Coney Island and the Original NATHAN'S

[DODGER DEB]

This article in the NY Daily News today tells of plans to rezone part of Stillwell Avenue at Surf Avenue in BROOKLYN's Coney Island. That area is where the original NATHAN's is located.

Read more....

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/02/04/2008-02-04_coney_island_area_near_nathans_could_be_-2.html

NATHAN'S FAMOUS should be preserved as is, since it is an original. It is one of the few places left that is part of the BROOKLYN WE knew and loved. I know this isn't baseball, but it is a part of BROOKLYN that connected US and OUR Dodgers, just a few subway stops down the track, on the Sea Beach, West End, or Fourth Avenue Local.

What do you think?

[Aa3rt]

NATHAN'S FAMOUS should be preserved as is, since it is an original. It is one of the few places left that is part of the BROOKLYN WE knew and loved.

What do you think?

Well Deb, I suppose change is inevitable. :ughh

I know I've mentioned in this forum before that during the late 1950s and early 1960s our yearly family vacation would be a trip to BROOKLYN to visit my paternal grandparents who lived near Marine Park. Once we got there, my brother and I were expected to "behave" while my father and mother visited my father's boyhood friends who still resided in the neighborhood.

One of the few reprieves we had from the boredom was the yearly sojourn to Coney Island to go to Steeplechase Park and Nathan's. This was always near the end of our visit so my father could pick up a couple of pounds of Nathan's hot dogs and bring them home with him. I bought my first beer at Nathan's (a Rheingold naturally)-I was a tall 15 year old and I suppose the hint of a mustache made the counter clerk think I was older than I really was. My mother was shocked, my father just laughed.

In fact, my late Uncle Herb, my father's younger brother, worked for a while at Nathan's after serving in the Navy during the Korean War.

While it's been almost 20 years since I've been to BROOKLYN, I agree that Nathan's is a landmark, representative of the borough. It's like the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty. You expect it to be part of the New York landscape. Yes, develop if you must (In retrospect, that may not be a bad thing, I recall all the warnings about getting out of Coney Island before sunset in the mid-1960's.) but Nathan's represents BROOKLYN in this out-of-towner's mind and with Steeplechase Park gone, Nathan's is one of the few remaining landmarks in the area that hark back to an earlier and simpler time.

[Gary Dunaier]

Nathan's in Coney Island, is that what you want? Here are some pictures I took last August...

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/IMG_6176.jpg
(Photo taken August 12, 2007. © Gary Dunaier)

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/IMG_6178.jpg
(Photo taken August 12, 2007. © Gary Dunaier)

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/IMG_6075.jpg
(Photo taken August 12, 2007. © Gary Dunaier)

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/IMG_6179.jpg
(Photo taken August 12, 2007. © Gary Dunaier)

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/IMG_6076.jpg
(Photo taken August 12, 2007. © Gary Dunaier)

[donzblock]

Yes, that is what I want. In fact I would like to see Nathan's expand. Also, the Brighton trains stop at Stillwell for Nathan's fans. The local went there. I'm not sure about the express.

[LeoD]

Nathan's Hot Dog Emporium at Coney Island. Aug. 1954, picture below.

[LeoD]

Nathan's Hot Dog Emporium at Coney Island. Aug. 1954

[LeoD]

This is the Nathan's of the 1940s, the look I remember

[Aa3rt]

Thanks for the photos Gary & LeoD. If you can't get enough of Nathan's, perhaps you'll enjoy this website:

Nathan's history (http://history.amusement-parks.com/nathans.htm)

[LeoD]

Thanks for the photos Gary & LeoD. If you can't get enough of Nathan's, perhaps you'll enjoy this website:

Nathan's history (http://history.amusement-parks.com/nathans.htm)

Naturally I've seen this before, but thanks anyway.

[KCGHOST]

Nathan's is great but you do wish they would quit holding that disgusting hot dog eating contest.

