The Meatball Shop – (Italian, American) Lower East Side

Posted on October 26, 2011 by justinrhyme


The Meatball Shop
84 Stanton St
(between Allen St & Orchard St)
New York, NY 10002
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
(212) 982-8895
www.themeatballshop.com

Good things come to those who eat LATE! This spot is usually jampacked during regular or post-drinking hours alike, but a small crew of hungry eaters came here to munch around 1 am on a Tues night, and were treated to meatball magnificence. Dim-sum style menu instructions. Choose: meatball / sauce / bread or salad / cheese. Hear specials, re-evaluate choices and order even more. Our fiesta de carnage consisted of a well-rounded assortment of flagship standards and envelope pushers, including: Beef meatball/tomato/mozzarella/roll + “chicken cordon blueball” special/parmesan cream/naked/add an egg on it + beef/spicymeatsauce/mozz/whole wheat roll + assorted slider combos. Also added some totally unnecessary but good sides such as butternut squash daily veggie special + risotto special. With a few wines and beers, came out to $20 a head. Sharing dessert.

Don’t save room, but make some space for the ice cream cookie sandwiches. They are like Oh My Gawd. Hit the gym the next day. Hard.

mega meatball smorgasbord.

oh lonely special chikn cordon blueball slider a la parmesan creme, let me put mine lips to thee...

OUTSTANDWICHES! snickerdoodle/pumpkin special ice cream + mocha latte special cookie/vanilla ice cream

dry-erase markers. B-I-N-G-Oh

Filed under: American, Cheap, Date Places, Dessert, Italian, Lower East Side, Sit Down | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Calexico – (Mexican) Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Posted on October 24, 2011 by justinrhyme

Calexico
645 Manhattan Ave
(between Bedford Ave & Norman Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Neighborhood: Greenpoint
(347) 763-2129
www.calexicocart.com
Menu

This place is kinda awesome. It’s not traditional $2-truck hole-in-the-wall Mexican or fancy Mexican. It’s just spot on good. Really creative flavor combos, chill vibe, good location. Wasn’t too crowded on a Sunday late brunch. Def recommended.

i think this beef burrito is how it all got started

crunch w slaw good combo. usually prefer not battered but these are just as good.

something like a crazy 7-layer torta. goodness

cant go wrong with melty cheese and peppers

Filed under: Brunch, Cheap, Cuisine, Greenpoint, Mexican, Sit Down | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

1 or 8 – Japanese (Sushi), Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Posted on September 28, 2011 by justinrhyme

1 or 8

66 S 2nd St
(between Kent Ave & Wythe Ave)
(718) 384-2152

Pricing: Not Cheap
Venue: Sit Down
Cuisine: Sushi
Favorite Dish(es): Sushi Omakase (Chef’s choice), Sesame Torte

Online Menu

Only found this place looking for a local spot to take my parents. I’ve never really even considered having sushi in Brooklyn (aside from Blue Ribbon) since there’s just so many options in Manhattan, but I’m really glad we tried this spot out. It’s not the best or most creative – it’s just super solid. And for sushi in Williamsburg, that goes a long way. Pristine museum white interior decor with comfy banquette seating and super attentive and professional waitstaff. Definitely a scene on the weekends, with a bar area in front. A fancy but not uber-chic spot to impress the fam or a date.

Sashimi Omakase. Sushi was better. Some good stuff, some standard. Fresh and clean.

Sukiyaki Terrine. Funky french-inspired remix of the classic hotpot dish.

some kind of salty balls app. definitely did not need to order this.

golden sesame torte with black sesame ice cream. best dessert i've had at a sushi spot. could eat the whole cake.

white everywhere, kind of kubrick meets MOMA.

Filed under: Cuisine, Date Places, Japanese, Location, Not Cheap, Sit Down, Sushi, Williamsburg | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Food Destination: Seoul, Korea

Posted on August 1, 2011 by justinrhyme

There’s just so much amazing food in Korea and not enough time to cover as much as I wanted, but here are just some of the notables from my recent Korea trip. When I go back I’ll be sure to do much more thorough documentation, and possibly some experimental cooking projects. Korea has more than a lifetime’s worth of culinary adventures lying in store, and the best part is that most of the best food is SUPER CHEAP!

NOODLES. There is a Korean word called “jjolgit” (쫄깃), similar to the Italians’ “al dente”, describing the texture of a perfect noodle – it’s something akin to chewy, springy, soft and firm at the same time. This is the only way to describe all the noodles that have been consumed in these photos. The noodles in Korea are almost always prepared in this fashion, everywhere you go.


DUMPLINGS. Unlike in Chinese cuisine, there aren’t a gazillion different kinds of fillings in Korean dumplings, for the most part, but there is a ton of diversity in shape, size, and skin. Some of these are humongous yet still tasty inside, and the skin on fresh dumplings is perfect every time.

