Restaurants »Pinky’s Kitchen

pinkys210 NE 45th St, Seattle, WA

We are excited for Seattle’s food and Pinky’s Kitchen was one of the first places we wanted to try even if BBQ isn’t the first thing you might associate with the Pacific Northwest.

A truck set up in a gas station parking garage, it dishes out comfort food of all kinds: brisket, beans, fried chicken, pork and ribs. We tried the pulled pork sandwiches – one with original sauce and one with the vinegar sauce we’ve grown to love thanks to “The Pitmaster” Ed Mitchell. Both were great, but I lean a little toward their sauce. Other options include a tamarin and spicy – for another visit (when I will also indulge in some pecan pie).

It was a brisk day to wait outside for sandwiches and, honestly, I was a little worried it wouldn’t be worth it when I spied the ciabatta. Inappropriate bread can ruin good BBQ like nothing else and it looked a little too sturdy and bulky. My fears were abated at the first bite, though. It was a perfect buttery vehicle for tender, sloppy pulled pork.

See more: Restaurants


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 2, 2013

Recipes »Salami Cream Cheese Sandwich

salamiMartha Stewart

Sometimes the simplest recipes are best. This Martha Stewart Salami Cream Cheese Sandwich is a creative take on salami that elevates the brown bag classic from my childhood days.

See more: Recipes


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on January 28, 2013

Recipes »Avocado Panini with Brie, Mozzarella, Sun Dried Tomatoes, and Basil

 from Serious Eats

With deli meats off the table for now, I’m always eager to find a good meatless sandwich recipe.

Serious Eats was a great spot to find one that promised to be unique. This Avocado Panini with Brie, Mozzarella, Sun Dried Tomatoes, and Basil boasts gooey cheese – both mozzarella and Brie (!) hugging avocados and sun dried tomatoes.

Make sure to use a good baguette that can handle all the messy goodness.

See more: Recipes


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on August 4, 2012

Restaurants »Sips and Bites

178 N.10th Street, Brooklyn

Sips and Bites may be a wee sliver of a shop (I’d passed by it a few times without noticing) but it’s big on charm and boasts a great menu of sandwiches. While I look forward to trying most once I am no longer pregnant (darn that no deli meat rule!), the tuna sandwich I’ve had is excellent. It doesn’t try too hard, but the flavors and mix of ingredients (black olive tapanade, anchovies and haricot vert to name a few) is far from boring.

The baked goods are rotating and always great (we all enjoyed the homemade lemon curd pop tarts) and the tea and lemonades have been ideal thirst quenchers more than once during all this crazy heat.

The staff is exceptionally nice – which is always a welcome and happy thing and there’s a great deal of charm and style to the interior.

See more: Restaurants


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on July 28, 2012

Restaurants »Red Hook Lobster Pound

at Smorgasburg and 284 Van Brunt Street

The Red Hook Lobster Pound lobster roll is gauaranteed to be one of the best bites at smorgasburg but it’s also one of, if not the priciest at $16. Makes it hard to accept if you want to sample lots of goodies.

So here’s a tip. For a mere (ha!) $10 you can enjoy their tarragon tinged shrimp roll which is arguably as good as their name sake sandwich.

It’s a refreshing summer bite on these record breaking hot days.

See more: Restaurants


One Comment →
Posted on June 28, 2012

Restaurants »Lonestar Empire

at Smorgasburg

Last week we tried and loved Mighty Quinn’s but they’re not the only brisket party in town. Lonestar Empire boasts a juicy meaty sandwich themselves with excellent toppings like pickled onions and jalapeño (both optional but a great idea).

More than worth the few extra bucks? The mustardy smashed potatoes that taste like summer barbecues.

See more: Restaurants


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 5, 2012

Restaurants »Sarge’s

548 3rd Ave

Sarge’s is a quintessential NY deli that’s been slinging huge sandwiches and egg creams since 1964. It’s famous: the kind of place tourists read about in guide books, regulars frequent religiously, and has head shots of famous visitors plastering the walls – but it’s not necessarily a spot all locals have been.

We got our opportunity when a quick doctor appointment left us at lunch time in Midtown with a sitter already watching Van. I jumped at the idea since I have been Reuben crazy lately – mostly because it’s one of the only sandwiches I  can have while pregnant due to its steaming hot meat.

Here the Reuben is gigantic, it makes your eyes bulge in shock when the plate is presented in front of you. The ingredients are top quality and they give a side of dressing so you can add to your taste. My only qualm is that, truth be told, I think a Reuben benefits from a bit more balance of ingredients – namely less meat – but the jaw busting sandwich is what they do and it’s fun to be part of the tradition. The wash it all down, the egg cream is great.

