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Happenings, restaurants and real estate in Brooklyn and Manhattan
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Prima Pasta 5821 Avenue T Brooklyn, NY 11234 718 209 1030 A local Brooklyn standby earns its reputation the hard way, day after day with inexpensive, but good Italian food. Upon coming to your table a large never ending basket of piazza bread arrives. At these prices you expect grub, but the food is better than that, and while plain, is often quite good and the portions are large. Try the Cacciatore Chicken, boneless chicken simmered with tomato and mushroom, with bread crumbs over spinach. Every Monday and Tuesday there is an all you can eat Italian buffet for $ 10.95. A large variety of lunch specials are $ 7.25 and there are two for one entre coupons on the web page http://www.primapastabrooklynny.com/ Just the thing to feed a hungry family on a budget for more see www.ditmasestates.com
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Mill Basin Kosher Deli 5823 Avenue T. Brooklyn NY 11234 718.241.4910 Kosher deli’s are almost an endangered species, basically because they have gotten a bad rap--- All that salt and fat…oy While still a carnivores delight the Mill Basin Kosher Deli has gone to the next step. Yes, you can still get a great Pastrami sandwich or a stuffed derma. Now there are salads, soups and other healthier items. Me, I am a traditionalist, for lunch I had the split pea soup, in a bowl almost big enough to do laps in, and half of Pastrami on rye for $ 8.99. There was Cole slaw, health salad, macaroni salad, half and full dill pickles, dark bread and of course, seltzer on the table gratis. While kosher delis are no longer cheap, who can put a price on reliving a memmory. For more see www.ditmasestates.com
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Bunny Chow 74 Orchard Street New York, NY 212 260-5317 We may not think of it as such, but South Africa is a melting pot. There are English, Dutch, Native Africans and Indians. Remember, Ghandi got his start here and a Bunny Chow draws from all these influences. Bunny Chow is a very narrow, dark small place with an immense flat screen TV. The service is friendly; indeed they really care about whether you enjoyed your dinning experience. A bad South African joke: Rabbit and Elephant stew (one Rabbit and one Elephant) is no longer popular, why? Nobody likes Hare in their stew…yuk, yuk. A Bunny Chow is a very thick slice of bread with the center scooped out and a curried meat or shrimp stew added, while very tasty there is some heat, and I recommend a cold beer on the side. Try the Kaasori, an Ostrich sausage, served with a garnish of salad and a lovely chutney. The chips flats were more mundane and topped with feta cheese. Warning Peri-Peri sauce is not for the faint of heart!!! The food and service is good, the ambiance forgettable and the prices are very inexpensive. Dinner for four is about $ 120 USD. For more see www.ditmasestates.com
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There is no guarantee that you will be happy in your new house or neighborhood. Indeed, although I have no psychological training, I know from first hand knowledge that happiness comes from within not from physical objects, money, houses etc... However there are things you can do to prevent any rude surprises. If the broker assures you that you will be happy, say goodbye to the broker, ASAP! Be forewarned, there is a high probability that after the sale, the broker will say the same to you, if you complain. Do your homework! You probably will hire an engineer and a lawyer to check out the structure and legality of the house, but did you take the time or effort to check out that a loud band does not practice, after hours, next door? A good idea is to talk to other people in the neighborhood. If you are not from the area, take the time to go to a neighbor meeting, a social event at a house of worship will do nicely. Also walk the neighborhood during the day and at night. Do you feel secure? Is there innocuous business during the day that maybe a problem at night? Try to buy the things you like from the neighborhood stores. Are they too expensive? Do they have the specialty goods available in your neighborhood? There are demographics on every neighborhood. Take the time to check them out. Are you moving into a community of retirees, with school age children? Do the schools work? Remember, while you may not send your kids to the local public schools, your tenants might. Are you a car collector in a neighborhood infamous for car thefts? Recently, I met a couple who where all excited about moving into a dense downtown area. They were both suburban people, who were used to going everywhere by car. The house they looked at was just right for them. They had acquaintances and co-religionists nearby. But it came as a shock, when they learned at the last minute there was no place to park their cars! (Has anyone heard of “No Park Slope”!)? Remember, happiness comes from within, but contentment in a house, like all important things requires hard work. for more see www.ditmasestates.com
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Joya, Thai Restaurant and Bar 215 Court Street Brooklyn, NY 718 222 3484 We almost walked past Joya with its discreet frontage, but inside we found a large, clean, noisy and very hip dinning room with an open kitchen and an occasional DJ. There is also a much quieter delightful garden aea in the back. Joya is very inexpensive, the highest price entrée is $ 8.95, but the food is first rate. We ordered the Mango salad, a Glass noodle dish and a Beef Curry. The portions were very large. The Mango salad was topped with perfectly ripe Mango and the greens were flavored with fish sauce, lime and cilantro…yum. The Glass noodle dish was very large and filled with goodies. The Beef Curry was very flavorful and a little spicy, but with in normal limits and almost too big to finish. With a Thai beer a feast for $ 24! There is no website for Joya, no reservations, and no air conditioning although the space was cool on a hot day. The drink list is a handwritten addendum to the menu and there seems to be no desserts, very strange. With first rate food and an inexpensive price list Joya is indeed a find. for more see www.ditmasestates.com
