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the 10-day challenge: day 5

Dumpling Man RECAP: Sometimes, I wake up in the middle of the night in a pool of sweat, shaking uncontrollably with no seeming explanation. I always thought the cause of this was a nightmare, albeit forgettable upon consciousness... Touche. But now I know why I have been waking up paralyzed and inexplicably hungry: it's the crave. For the perfect, warm, plump, cheap dumpling. Friends, Dumpling Man's dumplings are all these things and more. The dumplings are substantial, flavorful, and fresh. And the Hot Monster Sauce complements each dumpling well. My fav: the shrimp. My suggestion: eat there. My nightmares: no more.

TONIGHT'S PICK:
Apotheke: http://www.apothekenyc.com

• I need a remedy for my sore back. I have been moving. In New York City. Thus the need to visit my local apothecary / pharmacy / I'd-rather-get-a-drink-than-eat-pills. Thankfully, this mixology speakeasy serves "elixers" categorized according to what ails you. Need an upper? - get a stimulant; feeling sexy? - order an aphrodisiac. I, of course, will be getting a pain killer, though considering Apotheke has over 250 house cocktails, I may find picking my poison a little difficult.
  
• Why it must be tried: The bartenders wear lab coats. No... seriously. And they mix your drink in chem beakers. It's like a nerd's DREAMland. I'm there.
  

Although packing makes me want to drink at any and all times of the day, I think I'll hold off until the late evening. Call/text if you're in need of a pharmecutical.

the 10-day challenge: day 4

Dirt Candy RECAP: Gujarati food is vegetarian. It's diverse and wholesome and flavorful and delicious - I grew up eating it and I LOVE it. Unfortunately, this is why I think I am always disappointed by vegetarian food in almost every other cuisine. Yesterday's meal at Dirt Candy has made me think that perhaps Indians are good at eating ethically because our food is actually really really tasty. I don't think American cooks have a grasp on what it means to create flavor unless they can massacre some animal and eat it. This is not a rant for or against vegetarianism, only a testament to the Indian culinary artists who have time and time again won my heart. Dirt Candy, I think, could learn a thing or two from the East. Your jalepeno hush puppies were great, but you know why?: they tasted like bateta vada (Indian fried donut filled with seasoned potatoes, onions, and chili). Go figure.

TONIGHT'S PICK:
Dumpling Man: http://www.dumplingman.com/

• I've walked by Lucas Lin's Dumpling Man on St. Mark's at least 100 times and never gone in. I've been to Dumpling House and New Green Bo, but never inside this place, recognizable by that Super Mario Brother-esque Dumpling Logo on the canopy outside. Plus, the Dumpling Man's blog has the same format as mine. If that's not good judgment, I don't know what is.
  
• Why it must be tried: What the french toast is Hot Monster Sauce?! And apparently, they have good steamed veggie dumplings with seasoned tofu and shiitake mushrooms. Plus, it's cheap - about a $14 meal.
  

No reservations needed, but it is kinda tiny, so I anticipate going around 7pm. Again, please call if you plan on joining. MEN - you definitely want to come so you can buy your Dumpling Man Thong.

the 10-day challenge: day 3

The National RECAP: I don't usually say this, but WOW. The National was amazing. Freeman's - you are in TROUBLE with a capital T, and I capitalize the rest of the letters just to make a point. Two compadres joined me last night and our order consisted of the following: chorizo and cheese balls with a spicy mayo; jamaican pineapple jerk ribs with greens and potato salad; butter-based scallops on sweet corn puree; and a berry crumble with homemade lemon greek yogurt. Anyway, I brought a camera to take pictures but I ate all the food. Yes, I could've taken one when it came out but... I just ate it all immediately instead. For the future, if you eat pork, order the jerk ribs. If you don't eat pork, order the ribs. The meat FELL off the bone it was so tender. On to tonight...

TONIGHT'S PICK:
Dirt Candy: http://www.dirtcandynyc.com/

• Feeling the guilt of yesterday's carnivorous banquet, I have chosen a veggie place for tonight. Chef Amanda Cohen runs the joint, boasting both meat-eating and vegetarian clientele. Apparently, if you've been to Red Bamboo, Angelica Kitchen, or Blossom, you haven't had good vegetarian food, and I love Red Bamboo. So, yeah.
  
• Why it must be tried: Their jalepeno hush puppies are all the rage; the spinach soup with tofu dumplings and lemon confit sounds ridiculously yummy; and I like the way a chocolate sweet pea ice cream bar sounds.
  

Dirt Candy is small and hip, AKA I'll need to make a reservation. Please let me know (phone call please) if you'd like to join tonight and I'll include you.

the 10-day challenge: day 2

BGICT RECAP: yesterday's search to find a giant gay truck was fun. i highly suggest running around union square asking people if they've seen "the gay truck." it's very entertaining. a little warning: the truck moves. this sounds obvious, but what i mean is that it changes location to 47/6 at night. i discovered this after emailing biggayicecreamtruck@yahoo.com, so if you are a'searchin late at night, you might find her big truck butt there. moving forward (no pun intended)...

TONIGHT'S PICK:
The National: http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-national-new-york

• Having been open for only 3 weeks, the National has not yet been plundered of its coolness by LES scenesters.* After a botched attempt to get dinner there last night (they're closed on Mondays), I am now determined to eat here. Join me, won't you?
  
• Why it must be tried: Butter-based scallops on sweet corn puree, jerk pork ribs, and apparently some of the best drinks east of 3rd Avenue.

*Those that believe that what they believe to be cool now has already achieved a state of coolness.

the 10-day challenge

new york city - food capital of the world. from shi-shi restaurant scenes to gourmet shops, beer gardens to chocolate bars, the big apple has the best and most diverse edibles in the world. yup, this city isn't just a big apple - it's the biggest. and like most new yorkers, i like to take large bites out of it on a pretty regular basis.

thus, in celebration of this great city (and in reaction to my recent lack of goal-setting), i am putting myself to the 10-day challenge. the idea: to eat. a lot. of really new and interesting things, which i already do here, but now i'm inviting all my fellow new yorkers to join me on my foodie quest.

how it's done: every day for the next 10 days, i will be picking a place that i've wanted to check out but haven't gone yet. if my friends are willing and adventurous and really really smart, they come with. if not, they go to hell. hey - it's not my rule; blame food religion. i am totally here to save.

anywho, i've pasted part of my day 1 email below, for which i had two very very smart attendees.

TONIGHT'S PICK:
The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck: http://www.biggayicecreamtruck.com/

• I'm weird (or should I say I'm gay?) and follow them on twitter. It looks as though they set up on Broadway and 17th today around 1pm. I wonder if they'll still be there around 9pm. It's all very mysterious. Regardless, I'm going to make my way over to Union Square to look for it tonight. I don't imagine it'll be too hard to find a rainbow truck. And even if it's not there, I think it'll be fun to run around looking for it. "Excuse me, but have you seen a gay ice cream truck?"
  
• Why it must be tried: toasted coconut curry; salted caramel. All on ... ice cream?!

Fantastic, right? Believe me, it's great to be a city kid.

More on the 10-day challenge to come...

on the 6

i've finally got a new york minute. just thought i would share the view.



and just like that - minute's over.