This Week's New York City Grubs Under $10

26/04/10 16:03 Filed in: City Grub

Deena: Two-Course Prix Fixe
Where: Recipe 452 Amsterdam Ave, NY, NY (between 81st & 82nd)
Cost: $9.95

Appetizer + Sandwich: I ordered two apps and paid the prix fixe price. Roasted Locally Grown Beets and a daily special of Duck Confit & Gnocchi in a Chestnut Sauce. I haven't had such a pleasant meal in a very long time! The ingredients are fresh, natural, local and delicious. The presentation was clean, simple, and just the right size. I highly recommend giving recipe a taste!

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Jessica: Squash Blossom Quesadilla
Where: Cinco De Mayo 1202 Cortelyou Rd. Kensington, Brooklyn (718)693-1022
Cost: $6

Whenever I move to a new apartment, one of the first items to check off the to do list is scoping out the hot taco spots in my new barrio. I always judge a place worthy of multiple visits by the flavor of their rice & beans, and this place is SOLID! With some interesting specials including a squash blossom quesadilla, you can venture outside "la caja" and feel confident that you won't be consumed by plate envy over your neighbors safe taco order, which are still quite yummy. Buen provecho!

Cinco de Mayo

Tags: cheap eats

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This Week's New York City Grubs Under $10

20/04/10 11:57 Filed in: City Grub

Deena: Breakfast Sandwich
Where: Cranky’s 48-19 Vernon Blvd, L.I.C, Queens
Cost: $7.59

What a way to wake up! Two perfectly fried eggs that dribble delicious yolk, creamy goat cheese, & crisp bacon on a wrap.

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Jessica: Banh Mi Saigon
Where: Banh Mi Saigon Bakery 138 Mott St., Little Italy (212) 941-1541
Cost: $3.75

Wait! First, the runner-up for the most amazing thing about this place is...that it's actually a jewelry store with a Vietnamese bakery in the back. Aaah, Nirvana; diamonds and swine. Only in New York (and maybe Vietnam). Seriously, this place does not need more exposure despite it's "diguise" it seems to draw quite a flock of die-hard regulars. That said, you must try these sandies. They are intricately flavorful and elegantly designed -kind of like a Neil Lane engagement ring.

José: Rooster Runs Wild Wrap
Where: 117 Avenue of Americas, SoHo
Cost: $9.95

I have to admit, this is one wrap that I order at least three times a week. It’s filled with grilled chicken, sweet corn, mixed greens and chipotle mayo. If you love corn, this is a perfect healthy wrap for you to devour.

Kool Bloo

Tags: cheap eats

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This Week's New York City Grubs Under $10

12/04/10 00:49 Filed in: City Grub

Deena: Slice of Pepperoni Pizza & a Small Fountain Soda
Where: Dino’s Pizza & Pasta 30-01 B’way, Astoria, Queens
Cost: $4

I grew up in central western Long Island, where they happened to make really awesome pizza. Since moving to Astoria, Dino's is the only pizza I have found so far that comes pretty close... and that four bucks is including tax.

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José: Mister Softee Hot Fudge Sunday
Where: Wherever you hear that Mr. Softee Jingle!
Cost: $3.00

Maybe not a conventional City Grub pick, but it’s what I was craving and it was yummy. Walking down Sixth Avenue with Tim, I heard that jingle that would make my eyes pop out with excitement when I was a kid. I couldn’t help it. Sure, maybe it’s true that those marciano cherries takes seven years to digest, but I have no regrets satisfying my child-like cravings!

Mr Softee

Tara: Cherry Tomato Jam Tartine
Where: Brook-vin 381 7th Ave., Brooklyn (between 11th & 12th St.)
(718) 786-2200
Cost: $9 except during Happy Hour (Monday-Friday 5-7, Saturday-Sunday 3-5) when it's only $5!

Cherry tomato jam, finocchiona (a fennel-flavored salami), ricotta, oregano and Reggiano cheese all combine beautifully on sourdough bread to make this taste like a French bread pizza. Yum! During Happy Hour, you can also add a glass of wine for $5 or a draft beer for $4 and still stay within $10. brook-vin also uses seasonal, local food and humanely raised meats whenever possible.

