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From Slice

Dear Slice: Boston May Have Had the First Pizza in the U.S.

Egadman, arecheta (which would sound a lot like aregata in a napoletano accent -- the hard c often ends up sounded a lot like a g would to us) is an old Neopolitan word for oregano. Makes sense -- since the other terms used, as the article points out are from the Neapolitan dialect/language (I'm not taking sides!).

Dying to read the boston article -- wish it weren't subscription only.

ElaineG at 6:08PM on 01/05/09

From Slice

Artichoke Basille's Artichoke Slice a 'New Classic'?

The past few times I've been by -- during the afternoon on the weekend -- there's been no line, which didn't surprise me, given the number of seriously more delicious things to eat in that part of town. As J. Fudge suggests, it's easier to like Artichoke for what it is without a line.

The regular slices are fine, not superlative, but nothing will ever induce me to eat the artichoke slice again -- gross!

ElaineG at 10:52AM on 12/11/08

From A Hamburger Today

Five Guys' Fries Make Me Weep with Happiness, Burger Is Not Bad

I agree with womandingo -- the hot dogs are the way to go at Five Guys. Quite tasty and the freeness of the toppings allows for experimentation.

The burger is a cut above a regular diner/bar burger and several cuts above, to my mind, a fast food burger but I would rather spend a few dollars more and get any of the burgers hondo3777 mentions. I blame the lack of much flavor on well-doneness, but it could be the meat, absence of any discernible seasoning, etc. It's just that, given the well done only policy, we'll never know.

So the burgers only serve to reinforce my perception that it is very strange and sad to eat well done meat (I'm always very taken aback when i'm eating with someone who orders beef well done -- it always seems anti-meat to me, in which case -- isn't it better to have something that isn't meat and delicious than to denature the meat to just being background?)

ElaineG at 4:03PM on 12/05/08

From Serious Eats: New York

Calvin Trillin's Walking Tour

Let's see what I can remember without my handy map card that they give you:

1) Sopressata (spicy and sweet) from Faicco's and provolone from Murray's both eaten in Murray's tasting room (both straightforward and yummy of course);

2) Greens sandwich as mentioned above -- a little bland in my opinion. Trillin said sometimes they are spicier. Also the non-descript bun is not a big winner in my book;

3) Potato pizza and zucchini pizza (at different times) from Grandaisy -- delicious as always. I actually prefer the zucchini but they are both great.

4) Tortilla Despana from from Despana. Awesome.

5) Mozzarella from DiPalo's -- I don't usually go there -- living in Brooklyn and having closer options, but the mozz was sublimely rich and a little salty, which I like;

6) Summer rolls (NOT banh mi) from Banh Mi Something don't remember the exact name. In little Italy, I'll look it up at home. Very fresh and flavorful. Someone on the walk said it was the basil that made them so good;

7) Roast pork banh mi from Banh Mi Saigon. The bread makes this sandwich. There was a choice between mild and spicy; I had spicy and liked it very much, although it was ridiculously filling.

8) A fried dumpling from that 5 for a dollar fried dumpling place in Chinatown (not the one that raised its prices to 5 for $1.25 but the other one). The best this dumpling has going for it is that it is very cheap. I would never seek it out otherwise. Name anyone? I can look it up at home.

9) A cold rolled rice noodle with dried shrimp from ?? Coffee Shop in Chinatown. It tasted very fishy too me, and the texture wasn't very nice. Again, i'd say the best thing about this is that it is a classic cheap eat, but I wouldn't hurry back.

10) Dim sum at 88 Palace. Everyone was stuffed, and I have a very hazy memory of this part. I didn't think it was anything as good as the outer borough dim sums I've had of late, but I haven't done a Manhattan dim sum in some time, and I was too full to fully appreciate -- the vegetable dumpling was good though.

I think that's all. I'll be back later with the missing names and any stops I've missed.

ElaineG at 5:54PM on 10/06/08

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Recent Comments | Response to Comments

From Slice

Dear Slice: Boston May Have Had the First Pizza in the U.S.

Egadman, arecheta (which would sound a lot like aregata in a napoletano accent -- the hard c often ends up sounded a lot like a g would to us) is an old Neopolitan word for oregano. Makes sense -- since the other terms used, as the article points out are from the Neapolitan dialect/language (I'm not taking sides!).

Dying to read the boston article -- wish it weren't subscription only.

ElaineG at 6:08PM on 01/05/09

From Slice

Artichoke Basille's Artichoke Slice a 'New Classic'?

