor license is on the way.

Pinche Taqueria

What to Eat:

Quesadilla Simple ($5.00) filled with salty, stringy queso oaxaca and fresh pico de gallo. Delicious even without the side of salsa verde. Best quesadilla Lil’ NYC Food Guy has ever had. Thanks to Mark Lewis for recommendation.

Carne Enchilada Taco ($3.00) grilled achiote rubbed pork, cilantro, onions, pineapple, salsa verde. The perfect combo of spicy (tender pork & tangy salsa verde) and sweet (chunks of fresh pineapple).

Papa, Nopales Y Chorizo Taco ($3.50) chorizo sausage, potatoes, cactus, salsa verde. More of a textural adventure with combo of spicy chorizo, starchy potato and crisp yet bland (like cabbage) shredded cactus. Better with a squeeze of lime.

• What: Informal, Affordable & Authentic Mexican Taqueria open until 2AM nightly.
• Where: 106 Kenmare Street b/t Lafayette St. & Cleveland Place NY, NY 10012 Delivery:646-613-1333
• Website: http://www.esquinanyc.com/
• Inside info: The taqueria is a front for the “secret” Mexican restaurant downstairs. You can only reach it by reservation or knowing someone at the door. It’s a scene but it’s also a great date spot.

More Tacos & Mexican Food Here

More Late Night Eats Here

I recommend the Grilled Chicken Burrito ($6.95) with sour cream on the side (it comes with too much in it) and a large order of chips and salsa ($3.85). The salsa is homemade and chunky, filled with chopped onion and garlic. It’s delicious, some of the best I’ve had in NYC, but spare your co-workers and have some gum on the ready.

All meats are flame grilled, tender, and delicious. Friends have spoken highly of the vegetarian burritos ($6.25 to $6.95). The quesadillas are quality too but don’t stand the test of delivery as well as the burritos. Soft tacos, particularly steak ($5.95 for 2), are also tasty, little bullets filled with your choice of meat with lettuce, tomato, and onion. Stay away from the hard tacos, they failed the test of delivery. I also didn’t enjoy the BBQ Chicken.

Here’s a link to my first two Burrito Box reviews with pics of soft tacos and quesadillas.

The Nacharito above was the one standout. So how do you mess up tacos?

The Nacharito (Above $3, $5 for a double-decker “Johnny Boy”), a crispy tostada topped with melted cheese, salsa, black beans, sour cream and cilantro, was my favorite item because it was actually heated up and covered in melted cheese. Everything else suffered due to a lack of culinary cohesiveness. Each taco was sprinkled with cold cheddar and salsa, lukewarm undercooked beans, and dry fish and meat. Nothing blended together.

The Grilled Sole taco ($4) was slightly spicy due to an obtrusive red cabbage chipotle cole slaw, but other than that it was flavorless.

The Carne Asada taco ($5) featured dry, sinewy skirt steak with a similar lack of flavor despite a purported marinade.

The White Trash taco ($3), barely seasoned ground beef with peas and corn, black beans, cold cheddar, sour cream, and scallion, was the driest and most texturally disappointing of all. The beef was slightly warm, the beans were cold and hard, and the cheese and sour cream were refrigerator cold.

The Grilled Chicken Verde taco ($3) was the only one with a tiny bit of flavor. The slightly moist chicken tasted faintly of cilantro and jalapeno but the sliced scallion atop the taco had the biggest presence.

With all due respect to Snack Dragon, I realize they’re working out of a hole in the wall shop with nothing but tiny steam trays and a small portable flat grill, but they need to ratchet up the heat on the various meats if they want cohesive tacos. No taco will ever be good if every ingredient is a different temperature. If you’re stumbling by drunk, stop in and let me know if the Dragon acquired any bite. I won’t be going out of my way for it anytime soon.

