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Interesting places around Manhattan to try, not necessarily for dinner.
Tacos Morelos
Robert Sietsema of The Village Voice came face-to-face with his favorite taco around midnight while walking on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens one night. At a food truck turned gastro-pub named Tacos Morelos, he saw tacos being filled with yellow rice-and as if the double starch wasn't intriguing enough, Sietsema became even more compelled to try this taco when he saw that it also had a chile relleno inside, oozing over with cheese. Tacos Morelos sells these meal-size portions for $5 and serves them with a side of grilled peppers. Sietsema recommends adding chipotle hot sauce to this taco masterpiece. (94-13 37th Ave.; 347-832-0193)
Down East
The owners of Grey Lady have opened this takeout seafood shack next door, serving lunch and dinner. Swing by for a fast fix of clam and lobster rolls, oysters and more.
Down East
77 Delancey St.
New York, NY 10002
646-389-3474
Chinese hamburger with pork at Panda Dumpling House
67A Eldridge St between Grand and Hester Sts
The dumplings ($1–$2.50) at this new Chinatown takeout spot are stellar—they’re made-to-order and filled with everything from fried leeks to pork and bok choy. But for superb snacking, our money’s on the “burger” ($2.50), a dense, almost buttery bun (it’s practically a biscuit) that’s griddled, split side to side and stuffed with sweet chunks of slow-cooked pork belly that’s slathered with a tangy-sweet Asian barbecue sauce. Paper-thin slices of pickled cucumber top the creation, best enjoyed with a squirt of sriracha for extra kick. •
Moti Mahal Delux
The Upper East Side has the first US address of this global Indian chain (over 100 locations). Signature dishes include murgh makhani (butter chicken) and tandoori chicken. See the menu.
Moti Mahal Delux
1149 First Ave.
New York, NY 10065
212-371-3535
http://www.motimahaldelux.us
