Cheap Ass Food

Cheap Ass Food http://www.cheapassfood.com This site is for anyone who loves food and doesn’t give a shit about being proper. CheapAssFood.com friends are not your typical four star food tasters, our main goal is to support mom & pop shops. Your neighborhood bagel shop, noodle house, burger joint and street vendors...etc, let people know that good food doesn’t have to be Zagat rated. en-US Best Authentic Beijing dessert for $1 When you see whole bunch of Chinese lining up, you know there’s a deal. The Oriental Express Food Lucky L & LWC (what a name!) in Flushing, Queens, serves authentic Northern style Chinese breakfast and specialties that no one can resist both economically and gastronomically. Once you enter the stainless steel shiny dining hall you will see that almost every table have order the 豆腐脑 (Dòu Fǔ Nao) $1.25 Sm $1.75 Lg - a savory bowl of soft silky extra soft form of tofu top with soy sauce based mixture. This is the first time in U.S. I found such an authentic taste that match up the one I sampled in that snowy morning at a Beijing street alley years ago. To be ultra traditional, pair it with the 烧饼 (Shāo Bǐng) $1.50 each- a baked, layered flatbread with sesame on top. The must try here is the 驴打滚 (Lou Da Kuan) $1 each, literally means “Rolling Donkey”. It is a traditional Beijing mochi dessert filled with delicious red bean. The dish is originated from Manchurians and the name came from the method of how the chef rolls the red bean paste dough- it looks like a donkey rolling in the countryside. The texture is very soft and almost melt in your mouth, almost pillow cloudy like with strong delicious red bean flavor. http://www.cheapassfood.com/eats/show/449 Next Food Network Star, is it you? Do you have what it takes to become the next Food Network Star, maybe you had always dreamed of becoming the next Rachel Ray ( I know I have, yes it is a little kept secret, but I do enjoy a little Ray of Sunshine in the morning with my cup of joe). So here is the deal Food Network is looking for you to be their next Rachel Ray or Bobby Flay, the 5th season is holding   auditions in these cities, take a look.<br />     <br /><h4>New York, NY (sorry, a little too late for you New Yorkers) </h4> <p>Monday, October 6, 2008 from 11AM-3PM<br /> Sutton Place<br /> 1015 Second Avenue, New York NY 10022 (btw. 53rd and 54th; <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1015%20Second%20Avenue&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl">map</a>) </p> <h4>Los Angeles, CA</h4> <p>Wednesday, October 15, 2008 from 10AM-3PM<br /> The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California<br /> 2900 31st Street, Santa Monica CA 90405 (<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=j0x&resnum=0&q=2900%2031st%20Street%2C%20Santa%20Monica&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl">map</a>)</p> <h4>Charleston, SC</h4> <p>Thursday, October 23, 2008 from 10AM-3PM<br /> The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Charleston<br /> 24 North Market Street, Charleston SC 29401 (<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=24+North+Market+Street,+Charleston+SC+29401&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=title">map</a>)</p> <h4>Portland, OR</h4> <p>Thursday, October 23, 2008 from 10AM-3PM<br /> Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront<br /> 1401 SW Naito Parkway, Portland OR 97201 (<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1401+SW+Naito+Parkway+Portland,+OR+97201&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=title">map</a>)</p> <h4>Philadelphia, PA</h4> <p>Wednesday, October 29, 2008 from 10AM-3PM<br /> Embassy Suites Center City Philadelphia<br /> 1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia PA 19107 (<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1776%20Benjamin%20Franklin%20Parkway&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl">map</a>)</p><p> </p><p>If you can not make the taping you can send in your tapes/dvd, for more info go to <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/the-next-food-network-star-rules-and-requirements/index.