The past few times I've been by -- during the afternoon on the weekend -- there's been no line, which didn't surprise me, given the number of seriously more delicious things to eat in that part of town. As J. Fudge suggests, it's easier to like Artichoke for what it is without a line.

The regular slices are fine, not superlative, but nothing will ever induce me to eat the artichoke slice again -- gross!

ElaineG at 10:52AM on 12/11/08

From A Hamburger Today

Five Guys' Fries Make Me Weep with Happiness, Burger Is Not Bad

I agree with womandingo -- the hot dogs are the way to go at Five Guys. Quite tasty and the freeness of the toppings allows for experimentation.

The burger is a cut above a regular diner/bar burger and several cuts above, to my mind, a fast food burger but I would rather spend a few dollars more and get any of the burgers hondo3777 mentions. I blame the lack of much flavor on well-doneness, but it could be the meat, absence of any discernible seasoning, etc. It's just that, given the well done only policy, we'll never know.

So the burgers only serve to reinforce my perception that it is very strange and sad to eat well done meat (I'm always very taken aback when i'm eating with someone who orders beef well done -- it always seems anti-meat to me, in which case -- isn't it better to have something that isn't meat and delicious than to denature the meat to just being background?)

ElaineG at 4:03PM on 12/05/08

From Serious Eats: New York

Calvin Trillin's Walking Tour

Let's see what I can remember without my handy map card that they give you:

1) Sopressata (spicy and sweet) from Faicco's and provolone from Murray's both eaten in Murray's tasting room (both straightforward and yummy of course);

2) Greens sandwich as mentioned above -- a little bland in my opinion. Trillin said sometimes they are spicier. Also the non-descript bun is not a big winner in my book;

3) Potato pizza and zucchini pizza (at different times) from Grandaisy -- delicious as always. I actually prefer the zucchini but they are both great.

4) Tortilla Despana from from Despana. Awesome.

5) Mozzarella from DiPalo's -- I don't usually go there -- living in Brooklyn and having closer options, but the mozz was sublimely rich and a little salty, which I like;

6) Summer rolls (NOT banh mi) from Banh Mi Something don't remember the exact name. In little Italy, I'll look it up at home. Very fresh and flavorful. Someone on the walk said it was the basil that made them so good;

7) Roast pork banh mi from Banh Mi Saigon. The bread makes this sandwich. There was a choice between mild and spicy; I had spicy and liked it very much, although it was ridiculously filling.

8) A fried dumpling from that 5 for a dollar fried dumpling place in Chinatown (not the one that raised its prices to 5 for $1.25 but the other one). The best this dumpling has going for it is that it is very cheap. I would never seek it out otherwise. Name anyone? I can look it up at home.

9) A cold rolled rice noodle with dried shrimp from ?? Coffee Shop in Chinatown. It tasted very fishy too me, and the texture wasn't very nice. Again, i'd say the best thing about this is that it is a classic cheap eat, but I wouldn't hurry back.

10) Dim sum at 88 Palace. Everyone was stuffed, and I have a very hazy memory of this part. I didn't think it was anything as good as the outer borough dim sums I've had of late, but I haven't done a Manhattan dim sum in some time, and I was too full to fully appreciate -- the vegetable dumpling was good though.

I think that's all. I'll be back later with the missing names and any stops I've missed.

ElaineG at 5:54PM on 10/06/08

From Serious Eats: New York

Calvin Trillin's Walking Tour

It was 88 Palace (I was there).

And at Despana we had the tortilla despana. It was fantastic, one of the highlights of the walk.

ElaineG at 5:05PM on 10/06/08

From Slice

Slice Walk: Park Slope

Wow, Adam. Thank you so much. I feel like you really took one for the team, eating a lot of meh pizza so the rest of us don't have to. I moved to Park Slope two years ago, and have never found a slice that I loved. I stopped trying pretty quickly after a few bad 7th avenue experiences, especially after I started eating pies from places like Anthony's, Amorina and when uncrowded, Franny's. But I'm stopping at Tomato and Basil on my way home -- sometimes what you really want is a NY slice, and not a locally grown whatever.

ElaineG at 7:18PM on 06/24/08

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

When I was at Ko, some food blogger and her boyfriend were sitting next to me (who I do not know), but I did find her angling and maneuvering to get her (non-flash) photos annoying. It's not a normal restaurant -- the set up is such that it's like having dinner with the people sitting next to you, and while there's space between the stools, you are very conscious of your neighbors' physical presence. And the damn thing made an electronic click sound with every photo -- think if someone in an intimate had a Blackberry pinging constantly. This is no less intrusive.

