Sammy's Halal?

Street food has always been a neglected culinary art in my book. Many people prefer the sit-down experience, but there's nothing I love more than to pick up some food from a sketchy street cart and enjoy the inexpensive goodness. I'm all about variety, not quantity, which is why I love Taiwan night markets so much. Though the nature of American street carts is different, especially when it comes to quantity given, there are still many jewels on the streets of Manhattan.

Other than my journey for the perfect burger, another fun adventure I'm embarking on is: the quest for the most drool-worthy chicken and rice. Though the city is littered with many many halal stands, quality among stands definitely varies tremendously. Whether it's the chicken, rice, sauce, condiments, etc., every chicken and rice is different. Since it's close to campus, I usually go to Sammy's Halal, on Broadway and West 4th Street. Now, apparently, this cart was the winner of the 2006 Vendy Award. But, after checking the website, the Sammy's Halal that won is actually located in Queens, on 73rd Street and Broadway. Unless they've moved from Queens, it makes me wonder, is this stand a fraud?? o_O! I mean, this is the "best" chicken and rice in the walkable area that I've tried so far. But, it definitely does not beat the well-known late night chicken and rice joint on 53rd Street and 6th Ave. The chicken just kind of falls apart in your mouth, lacking texture or impact. The rice is, mushy. Meh.

It seems like most of the good carts are midtown. Hmmmmm, I feel a late night adventure coming along.

S'Mac That.

Now, I'm not that big a fan of cheese, but it's slowly growing on me. After a rather lazy Friday some time ago, Matt and I finally decided to get off our lazy butts and get some fresh air. What better destination then S'Mac, a little place in the East Village specializing in mac and cheese. I've been meaning to go for quite some time, especially after reading about it in the Times.

Naturally, looking at the expansive menu, we had to do at least three "nosh" orders (mind you, one order is more than enough for a single serving). Hey, we were hungry for some mac n' cheese. We ordered the Mozzarella, Cajun, and Gruyere. My personal favorite was the Cajun - spicy, meaty, with just the right kick of Pepper Jack. I only think adding the breadcrumbs made it a bit too salty. But it was still oh so cheeeeese-ily yummy.A cute little shop that hits the spot on a cold winter's day (or a late night...excursion). Hehehe.

I'm itching for some Chicken and Rice. Any takers?

Stand Up!

I had a life changing revelation today. I am going to embark on a grand quest for -drumroll- the perfect burger.

Today, Matt and I finally went to Stand, a new burger joint on 12th Street between University and 5th Ave. I haven't had many "gourmet" or specialty burgers in my day - I usually hit up diner burgers - but this was a delicious popping my gourmet burger cherry first time kind of burger (try to say that three times fast). The meat was moist and juicy; the fat oozing from each bite managed to dribble down my hands or spatter onto the plate (great image, I know). The sauces were homemade and complemented the burger well. They even have Japanese mayo (ooooo). Fries weren't anything unique but at least well made. Overall, a pretty tasty experience.

With Shake Shack opened again for the season, I think the next few weeks will be filled with many more adventures.

guten tag!

After a week in Berrrrr-lin (which thankfully wasn't too brrrr), I don't know if I can touch another sausage for a long long while. Overall, it was a chillax trip with all my favorite people. Though, for many, our days consisted of: mandatory event, nap, dinner, drinking, repeat. Haha.

Currywurst is everywhere. It tastes like hot dogs with ketchup and a bit of curry powder, which I'm pretty sure is how you make it. Not bad not bad.

Ah, the bratwurst was really really good. The casing is crisp and has a good snap. The filling is a little salty but works well with the bread. And, the mustard is nicely tart and completes the package. Oh so yummy.

But I still can't eat another for a long time.

Given the large amount of Italian and Turkish immigrants in Berlin, mini pizzas and doner kebobs are really popular street food. The doner kebobs are seriously to die for. To die for. Sooo delicious.

XII Apostle Pizza

Hasir Lamb Dish

Doner Kebob

Europe is definitely my kind of place. I love love love cafe culture.
Next big trip: backpacking through Europe!