Culture

Better Burgers, Tea and Thai

Three more reasons to get off campus and into Manhattan

by Hannah Kinney and Hilary Hughes

Thursday September 29, 2005

Let’s face it: Bronxville and Yonkers may offer a few good restaurants and a movie theater or two, but it won’t take a month before you’ve exhausted all of the local venues worth venturing out to on a Saturday night. With that in mind, we’d like to share a few of our favorite places in Manhattan with those of you who relish the opportunity to head off campus.

Mayrose
After many meals at Bates, which provides neither good salads or burgers, and a long day of shopping, a friend and I stumbled starving upon Mayrose. We eagerly ordered the "Earl," which is two burgers and fries for $14.50, a price that certainly doesn’t stretch the wallet too much.

We also ordered two great salads— which after weeks of the same old fixings at Bates— were quite a treat. There were also tall, scrumptious looking cakes festooning the retro counter but we were both too full to taste them.

The drinks were tall and the service was good, although it was a slow Saturday evening. The menu is typical diner fare with breakfast all day and daily specials. The prices range from $8-$13 dollars for a meal.

Most comments about this restaurant include high praise of the brunch and breakfast; so if you are in the city early enough, check it out. My heart is still with "Earl."

920 Broadway (at 21st St.)
http://www.mayrose-nyc.com
Mon. 7 a.m.–11 p.m.
Tues.-Fri. 7 a.m.–12 a.m.
Sat. 8:30 a.m.–12 a.m.
Sun. 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Pearl River
Many, I am sure, have fought the pedestrians of Canal Street looking for purses and other bedazzlements, but just a few blocks uptown is a place of other treasures. Pearl River is a truly unique place, which does, as is its claim, "bring interesting things to New York."

The top floor is composed of all things Chinese fashion, mostly for women but with a few things for men, as well. There is also a wide assortment of slippers from simplistic to flashy. I bought for $13.50 a great pair of black satin slippers with very solid soles and beautiful flowers embroidered on the toe.

A vast array of very cheap tea and Asian-inspired dishes take up the rest of the top floor, along with small selections of lamps, paper and other decorations. Downstairs is where things really get interesting. Basically, anything you could ever think of needing is downstairs––herbal supplements, dishes, curtains, children’s toys, beauty products and home décor. I once even spotted a pair of dirty playing cards.

The prices are more than reasonable and the inventory always seems to be changing. I regularly stop in for the loose tea sold in cute little tins and slippers, which are always comfortable and stylish to wear to an early class (at least, until the snow comes). When you get sick of searching for your knockoffs, wander up to Pearl River.

477 Broadway (between Grand and Broome)
http://www.pearlriver.com
Every day 10 a.m.–7:20 p.m. (including weekends and holidays)

Klong
I have yet to have a less than stellar experience at this amazing Thai restaurant. This little secret is very clean and gives off a laid back, modern vibe. The softly lit rooms provide intimacy without cramping and the old, crimson painted abaci compliment unfinished granite walls and gold beaded curtains. The strongest light comes from a fluorescently backlit faux river which runs along the base of the walls.

The dining experience, made possible by the exceptionally friendly staff, is just as pleasant as the surroundings. In addition to the swanky atmosphere and fantastic service, the cuisine is what keeps bringing people back to Klong.

My personal favorites are the tom kha guy (coconut milk, chicken and mushroom soup infused with lime and curry) and the duck pad thai (rice noodles served in a peanut sauce with vegetables, tofu and your choice of duck, chicken, shrimp, or a mix). The pricing is decent for the portions you are served, but if you order from the bar, the drinks tend to run a little steep.

7 St. Mark’s Place (between 2nd and 3rd Avenue)
http://www.klongnyc.com
Sun.- Thurs. 12 p.m.—12 a.m.
Fri.- Sat 12 p.m.—2 a.m.