Probably not a “true” review but here we go…

Been seeing a lot of hate/ “disrespect” towards Joes pizza on here and the NYCpizza sub (odd place).

Joes is not only a NYC institution (with a pop culture background) but also people seem to have a somewhat swayed expectation towards it. It’s never tried to serve a meticulously crafted slice with high quality ingredients (like your finis and l’industries), neither has it aimed to convince through costumer service and hospitality (think your best pizza or Pauli gees slices).

It’s just the quintessential and in my opinion benchmark, no thrills NYC slice. Reliable, quick and consistent. You’ll now what you get, for what price and fast. And taking all those into consideration it’s quite tasty pizza. Heated and fresh, good balance of cheese to sauce, charring on the dough is decent, so is the salt balance (to my palate at least).

A lot of rumbling but TLDR: stop having absurdly high expectations and Joe will hit the spot when the time is right for it (that includes a late night slice, just as much as a 1st timer to the city wanting the “authentic” NY-slice experience).

I run a Japanese spot in NYC and I’ve been thinking a lot about how people here understand the word izakaya.

In Japan, izakayas are where people go after work to drink, eat, and unwind. They are kind of like a cross between a pub and a tapas bar. Drinks usually come first (beer, sake, shochu), and the food is designed to pair with that: fried chicken, skewers, noodles, and small plates you share with friends. It is usually casual, sometimes loud, and the focus is on hanging out as much as on eating.

Outside of Japan, I have noticed a lot of people expect an izakaya to be closer to a sushi restaurant or ramen shop. Some even think it just means “Japanese restaurant” in general.... I've even had people think that it is the name of the place and that I somehow own all the izakayas in NYC. XD

So I am curious:

• If you have been to izakayas in Japan, what stood out to you?
• If you have only been outside Japan, how would you describe the experience?
• What do you personally think makes an izakaya different from other Japanese restaurants?

I would love to hear different perspectives.

— Kiyo

Went to Kisa, which is a Korean restaurant aiming to recreate a Kisa Sikdang (laid back diner in Korea that serves taxi drivers).

Everyone is expected to order a platter (which is $32 before tip and tax and includes banchan and soup)

There are 4 main dish options: Bulgogi, Spicy Pork, Stir fried Squid and Bibimbap. In the pictures are the Bibimbap and Bulgogi.

From what I understand they rotate between different banchan, but when I went it appeared to be the following: Roasted Seaweed, Tteokbokki and sausage skewers, Braided Potato and Beef, Marinated Shrimp, Kimchi, Cheongpo-muk (?), and Rolled Omelette.

Has anyone felt that the service at Cafe Maud in the east village felt a little racist. I’ve dined there more than once in groups of south Asian women and the service at other tables where the crowd is at least pre dominantly non-poc has always been a lot more attentive and speedy than ours. I’ve seen people have some similar experiences on google reviews and was wondering if this was common or if im overthinking. It almost felt like we were invisible and when we did get service they brought out the wrong items (we asked for chicken instead of bacon, offered on their menu), and if they were correct they took really long.

I’ve been trying to find Jjajangmyeon and realized that most of the restaurants that have it are in NJ, but I stumbled upon this one. It’s in an H Mart and this was so good. The last time I had Jjajangmyeon was in Albany and it was way too bitter (likely wasn’t fried well or for long enough) but this didn’t disappoint. I will definitely be going back for this and to try their Jjamppong. They didn’t skimp on the pork and it’s a very satisfying portion for $14. There are also more Korean restaurants in the H Mart to try.

https://yelp.to/B52FzXMJih

I’m basic so a cookie at Culture Espresso is my to go for the KORN cookie.

https://www.joespizzanyc.com/

Easily some of the best pizza in the 5 boroughs. Classic on the left, fresh mozzarella on the right.

1. Pop-up bagels - i mostly went to try their limited roasted red pepper cream cheese, they threw me an extra fresh & hot bagel for free, never disappoints
2. Balkan Grind - Turkish coffee, cardamom cold brew, and pistachio & tahini baklava. The owner is also so friendly and knowledgeable, really enjoyed my coffee break here! Will be back again
3. Temakase - Hand roll set. It wasn't bad, just satisfied my sushi craving but nothing amazing
4. Birdees - pistachio and cherry sundae. This is so good, I want to go back to try their other treats
5. Nami Nori - a la carte hand roll picks, this is always a fun experience 6, 7, 8. Rule of Thirds - souffle pancake, summer corn & crab (so good!), pork belly donburi, Japanese breakfast set. They also gave us a complimentary watermelon and sesame soft serve
6. Butchers Daughter - mushroom pate & some breakfast bowl with green juice & rose cardamom latte

First time coming to NYC for four days next month! I have gotten so many great recommendations from this group. But now I have too big of a list and am having a hard time narrowing it down! We are staying at Hyatt Union Square. We are just looking for great food! Let me know what I should eliminate and what I missed! Thank you!

