Bettina’s Profile

Recent Comments

From Serious Eats: New York

Keep the Neighborhood Italian Restaurants Coming

I also like Le Zie on 7th Ave b/w 20th & 21st (212-206-8686), although I haven't been in a couple of years. I used to love the rigatoni w/ rosemary veal ragout ($10.95). They have a sister restaurant, Via delle Zoccolette on Ave A & 6th (212-260-6660). If you just order the grilled ribeye with white truffle oil ($15.95), you don't need to eat anything else.

Cacio e Pepe on 2nd Ave b/w 11th & 12th (212-505-5931) is also good, although their average prices may be a titch too high to get 2 courses + glass of wine for $25. The restaurant is full of Italians (staff and guests), always a good sign. Bar Veloce (212-260-3200) across the street is similar, though not as good as, 'inoteca, with a salumi/cheese/panini menu.

We also recently discovered Uva on 2nd Ave b/w 77th & 78th (212-472-4552) and had a nice brunch, and the rest of the menu looks intriguing.

I don't know if this counts as "neighborhood," but the best cheap Italian place in my book is Otto on 5th Ave & 8th St (212-988-1188). Their spaghetti carbonara is the most authentic I've had in NYC (no cream!), and for only $9.

Reviews of all of these restaurants here.

Bettina at 7:15AM on 09/19/06

From Serious Eats: New York

For Sale: Eating Pleasure. Price: $2

I just tried the pizza bianca, $1 for a large slice, at Grandaisy Bakery (the old Sullivan Street Bakery on Sullivan St.) and it was wonderful.

The sliders at Sassy's Sliders on 3rd Ave. & 86th are pretty good for the price -- $1.09 each, $0.12 extra for cheese. It's also worth noting they make their burgers from 100% ground sirloin.

I also like the custard choux at Choux Factory, especially that the custard is freshly piped in for each order. They're $1.60. 1st Ave. b/w 87th & 88th and 1st Ave. & 48th.

Finally, I haven't been, but my husband likes the rice balls at Oms/b, a little Japanese place on 45th b/w Lex & 3rd; they range from $1.50-$2.

Bettina at 7:03AM on 09/08/06

From Serious Eats: New York

Best Fried Chicken Joints in NYC

If you are willing to wait for a table, the fried chicken at Blue Ribbon on Sullivan St. is terrific. Same with Sascha in the Meatpacking District (downstairs bar, not the dining room). I also like the take-out fried chicken from the butcher Lobel's (Madison & 81st), which I write about here.

Bettina at 3:16PM on 08/18/06

From Serious Eats

Flying Bites: A Great Restaurant in Vancouver

I'm originally from Vancouver and LOVE Vij's (although interestingly enough I know a few who dislike it). I also really like Bread Bar @ Tabla, but think Vij's overall is a better experience. The portions at Vij's are bigger, which is especially important when you're 4 or more people, and there's no charge for naan and rice (actually, I'm not sure if Bread Bar even serves rice, but the bread alone at $4+ a pop will run up your bill quickly). It seems that at Bread Bar the dishes are also drier -- ie, no sauce -- and I love Indian sauces.

My Vij's review

My Bread Bar review

Bettina at 11:47AM on 07/11/06

See more comments by Bettina ยป

Recent Posts

Bettina hasn't written a post yet.

Recent Favorites

Bettina hasn't favorited a post yet.

Recent Polls

Bettina hasn't answered any polls yet.

Recent Quizzes

Bettina hasn't taken any quizzes yet.

Recent Comments | Response to Comments

From Serious Eats: New York

Keep the Neighborhood Italian Restaurants Coming

I also like Le Zie on 7th Ave b/w 20th & 21st (212-206-8686), although I haven't been in a couple of years. I used to love the rigatoni w/ rosemary veal ragout ($10.95). They have a sister restaurant, Via delle Zoccolette on Ave A & 6th (212-260-6660). If you just order the grilled ribeye with white truffle oil ($15.95), you don't need to eat anything else.

Cacio e Pepe on 2nd Ave b/w 11th & 12th (212-505-5931) is also good, although their average prices may be a titch too high to get 2 courses + glass of wine for $25. The restaurant is full of Italians (staff and guests), always a good sign. Bar Veloce (212-260-3200) across the street is similar, though not as good as, 'inoteca, with a salumi/cheese/panini menu.

We also recently discovered Uva on 2nd Ave b/w 77th & 78th (212-472-4552) and had a nice brunch, and the rest of the menu looks intriguing.

I don't know if this counts as "neighborhood," but the best cheap Italian place in my book is Otto on 5th Ave & 8th St (212-988-1188). Their spaghetti carbonara is the most authentic I've had in NYC (no cream!), and for only $9.

Reviews of all of these restaurants here.

Bettina at 7:15AM on 09/19/06

From Serious Eats: New York

For Sale: Eating Pleasure. Price: $2

I just tried the pizza bianca, $1 for a large slice, at Grandaisy Bakery (the old Sullivan Street Bakery on Sullivan St.) and it was wonderful.

