Whilst doing recovery work in the Ninth Ward, I would regularly drive past this “joint” and wonder what it was exactly. ”The Joint” really is the epitome of the “hole in the wall”. A girlfriend who lives in this residential and hipster area of the Bywater (along the river from the French Quarter) had these guys cater a party recently. The food was plentiful, inexpensive and unbelievably good. Meaty ribs, pulled pork that melts in your mouth and great, unfatty brisket. Home-made potato salad and simple slaw, all mouthwateringly delicious. Since that first taste of BBQ, I get a regular “pang” for this place. Best BBQ I have ever tasted in the city–not too sweet, not too spicy, not too fatty…just right. A little off the beaten track, but worth the small trip. Close to “Bacchanal” wine store, which is also an experience in itself. Make a day of it and take the drive over the industrial canal and see the ‘Make it Right” Brad Pitt development and the Global Green housing – its LEED Platinum heaven over there. Experience all the great work the badly hit area of New Orleans is getting.
For Thanksgiving this year “The Joint” are offering smoked deep fried turkeys. I think I will try one this year. Those “Turduckins” (deboned chicken inside a deboned duck inside a deboned turkey) are SO last year.
The Joint
801 Poland Avenue . Tel : 504-949 3232
Open Mon-Sat 11.30am-9pm
It’s easy to go through New York City and overlook the places right in front of your eyes. This small hole-in-the-wall breakfast and sandwich counter across from the famous Flatiron Building is just such a place. With a counter that lets you watch your meal be cooked before your eyes, it’s a throwback in presentation, and in price. The breakfast menu is so fairly priced it practically challenges you to try to pay over ten bucks for a meal. The lunch and dinner menu offer the standard sandwich and burger staples, but that doesn’t mean that the food is. The burgers are massive, the grilled cheese makes you feel at home, and the Cuban sandwich will convert anyone with a pickle phobia. So open up those eyes, or these sandwiches will do it for you!
Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop
174 5th Avenue at 22nd Street
Manhattan 10010
Phone: 212-675-5096
Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30 AM – 8 PM
Saturday 7:30 AM – 5 PM
Sunday 7:30 AM – 4 PM
Web: eisenbergsnyc.com
Price: $$
What could Modern Pastry possibly have that Mike’s Pasty did not? I found it had more of a toy store element to it. Not only were there fresh cannolis but there were latte makers, gourmet syrups, and a multifarious assortment of candies and small sweets. I felt the experience more personal as I stood in a single line surrounded by café tables of small families and couples enjoying cappuccinos and cookies.
The shop was not busting with the crowds that I had encountered at Mike’s but it was definitely not lacking customers. Needless to say, I did not mind waiting, enamored by the brightly lit cases of cannoli’s and velvety cakes. In the name of research, I ordered and watched as the short sweetly rotund woman stuffed a pre-made cannoli shell with fresh ricotta cream filling and sprinkled a delicate layer of powdered sugar on top before placing it neatly in a Modern Pasty box and literally sealing it with a red and white bow.
The experience seemed classic and the taste of the cannoli matched the style of the bakery. Mike’s may be famous and the larger money maker of the North End, but this girl’s hooked on the family feel of Modern Pastry.
Mirror mirror on the wall, which is the most delectable Boston Bakery of them all. Is it the infamous Mike’s Pastry on Hanover Street or a few doors down at Modern Pastry? Magic mirrors can’t produce samples to help you decide but the North End of Boston certainly can and that is where my quest for Boston’s best bakery began.
From day one of my Massachusetts rebirth I heard the cries for Mike’s Pasty loud and clear all the way in Brookline. Six months later, the time has come to step into the promised land of Mike’s Pastry and see what all the hype is about. Upon first glance and first feel (as my sides are elbowed and my toes are crushed by the masses trying to satisfy their sweet teeth), Mike’s seems like the hot spot of the North End.
I am a kid in a pastry shop, Augustus Gloop in Willy Wonka’s land of edible delight, only one hundred people, some small children, and a few glass cases stand between me and my pastry prizes. After twenty minutes of deep thought, I decide to narrow my “research” to cannolis. Mike’s has a plethora of options, chocolate covered, eminem filled, cherry dipped, a limitless bounty of flaky delight. Naturally I choose the aged old, classic cannoli, with creamy filling and sweet chocolate chips, I am quite impressed but curious to see what Modern Pasty, the North End’s “other” famous bakery has to offer.
Much excitement in the city about the return of this loved restaurant couple to the parish of New Orleans after a very successful spell on the Northshore.
