The Old Heidelberg is a great German restaurant a few miles south of the sprawling metropolis of Warsaw, NY. It has a great atmosphere and even better food – people often drive from Buffalo or Rochester just for dinner. It was listed in a recent AAA newsletter as being a restaurant worth the drive… which it is IMHO.

While in the Warsaw area, be sure to check out… hmmm. Well, there may not be much to see, but it’s still a beautiful place to grow up!

I love “fake Chinese” food, the kind of food that Westerners can go to a restaurant and order without having to worry about finding squid or octopus or emu eggs in their meal. I’ve eaten in a lot of the Chinese restaurants in the Buffalo area, from the low-priced ones to the moderately-expensive ones, and I have to say that Ling Ling’s in Kenmore is probably the best I’ve ever had.

A typical tub of fried-and-sauced food is about $8, and there’s the typical 8.5″x14″ 6-point-font menu to choose from. My personal favorites from Ling Ling’s are the General Tso’s Chicken and the Sesame Chicken, although everything I’ve had there has been excellent.

Peking Duck House Restaurant

Address: 28 Mott Street, New York

Telephone: (212)2271810

Operating hours : Monday to Thursday, Sunday 11.20am to 10.30pm, Friday and Saturday 11.45am-11pm

Chinese food lovers will enjoy having a meal in Peking Duck House Restaurant. As the name suggest, it is a must to try its house specialty; Peking duck. I personally dislike ducks but this is certainly the best in Manhattan. The duck is deliciously succulent and crispy as each tender slice melts in your mouth. It is served with scallions, special sauce, cucumbers and pancakes.

Other entrees on the menu that are worth trying include spicy shredded beef, wonton soup and chicken dumplings. For side entrees, the duck soup is rich in flavor and I loved the fried sea bass and spring rolls.

The décor of the restaurant is simple and clean with white linen table cloths covering each table. Its interior is minimalistic. The restaurant atmosphere is family friendly and has great service. The server would be glad to explain how the duck is processed before roasted.

Dining in Chinese restaurants is certainly suitable for groups. It is impossible to finish a Peking duck if you are alone or with a friend; even if you could, you wouldn’t be able to try other dishes. The menu is affordably priced but I would recommend ordering the set menu that comes with appetizers, soups, other entrees, rice and of course Peking duck.

It is best to make early reservations as the restaurant does get crowded during nights. For a truly authentic Chinese cuisine, dine in the Peking Duck House Restaurant.

Teany

Address: 90 Rivington Street, New York, NY 10002-2205

Telephone: (212)4579190

Operating hours : Monday to Thursday and Sunday 10am-11pm, Friday and Saturday 10am-1am

Teany certainly has the best selection of teas in New York. There are ninety eight varieties of coffee and tea beverages to choose from. Quench your thirst with iced herbal tea or raspberry lime rickey. The teas are perfectly blended and balanced. Teany also do sell loose tea in tins. Among the best sellers include nilgiri tiger hill and earl grey teas. The entrees of the menu are for vegetarians but meat-lovers will enjoy it too especially the non-vegan favorite; turkey club.

Teany offers a wide selection of excellent pasties and vegan quiche ranging from chocolate peanut butter mousse, oreo cookie cupcakes and scones. The egg creams are the best that I have ever tried but the real lure for me is the cheese sandwiches. The food is simple yet overwhelming with taste, texture and flavors. Small appetite lovers will enjoy it as the food is served in tiny portions.

The modern tea room setting of the café is tiny and I would definitely prefer an outdoor seating. It usually gets crowded especially during weekends in the warm and cozy atmosphere. Although cash payment is only accepted, the menu isn’t overpriced. The staffs are courteous and helpful when it comes to choosing teas. Enjoy healthy, fascinating and amazing teas here. Teany is suitable for trendy vegetarians or for a light tea break.

Keens Steak House

Address: 72 West 36th Street, New York, NY 10018

Telephone: (212)9473636

Operating hours : Monday to Friday 11.45am-10.30pm, Saturday 5pm-10.30pm, Sunday    5pm-9pm

Established since 1885, the Keens Steak House serves the best American steaks in New York. It is certainly a must to make reservations to avoid waiting for a table especially during weekends. While reviewing the menu, the waiter served vegetables and bread with dip. I enjoyed the New York sirloin with creamed spinach and potatoes as sides. The steaks are delicious and the come in huge portions. The dinner specials of Keens Steak House include lobster bisque, prime bavette steak and filet mignon. Visiting Keens is a must to try its legendary mutton chops and prime steaks.

