International House of Pancakes

155 Dolson Ave
Middletown, NY 10940

(845) 343-0880

Better known as IHOP, this chain in Middletown, NY is a delightful experience! Great food and great prices! Fast and attentive service with the exception of the host that was no where to be found. A waitress about to take her break filled in and sat me and my dining guest.



The menu













The first time I went I had the Hawaiian pancakes breakfast. Banana pancakes with macadamia nuts, syrup and whipped cream. 2 eggs, 2 bacon, 2 sausages, 2 pieces ham, and hash browns. It was quite filling!








My next visit, I had the Holiday Pancakes (Pumpkin) with the full breakfast of 2 eggs, 2 bacon, 2 sausages, and hash browns.

Ihawan

40-06 70th Street
Woodside, Queens 11377











This Filipino restaurant is located on the second floor with a small bakery downstairs. Great home cooking and prices! Instead of a turo turo where you point to dishes that are sitting in heated restaurant pans, you order from a menu and the dishes are cooked to order. Service could be more cordial but you come here for the food and not the decor.
A view of the menu can be found here.





Small tables line the spare wooden floor with a waiter or two walking about taking orders.











Pinakbet (pumpkin & string beans stewed in shrimp paste) Sinigang Na Baboy (pork and vegetables in tamarind soup), Lechon kawali (roast pork), pancit bihon









Avocado milk with ice...refreshing!

Krystal's Cafe

6902 Roosevelt Ave
Woodside, NY 11377
(718) 898-1900









This Filipino bakery also offers delicious food and has seating downstairs and upstairs where you will find the all you can eat buffet for about $8. Sodas are included that you pour yourself from plastic pitchers. The variety of dishes offered changes daily. Flat screen televisions broadcast ABS-CBN Filipino shows. This is one place that has great rice congee like "arroz caldo" which is made with chicken. It's good with "tokwa't baboy" which is vinegared pork ears and fried tofu.
Pleasant staff.

Casa Manila Newark

665 Newark Ave
Jersey City, NJ

(201) 386-8900 ‎


This restaurant is quite noticeable from the outside with it's large windows. This place is a "turo turo" like many of the Filipino restaurants and offers a variety of dishes that you can have with a side of rice. I had the paksiw na lechon (stewed roast pork) and pinakbet (stewed pumpkin, green beans and eggplant in shrimp paste) with a side of rice for about $5. Pleasant staff and clean decor with a large flat screen television broadcasting Filipino Variety shows. Lots of seating.

Fiesta Grill Newark

655 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone: 201.656.7060






This restaurant is the Newark New jersey branch of the chain. It is not as glamorous looking as the West Side Avenue branch but offers the same homemade Filipino cooking. This place is a "turo turo" or "point point". A variety of Filipino dishes are in metal pans kept warm from below and you point to what you want. Prices are average for the neighborhood (about $5 for 2 dishes and a side of rice). Odd that EVERY dish offered had a chili pepper or two stuck into it for garnish. If you are allergic to peppers then beware of this place. Food was tasty but the decor is lacking.

Phil-Am Food Market

(201) 963-0455
683 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306







I reviewed this food market before but this new review is about the food that they serve next door.
You enter through the main doors and walk around the corner to the right to see a cooked food station that serves 2 main dishes with a side of rice (or noodle) and includes a can of soda for only $5.25!
Dishes vary every day so it exciting experience each time I visit. On this particular day, I had the pata (pork knuckles braised in sweet sauce), kangkong (sauteed water spinach) and palabok (rice noodles with shrimp). I chose a can of iced tea.
Everything was tasty and the meal was filling! Other Filipino restaurants in the area offer the same turo turo (point point)for about $5 but this place you can also buy the ingredients to make it yourself at home.
You can also buy food to take out (they offer whole grilled milkfish $8 and fried whole tilapia $4) and the varieties of Filipino dishes are all delicious!
Comes in handy if you go with a Filipino friend who knows the dishes but the servers all know English.

This place has quickly become one of my favorite places to eat /shop at in NJ.

Taste of India

Taste of India

Newport Mall
Jersey City, NJ 07310

(201) 656-5000‎

I went shopping at the Newport Centre Mall in New Jersey with some friends and an Indian man was standing outside the entrance to the mall handing out fliers for the grand opening of Taste of India in the food court. We decided to try it out for lunch and were amazed at the long line of Indian men waiting to order. $7.95 for non vegetarian meal of 1 meat entree, 1 vegetable entree, rice, and nan bread or $6.95 for vegetarian meal of 2 vegetable entrees, rice, and nan bread were advertised on the flier.

