Sripraphai
As often, fried pork belly with chiles and basil, and duck with Thai eggplants were on the agenda, no need to rehash. But the Chinese watercress salad? What the heck?! Since when did they start serving it all deconstructed? I appreciate their new (to me) attention to sog (never mind my own personal sog brought on by my lack of waterproof shoes–that freak Saturday snow caused wet soggy socks that I had to keep on my feet for hours) but I actually kind of liked the spicy and fishy goop, filled with softened shallots and stray pieces of batter that collected at the bottom of the plate. It reminded me of how one of the best parts of an ice cream sundae is all the melted ice cream and whipped cream mingling with syrup (coffee, butterscotch, and hot fudge) that I used to call “the drink’ when Farrell’s still existed in Portland and I could order the Mocha Nut. Previously on Sripraphai.
Astor Room
$1.50 oysters might not be the most suitable snow in October snack (I don’t associate chilled raw seafood with wintery weather) but paired with two for one classic (the Mary Pickford, pictured) and newfangled (The Mexican Firing squad, not snapped) cocktails, the 5pm-7pm happy hour is a fun pitstop before a movie at the nearby UA Kaufman Astoria multiplex. Except that we stayed beyond our showtime. Luckily, Drive was still playing at Kew Gardens Cinemas (and Cobble Hill Cinemas—they’re owned by the same company, which becomes apparent during the ‘80s-seeming, probably made in the ‘90s s pre-trailer sequence with a synth soundtrack to rival Drive’s—but I like my old, small, two-dollars-cheaper theaters bereft of people). Previously on Astor Room.
Jolie Cantina
Did you ever eat at Jolie? I did not. It took a move and sprinkling Mexican touches into the French cuisine to get my attention. I like mish-mashes. And they were subtle. Like funky merguez links in tacos and duck confit in enchiladas. The blueberry strudel with pistachio ice cream was straightforward. It’s a low-key neighborhood restaurant, not one worth traveling to, but one I could revisit since it’s not one of those places where weeknight dining demands a lengthy wait. Plus, I like the roosters in a beret and a sombrero.
FoodParc
RedFarm has moved onto its fancier digs. Now you have burgers, salads, sandwiches, and the new Mr. Wong’s, filling the Chinese void. It is kind of fun ordering duck wonton noodles by touchscreen. And it was one of the least offensive dining options near Madison Square Garden. It took nearly three decades (sweet jesus) but I’ve finally seen Duran Duran live. That is my view from above, and not my noodles (obviously).
Chip Shop
A plate with 90% of its surface taken up by stubby, gravy-soaked fried potatoes (at least two spuds) beef and kidney-filled pie centered on top should probably not be consumed unless one is bulking up for the winter. What else is the Chip Shop good for if not adding snow-in-October padding. Too bad they were out of Scotch eggs.
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