Taco Time All Over Manhattan

Super Tacos

Open until 2:30am ($2.00/taco)

This truck is parked on the corner of 96th and Broadway. I recommend the Al Pastor tacos (photos). Freshly grilled sliced pork, spiced up and mixed with grilled onion and pineapple and sprinkled with lettuce and cilantro and a slice of tomato. Delicious with some of the spicy green tomatillo sauce. No where else on the UWS can you get this caliber Mexican at this hour. A lot of Latin American people ordered Tortas (mexican sandwiches) while I was there, so I take that as a good sign, though I haven’t tried it myself.

Zaragoza

Open until 4AM Friday and Saturday ($2.00/taco)

This unassuming hole in the wall Mexican grocery serves up some awesome homemade tacos that vary depending on what was most recently cooked. The advantage is you always know you’re eating something fresh, the disadvantage is that you don’t know if your favorite taco will be present. If the chipotle chicken (pictured) is there, absolutely go for it. I’ve read good things about the lamb taco but can’t vouch. I saw them making a burrito when I was there and it was massive and cheap. Wash it all down with a watermelon Jarritos (a candy-like and delicious Mexican soda).

San Loco

Open until 4AM weekdays and 5AM weekends

What this place lacks in quality they make up for with the biggest menu of all four of these places. Prices are a little higher than the trucks but having your pick of the litter makes up for it. Unfortunately, nothing is really great. The chipotle chicken is better than the regular, it’s spicy and moist, although it’s of the stewed variety, not grilled or shredded. The ground beef is standard and boring (taco pictured). Good guacamole and chips, however. The hot sauces and salsa are ordinary, go with some pico de gallo. I recommend a Queso Loco taco (pictured with chipotle chicken), a warm tortilla with melted cheese wrapped around a hard shell taco, with filling of your choice ($3.70 with chicken, price varies according to filling).

El Idolo

Open from 9:30PM to 5:30AM (No taco more than $2.50)

I’ve only eaten at this taco truck once but from what I remember, it was seriously delicious. I’m a pork man so I recommend the al pastor (pictured in 1st 2 photos). It was piping hot, spicy, and sprinkled with cilantro and lettuce. I don’t recall pineapple though it’s a bit hazy. It’s not as flavorful as Super Taco’s al pastor but its damn good when you add some of the fiery red hot sauce. The bistec taco (3rd photo, left taco) was nothing special so I’d pass on that. Same with the standard pork taco (3rd photo, right taco), which was equally mundane. When you’re ready for dessert walk up to 7th avenue and hit the Donut Pub.

24-Hour Donuts The Way They’re Meant to Be Done

The Donut Pub (More Delicious Desserts Here)

Open 24 Hours!!! (donuts $1.10, eclairs $1.20, coffee rolls $1.85)

Forget Dunkin Donuts, this 24 hour spot is an old school New York relic. It defines what a Donut Shop should be. Cheap homemade donuts, a big long counter lined with stools, and cheap coffee in styrofoam cups. I recommend the Glazed Chocolate Donut with Coconut. It’s sweet, slightly crisp on the outside, airy on the inside, and absolutely delicious. This place is so great even their crullers look appetizing and I hate crullers.

UWS Chinese/Thai/Japanese All in One Place

Empire (Menu Pages menu)

Open until 2AM 7 days a week

I haven’t eaten at this restaurant on 100th and Broadway but all I know is they’re open until 2AM seven days a week and they offer Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food. It’s a nice looking restaurant not a divey takeout spot and IT’S OPEN UNTIL 2AM EVERY NIGHT. Where else are you getting this on the UWS? It’s simple, you’re not. Check it out and let me know how it goes.

Diners on Steroids

Big Nick’s

24 Hours/7 Days A Week

When I say “Diners on Steroids”, Big Nick’s defines the term. This place has what seems like a 50-page menu with everything you could possibly imagine served at every hour of the day. If that’s not enough, they also make pizza and it’s not diner pizza, its good pizza, not just at 5AM. The Big Nick’s on Columbus and 71st Street is unrelated and not as good.