BIBIMBAP. There are many variations on the mixed rice bowl theme, but one standout was the raw seasoned beef (like a carpaccio) on rice with mixed greens – “yook hwe bibimbap” (육희 비빔밥).

GRILLED MEATS. You can’t mention Korean food without using the words “Korean BBQ”. For most that means Kalbi, the famous marinated beef ribs, but the majority grilling time usually goes to pig. Bacon. With three layers of fat it’s called “Samgyupsahl”, but with five layers it’s called “Ohgyupsahl”, which is at least two layers of more fatty amazingness. This is usually washed down with alcohol anyway, so that should nullify all the unhealthy bits, right? There are many other dishes for grilling, such as chicken, duck and seafood, and each spot specializes in a particular dish with their own grilling method, from gas to charcoal.





Filed under: Cheap, Food Destinations, Korean, Seoul, Sit Down | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Food Destination: Austin, Texas – Rudy’s, County Line, Ironworks, Chuy’s, Curra’s

Posted on April 24, 2011 by justineateat


Rudy’s Country Store BBQ
The moistest brisket ever. Cafeteria style BBQ by the pound. Multiple locations.

County Line BBQ
Huge Flintstones-sized portions. Country style dining with a lazy stream running in the back.


Ironworks BBQ
Smoky brisket. Fast cafeteria style BBQ on the edge of downtown Austin. Not tremendously memorable compared to the others but conveniently located for a quick BBQ fix.

Chuy’s
The definition of Tex Mex. Fresh unlimited nacho station. Good drinks and special sauces. More of a tourist spot then a “food find”, but definitely a solid meal.

Curra’s Grill
Amazing homestyle Mexican food. Super flavorful, cooked with love. Had my first ever Avocado frozen margarita, a totally unique experience.

Filed under: American, BBQ, Cuisine, Food Destinations, Mexican, Not Cheap, Sit Down, Texas | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Le Gamin – French, Greenpoint (Brooklyn)

Posted on February 4, 2011 by justinrhyme

Le Gamin
108 Franklin St., Brooklyn (Greenpoint)
(718) 770-7918

Pricing: Not Cheap
Venue: Sit Down
Cuisine: French (cafe/bistro)
Favorite Dish(es): Croque Monsieur, Merguez Baguette

Lazy Sunday summertime brunches have never been better than this. Start with a strong iced espresso to jolt your hungover brain back into action, and then fill your belly with an awesome French breakfast sandwich. Take your pick, they’re all damn good. The Croque Monsieur is a toasty ham and cheese with perfectly melted Gruyere cheese on top and the Merguez is a spicy lamb sausage recipe borrowed from the Berbers (ref?) that has a decent kick. Either will help soak up last night’s booze while you pine away about how nice it would be to be in Paris right about now…

Merguez. Baaaa!

Online Menu

Filed under: Brunch, Cafe, French, Greenpoint, Not Cheap, Sit Down | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Otafuku (Japanese Food Stand) – East Village (St Marks)

Posted on February 1, 2011 by justinrhyme

Otafuku
236 E. 9th St, between 2nd Ave and Stuyvesant St
(212) 353-8503

Pricing: Cheap
Venue: Take Out
Cuisine: Japanese Snack Food
Favorite Dish(es): Okonomiyaki ($6), Takoyaki ($5)

This is real Japanese street food. This tiny food stand on the original Japantown (9th St), nestled between the Cloister Cafe’s outdoor areas, serves two drunkfood faves.

1) Okonomiyaki (oh-ko-no-mee-yah-kee) – a battered pancake made with veggies and protein of your choice, either squid, chicken, or beef.

2) Takoyaki (tah-ko-yah-kee) – small round balls using the same batter with bits of octopus, commonly referred to as “octopus balls”, although they are not actual octopus testicles (sorry Andrew Zimmern, keep lookin!).

Both are topped with healthy squeezings of Japanese sweet mayo (Kewpie) and a sweet and tangy dark sauce that is similar to tonkatsu or plum sauce, and then covered in bonito flakes, which are sweet, dried, smoky fish flakes. Notice the sweet theme. They’re made hot, fresh to order, and are perfect as a mid-day anti-starvation treat while wandering the St Marks area, or even better as a hold-me-over till the next bar mini-meal. Either way, totally worth the 5 minute wait, and if there’s a long line, hold out and come back later.

Don't fear the fish flakes! Takoyaki Octopus Balls waiting underneath...

Don't fear the fish flakes! Takoyaki Octopus Balls waiting underneath...

