Mustang Thakali is AMAZING. I went there last night at the recommendation of friends that live in the neighborhood. The Farsee Goat was eye-rollingly good -- small chunks falling off the bone, in a pumpkin sauce that was velvety heaven. We had the Buff Chilly, which was delicious, the Dried Beef, vegetable momos (out of this world-- so simple but so good). Sauteed mustard Greens. There's a bento box appetizer that includes a chunky mixed pickle which is spicy and creamy and has an after-burn that lingers...mmmmmm. A small bowl of lentils in a butter sauce was delicate and fragrant. Tomato chutney was smoky and astringent with coriander. Dundurak was a mixed vegetable dish that was interesting, but paled in comparison to the other dishes; so much competition!

The service is gracious and they are very helpful in explaining different dishes. I cannot wait to return. So many interesting dishes on the menu, I'm looking forward to working my way through the menu.

I took some friends to Red Egg on Sunday, for brunch. The food was very mediocre. The service was rude and scattered. (I asked for hot chilis in oil, a ubiquitous condiment in Chinatown) and was told there was no more. But in asking another waiter, I was immediately brought out a large plate of it. We were served a wrong dish, and they also forgot 3 other dishes. the dumplings were decent, but lacking in flavor. Overall, I'd say skip this place. Do not get the spare ribs in olives-- they were all bone. the garlic spare ribs were gristly, and only one or 2 had any meat on them. We had one waiter, a slightly older gentleman, who was very kind. It was extremely loud. the scallion pancakes were cold, and tasted of oil that had friend LOTS of other things. I will continue my DimSum Travels in CHinatown and report later. this was a complete disappointment.

I agree about Patel Bros in JAckson Hts for spices and Indian groceries-- it's amazing to go in there! and about half the price of Kalustyan's as well.

Esposito's Pork Store on 9th and 38th is a wonderful butcher-- old-school, they really know their stuff over there. And the prices are good too.
Giovanni Esposito & Sons
500 Ninth Ave., at 38th St 212-279-3298

CHEESE--- don't forget East Village cheese-- 3rd ave and 9th st. possibly the best prices for cheese anywhere in the city. their selection isn't as extensive as Murray's, but you can't brealk the bank there either. I have found beautiful ripe époisses wheels there for $2.99!!! (usually $15)
and raw milk manchego is usually around $7 /pound.

I've a got a good fishmonger in chinatown on Grand and Chrystie, on the southwest corner-- although I wouldn't buy shrimp from them these days, due to the recent ban.
Wild Edibles on 3rd Avenue and 32(?) street is wonderful. True gourmet/dayboat shop.

I'm always on the hunt for good little specialty places. Good post!

How about joining a CSA?
they are available all over brooklyn and nyc, and support local farmers, and many are organic. We joined one in Bklyn Hts, and every week we go and pick up 2-3 bags of lovely, just-picked organic produce, eggs, fruit and meat. The signup process starts in the fall and spring, and from early June until November you get to enjoy the produce from a local farmer. It's super-easy, very convenient, and actually a pleasure to see what you get every week. We supplement our fruit and veggies (picked just the day before) with trips to green markets and a local butcher on Smith Street. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

http://www.justfood.org/csa/

Sorry, Luger fans, in my opinion (and others' as well) it's gone wayyy downhill in the past few years. Plus I just can't stand the blaring lights, worn-out decor or grumpy (at the minimum) service. Some people may find it endearing, not I. I have to put strip House and Keens at the top of my list-- I've been to both places many, many times and have never been disappointed. the ~18,000 ceramic pipes on the ceiling of Keen's is a wonderful touch, and the service and food is just great. Strip House is a bit schmancier, a lot sexier and great for a date. Dylan Prime not bad either. mmmm, feelin' like chomping into a big ol' steak after this thread! I believe keen's is also the oldest steakhouse in NYC...

El Toro Partido on 139th and Broadway. It's a hole in the wall, but SOOOOO good. I recommend the chicken pipian (pumpkin seed sauce), but pretty much everything there is good. And I don;t even like Mexican food that much! I live in brooklyn, and it's an hour each way on the train, but its worth it. PLUS-- on the uptown side of the 1 train, at the 137th street station there's a Mexican woman standing by the subway entrance selling fantastic tamales for $1 each!!! That makes the trip doubly worthwhile. mmmmm... gettting that craving again...