Category Archives: Manhattan
PULQUERIA: hidden Mexican in Chinatown
Dear Food Diary:
Doyer Street (Chinatown) is one of those interesting alleys that’s short but full of surprises. Nothing is what it seems.
It can be a bit shady and creepy at times, but unlike the old days, it is quite safe.
Without any signs, the hidden underground Mexican joint Pulqueria is tucked between Apotheke (speakeasy bar) and Nom Wah Tea Parlor (the oldest dim sum spot in NY). They claim to be the first restaurant outside of Mexico to batch and serve pulque (fermented beverage made from the agave plant). Part cantina/bar, part restaurant serving plenty of drinks, tortas and tacos, Mexican street market style.
YUJI RAMEN: 5 course ramen omakase tasting
Dear Food Diary:
Yuji Ramen took the spot at Smorgasburg Whole Foods Bowery last week. The Brooklyn based Ramen Lab has been a regular at Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea, serving up his experimental Mazemen (ramen sans broth) with local and sustainable ingredients.
Until May 12th, Yuji gets a chance to show off his signature mazemen creations lunch/dinner/takeout. At night, he’s full on play mode, torching ingredients and re-shaping ramen dough for his unique 5 course Omakase Tastings ($40). 2 seatings of 6 seats at a time, all tickets sold out in 2 days.
FRAUNCES TAVERN: George Washington’s drinking spot. Pot pie, booze and museum
Dear Food Diary:
Wall Street is a total mystery to me. Without numbered streets, I get lost at every turn (even with an iPhone). Last week, it worked to my advantage as my lack of direction led me to Fraunces Tavern. Built in 1719, it’s one of the oldest buildings in NYC. A charming corner spot that was once George’s Washington’s drinking spot and where he chose to make his final farewell.
I went in to try their pot pie (George Washington’s favorite dish) and discovered an awesome whiskey bar, several dining areas and an museum on the 2nd floor.
LA CHURRERIA: Finally found churros like the ones in Buenos Aires
Dear Food Diary:
After Taco Tuesday at Pinche Taqueria (serious cheap eats btw), I was in the mood for something sweet. La Churreria was a block away, which was perfect. Plus, it’s been on my eats list for a while.
I’ve been accustomed to the versions of churros served in the States and wasn’t really expecting these to be different. Fried dough is good, but fried crispy dough that can take me back to my childhood breakfast moments would be totally amazing and these turned out to be just that. The churros rellenos aka filled, were the closest to the ones I grew up eating in my beloved Buenos Aires.
Akdeniz: Great Mediterranean Turkish in Midtown
Dear Food Diary:
My long time friend from Argentina requested Turkish food for our dinner date. Aside from my visit to Istanbul, I ever really “craved” Turkish when I’m in NYC. This turned out to be a good way to try something new. Akdeniz Restaurant had some good reviews and it’s close to work. Didn’t give it much thought.
To my surprise, the food was excellent. This could be my new lunch stop. Definitely a good place for a pre-theater meal. It’s not actually in Times Square, but close enough. The Turkish meatballs were solid and rather similar to some of the ones I had on my trip.