Top Chef Finale

Hey folks, just a reminder that Top Chef Season 5 wraps up tonight. The New York themed season ends in New Orleans, with the whole slew of competitors down to just three. They are: Carla, an eccentric African American woman who boasts southern style soul food, cooked with "love"; Hosea, a bald headed, seafood oriented chef from Colorado; and Stefan, arguably the best chef on the show, but is quite possibly a remnant of Germany's National Socialist Party. Something interesting to note - every male left on the show is bald headed and white. Tom Collichio, Hosea, Stefan, and Toby Young, are all white and bald. What's up with that. I think it may be some sort of conspiracy against hair. Even if the food isn't spot on, or the episode isn't climactic, I am sure Padma will be in super-hot mode, but when is she not. Top Chef's finale airs at 10 PM on Bravo, and will likely be repeated on said cable station at every hour straight through next month. Enjoy. 

No Reservations - Disappearing Manhattan

UPDATE:

Hey folks, Jon here, and as promised, I'll say a few words about tonight's special episode of "No Reservations". That was totally unexpected. This was not the first time Bourdain has returned to Gotham City on his cable show, but in his previous visits, he spent the majority of the program complaining about the lack of hookers in Times Square, or the insufficient amount of filth lining the sidewalks. But this was different. 

While still pining for days long gone, tonight was a tribute. I wont recap where Tony went, and what he ate (that's what Tivo is for), I will tell you that I was glad to see a side of the city that I strive to seek out. That is, unchanging, unpolished, authentic, ethnic mainstays. Italian, French, German, Chinese, and Jewish - these peoples changed the landscape of New York, and they fed it well. The places that Bourdain featured are relics of the early 20th century and some older, and New York is littered with these sorts of  places. In this city, there's no reason to buy a Pastrami "five dollar footlong" when you can go to Katz's deli and get the real deal. 

All in all, I'm happy to see Bourdain pay tribute the city he calls home. Too often it seems like he wishes he lived somewhere in the mountains of China, or anywhere but here for that matter. But I think what makes this city so great is that I can taste the mouthwatering delights that Bourdain samples all over the world. While New York has its own staples, its the plethora of ethnic food that is available all over this city that makes my work at FoodGasm oh so delicious. 

Stay hungry folks. 

Original Post:

Tonight on the Travel Channel, Anthony Bourdain, Foodgam's favorite culinary and travel badass, is hosting a special episode of his always entertaining "No Reservations". In tonight's special "Disappearing Manhattan", Tony returns to his hometown - New York. Expect a healthy dose of cynicism and dissatisfaction with the "New" New York. Just like every "No Reservations", this is not to be missed. I'll try and write up a review after the show. However, if you need your Tony fix immediately, check out this hilarious article where he badmouths the Food Network. "Disappearing Manhattan" premiers tonight on the Travel Channel at 10 p.m. EST. 

Vanessa's Dumplings

With no end in sight to our current recession, it seems like everyone is on the hunt for a bargain. If this includes you, and by you, I mean, everyone, here's a great deal that will keep you coming back, even when the economy gets back on track. It's also worth noting that I have never been welcomed into Vanessa's with anything less than a very warm welcome.

At 2 bucks for 6 fried pork dumplings, it's a deal hard to beat. The skin is tender, yet crispy on the bottom, and the filling is pretty tasty. The fried dumplings come in two varieties, pork and chive or pork and cabbage, and they are equally delicious. You can also get boiled dumplings, which also include some of the seafood persuasion. But lets face it, when you can get something fried, why settle for anything less.

During my most recent visit, I also got a steamed pork and cabbage bun (for $1.30!) which hit the spot. It's very doughy - it could definitely use a bit more filling. However, dipped into their signature dumpling sauce, and some Siracha "cock sauce", I'll eat the dough all day. As for the recession, here at FoodGasm, in Obama we trust.

Report Card:
Food: B+
Atmosphere: B-
Service: B+
Price: A+
Overall: B+


Vanessa's Dumplings
220 East 14th St.
(btwn 2nd and 3rd ave)
New York, NY

Murray's Cheese Shop - Ascutney Mountain

They say you can give a man a piece of cheese and he'll eat for a day. But show a man a store full of cheese and he's likely to enter into a delicious cheese coma. At Murray's Cheese Shop, the friendly cheese experts guide you through a seemingly endless array of cheeses, giving you a more than generous sample of cheese to snack on while you make what is surely one of the most difficult decisions of your life.


This time up, Ascutney Mountain from Southern Vermont. This medium firm cow's milk cheese has a slight pineapple taste, and is dangerously addicting. But it's only one of the hundreds of cheeses you can sample at Murray's, along with tons of stuff to compliment your cheese. If you have little cheese experience, and are intimidated by the selection, don't hesitate to ask for some help, or try the cheese of the day.



Report Card
Ascutney Mtn: A
Atmosphere: A-
Price: B+
Service: A+
Overall: A

Murray's Cheese Shop
254 Bleeker St.
New York, NY

Faicco's Italian Sub

In the heart of the West Village, Faicco's accomplishes a rather difficult feat. I am ready and willing to admit in this inaugural post on FoodGasm that Faicco's does up the best Italian sub I have ever eaten. In this old school Italian deli and market you can get all sorts of meat, canned and jarred goodies, and homemade Italian classics, but it's the Italian sub that rises to the occasion.

Atop the perfect sesame seed sub roll rests three glorious layers of porky goodness. First up, capicolla, that is, Italian dry-cured pork shoulder. Its piled high, but it's just a start. On top sits layer number two, homemade soppressata. Faicco's soppressatta is freshly ground and hanging in all its glory for all to see behind the deli counter. You can get it sweet or hot, but you'd be wise to go hot.



Last, the "coup de gras", prosciutto de parma. Of the cured sliced meats, it's hands down the best - the pinnacle of salty meaty excellence. To accompany the pork triple threat, your choice of roasted red peppers or sun dried tomatoes (and were not talking skimpy little amounts either), a thick cut of homemade fresh mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomato, oil, and vinegar. For ten bucks, you get enough to satisfy even the hungriest of eaters, and is prime to split for 5 bucks a pop with a lucky friend.

Report Card
Food: A
Atmosphere: A-
Price: B+
Service: A-
Overall: A-

Faicco's Pork Store
260 Bleeker St.
New York, NY