Jessica: Jose’s Tuna Melt
Where: Hot Bagels 127 Church Ave., Kensington, Brooklyn (718) 438-5650
Cost: $4.25

This place bakes their own bagels (hence the name) and are also of exceptional quality; not your typical "bready" varietal. This particular sandwich was designed and adored by my friend Jose (again, hence the name). It begins with a toasted everything bagel doused with mayo, shredded lettuce and tomato on one side; the other with their fresh tuna salad and finished with melted american cheese. YUM! Thanks, Jose.
Bonus: Open 24/7!

Tags: cheap eats

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This Week's New York City Grubs Under $10

29/03/10 11:23 Filed in: City Grub

José: Tempura Calamari
Where: Eatery 798 Ninth Ave. at 53rd St. (212) 777-6500
Cost: $10

If you love fried calamari like I do, then jump on this for a twist. This is a tempura style calamari with Hijiki, fresh mango & white Ponzu sauce! The service is good and the atmosphere has a fun vibe.

Deena: Baby Arugula Salad
Where: Pomme Cafe 37-19 B’way (B’way & 38th St), Astoria, Queens (718) 545-4301
Cost: $5

Mmm! Warm goat cheese and honey, endives in a sherry vinaigrette. My Mom and I had a wonderful late lunch at Pomme Cafe the other day. Some items were okay, some were out of the park! It's a new place and definitely worth a visit.

José: Empanadas
Where: Favela Cubana 543 La Guardia Pl., West Village (212) 777-6500
Cost: $6.50

Yup! I’m featuring this place twice ‘cuz it was that good! These look small, but when you bite into them, it fills your mouth with all kinds of goodness. Now granted, it depends on what their empanadas of the day are, but if you like surprises like I do - I say go for it!

Tags: cheap eats

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This Week's New York City Grubs Under $10

22/03/10 09:22 Filed in: City Grub

José: Cuban Sandwich
Where: Favela Cubana 543 La Guardia Pl., West Village (212) 777-6500
Cost: $10

If you love meat like I do, then you’ll love this Cuban sandwich. From the first bite I was immediately transported to my grandfather’s bodega when I was a kid. The meat is tender and seasoned with all the right stuff. The grilled ham and cheese wrapped around this little piggy is just enough to make your eyes roll to the back of your head. For those that love pickles it packs the perfect crunch. The best surprise for me was the bread. Normally with hot sandwiches on baguettes, you have to work hard to get to the meaty stuff. This bread was warm, soft and fresh, like it was made to order.

favela cubana

Deena: Frappé & a Croissant
Where: Omonia Cafe 32-20 Broadway; Astoria, Queens
Cost: $5

Spring is coming, and if you have never had a frappé, this is the time to head to Astoria, where any corner cafe will serve you a great one. But Omonia's is one of the BEST! Frappe’s is a foamed covered coffee drink made very popular Greece, that’s now spreading to other countries. A giant flaky croissant accompanying the frappe makes one of the best breakfasts on the go or sitting in and relaxing at a table.

omonia cafe

Tags: cheap eats

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This Week's New York City Grubs Under $10

13/03/10 19:05 Filed in: City Grub

José: 1/2 Sandwich, Small Soup w/ Drink & Snack
Where: Pecan Café 130 Franklin St., Tribeca (646) 613-8296
Cost: $9.99

I’ve lived in this neighborhood for over a year, and I just walked into Pecan’s Cafe for the first time last week. I’ve been back three times since then. The staff is friendly, and unlike most lunch spots, you have room to breathe with their wide-open space. This time, I tried their roasted red pepper soup with gouda cheese, and a chicken salad sandwich with cranberries, lettuce and tomato. AMAZING! You also have a choice of chips or cookies, and a soft drink. Really?!

pecan

Deena: Blintz
Where: Euro Delights Creperie 32-02 Broadway; Astoria, Queens
Cost: $7.25

Ricotta and cottage cheese, topped with raspberry jam and sour cream--yum! This quiet place has the biggest menu of crepes I've ever seen, and I enjoyed watching the cook spread the crepe "dough" on the flat round cooktop. I enjoyed my blintz with a delightful vanilla latte.

