Posts by bunboy

If you want a really good time and feel like pigging the F out, walk, don’t run to Queens Comfort.

As you might have guessed from the title of the restaurant, Queens Comfort is located in Queens. So, maybe make sure that’s ok with you.

I haven’t been to Queens too many times, but I think I can safely say that Queens Comfort is the most popular restaurant in maybe all of the city.

As you walk up, you’ll see a long line of peeps waiting outside. Avatar, the doorman and keeper of the line, will occasionally call out instructions on how things work. He’s the tour guide for the meal you will eventually enjoy.

A helpful hint: Come early. You’ll put your name on Avatar’s list. Every day will be a new question. You’ll answer that question and your answer will be what he calls out when your table is ready.

Today’s question was what cartoon character is you spirit animal and we all decided on Scrooge McDuck. We were told the wait would be about 45 minutes, so we wandered around the neighborhood until the name of that lovable, cantankerous old duck was called out.

45 minutes was the wait after we had arrived very shortly after they had opened. I don’t even want to think about how long it would be if you showed up at 11 am….

Someone came out with a huge tray of maple tabasco waffle fries to feed us while we waited. Cool move, man. I dig.

The place is BYOB, which is both fun and cost effective. Bring your champagne, and buy a pitcher of orange juice from your waiter (don’t bring your own) and a fun and frivolity will naturally ensue.

A DJ will spin loud tunes while you hurriedly order the insane donut of the day, before they run out.

QC is known for their delicious, coffee-cake like donuts that are all the rage on Instagram. Definitely order one.

The rest of the menu reminds me of what a stoned teenager might come up with if but then made sure to put professionals in charge of the actual preparation. Many of the dishes might seem cray, but everything we ordered was delicious.

Their benedicts are a wise order choice as was the Pig Mac, a fried pork tenderloin sandwich. While, we ate the McRuffin and enjoyed it, I don’t know if I would recommend that over the other things we ate.

40-09 30th Ave
Astoria, NY 11103
Astoria
(718) 728-2350
queenscomfort.com

“Avatar” the doorman – Instructs the awaiting masses of the rules of how to get seated!

Maple Tabasco Waffle Fries – Passed out to feed the starving folks waiting in line.

A DJ spins while you pig out.

BYOChampagne!

The Velvet Elvis Donut – Chocolate Chip Banana Cake, Peanut Butter Glaze, Bacon Crumb – $4.50

“The Pig Mac” – Fried Pork Tenderloin, Pickles, Onions, Sriracha Aioli – $12

Egg McRuffin – Bechamel, Cheddar, Smoked Bacon, Fried Egg, English Muffin, Tots 14

“Down by Law” Benedict – Roasted Chicken, Bacon Jam, Poached Eggs, Hollandaise, Buttermilk Biscuit, Chipotle Aioli 16

Mary’s Walk of Shame – Bloody Mary topped with Grilled Cheese, Maple Bacon, Pastrami, Sausage & Pickles – $15

Bespoke is a cute, neighborhoody spot in the West Village that serves an over the top Bloody Mary that you simply must try.

Well, you don’t have to. But you should. Unless you hate things like meat and cheese. And if that’s the case, go find a good lawn to gnaw on, ya damn hippy.

The biscuit bites were my favorite thing here. But the croissant French toast came in as a close second.

The bacon sampler didn’t wow me like I thought it might. Many of the pieces seemed burned. But we had enough food already, maybe the chef was saving us from ourselves?

The owner was really nice and gave us that sampler for free, so I guess I shouldn’t complain. But where’s the fun in that??

615 12nd hudson St
New York, NY 10014
West Village
(212) 989-3155
thebespokekitchen.com

Bespoke Bloody – $12

Bacon Tasting – Braised Maple Bacon, Molasses Bacon, Lamb Bacon & Turkey Bacon – $15

Biscuit Bites – Crispy Chicken and Gravy – $12

House Made Pastrami Hash – $16

Braised Short Rib Sandwich – $17

The Croast – Croissant French Toast – $15

Seamore’s is an impressive seafood restaurant in Little Italy if you’re in the hood and looking for something besides one of the 198 cheesy Italian eateries that are surrounding you.

