beXnlog

3rd Ave

Sunday night when i was frantically working on getting the program copied for an event, i passed by the East Village Cheese Shop on 3rd Ave and 10th St in the East Village. I used to work in that neighborhood for years before i finally managed to walk by the shop while it was opened, which occured about a year ago! The first time i explored the shop i marveled at the many kinds of cheese one could buy, all at very affordable prices -- even chunks of soy cheese! I snagged 2 rounds of Boursin at a measly $1 each (retails for about $6 at other shops) and a package of dried apricots for $2. On Sunday I hurried in and just got through the door when a clerk locked it at 5:56PM. I was eagerly scanning the shelves for my precious Boursin when i sadly noticed they were sold out. So note to all: arrive early and bring cash only, they don't accept credit cards. The lines are long but for cheapass cheese and other products, it's worth supporting the last mom & pop cheese shop in New York.

Also in the vicinity is the Saint's Alp Tea House. I can't even start to count the number of times we've been there. It must have been 4 summers ago when we started to frequent Saint Alp's, going through quite a few phases where we went almost every day. It's tea so it's addictive because of the caffeine, but mostly it's a super refreshing beverage in summer. P always gets the #1 black tea with milk and tapioca pearls; be gets the lychee with nata de coco; glo tries different things each time; i always either get the lychee, grapefruit with jelly or a coffee drink. Most of the drinks i've tried have been pretty good, as well as the snacks. They even serve noodle soups and more substantial things now, but mostly we like to go in the evening for a sweet drink. Try the toast with coconut butter, tastes just like growing up!

The last place in the area which i love is Lan. be loves it so much he's had 2 birthday parties there! It's a Japanese restaurant that specializes in shabu-shabu (do-it-yourself soup where you cook whatever ingredients you want in the bubbling broth) but also serves sushi, cooked meals, steak and has a full bar. I went there many years ago with some college friends. At first i was skeptical of the higher prices than i was used to, but when the food came i realized how above-par everything was. Their sushi, even the vegetarian rolls, were of such high quality that you realize the shortcomings of the average sushi joint. Even their water -- yes people, water -- was so delicious that be asked them what brand it was. They kindly brought him to the back and showed him their special filter from Japan. Unavailable for purchase here, but it sure makes a mean glass of water. (This is all coming from someone who doesn't like drinking water!) In the early evenings they have a "sunset special" where for $8.75 you can choose from 3 different dinners: 3 rolls, a sushi plate or a piece of steak over rice. Whenever i go with be, he always breaks down and gets 2 sunset specials since they are so good.

There are so many more establishments i frequent in the East Village, but for now, these are the 3 that stand out on 3rd Ave. Also of note is the Ben and Jerry's where the Vermonster Eating Fests occur!

posted by beXn @ 10:33 AM