The sliders at Sassy's Sliders on 3rd Ave. & 86th are pretty good for the price -- $1.09 each, $0.12 extra for cheese. It's also worth noting they make their burgers from 100% ground sirloin.

I also like the custard choux at Choux Factory, especially that the custard is freshly piped in for each order. They're $1.60. 1st Ave. b/w 87th & 88th and 1st Ave. & 48th.

Finally, I haven't been, but my husband likes the rice balls at Oms/b, a little Japanese place on 45th b/w Lex & 3rd; they range from $1.50-$2.

Bettina at 7:03AM on 09/08/06

From Serious Eats: New York

Best Fried Chicken Joints in NYC

If you are willing to wait for a table, the fried chicken at Blue Ribbon on Sullivan St. is terrific. Same with Sascha in the Meatpacking District (downstairs bar, not the dining room). I also like the take-out fried chicken from the butcher Lobel's (Madison & 81st), which I write about here.

Bettina at 3:16PM on 08/18/06

From Serious Eats

Flying Bites: A Great Restaurant in Vancouver

I'm originally from Vancouver and LOVE Vij's (although interestingly enough I know a few who dislike it). I also really like Bread Bar @ Tabla, but think Vij's overall is a better experience. The portions at Vij's are bigger, which is especially important when you're 4 or more people, and there's no charge for naan and rice (actually, I'm not sure if Bread Bar even serves rice, but the bread alone at $4+ a pop will run up your bill quickly). It seems that at Bread Bar the dishes are also drier -- ie, no sauce -- and I love Indian sauces.

My Vij's review

My Bread Bar review

Bettina at 11:47AM on 07/11/06

From Serious Eats: New York

The Biggest Dining Bargain in NYC Right Now

Lunch at Jean Georges is a true bargain for a lunch with stellar food, service and atmosphere -- particularly when you're comparing $36 for a 3-course lunch (including dessert for $8) against the $95 at dinner. And whenever my husband and I go (which unfortunately isn't twice a week) we tend to skip dessert b/c between the food, the fantastic bread and all the mignardises they bring w/ dessert (homemade marshmallows and chocolates), there's no need.

One thing I must ask your friend: I notice the menu at JG, lovely as it is, doesn't seem to change much. Does he never get sick of the food?

My JG review (edited 7/12/06 to change link)

Bettina at 11:29AM on 07/11/06

From Serious Eats: New York

Best Fried Chicken Joints in NYC

Ed, you have to update your list here. Rack & Soul's fried chicken was nowhere near one of the best in the city. It wasn't bad, but it was very average to say the most.

I must give a non-NYC fried chicken tip to everyone though. If you ever find yourself in or near Nashville, TN, go to Prince's Hot Chicken. It is truly amazing fried chicken (and really hot).

Taylor at 3:40AM on 12/21/07

From Serious Eats: New York

Best Fried Chicken Joints in NYC

Yikes. We went to the Rack & Soul on Broadway this afternoon at around 4:30 for fried chicken and it was, well, utterly atrocious. It seems like it was cooked to order, as it came out a good 5-10 minutes after we ordered it. The skin was not at all crispy; 'soggy' would describe it. The chicken was dry. It also had no taste. Too little salt in the batter was the least of the problems afflicting this chicken.

We've been to Gus's in Memphis three times in the past several months -- actually, we pretty much planned a trip to Memphis around it and ate there two nights in a row several weeks ago. It was sublime. Indescribably amazing. Our quest to find something remotely approaching it anywhere in between nyc and philly has so far been unsuccessful. Maybe we'll try Blue Smoke next.

dagordon at 6:43PM on 10/14/06

From Serious Eats: New York

Keep the Neighborhood Italian Restaurants Coming

I really like Max Soha on 1274 Amsterdam Avenue at 123rd street. It is very reasonable and it is an off the boat Italian family run restaurant. The portions are huge and very reasonable. I love the lasagna that comes in a giant pan--there's no way anyone could eat that at one sitting---the broccoli rabe is good too. If you feel like venturing uptown--this spot is a gem in an up and coming neighborhood.

lexmanga at 9:42AM on 09/21/06

From Serious Eats: New York

For Sale: Eating Pleasure. Price: $2

[1]

Mei Lai Wah at 64 Bayard Street has pork buns for $.70 each and a big bun for $1.40. The pork buns are available steamed (my favorite) or baked. The big bun is only available steamed, but it's good.

graym0nkey at 1:00PM on 09/12/06

From Serious Eats: New York

For Sale: Eating Pleasure. Price: $2

[1]

Mei Lai Wah at 64 Bayard Street has pork buns for $.70 each and a big bun for $1.40. The pork buns are available steamed (my favorite) or baked. The big bun is only available steamed, but it's good.

graym0nkey at 12:59PM on 09/12/06

From Serious Eats: New York

For Sale: Eating Pleasure. Price: $2

Mei Lai Wah at 64 Bayard Street has pork buns for $.70 each and a big bun for $1.40. The pork buns are available steamed (my favorite) or baked. The big bun is only available steamed, but it's good.

graym0nkey at 12:59PM on 09/12/06

From Serious Eats: New York

For Sale: Eating Pleasure. Price: $2

[1]