No obnoxious host(ess) will yell at you to come inside and try their new lunch specials (which are the same as their old lunch specials). So, if you’re fine with that, Seamore’s is the place for you.

The poke was light and refreshing. Order it as your entrée, if you’re a model or something. But share with friends (or maybe with the table next to you, if you think anyone seated there is attractive) and order the fish tacos.

They’re really great. Not the best I’ve ever had. But really great, like I just said. Don’t make me say it again.

The fisherman’s stew is good if you’re feeling more adventurous and like digging for clams. I don’t eat shellfish, so I have no clue what this stew tasted like. I was told it was “Good”, so that’s as profound as you’re getting, folks.

390 Broome St
New York, NY 10013
b/t Mulberry St & Centre Market Pl
Little Italy, Nolita
(212) 730-6005
seamores.com

Poke – Ponzu, peanut, avocado – $16

Spicy Fisherman’s Stew – Squid, kimchi, rice cakes – $16

Crispy Dogfish Tacos – $15

Studio Kraut is a new colorful German-ish brunch spot that recently opened on 8th Avenue, in Chelsea.

If you want bottomless mimosas, delicious but heart-attack inducing fare in a really noisy setting, Studio Kraut is for you.

I had heard about the deep fried cheesecake stuffed waffles on Instagram. Where one hears about everything important, obviously.

These waffles were out of this world. There is no denying it. However, committing to an entire plate of this monstrosity isn’t something I could ever recommend. You will have a sugar crash and it will be an epic one. Especially if you’re pounding mimosas simultaneously. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

The Chicken Schnitzel was also quite tasty and a very large portion. Come hungry, for sure.

We started with the baked brie appetizer, which was unnecessary, considering the amount of food that we had coming. If we had only known, we would not have ordered it.

The only real deterrence from coming back is the noise level. The music was pumping but the echoing of our fellow boozy brunchers was a bit too much. Maybe ask to sit outside. Or don’t come at all. What do I care what you do?

Just kidding. I DO care. I care deeply. Remind me what your name was, again?

160 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10011
b/t 18th St & 17th St
Chelsea
(646) 449-8150
studiokrautnyc.com

CAST IRON BAKED BRIE
cinnamon spiced pecan brittle,
french brie, peppercorn crostini
$12.75

HAUS BURGER
smoked gouda, shaved pickles,
horseradish aioli, kaiser roll – $16.95

CHICKEN SCHNITZEL
fried egg, peppercorn potatoes,
haricot verts, dill cream sauce – $21.25

BOHEMIAN WAFFLES
STUFFED AND BATTERED –
LINGONBERRY CHEESECAKE
berry reduction, graham cracker
crumbs, vermont maple syrup – $14.25

The driving force for me coming to Freud was that delicious looking Onion Tarte I had seen splashed about Instagram.

I say delicious “looking” because I never got to actually try one.

When I arrived on this pleasant Sunday evening, my Onion Tarte had vanished. Gone. Just like one of Liam Neeson’s poor “Taken” daughters.

It had been replaced by a squid flatbread. Now, I do believe that most people enjoy squid. I, myself, do not.

What if the kidnappers has replaced Liam Neeson’s daughter with a squid flatbread??

Just placed it on her childhood bed, as if Liam wouldn’t notice the difference. Do you think that would make it all better?

No, it would not. Liam would seek revenge.

But he would also probably eat the flatbread.

I drowned my sorrows in the absolutely fantastic Freud Burger. My perfect burger has but a few flavors going on. Meat, cheese and caramelized onions. A special sauce is also welcomed. Maybe a few pickles. I need nothing else in my dream burger. No quickly wilting lettuce or pointless tomato. I was greatly pleased by this burger.

The fries didn’t look like much but they were also quite nice. I ate every morsel.

Another nice surprise was the Whipped Liptauer appetizer.

“What the hell is whipped liptauer??” I demanded of our waitress. Minus the “hell” and minus the tone of demand.

It is an Austrian cream cheese and Freud serves it with slivers of celery and beets. It arrived with a tasty selection of table bread atop we could spread this very tasty spread. It totally reminded me of a bagel shop’s vegetable flavored cream cheese.

