Pier NYC 08-12-2012

Location: 425 Main St. Roosevelt Island
Time: 3pm
People: 15 Ramen and Friends: ALev, MGru, MLev, KikaEats, JB, Ric, Naz, Merry, Yasmin, JLam, JT, Ava, RB, CK and myself

Feelings: Who would have thought Roosevelt Island would be a summer destination spot? Although Roosevelt Island sports the Manhattan zip code with stunning scenery, it has always been known as a  passage between Queens and Manhattan. Now with Cornell's plan for the new campus, the popularity on this island of haunted 'Dark Water' fame is on the rise.

Pier NYC, a waterfront cafe on the West Promenade with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, features some of the ultimate summer fun food: BBQ from John Brown Smokehouse in LIC, seafood from David Santos of Per Se and desserts from Allycakes. And don't forget wine, cocktails and beer.

The seafood, especially the crab cake sandwich ($10) and Rock Shrimp Roll ($12) were excellent. Most of us enjoyed the fresh seafood more than the BBQ, which was not as tender as we have hoped. RB even had his first raw oyster experience here. He'll never forget the summer of 2012.

The desserts, whoopie pies and brownies, were disappointing, however. "MGru and I agreed that the icing should've been cream cheese, not some dry vanilla butter cream," said JB about the dry whoopie pies. I assume the issue was that these desserts were sitting around all day in the heat, not being able to retain the delicious moisture. When JB showed her concerns, the amazing folks at Pier NYC decided not to charge for any of our desserts.

We were all pleasantly surprised by the staff's dedications and amazing service. This is certainly not like any other boroughs or any Tri state area. They were expedient and straight forward, just like any good New Yorkers but with a charm and warmth of proper Southern bells and the kindness and wise manners of Obi-wan Kenobi. "The service was very good. The waitress did a good job, and the manager was very solicitous," said Yasmin. JB added, "Our waitress was really gracious about all requests from the lackluster dessert to splitting up our bill, and the manager was really helpful. I'd go back just for the service myself."

We may not be able to afford Per Se, but we can certainly experience superb service and the view at Pier NYC for all under $15. "I think the spot is very nice-- great change of scenery and a nice outdoor option," said Merry. With a fun tramway ride (You just need your Metrocard, no additional cost), you don't need to go further for your summer adventure. Head to Pier NYC today! This excellent pop up cafe will be open until October 31st.

Shelsky's Smoked Fish 02-05-2012

Location: 251 Smith St. BK

Time: 12:30pm

People: RB, CK and myself

Feelings: I must consume about 300 bagels a year. My nutritionist would yell at me, but I just need my morning coffee and "butta bagel." If it's the bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon you crave, most New Yorkers would head to Russ and Daughters in LES. But us BoCoCa residents do have an option that does not require a Metrocard. We now have Shelsky's Smoked Fish. I think my annual bagel count is about to rise.

A fantastic array of smoked fish, salads and cream cheese are on display as you enter this small, but quaint shop. It feels like old New York, but when you look closely, there are several interesting items that are unique to gentrified Brooklyn. "House cured clementine and ginger salmon" ($11.99), "David Burke pastrami salmon," ($11.99) and a sandwich like "The Tribute" ($13, horseradish cream cheese, smoked whitefish salad and wasabi tobiko) prove that this is quite a modern Brooklyn place with an inventive menu.

I usually despise cream cheese, but when I tried RB's bagel with "Ben's Cream Cheese," all my prejudice disappeared. It was light and airy, and I could not believe it was cream cheese. Tasting more like whipped creamy butter, this cream cheese created a sinful spread of schmear. The bagel from Kossar's was a perfection as well. The crispy outer layer with soft and chewy inside was everything a traditional Brooklyn bagel should be-- I would eat this every morning.

Forget Atkins, forget brunch. Just grab a bagel with scrumptious schmears and stroll around the neighborhood. They have pretty decent coffee as well!

Blue Fin 02-04-2011

Location: 1567 Broadway
Time: 12:30pm
People: FA and myself

Feelings: Fran Lebowitz once said, “If…you run into another New Yorker in Times Square, it’s like running into somebody in a gay bar in the 70’s.” She is right. With this in mind, I ran to Blue Fin. This seafood restaurant is possibly the only spot in the area without any theme, tacky decor or singing waiters, so I didn't feel embarrassed once I got there. Since it was restaurant week, I thought there might be more vast clientele besides tourists and entitled businessmen, but I was wrong. Don Draper of today would definitely choose to close a business deal here.

