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Manchester, Connecticut: A Flawed But Classic Baby Boom Burger from Shady Glen
My parents used to live in Manchester, and whenever I went to visit we had to go to Shady Glen. Yes, it's not the best burger - but with the fried cheese, the really tasty crinkle cut fries, the hand dipped ice cream, and the retro-decor and servers - it's a must stop destination. The total is greater than the sum of it's parts.
Now I am having a nostalgia attack. Thanks AHT. =)
The Secret Ingredient (Harissa): Harissa-Honey Glazed Roasted Salmon
Someone was watching the "Next Food Network Star" methinks. =)
Gyro Pizza at Italian Express: Love the Concept, Less Excited About the Reality
@ Daniel Zemans
The Doner meat at the places I went to in England/Europe did taste somewhat different than American Gyro meat, a *little* spicier. But that could easily just be a difference in the recipe the meat supplier uses. The meat did tend to be crisped up a bit more than an American gyro, which lent a different texture to the sandwich.
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Manchester, Connecticut: A Flawed But Classic Baby Boom Burger from Shady Glen
Posted by Nick Solares, September 22, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Snapshots From Italy: Hammer Your Spears
Posted by Gina DePalma, April 7, 2008 at 8:00 AM
Dinner Tonight: Köfte Meatballs with Haydari
Posted by Blake Royer, April 28, 2009 at 5:15 PM
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Hot Dog of the Week: Philly Dirty Water Dog
The "HK" on the illustration is a nice touch. Go Phillies!
Manchester, Connecticut: A Flawed But Classic Baby Boom Burger from Shady Glen
My parents used to live in Manchester, and whenever I went to visit we had to go to Shady Glen. Yes, it's not the best burger - but with the fried cheese, the really tasty crinkle cut fries, the hand dipped ice cream, and the retro-decor and servers - it's a must stop destination. The total is greater than the sum of it's parts.
Now I am having a nostalgia attack. Thanks AHT. =)
The Secret Ingredient (Harissa): Harissa-Honey Glazed Roasted Salmon
Someone was watching the "Next Food Network Star" methinks. =)
Gyro Pizza at Italian Express: Love the Concept, Less Excited About the Reality
@ Daniel Zemans
The Doner meat at the places I went to in England/Europe did taste somewhat different than American Gyro meat, a *little* spicier. But that could easily just be a difference in the recipe the meat supplier uses. The meat did tend to be crisped up a bit more than an American gyro, which lent a different texture to the sandwich.
Gyro Pizza at Italian Express: Love the Concept, Less Excited About the Reality
Nice article! I really miss the doner kebab from having lived in England for a bit. Which brings me to one my my pet peeves, a doner kebab is not just a "turkish gyro"! There are many similarities, to be sure, but they are not the same. The doner meat is prepared a little differently, usually a bit more well done and crispy in my experience. The meat is placed "in" the pita rather than "on" the pita, and the vegetable topping are different, with hot sauce rather than tzatziki. All of these little differences add up a completly different sandwich! Delicious!
I apologize if this post comes across as pretentious, but they really are two different sandwiches, and personally, when I am craving one, the other will just not do.
Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It ...
I think that all these "make this from scratch" posts lately are interesting as a social experiment, but nothing more really. Humankind figured out a long time ago that having citizens specialize in certain crafts (baker, cobbler, rancher, etc...) makes us all a lot more productive.
But hey - if someone has the free time to do this and they enjoy it, then more power to them. =)
Cooking from the Glossies: Creamed Broccoli with Parmesan
Dumb question. Why not just make creamed spinach...?
Pizza Delivery Hack: How to Get Drivers to Ring the Right Buzzer
@ Kuban: Please tell me your landlord's name is Lipshitz. =P
Unintentional humor at its finest. And yes, sometimes I *am* still in 3rd grade.
Serious Cocktails: A Lousy Tipper Walks Into a Bar ...
Dollar a drink unless the bartender goes out of their way to make a cocktail or does something else special, then it'll be more than that.
If I open a tab and we're drinking top shelf beer or liquor, it's a 10% tip. If I am drinking cheap beer that night it'll be 20%. My logic is that it would be outrageous to tip 20% for opening a $10 bottle of beer, and too cheap to tip 10% for a PBR (both require the same amount of work from the bartender). However I tip, I must be doing ok, because I almost always get excellent service on return visits.
No Beets Will Grow in the White House's Organic Vegetable Garden?
