Serious Eats: Soup_Dumpling's Profile

to quit complaining about it being to difficult to make healthy and tasteful meals and realize that you can make a satisfying delicious meal in less than a half hour

Soup_Dumpling at 4:28PM on 03/10/09

From Talk

Best Reuben Sandwich in NY?

I've never had it there (I go for the straight Pastrami or Corned Beef) but I would imagine Katz's would have a pretty amazing reuben.

Soup_Dumpling at 4:40PM on 01/08/09

From Talk

Where to find good Xiao Long Bao!? (Chinese Soup Dumplings)

I used to like the one's at Joe's Shanghai and Joe's Ginger on Pell (the other locations in manhattan aren't so good) but I feel like they're not as good as they used to be. Shanghai Cafe on Bayard is really good for soup dumplings, but I don't think I've had anything else there. Joe's Shanghai in Flushing still remains as my favorite.

Soup_Dumpling at 1:11PM on 12/17/08

From Talk

Bowery Area Eats

Congee Village!

Soup_Dumpling at 11:51AM on 10/22/08

From Talk

Wine Tasting Course in NYC

Otto does a quick one (i think its 2 hours, and about $45). Its not a great "course" (there's not too much discussion of the wine) but you get to try about 8 wines with a few snacks. its a great thing to try on a sunday afternoon with nothing to do.

Soup_Dumpling at 12:38PM on 10/21/08

From Talk

Fun Places to take Out-of-Towners in NYC

Chinese is the way to go for inexpensive and exotic. I would recommend Jin Fong's for dim sum (not so much because of the quality, but because it is a unique experience) or get the Hot Pot at Grand Sichuan on Canal.

other than that, Fish on Bleeker is a good spot for oysters (6 and a beer for $8) and Otto is a good spot for lunch (and affordable for a mario batali place). Becco is also good, as they have a 3 pastas (unending) for $22.

Soup_Dumpling at 2:53PM on 10/14/08

From Slice

Dear Slice: Where Can I Get Good Early-Morning Pizza?

Great Burrito on 23rd and 6th is open 24-hours. I've never had the pizza there (it looks okay - probably an average slice) but their tortas/burritos/tacos/etc are fantastic.

Soup_Dumpling at 12:37PM on 10/02/08

From Talk

The Paupered Chef needs and Editor.

I think the Paupered Chef is great and I have a pretty easy time following the recipes. I think you need to cut the guys some slack - its a blog, not a cookbook you paid $20 for. I think of it more as a documentation of their cooking experiences, than as a straight up guide.

If they write "Cook, breaking up the chunks with a wooden spoon, until browned." then do just that. it might take 20 minutes on one stove in one pan, and might take 15 on another stove in another pan.

also, these guys are not professional chefs - they just love cooking, which is why i like their site so much. its more like a conversation (well, a one sided conversation) than an instruction manual.

keep up the good work guys

Soup_Dumpling at 1:20PM on 09/25/08

From A Hamburger Today

New York Post Slams City's Beloved Burgers; New York Times Disses Cheeseburger Spring Rolls

Shake Shack is definitely overrated. the burgers are good, but expensive for the meager 4oz patty or whatever it is. they won't serve them medium rare. it takes forever even when there is no line (still don't understand that). and overall the burger is just bland. the best thing about it is the bun. its worth a 10 minute walk from madison square park to go to resto for a real burger.

for the amount on money and the amount of time it takes, there are thousands of better places in the city to eat.

and what is with the 7-11 style cheese on the fries?

Soup_Dumpling at 2:56PM on 09/24/08

From Talk

Where can I buy mustard seed in NYC below 14th street?

Aphrodisia on Bleeker between 6th and 7th aves would most likely have it (and any other spice you need)

Soup_Dumpling at 9:55AM on 09/12/08

From Talk

Squid Ink in New York City?

You can get it at the italian place in chelsea market on 15th and 9th. i think they sell small bottles for aorund $6

Soup_Dumpling at 12:39PM on 09/11/08

From Talk

Where to take my girlfriend in Chinatown?

Dim Sum Go-Go is pretty clean and their dim sum is serverd to order, so it doesn't seem like your food is sitting out for too long (plus they serve it all day).

Joe's Ginger is clean and has a really nice staff and their soup dumplings are amazing.

if you can forget about your surroundings, great ny noodletown has fantastic bbq and soups.

