Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts

18 December 2010

Pommes Frites: Authentic Belgian Fries, New York (27 Oct 2010)

123 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10003
http://www.pommesfrites.ws


Late night craving for fries

I found my recent visit to the USA quite inspirational because I kept discovering places I wish we had in Sydney and thought would do really well. Pommes Frites is one of those place I could see being very successful on the busy night club stretch of Oxford Street or down on Bondi Beach or Coogee Beach throughout winter and summer. It's such a simple idea serving freshly cooked tasty fries with an abundance of different sauce options. The generous serving of freshly cooked Authentic Belgian fries ($4.50 regular) can easily be shared between 2 for a late night snack craving. I tried the standard Frites Sauce (traditional European mayo) which is free but there's so many other interesting ones to choose from — just ask for a sample if you're not sure. The place certainly draws a steady crowd from the surrounding bars with its late night trading hours of 1 am Sunday to Thursday and 3.30 am on Friday and Saturday. Staff work frantically to keep up demand and seem to keep their cool in the hot kitchen.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:
PROS: Freshly cut and cooked fries, Over 25 types of sauces, Fairly cheap, Clever paper cone serving which sticks easily in the table holes, Open very late
CONS: Nothing else on the menu except soft drinks, Very limited seating, Crowded service counter when busy, Have to wait for your chips to be cooked, Gets quite warm due to kitchen heat
MUST TRY: Authentic Belgian Fries with sauce of your liking
—

Authentic Belgian Fries ($4.50 regular size)
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Menu

Sauce menu

Holes to fit your paper cones of fries

Service counter — some seating at the back

Not much space in the waiting area

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17 December 2010

Shake Shack: Burger and Fries, Madison Square Park, New York (27 Oct 2010)

Corner E 23rd Street & Madison Avenue
Madison Square Park, New York 10010
http://www.shakeshack.com


Burger time at The Shack

As a first time visitor to New York it took me about 15 minutes to work out where this burger place was because I thought it was somewhere on the street and I kept going in circles around the block area but then realised it was actually located in the park. Finally arriving I was greeted by a lunch time queue of more than 20 people deep so I thought this place must be doing something right. The burgers were first recommended to me by Richard and Jancis on my call out post for Where should I eat in the USA. There was plenty of time to study the menu while waiting and in the end I chose the ShackBurger ($4.75) which comes with 100% all natural Black Angus beef mince cooked medium and American cheese, lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce. It's a pretty small sized burger and you could feel the fat on your fingers as you picked it up and were about to eat. The medium cooked patty took me by surprise at first wondering if it had actually been cooked but it tasted OK and helped to make it very moist and melt-in-your-mouth. Flavours were good and the soft bun to mince ratio was good.

The French Fries ($2.75) were crinkle cut and had a perfect crunch factor — possibly even more enjoyable than the burger itself. I would probably have them both again but I'd be keen to try their hot dog, frozen custard and concretes which sound really strange yet interesting. Being called the Shake Shack perhaps they're also well-known for their shakes. The service was friendly enough and very systematic with a buzzer provided to notify you when your order was ready giving you a chance to look for a table — although if you were by yourself it would be a bit difficult. Shake Shack's popularity certainly seems to be a worthy contender for New York's best burger.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:
PROS: No hormones and antibiotics used in mince, Freshly made, Park view seating, Squirrels to watch, Buzzers for orders
CONS: Long queue when busy, Weather would effect seating enjoyment, Not something you should have every day perhaps
MUST TRY: ShackBurger at least once, Fries
MAYBE NEXT TIME: Frozen custard, Concretes
—


ShackBurger: American cheese, lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce ($4.75)


French Fries ($2.75)



Menu

Buzzers used to let you know when your order is ready

The lunch time long lineup

The shack

Park seating

Cute squirrels everywhere in the park


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Shake Shack (Madison Square Park) on Urbanspoon
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30 November 2010

Katz's Delicatessen: Pastrami Sandwich on Rye, New York (26 Oct 2010)

205 East Houston Street, New York 10002

I'll have what she's having!

If I had to pick one foodie highlight when I recently visited New York it would have to be this place. It doesn't seem to get more authentic than this and even though it's probably become more commercial due to the movie When Harry Met Sally and seeing all the celebrity photos plastered all over the walls it still exceeded my expectations of how good it was — Meg Ryan might have summed it up perfectly with her emotions. As you walk in you get a food ticket which is marked depending on what you order. There's a few cutting stations for the pastrami and they give you a little sample to taste to make sure you're happy with the meat.