Picky picky picky. Let's be happy there is a garden at the White House rather than worry about how they excluded one of the thousands of types of vegetables that could be grown there. Lots of people don't like beets, no big deal.
I wager they aren't growing parsnips there either...
Cheeseburger from Monk's Cafe in Philadelphia
Good review! Per my previous post, I am of the opinion that Monk's has the best burger that I have had in Philadelphia. Granted, I am a suburbanite and only get down to the city every few weeks, so my sample size is somewhat limited.
That being said, I would agree that the bun is the worst part of a good burger, but I guess I am in the minority here who happens to like a chewy, substantial bun, as long as a proper burger-to-bun ratio is maintained. I will admit that there is a little too much bun here.
I should expand my burger forays into the city to include more of the places that other serious eaters have mentioned, but sometimes when you go into the city and pay $20 for parking, you really just want a great Belgian beer or two, a bucket of mussels, some frites and a tasty burger. Bun be dammed!
Burger at Royal Tavern in Philadelphia
@ robobby:
That's the great thing about America, we all can like different stuff! Sorry to hear that Monk's disappointed you. Looking forward to your review.
Just a heads up - don't expect stellar service at Copa - I've been there a few times and it's always very slow. My burger last Friday was worth the wait though - cooked to my specification and very juicy without overwhelming the bun with drippings.
Good luck, enjoy Philadelphia!
Burger at Royal Tavern in Philadelphia
Monk's Cafe at 16th and Spruce gets my vote for best burger in the city. Best place to get a beer in the city too. Go for lunch - it's generally packed wall to wall for dinner.
I had a burger at the copabanana on 4th and South last Friday that was very good as well, but I would not say that it was the best in the city...
Get Tony Luke's Sandwiches at Home—Sort Of
@ growler: The philly inquirer story indicates that the roast pork sammich will be sold frozen. No word on the broccoli rabe...
The Worst Table in the House: Have You Ever Gotten It?
Went to a "upscale casual" restaurant a few weeks ago. Walked in, plenty of free tables. Hostess makes a beeline for the table right in front of the ladies room and kitchen entrance. Then she had a difficult time understanding why we asked (nicely) to move...
Snapshots from the UK: Ribena, and the Guinness and Black
Oh man. When I lived in Yorkshire, I drank a lot of Ribena squash, and A LOT of Guinness. Amazingly, I never mixed the two...
Dinner Tonight: Leek and Potato Soup
Hrm, I linked to my photograph, but it didn't work - maybe no posting of pictures? I will try once more...not that anyone is that interested anyway.
Dinner Tonight: Leek and Potato Soup
Amateur photograph not withstanding, here is my attempt from last night. I added 3 cups of diced turkey kielbasa at the end for some protein. The amount of kielbasa looks disproportionate, but only because it floats!
Can't say I was amazed - it tastes exactly like what it is. Potatoes, leeks and kielbasa. However, the foundation is there for something really good. I like the suggestion of roasting the potatoes before hand to give some body. And the Parmesan cheese is also an excellent suggestion. Also - next time I might make this with stock, instead of water.
All in all, with a few tweaks, this is something that will be added to the rotation, thanks serious eats!
Dinner Tonight: Leek and Potato Soup
Looks great, and I love leeks. Dinner tonight!
Five Guys' Fries Make Me Weep with Happiness, Burger Is Not Bad
I have to say that my Five Guys experiences have been a bit different. The burgers are always good, but not great. And the fries are very hit and miss depending on the location, in my experience.
Started going to Five Guys at the Wayne, PA location and the fries there are consistently terrible due to overcooking (I have not been in a year so maybe they have improved). The State College, PA location has consistently fantastic fries, and I would deem the fries at the other two locations I have been to (once each) - as pretty good.
One of the advantages of eating at a chain is that you always get the same thing. Except for the fries at five guys...
Burger King's 'Whopper Virgins' Documentary Takes Whoppers to Remote Places
@ greenfield
Here here. Agreed. I'm not saying we should go around offending other people on purpose, but why does political correctness need to be taken to such an extreme?
Dear Slice: Check Out My Research Paper on NE Pennsylvania Pizza!
@ Prairie
I stand (somewhat) corrected. =P
I still maintain that regardless of the veracity of the Pizza at Jigsy's - if one is to review Old Forge pizza, it really should be done in Old Forge.
Nothing personal against Jigsy's, I apologize if it came across that way. It's just a geography issue. However - next time I travel thru Harrisburg (which is somewhat often) your testimony has encouraged a visit! Thanks.
Dear Slice: Check Out My Research Paper on NE Pennsylvania Pizza!
