Cravings: Craving

Three Salad Combination

by Celia Cheng
June 18th, 2008

BONSIGNOUR
35 Jane St
@ 8th Ave
212-229-9700
$$

During the summer I gravitate towards salads and the three-salad combo at Bonsignour is a delightful option for lunch or snack. The choice of three homemade salads over a bed of mixed greens is now $11.95. I remember a time when it was $6.95, but that dates me. Even with inflation, it’s totally worth it. Classic salads like the curried chicken, beets vinaigrette, potato, or couscous with feta, in addition to daily specials, are the reason I keep going back. Besides the variety, they’re healthy and delicious. It’s hard to categorize Bonsignour, as it’s more than a deli but not quite a restaurant. In any event, it’s a West Village institution.

Posted in American , Salad , West Village

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Little Cheeseburger

by Celia Cheng
June 18th, 2008

FIVE GUYS BURGERS & FRIES
496 LaGuardia Pl
(Bleecker & Houston St)
212-228-6008
$

To find other locations click on store locator.

Lately, I’ve been craving a certain kind of burger, the Burger Joint or Shake Shack type: smaller, simpler, but fresh and satisfying. Now even though Five Guys Burgers & Fries is a national franchise, all the praise since their arrival in New York piqued my interest. We may not have In-N-Out Burger, but we should be happy that we now have Five Guys. Though the beef patties are well done, it doesn’t kill the meat. Served on a sesame bun with a long list of complimentary toppings (mayo, relish, onions, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, fried onions, sautéed mushrooms, ketchup, mustard, jalapeño peppers, green peppers, A-1 sauce, barbecue sauce, hot sauce) that allow you to customize, this burger is perfectly juicy. The “little” burgers have one patty while the regular ones have two. Five Guys is popping up all over NYC, so thankfully this craving should be easily and conveniently satisfied.

Posted in American , Burger , Greenwich Village

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New England Clam Chowder

by Celia Cheng
June 18th, 2008

PEARL OYSTER BAR
18 Cornelia St
(W 4th & Bleecker St)
212-691-8211
$$

This is just one of many favorites of mine at Pearl. Chef Rebecca Charles’ New England clam chowder is THE perfect clam chowder. It’s creamy, rich, full of small chunks of potatoes, sweet onions, smoky bacon bits, fresh chopped chives, and of course, juicy clams. The consistency and proportions are just right. And I love adding a pack of oyster crackers to the chowder. No other soup fulfills me the way this one does. Once I’ve slurped it all up, I feel like a little kid, all warm and fuzzy inside, like I’ve just come home.

Posted in American , Seafood , Soup , West Village

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Peanut Shake

by Cristy-Lucie Alvarado
June 18th, 2008

STAND
24 E 12th St
(5th Ave & University Pl)
212-488-5900
$

I finally took a break from the toasted marshmallow shake at Stand and strategically chose a new flavor: peanut. Not hazelnut or peanut butter, just good ol’ simple peanut. With Il Laboratorio del Gelato’s gelato as the base, Stand’s milkshakes seem unbearably sweet when they first hit your tongue, but after one sip, your mouth enters a state of bliss and the super sweetness is quickly forgotten. The nutty milkshake comes equipped with a wide straw, so you thoroughly enjoy the thickness and fine peanut crumbs. It’s no toasted marshmallow shake, but it’s a very close second.

Posted in American , Drinks , Greenwich Village

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Soft Shell Crab Summer Roll

by Celia Cheng
May 27th, 2008

CAFÉ ASEAN
117 W 10th St
(6th & Greenwich Ave)
212-633-0348
$

The soft shell crab summer roll is currently a special on Café Asean’s menu, and it’ll only be around for the next two weeks, so go quick! A great variation on the traditional Vietnamese summer roll, the deep-fried soft shell crab is an amazing substitute for shrimp. Arugula adds a refreshing and pungent kick while the mango strikes a sweet contrast. The cucumber is crisp and the avocado — well, that just makes everything taste good. All these goodies wrapped in rice paper make a light and cool summer dish. And don’t forget the kaffir lime and jalapeño chili sauce that’s made in house. It’s spicy but a must-add!

Posted in American , Seafood , Vietnamese , West Village

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