NEW YEARS EVE 2013

My Manifesto was to procure some Rice Balls & Prosciutto Balls to contribute to the bounty at the Moroni household on New Years Eve 2013 but my plans were thwarted, I hate for that to sound so typical in these times but too much of my time was spent in Lioni's on the corner which in hindsight was time well spent. When you compare 3 Delicious Hero Sandwiches (Actually 2 Hero's as one went to the help) to a few Rice Balls, Well you weigh that out on your own. 

Papa Pasquale opened just a few doors down from the famed Lioni's after my previous employer Gus (who was the mastermind of Papa's) closed down his glass shop that my friend Roy and myself worked at during the summer months and I felt it was a bold move. I mean basically copying what Lioni had laid ground to after all, they still seem to be dwindled greatly by the Powerhouse with a rep on the corner, Pasquale's is running but always empty whenever I am there, who knows, whatever. 

Gus was a very colorful cigar smoking and lawn chair sitting fellow and I will never forget the morning when I cheerfully said to him "Good Morning Gus" to which he replied "Why Don't You Go Eff Yourself!!!" Glorious days indeed. 

So Papa Pasquale gets the Photo Op at the top of this post mostly because of the love I have for my former employer but also because Lioni's Win's in every other way and does have header photo's on this Blog elsewhere and to come I am sure (Papa does make the better Rice Ball though).

I did snap a quick pic of the Papa Sandwich Menu as displayed on the street, My apologies the Ingredients are not clearer to the eye in this photo. Once again they are comparatively priced with Lioni's so why would I even try, someday I shall (maybe not).

Dying for some Lasagna Rollatini right now though.

The Lioni's storefront, Just Perfect.

While working at the glass shop which was to become Papa Pasquale I have a distinct memory of one of Lioni's artisans bringing Roy and myself some Bocconcini (mini Mozzarella Balls) just created and Fresh as can be, they melted in your mouth. I am sure we had Lioni's on the job a bit but I mostly remember ordering in Chinese Food. 

Aah, Delight of Delight's. The Breadcrumb Stuffed Peppers and Hot & Spicy too. This was the secret Ingredient Warhead to the number 25, The Louie Prima Hero (Genoa Salami, Hot Cappacolla, Pepperoni, Provolone, Swiss Cheese, Spicy Mustard and the above Stuffed Peppers) My Fave.

Today (12/30/13) I was not so afraid to snap some pics (what with the Mexican workers running to and fro with 12 foot Hero's in hand delivering to waiting automobiles outside for their pre-ordered Sammiches) and got a shot of a portion of the Menu board on display in this most unique of Sandwich shops.

Waiting to be picked up, another gorgeous display of the Craftsmanship at Lioni's.

Finally, It Is Time To Eat. Pictured here are Two originals as they are not on the Lioni's Menu and were hand crafted just for the occasion. Laying flat and to the bottom left is the "Connie Moroni" which consists of  (Genoa Salami, Provolone Cheese, Olive Salad/Muffaletta and Roasted Peppers) on the upper right is the "Jamie Moroni" which comprises (Prosciutto Di Parma, Fresh Lioni Mozzarella, Roasted Peppers and Lettuce) Both Amazingly Delicious.

Jamie prepared some Party Food (Jalapeño Poppers, French Fries and Chicken Nuggets) and pictured here is a White Castle Cheeseburger for Papa Moroni.

Jamie Beheads Santa from Jaques Torres Chocolatier but I did not try any, Delicious I am sure.

3 Prosciutto Balls from Lioni's and the Best Prosciutto Ball in town. these were prepared around 11 p.m. in time for the midnight countdown and in Conchetta's brand new oven.

http://www.lioniitalianheroes.com

http://www.papapasqualeravioli.com

Jaque Torres Chocolate Site

BACON DAY 2013

I was alerted by Lori that it was Bacon Day 2013, Well I did have a half a pound of Bacon in the freezer just waiting a month or two to be used. What a Better chance than to celebrate this day of days commemorating our favorite Pork piece, The Bacon strip.

Pictured above is a nice Tasty Bacon Melt but this was made for afters. I began my evening with my favorite Dish of choice from childhood, Bacon & Rice. Never able to prepare my mom's Rice in quite the same way I purchased a Rice Cooker a few years back and the hinderances outweighed the holiness, this time I think I added too little Water (never again shall I use the level monitor engraved inside of the pot) so the Rice was a wee bit dry. 

On to the English Moofkie.

Bacon & Rice, So Good.

Bacon Frying, So Aromatic.

INSANITY IN FOOD : NATHAN'S CHICKEN CHOW MEIN SANDWICH 5/19/09 (REPOST)

Addendumb - As of Summer 2013 This Long standing item no longer appears to be on the Nathan's Menu board any longer. Well if no one was buying it why would they keep it there, changing times and trends my friends. I am honored I got a chance to sample one.

