Dining In The Big Apple pt 2

I've been meaning to write more blogs but the jet lag and poor sleep had won the battle these last couple of days. So sorry to be late with this second part but let's get back to the action. The hotel we stayed at was Asiatic Hotel in Flushing, New York. It's located in the 2nd largest Chinatown of New York. Basically my two top choices food wise are typically Mexican and Chinese. Really can't go wrong with either of those...unless you're just a meat and potatoes type then I suppose you could.

As part of the hotel's package we got free breakfast. Now typically that just means you get some little boxes of cereal and like toast. This place was actually pretty good. Had a plethora of options from baked goods, donuts, muffins, cereal, rice pudding, oatmeal, and various drinks. I believe during the first breakfast I got adopted by an Asian family. I miss Grandma even though we didn't understand each other she was a sweetheart.

Asiatic Hotel Breakfast

After a long day at the convention we opted to go for some burgers. All the local/veteran artists hyped up Schnippers. Apparently have have a couple joints but this is the one located by Time Square which is the original one. As a burger joint they have the typical flair - burgers, hot dogs, fries.

Schnippers: classic burgers, sweet potato fries, cheese fries

Place was okay in my opinion. Not really big on burgers/have high standards. I think it reminded me of a less greasy Steak N Shake burger. I would venture to say I still enjoy burgers BBQ'd at hang outs/home/parties more than these. That being said they weren't bad. Just nothing really going out of the way to have. The sweet potatoes fries were interesting as it came with a maple syrup type sauce. Fries themselves were kind of dry without it. Alex got some cheese fries- I felt those weren't very cheesy. Not quite sure what to compare them too.

So that was Day two's dinner. Day Three's dinner would be more in the Chinatown area. Decided to go eat in that area and went with Pho Bang. You know the place is legit when they don't have a website and only take cash. I did find another third party site that has the menu listed for Pho Bang. The restaurant itself is Vietnamese which is different than Chinese food if you've never had it. Had done some quick research on my phone while on the train is how I came across it. I think this one was a winner for sure.

Goi Cuon aka Summer Rolls

Cha Gio aka Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Xe Lua Pho Bo

Com Chien Tom aka Shrimp Fried Rice

My picks were the Summer Rolls and Shrimp Fried Rice.  The Summer Rolls caught my attention because it actually had mint in it. I'm a big mint fan as we grew up growing it in the back yard and using it for tea.  The rolls were very fresh and filling. I went with shrimp fried rice as I don't typically get to eat seafood as 1) most folks I apparently hang with don't like seafood and 2) Karen is part 1 but also allergic to it. The rice was fantastic. I will say it seemed to be short grain which I at first confused with couscous. Still it was fairly light. The Spring Rolls were tasty and not overly greasy. Alex enjoyed his pho (not a euphemism).

Overall everything was delicious and hit the spot. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone in the New York area or visiting it. Its a couple blocks from the Main St. station for the 7 Line.  This pretty much the New York eating experience. There were some places I'd like to go back and try so maybe next year.

#Foodie4Life,
Reef