Soup_Dumpling at 8:19AM on 08/19/08

From Talk

Chain Restaurant Burgers

Houston's is by far the best chain restaurant burger around. The beef is excellent quality, and its always cooked perfectly

Soup_Dumpling at 12:21PM on 07/03/08

From Talk

Hardee's in Manhattan?

Shake Shack is overrated and the line is too long. The burger is good, but not worth a 2+ hour wait. There are much better places in the city to enjoy a burger, like Resto.

Soup_Dumpling at 12:00PM on 07/03/08

From Talk

Tea!

I mostly drink Green and White teas - Ten Ren Tea Company has a really good selection of all different teas and are high quality and good value.
http://www.tenren.com/
they have a few stores in the US, but they also do mail order.

Soup_Dumpling at 3:15PM on 06/26/08

From Talk

Looking For Botanicals For Cocktail Bitters In NYC

Aphrodisia on Bleeker might have some of the stuff you're looking for

Soup_Dumpling at 1:02PM on 06/12/08

From Talk

Maiden Voyage to NYC

Gui Zhou Chicken and Dan Dan Noodles from any of the Grand Sichuans - they're probably my favorite dishes in nyc. (8th st btwn 2nd and 3rd, 9th ave @ 24th street are my 2 favorite locations).

Pork Buns at Momofuku (1st and 10th i think)

Peter Lugers is pretty amazing for steak.

Soup Dumplings at Joe's Ginger or Joe's Shanghai are the best I've had.

Yaki Tori on 8th Street/St Marks is always fun and delicious (there's a few between 2nd and 3rd ave)

I've always been a fan of Fish on Bleeker St in the West Village. 1/2 dozen oysters and a beer for $8 cannot be beat.

Soup_Dumpling at 1:15PM on 06/02/08

From Talk

Good quality extra virgin olive oil

Frantoia is a good olive oil - its about $22 a liter and, at least in new york city, can be found in almost any italian food store. its probably my favorite in a reasonable price range.

Soup_Dumpling at 11:25AM on 05/28/08

From Talk

Woodbury Commons

I've searched but I think the only real options up there is an Applebees and a Fridays, both of which are pretty awful. I did once find a sushi place that was decent in Monroe (I think), but I can't remember the name of it (but it does exist). It was about a 15 minute drive from Woodbury Commons.

Soup_Dumpling at 8:29AM on 05/28/08

From Talk

Fried Clams/Oysters in NYC

Fish, on Bleeker in the west village

http://www.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaid=2&restaurantid=4475&neighborhoodid=0&cuisineid=0

best raw bar deal in the city - 1/2 dozen oysters or clams and a beer/wine for $8.

they also have fried clams and oysters. its top quality, good prices and a cool place.

Soup_Dumpling at 3:24PM on 05/27/08

From Talk

Cheap Kitchen Supplies?

chinatown/bowery is the place to go. they have everything you could possibly need, all for very cheap and typically good quality. just walk from houston all the way down bowery and you'll pass a ton of places. then when you're finished, have a great meal in chinatown.

Soup_Dumpling at 10:37AM on 05/27/08

From Talk

Woodbury Commons

Sorry for the late comment. There is a great Japanese restaurant halfway between NYC and Woodbury Commons that is open for lunch and dinner. It is called Akira and is less than five minutes of I-87. http://www.akirasushi.com/

travel4food at 11:30AM on 08/05/09

From Talk

How do you build the perfect breakfast sandwich?

For my supreme sandwich I use 1 whole plain bagel, 1 egg, and 6 pieces of salami. First toast the bagel about medium. Then fry your egg, (not scrambled.) Once done take your 6 pieces of salami and cook them for about 5 minutes till some brown appears. Then in order put bagel, 3 pieces of salami, egg, 3 pieces of salami, then bagel. It is delicious and you should try it!

Ilikefooditstasty at 2:21PM on 06/26/09

From Serious Eats

Ketchup Chips: The Search for Delicious

I'm surprised no canadians brought up the OLD DUTCH KETCHUP VARIETY...

to die for.
deadly awesome chippies!

hungrychristel at 2:50PM on 06/11/09

From Talk

Where to eat in SF?

@foodphilo-- you are right on regarding the Stinking Rose! I first went there in '96 and my husband and we had a tremendous meal. However over the years when we were in town we discovered it was in steady decline.

