foodstuffs: "To Eat" List

I am leaving NYC for a spell in late August -- I will be teaching English in Jiujiang City in China for several months. I am very excited for this adventure, and hope to blog about it if time, technology and Chinese government controls permit.

Before I leave however, there are a number of "eats" I am going to try to get under my belt. Since I am not working, I have the time and patience to seek out these destinations located in the far reaches of the outer boroughs. Some are old favorites, and others I have never tried. Let me know if you'd like to join me!

>>Sriphriphai, Jackson Heights, Queens -- this bare-bones Thai establishment is legendary and lauded as the MOST authentic Thai restaurant in all of New York. U. and I tried to eat here last summer, but lo-and-behold, it is closed on Wednesdays, of all days. It's BYOB.

>>Elias Corner, Astoria, Queens - K&J took me here when they lived in Astoria. It's a smallish Greek restaurant across the street from the Bohemian Beer Hall that serves fresh fish, grilled outside on their patio. You walk in, inspect the wares in front case, and indicate which fish you would like to have grilled for you. Served with potatoes.

>>Di Fara Pizzeria, Midwood, Brooklyn -- Mickey Rooney and I ventured to this ramshackle storefront last summer. You've all read the accolades, and may have even tasted it yourself, but I welcome you to accompany with me as I sample it one last time before five pizzaless months.

>>La Flor, Sunnyside, Queens -- this gem of a Spanish restaurant is tucked literally right beneath the 7 Train. I came here with J&S almost three years ago, and still have fond memories of the meal.

>>L&B Spumoni Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn -- I'm not sure exactly how we'll get to this family-owned sicilian-slice-and-spumoni institution, but in the name of an outdoor patio, I'm willing to figure it out.

For the Manhattan-based and outer borough-phobic, I would also be up for the following, more splurgerific dining establishments (though probably not ALL of them):

- Sushi of Gari on the Upper East Side
- Jack's Luxury Oyster Bar in the East Village
- Max or Perbacco in the East Village
- Kana in Soho, Sevilla in the West Village, or even Pipa in ABC Carpet and Home -- love those tapas.
- Esperanto in the East Village
- Mary's Fish Camp (always always always) in the West Village

I am SO lucky -- B. is already granting my wish to try Jewel Bako. Blog report to follow.