Although I don't understand the point of obsessively photographing food -- a picture only tells me that something is pretty, while insightful writing can tell me whether I want to eat something or not, or make me think about it in a new way -- under normal circumstances, I think to each their own.

But Ko, for better or worse, is different.

ElaineG at 7:05PM on 06/19/08

From Slice

Sam's, a Cobble Hill Fixture Long on Character

I have always wanted to love Sam's, for all the wonderful ambience that you describe. However, both times I went there I found the sauce distractingly sweet, with too much of it to make it overlookable.

These were both a few years ago, though, so perhaps things have changed.

ElaineG at 4:18PM on 06/16/08

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

I just got back from Corton. The website asks guests to refrain from using flash photography and cell phones. I accept that gladly. You quote Drew here as saying,

"No, we're not going to stop people from taking photos," Nieporent said. "We'd just like people to be considerate of the other people in the restaurant.""

So why, when I entered, was I told that no photography was permitted. I asked nicely and was told, "no". The host asked the chef and reiterated that it was not permissible. I explained that I would not use a flash. I explained that I would not use the photos online nor for any commercial purposes. Still, my request was refused. I feel lied to based on the website only saying that "flash photography" was not permitted and also the quote here from Drew. So Drew, why is this?

The food at Corton was good but, just like Momofuku Ko, I won't be back. I see no reason to reward restaurants who don't consider my desire for a permanent memory, valid. They can make any policies they like but I still get to chose where I dine. I also chose to deal with people who advertise honestly. Drew said that, "we're not going to stop people" but that is just what they did. That to me is deceptive.

In the interest of full disclosure, the host did comp a round of drinks for us because of this. Still, it, (please, please, pardon the pun, leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

jeffsstuff at 12:24AM on 10/31/09

From A Hamburger Today

Five Guys' Fries Make Me Weep with Happiness, Burger Is Not Bad

The fries are wayyyy overrated! They must not cook them twice, or rinse them or soak them or neither. The fries are too starchy (and barely crisp) an end result. The burgers are very good though; bun has good density.

jbzepol at 10:55AM on 09/16/09

From Slice

Slice Walk: Park Slope

Paulie, the Artichoke slice did look good, and the toppings were very much so.....but man, the crust on mine was nearly hard enough to be able to bury the edge of the slice into someone's noggin!

Even still, it was a good slice. With a more pliant crust it would have given Dom a run for the money. I'll be sure to check out New Park Pizza next time I'm up in NYC. Thanks for the tip. --PB

Pizzablogger at 7:59AM on 07/17/09

From Slice

Slice Walk: Park Slope

@pizzablogger From looks alone, I'd vote for the slice from Artichoke. I've had one too and I found it to be very similar to DiFara. And the wait was shorter. But the pizzaiolo didn't have the charm of Gepeto. If you would have conferred with me prior to your journey I would have sent you to my favorite slice joint, New Park Pizza in Howard Beach. Here's my favorite slice shot:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pauliegee/482091957/in/set-72157607581050058/

The Sicilian is just OK:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pauliegee/752072964/in/set-72157607581050058/

Ciao,

Paulie Gee

pauliegee at 7:25AM on 07/17/09

From Slice

Slice Walk: Park Slope

Adam, this was such a timely issue. Along with having already scoped out the Brooklyn pizza map, this article really sealed the deal for me going to Tomato & Basil when I was planning my day long journey.

As with every place I went to, I went to the counter and simply ordered a "slice". What I was given at T&B looks a little different than what you got, but it sure was a tasty slice. Thanks again!

http://www.pizzablogger.org/index.php/2009/07/15/road-trips/slicecapades-v1-0/

Pizzablogger at 10:25PM on 07/16/09

From A Hamburger Today

Five Guys' Fries Make Me Weep with Happiness, Burger Is Not Bad

try burger 'n que's 1/2 pound cheeseburger in orland park--it beats them all

golfer123 at 4:08PM on 07/10/09

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

I feel shy about taking pictures of food (I don't know why, but I feel like some sort of freak, the only person on the planet to do this, which is obviously nonsense), and only do so occasionally, but as long as other patrons are being strictly omitted from the images, and a flash isn't used, I don't think this is a problem. True, food is meant to be eaten, but sometimes it is also so impressive visually, I want to show a few friends, and I'll take a shot. I usually only move myself or the dish I'm shooting in order to ensure that other diners aren't in the shot. As long taking a picture or two is a brief, low-key incident, it seems fine.

