Don't Be a Square

It just occurred to me the other day, the whole summer has passed and I have not had one, single Sicilian slice of L&B’s pizza. Fail. Now in my personal opinion, the restaurant side of L&B Spumoni Gardens is not going to change your life, and the spumoni is good, and the square slice will not being making our bucket list.

All that being said, the slice is delicious, and L&B is a NYC institution and  landmark. There are many people (a majority of whom have since moved to Staten Island and New Jersey) who just might put this slice at the top of their personal bucket lists. It’s very good, but sorry folks, L&B’s square slice will not make our list, but get a very honorable mention.

I can’t believe so much time has passed since last having a slice, there is much controversy in my home as to the tastiness of this pizza. We will not delve into that discussion as it may lead to offending many, many people. So, If you’re in Brooklyn, it’s worth seeing this place and having a famous square slice. L&B is still very vibrant, with cars (even cop cars) double (sometimes even triple parked) out onto 86^th St.

Although it doesn’t make our list, it is still a New York institution. Perhaps I should grab a slice today while there is still a little summer left.

2011

I think the time is getting close to begin unvailing ..."the list" for 2011.

The Godfather

Lunch today was in Williamsburg, the place in Brooklyn where the Hipsters mingle with the Hasidic. Usually if Al and I find ourselves in the hipster haven of Williamsburg, we make our way to Gottlieb's, one of our most favorite sandwich spots anywhere, it is an unbelievably true to form Jewish deli, and the it has all the elements we look for, authentic food, unique atmosphere, and consistently delicious food.

But, sorry, Gottlieb’s is another story for another time, today we found ourselves on Graham Ave. What would seem to be the “Mulberry Street” or “Arthur Ave” of Williamsburg, in fact, as we were making our way to Graham Ave Meats and Deli (the subject of today’s food diatribe) we had to go around an Italian street fair. The presence of Italian culture still existing in this small strip of Williamsburg is still real and tangible.

Stepping into Graham Ave Meats and Deli is that perfect gateway into a true neighborhood experience, a true NFT (that means not for tourists kids) experience, the kind most SAD (this one is standard American diet) types would never appreciate. Basically this is the real deal.

So, what did we order? The Godfather of course, with everything, and the spicy peppers, not the sweet, common’! I don’t need to put pictures up, just google it and you will find volumes of pictures of this sandwich-don. This sandwich is very good, and is actually inexpensive considering the quality and construction. $7.00! When you’re sitting outside on the rickety bench eating your hero masterpiece, as the oil and vinegar drip out onto the sidewalk, you notice on the ground evidence of many like sandwiches having had dripped in that very spot, like a motor oil stain in a driveway (wow that doesn’t sound appetizing, sorry). Is this our favorite hero in BK? No, Jimmy’s is still our #1, but this is very good. The atmosphere of the neighborhood is very conducive to sitting outside, taking a few extra minutes, and enjoying your lunch.

If you find yourself in this section of Williamsburg, it’s worth swinging by for some lunch. And to the FBI, please leave Mike “The Butcher” Virtuoso alone, let the man make sandwiches please, thank you!

Anthony P

The Bake City Bagel...Flagel