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Jessica: Grilled Half Chicken
Where: To B Thai - 126 Beverly Rd., Kensington, Brooklyn (718)435-0597
Cost: $7.95

Chicken...really?? Who thought it could be so juicy and worthy of a dinner out? This was actually my boyfriend’s dish, which I mostly ate. The ginger-pureed dressing on the mixed green salad was so fresh and tasty. LOVED IT!

To B Thai 1 022

Tags: cheap eats

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This Week's New York City Grubs Under $10

08/03/10 01:11 Filed in: City Grub

Deena: Gotta Have It
Where: Cold Stone Creamery 34-20 Broadway, Astoria, Queens
Cost: $5.09

You know those days when an ice cream sundae is the only thing you need, and life will be okay? Well, on Sunday I needed a sundae, and it was chocolate, mint, and coffee ice cream with Kit Kat, Snickers, and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Oh, and rainbow jimmies. For the same price, you can make ANY combo you wish--like French vanilla, pistachio, and banana ice cream with Oreo, marshmallows, bananas, whipped cream and strawberries!!! Really, whatever you wish!

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José: Krabi - Roasted Turkey, Walnut and Tomato Sandwich
Where: Peace and Love Cafe 397 Greenwich St., Tribeca (212) 349-8500
Cost: $6.50

OK, you ready for this one? Roasted turkey, muenster, cranberries, walnuts, bacon, aioli AND yogurt dipping sauce. Do I even have to describe how this tastes? It’s amazing! The baguette it’s served in, is always fresh. If you can snag that chair that you see in the picture, you’re all set for a perfect lunch break.

peace an love cafe

Tags: cheap eats

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This Week's New York City Grubs Under $10

28/02/10 23:53 Filed in: City Grub

Deena: Tropical Roll 1
Where: JJ’s Asian Fusion 37-05 31st Ave., Astoria, Queens
Cost: $9.95

Sushi doesn't come cheap, and this is another sushi place in Astoria where I will actually eat. I love it--great, interesting rolls, not like other generic rolls that we all know the names of. And really friendly service in a romantic dining room. The Tropical Roll 1 is a refreshing mix of salmon, avocado, mango and soybean paper with a strawberry-mango sauce and almond garnish.

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David: Hummus Fava
Where: Hummus Place 109 St. Mark’s Place, East Village (between 1st Ave. and Ave. A); 212.529.9198
Cost: $4.00

Hummus Place is the kind of place you want close to home. It's quick and inexpensive, yummy and filling, and best of all, chic. And as all true New Yorkers know, any place worth its salt needs to be close enough to run down to or get a delivery from. They now have five locations on each corner of this island so that no Manhattanite is left out. They had to double up in the west, uptown and downtown. There’s a Hummus Place no matter where you are in Manhattan, and each location has its own design and neighborhood feel.

hummus place

Jessica: Latte and Balthazar Croissant
Where: Bittersweet - 180 Dekalb Ave, Fort Greene, Brooklyn; (718)852-2556
Cost: $6

This is my "bittersweet" goodbye to my dear Fort Greene community and my favorite, most reliable espresso fix. Thank you for your beautiful, velvety foam and rich, dark caramel flavor. I will never forget you and promise to visit every once in a while, especially in the summer, when the trees are lush and the stoops are sunny. Mwah! Love ya!

José: Thai Crispy Crab Cakes
Where: Alpha Asian Fusion 365 W. 34th St., Midtown (212) 279.8887
Cost: $9

Forget what you know about crab cakes and head over to Alpha. In most restaurants crab cakes tend to be overrated. They’re either dry, too mushy or bland. As soon as you get a bite from these guys, I promise you, you’ll come back for more. The crunchy sweetness of the outside is a great surprise. What’s even more surprising is how fresh and yummy they are on the inside. I’ve never had anything like it.

thai Crispy Crabcakes

Tags: cheap eats

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This Week's New York City Grubs Under $10

22/02/10 19:45 Filed in: City Grub

Deena: Meatloaf Sandwich
Where: El*Ay*Si 47-38 Vernon., Long Island City, Queens; 718.389.8781
Cost: $9
Note: I know I've talked about this place before...and maybe I'm a little biased, but it is totally worthy of mention again, since they just opened for lunch now, too.