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16 stories 3 elevators 152 units
• 145,330 sq. ft. single story - $41,000,000 - rent roll 6,915,104 East Tremont, Bronx - Sixteen Stories , 152 units, three elevators, occupancy 98%, 1973-5 constructions
Courtesy - M. Geller Property information
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Padre Figlio 310 east 44 street NY, NY In the presence of professionals There is something about Padre Figlio, which just tells you they know what they are doing. It starts with the hostess, who greets you by name even though you have never been there before and have not announced yourself. The Maitre D’ proceeds to announce the voluminous specials of the day, including the ingredients and the method of preparation…just so. We were not interested in just beef, I wanted to see what the chef can do and even this jaded New Yorker was impressed. Some of us started with a wonderful tricolor salad topped with slivers of Romano cheese. I had a pickled eggplant and mushroom mélange wrapped in radicchio with gobs of freshly made buffalo milk mozzarella, still warm and silky smooth. Ah…yes Pasta is the reason for Italy’s existence and my judgment is strict and unforgiving. I am not sure what they called my dish. It was a variation of Spaghetti Matricana. Home made spaghetti perfectly al dente, with pancetta (unsmoked bacon), onion, and garlic with slices of filet mignon in an excellent tomato sauce topped with ricotta. The serving was so large, I cancelled my next course. Also at the table was home made lobster ravioli with large chucks of lobster and a perfectly grilled mediterrain sea bass. It’s a rough life, but someone has to do it and I am volunteering for your share at Padre Figlio. Dinner for four was $ 250 with a tip. But I noticed that they have a limited menu prix fixe dinner at $ 35. I am definitely going back to try it for more see www.ditmasesates.com
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Mendy’s Kosher Deli 61 east 34 street New York, NY 212 576 1010 I haven’t been to Mendy’s on 34 Street in a while. They have redecorated and updated and the results were interesting. The food is still very good, if anything better. There is now a salad bar and the front counter still makes sandwiches that must be handled with two hands. They still have the best kosher deli especially corned beef in town. It is lean without being dry and crumbly. The only complaint was the kasha knishes had mashed potatoes mixed with the kasha. The potato makes them easier to eat, but dilutes the special gritty taste of the kasha But something is gone and I can’t quite put my finger on it. If pushed, I would say it’s the heimshe or home style feeling. Gone are the male waiters, who had an opinion on everything. Instead young orthodox women, extremely modestly dressed, covered from ankle to neckline, whom seem to be afraid to talk to you, are the new wait staff. Perhaps, it’s the general trend in orthodox Jewish circles to become stricter and even more observant. This holier than thou attitude has replaced warmth with elitism and narrow mindedness. I know you can’t eat atmosphere, but a smile does aid the digestion for more see www.ditmasestates.com
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Delmonico's
56 Beaver Street
New York, NY 212 509 1144 Don’t count the calories or the chloresterol. just enjoy I have eaten in some of the best steak houses here and abroad, while Florentine beef is very good, Delmonico’s is still number one. Yes, historic Delmonico’s, originator o Lobster Newberg, Baked Alaska and Chicken ala Keene (king). The service is still first rate and atmosphere hasn’t changed since 1837. The only curious thing is that the appetizers and desserts are small while the main courses are enormous We celebrated a birthday there recently and we were not disappointed. The double porterhouse was buttery and even sweet and cooked just right. The serving was so big that we served three instead of two. The sides were very good and both were swimming in heavy cream or butter. For dessert a chocolate mouse cake sandwiched peanut butter and vanilla ice on the side made me think about spending an extra hour at the gym, but it was worth it for more see www.ditmasestates.com
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Tomasso Restaurant 1464 86th St. (cor. Bay 8th St. )
Brooklyn, NY 11228 ph# 718-236-9883 Deep in the heart of Italian Brooklyn is Tomasso’s restaurant. The food is real Italian, not like the fake Australian Outback steak house across the street. The lasagna had sausage, pork, beef. This is the way it’s made in homes in Italy. Olive oil and basil is on the table to have with your crusty ethnic breads and the wine list is perhaps the best in Brooklyn. Special attention is paid to large groups. The prices go down with entrees in the 20’s, as easily as a good Priorat(ferrer/bobet)05. Most amazing is the wonderful singing voice of Tom Tomasso himself. He led us in a chorus of God Bless America that would make Kate Smith proud. On weekends he often performs with his staff. For real Italian food and a really good aria I recommend Tomasso’s for more see www.ditmasestates.com
