NY, NY visit

Back in early January, I spent 5 days in New York. I ate in a variety of places, most of which were at or near the top of their respective categories according to the Zagat Guide and several other food guides I have learned to rely on. Here are some pics of the places and a little commentary. There are no pictures of food because I am too easily intimidated from whipping out a camera and photographing my plate in a crowded restaurant. It's bound to make every one from nearby diners to the staff wonder what the heck is going on--and I don't like to make a spectacle of myself.

Anyway, here goes:

Amma 51st between 2nd and 3rd Ave
[img]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x128/BSTJr/P1000445.jpg?t=1202200222[/img]

Very excellent Indian food and supremely attentive service. Highly recommended.

Joe's Pizza (7 Carmine, between Bleecker and 6th Ave.)
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Here, I may have made a mistake. I got the mozzarella slice and it left me wishing I'd gotten pepperoni or something with a topping other than the cheese (note: in NYC, "mozzarella" isn't just "plain"--it uses fresh mozzarella slabs scattered on a plain tomato base but it's kind of bland to my taste)

2nd Ave. Deli (33rd St, off 3rd Ave)
[img]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x128/BSTJr/P1000471-1.jpg?t=1202200852[/img]

This turned out to be the best corned beef and the best potato salad I had in NYC. Plus they give you free green tomato pickles which won my heart--I love 'em.

Roberto(just off Arthur Ave. in the Bronx)
[img]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x128/BSTJr/P1000546-1.jpg?t=1202201007[/img][img]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x128/BSTJr/P1000547-1.jpg?t=1202201214[/img]

The food here was heavenly--supremely upscale Italian. I can't say I've ever had better. I'd say if you want Italian in NY, go here.

Good Dumpling House Grand Ave., Chinatown
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This turned out to be my favorite dumpling place. I love dumplings. I really love these--4 for $1 (I ate 'em 12 at a time)

Sripraphai (39th Ave, between 64th and 65th Sts., Queens)
[img]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x128/BSTJr/P1000573-1.jpg?t=1202201430[/img][img]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x128/BSTJr/P1000587-1.jpg?t=1202201610[/img]

I keep trying Thai places in NYC and am usually disappointed. Not here. This place is really good--even by SF standards (yes, I think on average SF Thai places are way better than NYC Thai places)

Carnegie Deli (7th Ave near 55th)
[img]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x128/BSTJr/P1000775-1.jpg?t=1202201643[/img]

We've talked about this one too much already. I think it's very good--but not quite as good as 2nd Ave.

Dumpling House (Eldridge in Chinatown)
[img]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x128/BSTJr/P1000792.jpg?t=1202201749[/img]

This is my former favorite dumpling place. It just reopened after being enlarged so no new sign yet. It's still excellent--just not quite as excellent as GOOD Dumpling House.

[img]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x128/BSTJr/P1000795.jpg?t=1202201919[/img]

I don't even remember the name of this little bakery or what street it's on (it's just north of Chinatown--I was walking to the Spring St. subway station which has since been made famous in the new movie, "Cloverfield"). Anyway, the place had excellent homemade pastries.

Chelsea Papaya (Corner of 23rd and 7th Ave.)
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All the usual "papaya" stuff. I had 2 or 3 hot dogs with red onion sauce daily.

Very nice write-up! I'm glad you hit some places in Chinatown. I've always been intimidated by that neighborhood (foodwise) and your report gives me encouragement to try those dumpling houses! I kinda like the fresh "mooz" slice at Joe's. Not the best I've ever had, but I do enjoy it. I don't think I'd seek it out, but if I was in the neighborhood, I might grab a slice. The pepperoni there is definitely nothing to write home about. Did you see the Beard Papa's cream puff shop nexxt to Joe's. Some really addictive cream puffs are in that place. I can only go about once a year, lest I overdose. I've been hearing about Sripraphai for years, but ahven't made it there yet. You certainly got around and made the most of your trip to to NYC! Glad you enjoyed it.

Loved the report. My son Sam will be visiting new York in late spring and i hope he will be able to get some New York hot dogs.

I'm starting to get real P.Oed over the many recent posts by all the folks who have visited NYC. Not at them, but me. It is time for me to hit the Metro North and do my version of the places that I could be checking out.

I'm glad that you featured Chinatown. It is one of my favorite areas. It seems to be overlooked when I read these reports. Your comments about Thai food may or may not be true, but I wish I was back in SF to enjoy the many, many places to go to there. There are many good Thai places in New Haven of all things...
Good thing that you didn't try Mexican.

mark

Very nice report BT, thank you.

BT

looks like many a fine places to eat, I am going to put myself in doggydaddy's category,
I GOT TO HEAD TO NYC, yall are killing me here with these reoprts.

quote:

Originally posted by billyboy
Did you see the Beard Papa's cream puff shop nexxt to Joe's. Some really addictive cream puffs are in that place.

I didn't notice Beard Papa's but it wouldn't matter much if I had. I walk past (after averting my eyes) one of those in San Francisco nearly every day. They are wonderful, but it's a treat I just rarely allow myself.

nice pics of the storefronts, BT

Gotta' love dumplings at 4/$1 - awesome! They're usually around 6/$5 up in the DC area.

Didn't you love Arthur Ave, the real Little Italy. I would suggest that any Rf'rs going there by car take a cooler and stock up on provisions - especially sausages and cheeses. We went there over Christmas and loved it. Still have a 1 lb. rope of thin sausage with broccoli rabe and cheese in the freezer. The clams at the sidewalk raw bar were outstanding - I think $10 for 13 or 14.

quote:

Originally posted by douginvirginia
The clams at the sidewalk raw bar were outstanding - I think $10 for 13 or 14.

[img]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x128/BSTJr/P1000532-1.jpg?t=1202435100[/img]

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[img]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x128/BSTJr/P1000535-1.jpg?t=1202435174[/img]

===Good Dumpling House Grand Ave., Chinatown ...===


Yeah, but I went to the Excellent Dumpling House. I think that makes it-one-better
If you really want to create true envy, just send a report on San Francisco.
I miss all the variety. Start with a Mission burrito...

mark

Great pictures, and thanks for supporting my crusade to have Roberto's acknowledged far and wide as the best upscale Italian restaurant in New York....it really is phenomenal, and puts many pricier places in Manhattan that claim to be "upscale Italian" to shame.