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/the-next-food-network-star</a> </p> http://www.cheapassfood.com/lifestyle/show/226 I would date him! So Time Out NY has decided to become a matchmaker for all young and hip food artisans, who are looking for love in the Big Apple. I know Mr Ong is desperately seeking a man, but if I had the chance to take a swing at his pitch, I'd eat him up like a fat kid eats cake. Even, if he’s not batting for the same team who wouldn’t want to have a top-notch pastry chef in their bed. If you are single male seeking other hot males who can cook, check out Pichet Ong ,39, he is a proclaimed, “self-taught pastry chef utilizing his childhood and professional culinary experiences, as well as his background in architecture and design…” <br /><br />Creating delicious, innovative desserts that are visually appealing and whimsical are just for starters, who know what will end up as the entrees.   <br /><br />Here are some of Mr Ong’s highlights as it reads in Time Out NY,  <br /><br />PICHET ONG, 39<br />Chef-owner, Batch, P*ONG; partner, Manhattan Milk<br />Seeking men<br />What Ong’s food says about him: “Nearly every dish I have starts off with a zest, a saltiness or bitterness at first and then has a sweet finish. That’s also reflected in my personality: I’m a sweet person, but I’m not saccharine.”<br />Seeking: “I’d like to meet someone who is dynamic and accomplished. I work a lot, so I’d like someone who can provide me with an escape.”<br />tonysingles.pichet@gmail.com<br /><br />To see more check out <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/articles/restaurants-bars/64041/date-our-friends-chefs-bakers-barkeeps/2.html">Time Out NY</a>, who know maybe you’ll find your true luv. http://www.cheapassfood.com/lifestyle/show/225 Sun, Wave, and Cafe Over the summer I had the privilege to go to Miami Beach, soak in the sun, play in the cool blue water and eat LOTs. One of my favorite cheapass spots I would definitely recommend is David's Cafe Cuban Cuisine, located on 1058 Collins Ave, right off the main street. The little take out window offers simple snacks with casual patio dining. For breakfast get the Cuban toast ($2) with café con leche ($1.75) and if your not a morning person get a strong shot of Cortadito a dark Cuban coffee with milk, enough caffeine to keep you wide awake. http://www.cheapassfood.com/eats/show/448 New Brooklyn Trader Joe's is finally here! <p>As reported by <a href="http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2008/09/new-brooklyn-trader-joes-photos.html">newyork.seriouseats.com</a> Trader Joe’s is finally here, some have been waiting years for this arrival, while others not so much. But as a true die-hard TJ's fan I can attest for all those crazies (you know the ones who wait in the long lines.. mmm some times 20min +). Once you understand the true value  and quality of TJ's, you’ll become one of us, hording all the frozen mangos, and the salted roasted almonds. </p>The Brooklyn TJ's is located at the old Independence Bank at Atlantic Avenue and Court Street, all decked out in their Caribbean-themed décor.<br /><br />"This is by far the least claustrophobic Trader Joe's I have ever visited. Tall ceilings, wide freezer section aisles, and hardly any head-on shopping cart collisions. Though the check-out line looked scary, a crewmember was dutifully holding up her "end of the line" sign, reminding shoppers that 18 cashiers were on duty. A quick, painless process—and one that involved snacks."  reported <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/user/profile/Erin%20Zimmer">Erin Zimmer </a><br />  http://www.cheapassfood.com/lifestyle/show/224 New Cheap Finds: Haagen_Dazs <p> The New HaagenDazs single serving ice creams are perfect for one, not only are these little guys economical, they are also waist-friendly. For $1.50 one serving of chocolate ice cream has 18g of fat, 11g of saturated fat, 21g of sugars, and 5g protein, this is portion control at it’s best. I know if I get the pint, half of it is going into my belly in one sitting. Definitely, if that chocolate craving is kicking in, head to your nearest bodega for a little one on one.</p><p>**spoon inside, an added bonus!