December 4, 2009
Free food alert! This one complements of Ketel One Vodka who in the spirit of “celebrating the season responsibly,” (because THAT’S HOW THEY DO in Meatpacking!) brought Michael Pislakis on board to dole out free food from the “Ketel One Canteen.” NYC Food Guy stopped by last night and discovered Psiklalis is offering three pre-prepared specialties: a surprisingly juicy and flavorful lamb burger (my favorite) topped with a creamy roasted red pepper feta sauce (ask for extra), a char-grilled chicken shish kebab pita topped with fennel and onion salad and Tzatiki sauce (eat this one quickly, the pita suffers in the cold) and a caponata and couscous wrap (too healthy for this guy). The canteen will be open from 12AM to 2AM Friday & Saturday on the corner of Gansevoort & 9th Avenue (Google Map) so now there’s really no excuse for not going to the Meatpacking District this weekend.
Photo Credits: Michael Psilakis from Harlan Turkell & Kefi Burger from A Hamburger Today
Posted in MANHATTAN, MEATPACKING 
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December 2, 2009
Just two weeks after its East Village opening, La Lucha, the new Mexico City style taqueria/Lucha Libre boutique, will debut its brunch menu (below, click to enlarge) this Saturday. Brunch will run from 11AM to 4pm Saturday and Sunday and the regular menu will be in effect all day. The brunch dish NYC Food Guy is looking forward to most: Chilaquiles, crispy tortillas cooked with simmered tomatillo salsa, queso fresco, onions, and sour cream. You can add chicken for $1. Hello La Lucha, goodbye hangover.
Related: NYC Food Guy’s review of La Lucha
La Lucha 147 Avenue A b/t 9th & 10th Street New York, NY 10009
212-260-0235 Weekday hours vary, call to confirm
Brunch Sat. & Sun. 11AM – 4PM
Closes most nights between 1AM & 1:30AM
Currently BYOB but a wine & beer license is expected soon
Posted in EAST VILLAGE, La Lucha Taqueria, MANHATTAN No Comments »
November 30, 2009
If you love traveling to New York and want to get a little more out of it, take Carlos Beraza’s lead and open a restaurant. That’s what the Mexico City native did, along with two friends, when they opened La Lucha two weeks ago on Avenue A between 9th and 10th Street. Their business card says “La Lucha – Sacalo Del Ring,” which loosely translates to “taking the fight out of the ring,” and that’s just what they accomplish. La Lucha offers New Yorkers a real taste of downtown Mexico City, specifically the no frills taquerias where Mexicans excitedly eat and drink prior to attending Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling) matches. And it’s more than just kitsch, because aside from a strict no burrito policy, and a menu named after famed luchadores and Lucha Libre moves, La Lucha is also a boutique for everything Lucha Libre. I had the pleasure of experiencing this unique marriage of pop culture and street food the night they opened, and after a tiny taste, I can’t wait to get back…
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Posted in EAST VILLAGE, La Lucha Taqueria, MANHATTAN 10 Comments »
November 25, 2009
The owners of Spanish tapas restaurants Sala Bowery & Sala One Nine have focused their attention stateside with the opening of Rye House, a modern bar offering craft beers, house-made rye whiskey, well-crafted cocktails and a menu of casual American fare centered around NYC’s first homage to the legendary meat, cheese, french fry, and cole slaw-stuffed sandwiches at Primanti Bros. Restaurant in Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania. Unfortunately, the two split links of smokey andouille sausage inside Rye House’s admiringly-named “Pittsburgh” sandwich ($10) provide the only detectable flavor amidst bland house-made cole slaw, hearty yet under-seasoned hand cut French fries and melted mild provolone cheese inside two slices of surprisingly delicious toasted Pullman loaf.
In attempting to “clean up” the real Primanti Bros. sandwich, Rye House abandoned the standard issue tomato and with it acidity that could really enhance the sandwich. An upgrade to a more flavorful cheese and adjustments to the cole slaw’s mayo base would also improve what has the potential to be a great NYC sandwich. Rye House has been open for less than one month and I look forward to returning to give the “Pittsburgh” another try.
Read on for the full menu plus NYC Food Guy’s take on some other items…
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Posted in FLATIRON/UNION SQUARE, MANHATTAN, Rye House 6 Comments »
November 23, 2009
Often overlooked Murray Hill grease pit Ziggiz, former home to NYC Food Guy’s favorite fries, has officially boarded up and gone out of business. Not a surprising turn of events considering Ziggiz signed their own death warrant back in June, shortening hours of operation to 10PM, thereby eradicating the core of their business: late night munchie-seekers stumbling in after a night of debauchery. Ziggiz served the neighborhood well but now we bid farewell to a place that never realized its full potential. Thanks for the grease and good times.
