If you’re living with Celiac’s Disease you know that restaurant dining can be risky. However, a safe culinary experience is waiting to be had on Lexington Avenue at Lilli and Loo, a restaurant that works with the Gluten Intolerance Group to offer patrons gluten-free Asian cuisine in addition to their standard fare.

At this eatery gluten-free isn’t synonymous with flavor-free. Their reasonably priced and generously portioned GF dishes such as pad Thai, (stir fried rice noodles seasoned with tamarind and garnished with peanuts and lime) are as rich as the originals. Tasty appetizers like the Saigon rolls come with a spicy mint dipping sauce. And diners can request wheat-free soy sauce to be used for GF entrees, creating an extensive and diverse gluten-free selection.

In addition to the menu options, the atmosphere at Lilli and Loo is delightful. The space covers two floors, but still manages to feel cozy. It is designed around ornately sculpted, cherry-red walls, and modern furnishings – all of which gives it a contemporary twist on traditional Asian decor.

So, if you’re a Celiac looking for a place to relinquish your dining worries and you’re out and about in the 10021 area, grab some friends and head to Lilli and Loo. Your gluten-deprived taste buds will thank you.

Lilli and Loo
792 Lexington Avenue
www.lilliandloo.com

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In New York City, the stomach rules. Day or night, you can find culinary delights from every corner of the world and in every price range. Thankfully, the NYC Food Guy can help you savor every bite. Lawrence is a native New Yorker whose goal is to let people know where to find delicious and affordable food throughout the city. His Code Words column does just that with reviews, tips and tricks that will keep you sated.

Shorty’s Cheese Steaks: Creating Philly Perfection Even by Delivery

New Yorkers rejoice, Shorty’s has answered your cheese steak prayers. Midtown’s version of “wiz wit”, a cheese steak with cheese whiz and fried onions, is the truest version of the Philadelphia classic NYC Food Guy has encountered thus far. I’m yet to try 99 miles to philly or Wogie’s, but until then I’m ready to hand Shorty’s the crown for the best cheese steak and some of the crispiest fries I’ve had in this city.

I’m confident in that statement because I’ve never even eaten Shorty’s in-store, I’ve only had it delivered from their 9th Avenue and 42nd St. location to my office on 6th Avenue and 51st St.. With at least 30 separate orders to my office over the past few months, the three avenue, 9 block trek hasn’t yielded one unsatisfied eater. If that’s not a true barometer for success, what is? Read on to find out why Shorty’s is so delicious.

I’ve only had two Shorty’s sandwiches: The Classic Cheese Steak ($7.99), “wiz wit” style, and the Roast Pork Special ($9.50). The cheese steak (below) was awesome. An abundance of moist, thinly sliced sirloin mixed with sweet, flavorful fried onion, swimming in a perfectly portioned schmear of cheese whiz. The bread was the only weak point, slightly crisp, but nowhere near the point of cracking.

Shorty’s used to be a franchise of the Philly legend Tony Luke’s, but franchise fees are fruitless once you have a following, and that’s how Shorty’s was born. Unfortunately, this may have led to the death of their heralded Roast Pork Special (thinly sliced, seasoned pork in a spicy au jus, Broccoli rabe, and sharp provolone) which was a flavorless grease bomb. I strongly recommend you avoid it.

My co-workers have had everything from the Pizza Steak ($8.50) with pepperoni (+$1.50) to the Buffalo Chicken Steak ($7.99) and the Chicken Steak Club ($8.99, below).

Everyone’s been overly pleased with their order and a debt of that gratitude goes to the fries. Somehow these fries ($3.00) continuously survive the delivery and reach us crisp and piping hot. I’ve honestly never encountered such consistently amazing delivery fries. Forget the Italian fries ($4.00, below), mixed with Italian seasoning and Romano cheese and the Mozzarella triangles ($4.99, below), the latter of which are the only thing that failed the delivery.

Whether you’re a cheese steak lover or a novice, you can feel comfortable knowing that Shorty’s will provide you with the genuine article.

For more of NYC Food Guy’s delicious reviews click here.

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Where do you go to get a taste of home? Post a comment below!

Dining at Papatzul is like an adventurous escape south of the border. Head Chef and Mexico City native Thierry Amezcua brings his homeland to 10013 and gives it a modern twist. The Duck Enchiladas in Almond Mole sauce are delectably daring, and the Stuffed Poblano Chiles are a satisfying vegetarian alternative. Margaritas flavored with prickly pear and hibiscus juice are complimented by the extensive tequila list. Take it all in among black and white photographs of the Yucatan Peninsula done by Amezcua’s brother, and you’ll have more than a meal- you’ll have a true Mexican experience.

