The current economic climate has its bad points. For example, people have less money. However, this situation is not just a potential cesspool for the breeding of bigotry and irrational mob thinking -- it also fortunately lends itself to restaurant adventures with great food and low(er) prices. See this article in Zagat Buzz which focuses on Matthieu Palombino of Motorino:
http://www.zagat.com/Blog/Detail.aspx?SNP=NNYC&SCID=40&BLGID=22525&zagatbuzzid=july09week5
I'll posit the idea that the Fressenwagen itself is particularly in tune with the zeitgeist. For example, this is a time which demands a sense of humor -- and we are funny (some of us more than others...no names mentioned). It is an era in which our celebrity-focus has rendered us more superficial and focused on appearances -- and we are attractive (some of us...see previous parenthetical). We are contemplative and self-aware, in a self-deprecating and yet not 1990s "Reality Bites" uber-ironic kind of way. We are even eco-friendly. Okay, fine, we use an SUV rather than public transport...picky, picky!!...but in fairness, we try to squeeze as many people as possible inside said vehicle. Kind of like a clown car, but with less frightening content.
Okay, of course, if it was REALLY in tune with the zeitgeist, I'd have figured out a good way to make cold hard cash off this thing by now.
The time has come, the walrus said, to talk of other things. It is time to discuss our next adventure, most likely for the end of August. I'd even be willing to do two in a row, because I like you guys. Some of you more than others. No names mentioned.
S. proposed authentic Greek in Astoria; J. has posited Italian/pizza in the Bronx or Chinese in Queens. And I'm going to put two other options on the table. The first is Enoteca Maria, a 35-seat place in Staten Island with no chef, just a rotating cast of Italian grandmothers.
I've had two great experiences with Kampuchea, which is one of (to my knowledge) two Cambodian restaurants in New York City. Kampuchea is on the Lower East Side; their website is www.kampucheanyc.com. The only other Cambodian restaurant I know of in NYC is in Fort Greene. I went there a few years ago but it simply cannot compare with Kampuchea, which is great summer fare, open-air long-table seating and an interesting beer list.
An aspiring Fresser (?) sent me the following list:
1. Brighton Beach for Russian food. [note: this has been suggested by long-term Fresser E. as well]
2. Beer gardens in Long Island City, Queens (Studio Square) or Williamsburg, Brooklyn (Radegast Hall & Biergarten).
3. Also we could make a longer day of it and see the minor league Staten Island Yankees, followed by or preceeded by a meal at Sunshine Sri Lankan Restaurant: 3 Corson Avenue (Victory Blvd), New Brighton, Staten Island.
4. Barbecue! Daisy May's on 46th Street and 11th Avenue in Manhattan is a personal favorite.
5. Dumplings in Chinatown or Flushing Queens (the challenge is if there is enough veggie stuff without pork, that may be tricky...)
6. Locanda Verde (Robert DeNiro's new place in Tribeca). [note: I've wanted to try this one as well.]
7. Arepa Arepa, Willamsburg, Brooklyn - tasty Venezuelan sandwiches (kosher-friendly) and we could combine this with the beergarden (#2) for an adventure.
I'll keep thinking. Motorino was inspired, wish I had been able to make it.
I like his spunk. I also like the characterization of my choice of eatery as "inspired." Ass kissing will get you far, my friend.
To make it clear, there is no limit on the amount of destinations you can suggest. I'd also like to posit that our limits should be economic rather than geographic. That is to say, "outer borough" can be a euphemism for "comparatively inexpensive."
BRING IT, people. Fress on.