While I wouldn’t recommend the Beef Stroganoff, you’re pretty safe going with anything greasy or fried from burgers, to grilled cheeses, to cheesesteaks, to chicken parm heroes. My standard order is a Large Cheese pie ($15.00) (sprinkled with fresh basil) and an order of spicy waffle fries ($3.75). The burgers are big and flame-grilled. I like getting a grilled chicken, bacon, and cheddar sandwich on a toasted hero. Deluxe-ing a sandwich isn’t really worth it because you only get about 10 steak fries and one or two spicy waffle, just go regular sandwich and order an extra side of fries. Delivery is efficient but takes at least 45 minutes. Be ready to order when you call because these guys have no time for BS.

Big Daddy’s Diner (Full NYC Food Guy review)

Union Square location 24 hours on Friday and Saturday

UES location open until 12AM Friday and Saturday

This place is all kitsch but they serve tater tots, which are cool, and they embody the “steroids” label. The “What about Bob?” ($8.92) is an egg sandwich with bacon, melted jalapeno jack cheese, and home fries all on the sandwich (pictured left). “Daddy’s Famous Bake’n Cakes” ($9.96) are hot buttered pancakes with strips of bacon mixed in. The Coffee Shop Grilled Three Cheese ($7.96) contains Cheddar, American, and Jalapeno Jack on the bread of your choice (pictured). It’s grease done right and it’s 24 hours. The only drawback is the intensely kitschy environment, loud music, and cheesy decorations. It’s sensory overload, so if you’re teetering on the border of hangover-ville and you need something stabilizing, this place may send you over the edge.

No Frills Grilled Bacon Cheeseburger Done Right

Veselka (Full NYC Food Guy Review)

Open 24 Hours/7 Days a Week

If you’re looking for a delicious flame-grilled burger, cooked to order, with a great bun, tasty bacon, and well-melted American cheese, then go to Veselka. It’s a Ukrainian diner with awesome pierogies and blintzes which also make great, albeit filling, appetizers. You’re here for the burger though, it’s simple and it saves you the trouble of thinking at 4AM because you know you’re getting something delicious.

The One Worthy Exception: A Carnivore’s dream

Katz’s Deli

Open Until 2AM Friday & Saturday

With that information in hand, look at that ridiculous photo (it’s two sandwiches) and read my review and you’ll understand why you must go there now, especially if you haven’t been yet. It’s a NY institution and it’s a carnivore’s dream.

Sarge’s Deli

Open 24 hours/7 Days a week

Kosher style deli on a larger and less expensive menu than Katz’s. Thick, crinkle cut fries, overstuffed turkey and pastrami sandwiches, breakfast all day, and a plethora of diner-style desserts. You can have it all here and you can have it any time of the day.

Cheap Beer, Free Hot Dogs, and an Outdoor Patio… Enough Said

Rudy’s Bar and Grill – Open 8am to 4am everyday

You’ve all seen this place on 9th Ave but never gone in. They’ve got the big plastic pig outside and the old school neon marquee. Rudy’s is the definition of old school dive bar: Torn red leather banquettes patched up with duct tape, an all black paint job, and only one beer with a cost higher than $4.00. If you’re smart you’ll stick with Rudy’s own brand of Red and Blonde beer ($3.00/$2.50 for pints, $9/$7 for pitchers). You can hang out back on the smoking patio when it’s nice out, but beware if you’re anti-cigarettes because this patio really lives up to its namesake.

The most hi-tech objects in the whole joint are the big screen TV up front, the jukebox on the back wall, and the hot dog machine which rolls Stahl-Meyer all beef hot dogs all night long. You can have as many dogs as you want for free! Need I say more? Places like this are what makes drinking fun.

53rd & 6th Halal Cart

Open from 7:30pm until 4AM

To answer your question, yes, this is the famous Halal Cart that has skyrocketed in popularity since Oprah supposedly mentioned eating there (cue requisite wise crack). And to answer your 2nd question, no, it’s not a transcendent experience. It’s good when you’re starving and probably even better when you’re drunk, but I’ve never really enjoyed “street meat”. The white sauce is tasty but rich, don’t use too much or you’ll feel sick and the hot sauce, served in containers no thicker than three stacked quarters, is ridiculously hot, so beware. My photo is of the $6 lamb/chicken platter. If you want a platter, skip the chicken it’s ordinary and tasteless. The lamb is where it’s at. Go for a sandwich if you’re looking for something less involved, but be careful, it’s a mess. Peel a tiny bit of the foil back everytime your ready for another bite. MOST IMPORTANTLY don’t be a fool and wait in the 3 hour line next to the Hilton, if you look right across the street from the cart, the same guys have another cart going and there’s rarely a long line. Check out the fan site here.