The pastrami is sliced beautifully thin and packed into the sandwich with a tasty mustard. The meat was so tasty, moist and melt-in-your-mouth that I would simply describe it as succulent. Someone needs to open one of these places in Sydney — please! The Pastrami Sandwich on Rye ($14.95, $16.28 inc tax) was more expensive than I was expecting but I think worth it and I loved the pickles on the side. There's enough meat in one sandwich to possibly share between two but it's very tempting to keep it all to yourself. If you order anything else on the menu then you possibly might be disappointed because their signature dish is the pastrami. Service was pretty efficient once you worked out the system of how to order and if you like how your sandwich maker made your sandwich then you can give them a tip.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:
PROS: Possibly the best pastrami sandwich on rye in the world, Open 365 days, Tasty and moist pastrami
CONS: More expensive than I was expecting but worth it, Can take a while waiting to be served when busy
MUST TRY: Pastrami Sandwich on Rye, Living in New York
—




Pastrami Sandwich on Rye ($14.95)
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Juicy thin slices of tasty pastrami = food heaven!

For the best go to Katz's Delicatessen

Menu

Slicing up the pastrami

Plenty of seating but still packed


Celebrity wall — if it's good enough for Johnny Depp then it's good enough for me.

When Harry Met Sally crew

The spot where Harry met Sally — check out the sign above.


When Harry Met Sally famous scene

Open 365 days a year — now that's dedication.

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25 November 2010

Where I ate in the USA: Snapshot Summary (11 Oct - 2 Nov 2010)



Super sizing in the USA

Thanks to all those readers who provided me excellent suggestions on where to try and eat in the USA. With the limited time I had it ended up being quite a challenge to get to all of them but I've discovered many places that I'd love to return to one day and try. The day I left I weighed myself in at 78.5 kg. Arriving back I weighed in at 79.5 kg, so it seems I only gained about 1 kg — thankfully the super sizing was counteracted by all the sightseeing I guess.


Highlights
Some of my trip highlights were riding and holding onto a cable car in San Francisco even though it's so touristy — I chose the one that went past the top of Lombard Street. Watching the sea lions at Pier 39, checking out Alcatraz and visiting Yosemite to see up close how amazingly big the sequoia trees really are. Discovering Hog Island Oysters stand at the delicious weekend Ferry Building Farmers Market and checking out the brilliant view from the Top of the Mark and deciding which martini cocktail to choose from the 100 listed. In Las Vegas it was being overwhelmed with how bloody big these hotels and casinos were and having the chance to check out the Grand Canyon via helicopter to appreciate its beauty and vastness. The Cirque du Soleil Zumanity show was really good as well. In New York it was checking out the view from the Top of the Rock — go for the sunset view— and having one of the most delicious Pastrami on Rye sandwiches from Katz's Delicatessen that one could possibly ever find in the world. Relaxing in Hawaii was pretty good but even better was experiencing the craziness of Halloween night in Waikiki which was awesome — I've never seen so many amazing costumes in all my life in one place. Snorkelling at Hanauma Bay was also a treat seeing lots of fish up close. The Waikiki Starlight Luau at Hilton Hawaiian Village was lots of fun watching the Polynesian dance performances and where I miraculously won a conch shell blowing competition out of three contestants.

I hope to provide more comprehensive reviews on some of the places I've visited, if not all of them, in future blog posts but for now here's a summary list of all the places I visited including sightseeing and also a list of places I sadly missed out on but wanted to try — perhaps you'll get a chance to visit.

SAN FRANCISCO


Boudin - Clam chowder in sourdough bowl
160 Jefferson Street, San Francisco
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. - Prawns made famous by Forrest Gump
Pier 39, San Francisco

Colibri - Mexican bistro
438 Geary Street, San Francisco
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Lori's Diner - 24 hours
336 Mason Street, San Francisco
Sears Fine Foods
439 Powell Street, San Francisco

The Stinking Rose - Everything has garlic
325 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco
Domaine - Chandon
1 California Drive, Yountville, Napa Valley

Bistro
420 First Street East, Sonoma

Tadich Grill - Seafood
240 California Street, San Francisco
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Top of the Mark - 100 Martinis menu, great view
InterContinental - Mark Hopkins, 1 Nob Hill, San Francisco
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Pinecrest Diner - 24 hours
401 Geary Street, San Francisco

The Slanted Door - Asian Fusion
One Ferry Building, San Francisco
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Bisou - French
2367 Market Street, San Francisco
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

House of Nanking - Chinese / They deep fry their potstickers - FAIL!
919 Kearny Street, San Francisco

