Serious Eats: teaspotnyc's Profile

Tea shops in Manhattan?

Tafu is gone, sadly. It was the best bowl of matcha in the city.

Cha An is still around, though, if you like the Japanese style of tea service. It's a hidden gem on 9th St., and the tea selection is extensive (and not all Japanese greens). The food is exquisite, too. It's not cheap, but it's not ridiculous.

If you want that- and you like the traditional British high tea service- do treat yourself to the Astor Court at the St. Regis some afternoon. It's over the top and completely worth it. (And under $50 if you don't opt for Champagne. But is not drinking a glass of Champagne ever really an option?)

teaspotnyc at 11:13PM on 05/07/09

From Serious Eats

Snapshots from Iceland: Grilled Whale from Saegreifinn

I agree with Karyn. Of course, this is an emotional issue on both sides, so it is tough to find unbiased sources of data on whale populations. I don't judge people based on what their diets. But when you choose to eat whale (or any other food), I think it's crucial to take its provenance into consideration.

I've always considered Serious Eats an unmatched source for culinary information and exploration. But to run a piece like this without even mentioning the fervent debate about whaling- and the fact that the International Whaling Commission outlawed all commercial whaling in 1986- seems irresponsible at best, and negligent at worst. Isn't it hypocritical to promote shopping for local produce, getting to know your farmers at the market, etc., and then ignore the decades of history on this issue?

teaspotnyc at 2:47PM on 05/04/09

From Talk

What's been your most sucessful office treat?

make these kitchen sink buttercrunch bars, and they will be devoured. you might even get a promotion.

teaspotnyc at 5:23PM on 04/29/09

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: The Essence of Chocolate

standing in the kitchen, age 8, licking brownie batter off my fingers from the ancient metal saucepan my mom always mixed them in. she had just showed me how to make them, and i was anticipating 30 minutes of cooking time agony before i could taste them.

it was almost as good as the finished brownies- dark, rich, gooey and addictive. that was over 20 years ago, and i've been making them ever since.

teaspotnyc at 2:25PM on 02/16/09

From Talk

Cheap dinner recommendations in Cobble Hill

i wish i could say better things about the offerings in my neighborhood, but honestly, it's a much better place to get ingredients and just cook dinner yourself.

but not to be a total killjoy, what about hibino (corner of henry and pacific)? its the only place i've come across in the city that has the kyoto-style obanzai, which are pretty cheap. good, authentic japanese food isn't always the best bargain, but one of the pressed sushi rolls here (starting around $11) is more filling than you'd expect. plus, the cute factor is extremely high.

a few blocks down, the wine and italian tapas spot bocca lupo (corner of henry and warren) is a gorgeous, windowed spot. nice wines, but the food can be inconsistent. it's small plates, though, so one mediocre dish won't ruin your night.

lucali (several blocks further down on henry) is delicious, but the price borders on obscene (last time i was there, $18 for a plain pie) and the no-reservations and we're-worth-you-wating-outside-for attitude there is even worse.

oops, there goes the killjoy again. just make sure you get here before 7 p.m. and before dinner, hit up sahadi's (atlantic ave. btw. court and clinton) for some deliciousness- bulgarian feta, chocolate-covered cashews, deep-fried cauliflower- to take home.

teaspotnyc at 7:01PM on 02/02/09

From Slice

In Which I Eat the Hot Dog and French Fry Pizza at Pizzeria Reginella

that is a truly terrifying way to start the workday.

and when will those pesky euros cease nicknaming inferior products "american"? i don't think there is one single u.s. citizen who would want to take credit for a pizza like this.

teaspotnyc at 9:39PM on 01/29/09

From Serious Eats