<br /> </p><h1> </h1><p> </p> http://www.cheapassfood.com/lifestyle/show/223 My bank just went under, now I have to eat whatever is in the refrigerator, Fried Rice. So recently Wamu also know as Washington Mutual Bank went under and had to be rescued by JP Morgan Chase, fortunately or unfortunately I have very little money in the bank. As most economists said there is no need to worry, yet I have a feeling of insecurity, so I decided to cut down on eating out, as well as stop shopping for food (for a while). Feeling the pinch like the rest of you, I looked in my icebox and this is what I came up with. I hope you enjoy my “My bank just went under, now I have to eat whatever is in the refrigerator, Fried Rice.” Basically one can throw whatever they have in the icebox, as long as you have some leftover rice from take out or from last nights dinner, it’s a no brain-er. Heat up a large skillet or wok with some vegetable oil, when you see little smoke rising from the wok, put in a cup of hot dogs and beacon. Once the beacon is browned add the peas, soy sauce and fish sauce when everything is coated in grease add the rice and stir. Egg is always nice if you have them, but I would recommend cooking the egg first before hand and putting them off to the side, once everything is cooked add back the cooked eggs and incorporate them into the dish. http://www.cheapassfood.com/recipes/show/145 Delicious Tacos makes me wanna move to Sunset Park Just two blocks away from the highest point in Brooklyn, Tacos Matamoros in Sunset Park easily beat all of the Manhattan taco joints in terms of taste and price. Located in the 5th avenue Mexican corridor this surprisingly clean and BYOB restaurant has a huge menu that surely will satisfy everybody’s appetite. You know it is authentic when they have Horchata ($1.50) and Lengua (Beef Tongue), Cabeza (Cow head meat), Cueritos (Pickled Pork Rinds) and Suadero (Beef cut from the intermediate part between the belly and the leg and above the udder) on their tacos menu for $1.25 to $1.75 each. The Carne Asada is cooked to perfection one can taste the real flavor of the flank steak/ skirt steak. The Al Pastor is heavenly and the Suadero, in my opinion is the best I have eaten in a long time. For herbivores the Vegetarianos Tacos consists of huge piles of Queso Blanco cheese instead of meat. Besides tacos this authentic Mexican joint also serves up some HUGE platos of food in wide variety. Lots of hombres are chowing down the $10 Bistec a la Mexicana (steak Mexican style). Seafood lovers got their very spicy looking $13 Camarones a la Diabla (shrimp devil style) and romantic dating couples sharing a Coteles Camarones (shrimp cocktails) for $8.50. I honestly am thinking about moving to Sunset Park just because of the food, no kidding! That’s the magical power of Tacos Matamoros! http://www.cheapassfood.com/eats/show/447 strap for cash, eat your way to $10,000 Date: 10/12/2008<br /> Location: New York, NY<br /> Discipline: Famous Famiglia Pizza<br /> Total Prizes: $14,000 <br /> <table border="0" cellpadding="5" width="325" height="842"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td><span class="eventdescription"> </span><br /></td><td>Hot of the Presses, this is one recession special that everyone needs keep an eye on. As of September 15 at 12:00pm EST registration for Famous Famiglia World Pizza Eating Championship will open on Monday, September 15 at 12:00pm EST. The prize money is a whopping $10 grand to the winner who can ingest the most pies.<br /><br />Here are the rules and regulations:<br />*All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and fully acknowledge and understand the inherent dangers and risks associated with participating in an eating contest. The applicant further acknowledges and understands that the MLE/IFOCE coordinates with event sponsor(s) to select and approve eligible participants, and that the MLE/IFOCE shall decide, at its sole discretion, whether an applicant is eligible to participate in any eating event, and/or related activities. The MLE/IFOCE may revoke an applicant’s eligibility to participate in the eating contest, or related activities, at any time, for any reason, at its sole discretion. The MLE/IFOCE and the event sponsors reserve the right, at any time, to change any and all details concerning the event, including, e.g., time, duration, location and prize structure.