If you fear it will be teaming with tourists, you are correct – and boy, can they be rude. The guy next to us told the life long waitress, before she even had a chance to say hello “Listen can we make this enjoyable for my friend and I? Can we at least try that honey, thanks. And if I want coffee I will ask for it after my meal” in a lazy Southern draw and a Wilson’s leather jacket. At the other table Jersey kids discussed disappointment that you “still had to pay some money” for counterfeit purses in Chinatown. On the plus side, it makes you proud to be a New Yorker.

See more: Restaurants


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on April 2, 2012

Restaurants »Waffle and Wolf

20120325-100428.jpg413 Graham St, Brooklyn

Well, this was a surprise. I’m not much of a waffle fan and I worried instantly that I ordered a too heath food sandwich but Waffle and Wolf was very tasty.

The waffle is soft and pliable, made to perfection to hold your sandwich innards and the ingredients were fresh.

It’s a small space and signs warned of a long wait for food when crowded but off hours it was a wonderful, speedy lunch to grab and eat in the park (while squirrel watching – our new favorite park activity).

Sweet options are also available and though the cost is higher than expected, it’s cheaper at lunch and a filling meal.

See more: Restaurants


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on March 27, 2012

Recipes »Peperoncini Beef Sandwiches

from A Year of Slow Cooking

I’ve embraced a new level of mom-ness by busting out the crock pot for the first time ever.

These Peperoncini Beef Sandwiches have to be the easiest of the easiest to make – and the most likely to make you doubt they’ll turn out any good.

You just drop some beef in the pot with a jar of peperoncini peppers and cook low eight hours.

The result is quite surprising (in the best way).

Make sure to melt from fresh mozzarella and add the peppers to your sandwich.

I think I might love my crock pot now (so expect more slow cooker recipes to come.)

See more: Recipes


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on March 18, 2012

Restaurants »God Bless Deli

20120207-125356.jpg818 Manhattan Ave, Greenpoint

How could this be true?, I thought skeptically as I read the Yelp reviews (that most of the reviewers admit to being drunk while eating didn’t make me any less dubious).

Could God Bless Deli, the polite, but seemingly run-of-the-mill deli down the street really hold the best Philly Cheesesteak around? The answer is: possibly.

The first rule is to NOT order with everything as they’ll try to get you to do. “Everything” includes tomatoes, lettuce and mayonnaise – which is just so wrong on a cheese steak. Tell them cheese, peppers and onions only.

After that, you’ll end up with a surprisingly tasty sandwich. Philly natives may not be lining out the door for it, but locally, you couldn’t find better. One of the best greasy bites (that’s really not that greasy at all) in Greenpoint or Williamsburg for that matter and only $5.

Looks like the drunks were right, and I’m glad. Local hardhats have also caught on and can be seen placing big orders on their lunch break.

See more: Restaurants


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on February 7, 2012

Restaurants »No. 7 Sub

931 ManhattanAve, Brooklyn

Welcome to the neighborhood, No.7 Sub, I’m so happy you’re here!!

With locations in the hip Ace Hotel and Fort Greene, Greenpoint is the next area to be graced by unique sandwich combinations like the Zucchini Parm: fontina, sweet onion, pickled jalapenos, and BBQ potato chips, and The Roasted Cauliflower:  potato chips, scallions, raisins, and smoked French dressing.

The sandwiches, served on excellent bread, are not the cheapest you’ll find (at $9) but they’re not your run of the mill bread and fillings. Sides are also worth a few more dollars, particularly the corned beef braised beans.

They’ve only just opened and are temporarily serving only after 5pm, but are sure to extend hours soon.

See more: Restaurants


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on January 18, 2012

Recipes »Mediterranean Fish Sandwich

from Giada De Laurentiis

I’m glad that Giada is more than a soothing voice that could drift you to sleep on a hammock. Any time I’ve tried out one of her recipes, they exceed my expectations.This Mediterranean Halibut Sandwich is no exception.

I’ve made similar flakes fish sandwiches with canned tuna (haven’t we all?) but a freshly roasted fillet – in my case I substituted lemon sole- makes for an entirely different and elevated dish. The filling with sun dried tomatoes capers zest and parsley is mellower than it’s parts but still flavorful. I added a slice of fresh mozzarella.

See more: Recipes


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on September 9, 2011

Restaurants »Lobster Joint

1073 Manhattan Ave, Greenpoint

North Greenpoint is home to all sorts of new goodness including the recently opened Lobster Joint that has taken over the previous Lamb and Jaffy space (which really went down hill).

Airy and casual, it seemed like the perfect place to pop in during the hot weather.

After a sweaty walk, I honestly was just not in the mood to fork over $17 for a sandwich, so I opted for the slightly cheaper crab roll because I really do love me some crab.

It was creamy but not over powered by the mayonnaise and was filled with good lumps of crab, not filler. Super yummy.

It came with a bag of chips and slaw, which was eh, but I am not a slaw lover so I couldn’t really say how it fares in comparison to others.

The menu features all sorts of stuff I’d like to try eventually: lobster bisque, fish and chips, and a raw bar.