Excellent paper. I was pleased to see that you started off with a tale of Revello's. My parents have been going there for the past 35 years or so and I make a point to get their pie every time I am close by, which is not nearly often enough nowadays. The crust is light and airy and crunchy with a unique sauce and the most unique and delicious cheese to ever be placed on a pizza, IMO.
On an unrelated note, I will admit that I was very disappointed at Slice's initial review of "Old Forge Style" pizza.
http://slice.seriouseats.com/archives/2008/04/jigsys-old-forgestyle-pizza.html
You guys went to Harrisburg to get Old Forge pie? That is akin to going to Pittsburgh for a Cheesesteak, or going to Syracuse for Buffalo Wing. If you are going to review Old Forge Style pizza - you must go to Old Forge.
It's ok though - I still read the site pretty much every day. Thanks for the good work!
Hot Dog of the Week: Philly Dirty Water Dog
Apologies Philadelphia! I was confusing you with Chicago.
Hot Dog of the Week: Philly Dirty Water Dog
@hotdog_guy
nice blog! check it out people. It's brand new and is covering some areas that are in desperate need of hot dog research- the south and midwest
http://dogsontheroad.blogspot.com
@cxg231
thanks! "HK" are actually my initials (as well as Harry Kalas)..
might have to do another Philly dog next week.
Manchester, Connecticut: A Flawed But Classic Baby Boom Burger from Shady Glen
I live in the area and eat at the Shady Glen in the Manchester Parkade a few times a month. I prefer the bigger size hamburger without the cheese, and add pickle, ketchup and a dab of mustard. The bigger size burger has a good, meaty flavor. Fries are great as is the cole slaw. I love the waitresses - all of them seem to have worked there for years and years. Sometimes I go out to the Shady Glen near the Bolton line and have breakfast. Their eggs and pancakes are first rate and the sausage is really good
Manchester, Connecticut: A Flawed But Classic Baby Boom Burger from Shady Glen
Uhh you can (and should) get a Five Guys burger for the price of one from Shady Glen.
Manchester, Connecticut: A Flawed But Classic Baby Boom Burger from Shady Glen
It's all about the cheese !
The burger is juicy enough without being greasy.
The cheese that is draped over the burger onto the grill almost tastes, well, sort of bacony.
With the cole slaw and fries and the little carousel of condiments, you really can't beat a Shady Glen Bernice burger for the price.
Of course, you NY'ers or LA foodies that enjoy paying a small fortune for a burger - enjoy.
I bet I can have my Bernice burger, coleslaw and fries for less than your martini and enjoy just as much ... maybe more.
Manchester, Connecticut: A Flawed But Classic Baby Boom Burger from Shady Glen
And you didn't even mention the ice cream! My fiancee and I went here the night we were engaged.
Manchester, Connecticut: A Flawed But Classic Baby Boom Burger from Shady Glen
i love this place...
it may be all about the cheese there...but wow...
you can order a plate of cheese (just four slices of cheese griddled to perfection) which i once did, and then placed it on my cheeseburger...
that's right 8 slices of griddled cheese on a burger...it was awesome...
just thinking about it makes me want one...
...great place
Manchester, Connecticut: A Flawed But Classic Baby Boom Burger from Shady Glen
Oh geez. I just went back and read that Chowhound thread from last year. Someone who disagreed with me actually said the following:
"Ratbuddy - I hate to tell you this but the quality of the meat in Shady Glen's burgers are the same as that in an upscale restaurant. My inlaw's know the supplier and they are the same meat that is used by the more expensive places, it is just a thinner patty that is more dense. It is a lot better than say Friendly's and certainly better than a fast-food burger."
Any 'upscale restaurant' serving the kind of meat Shady Glen serves would be laughed out of business.
Manchester, Connecticut: A Flawed But Classic Baby Boom Burger from Shady Glen
I live very close to Manchester, and although this place doesn't serve the best burgers, they do serve some of the best burgers in the area. The "quiet corner" of Connecticut, as it is sometimes called, is not known for its restaurants. And now, I am craving one of those burgers and a malt!
Manchester, Connecticut: A Flawed But Classic Baby Boom Burger from Shady Glen
Was there last month. Agree that the beef was terrible. Too bad, as this could have been one hell of a burger. Great blueberry ice cream, though!
Manchester, Connecticut: A Flawed But Classic Baby Boom Burger from Shady Glen
Nick, I agree completely. See here for my thoughts, http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/527983
Wish I'd known you were coming to town, I could have taken you to a place (or 5) that serves an actual GOOD burger.