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Bice Ristorante 7 East 54 Street New York, NY 212 688 1999 Bice New York, is part of a chain of restaurants, but this is not your fathers McDonald’s There are several Bice restaurants around the world we were at the Manhattan branch. The first thing you notice that the décor is lively but dignified, in some ways similar to Kellari. The next thing to notice is that even though this is not an inexpensive restaurant (dinner can easily be $ 100/person) there are children at the table, albeit well dressed and at there best behavior. Indeed three generational tables are not uncommon. The most important thing about any restaurant is the food and Bice truly shines. A classic beet and spinach salad is upgraded by using goat cheese rather than the traditional blue cheese, add slivered baby white and green beans and you know you are at someplace special. Lobster bisque separates the cooks from the chefs. Most cooks add corn starch to try to thicken the broth the result is usually clumpy or cloying. If you try to reheat the bisque the cream will scald and the bisque will often smell and taste burnt. Bice’s bisque was hot, tangy with tomato, but smooth with cream. The Lobster medallions on top were proof of the bisque pedigree. There are many good dishes at Bice try the Veal Scaloppini. Normally this is made with lemon slices or juice and the result is a sour taste. But at Bice preserved lemon is used gone is the sour taste replaced by a wonderful lemon bouquet and taste. For more see www.ditmasestates.com
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Buckley’s Tavern 2926 Avenue S Brooklyn, NY 11228 718 998 4222 Not Fancy, but Good Buckley’s Tavern has grown up what started as a local bar with food is now a real restaurant and catering hall. Unlike some expansions Buckley’s has had the sense not to change what made them special. Their menu is limited with daily specials, but what they do they do well. There is a large local crowd and the waitress’s know most by name and are often invited to sit at the table to gossip. You can start off with Onion or Lentil Soup and an individually baked loaf of hot bread shows up. The meats are simple but always done perfectly and the Chicken Parmigana makes you wonder if Buckley’s is not really and Italian name in disguise. The portions are gigantic, doggy bags are the rule. Dinner for two is about fifty dollars without drinks for more www.ditmasestates.com
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Joe’s of Avenue U 287 Avenue U Brooklyn, NY 718 449 9285 I was 13 years old when I first went to Joe’s of Avenue U. Even after fifty years, Joe’s a Focacceria Palermitana has not lost its Sicilian roots. Initially Joes\’s was only open for lunch. When lunch or the mid day meal was the main meal as it was back in Sicily. Gradually even Joe’s has adapted but its menu harks back to an even ancient era. A time when tomato was unknown in Italy (pre Columbus) and fish or fish sauce was the main flavoring... You can still get Pasta cchi Sardi (pasta with sardine sauce). Please note the dialect difference between Sicilian and standard Italian. Slowly, very slowly times have changed even for Joe’s. It is now open for dinner, but credit cards are verboten. Joe’s still has the steam trays for take out for the harried Italian housewife. I can still remember the sharp yet loving ear slap I got for misbehaving I had the Tunnina all’Agro e Dulci, (sweet & sour Tuna) my favorite of decades, and it is still wonderful. It makes you wonder why anyone would put Tuna in a can. The Vrocculi ri Rapi (broccoli rabe) and the Capunata di Milinciani ( Eggplant garnish ) are in a class by itself. The food is still terrific, plentiful and inexpensive. A full dinner for two with house wine and dessert is about forty dollars. for more www.ditmasestates.com
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Noodletown 28 Bowery New York, NY 10013 212) 349-0923 After midnight and after a show or movie, when most if not all of the food places in Chinatown, NYC have closed down, there is Noodletown on the Corner of Bowery and Bayard Streets The atmosphere at noodletown is Chinese luncheonette when it was new and it is not new now. There is no maitre d’, cooked ducks and pigs hang in the window. Soup is scooped out unceremoniously in front everyone. The waiters are constantly busy and either do not have the time or the English to greet you and certainly not to hold your chair. What noodletown does have is good home-style Chinese food. They go through great quantities of duck and the duck comes cut up with crispy skin and most of the fat gone. The Chinese broccoli is very fresh and steaming hot and actually cut so that even a Westerner can eat it with chop sticks. All the other dishes seem to have the same attention to detail that makes a meal very welcomed. Like I said don’t take a date to Noodletown unless you want to impress them with your ability to find good simple Chinese food. for more see www.ditmasestates.com
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DJERDAN BOREK 2283 65 Street
Brooklyn, NY 11204 (718) 484-3180 This Albanian dinner (Yes, I said Albanian) looks a luncheonette. It is almost as hard to find as the country, itself being on a side street and an incorrect address on the menu. There are no hamburgers here. Instead plan to have Boreks, (similar to middle eastern Borekas ), that is a pastry that is stuffed with spinach or meat or cheese. The pastry is light and close to a waffle batter. That’s it! Boreks make up almost the entire menu except for some wonderful desserts. A typical dessert is Baklava swimming in honey and/or Karo sauce or cake or pastry that flavored in the same way. Boreks cost about $4 each and two Boreks are more that you can eat for more see www.Ditmasestates.com
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