Sunday, July 27, 2008

Old New York and its Old Time Bars

I guess many have gone by the wayside but you are still able to find "old New York" in a few wonderfully preserved Old Bars. Mostly all of these wonderful Landmark establishments are below 23 rd Street. The "Landmark Tavern" standing on the corner of 46th Street and 11th Avenue is the one exception. "Pete's Tavern" in Gramercy Park on the Corner of Irving Place (street named after resident Washington Irving) and 18th Street claims to be the longest continually running bar in New York. They opened their doors in 1864 and have been serving liquor ever since to this very day. They did not even stop during Prohibition as they were a Speakeasy disguised as a Flower Shop. "Fanelli's Cafe" on the corner of Prince and Mercer Streets in Soho claims that they have been serving food and liquor since 1847 McSorley's Ale House has been operating at 15 East 7th Street since 1854. There are just two options of things to drink here, McSorley's Light or Dark Ale of which they have served the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and John Lennon. They make great Liverwurst and Onion Sandwiches and you can get a nice plate of Grafton Cheddar Cheese served with Saltines and Hot Irish Kustard (Mustard). "Peter McManus" on the corner of 7th Avenue and 19th Street in Chelsea is often overllooked when it comes to great old New York Bars. The decor is old and as well preserved as any of the others. they make good burgers and Cheese Steak Sandwiches. The "White Horse Tavern" at 567 Hudson Street is a old Greenwich Village favorite that since they opened their doors in 1880 has served Jack Kerouac, Norman Mailer, Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, and Dylan Thomas who after drinking a "Record" 18 Whiskies, was rushed to St. Vincents Hospital where he died from Alcohol Poisoning. "Yes he drank himself to death." The "Old Town Bar" has been operating at 45 East 18th Street since 1892 and had Teddy Roosevelt who lived just a few blocks away as a regular.

Friday, July 25, 2008

"Raoul's" New York's Best Bistro


Raoul's, "COOL"

Best Cool French Bistro in New York

When it comes to Bistros in New York City, there is one that stands alone. No other can touch it. "Raoul's" on Prince Street in Soho is far and above any other Bistro in all of New York. The total combined elements of Ambiance, Food, Music, Service, and combined Vibe, just can't be beat. Raoul's is just plain "Cool." They serve some of the best Foe Gras in the city, along with a famous "Steak au Poive" and other Bistro Classics, along with the cool well-worn decor and the a great blend of music like; The Rolling Stones, Miles Davis, Edith Piaf, and Best of All, "No Hip Hop."

At "Raoul's" they know what they are doing. They should, they've been doing it for some 30 years, and the way the do things, we're sure they'll be around for a long time to come.

RAOUL'S 180 Prince Street, Soho NY, NY (212)966-3518 www.raouls.com

Pricing: on the Expensive Side

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

$1.00a Slice Pizza on St. Marks




Sign in front of 2 Bros. Pizza, 32 St. Marks Place, "Inflation Fighters" $1.00 a Slice or 2 Slices and a Soda for just $2.75 "How can you beat That?"
A 2 Bros. Pizza $1.00 slice.

$1.00 a Slice Pizza On St. Marks Place Makes a Big Splash

2 Bros. Pizza on St. Marks Place is making a big splash in the East Village. At a $1.00 a slice, you'd have to go back to the mid-80's to get Pizza this cheap.
People Love it. Almost everybody you ask will admit that it's no Lombardi's, John's or Tottono's. What it is, is a pretty good slice, and at $1.00 a slice it just can't be beat. It's not great, but many have had to take a shot for just a "Buck" per slice you just got to try it at least once. Almost everyone poled liked it and said that it taste much better than they thought it would. As one guy put it, it's pretty dam good, far superior to commercial Pizza like Domino's, Papa Johns, or Pizzahut, and at just $1.00 a slice and $2.75 for 2 slices and a soda, a great inflation fighter.

Several people surveyed said, "It's just the ticket when your drunk and out drinking in the East Village." But you don't have to be drunk to like it. It even taste good when you're sober, and the price is oh so sweet.

Looks like we have an "Institution" in the making.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

DUMPLING HOUSES NYC




FRIED DUMPLING SHOP

ALLEN STREET

LOWER EAST SIDE

NEW YORK NY


ALLEN STREET DUMPLINGS were the ones who started it all. The Chinese Dumpling Craze.
5 Tasty Pork Dumplings for a mere .99 Cents. OMG ??? !!! There was Nothing Cheaper !!!

Probably at the time, the Best Food Bargain in The Entire World, considering how High Prices are in NYC. Damn ? This was just as cheap as Eating in South East Asia. Just a Dollar for a meal. In New York ? You couldn't beat it.

Eventually the price went up to $1.50 and then $1.99, but still, they were Damn Cheap.





Four of My 5 DUMPLINGS

VANESSA DUMPLINGS






VANESSA DUMPLING HOUSE

ELDRIDGE STREET

NY NY


After ALLEN STREET, VANESSA DUMPLING HOUSE opened, and things really took off. Five tasty Pork Dumplings for .99 Cents. A Bargain !

At first Vanessa was tiny. A narrow shop just about 4 feet wide. There were a few seats you could eat at, at the counter.






PROSPERITY DUMPLING

About 4 blocks down on ELDGRIGE 
from VANESSA DUMPLING HOUSE.

This is where I'd go after my Haircut. Vanessa had gotten way to crowded and popular.



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