Lefty O'Douls - Drinks and pub food
333 Geary Street, San Francisco

Fish and Chips - Basic fried food
817 Bridgeway, Sausalito

Hamburger - Freshly cooked to order
737 Bridgeway, Sausalito
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Ghiradelli Chocolate
Ghiradelli Square, San Francisco

HOPEFULLY NEXT TIME:
Hog Island Oyster Co. - Freshly shucked oysters
Ferry Building Marketplace, San Francisco

The Spinnaker - Nice view
100 Spinnaker Drive, Sausalito

In-N-Out Burger
333 Jefferson Street, San Francisco

Swan Oyster Depot - Seafood
1517 Polk Street, San Francisco

Le Colonial - Vietnamese
20 Cosmo Place, San Francisco

Gary Danko
800 North Point Street, San Francisco

SIGHTSEEING:
• Sea lions at Pier 39
• Ferry to Sausalito
• Yosemite with Extranomical Tours
• Chinatown
• Castro - Night clubs

HOTEL:
Hotel Monaco
501 Geary Street, San Francisco


View San Francisco Food Wishlist in a larger map

LAS VEGAS


Tropical Breeze Cafe
Flamingo, Las Vegas

Village Seafood Buffet
Rio, Las Vegas

Fatburger - 24 hours
3763 Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Cafe Bellagio
Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas

Buffet - lots of variety including Alaskan King Crab
Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

HOPEFULLY NEXT TIME:
• Fremont Street Experience
• The Eiffel Tower Experience, Paris
• Shark Reef, Mandalay Bay
• Show in the Sky, Rio
• The Mirage Volcano, The Mirage

SIGHTSEEING:
• Cirque du Soleil 'Zumanity'
• Cirque du Soleil 'O'
• X Burlesque, Flamingo
• Crazy Horse Paris, MGM Grand
• Visiting all the casinos
• M&M World (Free)
• Lion Habitat, MGM Grand (Free)
• Wildlife Habitat, Flamingo (Free)
• Fall of Atlantis Fountain, Caesars Palace (Free)
• Fountains, Bellagio (Free)
• Sirens of TI, Treasure Island (Free)
• Discounts at Tix 4 Tonight
• Hoover Dam, Helicopter Ride, Boat Ride, South Rim of Grand Canyon with Sweetours
• Las Vegas Premium Outlets - 875 S Grand Central Parkway
• The Bank - Nightclub, Bellagio

Hotel:
Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas


View Las Vegas Food Wishlist in a larger map

NEW YORK


Moonstruck on Second - 24 hour diner
88 2nd Avenue, New York

Mud Truck - Decent coffee
Astor Place, 4th Ave & 8th Street, New York
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Five Guys - Burgers and Fries
36 W 48th Street, New York

Forum - Bar
127 Fourth Ave (12th and 13th), New York

McDonalds - Side of grand piano
160 Broadway, New York

Two Boots To Go West - Gourmet pizza slices
201 West 11th Street, New York

Magnolia Bakery - Cupcakes
401 Bleecker Street, New York

Onieal's - Bar (SATC cosmopolitan stop)
174 Grand Street, New York

Fig & Olive - Nice food and decor
808 Lexington Avenue, New York
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Stōgo - Gourmet Organic Dairy-Free Ice Cream
159 2nd Avenue, New York

Russ & Daughters - Bagels
179 East Houston Street, New York
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Katz's Delicatessen - Best Pastrami on Rye
205 East Houston Street, New York
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Inexpensive Delicacies Company - Cheap Fried Dumplings, 4 for only $1
99 Allen Street, New York
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Joe's Shanghai Restaurant - Dumplings
9 Pell Street, New York

Gray's Papaya - $1.50 Hot dog
402 Sixth Ave, New York

Two Boots To Go West - Gourmet pizza slices
201 West 11th Street, New York

taim - Freshly cooked falafel
222 Waverly Place, New York
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

winebar - Nice place for a drink and cheese platter
65 Second Ave, New York
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Mayahuel - Hidden sexy bar with tequila cocktails and mexican tapas
304 East 6th Street, New York
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

New York's Farmers Market
Union Square - Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat

Shake Shack - Burger, Fries, Shakes
Madison Square Park, New York

Empanada Mama - Empanadas and sangria
763 9th Avenue, New York

momofuku ssam bar
207 2nd Avenue, New York

Pommes Frites - Belgian fries and sauces
123 2nd Avenue, New York
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