Mike’s East West is situated on the entire ground floor of the Lafayette Hotel at Lafayette Square on the Warehouse District/CBD border. Walking distance from the French Quarter for some peace and quiet away from the tourists and a wonderful business lunch spot. In the autumn and spring season of Wednesdays on the Square (free 12 week concerts at Lafayette Square) I am sure this place will be the centre of all the local commotion. East West has huge cocktail bar on one side and a restaurant in the other side of the original hotel lobby. It is apparently similar to the original version of Mike’s in both food and atmosphere with a new updated jacket.
Mike’s East-West contemporary and hip atmosphere and formula is nothing new and breaking to the world, but definitely something different and refreshing for New Orleans. Not a roux to be found, which can be a pleasant change for us locals. Small and larger plates of potstickers, a non traditional sushi bar and other Asian themed plates. Delicious Japanese beers, sparkling sake and sake flight tastings.
Fennelly chef owner calls his food “a global mix,” drawing on the cuisines of places he’s cooked, including Santa Fe, San Francisco, Hawaii and Cape Cod.
Dinner: Monday to Saturday, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
New Orleans, LA 70130
Ever drive by Pinks Hollywood, that corner diner on Melrose and La Brea? You know, the one that always seems to have a line around the block? Well get ready, because they’re setting up shop all over this delicious city of ours. After opening up to Las Vegas last year, Pinks is now available at Knott’s Barry farm, Planet Hollywood and various city fairs. Oh and did I mention, in the very near future, you can get Pinks hotdogs at LAX?
I can barely contain my excitement over the thought of being able to enjoy their one of a kind chili dogs without having to wait in a 45 minute line. Pinks is truly one of this city’s hidden gems, from the beginning, given that they’ve been around since 1939.
Bacon Chili Cheese Dog with Onion Rings and Strawberry Crush
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, get in your car and go check them out. They even have a vegan friendly section of their menu. What other hot dog spot do you know that’s vegan friendly?
709 N. La Brea Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Head inside to find the best Italian sandwiches this side of the Atlantic
Located inside the world famous Arthur Avenue Market, past the men making handmade cigars, past the oh-so tempting meat markets and fresh produce stands is the real treasure of this market, Mike’s Deli. When you enter the market it can all be a little overwhelming, what with the crowds and hustle and bustle of the place, but the surefire way to find Mike’s in the back is to just look for the biggest crowd of people around one place. Besides the omnipresent line of people waiting to devour some of the finest Italian sandwiches this side of the boot shaped country you can expect to be amazed by the overwhelming selection of Italian cured meats, specialty cheeses (the mozzarella is made fresh on the premises daily – and it shows), and the loud and in your face helpful hands behind the deli counter (believe me, that might sound intimidating, but it’s part of the charm of Mike’s).
On first glance, the list of sandwiches, heroes, platters, pastas and more may seem like too much to choose from, but is that really a problem? The first time visitor can play it safe, and delicious, with any of the sandwiches – The Raging Bull, King David, and Towering Inferno are all an experience in themselves – or you can go for their famous eggplant parmigiano. This is the same sandwich that won against Bobby Flay on his Throwdown with Bobby Flay show on the Food Network, and with one bite it becomes clear that no one should ever try to challenge them again. It should be noted that these are not your ordinary lunchbox size sandwiches, most of them weigh in at over a pound; and with the fresh mozzarella on many of them, it can mean leftovers for another time – that is, if you are able to stop yourself from eating the whole thing.
Being located inside the Arthur Avenue Market leaves Mike’s Deli with a very limited seating area, so it is best to either take it to go or to come visit the area on a nice day when it is possible to walk the streets of Little Italy in the Bronx and take it in. Also, since both the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden are only a few short blocks away, it is possible to make a day of lunch and exploring some of New York City’s most beautiful areas on a very full stomach!
Mike’s Deli “The Original Arthur Avenue Italian Deli”
Located inside the World Famous Arthur Avenue Retail Market
2344 Arthur Avenue
Bronx, NY 10458
718-295-5033
866-2-SALAMI
Fax: 718-933-5903
www.arthuravenue.com
Open Monday – Saturday: 6am – 6pm
Price: $$
The little blue bug leads you to great food every time
Going to school in the Bronx has given me the opportunity to experience a rich part of New York City’s food scene that is too often left out of the discussion, I am talking about Arthur Avenue’s Little Italy. World renowned for the Arthur Avenue Market (look for a future post about the famous Mike’s Deli located within the market), New Yorkers tend to forget all the great culinary delights this area has to offer.