If you’re still looking for some serious French fries and late-night eats check out these posts:
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November 23, 2009
Just when you thought the burger frenzy had calmed, Bill’s Bar & Burger hits the scene about a month ago garnering Shake Shake comparisons and “best” burger praise from A Hamburger Today, Ed Levine at Serious Eats, Josh Ozersky (RIP Feedbag), and Rob and Robin at NYMag. Bill’s, the brainchild of Stephen Hanson (B.R. Guest), employs the “smashing” technique (adored at Shake Shack and originally proliferated by Midwest fast food chain Steak n’ Shake) resulting in a griddled burger that’s supposed to offer a crispy, salt-crusted exterior surrounding a juicy, meaty interior. Hanson, according to Ed Levine, claims to have been honing this process for over a year. Unfortunately, the best laid plans often go awry. I had the displeasure of finding this out not just once, but twice (any place getting this much praise deserved a second look). Read on to find out why…
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Posted in Bill's Bar & Burger, MANHATTAN, MEATPACKING 3 Comments »
November 16, 2009
You didn’t think NYC Food Guy could stay away for this long, did you? I didn’t either, but here we are, more than four months since the last review. A complete change of schedule at my day job gave me a life beyond eating for the first time in three years and unfortunately the blog suffered. Big time. But I’m back for good, so let’s get to the real reason you’re here: My first taste of Szechuan cuisine, Cantonese Chinese food’s bolder, spicier cousin, at newcomer Lan Sheng Szechuan Restaurant on 39th street b/t 5th & 6th Ave. Three people, thirteen dishes and one fiery eating adventure.
For this meal, my friend Steve invited me to a press dinner during Lan Sheng’s opening weeks. His friend Robert, a writer and respected Chinese food expert would lead our meal through a constant stream of the chef’s finest dishes. Since it was so early in the restaurant’s existence, I omitted prices since they may have changed. Certain aspects of the dishes, particularly regarding presentation, may have changed as well. If you’re confused, feel free to email me: [email protected]
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Posted in Lan Sheng Szechuan, MANHATTAN, MIDTOWN WEST 21 Comments »
July 13, 2009
There’s finally a reason to remain in Midtown when the clock strikes 5PM on weekdays (and starting at 12PM weekends): the new “Southwest Porch” at 40th Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan’s Bryant Park. The venture combines Southwest Airlines, who’s celebrating their first flights out of LaGuardia, with a menu from Tom Colicchio and his two partners in the ‘wichcraft sandwich shops.
Sandwiches (2 for $9), cheese, cured meats, and cookies are all served on small plates intended for sharing while the drink menu features 3 mixology-quality cocktails ($9 each), a “Southwest Summer Ale” specially brewed by Blue Point beer, two beers from Six Point ($7/beer), and 2 types each of red and white wine ($8/glass).
Surprising value and the backyard chic setting (pillowed Adirondack chairs, porch swings and couches) make it easy to forget you’re a block from Times Square. Read on for food reviews and all the info on being a part of the summer fun at “The Southwest Porch.”
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Posted in Bryant Park Soutwest Porch, MANHATTAN, MIDTOWN WEST 56 Comments »
July 8, 2009
I had to shake my head and smile as I re-read the title to this post. Beer and wine paired with cupcakes? A revolutionary idea to say the least. But in the end, how can you really go wrong? Especially when the cupcakes are as ridiculously delicious as the ones at Sweet Revenge. I tried three of the four sizable Signature cupcakes ($3.50 each) and was blown away by the vibrancy of the flavors and the delicate richness of the frosting and fillings (yes, one cupcake is filled with decadent chocolate ganache). Read on for some seriously sinful photos…
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Posted in MANHATTAN, Sweet Revenge, WEST VILLAGE 23 Comments »
July 7, 2009
After discovering the bargain that is Puebla’s $5.50 fried chicken torta, I was surprised to see that the $8.50 chicken mole poblano platter provides even more deliciousness for your dollar; it’s enough give you dinner for two days! Tender, pulled chicken breast stewed in a spicy, sweet and smokey mole Poblano is served with flavorful, fluffy yellow rice, creamy black beans, and steaming-hot tortillas perfect for creating a chicken-rice-black bean taco. I’ve ordered this dish countless times and never been disappointed, even when bringing it to the office and reheating it in the microwave. The key to nuking it back to life is placing 2 to 3 damp paper towels on top of your plate, thereby preventing the food from drying out.
