I suggest you try ‘Kai, Kai Thai’ in the East Village. I erroneously referred to it as “Kai Kai Kai Kai” for years, and probably will continue to do so. Bogia introduced me to it back in 2001 when it was a four chair buffet-style Thai take out joint. It has evolved into a more ‘respectable’ restaurant, though the food is the same: wonderful. Cheap too.
This is the bar we were at last night. Now the website showcases a much more broad menu then what was offered last night. I really desired the red velvet cake, but they were out. Apparently, they just got a new chef and are in a transitional phase. The place is so much bigger than what the website shows. Both Jeff and I had the Mason Dixon Burger, which was pretty good, nothing phenomenal, but certainly hardy enough to match the equally rough interior. Later, I had the wings, which, like the burger, were really good, but nothing to write home about. We should all get together sometime to ride the bull and sample their wide-Bourbon selections.
Crescent and Vine
25-03 Ditmars Blvd
Next Door to Fatty’s Cafe
We stopped by last night after dinner and it was marvelous. I loved the atmosphere, especially the pressed tin ceiling and border. The room was dark, warm and cozy, yet you could see out unto the street – so it wasn’t creepy. They had a nice port selection – I suggest the 6 Grapes Port – it was rich and had a slightly spicey taste to it. C&V offers many other beers, wines & salty tapas offerings. When we sat down we the bartender brough over a plate of complimentary olives -which were salty according to Jeff. If we hadn’t just finished dinner I would have tried the hot Nutella sandwhich or even some of the other selections.
Atlixco Taqueria
2109 Astoria Blvd
Astoria, NY 11102
(718) 728-2501
I usually don’t pass judgement on Mexican food. I typically just eat it and then am done with it. I liked this joint, it was quaint, the food was delcious and it was a five minute walk away. Jeff had the soft tacos with chicken while I had the chicken burrito. I’m posting this mainly due to location in our neighborhood. Check it out sometime.
I’d be curious to check this place out sometime if only because Ashford and Simpson own it! Remember, “Solid! Solid as a rock!!!?”
Well, this is their joint. A bit pricey. Maybe we could go sometime just for appetizers?
Wow, someone needs to join in before Blair dominates this page!
Ari and I went to a place at 98-102 Queens Blvd in Rego Park last night called On the Grill, and it has given me a new reason to be happy to visit my in-laws The restaurant is the site of the great falafel-eating contest, and apparently a mecca for falafel. Sure enough, I had the best falafel sandwich and six salads that I’ve ever tasted — incredible baba ganouj, red pepper spread, beets, hummus, etc. It’s simple food, but I can’t ever get enough of it. It’s also an extremely friendly atmosphere — the waitress/owner regaled us with stories about the contest & about other eateries in the neighborhood.
It might not be worth a special trip all the way out Queens Boulevard, but if you’re heading to the Queens Mall for some reason, it is not to be missed!
Hey, have you ever thought about trying vegetarian food? There are two restaurants that I’ve been to downtown on West 4th street next to NYU. They are side by side. One is called “VP” (Vegetarian Paradise) and the other Red Bamboo. I guess it could be an experience ( I don’t know if it will be as tasty as meat) but it’s something different. I do recommend the cake from Red Bamboo even though it’s vegan it taste really good particularly the strawberry shortcake, but they are usually sold out by Thursday, or maybe even Wednesday. “VP” used to be really good, now they are good. I remember when I was younger the table clothes were paper so you could draw while you wait, and the staff was very interactive. Now they became, I wouldn’t say fancy but more like a normal restaurant. The type of cuisine is Asian for the most part.
Wow, thanks for the compliments! I’m not a master of veggie recipes, but I do like this blog quite a bit: http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/vegetable
There are a lot of simple veg recipes.
Enjoy!
-WeCouldEat
It sounds like you should wait until after the throngs clear, but this popular Filipino fast food joint certainly sounds like it would be an interesting experience:
January 16, 2008 at 12:36 pm
I suggest you try ‘Kai, Kai Thai’ in the East Village. I erroneously referred to it as “Kai Kai Kai Kai” for years, and probably will continue to do so. Bogia introduced me to it back in 2001 when it was a four chair buffet-style Thai take out joint. It has evolved into a more ‘respectable’ restaurant, though the food is the same: wonderful. Cheap too.