[donzblock]

Nathan's is great but you do wish they would quit holding that disgusting hot dog eating contest.

The hot dog eating contest sponsored by Nathan's is in the best of taste compared to the Wing Bowl in Philly.

[stejay]

Oh no! I love Nathans. When i get down to NY(which is for 2 weeks of every month), I used to always go down to Coney, and to Nathans. That is a shame

[shlevine42]

The 1940s photo is the Nathan's I remember.

We lived in Sheepshead Bay in those years, and on Saturdays, my friends and I would often go to a movie at one of the two Coney Island theaters (I think they were Loews Coney Island and The Tilyou).

We didn't care which theater, or which picture was playing; the goal for the day was to stop at Nathan's after the movie!

Everything was ten cents then -- hot dogs, drinks, and those crisp french fries in their little paper sleeves.

I'd buy two small bags, dump them into a larger paper bag, sprinkle in some salt and eat them on the bus ride home.

It was the highlight of our week. And the Nathan's taste is one I've never forgotten.

I didn't know the expression then, but looking back, "it didn't get any better than that!"

[Mattingly]

Nathan's is great but you do wish they would quit holding that disgusting hot dog eating contest.
If ESPN can cover it and this brings more love to the original Nathan's, where you can get hot dogs and seafood, then I have no problem with it.

When that Japanese guy Kobayashi (spl?) won the Mustard Belt some 10 or so years ago, he upped the ante. Anyway, it brings tons of visitors to the Coney Island Boardwalk, since the contest begins around noon and the participants are brought in by bus. It's all a fancy thing sanctioned by some professional eaters organization, and a huge crowd builds up on the 4th of July.

Not everyone likes professional eating, since I've heard of people eating 15 chicken wings a minute, but 60+ of Nathan's most Famous dish in 12 minutes is something interesting. Definitely a part of Brooklyn history.

I remember when they'd advertised some "POP" (Pay One Price) thing around the mid-'70s, where you could ride all day for around $5-8 or so. I never rode the Cyclone, but the Jumbo Jet was pretty cute. The Wonder Wheel was *AMAZING*. :D

[donzblock]

The 1940s photo is the Nathan's I remember.

We lived in Sheepshead Bay in those years, and on Saturdays, my friends and I would often go to a movie at one of the two Coney Island theaters (I think they were Loews Coney Island and The Tilyou).

We didn't care which theater, or which picture was playing; the goal for the day was to stop at Nathan's after the movie!

Everything was ten cents then -- hot dogs, drinks, and those crisp french fries in their little paper sleeves.

I'd buy two small bags, dump them into a larger paper bag, sprinkle in some salt and eat them on the bus ride home.

It was the highlight of our week. And the Nathan's taste is one I've never forgotten.

I didn't know the expression then, but looking back, "it didn't get any better than that!"
It was an addiction: the hot dogs, the mustard, the fries, the cokes, the enormous crowds. I hope Nathan's does not go the way of Mrs. Stahl's Knishes.

[shlevine42]

It was an addiction: the hot dogs, the mustard, the fries, the cokes, the enormous crowds. I hope Nathan's does not go the way of Mrs. Stahl's Knishes.

Mrs. Stahl's knishes is GONE???
When did THAT happen?
I go away for 50 years, and the neighborhood goes to hell!!!

[DODGER DEB]

Mrs. Stahl's knishes is GONE???
When did THAT happen?
I go away for 50 years, and the neighborhood goes to hell!!!


Next, you're going to tell me that PETER PAN's is also gone, along with their incredible blackout cake?

GEEZ, you leave a place alone for a "little while" and the bottom falls out!

c.

[penncentralpete]

Mrs. Stahl's knishes is GONE???
When did THAT happen?
I go away for 50 years, and the neighborhood goes to hell!!!

For those who don't know, after about 69 years at the same spot at the corner of Brighton Beach Avenue and Coney Island Avenue Mrs. Stahl's Knishes has undergone some changes and renovations. Most notably, they now have turned into a pizzeria with knishes seemingly an afterthought on their menue. Sheeeeesh!

