Tag: sandwich

Categories
sandwich

Waffle & Wolf

Dang, last night Justin came over to do a “Power Hour” with his twin brother for his birthday over Skype. I’ve never heard of a Power Hour before, but it’s drinking a shot of beer every minute for an hour. At some point I switched to vodka to cut the carbs. It didn’t make it any more smart. The whole time I didn’t realize it was his twin brother’s birthday too.

Fast forward to the end of the night, Todd and I walked in and out of White Castle empty-handed. We thought we had thought better of ourselves and walked back to my place where we were going to eat something healthy. Then somehow in our living room, we decided to go back out  and to Waffle & Wolf since they opened until 2 am. This place is in what used to be the old sausage shop that had the cool pig cartoons on the windows.

Waffle & Wolf sells savory crepe style wraps, but with waffles. Like a waffle wrap with fillings and some things are baked into the waffle. Dang, these were so fucking good. Todd got the #27  (Chicken Baked in, Avocado, Cheddar, Salsa $11.75) in a buckwheat waffle and I got the #12. (Bacon Baked in, Cheddar, Tomato, Arugula, Avocado -Yogurt $11.50) in a regular waffle. We kept swapping back and forth. Both were so good. I might’ve liked Todd’s a tiny bit better. Maybe it was the buckwheat waffle. But mine was awesome too, just different.

It’s funny, because I realized I turned into a bad drunk last night. I remember getting pissed off when a guy in the restaurant accidentally stepped on my Versace high-tops. And then I thought the friends of the cook said something that reflected on how scummy Todd and I were. They asked her if they should stay until she closed. In my head, I thought they thought we were dangerous and suspicious …they were judging us. In that moment, I got to feel what it was like to be black. Now that I’m sober, it really didn’t mean anything. They just wanted to party with their friend. I’m not planning to drink today.

Waffle & Wolf - 413 Graham Ave (btwn Jackson & Withers) Brooklyn, NY 11211

Categories
concert/event pizza sandwich

Food Blogging @ Stephen Colbert’s StePhest Colbchella ‘012: RocktAugustFest

Last night, Stephen Colbert took his TV show to the Intrepid aircraft carrier on the Hudson for his music festival (StePhest Colbchella ‘012: RocktAugustFest) –w/ Fun, Grizzly Bear, Santigold and Flaming Lips. The show was taped for all four episodes of next week’s The Colbert Report. So check that out, because the bands were great. I’m not familiar with Fun and it’s not music I would normally listen to, but I was impressed how well they sounded live. They were fun. And Santigold was awesome. I’m a big fan of her now.

I bought a sandwich from the Au Bon Pain stand there –the Steakhouse ($9). It’s funny, I’ve never had Au Bon Pain before. This was my first time. I opened up the sandwich and took some pics. Then the food cart manager came over and asked if everything was alright, but not really in a friendly manner …more accusatory, like I was taking photos to show how disgusting they are. That happens occasionally. But shit, this is Au Bon Pain. Not some dingy hole in the wall beef jerky shop in Chinatown. The manager did look like he could have been my off-the-boat cousin though. Maybe it’s an Asian thing.

I liked the Steakhouse sandwich a lot. I was impressed. Add a packet of mayo to that. It’s quite delightful. Good chunks of steak that’s flavored well. Now I know –Au Bon Pain.

The Colbert show even gave us three free drink tickets and snacks. That was so nice of them to do that for a free show. However, I really wouldn’t have minded if I paid for the beer. Because once I was done with my three, I couldn’t buy anymore. I asked a couple of cute girls if they had any extra I could buy off them and one of them just gave them to me. Wow, that was easy. I wanted to thank her later, but I was too shy.

Todd and Elissa were also at the show. Dang, somehow Toddles drank nine beers. He said the rainbow kids in the crowd gave them to him. Those kids were really excited to see the Flaming Lips and were all dressed up like zombies, elephants, rabbits and hippies. But Todd did drink too much and he had to pee so bad during the Flaming Lips. He didn’t want to leave, so he was almost going to pee in an empty bottle. But when he looked on the ground for one, he already found a full bottle of pee. He did the smart thing and just went to the restroom. He only missed Stephen Colbert and Wayne Coyne get inside space bubbles and surf the crowd.

Dang, I had a good time at Colbchella ‘012. It was a perfect night for an outdoor show. It  never stormed like the forecast predicted, although parts of the Intrepid were drenched with big puddles –as if it did rain on the other side of the boat. I hope it wasn’t pee.

When we walked back to the train, we stopped for a slice at Patzeria Perfect Pizza. I went with the Margherita, when I knew I shouldn’t. I don’t think Margherita works on traditional New York style pizza. The crust just isn’t right. It wasn’t bad, just thick and dense. I wish I was more sober to pick the Grandma slice. It looked good there.