Papatzul
55 Grand Street, 10013
W Broadway/Thompson Street
www.papatzul.com

New York City’s unofficial French mayor holds court in 10016, at the stove of culinary cafeteria Meli Melo. When owner and chef, Bernard Ros, opened in 1996, the surrounding neighborhood had little to offer, but Ros brought a vision for rich cuisine and a fresh, inviting setting. Despite early obstacles, which included having all his chairs stolen on the day of, Ros was undeterred, and today the area is flourishing. “Meli Melo” in fact means “a mixture of flavors,” and customers keep coming back for Ros’ unique fusion of French, Mediterranean, and Nouveau-American inspired dishes. Start with the colorful crabcakes or the onion tarte with gorgonzola and pancetta, the warm caramelized onions pair wonderfully with the pungent blue cheese. Ros does amazing things with his seafood dishes, and be sure to save room for dessert, as it is a sin to leave Meli Melo without it!

110 Madison, 10016
http://www.melimelorestaurant.com/

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In NYC, the stomach rules. Day or night, you can find culinary delights from every corner of the world and in every price range. Thankfully, there’s the NYC Food Guy to help you savor every bite. Lawrence Weibman is a native New Yorker who believes, “food is the simplest pleasure in life next to love and laughter.” His goal is to let people know where to find delicious and affordable food throughout the city. His reviews can be brutal, but are always honest, and his adventures are documented with mouth-watering photos. From BBQ to burgers, or diners to delis, don’t waste another bite.

What brought you to New York?
I’m a native New Yorker, born in Queens where I lived for 10 years before moving to Long Island. I went to college upstate and always knew I wanted to experience real city life for the adventure and excitement only New York could provide.

What do you love about living in New York?
New York is unlike any other city in the world. The concentration of opportunities to seize the day are so abundant that you barely even have a chance to think about it before the next experience comes your way. That and there’s no better variety of quality places to eat than in this city.

What do you think makes a New Yorker?
Unfortunately the outsider’s perception of what makes a New Yorker is the prevalent concept: Outspoken and volatile in a DeNiro-Taxi Driver kind of way, trustworthy at first glance but subtly duplicitous due to whatever it is that’s in New York water. It makes me smile because I know it’s partially true. In actuality I think a true New Yorker embodies the characteristics of Dean Moriarty in Kerouac’s “On the Road”, simple yet wide-eyed and curious with a voracious appetite for new experiences and an appreciation for being a tiny cog in the wheel of a big city.

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?
What surprises me most about New Yorkers is their willingness to lend a helping hand, offer directions, a word of advice, or some spare change. We’re not as intimidating as the general consensus makes us out to be.

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?
Leaving New York I feel prepared for whatever might come my way, my awareness is heightened as is my appreciation for new surroundings. The thing I miss most however is the familiarity of my surroundings after dark and the knowledge of where to go to find a taco below 14th Street at 4:30 in the morning.

Do you know any tricks or insider info?
Tricks or insider info, eh? In regard to what exactly? Here’s the only way to get a drink at a crowded bar: Get as close to the bar as possible, have your money in hand, and wait patiently with a smile on your face until you make eye contact with the bartender. They will come over to take your order.

Are you a guy waiting at the front of the line to a crowded club and not getting in? Well first off, if it’s past 10pm and you don’t have women with you, chances are you won’t get in, especially if it’s a female door woman. If it’s a guy though, just be patient and friendly, make small talk if the opportunity arises, but never force yourself on them and do not try to trick them into letting you in, it’ll never happen. Let other people make idiots of themselves, roll your eyes at the fools, it’ll only make you look better. Maybe you won’t get in but all this will certainly help your chances.

If you want the best treatment possible at a restaurant i.e. a quick table, a little taste of something special, or a warm and hearty hello, then upon first visit you should introduce yourself the bartenders, the host, and your waiter. Don’t do it right away though because you first have to establish your knowledge of their craft and cuisine and show your appreciation upon completion of a meal. Don’t kiss up, that’s obvious, just make friends and don’t expect anything except making an acquaintance. Take note of people’s names and a little fact about each one of them and then return with your new knowledge. After a few visits you’ll have everyone asking you why you haven’t come back sooner and odds are you may get some freebies or at the very least a much appreciated tip: “Don’t eat the fish tacos today.”