A blend of chuck, brisket, short ribs, and pork. Served either classically cold with mayo or open-faced with gravy and mashed. I grew up with parents who couldn't cook, but for most of you, this ain't your mama's meatloaf. But it will make you feel just as good eating it! For 9 buck-a-roos, you can't go wrong!

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David: Tacos
Where: Calexico Cart Corner of Prince and Wooster
Cost: $4.00

Started by three brothers from Southern California, Calexico has fantastic tacos, perfect for a quick lunch while sightseeing in Soho. For $4 or less, all topped with the requisite cabbage, cilantro and lime, you have your choice of four fillings: marinated and grilled asado hangar steak (incredible) or chicken, chipotle pork, or veggie black bean. Burritos are stuffed with the same for $6-$8. Grab an order of guacamole or chips and salsa, just $2 each, and you'll have a complete Mexican meal. The best and closest spot to chow down is the nearby park on the corner of Spring and Mott. You can also find a second Calexico cart at Broadway and Broome.

Jessica: Lunch Special
Where: Tai Thai - 206 Bedford Avenue (between N. 5th & N. 6th) 718.559.5556
Cost: $5.95

Seriously, there are SO few places left anywhere (forget in NYC) where you can get a freshly prepared lunch entree for under six bucks. At Tai Thai you get a li'l tasty salad with peanut dressing to start and then a few Thai favorite mains to choose from. I got the unadventurous Veggie Pad Thai, which turned out to be unusually decorated with what I like to call "luxury vegetables": Snow peas, asparagus, and zucchini--OH MY!!!! This place is definitely a grade above the usually mediocre Thai places that have sprouted up all over the city in the last few years.

taithai2

José: Pear and Gargonzola Salad
Where: Lil’ Frankie’s 19 1st Ave., East Village (212) 420.4900
Cost: $3.95

Most of you guys know I’m not a salad guy. And sure, it’s crazy this is my pick from a place that has amazing pizza, but pears served with arugula endive, walnuts and crumbled gargonzola is a perfect starter before you dive into the rest.

Lil Frankies

Tags: cheap eats

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This Week's New York City Grubs Under $10

16/02/10 09:26 Filed in: City Grub

Deena: The Fatty
Where: Fatty’s Cafe 25-01 Ditmars Blvd; Astoria, Queens
Cost: $10

Sweet sausage patty, scrambled egg, choice of cheese (Swiss, Cheddar, Provolone, Monterey) on an English muffin served with mesclun salad. Hubby and I had brunch at Fatty's on Sunday. He had steak and eggs and I had The Fatty with Provolone. Yum in muh tum!

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Brendan: Tehuitzingo
Where: Tehuitzingo Mexican Deli 695 10th Ave. (between 47th and 48th Streets)
Cost: $2.50-$6.00

Upon first entering Tehuitzingo you may think that you just walked into yet another scrappy bodega (that's NY slang for a neighborhood convenience store) and indeed when you first walk in that's exactly how it appears. But journey a little further back into the store and the place becomes authentic as ever, from the Univision telenovelas in constant rotation on the TV to the smattering of Mexicans that are always there chowing down. I had a very hearty meal of 3 soft tacos ( 2 chicken, 1 spicy pork) for under $8 and still had money to spare for dessert (My sweet tooth dictates that dessert always remains a top priority to me). It's well worth the trip over to the West Side hinterlands of Hell's Kitchen!

Jessica: The Pickle Dog
Where: Bark Hot Dogs - 474 Bergen St. Park Slope, Brooklyn (718)789-1939
Cost: $5.50

Nothing says "Happy Valentine's Day! I love you" more than a juicy hot dog in a soft warm bun. Add some house-cured pickles and boy, am I happy to see you! I know--some of you are saying, "it's just a dawg." But a great dawg, can be so amazingly satisfying. These puppies are made of the best ingredients, all natural, and local. So open up your heart and give an old stand-by another shot. You might just fall in love all over again.