That is why I am making it my personal mission to spread the news about all of the amazing places that are only a short train ride away from the island. My hope is that everyone can find something to their tastes through my reviews, which is why my first review is about the one place that has come to be one of my personal favorites.
Zero Otto Nove, or 089, came on the local dining scene little more than a year ago, and has taken Arthur Avenue by storm, quickly becoming both a local and regional favorite. This Italian eatery owned and operated by the creator of Roberto’s (another renowned Arthur Avenue mainstay), blends a charming atmosphere that makes one forget they are in the middle of the “boogie-down Bronx” with some of the freshest and finest meals to create a truly unique dining experience. 089 features weekly specials in addition to a lengthy regular menu, sure to provide something for everyone’s appetite.
For my money, the best bet is one of the many classically done, thin crust fire-cooked pizzas that the restaurant is known for. These are certainly not the pizzas you recall from your college days, but rather a culinary experience that makes you, and your taste buds take notice. Overall, the menu is traditional, yet refreshing, reasonably priced (most dishes range from $12 to $25, but one dish can easily feed two people), and appeals to the customer who demands the freshest foods by listing the very Arthur Ave markets and stores that the ingredients were brought in from that day. It is the small things such as this that create a truly unique dining experience at Zero Otto Nove, one which everyone should enjoy. One word of advice, they do not take reservations, and tend to be rather busy due to their growing notoriety, so arrive early, pull up at the bar, and enjoy one of their more than generous glasses of wine to prepare for a truly exceptional meal.
Zero Otto Nove
2357 Arthur Avenue
Bronx, NY
Roberto089.com
718-220-1027
Hours: Tue-Thurs 12-2:30 PM, 4:30-10 PM
Fri-Sat 12-2:30 PM, 4:30-11 PM
Sunday 1-9 PM
Perhaps it’s becoming trendy, but “going green” is all the rage, not to mention, actually good for you and the environment. Never to be excluded from any fashionable fad, Hollywood features the adorable Locali Conscious Convenience where you can indulge in all your favorite snacks and give a helping hand to Mother Earth (AND local businesses) at the same time.
This eco-friendly shop provides an extensive offering of organic, sustainably-farmed, and locally-produced munchies, teas, wines, beers, desserts, and juices, as well as eco-oriented household products like natural toothpaste, compostable diapers, and electricity/water saving devices. Also check out Locali’s deli—the creative sandwiches, hearty soups, fair trade chocolates, vegan cheeses, gluten-free pastries, agave-sweetened ginger fruit slushies will certainly hit the spot.
Order a freshly made sandwich like the Franklin Phenomenon and your tastebuds will never stop thanking you. A grilled panini with pepper turkey, baby spinach, red onions, fresh tomatoes, gooey Monterrey jack cheese, and chipotle vegan mayo, this hefty baby will fill you to the brim.
Also, Locali sells amazing coffee roasted by a local artisan and imported from South America, Africa, and Mexico. All coffee is certified fair trade, brewed fresh, and organic. And it packs a punch to keep you buzzing all day long!
The space is small but cozy. The bar (made from reclaimed Douglas Fir wood) seats about four and the benches outside seat about four as well.
Small but sleek, Locali is stocked with items as eclectic and comforting as the friendly and attentive staff. This more personalized version of a 7-11 is a relaxing place to meet up with friends, grab an organic yerba mate on your way to work, fill up at the free reverse-osmosis water tap, and learn about going green without feeling the pressure of holier-than-thou eco-snobs.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions here! The owners and staff are totally enthusiastic about the unique products
Locali has to offer and are always interested in making a new friend (not just a new customer).
In the year that it has been open, Coquette has became one of my most frequented restaurants in the city. A two storied quite chic bistro feel with brick walls and a long bar, which is my favorite place to eat. They have a small no stress menu heavily fish biased which is creative, light and yet totally New Orleans. Love the deep fried shrimp with arugula and sambal – one of the best dishes in the city and Wednesdays is fun for us imbibers, when they reduce all the wines per glass to only $5 (with exception of Veuve). Great bread and butter (which is the first test of any place in my books), great service and creative dishes that are not too expensive or rich.
The restaurant also boasts numerous original oil paintings of the recently deceased Louisiana artist Bill Hemmerling.
Highly recommended
Coquette Bistro and Wine Bar. Tel : 504 265 0421
2800 Magazine Street, 70115, New Orleans
Dinner Monday-Saturday 5.30-10pm
Lunch Wednesday-Saturday 11.30-3pm