I was in SF with a friend 3 years ago and she'd somehow heard about it-- probably from somebody who was there in the good old days. So against my better judgment, we went. Terrible food. What is more unforgiveable was the most unfriendly, snooty service ever. Ever. Be sure to hiss for me when you walk by.

carhoff at 2:47PM on 05/13/09

From Talk

NYC soup

European style soup is not a huge thing in NYC, surprisingly, although ramen is.

Hale & Hearty is decent. Soup Man is good but overpriced. Ashby's is very good but also takeout only.

A friend of mine swears by Karen's on Astor. If you are into Eastern European soups, go to Veselka for borscht, etc. If you are into stranger, made-up soups, go to Shopsin's!

kathryn at 11:32AM on 05/13/09

From Talk

Where to eat in SF?

The Peruvian restaurant La Mar at Embarcadero is also fabulous for ceviche, I think there are 5 or 6 kinds - but you can order the ceviche sampler. They were all good!

abqfoodie at 11:47PM on 05/12/09

From Talk

Where to eat in SF?

I loved Fresca for great Peruvian food. The lobster ceviche was the best ceviche I have ever tried. The lomo saltado is also incredible.

I liked Rose Pistola a lot too.

EatWisconsin at 6:47PM on 05/12/09

From Talk

Where to eat in SF?

So now that my week here is coming to an end, thought I'd share what I actually ate!

R&G lounge- great peking duck, ginger scallion crab, stir fried pea shoots - my favorite

Zuni Cafe - Fantastic food - I had the pork chop, my friends had the flat iron steak and cod.

Tartine Bakery - I had the gougere, croissant and hot chocolate for breakfast. All delicious.

Taylor's Refresher (the one in napa) - Ahi burger, garlic fries and a strawberry shake. Best garlic fries I've had so far.

Yank sing for dim sum - food was excellent, though over-priced. You'll find comparable dim sum in most other cities at half the price (i.e. Boston, Chicago, New york).

Cafe at Chez Panisse - I've never tasted vegetables that were so tasty in my entire life. Food was incredible, same for the desserts.

Drinks at the bar at Aqua - really nice space, tasty cocktails.

Blue bottle coffee - espresso so good it almost made me weep.

Ferry building - farmers market on Sat was amazing. St. benoit yogurt was particularly good. Also liked Acme bread, cabot clothbound cheddar at the cheese store, boccalone had a nice fennel and brown sugar salami. Oh I also had pretty incredible scharffen berger gelato at the gelato place.

Pho at Pho Huynh Hiep III a.k.a. Kevin's Noodle House - soooo good. That's all I can remember for now, thanks again to everyone for all the comments!

misterhee at 3:49AM on 05/12/09

From Talk

Where to eat in SF?

I have to disagree with the person above who suggested Stinking Rose-- I took some friends who were visiting there, and everyone unanimously agreed it was the worse restaurant experience EVER. bad food with expensive prices, and the service was HORRIBLE. i can't even walk past that place without hissing. so i would suggest not going there.

foodphilo at 2:31PM on 05/10/09

From Talk

Where to eat in SF?

Oh yes, also try Aziza in the Richmond for awesome Moroccan food.

unavaca at 1:09PM on 05/10/09

From Talk

Where to eat in SF?

+1 for Zazzie. Go there for weekend brunch and prepare for a wait. Definitely try the mimosas.

+1 for Nick's Crispy Tacos. The best deal is Tuesday's -- $2 for all tacos and chips+guac. The 95 cent "Nick's Way" addon is essential.

Check out AA Bakery in Chinatown for Tsa Shao Bao (BBQ Pork Buns) and Dan Ta (Egg Custard Tart).

Shalimar on Polk has great Pakistani food.

If you've never had real mochi, check out Benkyodo in Japantown for freshly made mochi and manju. Closed on Sundays.

unavaca at 1:07PM on 05/10/09

From Talk

Where to eat in SF?

la taqueria is on 25th and mission, and please oh please go there and have a quesadilla and a cantaloupe licuada for me. then go to dianda next door and have one of their swoony pastries.

cybercita at 12:37PM on 05/10/09

From Talk

Where to eat in SF?