Filed under: Cheap, East Village, Japanese, Street Meat, Take Out | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Nancy’s Pig Heaven – Chinese, Upper East Side

Posted on July 19, 2010 by justineateat


Nancy’s Pig Heaven
1540 Second Avenue
(Between 80th and 81st Streets)
212-PIG IT UP / (212) 744-4887

Pricing: Not Cheap
Venue: Sit Down
Cuisine: Chinese, BBQ
Favorite Dish(es): BBQ Ribs, Crystal Shrimp Dumplings

Nancy’s Pig Heaven gets its name from specializing in pork dishes, and their menu is even broken down by whether the dishes have pork or not (Hot Pig, Hot No Pig). Their trademark pig dish is their BBQ Ribs. These aren’t American style ribs by any means (see Dinosaur BBQ), but rather a Chinese version marinated in various Asian spices and slow-cooked with a super sticky and sweet deep red glaze. You might see these on the menu at a typical Chinese takeout place, but it’s highly unlikely that theirs will be nearly as moist or flavorful as these. If you fancy sweet meats, this is the spot for sweet, sticky, and succulent ribs. Beyond the ribs, the menu is fairly comprehensive with a good variety of familiar Chinese restaurant dishes (mostly sauteed and not deep-fried), including an assortment of dim sum favorites. The interior is very clean and more upscale than your average sit-down Chinese restaurant, with a funky little pig shrine area and a Chinatown-style decorated open kitchen with BBQ’d meats hanging in the window. They’ve got great service, with attentive and friendly waitstaff (instead of the usual grumbly downtown attitude). Nancy’s truly is a little slice of Chinatown on the Upper East Side, the only drawback being the Upper East Side prices. If this is where pigs go to heaven, make sure they stop by your stomach on the way.

Sorry, no pics this time…!

Online Menu

Filed under: BBQ, Chinese, Dim Sum, Not Cheap, Sit Down, Upper East Side | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Char No. 4 – American (BBQ), Cobble Hill (Brooklyn)

Posted on June 8, 2010 by justinrhyme


Char No. 4
196 Smith St (btw Warren & Baltic St)
(718) 643-2106

Pricing: Not Cheap
Venue: Sit Down
Cuisine: Southern
Favorite Dish(es): House Smoked Spare Ribs ($22), Jalapeno Cornbread

Char is a nice looking place – the kind you bring a date or your in-laws to. It’s not exactly super fancy, but there’s definitely good food to be found here. It’s themed around whiskey, with a decent selection of some typical 18 yr olds and some small batches. The food is all smoked and meant to be paired with whiskey. Ribs are the popular dish here, and are definitely worth trying. Don’t expect true Southern BBQ style though, as these ribs are super smoked and slathered with a gravy sauce. Still, very tasty.

quite possibly the best jalapeno cornbread i've ever had. so good that this one was ordered extra to take home.

not the most tender ribs, but super tasty, great smoky flavor, and good seasoning

typical chicken over greens dish, but extra smoky, with bacon-y bits on top

i'm a whiskey guy, but more of a "neat+water on side" than on the rocks. but this place, does rocks proper. nice snifters also.

Filed under: American, BBQ, Carroll Gardens, Cuisine, Date Places, Location, Not Cheap, Price, Restaurant Type, Sit Down, Specialty | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Tehuitzingo – Mexican (Deli / Tacos), Hell’s Kitchen

Posted on March 29, 2010 by justineateat

Tehuitzingo Mexican Deli
695 10th Ave (btw 47th & 48th Sts)
(212) 397-5956

Pricing: Cheap
Venue: Take Out / Sit Down
Cuisine: Mexican
Favorite Dish(es): Bisteck (beef) Taco $2.50

Everyone north of the border knows that the best, most authentic Mexican food is found in the cheapest, most unassuming of places, be it from a truck or a hole in the wall. Well, if “hole in the wall” means knocking out the back of a bodega, adding a few stools and a walk-up counter, then this is the quintessential Mexican food find, at least in Manhattan. Tehuitzingo is simply a typical NYC deli/convenience store that serves tacos, tortas, and other typical Mexican fast food in the back. Think of it as a taco truck upgraded with seating, a bathroom, and access to all the soda and beer you want from the front bodega. At $2.50 as pop, the tacos are mighty fine – of course not quite as good as LA or the motherland, but sure tastes like somebody’s aunt put some extra special loving in the seasoning. I’m gonna hit this spot up anytime I venture into Hell’s Kitchen for a quick taco fix.

follow the white rabbit...

be nice to the lady and she'll treat you right.

one of these is tongue, and i assure you it's good in the mouth as well.

Online Menu

Filed under: Cheap, Cuisine, Location, Mexican, Midtown West, Price, Restaurant Type, Sit Down, Specialty, Street Meat, Take Out | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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