Gothamist just released a list of its 10 favorite New York City diners and our very own El Greco (1821 Emmons Avenue) made the list. Although the list isn’t explicitly ranked, we’re going to assume that because El Greco appears at the bottom of the page, its #1! Why not?
Anyway, its cool that our local diner made such a highly competitive list considering there are probably a thousand diners scattered throughout the city.
Gothamist seemed most impressed by El Greco’s famously massive menu:
Everything from the menus to the portions to the layout of the restaurant is gigantic, and the prices ain’t exactly tiny either. It’s not a fancy place, but it’s no greasy spoon—El Greco serves a seemingly infinite variety of wraps, deli sandwiches, deluxe sandwiches (try the Fried Jumbo Shrimp sandwich), as well as the traditional diner fare, including a million salads, pastas, Mediterranean specialties and fresh seafood. Seriously, this menu is insane.
Bagels R Us, the newest bagel joint at 1424 Sheepshead Bay Road
There’s a new bagel place in the ‘hood.
Photo by Erica Sherman. Click to enlarge
A couple of tipsters – okay, I was one of them – alerted us to the brand new sign installation of Bagels R Us, including an anonymous tipster who sent in the above photo. The new bagel establishment replaces the slightly more than two-years-old Jonathan’s Bakery at 1424 Sheepshead Bay Road.
Jonathan’s Bakery – the evolution of the previously named Dish D’lish, the bagel store that replaced Bagel Stop back in January 2010, and named after the owner’s son Jonathan – was the third establishment in that location offering the esteemed and enviable New York bagel, and is right around the corner from the competing Bagel Boy at 1602 Avenue Z.
If you’ve already stopped in to sample the doughy fare of Bagels R Us, let us know what you think in the comments.
A portion of the Gears 'n' Grub illustration of Roll-N-Roaster
The Village Voice chose Roll-N-Roaster (2901 Emmons Avenue)as the subject for the inaugural post of “Gears ‘n’Grub,” their new illustrated series about foodstuffs found while the author bikes through the city.
The writer, L. Nichols, took a ride over to “Bottle Beach” – the name hipsters have given to what we know better as Dead Horse Bay – before finding himself in front of a plate of roast beef and Cheez fries.
Nichols made a wise choice by going with the standard Express-Line order, except for one rookie mistake – ordering soda instead of home-made Lemonade.
Looks like he’ll have to get back on that bike and take another trip down here. You want to order soda at Brennan & Carr’s? Go right ahead. Order soda from Roll-N-Roaster? Consider your meal incomplete.
A last-minute entrant took the top prize at Top Brgr’s first annual Burger Eating Competition on Sunday, gobbling down more hamburgers than his younger, more experienced opponents.
Sheepshead Bay resident Mike Gordin, a barrel-chested, keg-stomached plumber, scoffed down six-and-a-half burgers in 10 minutes, defeating regulars on the amateur competitive eating circuit, other locals, and even neighborhood champion Alex Mamutin, who won a local cupcake eating contest last year.
At least one contestant made a run for the garbage can, tapping out less than halfway through the competition. When we asked the champion if he needed to join him after the contest, he laughed off any suggestion of such a ventral vulnerability.
Gordin won a $150 gift certificate to Top Brgr (2267 Emmons Avenue), two tickets to a Yankees game and a big ol’ trophy. Gordin was a surprise entrant, volunteering to join the competition after two scheduled competitors failed to show.
Om Nom Nom! Ned want! Ned want now! (Source: Top Brgr)
The following is from our friends at Top Brgr (2267 Emmons Avenue):
We all know you know about the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island. Now there is a new challenger on the block;
Introducing the 1st Annual Hamburger Eating Contest held at Sheephead’s Bay renowned place, Top Brgr, where you can get the juiciest 100-percent Kobe beef burger. The competition takes place on Saturday, June 2 from 1pm-2 p.m. at Top Brgr, 2267 Emmons Ave. in Brooklyn, NY.
Top Brgr, which has become a New York-area destination since it opened in 2011, with a second Top Brgr location opening soon in NYC, wants to test the skill of some of the top local competitive eaters.
“It’s one thing to say that you’ve eaten the most hot dogs or wings, but how many people can make a claim to eating a good number of burgers?” said co-owner Steve Rakhmanov. “We offer a fun, friendly experience focused on a great place to spend with your family/friends as well enjoying some sensational burgers…. we wanted to do something enjoyable for the community.”
The public is invited to join us at this beautiful and fun waterfront dining experience, in a look of a classic 1950s soda shop. While the restaurant offers a traditional high-quality burger, it also adds flair with toppings such a caviar and pico de gallo.
“Nothing says summertime like the smell of grilled hamburgers, kids laughing and a bunch of nuts trying to outdo each other in an eating contest by the water,” said co-owner Ron Raykin. “We wanted to give this neighborhood a gathering spot for casual dining that is more than another chain with no character. Both Steve and I are from Brooklyn, so this business represents us and our love for Brooklyn.”