NYC Food Guy’s Amazing Creation – PIZZA BAGELS!!!

I told you you’d be kicking yourself for not thinking of this on your own. This is what you eat when nothing else is open and you can’t walk further than the corner bodega.

All you need is a bagel, some mozzarella cheese, and some tomato sauce. You can get a bagel at pretty much any bodega anywhere in the city, and no matter how far from morning-fresh they might be, they’ll be crisp and delicious after you’re done cooking. You can do this with English Muffins, rolls, and white bread if there’s no bagels around or if you’re really desperate. I got through my first two years of college on these bad boys so I stand behind them completely.

Here’s all you need to know:

1. Pre-heat oven or toaster oven to 400 degrees
2. Spread any kind of tomato sauce on two halves of a bagel, sprinkle with spices as desired
3. Place Mozzarella (or any other kind of cheese you can get your hands on) on top of sauce
4. Put uncooked pizza bagels on foil-lined baking sheet and place into oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is burnt on top
5. Wait a few minutes before you bite in, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve burned off the roof of my mouth with molten sauce since I couldn’t wait 5 minutes for the bagels to cool

————–

This is just the beginning of the madness. If you know NYC Food Guy at all, I’m on a constant search for the best in Cheap Eats so if I’ve missed any of your favorite places let me know. Leave a comment or email me at lawrence@nycfoodguy.com. Thanks and happy eating.

They were delicious the 1st time, curious how things could get better? Read on…

I love Tuscany Catering and the Burrito Box. Why? Because their food’s delicious and they’re hidden gems. And the fact that they’re in Midtown, the most barren wasteland for affordable, delicious food, only ups their stock. Without further ado, I give you food porn:

Tuscany Catering (55th b/t 5th & 6th Ave.) serves some of the best pizza and sandwiches in Midtown.

It’s main business comes from catering to offices but they also serve food from lunchtime until around 7:30pm. In addition to what you see below they serve a great Chicken Parm.

Sausage & Pepperoni Pan Pie ($3.50/slice)

This bad boy is thick, puffy, and light. It’s crispy and not too doughy and is filling enough to validate the price. The sauce is sweet and the meats are always crisp and tasty.

Regular Pan Pie Slice ($3.50)

Well worth the price because it’s so filling. Not their best slice but I show it to you so you can get a sense of what a slice looks like out of the pan.

More pan pies: eggplant parm and vegetable

A diesel Sicilian pie ($3.50/slice)

Each slice is $3.50 and huge. Sauce is the same as other slices, crust is big and airy, a little doughier than I like and not very crispy. Obviously very filling.

Below is the hot items area where you’ll order your sandwiches. The menu never changes. Meatballs, Eggplant Rollatine, Chicken Cutlets, Baked Ziti, Chicken Noodle Soup are all standard.

Eggplant Rollatine Hero ($6.50) on an Italian hero

I recommend the baguette for all heroes but they usually run out. The Italian bread is also tasty, especially when toasted, so don’t worry. All sandwiches are put together first then placed in the pizza oven to cook. You can see the melty ricotta peeking out on the top half. This was a good hero but in the end I’d go with the Chicken, Bacon, Mozz over both….

Chicken Cutlet, Bacon, Mozzarella hero on Italian bread ($7.50)

I added lettuce, tomato, and some hearty honey mustard as you can see in the 2 photos below. This sandwich is excellent. The bacon was well done, the cutlets are crisp and flavorful while remaining moist inside, and the cheese, as always, is plentiful. This is my new go to sandwich at Tuscany. I might not go with the Honey Mustard next time though, it wasn’t as sweet as I’d have hoped.

