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South Street Seaport is generally not a sit down, let's spend a lot of time eating a meal type of destination. It's the kind of area where Quick Eats are the name of the game. The best place to do it? El Luchador. A super cool little taqueria, and the Seaport's best kept secret.
Unless you've seen it with your own eyes, you'd have no clue El Luchador exists, since it's located on the westernmost tip of South Street, steps from the water. I just happened to stumble upon this place while I was wandering in the area.
In an neighborhood like The Seaport, which doesn't have a lot of great dining options, this place is a gold mine.
I'm a big burger fan, so it goes without saying that I love going to the Shake Shack! Not only are their burgers absolutely incredible, but I love the atmosphere of eating outdoors in Madison Square Park. Be sure to try the frozen custard before you leave. Different flavors are available on different days, but every one is a winner! The lines here can be quite long, but once you bite into that burger it's so worth it!
I'm a big burger fan, so it goes without saying that I love going to the Shake Shack! Not only are their burgers absolutely incredible, but I love the atmosphere of eating outdoors in Madison Square Park. Be sure to try the frozen custard before you leave. Different flavors are available on different days, but every one is a winner! The lines here can be quite long, but once you bite into that burger it's so worth it!
All over Chinatown, just about every restaurant has some variation of these neon signs hanging in their window. I would guess, with so many restaurants concentrated in such a small area, these signs are designed to catch the eyes of hungry diners and draw them into their establishments.
For me, I really like these splashes of color all over the neighborhood, especially when I see them everywhere around the streets. It helps contribute to that very unique look and feel that Chinatown has.
I'm a big burger fan, so it goes without saying that I love going to the Shake Shack! Not only are their burgers absolutely incredible, but I love the atmosphere of eating outdoors in Madison Square Park. Be sure to try the frozen custard before you leave. Different flavors are available on different days, but every one is a winner! The lines here can be quite long, but once you bite into that burger it's so worth it!
Nickโs Blue Diner on East 138th Street in the South Bronx was located in a 1948 Kullman model dining car. We photographed this #diner and spoke with its owner, Nick Tzivas in 2017 and he told us that it had been in business for over 40 years and was best known for its hamburgers ๐ and served only breakfast ๐ณand lunch, not dinner. We are not sure of the exact reason why this diner sadly closed in 2019 but there has been a great deal of new development in its area of the South Bronx so it may have been due to a rent increase.
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#storefront #jamesandkarla #disappearingfaceofnewyork #diner #dinersdriveinsanddives #diners #nycdining #momandpopshops #momandpopshop #storefronts #gentrification #hamburgers #hamburger #dinerfood
South Street Seaport is generally not a sit down, let's spend a lot of time eating a meal type of destination. It's the kind of area where Quick Eats are the name of the game. The best place to do it? Luchadores. A super cool little taqueria, and the Seaport's best kept secret.
Unless you've seen it with your own eyes, you'd have no clue Luchadores exists, since it's located on the westernmost tip of South Street, steps from the water. I just happened to stumble upon this place while I was wandering in the area.
In an neighborhood like The Seaport, which doesn't have a lot of great dining options, this place is a gold mine.
I'm a big burger fan, so it goes without saying that I love going to the Shake Shack! Not only are their burgers absolutely incredible, but I love the atmosphere of eating outdoors in Madison Square Park. Be sure to try the frozen custard before you leave. Different flavors are available on different days, but every one is a winner! The lines here can be quite long, but once you bite into that burger it's so worth it!
Pastrami Sandwich
- a 125 year-old classic and the one not to miss. I simply can't tell you how good Katz's pastrami tastes on one's palate - it is literally mouthwatering!
Almost 80 years ago Papaya King created a Tropical Oasis in the Concrete Jungle with the magical combination of tropical drinks and frankfurters. The rest as they say, is history. From The Beatles to Julia Child, Anthony Bourdain to Martha Stewart, fans rave about their fare. Papaya King is one of the best hot dogs in New York City!
You cannot skip Nathan's when you are in Coney Island! Nathan's original restaurant on Surf Avenue is big and has different lines for different types of food (e.g. chowders, hot dogs, etc), but of course, if you come here, you have to get their hot dogs because that's their main staple! Although the lines can seem long, they actually move quite fast, so just hang in there and be patient. The outdoor seating area is actually quite large and people seem to move in and out of the area frequently enough that you probably won't have any problems getting your table if you are willing to wait around 5 minutes seeing which diners are ready to get up.