Manchester, Connecticut: A Flawed But Classic Baby Boom Burger from Shady Glen
Lived in Manchester 12 years ago when I was first married. Never had the burger, but the tuna salad sandwich was fabulous.
The Secret Ingredient (Harissa): Harissa-Honey Glazed Roasted Salmon
This sounds outstanding. I love harissa - my aunt introduced me to this awesome spicy spread about a year ago. What a great idea for a Rosh Hashanah main course!
The Secret Ingredient (Harissa): Harissa-Honey Glazed Roasted Salmon
@Gipsygrrl: Amazon sells it! Try this.
The Secret Ingredient (Harissa): Harissa-Honey Glazed Roasted Salmon
Any thoughts on where those of us not living in an urban center can find harissa? I was looking for it this winter for a tagine and was told that World Market stores once carried it - but no longer. Thanks!
The Secret Ingredient (Harissa): Harissa-Honey Glazed Roasted Salmon
@Nikki: Absolutely. I would let the chicken roast, similarly to the salmon, naked for a bit, and then add the glaze later. I think it will work great. Let me know how it turns out!
@avisualperson: Exactly! Chutney and jam sounds great with harissa.
@cxg231: I have actually never seen that show! Can you believe it? Did they make something similar?
The Secret Ingredient (Harissa): Harissa-Honey Glazed Roasted Salmon
Harissa is actually pretty easy to make at home, especially if you have a good source of dried chiles (living in a place with a large Mexican population will day... like, um, say all of California?).
Coming from a Moroccan/Sephardic Family I try to keep some on hand at all times...
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.
Gyro Pizza at Italian Express: Love the Concept, Less Excited About the Reality
@cxg231 Yeah. I think the 'crispy' texture comes from frying/sauteeing the meat a little after scraping it off the rotating spit.
If you get your doner kebab in the wee hours (yes the post-drinking 2am munchies) you might just get some of the meat which was cut earlier, fried up and kept warm - not so great.
FP
Gyro Pizza at Italian Express: Love the Concept, Less Excited About the Reality
I've had some gyros in the US and plenty of doners in the UK (where I live) - the meat isn't all that different. The gyros I've had were generally a little more 'processed' (softer consistency, less chew).
It's supposed to be a leg of lamb thinly sliced and then some lamb-fat/onion/??? substance sandwiched between the slices before being stuck (vertically) on a rotating spit to cook slowly. ....but what's really in the average doner is anyone's guess!
Re: sauce and veggies - that varies from place to place not necessarily based on 'ethnic style'. You can often get yoghurt sauce at a turkish place...I do, regularly.
FP
Gyro Pizza at Italian Express: Love the Concept, Less Excited About the Reality
@alicemeichi: For all I know, the places that serve it here have been serving it for years, it's just that not many places sell it. Is it common in England? How is it typically prepared - with tomato sauce and mozzarella?
@cxg231: Are there differences in tehe actual meat? My doner kebab experience is relatively limited, but the meat always tasted like gyros to me.
@ryanriggs, skizziks and cebonney: Thanks for the tips. I'm convinced that gyros pizza can be delicious and I'm determined to find a place that does it right.
Gyro Pizza at Italian Express: Love the Concept, Less Excited About the Reality
i hate all pizza's, greek and puerto rican. every italian pizza isn't great, but that shit ain't pizza. i'll stuff those god damned grape leaves up your ass. stick to feta and lamb, or whatever.
Gyro Pizza at Italian Express: Love the Concept, Less Excited About the Reality
The Kronos Gyros & Cafe locations in the Chicago Tollway Oases have a gyros pizza that is phenomenal! They make it on a 7" pita so it is essentially a personal pizza and it is killer; great flavor and sauce. The chicken pizza that they they sell there is really good as well.
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
Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It ...
I saw this on his site the other day...the cure your own bacon thing I don't know if I would actually do (though I very much want to!) but the rest I can handle...have tomatoes and arugula growing in the garden. Sounds like fun!
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Manchester, Connecticut: A Flawed But Classic Baby Boom Burger from Shady Glen
Posted by Nick Solares, September 22, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Snapshots From Italy: Hammer Your Spears
Posted by Gina DePalma, April 7, 2008 at 8:00 AM
Dinner Tonight: Köfte Meatballs with Haydari
Posted by Blake Royer, April 28, 2009 at 5:15 PM
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The "HK" on the illustration is a nice touch. Go Phillies!