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> http://www.cheapassfood.com/lifestyle/show/222 The fourth annual New York City Short Film Festival <p><font face="Helvetica" size="2"><font color="#000000">Celebrating their 4th year NYC Shorts Films is showcasing provocative and entertaining short films from around the world. Screening at the landmark Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Symphony Space in New York City, film makers such as Ben Hakim’s is showing The Elevator, in which two strangers—a man and woman—get stuck together for 23 minutes and are changed for life. The Confession, by Thomas Hefferon is about a young man who tries to profess his sins to a priest who’d rather chitchat about the local ladies. To find out more about the film makers and the festivals check out this link.   <a href="http://nycshorts.com/">nycshorts.com</a></font></font></p><p> September 19-20, 2008</p><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="683"><tbody><tr><td align="right" style="width: 338px; height: 66px"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="338"><tbody><tr><td align="right"> </td> </tr> </tbody></table></td> <td style="width: 20px; height: 66px"> </td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p> http://www.cheapassfood.com/lifestyle/show/221 Best Vietnamese in Chinatown!!! As with any Vietnamese bistro, we must review the most common dishes: Pho - The most savory, make you salivate beef noodles you could have on Earth! Better than your Mom's. The delectable mixture of 'secret' spices and beef broth eminate from the busy kitchen making the diner want to go grab a ladle and take a big slurp. Must have if you visit this unassuming eatery. Cha Gio - Crunchy and tasty. Fantastic combination of refreshing and fried when paired with watery lettuce and sweetish fish sauce. Banh Xeo - Ditto on the above. Bun - A big bowl of noodle salad goodness. Have it with Cha Gio (my favorite), Grilled Chicken, Shrimp or Pork. It's all good! Whatever you have here, you will NOT be disappointed...I dare you to try it out and post your thoughts! Be careful though, you just may get addicted! http://www.cheapassfood.com/eats/show/446 Manhattan has its Di Fara As quoted by the Slice man him self(Adam Kuban) Artichoke “Manhattan has its Di Fara.” And who would argue with that, I have heard the hype now for the past four months. While attempting to grab a slice, the line as it turns out is ridiculously long, too long for any 30min lunch break to cover. I made 4 different attempts before, and ironically enough on my 5th attempt happened to be right after lunch. Jumping at the chance to eat me some fatty artichoke slice that I have been eyeing for the past 4 months and with only 3 customers ahead of me I waited patiently. As luck would have it, no artichoke, it turns out one of the co-owner/staff dude was stuck on the BQE with a boatload of artichokes. Sicilian pizza however was plentiful, a slice will fetch you $3.50 thick and big enough for a satisfying lunch. The crispy crust, fresh cheese, topped with fresh basil. I savored every bite while trying to fight my overly stuffed belly, in other words it was that good. It’s not Di Fara but close enough, for all you haters out there believe the hype. http://www.cheapassfood.com/eats/show/445 Curry-Ya Night Feelings: Home style, stick to your ribs, good ol' fashion Japanese curry. Our seafood curry and fried shrimp curry were flavorful and succulent. RB enjoyed his curry Osakan post-war Beatnik style- with one raw egg in the rice volcano, which enhanced the richness of the curry. Other feelings: Nice decor, nice waiters from Osaka, and of course, nice high tech bathroom. Post curry dessert: Dessert Club Chikalious, 204 E 10th St Feelings: The best vanilla ice cream. Simply the best. Their puddings & cakes are good too. http://www.cheapassfood.com/eats/show/444 Meat Candy If you are a jerky enthusiast you must try this place. Unique Malaysia style beef jerky is distinctly different than the U.S. style- it is being pounded to its utmost tenderness with glistening sweet syrup and charred light on a grill. Their selections include pork, spicy pork, chicken, beef, spicy beef, curry beef and shrimp/ pork. Our favorite is the “Spicy Shrimp and Pork” and also the “Curry Beef” because the complex taste emerged nicely from the meat and the sweetness, with a subtle kick of spiciness. Also if you arrive at the time when they are charring we suggest you get the one that just got grilled. Prices are around $17-18 per pound, roughly $1 per piece. http://www.cheapassfood.com/eats/show/443 New York Korean Film Festival  New York Korean Film Festival presents Le Grand Chef, “ a rich cinematic buffet… Based on the a popular Korean comic, the film plunges viewers inside the kitchen as Korea’s best chefs compete to win the top spot at the country’s leading restaurant and a knife that once belonged to a legendary royal chef.”