Tell us about your blog… what is the premise, what are your main coverage areas, how did you get started?
I am the NYC Food Guy. My blog has the same name. Food is the simplest pleasure in life next to love and laughter, that’s my philosophy. My goal is to make people aware of delicious and affordable food throughout the city and its neighboring boroughs. I like to provide a little history or information about each place I review and brutal honesty is at the forefront of every entry. I got my start pretty innocently: I was always the person in my group of friends who was depended upon for the next place to go out to and where we could eat thereafter. I enjoyed this responsibility and decided to spread the love through my blog.

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?
I love Times Square at night but only from a distance. Standing at 51st Street and Broadway while looking into the heart of Times Square illuminating the night sky, the hoards of crane-necked tourists milling about hopefully in my city, the place they’ve daydreamed about for years, the place I get to see everyday. I also love skyscrapers, there’s something trippy about looking straight up to their apex and losing yourself in the vertiginous nature of the experience.

Best neighborhood bar?
Best neighborhood bar…. Upper West Side: George Keely on Amsterdam b/t 83rd and 84th, great beer, best Pub burger on the UWS (review on NYC Food Guy), darts, and a great staff of friendly and helpful bartenders. The crowd is ever-changing but a core group of fun regulars keeps the good times rolling. Downtown: Bleecker Street Bar on Bleecker St. between Broadway and Lafayette. Great bar staff, great beer, three dartboards, three pool tables, a photo booth, and always fun times.

Best late night joint?
Late night joint for food: Ziggiz on 25th Street and 3rd Avenue. Best fries in the city. Thin, crisp, and double fried. San Loco with three locations below 14th street and one in Brooklyn serves quality tacos in a laid back setting until 5am on Fridays and Saturdays. Big Nick’s on 77th and Broadway is a 24 hour diner that has everything you can imagine including pizzas. Their menu is 50 pages and the ambiance is quintessential grease pit, a place that brings bouncers and clubbers together for solid grub late night. I recommend a small pizza and some spicy waffle fries.

Last cultural thing that you did (movie, museum, theatre, etc…)?
Last cultural thing I did was go to Katz’s Deli for lunch for the first time. It’s a New York landmark and the last of a dying breed.

Best fancy schmancy restaurant?
Define fancy? If fancy means hard to get a reservation or ultra expensive along the lines of Per Se, then I have no interest. I’m into a no frills dining experience that’s all about the food. My favorite restaurant in Manhattan is called El Faro and it’s an old fashioned authentic Spanish place with awesome red sangria with subtle brandy-induced kick, fresh flavorful seafood served in worn metal pots, and delicious homemade potato chips. It’s small and the Flamenco Dancer wallpaper hasn’t changed for 50 years but the authenticity of the experience cannot be beat.

Best place to meet members of the opposite sex?
I’m reminded of a Walt Whitman poem called “To You” that I humbly admit I saw on the subway: “STRANGER! if you, passing, meet me, and desire to speak to me, why should you not speak to me? And why should I not speak to you?” Now despite the fact that Whitman would have bed any woman with a heartbeat, that philosophy somewhat rings true.

The beauty of meeting someone in New York is that it can happen anywhere, anytime, you just have to keep your eyes peeled for the magical connection a smile between strangers provides.

Best moviehouse?
I haven’t been to many but Symphony Space on the UWS is intimate. Besides their popcorn, which apparently is pretty weak, I’ve heard good things about the Angelika. The theatre on 30th St. and 2nd Ave has stadium seating and a lot of movies and you can cause some trouble with a lasciviously-minded friend after the show ends if you play your cards right.

www.nycfoodguy.com

What better place to sip a beer in New York City than Chelsea Brewing Company, the largest microbrewery in all of Manhattan. The spacious 12,000 square foot space is richly constructed in mahogany wood and boasts 24ft ceilings. It has a wall of floor to ceiling windows allowing a spectacular view of the marina on the Hudson River and, of course, the multi-barrel brewhouse behind the bar. The restaurant offers a selection of 20 hand-crafted premium beers, and the brewhouse is capable of producing 100,000 cases annually. They also serve a fine selection of wines and a bevy of tasty treats to accompany your malty brew. Beer aficionados, curious customers and thirsty New Yorkers take note!

Hop on over to www.chelseabrewingco.com

Chelsea Piers, Pier 59, 10011

Showcasing the very best of Greek cuisine, Thalassa delivers delicious dishes with the finest of ingredients. The large Tribeca warehouse was originally used for the family’s Greek food import business, but now boasts a chic, inviting atmosphere. When the next generation took over they thought, “We bring in such wonderful food, it’s about time we serve wonderful food,” explains Sophia D. Zilo. Traditional, fresh, seasonal foods fill the menu with a special focus on seafood, like the most popular dish of scallops wrapped in kataifi. For the real deal in Greek cuisine check out Thalassa.

