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

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.

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.

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.