Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

I know you said they already sort of like red cabbage, but this is the recipe I use for red-cabbage skeptics: http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/tassajara-warm-red-cabbage-salad-recipe.html

Made it for Christmas one year, my uncle prefaced the meal by saying he didn't like cabbage, ended the meal saying he wanted to marry cabbage.

Also, texture can be an issue - if they already like coleslaw, make sure whatever cabbage you try serving is sliced thin or shredded (works for brussels sprouts too).

Bay Ridge also has some great options for baklava (and I'm partial to the pistachio kind, too). The one that stands out in my memory is from Nablus Sweets on 5th Ave and 68th Street.

Seconding the boiling liquid + sock comment - a few weeks ago I splashed some boiling chicken stock onto myself. Didn't think it hurt much on my arm, then realized my sock was holding it onto my foot and foot hurt like hell. Giant blister and scar on the top of my foot, but at least the soup was tasty.

George's in Ditmas Park (Coney Island Ave @ Cortelyou) - the food is nothing special, but it's seriously old-school.

Anapoli in Bay Ridge (3rd Ave @ 69th) - the food IS something special, especially the gyro omelet. And they serve iced coffee in old soda shop coke glasses.

Flor de Piaxtla in Sunset Park for breakfast chilaquiles and tacos al pastor. And a constant stream of Mexican soap operas on their TV. (Super Taste is a close second).

They sell a few of his gelatos at Lia's Ices in Windsor Terrace. I've had the cherry and fig, and they're amazing. Can't wait to try the cassata