And they’re back! Student Biryani Cart in Jackson Heights, Queens

July 24, 2010 · Posted in Cart Food, Cheap Eats, Halal Food, Pakistani, Quick Eats, Unique · 3 Comments 

Student Biryani Food Cart
Btw 37th Road & 74th Street (right across from Gourmet Restaurant)
Jackson Heights, Queens 11372

Student Biryani Food Cart, Jackson Heights, NY

When I was informed by one of my readers, Sasha, that the Student Biryani cart was no longer there, I was devastated.   Please see my previous post by clicking on this link: Infamous Taste of Pakistan – Student Biryani Food Cart. My friend and I went over there to confirm if that was the case and it was.  Honest to god in my humble opinion, this man whips one of of the best chicken biryani I have ever tasted.   The flavors from that biryani is so diverse and intense (from saltiness to sweetness and spiciness) that makes it hard to resist.  Not all biryani’s are created equal and you will definitely know when you have tried this.  To know that it was my last time tasting something so unique and flavorful was of great sadness to me.   But I can say with full confidence that the Student Biryani Food Cart is back with a fresh new look and attracting more customers than ever.

The question my friend and I always wanted to be answered was, where in the world did the food cart disappeared to for all those months??  That biryani chief was going to be drilled by both of us like a cop interrogating an unsuspecting suspect.

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Corn in a Cup! 86th Street, Brooklyn – Vendor Series

June 6, 2010 · Posted in Brooklyn, Cheap Eats, Quick Eats, Unique · 1 Comment 

Corn in a Cup
Located outside of Istanbul Restaurant
2202 86th St
(between Bay Parkway & Bay 31st St)
Brooklyn, NY 11214

Nearest train station: M, D – Bay Parkway

Corn in a cup - 86th St, Bay Parkway, Brooklyn, NYC

Now you must be wondering, corn in a cup?  Is it worth spending money on corn that you can easily make at home?  I for one surely asked that same question, and let me tell you, the answer is, yes, yes, and yes!  I am excited for this simple and delectable creation simply because of the convenience and the pure simplicity of it.   It does sound rather strange, but as my best friend says it best, and let me paraphrase because I can’t remember the exact words, “When you are having fun and enjoying your day, food that is healthy, new and conveniently available will an instant hit.”   And that can’t be more true, in my opinion.  We were both drawn to the colorful corn logo  and the powerful corn aroma that resonated from the cart and knew it had to be tried.

Alright, let me show you what they offer:

Corn in a cup - MenuThere you have it.   I am not a fan of cheese or butter in my corn and neither is my friend so we chose the Mumbai.  We requested that the butter not to be added and the girl who was making it smile politely and told us no problem.   The ingredients are so simple and  the process of making this spiced corn is even easier.  I watched the girl scoop up a cup of steamed corn which is conveniently located behind the menu, and she poured it into a metal silver bowl, like you see people preparing to toss a salad, to get ready to give birth to the Mumbai.   With multiple spiced shakers, she added salt, cayenne pepper for the much needed heat, garlic powder and last but not least, lemon juice and mixed well.   The result:

Mumbai - Corn in a Cup: 86th Street in Bay Parkway, Brooklyn

Delicious, delicious corn!    So when we you see this corn in a cup vendor, stop by and grab a cup!   You definitely will not be disappointed!

Until next time,

<3 FCG

P.S., you can easily make this at home.  I did and it was good.  But for some reason, but as good when I’m eating it outside on the go.

http://www.cupitfood.com/en/

PICK Event 2010!

April 21, 2010 · Posted in Asian Treat, Bubble Tea, Cheap Eats, Chinese food, Quick Eats, Snacks · 2 Comments 

Pace University
1 Pace Plaza
New York, NY

Pace University - NYC

Pace University - NYC

First and foremost, I must apologize for not updating!  I will update as much as I possibly can when I find myself free, like today, and will like to share with you my stories and pictures!

This past Friday evening, I have attended the Pace Inter-Collegiate Karaoke night at Pace University.   This event is held at Pace University in the famous Schimmel Theater (where James Lipton is a professor there and he also does his show “Inside the Actor’s Studio”) and coordinated by the United Chinese Student Association.  Representatives from different colleges gathered and competed in a singing competition where they perform twice — first round the song of their song and second round a random song that is given to them.   My brother is in charge of this association so there was no way I could have missed it.  Plus I am an alumni there so it was a good opportunity to go back to my old stomping ground and relive memories there.  I was told free food at the event.  I let my brother know that Finechinagirl is not going because of free food, but because of the love for food and for the love of Pace University.  World of difference!

Michael Schimmel Theatre at Pace University

Michael Schimmel Theatre at Pace University

United Chinese Students Association at Pace University

United Chinese Students Association at Pace University

Here are some snap shots of the food and bubble tea.  I would haven taken more pictures, but I was busy stuffing my face with bubble tea and food because I have not eaten the whole day before!

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Infamous Taste of Pakistan – Student Biryani Food Cart

February 28, 2010 · Posted in Cart Food, Cheap Eats, Halal Food, Pakistani, Quick Eats · 6 Comments 

*Second Update*

Great news!  The Student Biryani truck is back but with a different look!  They took off the red poster on the side of their truck and replaced it with LED neon light animated sign!   Unfortunately I forgot to snap a photo for your viewing pleasure, but I will next time!  My friend and I have spoke with the person there that night and apparently the Student Biryani truck was always there, but only during the day time.   Since it was just one person working there, it was hard to take the night shift as well.  Fortunately, this new guy is hired and he is working the night shift.  Now, if you happen to be in the neighborhood, check him out!  You can’t go wrong with $5 plus in my opinion you will have a damn good delicious meal!!

Until next time,

<3 FCG

*Update*

I was advised by my loyal readers that this Student Biryani cart is no longer there.  I took a trip over there, not once but twice,  just to see if this was the case, and unfortunately he’s no longer there.  How disappointing.

If you happen to see this cart, hit me up!!

-FCG

Student Biryani Food Cart
Btw 37th Road & 74th Street (right outside of Kabab King)
Jackson Heights, Queens 11372

Student Biryani Truck, Jackson Heights, NY

Student Biryani Truck, Jackson Heights, NY

For those of you who doesn’t know, I am a HUGE fan of biryani!   HUGE!  My Pakistani friend Tahsin and Indian friend Leena was ever so generous to share with me their mother’s home cooked version of chicken biryani which I will share you pictures of.  Both have obvious and similar ingredients like rice and the usage of chicken, but the seasonings and other spices is what separates them in taste and style.  This is what I love about ethnic food.  Check out my post on the Pakistani take on biryani.

I did not make a post on the Indian version of biryani but I will post you up a picture for you to see:

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Kam Hing Coffee Shop

February 27, 2010 · Posted in Asian Treat, Baked Goods, Cheap Eats, Chinese Dessert, Dessert, Quick Eats · 1 Comment 

Kam Hing Coffee Shop
119 Baxter Street
(Near Canal Street)
(212) 925-0425
Hours of operation: 8am-6pm

Kam Hing Coffee Shop

Kam Hing Coffee Shop

If you ask the locals of Chinatown, they will tell you that this coffee shop sells the best Chinese sponge cakes ever and I cannot agree with them  more.  Growing up in this neighborhood, my mother would take my brother and I after school to this small and old shop and order many warm and individually wrapped sponge cakes to go.  Of course she also orders a cup of coffee for herself and two warm cups of milk teas for my brother and I to drink with the cakes.  Those were happier and more delicious times.

Kam Hing Coffee Shop

Kam Hing Coffee Shop

Kam Hing Coffee Shop Store Front

Kam Hing Coffee Shop Store Front

Recently I was in Chinatown to meet a dear friend of mine from work.  She wanted to try all the delicious food that this town has to offer and I figure that the infamous Kam Hing Coffee Shop should be the first stop because they were closing soon and it would be something that I know she will like. We walk in there around 5:50pm which was perfect because the store closes on time at 6:00pm, and was greeted by a Latino cashier who speaks fluent Cantonese.  Ever since I was a child, there was always several Latino cashiers who speaks fluent Cantonese which impressed me each and every time.  We were fortunate enough to order the last two cakes.  The cakes are $0.60 and was $0.50 when I was a kid.  Nonetheless it’s quite a bargain and you will never find a bargain like this anywhere else.   Even at that time, the cakes were still nice and warm and we decided to eat it right away.   While we were eating, this guy came in and ordered a cake and was disappointed with the bad news that it was all sold out.  So my advice to you is to come here way before it closes because you never know.

Kam Hing Coffee Shop's Sponge Cakes

Kam Hing Coffee Shop's Sponge Cakes

The difference between this sponge cake and the other sponge cakes in the other Chinese bakeries is that this cake is very moist, light, fluffy and slightly sweeter.  You just have to try it to see the difference!

Anyways, until next time,

<3 FCG

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