The service was on the slow side, but we thoroughly enjoyed the starters of Tuna Tartare (with wonton crackers, sesame, ginger, avocado and sriracha) and Warm Baked Goat Cheese (with beets, baby arugula, and balsamic vinaigrette). The baked goat cheese on the salad was a nice addition, and I appreciated the little twist of what would have been an ordinary beet salad with goat cheese.

My Crispy Skin Salmon (with maple roasted butternut squash, brussels sprouts, apple brown butter) was perfectly cooked, and rustic flavor of squash complimented the delicate salmon. FA also enjoyed his Crab Cakes (with sweet and sour cucumber salad, cilantro aioli, toasted peanuts), and they certainly were packed with big chunks of crab. For dessert, I would recommend Chocolate Graham Cracker S'Mores for a little dense chocolate heaven with gooey toasted marshmallow.

Both food and atmosphere are quite elegant here. I just wish the service was more attentive, but it is perfect if you like to be left alone when dining. So next time you run into someone in Times Square, don't be embarrassed. Just say, "I'm on my way to Blue Fin."

Fish Tales 02-07-2010

Location: 191A Court St.
Time: 5pm
People: Mum, RB and myself

Feelings: After watching the Manhattan fish chowder Throwdown with Bobby Flay, I had to check out our neighborhood seafood market, Fish Tales. The only problem is they are open only until 7:45pm on weekdays and until 5:45pm on Saturdays. (And closed on Sundays.) I understand that it is difficult for fish markets to stay open late, but they sure have inconvenient hours for a couple with full time jobs in media.

Upon returning from P.S.1 in LIC with Mum, we were finally able to catch them open. They have an extensive selection of incredibly fresh fish at a reasonable price. The service is helpful and friendly without being overbearing. RB's salmon with yogurt sauce (Greek yogurt, dill, lemon and cucumber) may be pretty addictive, but with fresh prepared fish available only a short walk away, he may not be making it too much anymore. We of course bought their famous Manhattan fish chowder as well as seafood gumbo, poached salmon with lemon and dill and Louisiana shrimp creole to celebrate the Saints' Superbowl victory.

The much anticipated Manhattan fish chowder was not very exciting (Bobby did win after all), but the gumbo was far more flavorful and comforting. They could have definitely defeated Bobby Flay with this one. Mum said the poached salmon was superb and extremely fresh. She never thought she could have such fresh, sashimi worthy salmon outside of Japan. The shrimp creole was also delicious, and the shrimp was clean and fresh with a great texture. It could have been a bit spicier, but that may have masked the freshness of the shrimp.

I am excited to find this amazing seafood market in our neighborhood...We just have to make sure to leave work on time.

Dim Sum at Ocean Jewel Seafood 08-08-2009

Location: 13330 39th Ave. Flushing
Time: 11:30am
People: Jnu, CE, StevenC, RB and myself

Feelings: My very first New York friend, Jnu is leaving the city to pursue his doctorate degree. I soon will refer to him as Dr. Jnu. Ocean Jewel in Flushing is one of the first places he took me for our many delicious food outings, so this was an appropriate place for us to say good bye.

I have had dim sum in Manhattan Chinatown, but nothing comes close to Ocean Jewel in Flushing. It is quite a hike for many to go to Flushing on the 7 train, and I was shamefully 30 minutes late for our farewell dim sum. But it is definitely worth it. With $17 each, we stuffed ourselves with delicious and fresh plates of turnip cakes, taro cakes, rice noodle rolls with shrimp, buk choy, chicken feet, lotus leaf rice, tofu skin rolls, pork buns, stuffed eggplants, douhua, sesame balls and egg tarts.

Although the sign reads it is a seafood restaurant, the place does not have a fishy smell, and the service is extremely fast. When CEbert and I asked if there are any turnip cakes, a cart lady said, "Not right now." Since turnip cakes are our absolute favorite, we were tremendously disappointed. But five minutes later, a cart full of turnip cakes arrived before us. We realized what she meant was "right now," literally. Touché, the cart lady. You sure did not have them right at the moment we asked.

It is quite crowded on weekends here with a line out the door, and it might be difficult to order if you don't either speak Chinese or accustomed with the Yum Cha experience. But bring your friends on the 7 train adventure to Flushing and prepare to be satisfied by Ocean Jewel! Don't forget to stop at Flushing Mall on the way back. You will find plenty of cheap eats and other wares there as well.