Schnitz 02-21-2015

Location: 177 1st Ave.
Time: 12pm
People: RB, CK and myself

List:
-Japan has its katsu Sando, the US has chicken cutlet, and now East Village has a Smorgasburg favorite, Schnitz, serving Israeli style schnitzel sandwiches.
-There are other schnitzel spots in NYC that specialize in German and Austrian style, often with thinly pounded pork and veal, but this may be the new beginning for the thicker, Israeli style sandwich trend.
-Schnitz serves these traditional sandwiches with generous amount of modern toppings and pretzel hero from Tom Cat Bakery. If you are low-carbing, order one "naked" without the bread, but it's tough to say no to a soft and chewy pretzel hero.
-"Grumpy Russian" ($9, Pork loin with greens, pickled cherries and gorgonzola spread) was an explosion of flavors, and the pickled cherries offered a very unique and pleasant note to the sandwich.
-Instead of a sandwich, I went with various delicious veggie sides: Schnitz Fries with beet tzaziki ($5, crispy sage, parsley, garlic butter, chili flakes and sea salt), Jicama-Fennel Slaw ($4), Roasted Head of Cauliflower ($5, with cumin seed oil and maldon sea salt), Brussel Sprouts ($4 with caramelized onion dijon and old bay).
-With beer and wine on tap and free wifi (and a spacious WC with lemon wall art is a major plus), what else can you possibly want? Your next meal should be at Schnitz.

Goa Taco

Location: 79 Delancey St.
Time: 3pm
People: RB, CK and myself

List:
-After a strong debut at Smorgaburg in Park Slope, Goa Taco opened the modest pop-up serving paratha tacos in Lower East Side. This place needs to be permanent ASAP.
-The buttery paratha is folded over the modern, LES friendly fillings like slow roasted pork belly ($8), recado rojo lamb shoulder ($9), and organic tofu ($7).
-House made scotch bonnet hot sauce was so flavorful and spicy, RB had to buy a bottle.
-"Brunch" ($8, bacon-substitute with cheese, tomato, egg, basil aioli) was highly addictive and well seasoned. I will think of this taco for a very long time.
-There are just some two seater benches (about 10 seats total) at this narrow space. Consider yourself lucky if you get a seat. Hopefully they'll open a permanent location soon with more seating!

Skál 01-31-2015

Location: 37 Canal St.
Time: 2:30pm
People: RB, CK and myself

List:
-One of my oldest friends lives in Iceland, and I have a pleasure of seeing her every March. To prepare our annual meeting, we visited Skal ("cheers" in Icelandic, pronounced as scowl, but I know she would correct me) on Canal Street in Chinatown. NYC's obsession with Nordic cuisine seems to continue.
-At this cheerful Icelandic, Nordic-themed spot, there are plenty of house cocktails and new American style menu without too many uniquely Icelandic specialties.
-Truffled Broccoli omelet ($14, with ssam jang potatoes and mixed greens) was excellent. The potatoes were crispy with a kick of spice.
-Berkshire Pork Belly Sandwich ($12, with ssam jang, black garlic and daikon) was flavorful and tender, and the bread was pleasantly crispy.
-Banana Pancakes ($14, vanilla bean and thyme foam, goat butter) were thicker than Icelandic pancakes, ponnukokur, but it was as round and large as I could recall.
-If you are in the area, definitely stop by for a drink!