The dessert menu offers pie, tiramisu, puddings and ice creams. As each serving comes in huge portions, you might not be able to finish your dessert if you’re alone.

The bar area is darkly lit and warm like an old school with a rustic décor like a setting in any Charles Dickens’s novels. It is a classic New York chophouse that has over 90,000 pipes lining on the ceilings; these pipes were once smoked by diners after meals. Like any other typical steak houses, Keens Steak House is no exception. The atmosphere is vibrant and lively. I am certainly amazed with the extensive single malt selection with over 120 varieties on their menu.

The meal is certainly beyond my expectations. Keens long history certainly makes it a landmark in New York. The service is great and the waiters are helpful in explaining the menu. Fantastic and it is a truly New York experience suitable for a family meal.

Broadway East

Address: 171 East Broadway, New York

Telephone: (212)2283100

Opening hours: Different operating hours depending on day

For casual diners, Broadway East offers delicious food at affordable price. I enjoyed seeing their mouthwatering offerings on their menu. The Gazpacho served on the main course is certainly unique with fruit flavors blend with saltiness and acidity. Some of the best entrees on the menu include its veggie burgers and Cavateelli pasta. The desserts are great especially the cheese cake that comes in large serving. The fresh and seasonal ingredients used create a unique flavor in every dish. The chefs certainly placed a lot of attention on the each entrée details.

Although some items on the menu are specially catered for vegetarian diners, non-vegan will love them too. But there are non-vegan dishes too. Broadway East specialties are its organic cocktails that may seem too creative. I was amazed with the tomato vodka. Check out their notable local wine list too to suit with your meal.

The restaurant space is beautiful with a lush tropical feel during the day and a bright spot at night. The calm atmosphere and cool décor is not only elegant but charming. Broadway East offers a perfect romantic getaway with quality food in a lounge but vibe manner. The intimate setting makes it excellent for a date spot. I enjoyed the soft music while dining in the tranquil setting; it was a relief away from the streets. For great healthy food that comes fresh, it is a must to visit Broadway East.

Casa Lever

Address  : 390 Park Avenue at 53rd St, New York, NY 10022

Tel  : +1(212)888-2700

Opening hours : 11 am to 11pm

Enjoy perfectly prepared Italian classics executed with the highest quality of fresh ingredients in simplicity manner at Casa Lever.  Stepping into Casa Lever is like walking into an undiscovered food oasis. Its menu includes a variety of appetizers from classics dish, salads to items served raw.

Explore a wide range of pasta served in different styles. Ravioli (homemade salsicca and burrata, fennel puree) was certainly the best item in the menu but I would also recommend the veal Milanese and caciucco.

Casa Lever also offers a perfectly selected cocktail and wine list. For coffee lovers, espressos, cappuccinos and lattes whether it is served short, concentrated or simply doubled are included in its dessert menu.

The staffs are certainly helpful and attentive in helping you to pick the right combination of appetizer and main courses; especially when it’s hard to figure out Italian terms. I would rate it as excellent service. I was amazed with the warm and welcoming lively ambience at the restaurant lobby.

The sophisticated and well designed décor of modern art blends with the interior of the restaurant. It isn’t cooperate style yet not too casual. It is terrific food plus magnificent space and a wonderful time.

Casa Lever is unlike any other Italian restaurants. Whether it is lunch or dinner, you will discover the distinct taste of Italian meal at Casa Lever. This is definitely the right place in Park Avenue for special occasions that will allure your guests.

Virgil’s Real Barbecue

152 West 44th Street New York, NY 10036

Phone: 212.921.9494

Take out: 212.921.9663

Fax: 212.921.9669

Hours: Monday: 11am – 11pm Tuesday – Friday: 11:30 am – Midnight Saturday: 9am – Midnight Sunday: 9am – 11pm Breakfast served Saturday and Sunday 9am – Noon ( Brunch until 3pm)

Friends of mine have always bragged about the awesome barbecue restaurant that they go to. So on the last weekend, I asked my friends to take me to have this fabulous barbecue restaurant that they couldn’t stop talking about.

