MitchW

These short, tubular pastas are becoming a favorite lately: Mezzi Rigatoni with sausage and broccoli. Roasted corn (an Italian classic) on the side.

I'm here all week, ladies and gentlemen! @small h Congrats!

While I've yet to have the opportunity to try Taqueria Ramirez (it is in Greenpoint, after all), yesterday we strolled over to Avenue B and E. 3rd St. to experience Carnitas Ramirez. A worthwhile stroll... Barriga (pork belly), costilla (rib meat), and maciza (butt). https://www.carnitasramirez.com/menu-explained Great tortillas, overall deliciousness. And sitting on overturned, empty, 5 gallon paint canisters from Home Depot is my idea of a good time!

A not beautiful looking, yet delicious tasting (Ugly Delicious?), Pa amb tomàquet. Paella. Con socarrat!

I'm hoping to keep my dosage of Crestor at 5mg/daily.

Roasted mushrooms and cousa squash. Amatriciana Estiva, a more summery, lighter version of the classic bucatini all'Amatriciana. Main difference is the use of fresh tomatoes (cherry, or as in this case, Lancaster Farms' organic garden gem tomatoes), and (hide your eyes, @Sneakeater) draining off a bit of the rendered fat from the guanciale. The pasta used is Setaro's Mezze Rigatoni.

I LOVE our two new air conditioners! I hope to get 3 years of service from each one.

How was your trip, food-wise?

Caprese salad (beefsteak and heirloom tomatoes). Roasted chicken thigh. Sautéed Lani's Farm squash with Jersey white corn off the cob.

I just heard tonight, from a well connected person, that this may even go on in the civil service!

Roasted five ears of real Jersey white corn, procured earlier in the day at the greenmarket. I'd never done this in the countertop oven; came out great. Buttered, served with a Greek salad, with greenmarket tomatoes, lettuce, cukes. Olives are hiding under it all. Sometimes this is all we need in the heat (I did eat two ears of corn).

And how were the portions?!

So - Forlini's doesn't really fit. Frost was good - but it also doesn't fit. And I remember a place in Dyker Heights we liked - New Corner or something? I've yet to go to Bamonte's.

That covers it pretty well. I did take a look at comparative menu prices, and Park Side appears to be slightly less expensive. Those soft shells were really great (and now I want to try the fried soft shells)!

It's down the block from The Lemon Ice King? In Corona, Queens. Its founder, Tough Tony Federici (RIP), was a capo in the Genovese family? It doesn't take online reservations - you gotta call.

While the menus may be similar, I don't know if any place is kinda the same as Park Side.

Had a meal here the other night which really shined: Double order of their baked clams, which are great. And an order and a half of soft-shells, sautéed. Big and meaty they were. My main, and what I usually order here: Chicken scarpariello, on the bone, with sausage. Don't forget, the mains come with pasta or a salad... I've never been to Bamonte's, so I can't compare, but this is some good old school Italian restaurant food.

Sorta piccata, with shrimp and scallops. Served with rice.

Meanwhile, Remco is a fucking animal!

I guess this is as good a place as any to share this cats vs. dogs piece: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/07/31/opinion/cats-vs-dogs.html?unlocked_article_code=1.AE4.1YPr.A85ASJtUUrUu&smid=url-share

If you were to ask GP, he might say: listen to The Mona Lisa's Sister.

Yeah, too bad his genius got cut so short.

The one who might be at Joshua Tree?

I am.

Ahhh yes, the Saratoga Boys. The Figgs actually still tour occasionally.