Fresh Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies ($1.00 each)

Don’t be fooled by the larger, pre-wrapped cookies on the counter in the back. You want the cookies cooling in the racks next to the register. These puppies are small and overpriced but they’re filled with so much melty, chocolate goodness it’s worth the price to finish your meal with this sweet treat.

The Burrito Box (9th Avenue b/t 57th and 58th St.) is hands down the best Tex-Mex delivery you can get in Midtown.

Find out why and see photos of their delicious steak quesadillas, grilled chicken soft tacos, and awesome chips and salsa here.

Grilled Steak Burrito ($7.95)

This torpedo is short but thick (that’s what she said) and jakked up with juicy steak, moist Spanish rice, black beans, and in my estimation, too much sour cream. I’d opt for sour cream on the side unless you like a lot in each bite. Either way, the steak is juicy, fresh, and flavorful and the beans and rice are cooked well, not too firm. Pair this with a larger order of store made chips and salsa ($2.95) and you’re in business.

Hard shelled beef tacos ($5.55 – two per order)

They’re the only thing in my many times ordering Burrito Box that didn’t really stand the stress of delivery. The cheese coagulated on top of the tacos and the shells got a little soggy, especially at the bottom. Eat these only in store. Go for the soft tacos instead. Check them out here.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little show. You can’t go wrong with either place. If you know of any hidden gems that you’d like to see on NYCFoodGuy.com please get in touch and let me know.

I’m all about the hidden gems, ambiance be damned. My mission is to bring you the best and most affordable places everywhere!

Tuscany

Burrito Box

Well in a city where people pride themselves on having “a guy” or “knowing a place” that’s ideal for what you need, it’s no surprise that Midtown’s best pork & fish tacos can be found in the basement of an office building.

Find out why Pampano’s Tacos take the Midtown crown after the break.

Let’s get something straight right off the bat. All of you out there looking for authentic “California” tacos can stop your whining. NYC tacos will never live up to the California legend so give up the dream and embrace what we’ve got. Or just open a California taco spot.

Also, I’ve eaten tacos at Tehuitzingo and Tulcingo del Valle and neither place impressed. Tehuitzingo’s tacos are not good enough to validate the dingy, dirty kitchen. Tulcingo’s strengths are their sauces and entrees (they have a restaurant attached to the deli). Chile Rellenos and a dish of Chipotle Chicken were both flavorful, filling, and affordable.

That being said, let’s breakdown what New Yorkers expect from a great taco:

• Fresh and flavorful ingredients. New Yorkers love something that excites the palate. Bland, unspiced fillings, despite their authenticity, do not entice.
• Great fillings and sauces. I’m a sauce man. There, I’ve said it. Friends have disparaged me for over-saturating all of my food with condiments and sauces, but I say “F the haters”, it’s my meal and I like flavor! Vibrant cilantro, creamy guacamole, fiery hot sauces, unique salsa, and maybe some manchego cheese. We won’t use them all but we want variety. We like choices.
• Solid Housing. Steamed, grilled, or cold, we want good tortillas that won’t fall apart when we’ve juiced up our taco.
• Cheap prices. We’re all ready paying through the ear just to live here, our tacos shouldn’t be more than $3 each. Even that’s on the steep side.

So where does Pampano Taqueria rank in regard to those requirements? A+ across the board.

Fresh and flavorful ingredients ($2.75/taco):

• Mexican style pulled pork – this is my favorite. It’s moist, juicy, and flavorful enough to stand on its own. Personally, I just add a little cilantro and onion as seen below. Then again, some spicy salsa, Pico de Gallo, and a little guacamole, never hurt as you can see in the lead photo up top.

• Sauteed King Fish with Napa cabbage & Chipotle sauce – this is my second favorite taco after the pulled pork. It’s also the only taco besides the pulled pork that has enough flavor to stand alone. The fish is sauteed and chopped and is delicate, flaky, and neutrally flavored. The Chipotle sauce is mixed with a little mayo and combines with the cabbage to create a slightly spicy flavor. The cabbage adds a nice crunch.

