NYC Food Guy Recommends… Manhattan Edition

March 14, 2008

Since I haven’t been able to post a serious review in the last few days, I wanted to give the loyal readers something for sticking with the Food Guy while things are thin, granted the EV Food Tour (below) is enough food for a month. If I get some good feedback, I’ll do this every week.

Read on to find a great place for every meal this weekend…

Breakfast/Brunch – Good Enough to Eat

483 Amsterdam Ave. nr. 83rd St. (212) 496-0163

Always a mob scene for brunch (served until 4pm), this hearty, homestyle spot with the picket fence out front, is actually worth the wait and the trip to the UWS. Go for the Lumber Jill (two pancakes topped w/strawberries, two sausages or slices of bacon, two scrambled eggs – Flickr photo) and ask for some strawberry butter and biscuits. Slather the pancakes in the strawberry butter and syrup and you are in for a hell of a meal. Pancakes are fluffy, light, and not too big. They also have a plethora of other decadent dishes including Peter Paul pancakes (Flickr photo) with Belgium chocolate and coconut and topped with toasted coconut.

Lunch – Lamazou Cheese

370 3rd Ave. nr. 27th St. (212) 532-2009

Get the Italico sandwich (pictured) (mortadella, salami, provolone) at this old fashioned cheese shop in Murray Hill. Add some lettuce, tomato, roasted red peppers, and balsamic vinaigrette. I love this place because it’s no frills and very authentic. Anything you order will be good, just don’t be like the woman who I heard order chicken salad.

Mid-Afternoon Snack – Rainbow Falafel

26 E 17th St Btwn Bway & 5th Ave (212) 691-8641

Best falafel I’ve had in NYC, the place is a hole in the wall, but it’s money. Ask for everything and get the hot sauce. Not for those who dislike raw onion. Only open till 7pm. “Lebanese/Syrian/Palestinian/Jordanian” style falafel, according to the owner, with balls made exclusively of chickpeas. Different from Mamoun’s which uses cheaper fava beans, not that anyone who eats there is sober enough to know the difference.

Dinner – Beyoglu

1431 Third Ave. at 81st St (212) 650-0850

This Turkish meze mecca gives you a reason to go to the UES. Even if you’re not that adventurous there’s plenty to fill you up before a night on the town. I recommend Hummus, Cacik (yogurt & dill sauce with cucumber & garlic), Patlican Domates Soslu (lightly pan-fried cubes of eggplant topped with sauteed fresh tomato), Shepherd Salad (chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions & peppers, with lemon vinaigrette) and ask for some Feta on top. The free unlimited flatbread is killer, fluffy, and served hot. Grab a glass of Turkish Red Wine, sweet with a bite, and 2 can have a great meal for around $50.

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Late Night – Ziggiz

Official NYC Food Guy Review here

333 Third Ave. nr. 25th St. (212)-683-3663

Though their sign reads “Burgers, Philly Steaks, Burritos”, you’re here for the fries first and everything else second. Thin, crisp, and double-fried, these fries may be the most addictive and irresistible late night snack in the city. Forget Pommes Frites, Ziggiz fries are where it’s at. The food is standard grease pit, but the fries are so good they carry everything else. Open until 5AM Friday & Saturday and 3AM during the week, Ziggiz also delivers and you can order online. Check out my review here for more info.

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