Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Piada














601 Lexington Ave
New York NY 10022
Phone 212-752-2727
Fax 212-752-7010










I used to go to Piada in the Lower East Side of New York and when I found out that they opened a branch in midtown, I had to check it out.

Much larger ans spacious than it's LES sister, the midtown branch is a bit hard to find. It's near the CitiCorp Tower in the public space on the corner of 53rd Street and Lexington Avenue. Right next to the waterfall (look down).

All ingredients are fresh and the meats and cheeses imported from Italy for authenticity. You can watch the guy make your sandwich at the griddle where all the ingredients are laid out (almost like a Subway Sandwich shop).
The sandwich maker would take the flat bread and put it on the grill to warm each side then lay on the cheese and allow it to melt a bit. Next comes the layers of meat and then the greens. Folded over it is then BOXED and placed into a chique brown paper bag (more like a tote).

I had the amarcord piada... the saltiness of the prociutto de parma, the bite of the baby arugula and the creaminess of the buffalo mozzarella all in a warm, thin, flat-bread, was just perfect.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Baluchi's Indian Food


224 East 53rd Street
between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
New York, NY 10022

(212) 750-5515
Fax: (212)750-2288




An Indian chain all about New York, this has become one of my favorite Indian restaurants of all time.
I usually order delivery or take out for the $14.95 prix fixe dinner special of appetizer and entree (only available on takeout menu) but last night I decided to dine in for the first time at this particular location.

The Manager was most gracious and welcoming and sat my dining companion and I at a lovely table with a banquette. The decor speaks for itself in the photo. Warm and cozy with spice colors and glass lamps. We were immediately given a basket of chapti (chickpea crisps) and a trio of chutneys.
We ordered a samosa to share which was a flaky pastry triangle filled with potato, chickpeas, and peas. My entree was my favorite, korma (chicken) although I usually have it made with lamb (not shown on the delivery menu). My companion had the chicken tikka masala which I learned is the national dish of England. Rice is not included with your entree (thought that was odd since it comes with the dinner delivery special) and neither is bread. We shared a bowl of rice which was basmati scented with cardamom and spices. Everything was served in lovely, heavy metal bowls. I tried the Rose lassi which is a yogurt beverage flavored with rose petals (it was a brilliant pink) and we finished dinner with Rasmalai, fresh handmade cheese (similar to ricotta) in floral scented sweet milk.

The fragrance of the spices and floral essences added to the wonderful flavors of the food stimulating all the senses.

Official website

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Melt Café and Gelato Bar


1053 2nd Avenue, New York
(646) 344-1287











This place is relatively new and the lunch special on the outside board caught my eye... $7.95 for half a pannini, salad, drink, and soup or gelato.
I chose the Parma Panini of prosciutto, spinach, shaved parmigiano with oil & vinegar. I placed my order, paid, and was given a pager that would buzz and vibrate to let me know when my order was ready. After I chose my drink of a diet Coke, I settled onto a banquette and watched a guy behind the counter make crepes for another person. After about 5 minutes, my pager went off blinking and buzzing. I went up to the counter to find my lunch order waiting for me.

The pannini (pressed Italian sandwich) was crispy, warm, and delicious but the salad was a small wilted mesclun mix of greens with balsamic vinaigrette on the side. After enjoying my lunch, I got up to the counter again where I could choose my gelato (I didn't want soup since the drink was included) which is handmade on the premises. After a few free tastings I settled for the pistachio gelato. Rich, creamy and a natural colored greenish hue, not that garish neon green you see in store bought American ice cream.
Staff was pleasant and cordial. Clean white decor almost Scandinavian in design.

Melt is a franchise chain originating from California with locations in Arizona, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia.

Monday, March 22, 2010

BJ's Wholesale Club

6626 Metropolitan Ave.
Middle Village, NY 11379
718-326-9080

I just visited the BJ's Wholesale in Middle Village, Queens for the first time and wanted to compare it to Costco. they are both about the same in price with Costco a little cheaper. BJ's on the other hand offers a lot more of big name food products. Their own brand doesn't seem to be in conjunction to these large manufacturers as Costco's Kirkland Signature line is.

One marked difference is that BJ's accepts all methods of payment from credit or debit cards to cash to EBT. Costco just accepts cash, debit cards, and their own AMEX credit card.

Membership is $45 for 14 months basic membership

Monday, March 1, 2010

Pathmark

Surprisingly I found a Pathmark in Manhattan! It's located on Cherry Street near the Manhattan Bridge and the prices there are pretty good!
Quite large for a Manhattan supermarket since real estate is a premium but being located not that far from Chinatown, if you can't find it at Pathmark, you'll find it at one of the local markets.
Conveniently located near the F train.