The cocktails were nice, the raspberry and rum Dream Day was my favorite. They’re $14 a pop, which is common for nicer restaurants but can really add up.

The prices here are not outrageous but try not to think of this place in the same vein as some rowdy German beer hall. It’s a polite, upscale Austrian restaurant and dinner and drinks will at least set you back around $60 per person.

Plus, Austria and Germany are two different countries dummy, so maybe it’s time to take a cultural awareness course or something.

506 Laguardia Pl
New York, NY 10012
b/t Houston St & Bleecker St
Greenwich Village
(212) 777-0327
http://www.freudnyc.com/

Taboo – Rye, Carpano Anitca, Maple, Walnut, Orange Bitters – $14

Deja Raconte – Peach-Rooibos Infused Bourbon, Lemon, Orange Bitters – $14

Catharsis – Aviation Gin, Suze, Dolin Blanc – $14

Dream Day – Rum, Raspberries, Chocolate Bitters, Mint, Lemon – $14

Whipped Liptauer – $8

Freud Burger – Farmhouse Cheddar, Onion Jam, Potato Bun – $21

Pork Schnitzel – Cucumber Salad, Cranberry, Yukon Gold Potato Salad – $23

Rubirosa is my absolute favorite pizza joint in Manhattan.

It’s got that pizza parlor vibe, with a slightly upscale Nolita spin. It’s homey and friendly-ish and very New York.

I order the same thing every time. Half Vodka and half arugula parmesan balsamic. The perfect combo.

I have absolutely zero complaints.

So, I won’t spoil it with any more pointless words.

235 Mulberry St
New York, NY 10012
b/t Spring St & Prince St
Nolita
(212) 965-0500
rubirosanyc.com

1/2 Vodka Sauce / 1/2 Arugula, Parmesan, Balsamic & Onion – $26

Mr. Donahue’s is a cute (read: two little tables and 5 bar stools) and trendy eatery located in a neighborhood with cute and trendy eateries.

The difference between those places and Mr. Donahues? Well, this place is new.

I arrived about 6 pm on a Wednesday night. My friend was running late, so I enjoyed a glass of wine at the bar (beer and wine only) in the meantime. I heard the chick tell a few other folks coming in that they only sat complete parties, so I should be thankful she sat my ass down.

The servers were both very friendly, the place has a 70’s basement, wood-paneled vibe and is filled with cute tchotchke’s, including a hanging monkey. This lil guy kept me company while I waited for my friend.

The food situation is a mix of familiar, comfort foods (Swedish Meatballs) and some really creative sides (I tried the White Gazpacho with grapes, pistachios and rose) and I quite enjoyed them both.

While I had no complaints with the Swedish meatballs, I found the squash parmesan to be my favorite dish of the night.

While there weren’t a lot of folks coming in while I was there, I still wouldn’t risk coming on a Friday or weekend if you’re not in the mood for a wait. With only 9 seats available in such a trendy neighborhood, best come with a backup plan, just in case.

203 Mott St
New York, NY 10012
b/t Kenmare St & Spring St
Nolita
(646) 850-9480
mrdonahues.com

Chilled White Gazpacho – Cucumber, Grapes, Pistachio, Rose & Mint

Pattypan Squash Parm

Swedish American Meatballs – $16 (comes with two sides)

La Sirena is the new Mario Batali restaurant inside Chelsea’s funky Maritime Hotel.

As I’ve mentioned before, hotel restaurants are funny when it comes to brunch.

You’ve got your hotel guests (often tourists, often older) who like pancakes and eggs and coffee at 8 am.

Brunch is a foreign word for most folks who don’t reside in a major city.

To them, “Brunch” is something that those sluts from Sex and the City do. It’s code for dishing about last night’s slutting.

Brunch in NYC means booze at noon. Not coffee at dawn.

This means, you have a clash of sleepy geriatrics giving the side-eye to those mimosa drinking Carries and Samanthas.

La Sirena is beautiful, naturally. Hotel restaurants most often are.

Now, because these places have a built-in clientele (in the form of hotel guests that find it easier than searching the city for good eats) the food at hotel restaurants doesn’t have to be that great.

