My New Book—Ice Cream: A Global History

Wafa’s in Forest Hills: Go for the Terrific Middle Eastern Home Style Cooking

  There’s been quite a lot of buzz about Wafa’s lately, the homey Middle-Eastern eatery on Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills. Mostly, the talk’s been about Wafa’s baba ghanoush, but there’s a lot more to this modest establishment than its savory eggplant dip. There’s nothing fancy about Wafa’s.  The room is small and plain and [...]

Vareli in Morningside Heights is a Welcome Addition to the Upper West Side Dining Scene

If you don’t mind wading through clots of soused Columbia Students, Vareli in Morningside Heights is a nice spot for some of the best food on the Upper West Side. The restaurant, which specializes in Mediterranean-themed small dishes dishes and tapas, is situated on the ground floor of the building that also houses that long-time [...]

Cascabel UWS: Tacos Disappoint But Other Dishes Shine

Before Hurricane Irene, Cascabel on Broadway at 108th Street was one of the few restaurants in the area that was open. That was also true immediately after the storm had sped north to New England. So I wound up eating there twice in two days. The tiny place was a mob scene, filled to overflowing [...]

Upper West Side: Henry’s Signs Up to Support School Gardens

Upper West Side: Henry’s and 20 other restaurants sign up to support New York’s school gardens.

The Best Hot Dog In the New York Area

What’s the best hot dog in New York? Well, you’ll have to travel a bit to find it. For this beautifully-flavored and sauced hot dog, you’ll need to hop the Jitney or rent a car and travel out to the North Fork of Long Island. There, at a food truck operated by the award-winning  North [...]