[penncentralpete]

MRS. STAHL'S KNISHES
Yield: 8 servings

2 c flour
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
4 tbsp water
FILLING:

3 tbsp vegetable oil or chicken fat
2 c plain mashed potatoes
2 c finely chopped onions
Pinch salt and pepper to taste
TO MAKE THE DOUGH: combine flour, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Make well and add 1 T of oil, eggs and 2 tablespoons water. Gradually mix wet ingredients to flour. Knead dough until ball is formed. Knead dough, place in oiled bowl, Let stand Covered for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 deg. Other 2 T of oil and cook onions until tender, add salt and pepper to taste. Mix filling ingredients in bowl. Roll out dough and divide into thirds on a floured surface. Roll dough in jelly roll fashion and fill with mixture. Cut into knish size and bake for 40 minutes, until golden brown.

NOTE: Unbaked or baked knishes can be frozen and baked or reheated. Do not defrost. Unbaked knishes take about 45 minutes, baked 15 to 20 minutes.)

[penncentralpete]

Next, you're going to tell me that PETER PAN's is also gone, along with their incredible blackout cake?

GEEZ, you leave a place alone for a "little while" and the bottom falls out!

c.

Peter Pan's Brooklyn, NY....

[DODGER DEB]

Peter Pan's Brooklyn, NY....

Where are they located in Brooklyn, Pete?

c.

[penncentralpete]

Where are they located in Brooklyn, Pete?

c.

727 Manhatten Avenue

[penncentralpete]

727 Manhatten Avenue

Not sure if that's the north side of Williamsburg or if it's Greenpoint........

[DODGER DEB]

Not sure if that's the north side of Williamsburg or if it's Greenpoint........

I'm almost sure that's Greenpoint, pete.

Thanks for the info.

c.

[tonypug]

Nathans, Knishes, how about a real handmade chocolate egg cream or are they extinct?

[shlevine42]

For those who don't know, after about 69 years at the same spot at the corner of Brighton Beach Avenue and Coney Island Avenue Mrs. Stahl's Knishes has undergone some changes and renovations. Most notably, they now have turned into a pizzeria with knishes seemingly an afterthought on their menue. Sheeeeesh!

In the words of Chester A. Riley..."what a revoltin' development THIS is!"

[penncentralpete]

As we all know already, there is no egg nor cream in these. Here's the way to make a chocolate egg cream: approximately 1/2 cup cold whole milk
1 cup bottled seltzer
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup


Pour 1/2 inch of cold milk into a tall soda glass. Add seltzer or club soda to within 1 inch of the top of the glass; stir vigorously with a long spoon (this will cause it to become white and bubbly with a good head of foam).

Very gently pour 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup slowly down the inside of the glass; briskly stir with a long spoon only at the bottom of the glass where the chocolate sits. The resulting drink should have a dark brown bottom and a 1-inch high pure white foam top (if you mix it too much, the foam disappears).

This is all good, but I prefer an ice cold Schaefer with my knish.

[DODGER DEB]

As we all know already, there is no egg nor cream in these. Here's the way to make a chocolate egg cream: approximately 1/2 cup cold whole milk
1 cup bottled seltzer
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup


Pour 1/2 inch of cold milk into a tall soda glass. Add seltzer or club soda to within 1 inch of the top of the glass; stir vigorously with a long spoon (this will cause it to become white and bubbly with a good head of foam).

Very gently pour 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup slowly down the inside of the glass; briskly stir with a long spoon only at the bottom of the glass where the chocolate sits. The resulting drink should have a dark brown bottom and a 1-inch high pure white foam top (if you mix it too much, the foam disappears).

This is all good, but I prefer an ice cold Schaefer with my knish.

Don't forget, it must be FOX's U-BET chocolate syrup!

I learned how to make a real mean NY one many years ago, and I serve them frequently.

