Month: August 2008

Quick Bites in NY

Published by Kathy Hunt

On days when I can’t face another slice of wheat toast with peanut butter for breakfast or one more tuna sandwich eaten at my desk, I see no choice but to sneak out for a quick bite.  Depending on the season and mood, I might slip downstairs for an omelette, waffle or fresh fruit and yogurt at the Key West Diner, pop around the corner for avocado rolls at AsiaKan or wander down Broadway for gazpacho at the Belgian bakery/restaurant franchise Le Pain Quotidien.  If time permits, I might opt for the Dive Bar or a short subway ride down to the Village to dine at a few favorites there.  Hey, if I’m taking a break from work, I might as well make it worthwhile. Ah, the Dive Bar.  It is not a true dive but rather a cozy, neighborhood hang-out with a slightly aquatic theme.  At the Dive Bar closest to me on Amsterdam and W. 96th a huge fish tank — the aquatic touch — greets me whenever I stroll through the front door.  The best things about the Dive Bar, though, are not the ’round-the-corner …

Further Food Forays in Pittsburgh

Published by Kathy Hunt

Primanti Bros. and Pamela’s.  Multiple Pittsburgh locations.  Loads of good, uncomplicated food.  Hot, hungry and thirsty, my childhood friends Nickie, Marilee, Jen, Ann and I wound up seated at the counter of the original Primanti Bros.  Located on 18th Street in the Strip District, Primanti’s has been serving its famous french fry and coleslaw-stuffed sandwiches here for 75 years.  This locale operates 24-7, perfect for the bar crowd or for anyone craving a kolbassi and cheese or sardine and cheese sandwich at 3 in the morning. On a late Saturday afternoon our needs were a bit more mainstream.  Along with chilled bottles of Iron City Beer, the drink of derision for much of my 20s but not for my nostalgia-fueled 30s, we chowed down such “and cheese” sandwiches as jumbo fish, spicy capicola ham and ragin’ cajun chicken breast.  Not one of us could finish these huge sandwiches.  The beer, however, was a different tale.   Along with the good friends and food, the best part of eating at Primanti Bros. was the free show.  By sitting at the counter, we could watch the cook grill …