B&H

A new favorite restaurant of mine is B&H. Not B&H Photo, rather B&H Dairy, a tiny Jewish vegetarian diner located in Manhattan between 7th Street and St. Marks on 2nd Ave. I made my first trip there when I was killing time with a number of friends as we waited to head up to the Ziegfeld to see a midnight screening of Casino Royale. I had read about B&H online and when there was talk in the group of being hungry I insisted that we stop there and try it out. Despite skepticism from one or two people everyone agreed to go. A few minutes later we arrived and shuffled into the narrow space -- filling nearly half of the chairs and stools available. Menus and water were doled out. As I took a sip from my water glass I leaned back and studied what was on offer. Many appealing options presented themselves. I considered several soups of the day, potato pierogis, and the grilled cheese sandwich, but in the end I couldn't pass up the feta omelet -- a steal, I hoped -- at a mere $4.10.

A few minutes later my food was passed over the counter to me. Besides the omelet itself there were two slices of buttered challah and an enormous portion of home fries. The omelet was flavorful and featured plenty of cheese. The bread was crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. It tasted sort of like a challah/sourdough hybrid, which I found quite delicious. The home fries had large chunks of onions and peppers in them and were so good that I had to forgo ketchup, despite my intense love and overuse of the condiment.

As I ate I looked around at what everyone else got. A bearded friend of mine was enjoying four cheese pierogis, while another friend munched contentedly at a large plate of sauteed vegetables on a bed of brown rice. Everyone seemed to be satisfied with their order. I know I was. I still picked at the tempting remains of my home fries long after I was full from my generously portioned meal. As I left the B&H I smiled. I could add another place to the short list of restaurants that I love.

Feta Omelet: A-
Home Fries: A+
Challah: A-
Overall: A

Tab

I've come to love Tab soda recently.  It all started a couple months ago when I happened into my local Polish grocery store.  In addition to "European Delights from Around the World", they also carry a wide selection of drinks, both alcoholic and otherwise.  So I was in there perusing their selection of chilled sodas when I noticed that they carried cans of Tab.  It occurred to me that I had never tried it.  I had always had the impression that it didn't taste very good, but I decided that I wanted to find out for myself.  I selected a likely looking can and took it up to the register to purchase.  Upon leaving the establishment I popped open my can and began to walk home.  I took a sip.  I didn't like what I tasted.  I took another sip.  I didn't like that one either.  I took another sip.  That sip I liked a little better.  I took another sip.  I liked it.  I took another sip. I loved it. I finished the can.

Over the next few days I found myself thinking often about when I might have another can of Tab.  I made the trip up to the Polish grocery only to find it closed for the evening.  I tried again the next day and met with success.  I opened up this second can of Tab and enjoyed it even more.  I was hooked.  Since then I think about it a lot and I buy Tab any time I have the chance.

1st Sip: D+
2nd Sip: C-
3rd Sip: B-
4th Sip: B+
5th Sip: A
In Retrospect: A+