28/02/10 23:53 Filed in:
City Grub
Deena: Tropical Roll 1
Where: JJ’s Asian Fusion 37-05 31st Ave., Astoria, Queens
Cost: $9.95
Sushi doesn't come cheap, and this is another sushi place in Astoria where I will actually eat. I love it--great, interesting rolls, not like other generic rolls that we all know the names of. And really friendly service in a romantic dining room. The Tropical Roll 1 is a refreshing mix of salmon, avocado, mango and soybean paper with a strawberry-mango sauce and almond garnish.

David: Hummus Fava
Where: Hummus Place 109 St. Mark’s Place, East Village (between 1st Ave. and Ave. A); 212.529.9198
Cost: $4.00
Hummus Place is the kind of place you want close to home. It's quick and inexpensive, yummy and filling, and best of all, chic. And as all true New Yorkers know, any place worth its salt needs to be close enough to run down to or get a delivery from. They now have five locations on each corner of this island so that no Manhattanite is left out. They had to double up in the west, uptown and downtown. There’s a Hummus Place no matter where you are in Manhattan, and each location has its own design and neighborhood feel.

Jessica: Latte and Balthazar Croissant
Where: Bittersweet - 180 Dekalb Ave, Fort Greene, Brooklyn; (718)852-2556Cost: $6
This is my "bittersweet" goodbye to my dear Fort Greene community and my favorite, most reliable espresso fix. Thank you for your beautiful, velvety foam and rich, dark caramel flavor. I will never forget you and promise to visit every once in a while, especially in the summer, when the trees are lush and the stoops are sunny. Mwah! Love ya!

José: Thai Crispy Crab Cakes
Where: Alpha Asian Fusion 365 W. 34th St., Midtown (212) 279.8887
Cost: $9
Forget what you know about crab cakes and head over to Alpha. In most restaurants crab cakes tend to be overrated. They’re either dry, too mushy or bland. As soon as you get a bite from these guys, I promise you, you’ll come back for more. The crunchy sweetness of the outside is a great surprise. What’s even more surprising is how fresh and yummy they are on the inside. I’ve never had anything like it.

Tags: cheap eats
22/02/10 19:45 Filed in:
City Grub
Deena: Meatloaf Sandwich
Where: El*Ay*Si 47-38 Vernon., Long Island City, Queens; 718.389.8781
Cost: $9
Note: I know I've talked about this place before...and maybe I'm a little biased, but it is totally worthy of mention again, since they just opened for lunch now, too.
A blend of chuck, brisket, short ribs, and pork. Served either classically cold with mayo or open-faced with gravy and mashed. I grew up with parents who couldn't cook, but for most of you, this ain't your mama's meatloaf. But it will make you feel just as good eating it! For 9 buck-a-roos, you can't go wrong!

David: Tacos
Where: Calexico Cart Corner of Prince and Wooster
Cost: $4.00
Started by three brothers from Southern California, Calexico has fantastic tacos, perfect for a quick lunch while sightseeing in Soho. For $4 or less, all topped with the requisite cabbage, cilantro and lime, you have your choice of four fillings: marinated and grilled asado hangar steak (incredible) or chicken, chipotle pork, or veggie black bean. Burritos are stuffed with the same for $6-$8. Grab an order of guacamole or chips and salsa, just $2 each, and you'll have a complete Mexican meal. The best and closest spot to chow down is the nearby park on the corner of Spring and Mott. You can also find a second Calexico cart at Broadway and Broome.

Jessica: Lunch Special
Where: Tai Thai - 206 Bedford Avenue (between N. 5th & N. 6th) 718.559.5556Cost: $5.95
Seriously, there are SO few places left anywhere (forget in NYC) where you can get a freshly prepared lunch entree for under six bucks. At Tai Thai you get a li'l tasty salad with peanut dressing to start and then a few Thai favorite mains to choose from. I got the unadventurous Veggie Pad Thai, which turned out to be unusually decorated with what I like to call "luxury vegetables": Snow peas, asparagus, and zucchini--OH MY!!!! This place is definitely a grade above the usually mediocre Thai places that have sprouted up all over the city in the last few years.

José: Pear and Gargonzola Salad
Where: Lil’ Frankie’s 19 1st Ave., East Village (212) 420.4900
Cost: $3.95
Most of you guys know I’m not a salad guy. And sure, it’s crazy this is my pick from a place that has amazing pizza, but pears served with arugula endive, walnuts and crumbled gargonzola is a perfect starter before you dive into the rest.