Pickle Dog Two

José: Columbine’s Jerk Chicken Sandwich
Where: Columbine 229 229 W. Broadway, Tribeca (212) 965-0909
Cost: $8.00

If you’re lucky, you’ll get there when there’s no line around the block. This popular Tribeca joint serves up the best sandwiches and soups! Their jerk chicken sandwich is served with grilled red onions, mango-cilantro relish and Jamaican Hot Sauce.

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Tags: cheap eats

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This Week's New York City Grubs Under $10

29/01/10 14:54 Filed in: City Grub

Deena: Selezione di Salumi e Formaggi
Where: Testaccio Ristorante 47-30 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City, Queens; 718.937.2900
Cost: $6

Selection of typical cold cuts and cheeses with homemade marmalade, honey and nuts served with specialty breads. Hubby and I had a lovely dinner here for our most recent anniversary. Gotta love a meat and cheese plate, and quite a bargain for a nice, new restaurant in LIC.

testaccio restorante

David: Bistro Cheeseburger with Fries
Where: Corner Bistro 331 West 4th St., West Village (212) 242.9502
Cost: $7.75

Corner Bistro, the last of the bohemian bars in West Greenwich Village, has been serving customers since the earlier part of this century. The original ambience is pretty much unchanged, and they like to keep it that way.

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Jessica: The Italian Hero
Where: Faicco’s Pork Store - 260 Bleecker St., West Village (212)243-1974
Cost: $10

Oh, how much do I love a great sandwich! I'm like Dagwood. I just wanna put all my favorite things between two pieces of crusty bread. Faicco's pretty much does just that, with their Italian Hero. Prosciutto, ham, (hot) soppresatta, and mozzarella, adding Italian peppers and tomatoes to the shredded lettuce (so key to a good hero), the classic oil/vinegar/salt/pepper finisher. Everything speaks quality, which is realized at first bite. Italians really DO know how to live! (Can you name a baby Faicco? After a sandwich? Is that weird?)

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José: Frozen Hot Chocolate
Where: Serendipity3 225 East 60th Street (bet. 2nd and 3rd Ave.)
Cost: $7.95

Valentine’s date or not, this is where you need to go! It’s famous, it's infamous, it's notorious. It has destroyed diets and led to love affairs. One sip of their creamy, dreamy, icy blend of chocolatey goodness, It'll make you want to blow bubbles through your straw. It makes everyone a child again.

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Tags: cheap eats

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This Week's New York City Grubs Under $10

24/01/10 15:08 Filed in: City Grub

Deena: A dozen wings (choose between: honey, BBQ, medium, hot or “nuclear”)
Where: Blackbird’s Bar 41-19 30th Ave., Astoria, Queens 718.943.6899
Cost: $7.79

Someone asked me the other night, "Where can you get good wings in this neighborhood!?," and my answer was, "Blackbird's. " Despite the fact that I haven't seen that crew in quite some time, I can't deny their wings! I know what makes those "nuclear" wings nuclear, and I won't tell! For the prices and atmosphere, you can't beat it!

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David: South American Treats
Where: Red Hook Ballfields (corner of Clinton Street and Bay Street, Brooklyn)
Cost: $1-10

The Red Hook Ballfields have in the past few years become a famous spot for scoring fresh ceviche, hot chicken tamales, cheesy quesadillas, corn on the cob, pupusas, and a variety of other tempting South American treats. Vendors sell their straight-off-the-grill street food from carts scattered around an outdoor baseball field. Sounds delicious, doesn't it? It is. Cheap, too.

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Jessica: Hot Soup w/ Tom Cat Baker bread
Where: Restaurant Week Soup Truck - 51st and Broadway (1/25-1/29)
Cost: $6 ($1 is donated to the Haiti Relief Fund

To promote NYC Restaurant Week, there will be a soup truck featuring daily specials from participating restaurants (Dos Caminos, Sea Grill, Delmonico Steakhouse). This is an inexpensive way to get a taste of a more expensive menu, while also helping to support a very worthy and desperate cause. The following week the truck will be stationed in the Flatiron District and Tribeca. Check www.nycgo.com for daily offerings and exact locations. So, go get you some hot soup and spread the word!