I imagine the hot dogs that you get here would taste pretty much the same as what you would be able to get at the other Nathan's restaurants...except if you eat here, you some get some bragging rights that you've been to their original, and probably biggest, hot dog restaurant!
The original Nathan's still exists on the same site where it first opened in 1916. Having been open for business every day, 365 days a year, the stand was forced to close for the first time on October 29, 2012, due to Hurricane Sandy. A small fire on May 4, 2013 forced another closing but the stand re-opened later that month. Service is provided year-round inside, and during the summer additional walk-up windows are opened to serve the larger seasonal crowds.
Tai Nam Gau Gan Sach - $6.25 Combination rice noodle beef soup with fresh eye of round, brisket, tendon and omosa tendon. Served with bean sprout, basil leave and lemon.
If there is a better breakfast - then I would like to know about it.
It was a very competent Phรณ preparation good, but not superb. Still, I would recommended it.
Classic New York pizza - legendary and beloved for the thin, crispy crust and somewhat sweet sauce.
Much has been said and written about Totonno's over the years and I have no ambition to say anything earth-shattering. Is Totonno's pizza any good? Yes, very much so. Is it a classic? Without a doubt.
Is it the best pizza in NYC? Unlikely, although it is a matter of personal taste and preference. Is there better pizza in Brooklyn? Yes, I am afraid and make no mistake about that.
The most important question to me: is it worth a trip ( or as we say in Brooklyn - "a schlepp") all they way to Coney Island? Mmmmmm... Unless you are in the neighborhood already, I would probably say no.
It is, however, a classic and a huge part of New York heritage, which has to be worth something in itself.
Word of caution: they are closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It is also a "cash only" joint.
Katz's Tongue
- either center cut or tip, this is the finest example of this delicacy; specialty, cured in-house.
It is a classic, it is outstaning, but it is not my absolute favorite.
You cannot skip Nathan's when you are in Coney Island! Nathan's original restaurant on Surf Avenue is big and has different lines for different types of food (e.g. chowders, hot dogs, etc), but of course, if you come here, you have to get their hot dogs because that's their main staple! Although the lines can seem long, they actually move quite fast, so just hang in there and be patient. The outdoor seating area is actually quite large and people seem to move in and out of the area frequently enough that you probably won't have any problems getting your table if you are willing to wait around 5 minutes seeing which tables would get up.
I imagine the hot dogs that you get here would taste pretty much the same as what you would be able to get at the other Nathan's restaurants...except if you eat here, you some get some bragging rights that you've been to their original, and probably biggest, hot dog restaurant!
This was a part of the nigiri tasting - both Uni and Saba were outstanding. I had to get a second order of Uni - it was that good.
b>Chopped Liver with Onion
- perhaps, the best pate of its kind; or, may be I am just missing my grandmother....
This family-owned diner, which has been in business since 2007, not only has beautiful #neonsigns along its facade that cast a nice red glow on the surrounding street but also has multiple lights along its #storefront that also give it warmth and character as it is open 24 hours a day!
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#jamesandkarla #neon #neonsignage #diner #dinersdriveinsanddives #diners #lowereastsidenyc #nycdining #dinerfood #neonporn #neonvibes
This retro 1950's theme diner features lots of 50's memorabilia and a singing waitstaff! Even the entrance to this diner looks like an old subway car sitting on the street! I usually have to wait a long time to get a shot with no people walking in front of the diner but this night the area was almost empty! The other side of the building had a long line waiting to get in but I guess that's to be expected for a Saturday night!
Skyrocketing rents and the proliferation of Starbucks have doomed many of Manhattan's beloved neighborhood coffee shops and diners. Moonstruck is still around though. Neither Cher nor Nicholas Cage has ever stopped by, but that doesn't deter a fairly predictable mix of local grannies, yuppies, and families, who slump in the booths for conversations over coffee and pore over the Post. The vast and comprehensive bill of fare includes diner standards and Mediterranean specialtiesโBLTs, omelets, pastas, saladsโbut also features slightly higher-end dishes like tiramisu. It's a good thing people still love burgers, because there are more than 23 on the menu here. While pricier than at a greasy spoon, the food is prepared with care and piled up high so nobody goes home hungry.
Abalone - Awabe ้ฎ, Shako - Mantis Shrimp ่ฆ่
Both were absolutely astounding! Abalone was extremely tender and not at all chewy; I tasted brine, but not even a trace of any aftertaste - it was nothing short of a savory treat.