• Grilled Chicken – this is probably the most boring option. It’s grilled chicken, it’s standard, there’s nothing special about it. It’s how you dress it that makes this taco.
• Mexican Style Shrimp with black bean puree – This and the vegetarian are the only tacos I haven’t had.
• Carne Asada (grilled hangar steak) – see Grilled Chicken, all the same holds true. The hangar steak isn’t as gamey as you would imagine.

• Grilled Chicken/Hangar Steak with Poblano Rajas (roasted & salted strips of poblano chiles, mixed with grilled onions and melted cheese) - as intriguing as this sounds, the poblano rajas isn’t very spicy and its overlying value is in the melted cheese, which is fantastic because, well, it’s melted cheese.
• Vegetarian – Chile Poblano Rojas, onion, zucchini, and mushrooms

Great fillings, sauces, chips, and Aqua Fresca:

You may assume that with all the vibrant colors below, there’s no way everything can be as good as it looks. You’re wrong. Dispensed from decorative molcajetes, you can choose from three levels of hot sauce, three kinds of chopped vegetables, and some Pico de Gallo. Rice and black beans ($3.00) and guacamole ($1.50 small/$4.50 regular) can also be requested.

Pico De Gallo, chopped tomato, onion, and cilantro.

Hot sauces: mild, medium, and hot, none of which is actually very spicy. They’re all pureed and taste fairly similar despite the obvious use of green and red chile peppers.

Guacamole is thick and creamy and full of onion, cilantro, and tomato. It’s everything you’d expect from good guac.

Corn chips are of the best variety: homemade. Corn tortillas are chopped into quarters and deep fried, making these chips a little greasy and a lot delicious. $1.00 for an extra order.

Aqua Fresca which literally translates to “fresh water” is just that with natural fruit flavor added. It’s created by blending real fruit with water then pouring the concoction through a sieve into a container. You’re looking at the watermelon variety, which is freaking delicious. I’ve also seen pineapple and lime but have only tried the watermelon. The best version I’ve had of this Mexican staple was at the Red Hook Ball Fields.

Prices, Quesdillas, Burritos, Tortas, and Combo Meals

Prices are affordable. You can have a great lunch for under $10 especially if you do a combo meal. Here’s what you’re working with.

Tacos $2.75 – can be served on corn or flour tortillas, some are all ready specified so speak up if you want one over the other

Combo $2.50 – can be added to any individual item and includes white rice, black beans, chips, salsa, and any drink. You can get an individual order of rice & beans for $3.00, chips for $1, an Aqua Fresca for $2.25, and a soda for $1.00.

Tortas $7.50 – I’ve never had one, but this is the traditional Mexican sandwich and you can choose all of the taco fillings as a torta filling. Here’s a brief review from Midtown Lunch.

Burritos $8.00 – Never had a burrito from here either. All the same fillings are an option.

Quesadillas – Cheese $5.00, with filling $7.00 – these guys are monsters. Take a look at the pulled pork one below. It’s a beast and it’s packed tight with whatever filling you choose.

YOU NEED TO KNOW…

• It’s very important to note one major pitfall of Pampano, its hours. They’re only open from 11am until 3pm Monday to Friday. Not exactly prime for those of us who don’t work in Midtown.
• Delivery is available but minimum is $25 and it’s only between Madison Ave and York Ave and between 42nd Street and 57th.
• It’s also a bit tricky to find. It’s located in the Crystal Pavilion Food Court (map) at the bottom of an office building with the same name. It’s a bit tricky to find but if you follow these directions, you’ll be ok.

1. Find the mirrored Crystal Pavilion entrance on 3rd Ave b/t 49th & 50th.
2. Upon entering, make your immediate left down the first escalator that you can go down. You’re now on the level of the food court.
3. Make a right and a right and walk straight towards Pump Cafe, make a left before the Pump and Pampano will be straight ahead.

Pampano Taqueria