They're Back!!!

Hello Foodies,

Who? Dinosaurs! Here's a thought - maybe dinosaurs never became extinct, they've just been hanging out at 131st Street at DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE! eating barbeque. And who can blame them - it's finger-licking-good eating. I have no idea why it's called DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE! Portion-size? Size of the ribs? Or maybe it's the Dinosaur Good Eatin' Prayer - Get down on your knees, and put up your paws, thank the good Lord for the use of your jaws.

We were joined by our good friends who were good enough to introduce us to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Pam and Eric -- and many dino-thanks to them!

My favorites were the chicken wings (medium heat) - spice rubbed, pit smoked, then finished on the grill - and the fried green tomoatoes - crispy fried, sprinkled with Pecorino Romano cheese and served with cayenne buttermilk ranch dressing. The meal started there and could have ended there for me and it's all I want to eat since then.

I loved the pulled pork - excellent! The brisket was also a table fave. I thought the ribs were just OK but maybe by the time I reached those and the BBQ chicken - I was already on the full-side. Hot sauces can be seen above. The beer menu gives you plenty to choose from - it's dino-big too.

The location is up in Harlem right by the big Fairway.
646 W 131st St. on the corner of 131st St and 12th Ave.
New York, NY 10027
212-69

Enjoy,

the Forks

Kampuchea and Lambrusco - Uncommon Bedfellows

Hello Foodies,

What Kampuchea and Lambrusco have in common is Kampuchean street food that is served up expertly by chef Raffa at Kampuchea Noodle Bar located on the corner of Rivington and Allan Sts on the lower Eastside of New York. The lambrusco is the chef's favorite bottle of wine on his wine list. Order it - you won't be sorry!

Here are my faves from the menu. First enjoy the Cambodian Hot 'small' Plates - indulge in Tamarind Baby Back Ribs with Cilantro & Lime Dip. The meat falls off the bone and hopefully, directly into your mouth - you don't want to miss a morsel. Also, know that you can get an entree-size portion for a few bucks more. It's a deal. The Lemongrass Quail served with lime and black pepper sauce - confirm that delicious things come in small packages. The Skirt Steak with toasted coriander and sambal chili melts in your mouth.

Five Cambodian Savory Crepes are offered on the menu. I've tried the Shitake mushroom, soybeans and butternut squash crepe - superb. The squash adds lovely sweetness to the earthiness of the mushrooms. And I've tried the Chopped Jumbo Tiger Shrimp and Red Onions Crepe - good but the flavor was a bit muddied. Your waiter explains the proper way to eat these crepes. Don't wear gloves.

Then there are specialty noodle soups called 'Katiev', rice soups, stews and cold noodle dishes. Of these, the Oxtail Stew steals the show and the unexpected garlic bread is a delicious surprise. The Chilled Flat Noodle dish with seared chili tiger shrimp, crispy pork belly, chives, cucumber, lettuce hearts, hoisin and chili sauce is wonderful too. The other one I've tasted is Bwah Moun that comes with jasmine rice, chicken broth, organic chicken breast, tiger shrimp, ginger, Thai chili, lime juice, sprouts & herbs - makes you smile between bites.

My two complaints are as follows: the prices for the wine and beer are a bit pricey and the street food is also a bit overpriced but I guess this is the trend. The other complaint is that if you are a party of two - you are seated with other people and seated close. You have no privacy. So sit at the bar at least you can have a private conversation. We couldn't get passed the weirdness of the people seated next to us. The first time I went was with two dear friends and that was fine!

Enough complaining from me. Let us know if you go!

Enjoy,

the Forks