It seems strange that any restaurant would ban even the taking of photos of the diners at one's own table, as this has been a longstanding tradition, and I can remember seeing this done even when I was a small child (in excellent restaurants), by people celebrating some special event; the waiter was often included in the shot. And let's not forget all those photos of dinners at all classes of restaurants that go back as far as the existence of the SLR camera, at least

On the other hand, use of the terms 'food porn' and 'foodie' should be punishable by law ;)

mongoose at 3:27AM on 06/25/09

From Slice

Slice Walk: Park Slope

I stumbled upon Tomato and Basil last weekend as I was coming out of the subway on my way to a birthday party. I was very hungry and went in to get a quick slice and a Coke, and it was soooo good I had to order a second slice. I don't get in to that neighborhood often, but when I do a stop at T&B will be the first order of business.

dmcavanagh at 11:40PM on 06/20/09

From Slice

Slice Walk: Park Slope

I stumbled upon Tomato and Basil last weekend as I was coming out of the subway on my way to a birthday party. I was very hungry and went in to get a quick slice and a Coke, and it was soooo good I had to order a second slice. I don't get in to that neighborhood often, but when I do a stop at T&B will be the first order of business.

dmcavanagh at 11:34PM on 06/20/09

From A Hamburger Today

Five Guys' Fries Make Me Weep with Happiness, Burger Is Not Bad

I rate the place exactly as you do. The cooked in peanut oil fries were fantastic, the burger was rather mundane. Free peanuts were a nice touch, but kinda kill the appetite.

dmcavanagh at 12:50AM on 01/31/09

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

Despite what Drew said, I was at Nobu 57 this weekend and when I tried to take pictures I was told emphatically that no photography was allowed inside the dining room.

I offered to shoot without a flash. I told them I only wanted to shoot the food and possibly my friends. In both cases I was told absolutely no.

After begging the manager, I was allowed to take some pictures of a couple of dishes as they left the kitchen.

It was explained to me that this was the company's policy.

I understand other people not wanting to be photographed. I also understand that flashes can be annoying. But since I was perfectly willing to use available light, I don't see why this was a factor.

jeffsstuff at 7:01PM on 01/26/09

From A Hamburger Today

Five Guys' Fries Make Me Weep with Happiness, Burger Is Not Bad

@toad3000:
I completely agree about never writing off an establishment on opening day...that's why, if you read the rest of what I wrote, I went back again about 2 weeks later and had the EXACT SAME EXPERIENCE. Some of the things that I had a problem with really should have no bearing on when I went...the quality of the ingredients like buns and cheese are not going to change and should have been INCREDIBLY fresh on opening day. They should never be more fresh than when I went the first time. Those were two of the biggest problems for me. Gummy buns and cheese that tasted worse than what they use at McDonalds is not going to win any points. And they were the exact same the second time, which tells me that there's no reason to expect that they'll be any different in the future.

But the other things like getting an order wrong, possibly seasoning the meat wrong and cooking it poorly...I can understand that being done on opening day. So I went back and tried again...and it was all the same. Almost exactly. Should I try again and expect it to be different? Possibly, but why when there were so many other things that I didn't like about the place. There are too many good burger places in town, why waste time going back again and again that I've already been to twice and have not enjoyed?

And my biggest complaint was the price. So, if I have now waited a couple of months and go back again, do you think the price will have dropped by 1/3 to be more in line with the quality? I'm fairly sure it won't.

But thanks for the "rocket science" comment. I think I really gave them a fair shot. I didn't just go on opening day and then bash them. I went twice, had two OK experiences, but nothing that I feel that I need to have again. After all of the hype I've read about the place, I was quite disappointed. And I was blown away by the price! Thanks for trying.

bwbollom at 11:32PM on 01/19/09

From A Hamburger Today

Five Guys' Fries Make Me Weep with Happiness, Burger Is Not Bad

@bwbollom:
You should never write off an eating establishment if you went there on opening day. Better yet, you should never GO to an eating establishment on opening day. That's just asking to be a "learning experience" for the new staff members.
@Rodrene:
You should travel less. Or at least, stop eating at airports. ;-) Go to an actual, established location outside of the airport to get the true experience.

This isn't rocket science, people.

toad3000 at 3:58PM on 01/09/09

From Serious Eats: New York

On Banning Photography from Restaurants

Does seem harsh to me, and for chrissakes, it promotes his restaurant. Guess Chang is just above it all. Goodie for him.

sugarstack at 9:42AM on 01/07/09

From Slice

Dear Slice: Boston May Have Had the First Pizza in the U.S.