Mei Lai Wah at 64 Bayard Street has pork buns for $.70 each and a big bun for $1.40. The pork buns are available steamed (my favorite) or baked. The big bun is only available steamed, but it's good.

graym0nkey at 12:59PM on 09/12/06

From Serious Eats: New York

For Sale: Eating Pleasure. Price: $2

Mei Lai Wah at 64 Bayard Street has pork buns for $.70 each and a big bun for $1.40. The pork buns are available steamed (my favorite) or baked. The big bun is only available steamed, but it's good.

graym0nkey at 12:58PM on 09/12/06

From Serious Eats: New York

For Sale: Eating Pleasure. Price: $2

http://static.flickr.com/83/239574803_498afa8cf5_o.jpg

Mei Lai Wah at 64 Bayard Street has pork buns for $.70 each and a big bun for $1.40. The pork buns are available steamed (my favorite) or baked. The big bun is only available steamed, but it's good.

graym0nkey at 12:58PM on 09/12/06

From Serious Eats: New York

For Sale: Eating Pleasure. Price: $2

Mei Lai Wah at 64 Bayard Street has pork buns for $.70 each and a big bun for $1.40. The pork buns are available steamed (my favorite) or baked. The big bun is only available steamed, but it's good.

graym0nkey at 12:56PM on 09/12/06

From Serious Eats: New York

For Sale: Eating Pleasure. Price: $2

From the day it opened, I thought Beard Papa was the "Emporer's New Clothes" of fashionable desserts. The folks standing on line outside the store that first couple of weeks remind me of the people who attend the US Open to be seen and talk on their cellphones, and have virtually little interest in the tennis being played. Perhaps I can't shake the prejudicies formed after those early days, and I know you can't expect much for under $2 but Beard Papa may be on the cutting edge of baking technology and it totally soulless (and for my money, relatively tasteless). Give me my $2 worth of rugelah (if they'll sell you that small amount) accross the street from William Greenberg's any day, which is oozing flavor and TLC.

swillig at 8:29AM on 09/08/06

From Serious Eats: New York

Best Fried Chicken Joints in NYC

I aboslutely adore the fried chicken at Clinton St. Baking Co.

The crust fuses to the skin and has a slightly spicy twang.

It's served with a little ramekin of honey and some jalapeno cornbread and their wonderful, delicious slaw.

And if you go for dinner, there's almost never a wait!

Ann at 9:43AM on 08/20/06

From Serious Eats: New York

Best Fried Chicken Joints in NYC

I aboslutely adore the fried chicken at Clinton St. Baking Co.

The crust fuses to the skin and has a slightly spicy twang to it

It's served with a little ramekin of honey and some jalapeno cornbread and their wonderful delicious slaw

And if you go for dinner, there's almost never a wait!

Ann at 9:43AM on 08/20/06

From Serious Eats: New York

Best Fried Chicken Joints in NYC

Anyone ever try Korean fried chicken?

While in Seoul last December, I ducked into a small joint - one of seemingly hundreds - that specialize in two things: fried chicken and beer. From what I'm told, it's a Sunday afternoon tradition - just hunker down with a whole chicken, a pitcher, and some good friends.

I'm happy to report on two Korean Fried Chicken venues in NYC: Baden Baden, on 32nd Street, and Mani Mani, out on Northern Boulevard in Flushing, Queens. Both recommended. At Mani Mani, you can get two different kinds, glazed or regular. The glazed has a kind of smokiness to it that keeps the mouth watering for days on end. The regular is not bad, gets a little dry on you, but comes with a spicey, tangy sauce that makes up for it.

I wouldn't recommend ordering any of the myriad other items on Mani's menu. Plus, at 15 bucks a pitcher, the beer is overpriced. Baden Baden, overall, is the better restaurant, serving a very tastey looking grilled squid as well. Mani Mani, however, reminded my wife of her college years in Seoul. It is as much a cultural experience as anything else.

Perhaps, in years to come, Korean fried chicken will join the ranks of Dominican and Columbian in terms of opening up the fried chicken experience in NYC.

Polecat at 3:40PM on 08/18/06

From Serious Eats: New York

The Biggest Dining Bargain in NYC Right Now

Dear Ed: I , too, have enjoyed lunch at Jean Georges and it was excellent, but that's no reason to take a graceless potshot at Summer Restaurant Week. If you did your homework you'd know that all of Jean George Vongerichten's other restaurants--Perry Street, Spice Market, Jo Jo, 66, and Mercer Kitchen all participate in Restaurant Week. If you think they're all offering substandard menus, maybe you're not getting out enough.

Restaurant Week is great for the diners, and it's great for the restaurants. Are you providing a public service by telling people not to go? Don't be such an elitist.

Tracy at 11:06PM on 07/23/06

Recent Posts

Bettina hasn't written a post yet.

Recent Favorites

Bettina hasn't favorited a post yet.

Polls

Bettina hasn't answered any polls yet.

Quizzes

Bettina hasn't taken any quizzes yet.

About Bettina

Website:

Location:

About:

Favorite foods:

Last bite on earth: