AlwaysPartying: LUCKYRICE Preview

April 26, 2010

From left, dumplings from co-owner Anita Lo’s Rickshaw Dumpling Bar. Bo Ssäm from David Chang’s Momofuku Ssäm Bar.

We’re very excited about the upcoming LUCKYRICE FESTIVAL: Cuisines + Cultures of Asia in America, which is running from April 29th through May 2nd.

Among the great events there’s going to be an Opening Night Cocktail Party at The Bowery Hotel, a Dumpling-Making Demonstration by Anita Lo, an Asian Afternoon Tea and Dessert Pairing, and a conversation with chefs Eric Ripert and David Chang about Buddhist cuisine. Of course, the “Night Market,” the sold-out, David Chang-hosted celebration of Asian street food that is taking place in The Archway Under the Manhattan Bridge, will undoubtedly be the hottest ticket of the event.

Get prepared by checking out Always Hungry’s coverage of festival participants and related topics:

• All things Momofuku
• All things Asian cuisine
• On Rickshaw Dumpling Bar’s steamed buns and dumplings from their 2009 Vendy-nominated truck
• What to eat at Le Bernardin and all other things related to The Ripper’s restaurant
• Where to go for Chinatown Desserts and Bubble Tea

First Look: Annisa

Arthur Bovino — April 21, 2010

Clockwise from top: Miso Marinated Sable with Crispy Silken Tofu in a Bonito Broth, Kaffir Lime Margarita, at Anita Lo’s recently-reopened Annisa.

Respected chef opens new spot near her other popular restaurant. New place folds, old one catches fire. Chef renovates, reopens restaurant that made her name. Throw in a love interest, it has script potential.

Nothing contrived here— it’s the arc of Anita Lo, BarQ, and the recently-reopened Annisa, on Barrow. An interesting review for New York’s gustoratti. Reason to revisit (or visit) a West Village gem. Decor, the same? Foie Gras Soup Dumplings, on the menu? A chef reinventing, or resuming?

Photgraphs of a Tasting at Annisa >>

AlwaysPartying: 2009 Vendy Awards

The Hungry Goat — September 28, 2009

New York City’s love affair with street vendors was on full display at Saturday’s 2009 Vendy Awards. A crowd of over 1,000 hungry New Yorkers—a record high for the event—filed into historic Corona Park to sample and support the eleven contenders by way of an hours-long eat and repeat marathon.

Highlights included: Biryani Cart’s kick-ass Kati Roll, the chorizo huaraches by Vendy’s winner, Country Boys/Martinez Taco Truck, Big Gay Ice Cream Truck’s Caramelized Bacon Ice Cream Sandwich, and “Freddy” The King of Falafel’s unforgettable performance with two lovely belly dancers.

Top, Country Boys/Martinez Taco Trucks’ Chorizo Huaraches. Bottom left, Chicken Tacos.

2009 VENDY CUP WINNER
Country Boys/Martinez Taco Truck – Fernando & Jolanda Martinez
Served: Fernando said he selected his clients’ favorites, Huaraches, Quesadillas or Tacos with a choice of chicken, beef, or vegetarian filling.
AlwaysHungry For: Anything with seafood.
AHNY Notes: Fernando said his favorite restaurants are El Viejo Yayo, and Barzola.

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