Puebla Mexican Food & Coffee Shop
47 1st Ave near 3rd Street New York, NY 10003
212-473-6643 $10 Minimum for Delivery
Open Mon. – Fri. 7AM-11PM, Sat. 7AM-12AM, Sun. 10AM-12AM
Posted in EAST VILLAGE, MANHATTAN, Puebla Mexican Food 9 Comments »
July 1, 2009
Whenever the conversation about Manhattan’s best burger arises, Corner Bistro, the self proclaimed “last of the bohemian bars in west Greenwich Village,” always seems to get a mention. My question is always “why?” Despite being broiled, the burger is par-cooked and flavorless. The only saving graces are a plethora of toppings which divert attention away from a lackluster patty. I respect an old school bar that offers $2.50 beers all night and serves burgers until 4AM, so if you’re looking for a drunken nightcap, head on over. But to call Corner Bistro one of the best burgers in Manhattan is a disservice to all of the finely crafted ones out there.
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Posted in Corner Bistro, MANHATTAN, WEST VILLAGE 28 Comments »
June 30, 2009
It’s been a while since my first feast at S’Mac so I stopped in to try the Cheeseburger (Top – cheddar, American and ground beef, $6.25 Nosh) and the Alpine (Bottom – Swiss, gruyere and slab bacon, $7.25 Nosh), both with bread crumbs added. Per my first encounter at S’Mac, I discovered bread crumbs add a whole new level of decadence and texture. Read on to find out if I’ll be ordering either variety on my next visit…
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Posted in EAST VILLAGE, MANHATTAN, S'Mac 20 Comments »
June 29, 2009
DISCLAIMER: There’s nothing like eating at Shopsin’s General Store and that’s because most people feel awkward, uncomfortable and offended upon merely entering the vicinity of the place. One thing that holds true is that if you don’t feel any of those three undesireable emotions upon arrival, or at any point during your meal, then you know you belong. And then you’re in for one hell of a meal. In the end, Kenny Shopsin is a great dude; if he feels like being one. If not, well then be polite, know what you want to eat ahead of time, and if Kenny curses at you, feel free to curse back. If you go to Shopsin’s and you’re not prepared for this, please don’t mention you found out about it from me. Read this article by Calvin Trillin to understand what I’m talking about.
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Awesome and awe-inspiring. Both words describe the two defining characteristics of Shopsin’s General Store: its menu and its owner/chef, the inimitable Kenny Shopsin. And with a constantly changing menu (the massive Mexican skillet combo is already gone) and equally unpredictable maker, every trip to Shopsin’s provides a new opportunity for edible adventure.
This post features three dishes:
- Treif: 3 Jewboy (brisket, onions, jack, Swiss) Egg Sliders ($17)
- Moe II: Maple bacon French toast sandwich, eggs on top ($14)
- Fried Potato Shreds with melted Jack and Hatch chile ($11)
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Posted in LOWER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN, Shopsin's General Store 26 Comments »
June 26, 2009
Tuck Shop’s new 2nd location (115 St. Mark’s Place b/t 1st Avenue & Avenue A) will open tonight at 6PM and remain open until Niall, the co-owner, contractor and counter man, “drops.” If you’ve never been to Tuck Shop’s original location (68 East 1st street b/t 1st & 2nd Ave) now you have no excuses. Get over there tonight after 6PM and eat some meat pies or try some delicious desserts. Click here for NYC Food Guy’s food photos and recommendations.
Clockwise from top left: Thai Chook (Chicken) Curry Meat Pie, Beef Meat Pie, Lamington Cross Section, Stack of Lamingtons
Posted in EAST VILLAGE, MANHATTAN, Tuck Shop 4 Comments »
June 24, 2009
Tuck Shop’s 2nd location at 115 St. Mark’s Place between 1st Avenue and Avenue A, pushed back their soft open day to this Friday (June 26) in an effort to ensure they’re ready to rock. And rock they will, they’re original location (68 East 1st street b/t 1st and 2nd Avenues) is a great blueprint for success: fresh baked meat pies and homemade Australian desserts from breakfast until the wee hours of the night (5AM Friday and Saturday, 2AM Sun. – Thurs.). My three favorites are the beef pie with a side of ketchup, the Thai chook (chicken) curry with a side of sweet chili sauce and the Vanilla Slice, vanilla custard between two sheets of pastry puff all topped with vanilla icing. The new location, just a few doors down from Crif Dogs, will deliver all the classics plus a few new additions. Click here for a look at the new shop’s interior and a list of new items.
Posted in Uncategorized 4 Comments »
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