<br /><br />Director Jeon Yoon-soo delights in the intricacies of his<br /> <br />August 30, Saturday - 6:30 PM @ BAMcinématek http://www.cheapassfood.com/lifestyle/show/220 Farmers Markets Accept Food Stamps  <br />Farmers Markets are moving with the times, as families rely on food stamps more and more. The Farmers' Market Federation of NY states “that food stamp sales have grown to $90,000 in 2007 from $3,000 in 2002 (helped in part by wireless technology that allows the farmers to accept payments by food stamp debit card)” <a href="http://gothamist.com/2008/08/25/more_farmers_markets_accept_food_st.php">gothamist.com  </a><br /><br />46 states have at least one farmer's market accepting EBT cards, NY offers “Fresh Checks”, giving food stamp families $5 coupon incentives for spending a minimum of $5. And things are looking even better for New Yorkers, 40 markets accepted food stamps in 2007, and  2008 to 87 markets,  approximately 400 markets are equipped to sell food to families using the EBT cards. http://www.cheapassfood.com/lifestyle/show/219 A 2228 years old dish for $3.50 Thanks to Robert Sietsema, Serious Eats and recent NY Times article about Golden Shopping Mall, I feel an urge of re-educating my Chinese gastronomical heritage. Frankly, born in Hong Kong with strong colonial history and immigrated to U.S.A. when I was eighteen years old, I had not got a chance to trek deep into inland China- the only cities I have been to is Shanghai, Beijing, Han Zhou, Wu Xi and Guang Zhou China. That said, the dining experience at Golden Shopping Mall is totally alien to me. As all the articles online suggested, the diverse regional cuisine this underground food paradise offers includes Wenzhou, ChengDu, Tianjin, Xi'an, Lanzhou, FuZhou and more. The stall that got my most attention is the Xi’an food stall #36 since the only thing I know about Xi’an (then called Chang'an) is the Terracotta Army and the city being the ancient capital of China with large population of Chinese Muslims (Hui people). Situated in Shaanxi province and being the first main Chinese city on the Silk Road route, Xi’an cuisine combines the tastes of Central Asia and China. The "Liang Pi" 凉皮 ($3.50)- a 2228 years old cold dish that China First Emperor Qin Shi Huang loved. According to legend a severe drought caused the farmers unable to supply the rice (tax) to the government. Under the fear of being prosecuted one farmer invented this method of grinding the old rice with water into a solution, steam it and mixed it with various ingredients. The emperor tried it and loved it so much that he ordered a whole year tax relief for the farmers. Dated back from 220 BC, Liang Pi is a cold dish with 0.25 inch steamed wheat or rice crepes strips mixed with bean sprouts, Chinkiang rice vinegar, red chili oil, wheat gluten, Szechwan peppercorn oil and cilantro. The dish is primary judged by five different aspects- white in color, shiny in the surface, smooth in texture, soft in mouth feel and bouncy in elasticity. Another popular street snacks in Xi’an is 肉夹馍 “rou jia mo”, literally mean meat sandwich in rice pancake. The Bun with Lamb Cumin 孜然羊肉夹馍 “zi ran yang rou jia mo” ($2.50) is a “Chinese Hamburger” with sautéed lamb in cumin. It is one of the best things I have eaten lately. On the menu also have Lamb Noodle soup ($4.50) and a dish call 羊蝎子 “Lamb Scorpion” ($5.50). With no idea how a lamb can copulate with a scorpion I do my search in Chinese and find out it’s originally a hotpot dish make with lamb neck/ spine. In this case there are no broth and the delicacy is in the bone marrow. http://www.cheapassfood.com/eats/show/442 Batch Night Best cupcakes in the city. Better than Magnolia, Babycakes, Cupcake Cafe, you name it, this place has the most creative, flavorful cupcakes without use of too much sugar. Our Yuzu cupcake and Salted Caramel cupcake brought us the new meanings to cupcakes. Ramen and Friends encountered Mr. Recipe. Mr. Recipe, a.k.a. the Spice Guru, brings premium spices to the great chefs all around the city, including the vanilla for the cupcakes we had. Now I know why their cupcakes have such wonderful flavors: the secret is Mr. Recipe! http://www.cheapassfood.com/eats/show/441