http://www.kaikainyc.com/
March 1, 2008 at 11:14 am
This is the bar we were at last night. Now the website showcases a much more broad menu then what was offered last night. I really desired the red velvet cake, but they were out. Apparently, they just got a new chef and are in a transitional phase. The place is so much bigger than what the website shows. Both Jeff and I had the Mason Dixon Burger, which was pretty good, nothing phenomenal, but certainly hardy enough to match the equally rough interior. Later, I had the wings, which, like the burger, were really good, but nothing to write home about. We should all get together sometime to ride the bull and sample their wide-Bourbon selections.
http://www.masondixonnyc.com/
March 4, 2008 at 11:30 am
Crescent and Vine
25-03 Ditmars Blvd
Next Door to Fatty’s Cafe
We stopped by last night after dinner and it was marvelous. I loved the atmosphere, especially the pressed tin ceiling and border. The room was dark, warm and cozy, yet you could see out unto the street – so it wasn’t creepy. They had a nice port selection – I suggest the 6 Grapes Port – it was rich and had a slightly spicey taste to it. C&V offers many other beers, wines & salty tapas offerings. When we sat down we the bartender brough over a plate of complimentary olives -which were salty according to Jeff. If we hadn’t just finished dinner I would have tried the hot Nutella sandwhich or even some of the other selections.
Here are two reviews from Yelp:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/crescent-and-vine-astoria
March 10, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Atlixco Taqueria
2109 Astoria Blvd
Astoria, NY 11102
(718) 728-2501
I usually don’t pass judgement on Mexican food. I typically just eat it and then am done with it. I liked this joint, it was quaint, the food was delcious and it was a five minute walk away. Jeff had the soft tacos with chicken while I had the chicken burrito. I’m posting this mainly due to location in our neighborhood. Check it out sometime.
April 16, 2008 at 8:17 am
Sugar Bar
254 West 72nd Street
(212) 579-0222
I’d be curious to check this place out sometime if only because Ashford and Simpson own it! Remember, “Solid! Solid as a rock!!!?”
Well, this is their joint. A bit pricey. Maybe we could go sometime just for appetizers?
http://www.sugarbarnyc.com/menu.php
April 16, 2008 at 11:26 am
It looks pretty…umm…Solid. A lot of French and Cajun influences. They do have a 3-course prixe fixe for $25.
April 25, 2008 at 1:43 pm
My co-worker, Karen, recommends La Nacional for great tapas and authentic Spanish food. http://www.lanacionaltapas.com
June 3, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Wow, someone needs to join in before Blair dominates this page!
Ari and I went to a place at 98-102 Queens Blvd in Rego Park last night called On the Grill, and it has given me a new reason to be happy to visit my in-laws
The restaurant is the site of the great falafel-eating contest, and apparently a mecca for falafel. Sure enough, I had the best falafel sandwich and six salads that I’ve ever tasted — incredible baba ganouj, red pepper spread, beets, hummus, etc. It’s simple food, but I can’t ever get enough of it. It’s also an extremely friendly atmosphere — the waitress/owner regaled us with stories about the contest & about other eateries in the neighborhood.
It might not be worth a special trip all the way out Queens Boulevard, but if you’re heading to the Queens Mall for some reason, it is not to be missed!
January 25, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Hey, have you ever thought about trying vegetarian food? There are two restaurants that I’ve been to downtown on West 4th street next to NYU. They are side by side. One is called “VP” (Vegetarian Paradise) and the other Red Bamboo. I guess it could be an experience ( I don’t know if it will be as tasty as meat) but it’s something different. I do recommend the cake from Red Bamboo even though it’s vegan it taste really good particularly the strawberry shortcake, but they are usually sold out by Thursday, or maybe even Wednesday. “VP” used to be really good, now they are good. I remember when I was younger the table clothes were paper so you could draw while you wait, and the staff was very interactive. Now they became, I wouldn’t say fancy but more like a normal restaurant. The type of cuisine is Asian for the most part.
January 29, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Since you guys are super foodies and great cooks, I was wondering if you have any good recipes you can share… preferably veggie for this foodie.
January 29, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Wow, thanks for the compliments! I’m not a master of veggie recipes, but I do like this blog quite a bit:
http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/vegetable
There are a lot of simple veg recipes.
Enjoy!
-WeCouldEat
February 12, 2009 at 12:45 pm
It sounds like you should wait until after the throngs clear, but this popular Filipino fast food joint certainly sounds like it would be an interesting experience:
http://nymag.com/daily/food/2009/02/philippines_most_popular_fast.html