As you approach the stand, you will see a small selection of food offerings in restaurant pans kept heated from below by hot water. There are signage to label the dishes but nothing to tell you what is in it. With the feel of a high school lunch line, you walk up to the glass and point to what you want. A manager was standing behind his staff excitedly trying to expedite things but it seems like he was doing too much and not very helpful in the end. EVERY dish has chili pepper in it and are from the Southern Regions of India from Dal (lentals in sauce), and curried potatoes with spinach, to chicken tikka masala (chicken pieces in a creamy tomato sauce) and some other chicken dish consisting of stewed chicken pieces in a red oily sauce. I asked if they offered korma and the manager said, "Korma no, not today." I settled for the chicken tikka masala which I've had before at Balucchis and thought it would be the same but no, it was dry and sauce less. I think in their excitement, they misheard which dish I ordered and gave me the chicken tikka instead. A bit flustered by the flurry of confused activity behind the counter I just accepted the dish and ordered a drink of rose water, melted icecream and some sort of exotic fruit similar with papaya like seeds in it. We all sat down at a table and after one bite of the chicken, I was so disappointed by the over cooked chicken which was more heat than taste and thank goodness that we were in a Food Court, went over to nearby Popeye's Chicken and Biscuits to order a 2 piece chicken lunch meal that was much cheaper.

Something could be said of the fact that Taste of India had more Indian men standing on line waiting to order lunch than women and non Indians who work in the nearby offices that gravitated to the other food chain stands instead. Perhaps these guys longed for a taste of their homeland and a spicy lunch that someone decided to open a Taste of India in the Mall's food court. What ever it is, my friends were showing the effects of the spicy lunches they ordered as their coughing, snifling and sweating can attest. A late arriving friend joined us and saw the results of the Indian food and quickly and wisely, went over to Taco Bell for a Mexican Pizza.

The only positive thing I can say about this Taste of India is that they use a 3 compartment Versatainer for their combo meals which comes in handy for take-a-way and reusable for your own meals (you guessed it, I asked my lunch companions if I could have their containers afterwards).

Sorry, but this is one taste of India that I will avoid.

.

Olive Garden

200 North Galleria Drive
Middletown NY 10941
(845) 692-8232






This chain of Italian restaurants offers what I would consider, popular Italian dishes that Americans would understand and eat. An Italian friend of mine told me that the Olive Garden is not real Italian cuisine and I would have to agree to a point. Many of the dishes on the menu I have made at home so I knew the preparation and ingredients used. Simple and basic.

To start, I was with a large group of people (9) and had to wait for a large table to clear to accommodate us. The waitresses seemed flustered at having to wait on a large table but in my experience, they are usually the most fun and the easiest to handle. I quickly noticed that a large number of families come here to dine but that was probably because in this town, both parent's work and don't have time to cook a homemade sit down dinner.
We were escorted to a long, large, wooden table that comfortably accommodated 10. The walls were painted in a beige/brown Tuscan style with a various grouping of different Italian Majolica plates hanging from the walls. Two waitresses were assigned to us and then the ordering began.

I started with a glass of their Rosato blush wine ($5.25) which was a sweet refreshing wine.
My dinner companions all ordered entrees which came with a choice of soup or salad. If everyone decides on salad, two large plastic bowls of house salad arrive at the table along with their bread sticks. The house salad consists of romaine, radicchio, sliced red onion, tomato, banana peppers, and croutons tossed in their Italian dressing. The bread sticks were small and soft and I asked the waitress to bring extra virgin olive oil for dipping. The salad and the bread sticks were unlimited and that's what fills you up as you wait for your entree.
I ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo ($12.25). Nothing big deal to write home about. The creamy sauce was pretty decent and I used my bread stick to wipe up every last drop. Pretty tasty and acceptable in my standards but could have used a touch more garlic. I've had Alfredo sauce at other places where it was lacking in garlic or cream but this was pretty okay. The Chicken Alfredo seemed lack luster as the grilled chicken on top of the dish was thin and dry.

A gratuity charge is placed on large parties (which many restaurants practice) but overall the prices were good.
You can check out their dinner menu online here.

Dallas BBQ

1265 Third Ave at 73rd Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 772-9393

241 West 42 Street bet 7th and 8th Ave
New York, NY 10036
(212)221-9000


http://www.dallasbbq.com/





With several locations around Manhattan, Brooklyn, and now in the Bronx, New Yorkers can have a taste of Texas barbecue at affordable prices! The early bird special for two at $9.99 is a great bargain for lunch or early dinner. You get two small bowls of chicken soup, two 1/2 rotisserie chickens, two corn breads, and choice of potato or yellow rice.
I love their onion loaf appetizer which is a huge, compact loaf of sweet fried onions. I like to dip them in Ranch dressing (ask if the branch you visit has it).
Aside from rotisserie chicken, BBQ ribs, and meats, this chain restaurant also offers seafood dishes. Great tasting frozen margaritas in HUGE goblets get the meal started on a party note! Try the mango margarita (my favorite)!