Luckily, there’s no such thing as a bad Batali eatery, so you have nothing to fear at La Sirena.

We ordered two things. The Amaretti Marscapone pancakes were awesome! Everything you could desire in a pancake. I actually want more of them right now. And some slutty mimosas to wash them down.

They go really well with a side of sausage, which you get plenty of. Five nicely sized links.

The Rigatoni Carbonara was rich a also a nice sized portion.

Would I return to La Sirena? Yes. Because I live only a few blocks away. Would I make the trek here from far away lands (like, Queens)? Yes. But only if I hadn’t already been here. La Sirena is a very pleasant “One and Done” situation.

Maritime Hotel
88 9th Ave
New York, NY 10011
Chelsea
(212) 977-6096
lasirena-nyc.com

Cappucino

Mezzi Rigatoni Carbonara – $24
Guanciale, Eggs, & Pecorino

Amaretti Mascarpone Pancakes – $17
Maple Syrup & Sirena Butter

Lam Zhou makes the best and cheapest dumplings in Chinatown. $3 for 9 dumplings!

They also make a really good bowl of Dan Dan noodles.

Their beef noodle soup was just ok. The beef was too fatty for me. I’m high maintenance, I know.

Lam Zhou is a tiny shack. Be prepared.

Come inside (if you can find the place, there isn’t really a sign out front) and go directly to the back, towards the kitchen. Find someone to place your order with. Some gals will be making dumplings back there. And some guy will be stretching a big ass noodle. Watch them (but not creepily) while you wait for someone to come take your order.

Then, find a seat somewhere. You’ll probably have to sit next to strangers (ew) or along a wall, 2.5 inches from a wall, to be exact.

Cash only!

The food will come out in approximately 45 seconds. It’s jarring how quickly your food will be ready. It will come out hot. Piping hot! Fast, cheap and hot! This is where a dad or an uncle will make some kind of bad joke. Whatever you do, don’t laugh, you’ll only encourage him.

144 E Broadway
New York, NY 10002
b/t Pike St & East Broadway
Lower East Side, Chinatown
(212) 566-6933

It ain’t much to look at, but you’ll be too busy staring at your delicious food to care!

Dumplings in Progress!

Beef Brisket Noodle Soup – $6.50

Hand Pulling Noodles (I think)

#11 – Dry Noodle with Minced Pork Sauce – $6

Fried Dumpling – $3 (without Sriracha)

Fried Dumpling WITH Sriracha….

I think it’s pretty much been established that Di Fara’s pizza is the best in all of NYC. Just check out every single top 10 list on the internet.

Di Fara’s is old school. Like, the a one room school house from Little House on the Prairie, old school.

Eating here is like eating here in someone’s wood-paneled garage turned rec room. Paper plates, cheap napkins.

Awesome pizza.

It really is that good.

One man’s Pizza Picasso is another man’s Dominoes. Sometimes it depends on what you’re in the mood for. Greasy, thin, thick, tons of toppings, light on toppings. Sometimes you just want a frozen Mama Celeste’s pizza from Rite Aid.

Di Fara’s will only be the best pizza you’ve ever had if you’re in the mood for that type of pizza on that particular day. You picky b*tch.

Di Fara’s isn’t typical NY thin crust. It’s a bit thicker. It’s also a little fancier, the sauce doesn’t get spread out to the very edge. The owner, Dom, will snip fresh basil on it. Plus, it’s expensive. A full pizza costs $30. A slice costs $5.

These facts may turn you off. If they do, go and buy that Mama Celeste I was just talking about. In fact, pick one up for me, too.

I actually think I like Di Fara’s square pizza better. Just a little more saucy. And a little more expensive too. A slice costs $6 and a full square pizza is $34.

Di Fara’s opens at noon. Plan on arriving no later than 11:45 am so you can be one of the first in line, if you desire to eat in the next 30 minutes. The place is small, they only have two ovens and Dom is the only one making all the pizzas.

Or, like I’ve said repeatedly, go shove a Mama Celeste pizza in your mouth and shut up already.

Sorry, I think I’ve lived in NYC too long.

1424 Ave J
Brooklyn, NY 11230
Midwood
(718) 258-1367
difara.com

Life imitates Art