May 1, 2008
With less than three weeks left in NY, I am thinking more about the things that I’ll miss. Not surprisingly, most of them are food-related. So, here’s my top ten list, in no particular order:
1. Zabar’s: The incredible gourmet market on the Upper West Side that is actually affordable. I go there for coffee and cheese, and when I need any kind of kitchen utensil or appliance.
2. The Union Square Greenmarket: I head into Manhattan for this year-round farmer’s market more often than for any other reason. It’s been a great place for me to learn about what vegetables are in season and to occasionally try some other foods (honey, meat and cheese) from small farms.
3. Bistro33: This restaurant moved to my part of the neighborhood a little over a year ago, and it’s my go-to for a nice dinner. I haven’t had a meal anywhere in Manhattan that I like as well as this place.
4. Fatty’s Cafe: Best burger in the neighborhood, with outdoor seating in the summer.
5. Kebab Cafe: This tiny Egyptian restaurant, and it’s chef/owner, are a neighborhood institution. Going there often feels like dinner and a show.
6. Any dumpling stall in Chinatown: There’s no better lunch for under $3 in lower Manhattan.
7. The Chili’s on Long Island: OK, this is about sentimental value. This chain restaurant has been the site of many, many after-work happy hours and dinners with Brianna, my best NY pal.
8. 31st Street in Astoria where I can buy almost anything I want. Parmesan from the Italian deli, lamb from the butcher, rice paper wrappers for spring rolls from the Asian grocery, vegetables from the produce stands, etc etc. A world of food all on one block. Plus the Trade Fair on 30th Avenue, which has every possible food product from any world cuisine I can think of.
9. Bagels from anywhere in the five boroughs.
10. Street food. Getting hungry in midtown Manhattan but don’t want to spend the cash? Whether it’s meat on a stick, meat (sort of) on a bun or pita, or honey roasted nuts, you’re never more than a block away.
May 1, 2008 at 11:51 am
Dim Sum didn’t make your top 10? Amy introduced me to this style of restaurant, and it blew my mind. The restaurants we went to were large banquet halls. We’d be sat at a table with strangers who might be more or less sociable.
Waiters push around carts with various types of dishes. You take from the cart whatever you want and the waiter marks your check.
But no matter how much or little we ordered, the check always amounted to about six bucks a person.
May 1, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I knew I was forgetting an important one! Maybe because I was first introduced to Dim Sum in Boston…
May 1, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I love food in NYC. I love many of the places in your top 10. I had lots of fun at Chili’s too. They have corn on the cob. Yum! I am going to miss you. Do you really have to go?
May 1, 2008 at 3:39 pm
So sad I didn’t make it to Bistro 33 with you.
May 1, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Brianna, your comment just broke my heart.
May 2, 2008 at 9:44 am
It’s okay, Kristen. I have a plan. I’m going to have Brianna come over while I’m packing, and when she’s not looking, I’m going to push her into a box, tape it up, and take her with me. Shh, don’t tell.
And, hey, Kristen, why don’t you come over for a visit while I’m packing?
May 4, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I still miss Zabar’s, even five years after living in New York. Why can’t places like Whole Foods have some kind of really cheap but amazing cheese on special? That was my favorite thing to get at Zabar’s– some cheese on special that was incredible and very cheap. And that crowded room upstairs for everything from mortars & pestles to salt & pepper grinders…
May 4, 2008 at 8:13 pm
After this New England winter, I think I’d be down for some Virginia climes. They have web sites down there that I could work for.