Saturday, March 16, 2013

Big Nicks Burger & Pizza Joint
2175 Broadway
(between 77th St & 76th St)
New York, NY 10024
Food ***
Service **
Atmosphere *     

Peaking at the Beacon with the Allman Brothers has been a Dish tradition since 1979. Each year we look for new places to dine before the show. 
We usually wind up in the same jaunt, just changes names. 
The drinks had always been at the same bar until that went "Bear" up!
Last night was no exception.
I was tired of the same place so I asked a good friend if he knew of a place to get a great and I meant great burger?
He offered us 
"Big Nicks Burger & Pizza Joint."
Big Nick's Burger & Pizza Joint 
Now I have been going to the Beacon for so many years and for so many years I walked right past this place and never thought to venture in. 
What he did tell me was it is a great burger but the place is very tight. 
Tonight's adventure involved my son and his good friend from college as well as my oldest friend in the world. 
Of course they all humor me with my choices.
We waited for a table for four and finally were seated in a very tight booth. Good thing we are all slim because the space would not hold four larger adults.
The menu came and the choices were endless.  
Sometimes a big menu can be intimidating. I knew why we came.      


Big Nick's Burger Joint & Pizza Joint (Bdwy)

2175 BROADWAY
(212) 362-9238
Click here for website

   




Monday, March 11, 2013

---- joanina (large)Service *****
Food        ****                                                          
---- IMG_6494.JPG (large)
35A Gerard Street, 
Huntington Village, NY 11743     
TEL: 631-549-2727      FAX: 631-549-4448


To walk into Joanina is like walking into a small part of Italy. The decor is almost comforting yet still the place is a buzz. This little known secret in the town of Huntington has become the talk of the town. Our Saturday night reservation for 8:30 was almost precise. We were seated 5 minutes after. That said with a packed house. One glass of wine at the bar and still had half a glass to bring to the table. The wines they serve all can be purchased in the adjoining wine shop that they own as well. 
 

We had a nice family dinner with the four of us. There is a great deal to be said for Joanina's brick oven. I have had brick oven pizzas from many places but what comes out of this oven is almost heavenly. We began our journey with a
PIZZA BIANCA CON SPECK   for $13.95     White pizza with speck, mushrooms & white truffle oil drizzle.
 This in itself was amazing but I had to order the CALAMARI FRITTI. At $9.95 this dish was enough for the 4 of us to share and was cooked perfect.
              For our main courses we each had something different which allowed me to sample a taste from each plate. 
            My son wanted Chicken Francaise but it was not offered on the menu. The waitress said absolutely no problem.
 The chicken was moist and tender and the sauce was amazing. Served with seasonal vegetables and a dollop of mashed potatoes. 


                        My Wife had a special of the day, The Monk Fish broiled with olive oil, basil and garlic and finished with chunks of vine ripe tomato. Cooked perfectly and a large enough portion for her to leave some for me. 
     
              My son's girlfriend, had the Tortelloni Rosa which is a delicately stuffed pasta with homemade ricotta with a creamy filetto di pomodoro sauce.

             My main course was the Scaloppine Rustica. Veal Scaloppine sauteed with long stemmed artichokes and wild mushrooms in a Marsala wine reduction. To call this dish veal marsala would be an insult. The tender pieces of veal melted in my mouth and the aroma of the sauce was amazing. I am never disappointed when we eat here.

   This place is a must visit and reservations are recommended.

  Enjoy from 
"The Dish With Dean"