AS served up at the ORIGINAL NATHAN'S FLAGSHIP/STRONGHOLD EATERY STAND RIGHT OFF THE BOARDWALK.
(Established 1916) CONEY ISLAND,BROOKLYN NYC. (Bragging,.... yes)

Classic "Gooey" style 1950's American Chow Mein.
Topped with 1950's style American Crispy Noodles.
ON A SESAME SEED BUN.
Dreadful!!!
Yet Tons of Fun.

Needs some Soy Sauce in my humble opinion,
I drink the stuff meself though.
mmmmm, salty

CHOW MEIN SANDWICH ON WIKIPEDIA

CHRISTMAS COOKIES 2013

The Italians Love to Bake cookies at christmas time and Jamie is no objection to the rule. Pictured above is the Classic Toll House Cookie of which I learned was named such as long as you use Nestle Toll House Morsels in the Mix, and here all these years I thought there was a deeper meaning to it all.

Spoonfuls of Cookie Dough Mix are placed on an ungreased Cookie sheet like so. My globules were a little too big and close together so my cookies had to be cut upon completion. Thanks to Jamie for policing me during this portion as I kept licking my fingers of the Dough and had she not pointed that out I would have never known.

Here are the lovelies on the cooling rack, as I have aged I actually prefer them Crunchy so had to wait that much longer.

Jamie Whipping up some Batter. At one point there was a Beautiful bowl of Brown sugar, flour, 2 Sticks of Butter and some Vanilla Extract that would have made a great photo but Jamie was so hard at work I stayed out of her way.

NESTLE TOLL HOUSE ONLINE

KOSHER SNACKS & KNOSHES

My cohort Sean gained me employment at Apex Locks (Not Lox)  on 13 avenue I believe, We have discussed this (the exact whereabouts) and as the years go rolling by this has all become quite cloudy.

Anyway !!!. We worked there as two white Italian-Irish boys in a completely Hasidic Jewish neighborhood, no problem with us but when the Lunch Bell rang or there was 2 minutes to grab a snack a Ham & Cheese Sandwich was not available. We learned of the Bagel with a Schmear (and Slice of Tomato) and of Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges with a Bite of Bagel, we also learned of the Kosher end of Crunchy Snacks available. Sure they had Wise at the Noshery but also other brands and flavors unknown to us. I was looking for Falafel Wheels but could not locate them, however I did find Pizza Wheels (see above) which were the same texture and shape.

These Tri-Crunch Corn Snacks were Spicy indeed and quite Salty too.

When you can't find a Falafel Wheel a Falafel Bit will have to do, These were Tasty and super Crunchy.

The very airy Corn Pop, I made the mistake of getting the Reduced Fat version. Pretty Good and I could see one getting addicted to these.

Jamies hand smashing the very airy Corn Pops.

A couple of six packs of Kosher non-alcoholic Beer which leads me to the question is there a Kosher Alcohol Beer ? and what would it be called ? Moishe's Malt Liquor, Dradle Draft, Abraham's Ale ? 

To my delight I spied a frozen Knish sporting the "Mom's" moniker. Often for Lunch Sean and I would venture to "Mom's Knish's" for a Tuna Fish Pizza Knish of which there is literally No Info available online. The Pizza Knish is quite popular but not a scent of the Tuna Fish Pizza Knish anywhere. I plan on making my own but have to find just the right Knish and this might fit the bill but that is a whole other Ball of Matzoh. More on that to come.

DRAGON GARDEN 12/12/13 Brooklyn, New York

Almost a Year to Date and I am back, I may have been back (maybe once) since but its a Year to Date since my last posting.

There's always room for a Chili Taco ($1.69), At first below the large Dollop of Chili I detected only Lettuce and Melted Cheddar but there were the Tomatoes by the second bite. Always Eat this first so it retains it's Crunch.

A Long Time Favorite, The Steak Burrito ($6.59), seen here right before being Marinated in the Salsa Ranchero Sauce. Comes with Yellow Rice, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Guacamole, Black Beans and Shredded Cheddar Cheese.

Pringles on the wing, shown for effect.

The small Solo Cups of Salsa and Sour Cream never seem to be enough but this time I was prepared.

Sometimes its the little things, at the bottom of the bag along with the solo Cups, Knife and Fork was a mini Candy Cane. What a nice seasonal touch.

12/14/13 - Chicken Tostada Salad ($5.79) - Just a few days later and I was back, I wanted to use some more of my Sour Cream and wanted something Crunchy, I had always admired these Tostada Bowl's and have only ordered this maybe once and years ago.

Aerial view of the Chicken Tostada Salad, There were Surprises underneath as the Tostada Salad comes with Jalapeño Slices, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Diced Carrots, Cucumber Slices and Iceberg Lettuce all served in an Edible Bowl.