Inevitably with lobster rolls and the like, the question of cost comes up – and I don’t know yet how to answer it. I can’t expect the incredible value of the Connecticut shore in NYC (a foot long lobster roll for about $13) but is the price we pay really reasonable?

Well, I’ll let that arguement sit for now and not let it cloud judgement on this particular restaurant since the price of lobster is what it is. At the same time, I can’t afford to come here as often as I’d like and get my usual overdose of Summer lobster.

See more: Restaurants


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on June 8, 2011

Restaurants »Nha Toi

160 Havemeyer St.  store 6, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Banh mis are popping up everywhere these days (not that I am complaining in the least!) but Nha Toi‘s unique menu, offering classic and not so classic sandwiches (like fried duck egg and shrimp patty) caught my eye. It’s been in the neighborhood for a little while, but was new to me.

After discovering their website via yelp, I was excitied to find they were happy to deliver to Spritzenhaus because a Vietnamese sandwich accompanies an afternoon Sweet Action pretty darn well.

After Shaun and I had initial skepticism over the bread – which turned out to be perfect – just toothsome enough on the outside to not get soggy and stand up to the innards and just soft enough on the inside to be delicious, we found (almost) everything was superb.

To get the one mishap out of the way, we’ll admit that the original Banh mi Dac Biet was perhaps too authentic for all of us. Depends on your tolerance with spam/head cheese textures – ends up ours is pretty low. (Somehow I feel like other similar sandwiches have been less out loud and proud with this texture, with BBQ pork and other insides balancing it more?)

Anyways, not a favorite, but certainly not enough to dissuade you from trying them for the other menu options.

My unusual sounding but oh so perfect on the bun Pho Banh mi was excellent, with a rich, spiced broth/ hoisin sauce and tender cuts of beef brisket. Mike and Shaun devoured their Bi Heo (shredded pork and skin with roasted rice powder – which I plan to try next time) and Grilled Lemongrass Chicken with high praise.

With a really friendly staff and a menu that also includes an equally exciting array of spring rolls, pho and bun, I am glad it didn’t take me too long to find this place and add it to my list of local treats.

See more: Restaurants


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 18, 2011

Recipes »Reuben Sandwich

From Simply Recipes

“Man, a Reuben sounds good” I thought to myself the other night and so I made one. A very good one I might add, partially due to the fact that our local Warsaw Bakery makes a killer loaf of rye and partially because this recipe calls for a quick home made dressing rather than the odd tasting stuff from the bottle.

See more: Recipes


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on March 23, 2011

Restaurants »Saltie

378 Metropolitan Ave, Williamsburg

If I had to describe my palette, I could pretty much just list of the ingredients in Saltie‘s sandwich menu. Beets. pickled eggs, sardines, capers, olives, pickles, oh my yes!!!

Most importantly, though the sandwiches equal more than the sum of their parts. The flavors are balanced and the pillowy bread is a perfect compliment – after all nothing is worse than a good sandwich with a bad bun.

I had to give the Captain’s Daughter a try as a huge fan of sardines but rarely ever finding them on menus. With a green salsa, pickled eggs, parsley and olive oil, it was spectacular. One of those meals that makes you kind of dance around with joy with the first bite.

Jim, whose palette is decidedly different than mine ordered the Scuttlebutt. Packed with beets, feta, olives, capers and more – it was excellent. Even Jim was a huge fan despite the powerful flavors that are usually not to his taste (he used to consider salt too spicy).

Daily specials looked amazing – on the day we were there: an egg bowl featuring roasted turnips and some of the most fluffy and appetizing looking scrambled eggs I have ever laid eyes on. They also have baked goods that I’ve not tried yet.

I had been meaning to go here for months and months and now only regeret I never made it sooner. I can’t wait to eat my way through the whole menu and then start again. There’s lots of hype from foodies about these sandwiches, but they live up to it.

See more: Restaurants


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on December 23, 2010

Restaurants »Graham Avenue Meats and Deli

445 Graham Ave. Williamsburg, Brooklyn

One of the biggest surprises while pregnant was that I couldn’t have deli meats. It seems like a small sacrifice until you yearn for a simple sandwich. So, when my mom and Jim offered to run out for lunch, I knew exactly what I wanted – not some pansy Subway deal but the pinnacle of extreme deli meat gluttony. It can only be found at Graham Avenue Meats and Delis and it’s called Willies Italian Special.

A massive, multi meat, condiment and vegetable creation the sandwich was made with flair and drama and takes about twenty minutes to complete. Among the many ingredients are sun-dried tomatoes, mortadella, salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, marinated peppers, and provolone. Like a scene out of The Sopranos, the shop, which also boasts excellent meats (particularly sausages) and pastas, was teaming with Joeys and Christophers and testosterone.

While the sandwich itself looked daunting to say the least, as you can see from the photo, it was so delicious that I managed to eat half in one sitting – a feat which initially seemed impossible. It held up well for day two.

See more: Restaurants


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on November 3, 2010