I like food

D Pala little Italy

Faicos

Katz Deli

Chinese tuxedo

Super Taste Pork and chive dumplings

Levain

Katz Deli

Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodle

The commerce inn

Nan Xiang Xiang long bao

Eataly

Culture espresso

Cafe panna

Culture espresso

Danny’s and coop

Maison pickle

Russ and daughter

Chote Nawab

Veeray da Dhaba

Dhamaka

X’Ian foods

S&P

Russ and daughters

Daily provisions

Tompkins square bagels

C&B

Hani’s Bakery

Shu Jiao Fu Zhou

Uncle Lou’s

Spicy Village

Joes steam rice rolls

Court Street Grocers

Radio Bakery

The Street Burger

La Mercerie

Leon’s Bagels

The Smith Restaurant

Atoboy

Gramercy Tavern

Jeju noodle bar

I ordered roast pork from Ollies (103rd & Broadway)and it looks like it was just sitting in the back just waiting to ruin someone’s day and unfortunately, that someone was me. 😒

Seriously though, why would a restaurant serve something that looks and feels like it was carved off a fossil?

This is a dish I’m completely obsessed with. I’ve tried it from so many places. I don’t like the American versions with celery and bell peppers. I like the chicken really seared and it made only with peanuts, Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili (don’t mind green onion). China Fun used to make it really well, they closed. Nancy’s Pig Heaven also had good quality. But once they moved locations, it’s become extremely inconsistent. Sometimes it’s made really well and then sometimes it’s like the chicken is poached in the sauce. No searing. Cafe China is kind of similar. They used Sichuan peppercorns but that wok smokiness is usually lacking. Would love to know some other recommendations. I can make it really well but because of having a commercial stove I can’t really get that “Wok Hei” taste.

Why are Google ratings always so much higher than yelp ratings? The disparity is crazy

Searched the sub but don't see anything recent. Does anyone have recommendations of where to take cooking classes for someone who wants to learn AND have fun? (Manhattan or DUMBO preferred, I live in Jersey City & work in midtown so those locations most convenient)
I have a full time job and want to take something recreationally but I'm hoping for some kind of longer class than a one off at a restaurant or like, Sur La Table (does that even still exist?). I'm hoping to kill 2 birds with one stone: learn something about one of my favorite things (food and cooking) and meet some people, which is why I'm specifically looking for something a little more than a one off. Appreciate any recs!

Any recommendations for an excellent meal in Manhattan that has an ice cream cake or something ice cream cake adjacent on their dessert menu?

I will be meeting a friend after work tomorrow. I work downtown and we plan on meeting around Penn Station. Are there any restaurants that you would recommend that are not too expensive and that we can relax in and chat? We are open to a wide variety of cuisines.

Been hearing a lot about Banh Anh Em (https://www.banhanhem.com/) in East Village. Theres always a line down the block to get in. But from what I read online it’s the same owners as Banh (http://www.banhny.com/) on the UWS.

I really like Banh so my question is: what’s the point in waiting on the line for Banh Anh Em if it’s the same owners, and relatively same menu? Am I missing something that makes Banh Anh Em more special?

Thank you!

I have been to a bunch of excellent patisseries / bakeries like Hani’s, Librae, La Cabra but they are all by Cooper Square. Curious what other patisserie or bakeries in Manhattan are truly outstanding.

Does anybody know where I may be able to find this in Manhattan or Brooklyn? Google is failing me - any help is appreciated

Antidote/Brooklyn

No notes. textural + flavor nuke. Sichuan done right

In honor of Monarch telling me I blew over my ’Restaurants and Bars’ budget by $300 🙃
TBF, I’m a single woman living alone so some of that is probably takeout and then eating leftovers in lieu of groceries. I really need to cook more 😬

Will be going back to school at City College very soon and just trying to pin some places to eat/drink since I’ll be up there a lot.

Right now I’m going to check out for Max Soha and Cafe Consuelo for sure. Open to any style of food or price point within a 10-15 walk.

Thanks!

To clarify/after some advice, not necessarily to propose IN the restaurant, looking at my options for the day of! We’re from out of town and spending most of our money on travel and theatre tickets, but I still want to give my partner a nice experience. I’ve got no specific cuisine in mind, just looking at options. Thanks!

This is so dumb but I’m high as shit and stressing about it. I ordered Thai food tonight. It was maybe the best Thai takeout I’ve ever had — from Eagle Thai in Yonkers (delivered to the Bronx, don’t worry I know what sub I’m in).

They sent my coconut pudding in the little ceramic bowls pictured here: https://hungryinthailand.com/thai-coconut-custard-dessert

Am I supposed to return these bowls? The food was incredible so I’d consider going in person, but also this feels like a lot of responsibility.