One of the coolest aspects of the Tostada Salad is that it is served in a small Cake box, upon opening I was surprised to find a decent sized portion of Russian Dressing maybe 7-8 ounces worth (so much for using my Sour Cream) and a Solo Cup of Sour Cream.

Shifting the Chicken over to one side I spied some Jalapeno's and Cheese. Had a few Bites then reached a quandary, How do I eat the Vessel holding the Salad itself, I did so want a Salad/Crunch ratio.

Transferred the Contents of the Tostada Bowl into a separate Bowl and was able to have my Crunch and Eat it too. This is certainly mostly Lettuce from the looks of it but it works just fine and after all it is called a "Salad"

I have been generous in my Crunch ratio and there will still be some "Bowl" left when all is done.

DA VINCI PIZZERIA 12/7/13 Brooklyn, New York

Above is the photo that almost started a Facebook War between Jamie's Da Vinci Pizzeria's fan page and the Official Da Vinci page. Jamie was there first by about,... OH,.. Four Years and the management at Da Vinci was well aware and grateful for her page but an inside party decided to start an "Official" page years later. Jamie received a "cease & desist" notification but wisely stood her ground. What happened was that the Da Vinci "Official" page shared Jamie's pic which I took as I do in FOODish situation's (as you can see via this BLOG) But then got their Garlic tied up into a,.... well,.. A Knot

Pictured above is the Historic, Revered and Classic Da Vinci "Square", Never to be beaten and only possibly to be equalled, and I say possible just to be fair. Unbeatable and Scrumptious, This was right out of the Oven, a Side Slice for Jamie and that rare and elusive center Slice for me.

I became adventurous this afternoon and decided I wanted more than just a few "Square's" so ordered a Stromboli. Heavens to Betsy, Is that a Microwave Oven they are using !!!, I looked upon in awe and disgust. Well,.. there is a method to the madness, Da Vinci heats up the refrigerated (for freshness sakes Man!!!) Stromboli briefly and then pops her into the Oven for proper Crispness and Baked Goodness.

Not the best Stromboli I ever had (and Jamie pointed this out Ingredient wise) but still mouth watering and most Tasty. Da Vinci's Stromboli contains Sausage, Genoa Salami (I want to say Pepperoni but it was not), Peppers, Onion and Mozzarella Cheese wrapped in a Doughy Goodness.

And check out that half Eaten square in the background.

Put your Stereoscopic Glasses on and you will see in-depth Stromboli, Coke, Jamie.

How often have I considered stealing one of these containers from those Slum Lord Pizzeria's !!!

Never would I and for many differing reasons. From Brooklyn to Bogota I shall not.

1. It's wrong, It's just wrong, I mean like against humanity sir.

2. They probably have a dozen jars stored in the back room (in case one breaks) but who am I to wrinkle their progress, Hell, they might decorate their Christmas Tree during the holidays and I would not want to be responsible for leaving green bulb # 14 without a neighboring condiment dispenser alongside.

3. KARMA and its ever reaching tentacles.

4. I can just buy a plastic jar of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes at the Supermarket which will last me years.

5. And Jamie showed me this (see below).

As a paying customer I am entitled to Fresh Vacuum packed (I surmise) packets of Red Pepper Flakes included amongst the price of Admission.

DA VINCI PIZZERIA ON FACEBOOK

SILVER STAR RESTAURANT 12/5/13 Brooklyn, New York

Almost like having it at home. 

Wait !!!,.... I AM Having It At Home !!!

UNCLE JIMMY'S 12/1/13 Brooklyn, New york

Uncle Jimmy's of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn has set themselves apart by putting the Pulled Pork on top of a Cheeseburger, This may have been done in the past but to me this is the first I am hearing of it. I was very much looking forward to this and it is a most Delicious Sandwich, this was served in a take-out styrofoam platter alongside Cheese Fries which were to my delight of the Greasy kind. We all picked our Cheese's only to find that it is only prepared with Smoked Mozzarella which falls high on the Cheese Chain, I unfortunately never cared much for Melted Mozzarella on a Burger but the Chef must have thought long and hard on the Recipe so no argument from me was forthcoming.

My qualms aside from the Mozzarella debacle are few but hey its my Blog. The Burger in question is smaller than the Bun, a Big No No but the heap of Pulled Pork made up for that, the Pulled Pork was served plain but once again there was a Solo cup of BBQ Sauce on the side for each order, the Menu says topped with Coleslaw of which this was lacking mainly because it was not there.

Anyways a nice big sandwich at less than ten bucks

Side view of the "BBQ Burger Combo" ($9.00) served with Pickle Slices.

What better to have a Pulled Pork Burger and Fries with than a Tasty Beer. Newcastle Brown Ale is one of my Favorites and the Newcastle Werewolf Red Ale was completely satisfying.

UNCLE JIMMYS WEBSITE