Patzeria Perfect Pizza - 231 W 46th St (btwn 7th Ave & Broadway) New York, NY 10036

On my way home, I was listening to this audio-book “What Every Body is Saying” (ex-FBI agent talks about body language). I noticed these two young guys trying to talk to a girl down the subway platform. I was trying to observe their body language, especially the girl’s. Then I noticed that she was the same girl that gave me her drink tickets! I went over to say hi and to thank her. And then it got really awkward because we had 14 mins to wait for the next train and I had really nothing to talk about. So awkward. I think her body language was saying she wanted to walk away. And my body language was like I wanted to crawl into a hole and hide.

Categories
asian partying sandwich

Lollipop Vietnamese Sandwiches & House of Vans

I headed out to House of Vans this past Thursday to see King Kahn and the Shrines. I ran through the crazy derecho storm to get to the subway. You gotta check out the crazy sky in this photo. It’s like Gozer.

Then when I got out in Greenpoint, I figured I should grab a bite at Lollipop. Jody told me they have really good Banh Mi Vietnamese Sandwiches, but they always take a long time to make. It’s true. I got the Classic ($4.75 plus tax) and it was great, but did take longer than I’d expect. The ground pork was really good in it. They spice it up and I loved it. It’s possibly the best Banh Mi in Greenpoint …although it might be the only Banh Mi in Greenpoint?

Lollipop - 685 Manhattan Ave (btwn Bedford & Norman Ave) Brooklyn, NY 11222

After the nice sandwich, I went to House of Vans –the sneaker company’s private skate park built in a old industrial warehouse in Greenpoint. They’ve been having free summer shows the past two years with some cool bands. Lots of people, but huge space with a gigantic fan on the ceiling. This night, the bass was booming for Nicky Da B, which felt like a gay club rager, with people booty shaking on stage. It was cool.

Apparently, it was an all-ages show and the Heineken Light all free. I’ve never seen so many drunk middle-schoolers. One girl was making out with her boyfriend and asking my friends about an umbrella, then tried to make out with another dude. There was almost a fight. But I think they were all 13-15 years old. I remember we used to be able to do dumb shit when we were young, but I always thought it was harder to that stuff now, since everywhere I go is usually 21+. I guess it’s good to know that kids can still be dumb if they want.

Categories
sandwich

Oasis Williamsburg – Falafel Sandwiches

After our friends Ape School played at Brooklyn Bowl, we stopped by Oasis right next to the Bedford L stop. Perfect place to fill up your drunk stomach on a Falafel Sandwich. Only $3.

When we came in, the falafel guys were about to kick my friends out. Rusty walked in and dropped his phone and the case broke into pieces everywhere …and then he just hung out by the door, trying to prop himself up on the counter. The falafel guys were like “Hey, what you do want?!” and the older guy’s face was pissed off like he was about to bring a bat out. I had to tell them that I’m ordering for them (my friends). Dang. But understandably, they probably deal with drunk assholes every night right there off the Bedford stop.

Anyway, I really like the Falafel Sandwich here. It’s packed in size and in flavor. Asking for it spicy has a good kick. The Baba Ghanoush Sandwich is also really good …also only $3.

Oasis – 161 N 7th St (btwn Bedford & Driggs) Brooklyn, NY 11211

Categories
sandwich

Shorty’s Philly Cheesesteaks

We went to Shorty’s for what they claim to be serving authentic Philly Cheesesteaks in NYC. The bread is actually shipped from Philly. Chris, who’s from there, thinks they’re the closest sandwiches he’s had in New York. So that sounds like a good thing.

The restaurant is more like a sports bar than a lunch spot in my opinion. But it was good for people that were there to catch some of the Euro Cup games.

I got the Shorty’s Special –a Beer & a Cheeseteak for $12 (Mon-Fri 12-7pm & 11pm-close). Pretty good deal considering the Cheesesteaks are $9 and the beers start at $5. But it did keep me from trying the Steak Special (Cheesesteak with Broccoli Rabe).

Chris and Sam got us started on Italian Fries (Parmesan cheese) and Onion Rings. They smelled so good when they came out.

The Chicken Cheesesteak looked rather slim on the fillings, but maybe it’s just that the chicken and cheese was camouflaged into the bread. I wasn’t sure there was anything in it.

My regular beef Cheesesteak wasn’t as fully packed as I expected either, but in the end I was totally stuffed. It was more than adequate. I thought it was a decent sandwich. Better when I put ketchup on it. I don’ t know that’s a Philly thing, but I saw Chris do it.

I’m curious to know what other people think. Is it authentic Philly-style Cheesesteak?