Tags: cheap eats
03/01/10 17:24 Filed in:
City GrubDeena: Chipwich and Shake
Where: Gus & Gabriel Gastropub, 222 West 79th St., Upper West Side (between Broadway & Amsterdam)
Cost: $5.95
Triple chocolate cookie, caramel ice cream, chocolate crunches AND Jim Beam-spiked vanilla shake. It doesn't get better than that! Good old-fashioned comfort food from scratch that makes you feel like a kid again but still allows the adult in you to enjoy the booze. So many more selections under ten bucks, but this one was def the most economical! A place where you can "have your cake and eat it, too"! Or your burger, or your chili and cheese dogs, or your fried mozz balls, or your spicy pork sloppy joe!!!
Jessica: Jacques Torres Hot Chocolate
Where: Jacques Torres Chocolate Bar 350 Hudson St., Soho Cost: $5
There's nothing like a rich hot chocolate during these blustery cold days, and oh, is this rico sauve! It's like pudding before it's set. Have a seat by the window watching over the chocolate factory, you'll feel like you've stepped into the world of Willy Wonka.

José: White Bean SoupWhere: Le Pain Quotidien 124 Seventh Ave., Chelsea
Cost: $5.95
Doesn’t seem like the weather is letting up anytime soon. For a quick pick-me up in the middle of your day, help yourself to a delicious bowl of white bean soup!

David: Bánh MìWhere: Baoguette Pho Sure 120 Christopher St., West VillageCost: $5
Garden freshness (cilantro, cucumber) plus a whiff of Asian mystery (pork terrine, roast pork) plus a soft, crunchy baguette equals the most addictive new sandwich in town.
Tags: cheap eats
28/12/09 07:35 Filed in:
City Grub
Jessica: Brooklyn Wings
Where: The Smoke Joint 87 South Elliot Pl., Fort Greene, BrooklynCost: $7.50
These smoky wings are sweet and spicy, and the meat is so juicy it falls right off, though you'll still be gettin' all up on that bone like it's hiding somethin' in there. You get it, baby! No judgment! 
José: Egg Salad TartineWhere: Le Pain Quotidien 124 Seventh Ave., Chelsea
Cost: $9.75
If you’re one of the rare birds who loves anchovies like me, this place serves an amazing egg salad tartine. With organic eggs, olive oil, capers & anchovies, this pack a punch to your taste buds!

Deena: Mini Egg Bagel--toasted with butter, coffee & fresh squeezed OJ
Where: Brooklyn Bagel Company 35-05 Broadway St., Astoria, Queens
Cost: $7
Sometimes a whole bagel is just too much! Brooklyn Bagel has half-size bagels that are just the right size. Ooh, they also have bialies, too! It's the fresh-squeezed OJ that ups the price, but what's better than natural freshness?

David: Meat on a StickWhere: Meat on a Stick Cart: 69-24 Main St., Flushing, QueensCost: $1
Choose from beef, pork, squid, tripe, broccoli, whitefish, and a bunch of other meat and veggie options on a stick. Once you pick, a nice woman will dip the speared food into a vat of sizzling oil and cook it on the spot. Get the hot sauce for an extra zing.
Tags: cheap eats
11/12/09 14:20 Filed in:
City Grub
Jessica: Croque Madame
Where: Marquet Patisserie 680 Fulton St., Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Cost: $7.50
This decadent sandwich helps me miss Paris a little less. Very authentic-tasting and straightforward, like that of a true Parisian brasserie. The only thing missing is the bustling sidewalk cafe to enjoy it. The staff is very friendly and efficient, unlike the usual lackadaisical service in my still beloved Fort Greene.
croque
José: Carne Guisada Combination PlateWhere: Caliente Pizzeria Spanish Food 862 10th Ave., Midtown (between 56th and 57th St)
Cost: $9.25
It’s no surprise to my friends that I love my Puerto Rican food. This place has it all. For less than $10 you get your choice of rice and beans, carne guisada (spanish beef stew), salad, sweet plantains and a drink of your choice! If that’s not enough, for an extra $1 you can get a beef empanada that’s perfectly seasoned. 
Deena: Sesame Chicken Combo
Where: Sunrise Chinese Take-out 3320 Broadway St., Astoria, Queens
Cost: $6.25
As my favorite Chinese take-out option, i have fully researched the area, and this one is the best! just the right amount of sauce and crunch--comes with pork fried rice and pork egg roll.
David: Sushi from Nori Where: Nori Sushi 129 Second Ave., East VillageCost: $1-10.
Nori in the West Village serves special sushi pieces for $1 each. I sampled the tobiko (flying fish roe), tuna, striped bass, and eel. All four were delicious. The only catch (heh) is that during dinner hours (5:30 p.m. to midnight), you have to spend $8 to get the deal. But at lunch, get however many you want. Price: $1 each for select pieces.
Tags: food, cheap eats