"Boston has some kick-ass pizza..."

I'm a former NYer living in Boston, and I'd love to know where you're finding this kick-ass pizza - I've been looking for it for 11 years now with no success. Passable? Sure. Kick ass (or even good...)? No way...

Don't even mention Santarpio's. That's barely edible at best.

kenjigoodeater at 4:00PM on 01/06/09

From Slice

Dear Slice: Boston May Have Had the First Pizza in the U.S.

My paternal grandparents migrated from Palermo to the Ybor City section of Tampa at the turn of the century where they worked making cigars before making the move to NYC in 1905. I'm sure someone was makin' pies down there too:

http://www.ybor.org/index.cfm?section=vs&page=17

Today it'a a great place to dine and go club hopping. Especially since you can take your drink from one bar to another. At least I did. Be sure to check it out if you find yourself in the Tampa area. It's Bourbon Street with class:

http://www.ybor.org/index.cfm?section=vs&page=1

Ciao,

Paulie Gee

pauliegee at 8:49PM on 01/05/09

From Slice

Artichoke Basille's Artichoke Slice a 'New Classic'?

When they are on their game I think their Sicilian is delicious and the Margarita isn't too shabby either. I could see how some people wouldn't like the place though, especially if you are more inclined to go with a thinner slice and do not like the char that straddles (and can often cross) the line of being burnt.

Anthony A at 12:50PM on 01/01/09

From Slice

Artichoke Basille's Artichoke Slice a 'New Classic'?

Wow. Truth seems to be out.
I tried this place based on the amount of hype, and I found out it to be so overrated.
Way too much topping, way too hot. Totally impossible to eat.

grifforama at 6:25PM on 12/16/08

From A Hamburger Today

Five Guys' Fries Make Me Weep with Happiness, Burger Is Not Bad

I had my first 5 Guys burger at the DC airport a few week ago. It was mediocre. Neither the burger nor the fries compared to In-n-Out, not to mention the 10 other places in LA, SF, and Chicago that are better than In-n-Out. You all should travel more.

Rodrene at 2:20AM on 12/14/08

From A Hamburger Today

Five Guys' Fries Make Me Weep with Happiness, Burger Is Not Bad

Robyn,

Agreed very good fries, but it may very well be the most overrated burger in the country. When I still want to fix my burger "Jones" I will head over to the Shake Shack and get a couple of Shack Burgers.

Anthony A at 5:18AM on 12/13/08

From Slice

Artichoke Basille's Artichoke Slice a 'New Classic'?

yeah it has been, boomshanka. and the last time i had a sicilian the bottom was absolutely charred.

ps: awesome screenname. i'm a big young ones fan myself :]

santoslhalper at 6:03PM on 12/12/08

From A Hamburger Today

Five Guys' Fries Make Me Weep with Happiness, Burger Is Not Bad

@hungryone, you're absolutely delusional. Just in 5 Guys' own native DC/NoVA region, the burger at RAY'S HELL-BURGER is utterly sublime, cooked to order rather than burnt, (even if not always perfectly accurately), deliciously-seasoned, juicy and 10 whole ounces of ground-on-premises top quality prime beef for a price of $7.

And they have REAL cheese, not that flavorless processed american cheese crap. You need to get out more.

Loweeel at 4:41PM on 12/12/08

From A Hamburger Today

Five Guys' Fries Make Me Weep with Happiness, Burger Is Not Bad

I never understood the Five Guys burger madness--there are many other fast food burgers I prefer. You're right about the fries, though--awesome.

bettyjoan at 3:48PM on 12/12/08

From Slice

Artichoke Basille's Artichoke Slice a 'New Classic'?

I dig their regular, but has anyone else noticed that the size of a slice keeps shrinking?

boomshanka at 12:47PM on 12/11/08

From Slice

Artichoke Basille's Artichoke Slice a 'New Classic'?

i like the taste of the artichoke slice but the problem is that it gets old before you finish the slice. by the end, it becomes too much

foodinmouth at 12:18PM on 12/11/08

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About ElaineG

Website: http://chowwoman.blogspot.com/

Location: Brooklyn

About: Former Chowhounder known as Elaine Snutteplutten. Kind of without a food web home at the moment. Live in Park Slope, former resident of Carroll Gardens, Sicily, Manhattan, eat everywhere.

Favorite foods: Pizzapastapizzapastapizzapasta

Last bite on earth: In my friend Gianni's kitchen in Cefalu, Sicily, spaghetti coated in creamy pungent ricci di mare...