Shorty’s - 66 Madison Ave (btwn 27th & 28th St) New York, NY 10016

 

Categories
mexican taco

Calexico Greenpoint

We started off with Jell-O shots at Capri Social Club, a cool Polish bar in Greenpoint. Then Anthony and I split off to eat some food at Calexico. That place is bumpin. The wait was going to be a while, but we just happened to be right behind two girls that were leaving the bar. Or I had impression that they thought we were hovering so we could grab their seats. It worked.

We started of with some creamy guacamole, which was really good. Anthony got a fish and pork taco. I got the Chipotle Pork Torta sandwich. Really good drunk food. I woofed it down.

I was so messy that I was surprised the girl next to me didn’t care that my food was so close to her jean jacket on the bar. I asked her about it, but she said it wasn’t hers and apologized for some reason. I think it belonged to the girls before. I might’ve gotten sauce on it.

Calexico – 645 Manhattan Ave (btwn Bedford & Norman Ave) Brooklyn, NY 11222

Categories
seafood

Lady Octopus

Sam told me how he used to go to Lady Octopus for fried seafood in the neighborhood –until the older Korean lady insisted that he will get a Chicken Cutlet Sandwich next time he comes in. Sam hasn’t been back two years since, because he really didn’t want a Chicken Cutlet Sandwich …or perhaps he didn’t want to be forced what to order.

He’s not the only one that has had odd interactions with Lady Octopus. The Yelp reviews are hilarious …calling the her the “Soup Nazi of Williamsburg.” A must read.

I finally went to try it …for the experience. Every time I had gone before, it was Sunday and they are closed. I kept forgetting that. I wanted Sam to come along to see if she would make him buy a Chicken Cutlet Sandwich two years later, but he wouldn’t answer me.

I went in with a smile, but anticipating the worst. Then I was totally surprised how nice and cheerful she was. No problem at all. She offered me condiments and made sure I had everything I needed. She was even humming a song.

I ordered the Fried Fish Sandwich ($4) and the Fried Vegetable Dumplings ($1.75). The sandwich was alright. It was like a more plumped up Filet-O-Fish. There was a small bone in it, which makes me think it’s not some processed frozen patty. So that was reassuring.

The dumplings were pretty good. Crispy skin. Although I’m not sure if it was really vegetarian. It kinda seemed like pork filling, but that didn’t bother me. I would have ordered pork dumplings if I saw it on the menu. Maybe they have both kinds and I did get a pork. Or maybe that pork isn’t really pork.

The Fish Sandwich was even better when I dipped it in the dumpling soy sauce.

People started coming in when I was finishing up. I thought “Oh shit. Here’s some hipsters and some black people. Okay, now something crazy is gonna happen.” But she was so nice to them …maybe because they were nice to her. It was the total opposite of the Yelp reviews. Maybe it goes to say that a smile goes a long way.

Lady Octopus - 495 Lorimer St (btwn Grand St & Powers) Brooklyn, NY 11211

Categories
concert/event sandwich

Pulp @ Radio City Music Hall & a Vietnamese Sandwich

I went with Chris (of Cubeecraft) and his friends to eat at Baoguette before the Pulp show. I would never suspect him of being a Pulp fan …but maybe that makes sense. I’m a nerd and Jarvis Cocker (the singer) kinda looks like Harry Potter. Nothing against Chris. I’m just saying he likes comic books and video games. Nothing against that. I like that stuff …and maybe Jarvis does too. I just thought that Pulp fans hung out at BritPop night wearing their skinny pants …like me.

The guy at Baoguette let me change my order from the regular Pork Banh Mi to the Catfish Vietnamese sandwich. Chris was very helpful to buy the extra Pork sandwich they made for me by mistake. I think they forgot I changed my order. I know the Pork one is good. But dang, the catfish one was good too. I like how the bottom of the bun looks like comic book dots. How come I don’t eat more of this shit? I work closeby. Carbs?

Baoguette - 61 Lexington Ave (btwn 25th & 26th St) New York, NY 10010

And then onto the Pulp show. Chromatics opened up. I digged them. They even sat in the same row as me when Pulp played. Very blessed to have such good seats.

Then once everyone started piling in for the sold out show, I realized I was surrounded by three other single Asian dudes. I looked around. We were the only Asians and we sat right next to each other. The Four Muskateers. The one right in front of me was freaking out the whole time –too hot; the one to my right was crossing his arms the whole time –too cold (He caught a Snickers from Jarvis); and I was in the middle –just right. I forget. Am I the baby bear or Goldilocks?

I thought I shot a whole video of this dude in front of me for one of my favorite Pulp songs, Disco 2000, but my camera or my pushing the record button finger is stupid.

Anyway, I love Pulp. I am so grateful to see them and will see them again tomorrow at Radio City Music Hall. Does that make me Annie or Daddy Warbucks? …it’s late.