HOPEFULLY NEXT TIME:
Eataly Gelato
200 5th Avenue, New York

Buddakan - Modern Asian, Great decor
75 9th Avenue, New York

John's Pizzeria of Bleecker Street
278 Bleecker Street, New York

Pearl Oyster Bar - Lobster roll
18 Cornelia Street, New York

2nd Ave Deli - Kosher Restaurant
162 East 33rd Street, New York

Rosa Mexicano - Guacamole
9 East 18th Street, New York

Stand4 - Toasted marshmallow milkshake
24 E 12th Street, New York

Mary's Fish Camp - Lobster roll
64 Charles Street, New York

Veniero's - Pastries and cakes
342 East 11th Street, New York

Rickshaw Dumpling Bar - Dumplings
61 West 23rd Street, New York

Stumptown Coffee Roasters - Coffee
20 West 29th Street, New York

Murray's Bagels
500 Avenue of the Americas, New York

Billy's Bakery - Cupcakes
75 Franklin Street, New York

Lombardi's Pizza - Pizza
32 Spring Street, New York

this little piggy had roast beef - Roast beef
149 1st Avenue, New York

Crif Dogs - Hot dogs
113 Saint Marks Place, New York

Mama's Food Shop
200 East 3rd Street

Dumpling Man - Dumplings
100 Saint Marks Place, New York

SIGHTSEEING:
• Flatiron building
• Museum of Sex - Interesting gift shop — not for the shy
• Times Square – Spot the Naked Cowboy(s)
• Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Centre
• Walking the Brooklyn Bridge
• Charging Bull, Wall Street
• Staten Island Ferry - Free ferry to take photo of Statue of Liberty and New York City skyline
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art - 'Suggested' admission price is $20 but you can say you want to donate $1 and they'll let you in
• Ricky's NYC - One stop fancy dress shop

STUDIO APARTMENT:
321 East 6th Street, BELL #3, New York (between First and Second Ave)


View NYC Food Wishlist in a larger map


HAWAII


Yard House - World's largest selection of draft beer
Waikiki Beach Walk, Waikiki
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Duke's Restaurant
2335 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu

Hula Grill
2335 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu

Roy's Waikiki Beach
226 Lewers Street, Honolulu

Ocean House
Ocean Front, Outrigger Reef Hotel
2169 Kalia Road, Honolulu

Kani Ka Pila Grille - Nightly free music
Courtyard, Outrigger Reef Hotel
2169 Kalia Road, Honolulu

Shorebird - $3.50 Mai Tai specials
Beach Front, Outrigger Reef Hotel
2169 Kalia Road, Honolulu

Leonard's Bakery - Freshly made Portuguese donuts
933 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

The Cheesecake Factory
2301 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu

Rainbow Drive-In - Cheap local hawaiian food
3308 Kanaina Avenue, Honolulu
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Waiola Shave Ice
3113 Mokihana Street, Honolulu
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

HOPEFULLY NEXT TIME:
Mac 24/7 - Pancakes
2500 Kuhio Avenue, Honolulu

Haili's Hawaiian Foods
760 Palani Avenue, Honolulu

Ono Hawaiian Foods
726 Kapahula Avenue, Honolulu

SIGHTSEEING:
• Hanauma Bay Snorkelling
• Aloha Tower Marketplace
• International Market Place
• Waikiki Starlight Luau at Hilton Hawaiian Village
• Swimming in Waikiki Beach
• King's Village Shopping Center
• Fusion - Female-impersonator shows
• Halloween night - Lots of great costumes

HOTEL:
Outrigger Reef on the Beach


View Hawaii Food Wishlist in a larger map
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05 February 2010

Where should I eat and visit in the USA? (5 Feb 2010)



I need your help to eat!

There's nothing like good pre-planning before travelling, especially overseas, and I'm now trying to work out where all the best (and cheapest) places will be to eat at when I plan to visit the United States for the first time in October this year. I'm looking for good value and great tasting food as well as things I MUST see and do. I was inspired to do this post by My Food Trail whose getting ready for her travels in April to the USA so it will be great to see where she ends up visiting which will hopefully inspire me to add more places to my list. Unfortunately I'll only have about 3-4 weeks of time which I know is very short so that's why I want to find out what's the best of the best to update my list below before I go. So far the tentative travel spots, touristy things and food wish lists I've come across are:

San Francisco
• Clam Chowder - Boudin Sourdough
• French/Vietnamese - Le Colonial
• Slanted Door - Vietnamese

Las Vegas
• Checking it out at night
• Spotting Elvis

New York
• McDonald's – Big Mac Super Sized
• The High Line - Elevated Park
• Moss - Shop
• Two Boots - Pizza by the slice

Honolulu
• Halloween (31 Oct 2010)
• Luau

Food Search:

I'd love to hear your thoughts on your favourite places to visit and eat in the United States which I should consider :-)

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