Author Archives: Chang

Gray’s Papaya

17 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by in Uncategorized

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402 6th Ave

This famous West Village Hot Dog establishment has been a staple for locals and tourists for as long as long as I can remember.  As a teenage Bridge and Tunneler, I remember taking the bus into Manhattan and then hitting the subway to West 4th more than a few times to crush these tasty hot dogs. They’re open 24/7 so it’s a great place to get food in your stomach before you go out or a post midnight snack after partying.

I’m pretty much a sucker for a deal, and the Recession Special from Gray’s Papaya always hits the spot for a cheap bite in NYC.  Throughout the 90s, it was $1.95 for 2 hot dogs and a drink (Not including Pineapple Juice).  I’m not a hater but as the years have gone by the Recession Special price has gone up to $3.50, and again to $4.45!!  Even though the prices have skyrocketed, these quality grilled hot dogs are not the typical NYC dirty water dogs and still remain my favorite.

They don’t have a large selection of toppings but their savory grilled onions and scrumptious sauerkraut are delicious.   Also, their selection of Pineapple Juice, Papaya Drink, Banana Daiquiri, Pina Colada, Coconut Champagne, and Orange Drink are perfect to wash these bad boys down.  I have to say, I’m a kraut, ketchup and mustard with Orange Drink kind of guy.  They’re not a huge serving size so feel free to order extras!

I saw that they also started to sell dollar slices of pizza.  Rumor is the pizza is good if you want a cheap no frills slice.  I’m pretty sure you can find a better slice in the neighborhood!

Po

11 Wednesday Jan 2012

Posted by in Date Spot, Italian

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31 Cornelia Street

http://www.porestaurant.com

So… You want to impress a girl on a first date huh? Po is just the ticket you are looking for! Tucked along one of the chillest streets in the heart of the West Village, this intimate Cornelia Street restaurant has been dropping panties since 1993. Not to name drop or anything but I hear this was Mario Batali’s first restaurant and claim to fame before he went big time.

The Yummy Hen…

As a self-proclaimed fatty, I usually try the 6 course tasting menu and it always blows my palette with really tasty flavors. Not like I’m a cheap date but I’m always impressed with how affordable this place is when the bill comes. The staff is very friendly and knowledgable and help make the eating experience amazing. With the ever-changing menu, feel free to ask the helpful staff their recommendations and I’m sure it will be amazing.

Crispo

10 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by in Date Spot, Italian

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http://crisporestaurant.com/

240 W 14th Street

After a having some drinks for my birthday in the Meat Packing District years ago, my friends and I were stumbling home down W 14th street and spotted what looked to be a cute hole-in-the wall wine bar with an enticing menu. Weeks later, I remember thinking how much I loved the vibe that night so I decided to give it another go for dinner with a good friend of mine. Little did I know how popular Crispo was or how good the food was until I was sober and enjoying some of their quality dishes and wine.

Now that I’ve been back a few times, I can definitely say the antipasta, cheese plates and wines are the perfect starters to a bad ass meal. In the few times visiting, I’ve had the spaghetti & Shrimp Fra Diavola, Chicken Cutlet, and Crispo Pork Shank and my tummy never left unsatisfied though my wallet may have gotten beat up a bit. I also always try to make my way next door to Woody McHales for Deep-friend Twinkies after my meal for dessert (…. to be continued with a review on Woody’s).

The pasta carbonara is to die for!

Dos Toros

14 Wednesday Dec 2011

Posted by in Mexican

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11 Carmine Street

http://dostoros.com

Thank god they opened this location: It is my favorite taqueria in the WV. Because the line for Dos Toros USQ usually runs from the counter out the door, this is a great new addition. It IS that good. DT has the taste of a SoCal Mexican spot but always made with the freshest ingredients. For $10, this restaurant makes Chipotle and Qdoba seem like they are the Grade-D fast-food joints of a third world country. I usually go for a Grilled Chicken Burrito, Black Pinto Beans, all the way with both the medium and extra hot sauces. If you don’t know, now you know. Go there.