I rarely get to eat mantis shrimp - even cooked, let alone raw, is a hard find in my corners. Also, more often than not anyway, raw shako is a challenging taste for most American palates. I must admit, I ordered shako fully expecting not to like it - it was the best I had, bar none. Ushiwakamaru shako was very sweet, somewhat similar to crayfish, but it tasted clean and pure. There was not even a hint of muddy, sandy texture for which shako is notorious. Such a pleasant surprise.
NB: mantis shrimp is also known as "pissing shrimp" - I am just saying.
Excellent Lobster Roll from the Lobster Place in Chelsea Market. Quite possibly, one of the best in New York City.
Lamb Tartare
- lamb, nasturtium, potato crisp
This was another show-stopper for me. I don't even know what went into this plate, bit I could taste rich brine ( capers?), umami (fish sauce?), silky smooth texture ( egg yolk?) paired with a slight game overtones of pristine lamb.
Absolutely, without a doubt, one of the early contenders from the "Best of 2015" for me.
Ramen โ shredded pork.
I was at the Noodle Bar on a very cold night, as such hot bowl of noodles hit the spot. I especially enjoyed the broth - porky, smoky and rich.
Nakji Bokkeum ๋์ง๋ณถ์
- pan-fried octopus with vegetables mixed in Korean hot and spicy sauce
We were warned that this dish was "very spicy" - it was spicy enough and had a pleasant sweetness on the palate. I generally love chewy textures, but this was a little too chewy for my liking, but I am not sure how Koreans like it - it may have been cooked just right by the original cuisine standards. Still, I prefer my octopus either flash cooked or braised to briny softness.
You just can't skip Nathan's when you visit Coney Island! Nathan's original restaurant on Surf Avenue is big and has different lines for different types of food (e.g. chowders, hot dogs, etc), but of course, if you come here, you have to get their hot dogs because that's their main staple! Although the lines can seem long, they actually move quite fast, so just hang in there and be patient. The outdoor seating area is actually quite large and people seem to move in and out of the area frequently enough that you probably won't have any problems getting your table if you are willing to wait around 5 minutes seeing which diners are ready to get up.
I imagine the hot dogs that you get here would taste pretty much the same as what you would be able to get at the other Nathan's restaurants...except if you eat here, you some get some bragging rights that you've been to their original, and probably biggest, hot dog restaurant!
Bacalao - grilled salted cod salad, arugula-lemon confit pesto, almond and chorizo oil.
This was an absolute masterpiece!!!
I have to mention the Le Bernardin's "prima materia" - I have never seen bacalao of that pristine quality. Just phenomenal!
"cousin leroy & arloโs soft serve ice cream โ banana / vanilla wafer / twist" - very nice soft ice cream.
This was served with the side dishes - it was not a special order. I happened to think these were egg whites, more of a savory souffle type of thing.
I really wanted some Bim Bap at this point, but we were already too full.
Carrot Cake - Rum-scented carrot cake, Golden Raisins, Condensed Milk Ice Cream.
Cake was very moist, and a touch too sweet for my taste, although a lot of people prefer it that way. The original plate comes with pistachios, which I asked them to hold, so they send me some pomegranate pate-de-fruit instead. Very-good dessert!
Smoked Fish Tacos
- trout roe, pickled vegetables
Off the charts good! The shell was made with rye ( can you see traditional NYC and Nordic influence here?) filled with smoked salmon and pickles, topped with superb trout roe.
For a second I thought I tasted some white fish in the filling - apparently there was none. Absolutely mind-blowing flavors: balanced, complex and comforting at the same time.
One of my best bites this year and a definite contender for the "The Best of 2015" for me.
Master Yasuda has easily made the best sushi I've had, I think I know why...
Maguro and Chu-toro.
All sushi made by Master Yasuda was perfectly seasoned and absolutely impeccable and pristine.
Pulpo with Fennel and Grapefruit $13.-
Octopus was flash cooked, and matched very nice nicely with anise overtones of fennel and acidity of citrus.
OK, OK - great $9 Momofuku Steamed Buns. I may be in the minority, but I am not crazy about those (Ssam Bar version was a little better). Bun dough was very well made, but filling was a bit too greasy for me, but everyone else seems to love them.
Spicy Pork Sausage & Rice Cakesโ chinese broccoli, crispy shallots - nice, hot, spicy and crunchy.
Once again, I would like to thank Gastrodamus for his company and yet another great NYC food scene suggestion.