The place mats at your table are the menus. Click on menu below to view in full size. Prices may vary from location to location.

Piada

3 Clinton Street (between Houston & Stanton)
212-677-5415

A piada is a grilled Italian sandwich which is on flat bread and popular in the Emillio-Romana region of Italy. Unlike a panini which is much more stuffed, a piada is thinner and pretty tasty!
I had an Amarcord piada which is Prosciutto di Parma, Mozzarella & Arugula. It was interesting and a learning experience watching the guy make this. The sandwich may seem pricey at $7.15 but it is the quality of the ingredients that make it all the special. Clean and brightly lit, the white decor makes this place feel modern and the small tables and chairs up front inviting.
This little sandwich shop is located in the Lower East Side and just a few steps in on Clinton Street.
Master Card, Visa, and American Express are accepted.
You can view their online menu here.

Cafe Danilello's

1072 2nd Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 752-5710


In a city where pizzerias a dime a dozen, there is bound to be competition with price, taste, value and service. Cafe Danilello's meets them all and then some!
Offering a lunch special of two pizza slices and a large soda for $5, Daniello's definitely has the best price on a slice of pizza which goes for $2.75 and up in the tony Upper East Side.
I stopped in to order a large pizza pie and one was produced in 5 minutes from the oven as if they were expecting me! Now that's fast service!
The manager/maitre 'd was very cordial and charming as well as the front counter pizza guy.
All major credit cards are accepted. Cafe Daniello's is located opposite the High School of Art & Design and open until midnight.
You can view an online menu here.

Bruce's Bakery

1045 1st Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 223-1085

This tiny little bakery store front offers danishes, muffins, cookies and cakes which are on trays along the shelves that line the wall. Some loaves of bread sit on the other wall. A small cash register and credit card reader sit on a small shelf in the middle of one wall and two employees sit in there trying to crack a smile. Definitely no frills as you come here only to buy and take away your purchases.

I bought a bran muffin ($2.25) which was moist and flavorful with a small cup of tea that was perfectly light & sweet ($1.09). Very cordial staff.
I was taken aback by the diminutive size of the place (about half the size of a Pre-War Manhattan studio apartment) but they get their baked goods from the flagship in Great Neck, Long Island.

All New VIP Diner

175 Sip Ave
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 792-1400

This diner is not too far from the Journal Square PATH Station and when I went there with friends for lunch yesterday, they were renovating the back dining area.
There were 5 of us in total and the hostess accommodated us with a sunny window booth and an extra table so that we would have sufficient room.
We started with buffalo chicken wings ($5.95) and fried zucchini sticks ($4.25). They were piping hot from the fryer and were pretty good. The zucchini still had it's skin on which didn't bother us but the fried outer coating might have held on better if it was removed prior to battering and frying.
I had a strawberry ice cream soda ($2.45) which was made backwards with the ice cream being put into the glass first and then topped with soda making for a large foamy head and not much soda. Our first young waitress seemed flustered having to wait on 5 people and we were later waited on by a second older waitress. I was beginning to feel full but at that moment, the main course arrived at the table.
I had the 8oz. mushroom bacon burger deluxe ($7.45) with onion rings ($1 more for the rings) which came with a small side of coleslaw and a pickle. The burger was pretty big and juicy but I managed to finish it. Our bill for 5 people came out to about $66 with tax.
Overall, the place was large, clean and the host was very nice. Our waitress Samantha, had that typical cool diner waitress demeanor. Pretty typical diner fare and ambiance but a pleasant experience. Prices are average and the menu can be seen here.

Phil-Am Food Market

(201) 963-0455
683 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306

This moderate sized supermarket specializes in food products mainly from the Philippines with some from China and Japan. The staff is cordial and speak English so you won't feel like you are in foreign land. It's located across the Five Corners Library and not too far from the Journal Square PATH train station.

When you first walk in, you'll find the bags of chips and snacks in addition to the cash register (the beauty products are all behind the register). Check out the freshly made sumans (cassava or sticky rice cooked in coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves and steamed) on the center table up front! There is also an assortment of Filipino breads in the cases and other desserts in the freezers up front.
Further in, you'll see aisles of canned foods, juices, bottles of oils, vinegars, sauces, and dried items from fish to taro leaves. Speaking of fish, there is a frozen/fresh seafood and meat department on the back far right as well as a cooked foods section.
I've found the prices pretty reasonable all around and since the area has a large Filipino community, there are other stores and bakeries to compete with.

