Pok Pok NY 04-06-2014

Location: 117 Columbia Street BK
Time: 4pm
People: RB, CK and myself

Feelings: You can always expect a long line at culitish Thai empire, Pok Pok even after they moved to more spacious place. Now that they are open for weekend lunch, there should be less chance for a wait this summer--Most people will be at Smorgasburg at Pier 5 nearby instead. We really enjoyed Smorgasburg in DUMBO last year, but this year's Pier 5 version attracts monstrous crowds and becomes a bit difficult to navigate. (Ramen Burger is there..) So if you are defeated by the blistering sun and crowds, walk down on Columbia Street to Pok Pok instead for lunch.

Pok Pok has the pedigree and name recognition (Mr. Ricker) that attracts foodies and Manhattanites to this developing area of Brooklyn. Compared to other well known cult Thai restaurants in the city such as Sripraphai, Ayada and Zabb Elee, the menu is more difficult to navigate which creates the uncertainty of flavor and dish we are ordering. However, the drink menu is defined with a list of unique cocktails, whiskey, scotch and beer. For no-proof drinks, Thai favorite, drinking vinegars ($5) is highly recommended. The ginger drinking vinegar is refreshing and a great alternative to ginger-mint lemonade in summer. Also, the water here is flavored with pandanus leaf as it is done often in Northern Thailand. It tastes a lot like rice water, and it is supposed to have cooling and soothing effects.

The Phak Buung Fai Daeng ($10 "red fire water spinach") is excellent and fiercely garlic-y. The side of sticky rice ($3) truly balances out the strong flavors. If you are unable to finish the dish, I don't recommend you take it home. The take-out container leaked its tasty sauce filling all over the bag. By the time I got to Atlantic Avenue, I left a trail of stinky garlic smell.

Kaeng Hang Leh ($16 Northern Thai sweet pork belly and pork shoulder curry, RICE NOT INCLUDED!) was delicious and tender fatty pork belly. I do recommend you add a side of rice to soak up the delicious left over sauce.

With remarkable flavors and drinks, Pok Pok creates an interesting culinary experience. The dining experience seems somewhat similar to looking through your friend's trip to Northern Thailand on Facebook--and here, actually food comes along with it. As a restaurant, it lacks the thoughtfulness towards the customers as it is completely one way, but what they are sharing with us is a superb and delicious experience.

Cafe Nadery 04-12-2014

Location: 16 W. 8th St.
Time: 3pm
People: RB, CK and myself

Feelings: Cafe Nadery represents the old bohemian Greenwich Village where intellectuals and artists used to gather, read and have conversations. Now that bohemian West Village has been replaced by NYU and designer coffee, this is quite a treasure in the neighborhood. The cafe is a place for live music, lectures, and art exhibitions, but this Iranian establishment also serves excellent Persian breakfast, lunch, dinner, and various drinks including some serious selections of tea with honey dipped sugar cubes, coffee and beer.

When you enter here, leave the rapid pace of the city behind you. You sit, drink, eat and consume the history and culture. Leave your iPad and read an actual paper newspaper.

The menu is full of vegetarian items. Omelet is extremely fluffy--by far the fluffiest I have ever tasted. The mixed greens are fresh, and the accompanied tea called "better than sex" ($4.5, vanilla rooibos with dark chocolate and peppermint) has quite a lot of delicious notes that should perhaps be called "a lot of sex."

"Kotlet sandwich" ($11, beef and potato patties) is like a superbly seasoned falafel sandwich but with a pleasant meaty texture. Our favorite is by far their Torshi, pickled vegetables. Both RB and I enjoy a lot of kimchi, but their version is even more flavorful. Every part of my palate was stimulated with different notes. The resident carb lover CK thoroughly enjoyed the crunchy lavash bread.

The original Cafe Nadery, opened in 1928, remains open in Tehran. It is wonderful to sit in this 8th street location with our son in a pink shirt, pink cardigan and Scottish Balmoral hat and freely talk just about anything.

Puff Cha 04-07-2014

Location: 457 50th St.
Time: 12pm
People: AP and myself

Feelings: Ever since I discovered Puff Cha in Hell's Kitchen last week, my coworkers and I have been regulars, mostly due to their tasty $6.95 lunch special but also for the coquettish-cool girl that works behind the counter. She had me at her Leann Rimes vintage t-shirt. Who can really rock that shirt besides maybe Anna del Russo and her?

Puff Cha is not just another Thai spot in the area. Formerly occupied by a scrumptious cookie spot, Ruby et Violette, the space is quaint and personable. This is an ideal establishment for coffee, over 40 kinds of tea, desserts as well as the main attraction, Thai puff pastries. Deep fried dough is filled with various flavors, both savory and sweet. There are 12 different flavors to choose from.

Asides from the puff and grease-soothing tea, my favorite is their rice noodle soup. It is fresh, full of garlic, and the broth is hearty and excellent. Definitely try their lunch special today, and don't forget to order a nice, aromatic pot of Pu-Erh tea while you wait.

Wasabi Sushi and Bento 03-20-2014

Location: 561 7th Ave.
Time: 12:30pm

Feelings: Wasabi Sushi, the first New York outpost from London, can easily be identified as Pret of sushi. With individually wrapped sushi, rice balls and other Japanese casual eats like katsu, curry, teriyaki and ramen, it is a perfect lunch option for busy Midtown workers. Sushi is priced for two pieces, and they are mostly around $2 to $3.50. Pretty good deal, considering the location, however, I am not too certain how long these wrapped sushi sit around in the impeccably organized layout.

Sunomono Salad ($3.95 with chukka wakame, seaweed, carrot, edamame, cherry tomato, mixed greens with sesame seeds and sesame oil) is my favorite at Wasabi. This seaweed based salad is filling, and the $3.95 price tag is quite a good deal for the portion.

As far as prepared sushi goes, I feel that the Paris version of Pret-sushi, Sushi Shop, offers more clean, tasteful box of simple sushi. Wasabi is definitely more casual and reasonable, but for the flavor competition, the French wins this one. Either way, Wasabi is a great addition to Midtown-- any place I don't have to order my food or talk to people is a winner to me.