soup truck

José: Sour Cream Apple Walnut Pie
Where: Little Pie Company 295 Greenwich Street (corner of Greenwich and Chambers St.)
Cost: $7.95

This bad boy is made with hand-sliced Granny Smith Apples and fresh sour cream. It’s topped off with brown sugar, cinnamon and walnut streusel. It’s slowly becoming my guilty pleasure, people.

scaw_slice

Tags: cheap eats

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This Week's New York City Grubs Under $10

18/01/10 11:05 Filed in: City Grub

Deena: #5 Petey’s Melt, Fries & Drink
Where: Petey’s Burger 30-17 30th Ave., Astoria, Queens
Cost: $7.79

Not only do they deliver, but you can order online! The melt is a burger on a grilled cheese sandwich...HELLO!? ...with yummy dressing. And I’m gonna throw it out there, the fries might even be considered a contender in the age-old ‘BK or McD’s’ fry debate.

petey's burgers

David: Joe in a Pocket
Where: Pita Joe 2 W. 14th St. (corner of 5th Ave. bet. Fifth and Sixth); 212.627.7877
Cost: $3.25/$4.95

Topped with brightly flavored extras like white cabbage in vinaigrette and Moroccan beet salad, these mild, crisp chickpea patties are easy on the palate—and don’t feel like a rock in your stomach later.

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Jessica: Lox cream cheese on bialy (with the works)
Where: Russ and Daughters 179 East Houston St., LES (212) 475-4880
Cost: $4.70

Look, sometimes we just can't afford the whole fish! So this is how I cheat, but am still quite satisfied. The cream cheese quality is superb, bialy nice and chewy, and tomatoes, onions and capers simulate the real deal lox sandi. If you MUST have the whole fish, simply order the Mini Grav Lox Sandwich with the trimmings for just $7.70. It's about quality here, and this place is THE BEST (not the cheapest).

russ

José: Fish and Chips (Haddock)
Where: A Salt and Battery 112 Greenwich Ave., West Village (12th and 13th Street)
Cost: $9.95

This is as authentic as you’re gonna get folks! These fish and chips have the best chips, and I would skip the cod and go straight for the haddock. You won’t be disappointed!

fasaltandbattery

Tags: cheap eats

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This Week's New York City Grubs Under $10

07/01/10 17:00 Filed in: City Grub

Deena: Beer Battered Fried McClure’s Brooklyn Pickles with Smoky Sauce
Where: Sweet Afton 30-09 34th St., Astoria, Queens (718.777.2570)
Cost: $4 ($9 w/ draft beer)

Holy Toledo! I didn't think there was a better combo than pickles and whipped cream till I tasted these scrumptious bites of yumminess. You can even wash them down with a draft beer and still stay under the 10 buckaroo budget.

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David: Frozen Yogurt
Where: Yogurt Station 18 St. Marks Place, East Village
Cost: 35¢ an ounce

You might want a lot more then a dollar's worth of this frozen yogurt. The new shop is self-serve, so mix and match any flavors you want. My favorite combination is cake batter and Dutch chocolate. Get it while it's cheap (this is a special grand opening promotion).

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Jessica: Chicken Soup
Where: El Gran Castillo de Jagua 345 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Heights, Brooklyn (718.622.8700)
Cost: $4.75

It's cold, I'm cold and sniffling, and it's hard to get good, homey, unpretentious soup. At this low-key Cuban diner I've found my long lost abuelita's chicken soup (my grandma was actually Irish-German and gave sargeant-like hugs, but I fantasize that I'm secretly latina.) Rich and greasy with all the funky chicken parts, this pint of soup is perfectly slippery on a sore throat. The rice and beans are great, too, AND a Side Avocado ($2) comes RIPE and almost whole! Love that!

El Gran Castillo

José: Cheese Steak Sandwich
Where: Wogie’s 39 Greenwich Ave., West Village
Cost: $7.50

Your choice of American, cheddar or Cheez Whiz!! The meat is seasoned perfectly! I usually get this bad boy in a wrap with mayo and hot peppers, but if you want to load up on the carbs, don’t hesitate!

Wogie's