Definitely go to:

For overall quality of food, try:
Bi-Rite Creamery, best ice cream ever: http://biritecreamery.com/
Tartine Bakery, cafe and bakery deliciousness: http://www.tartinebakery.com/
Spork, hipster location, seriously awesome food: http://sporksf.com/

For a cheaper but fresh and delicious, more casual meal, try one of the four locations of Chow Restaurant: http://www.chowfoodbar.com/

Also cheap but innovative and delicious is Kasa Indian Eatery in the Castro: http://www.kasaindian.com/

In the Haight, I love Magnolia Pub and Brewery: http://www.magnoliapub.com/

For really fun ambiance and delicious food, go to Foreign Cinema:http://www.foreigncinema.com/

For a great burger, shake and fries (and I mean delish) go to Taylor's Automatic Refresher while you're at the Farmer's Market in Ferry Plaza (a must see): http://taylorsautomaticrefresher.com/

I loved living there, have fun!

LizLemon at 2:13PM on 05/09/09

From Talk

Where to eat in SF?

I concur on the Mama's recommendation. Their fresh OJ and french toast at brunch are to die for!

spartana07 at 6:41PM on 05/08/09

From Talk

Where to eat in SF?

Welcome to SF! Definitely don't miss my favorite burrito place: Papalote. A-freakin-mazing http://www.papalote-sf.com/

tienh5 at 5:34PM on 05/08/09

From Talk

Where to eat in SF?

My wife and I went to SF for our honeymoon (May, 2004) and met a guy on the plane who lived there. He gave us a list of places to go that aren't on the main tourist map, but are local staples.

Mama's on Washington Square has the absolute best breakfast I have ever had in my life. This is the only place we went to more than once (read, three times in a week!)

Yuet Lee Chinese Restaurant, 1300 Stockton St. This looked a little run down, but was known to have five-star chefs visit for their authentic Chinese food. While looking this information up for you, I ran across some fairly recent reviews that weren't so hot, and a new restaurant may have moved into that location, so YMMV.

Shanghai 1930 Restaurant is a mix between upper-class Chinese food and a 1930's jazz joint. It was slightly touristy, but very delicious. (I had the Firecracker Chicken, which was explosive in heat, but delicious. Their signature dish is called “Buddha Jumps Over the Wall” which is $88/person, minimum 2 people, minimum 72 hours notice. There's a link to their menu on the website. I just want to see what it looks like!)

Unfortunately, that's all I remember from the list, but I insist you try to get to Mama's at least once. It will definitely be worth the effort. Have a great trip!

srisinger at 5:21PM on 05/08/09

From Talk

Where to eat in SF?

Auberge du Soleil

gammypie at 3:14PM on 05/08/09

From Talk

Where to eat in SF?

If you love garlic, you HAVE to try The Stinking Rose. The gniochetti was to DIE FOR!!

http://www.thestinkingrose.com/index.htm

phishfood21 at 2:25PM on 05/08/09

From Talk

Where to eat in SF?

@Marls is totally right, Yank Sing is not to be missed for dim sum. The soup dumplings are outstanding specimens of the genre and the miso cod is spendy but worth it. Not only is the food delicious, but the atmosphere in the Rincon Center location is many notches above that of your typical dim sum parlor.

I think the best dining in SF right now is at Coi. The ambience is serene, the service is knowledgeable but unobtrusive, and the food is impeccable. Two Michelin stars, but well-priced relative to the quality of the food.

If you want casual (and aren't going to make it out to the Napa Valley for a day, which you really should do if you are going to be in town for a week), I recommend Taylor's Automatic Refresher at the Ferry Market. One ahi burger, garlic fries and a black and white milkshake, please! I also can recommend the mini-corn dogs, the burger, and the spicy tomato soup. The beverage list has good QPR or BYO wine from any Ferry Market merchant for a reasonable $5 corkage (in St. Helena we bring our own glasses and avoid the charge).

Websites are here:

http://www.yanksing.com/
http://www.coirestaurant.com/
http://taylorsautomaticrefresher.com/

Mizbee at 5:02PM on 05/07/09

From Talk

Western Beef Supermarkets

Thanx, that's exactly the type of comments I was hoping for.

allakarasik at 5:12PM on 05/06/09

From Talk

Western Beef Supermarkets

Agree with Soup. I've been to the one I think off of Eastern Parkway in brooklyn - the non-meat groceries are kind of lack-luster, but there's any and every cut of meat you could ever want in a giant meat freezer. Personally, I think if you're looking for something like that, you're better off going to Fairway in Harlem. The prices might be marginally more (if at all), but the quality is a little better.

savecara at 4:01PM on 05/06/09

From Serious Eats