Avi & David's

1046 Third Ave

New York, NY 10021
(212) 486-6004

A Kosher Deli with Goiim help housed in the Trump Plaza apartment complex in the Upper East Side...need I say more?
The food looks okay and the lox spread (on a bagel for $4.99) was not bad. The bagel on the other hand was pretty tough and seemed old.

Service could be better and you might have some communication problems with the staff. The woman next to me was asking for a sesame bagel and the counter man started cutting a cinnamon raisin! She and the counter person were having an endless exchange of words and I just wanted to get my lunch and get out of there fast!
They were having problems with their credit card reader and were too quick to say that there was a problem with my card. After I told them to check their machine thoroughly and they checked all the wires for connections, my card finally went through. I was almost going to ask to see a Manager (they have a Mashgichim or Rabbi on the premise) but I figured that after seeing many other people walk in, gawk at the offerings and then leave for somewhere else, I decided to just take my lunch and leave. The place is a store front and seating is few.
The prices are pretty steep but I suppose if your landlord is The Donald, you have to raise your prices to make the rent!

They are toted as the only 24 hour Kosher Bagel Shop in New York and close on Fridays.
Personally I would check out the other 24 hour bagel shops that cover most of Manhattan's Upper East Side for better value and fresher offerings.

Hong Kong Supermarket

157 Hester St

New York, NY 10079

The Hong Kong Supermarket chain has taken over Dynasty's old site and converted it into 2 floors. The ground floor has fresh seafood (some are even still alive and kicking such as the turtles and frogs!), meats, dried food, beverages from all over Asia, sauces from Philippines, Japan, China, and Thailand, in addition to a wall of freezers and an aisle of freezer cases filled with dumplings, breads, and buns.

Downstairs you'll find Asian candies, dried noodles, cooking utensils, woks and steamers, and all the herbs and dried mushrooms for making soups and tonics.

Decent to average prices in my opinion (you'll find a better price on fresh vegetables from the outdoor markets when it is warmer) BUT WATCH THE REGISTER DISPLAY AS THEY RING UP YOUR PURCHASES!!!
Some items will ring up at a higher price than that displayed, especially when you buy a product that it supposedly "on sale".
If a sale sign states 2 for $5, that does not mean that one will ring up at $2.50 a piece but at it's regular price ($3.49). You have to buy the additional (which will then ring up at $ 1.51) to get the "total sale price". It's very odd salesmanship so BE AWARE!
I do like the fact that you can buy three bags of dumplings/pot stickers for $9.99 (found in the freezers and frozen foods section)as that's a pretty good deal. They keep in your freezer well and come in handy for a snack or dinner.

Non Asians and those who do not speak/understand the dialect will find some difficulty here. If you are too lazy to shop around Chinatown for items, this is your one-stop-shopping place.
Credit cards are only taken on purchases over $10!

If you have to buy a non Asian product, go to your local supermarket instead for better pricing. If you are looking for an Asian condiment or an ingredient to make an Asian dish, then you'll definitely find it here...

I've found that the branches in Queens are more accommodating and offer more.
I was surprised to learn that the family that owns this supermarket chain lives in California!

Hong Kong Supermarket

109 E Broadway

New York, NY 10002
(212) 227-3388

What can I say about this supermarket location?
Grimy,
Dirty,
Cramped,
Stank,
Grumpy staff...

For those of you who never grew up in a large crowded city, you'll feel overwhelmed and scared. Customers here have no sense of personal space and will rub up against you as they pass let alone push you out of their way.
I came over here to check it out and after a quick breeze through, I was so turned off that I went to my regular grocery haunts on Grand Street.

Baluchi's Indian Cuisine

224 E 53rd St
New York, NY 10022
(212) 750-5515

Great service!
This place will have your order ready in 10 MINUTES!
Warm and cozy atmosphere.

Great Indian Restaurant chain that offers a prix fixe dinner of $14.95 (previously $12.95).
Lunch is 50% off the in house menu price for DINING IN ONLY!

The dishes here are quite flavorful and sometimes SPICY!
The Kachoris appetizer for one is full of flavor with a kick!
Tikka Masala is popular but I prefer the Korma. I asked them to substitute the chicken for lamb in the dish and they obliged.
Nan bread is included in the prix fixe but try the Poori which is a lightly fried bubble of bread that is great for dipping in your entree's sauce.

I've always ordered out or take out so I can't vouch for the in house service.