Check out the delicacies at www.thalassanyc.com

179 Franklin Street, 10013

Long Island City nightlife is as vibrant and diverse as the artists who live there. Follow Shirley and Brandon as they sip drinks at two 11101 locales, the swanky Lounge 47 and laid-back The Creek and the Cave.

The Creek and the Cave, 11101

The Creek and the Cave, an “ultra-chill Mexican grill, bar, lounge, patio, and pool hall” is the whole enchilada of nightlife needs. A favorite for artists and frat boys alike, The Creek and the Cave offers foosball and beers downstairs and a theater for open-mics and indie movie nights upstairs. They also showcase local bands and feature all-night DJs on the weekends. “Every night is margarita night,” co-owner Jay Chambers informs us. And the full Mexican grill serves lunch and dinner daily. Some of their must-try dishes include the black bean quesadilla and the chicken flautas. The Creek and the Cave “has something cool going on all year long,” says Chambers. Where else can you get cool eats, sweet tunes, and a healthy dose of foosball competition all in one night?

10-93 Jackson Avenue between 48th and 49th/ Hunters Point Avenues, Queens
(718) 706-8783
www.thecreekandthecave.com

Lounge 47, 11101

From the dim lighting to the low couches and the ever-present hum of jazz music, Lounge 47 offers a low-key comfortable atmosphere. When things heat up in the summer, take refuge out back on the large patio while you sip one of their delectable drink specials. Don’t miss their unique version of a Long Island Iced Tea that has a twist of peach, or their Kiss-Me-Tini made with vodka, Crème de Cacao and a chocolate kiss. Equally impressive is their extensive and reasonably-priced menu, which offers a mix of bar fare and tapas. Try an appetizer of spiced olives or the wasabi deviled eggs. But be careful; some find the comfort of Lounge 47 irresistible. “I love coming here after work,” says patron Ginny Peete. “My living room isn’t as relaxing as this place.”

47-10 Vernon Boulevard at 47th Avenue, Queens
(718) 937-2044

Ignite your taste buds at Fireside. Executive Chef Sam DeMarco gives American fare a fierce boost with his signature “Cocktail” Cuisine: small dishes designed for passing around the table. The Short Rib Tacos and the Mini Burgers with Fire Fries are a shareable favorite, and the Duck L’Orange comes with steamed buns that are perfect for making junior sandwiches everyone can savor. “It’s a very casual and non-committal way of dining. The little bites and the tastings becoming a meal,” says DeMarco. The culinary expertise also extends to the bar, where you can sip treats like Huckleberry Mojitos and Ginger Martinis. Cheers!

21 East 52nd Street
between 5th and Madison Avenues

EXTRA:

More on Fireside Chef Sam DeMarco…

At 42 years old, Chef Sam DeMarco is finally settling down. He has had restaurants in New York City (First, Merge and District), he’s done the Vegas thing (Sam’s at the Bellagio), and he has even commuted back and forth between the two. His latest venture, Fireside, is now his only venture, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. “For the first time, when I got involved here at Dallas Restaurant Group, I wanted to concentrate on one project, and be here, make this my home, and make people happy. And, in a sense, it’s like people are coming to my house to eat,” says DeMarco. His new family-oriented outlook on his own life is something he hopes other restaurants will adopt in the future. “[The industry] is getting into this mega-restaurant thing. I really feel that in the future things will go back to more ‘mom and pop’ restaurants. Putting a feeling, identity and a face and name to the food is more important,” he says.

Fireside’s menu seems to have been born of DeMarco’s recent revelation, with plenty of traditional homey American cuisine to choose from, like Lollipop Buffalo Wings, Pizzettas, and Smoked Prime Rib. All of the plates are portioned and arranged for sharing, and there is even a menu section titled “Conversation Pieces.”

“America is such a melting pot of different cultural flavors, I try not to play around with that,” DeMarco reveals. “Most of what I do is old classics brought to current time and date. I like to look into history and play with things. I keep it authentic in a fun way.”

Even traditional cocktails get a twist at Fireside, with a Cucumber Gimlet and BBQ Bloody Mary on the menu. “We really bring culinary to the bar,” DeMarco explains. “A lot of the bar mixers and juice specialties, we prep from the kitchen. The drinks take a little time but they’re really well-made.”

“It’s been a wild road,” DeMarco says of his whirlwind career. “I’ve come full circle, and I’m very excited about balancing my family life with the restaurant.”