We arrived at Virgil’s Real Barbecue around 4 p.m. to beat the early dinner crowd. Immediately the smells of smokey goodness overtook me. The bright and lively interior was a nice surprise. We were seated right away by a very friendly and eager waitress.

To get the most out of my first visit I ordered the Virgil’s Pig Out, which came with ribs, chicken, brisket, pork, and a Texas link. Our order came up within 10 minutes and I was impressed by the lovely presentation of all this food. Everything was absolutely delicious. I tried all the barbecue sauces, but I loved the HOT ones.

My friend ordered the catfish and Carolina crab cakes. I tried those, and they were just like what we used to have as kids at our grandmothers house in South Carolina. To top it all off, we all ordered the sweetened ice tea. It was made to perfection.

As I watched other people receive their orders, I was amazed at the variety that was offered. The menu is enormous and all of it looked so good. Everything was authentic, fresh and the prices were unbelievably reasonable.

I couldn’t believe that a barbecue place in New York City could be so great. I plan to go back when I return to the city next month. The menu is so huge I’m wondering just how many trips I will have to take to sample half of what they offer.

Dallas BBQ

241 W 42nd St (between 7th Ave & 8th Ave) New York, NY 10036

(212) 221-9000

Open 10:30am – 10pm

As a full-time student living in the city, I have to say that Dallas BBQ had the most bang for every buck in taste and price. I discovered Dallas BBQ while roaming around the city searching for a place to eat on a weekday at about 2 PM. We quickly rejected a nearby TGI Fridays among other restaurants for their pricing. (walked out as soon as we saw the menu)

As we turned the corner onto 42nd street, we saw a sight truly to behold: “Dallas BBQ $4.99 Lunch Special!” We walked in hungry and happy to find a meal we could afford, but skeptical of the portion that we would receive for $4.99.

Seating took about 10 minutes as we had to wait for a large table for our party of 8. Eventually, we were taken to a booth underneath the wall of horses. The décor was a bit tacky, but for $4.99, we didn’t care much. The strobe lights were bothersome however, and the large flashing neon sign right outside the window didn’t help either.

I would suggest getting seating in the large room across from the wall of horses. Our orders took about 20 minutes to arrive. We were taken aback by the size of the lunch specials. They were the size of about 5 bags of $.25 wise potato chips stacked on top of each other in a pyramid shape.

The lunch special, chicken burger with BBQ sauce, fries, and a side of coleslaw, was quite good. The chicken was moist and the fries were crispy, but a bit too salty. The BBQ sauce was runny, but otherwise very good. I would highly recommend the lunch special as that’s all my friends and I have eaten from then on whenever we ventured back to Dallas BBQ.

After all, you can’t find prices like Dallas BBQ for a meal as big as they serve anywhere else in NYC. (or midtown Manhattan anyway)

John’s Pizzeria of Bleecker Street

278 Bleecker Street, New York
(212) 243-1680

How about trying the famous New York pizza? I don’t know how it started, Little Italy might have had something to do with, or maybe it’s the Italian immigrants that make their national dish glamorous in New York.

One of the best pizza restaurants is John’s Pizzeria of Bleecker street. Bleecker Street is famous for nightclubs. The street is a typical New York street; apartment buildings that you need to enter from steps, sidewalks, and green trees. After a night out or before clubbing, of course you would want some snack. Or you simply wish to get together with your friends for a fun meal. New York is full of restaurants and gourmet, this street is no exception.

This is where John’s Pizzeria comes in. Located between 6th and 7th Ave, John’s Pizzeria offers a variety of pizza flavors. The crust is hand-made, the food is always fresh and hot. On Friday night, it is not easy to get a seat. There are always chic customers at the restaurant, a friends’ get-together dinner party, or a small family dinner. This is where you could see the real New Yorker style and food.

If you like the traditional brick-ovened pizza, of course they have it. However, it you want to try if coal-fired pizza tastes like coal, you are more than welcome to come here to give it a shot. Don’t worry, it does not taste like coal and you may find it is actually better than the traditional oven-baked pizza.

The restaurant does not open until  late, so if you want to try it out, go there between 11:30am to 11:30pm on weekdays, 11:30am to midnight on Fridays, 11:30am to 12:30am on Saturdays, and noon to 11:30pm on Sundays.