The chicken at Pies N’ Thighs in Williamsburg, Brooklyn has beaten the Harlem classics Amy Ruth’s and Sylvia’s in my book, although I must say that while their biscuits are awesome, their waffles leave much to be desired. (Full disclosure: the waffles are whole wheat, so that might explain it.)
Either way their pies and donuts are lovely, as are the Biscuits and Gravy. Definitely enough to keep me in Brooklyn any day.
My favorite is the chocolate cake donut.
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| Photo by Katie Ligon |
For duck in NYC there is no other place than Peking Duck House, now with two locations on Mott Street (preferred), and Midtown (good enough!). The duck is served whole and sliced in front of your eyes, then placed on a plate alongside cucumber and scallion slices, hoisin and homemade tortillas. A wrap is made with these ingredients along with a few slices of duck, and one bite into this creation yields several layers of crunch, texture and flavor that is unique to the peking duck experience. Both locations also have typical Chinese-American fare, but the focus should remain on the star of the show. Lovers of rich, flavorful cuisine and unique flavors will definitely be pleased.
One of my favorite treats in Park Slope, Brooklyn is the Tagliatelle al Ragu at
Al Di La, which is just absolute perfection. The restaurant itself is a crowd pleaser and has never been a disappointment. They do not accept reservations so arriving before they open for dinner is key. Brunch crowds are a little more manageable before 11 am.
I love this dish so much I once ordered it for Friday dinner ($16.50) and again for Sunday brunch ($12 – score, and a bigger serving!) on the same weekend.
I am usually more adventurous than ordering pasta with meat sauce but I cannot resist this one. It’s just all sorts of heavenly and more.
(While at Al Di La, order the Seppia Oxtail appetizer – a stew of cuttlefish and oxtail over polenta – for a rendezvous with flavor and surprise.)
Cornelius on Vanderbilt Avenue in Brooklyn has everyday Happy Hour Oysters for $1 apiece, and they are by far the cleanest and most flavorful oysters in Brooklyn other than Blue Ribbon’s selection which start at $3 or $4 each.
These are perfect for pre-dinner yums although we often order it with their great fries, mac n’ cheese, and sliders. Perfectly good cocktails at regular price are available as well as $4 drafts and house wines.
We usually house two dozen oysters each at one sitting. Anyone else out there who can do better? These Oysters are fine!
Nicky’s Vietnamese Sandwiches (311 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn) is a family-run restaurant that offers the best, uncontested pho and banh mi around.
The pho is tasty and generous, and the banh mi roll is unparalleled in NYC. Although those two are great enough standard-bearers for the store, take a chance on their rice and noodle dishes. I’m a fan of the grilled pork chop over vermicelli.
They also have a full iced coffee/pearl tea counter if you’re so inclined.
It’s always a treat to catch Quynh’s hospitality if she’s there, although lately she’s been running around both stores (there is another one on Nassau st in the City). But not to worry – a brother, mom or dad is always around to make you feel welcome and cater to your palate’s desires.
Nicky’s has been our neighborhood go-to for many years and we’ve never been disappointed! But don’t listen to me, I’m just a PHO-NATIC.
