Good Food Blog

New York food

Posted at 3:03PM, 11 February 2008 by Gregg Wallace - TV presenter, greengrocer

I've just arrived back from New York. I went out there to look at juice bars. I was thinking of opening one. Not sure I'll bother now. Anyway, what I thought I would do was share my food observations with you. I had four days and nights out there and this is what I found:

Where are all the obese people I've heard about? All the fast food joints were there. In fact, they've got more than we've got here, and they seem to be open longer, but there simply weren't herds of fat people wandering through the streets of the Upper East Side grazing.

Does anybody know where you can get a good hot dog in Manhattan? I thought they were supposed to be famous for them. There's definitely a lot of hot dog sellers but they're all rubbish.

The steaks are magnificent, and enormous. I would recommend to any beef lover, the New York 'strip'.

This final chapter is controversial, I know. If there's something Britain has done continually better than the rest of the world, it's breakfast, or so I thought. Breakfasts in New York are pretty good. In fact, they're better than pretty good: they are challenging Britain as the premier breakfast country of the world. They have bacon, good bacon, and eggs, and they ask you how you want them, but, they've got loads of teas, as many coffees as Starbucks, and even hot chocolate served in different ways. Anybody who has watched MasterChef realises I've got a sweet tooth, and waffles or pancakes with maple syrup and cream for breakfast is more than a broad-bellied chap can stand.

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Comments

  • Binder photo StowmarKate
    11 February, 4:59PM

    StowmarKate

    Open QuoteNew Yorkers aren't fat because they walk everywhere (or have personal trainers!). They love to eat, though. For good hotdogs: any of the 'Gray's Papaya' chain, or Nathan's on Coney Island. Don't eat the ones from the carts on the street - they're for tourists. ::shudder:: Breakfast in New York is its own institution, known as Brunch. Best place? Comfort Diner (45th St btw 2nd & 3rd Aves) (posted by a former newyawka, now living in Suffolk, where there are a dearth of brunch places)

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  • Binder photo NRG
    13 February, 8:49PM

    NRG

    Open QuoteBreakfast in Newyork for me is unrivaled anywhere in the world. It's not just the food on offer, it's the fantastic theatre that goes with sitting in at the bar in a dinner and marveling as the native Newyorker frantically places an order for breakfast with particular requests as long as the waiters arm. The unphased waiter stands attentatively, writes nothing down and within momemnts another satisfied customer leaves for stressful a day at the office safe in the knowledge that at least his breakfast will be exactly as requested. One of the beast places to have breakfast - Dean & Daluca in the ground floor of the Paramount Hotel.

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  • Binder photo ernienoad
    14 February, 4:27PM

    ernienoad

    Open QuoteYes, but did thay have plenty of ice crushers?

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  • Binder photo fl00se
    15 February, 1:53PM

    fl00se

    Open QuoteSorry I am an ex-pat living in New York....their bacon has to be the worst in the world. It is hard....dry......tasteless and crumbles in your mouth......you can't beat good 'ole DANISH BACON!

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  • Binder photo Gregg
    17 February, 7:20AM

    Gregg

    Open QuoteHi Ernie. No ice crushers of note! Did find a good African hamburger store! Danish bacon! The Danes dont eat it< they make it for export here. Awful stuff!

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  • Binder photo Pip-a-doodle
    17 February, 2:52PM

    Pip-a-doodle

    Open QuoteYou have to leave the hotels to get a true New York Breakfast. Otherwise you end up with muffins and bagels ! Why is everything so sweet out there? Even the bread was more like a cake. Give me the British Breakfast any day.

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  • Binder photo Sandra B
    17 February, 7:40PM

    Sandra B

    Open QuoteYou CAN NOT beat a New York breakfast - I should know Ive had enough of them! I have been to New York at least 15 times in the last few years and still I haven't tried everything there is to try on the breakfast menu. I agree, you have to leave the big hotels and go to a small coffee shop or diner to experience the real thing, but despite the number of visits I've made to the Big Apple I still can't decide what to have for breakfast - so like my very first visit (where the choice was so fabulous I couldn't decide what to eat), I have three breakfasts and skip lunch!!

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  • Binder photo Iola
    22 February, 10:52AM

    Iola

    Open QuoteI have to agree with StowmarKate - Comfort Diner is the best place! Their huge plates of french toast, pancakes and oatmeal will see you through the day. Britain could do with adopting the way new yorkers value such diners. It would be great to see such places here, offering excellent quality and good value food that is on every corner in NY.

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