They are soooooo delicious!!

c.

[penncentralpete]

Fox's U-Bet....

[DODGER DEB]

Fox's U-Bet....

That's real cool, pete!

This is beginning to feel like "old home week"....which ain't bad!

c.

[penncentralpete]

That's real cool, pete!

This is beginning to feel like "old home week"....which ain't bad!

c.

emphasis on the "old".......lol

[penncentralpete]

from Fox's U-Bet webpage.......................H. Fox & Co., Inc. is a 104-year old corporation. We manufacture Chocolate and flavored syrups in addition to a variety of Ice Cream toppings under the Fox's U-bet and Fox brand labels. The present management of the company represents the fifth generation of family members.

We manufacture chocolate and flavored syrups for sale to the consumer market. All of these sales are done through direct store door distributors. Currently, all of the consumer products are available in 24oz. plastic squeeze containers. This container was first introduced to the marketplace in the fall of 2002.

Additionally, we manufacture syrups that are sold to the institutional food service trade. Our account base is comprised of Ice Cream Distributors, Italian Ice Manufacturers, Bar Distributors, Food Service Distributors, Wholesale Grocers, Food Service Operators and Correctional Feeders. We presently ship throughout the continental United States and the Caribbean.

Syrups are packaged in a variety of containers: 4/1 gallon plastic jugs, 3 or 5 gallon bag-in-box containers, 5 gallon returnable containers, 5 gallon plastic pails and, 55 gallon drums. The product line includes 2 to 1, 5 to 1, 6 to 1, 8 to 1 and 15 to 1 syrup bases. This is in addition to our juice mixes, which range from 3% to 50% juice contents.

Today's operations resemble the original in the quality and breadth of our products. As a family business, which carries our name, we take great pride in the products we produce. The "Egg Cream" has become the legend that follows us to this day. Stories abound about how the "Egg Cream" started. Please see our "Egg Cream" section for stories, recipes and we encourage you to add to our trove of Brooklyn lore.

[penncentralpete]

from Amazon.com.............

[kramer_47]

As we all know already, there is no egg nor cream in these. Here's the way to make a chocolate egg cream: approximately 1/2 cup cold whole milk
1 cup bottled seltzer
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup


Pour 1/2 inch of cold milk into a tall soda glass. Add seltzer or club soda to within 1 inch of the top of the glass; stir vigorously with a long spoon (this will cause it to become white and bubbly with a good head of foam).

Very gently pour 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup slowly down the inside of the glass; briskly stir with a long spoon only at the bottom of the glass where the chocolate sits. The resulting drink should have a dark brown bottom and a 1-inch high pure white foam top (if you mix it too much, the foam disappears).

This is all good, but I prefer an ice cold Schaefer with my knish.
You're making my mouth water Pete with all the talk of the great food and now Tony brings up egg creams.I went to Fran and Izzy's candy store for my egg creams they were great with a devil dog. I think Izzy put in the milk then a few squirts of chocolate(I don't know if it was U-bet) then the seltzer and as he stirred it real good you got that beautiful head on it like a good beer.

[penncentralpete]

In the beginning, it was a soda produced almost exclusively in New York (particularly Brooklyn). the basic ingredients are milk, seltzer, and chocolate syrup. It is traditionally made in a small Coke-style glass.

True New Yorkers insist that it is not a classic egg cream without Fox's U-Bet Chocolate Syrup. It is perfectly proper to gulp down an egg cream. In fact, egg cream will lose its head and become flat if it is not enjoyed immediately.

For many years, the egg cream remained a product sold only through New York soda fountains because bottled versions were impossible to make. The cream, chocolate, and soda had a tendency to separate and to go bad after a couple days at best, and efforts to pasteurize or preserve the product ruined the taste. Today, Egg Cream drinks are being bottled by a few small companies.

Egg creams became so popular that Elliot Willensky, in When Brooklyn Was the World: 1920-1957," wrote "a candy store minus an egg cream, in Brooklyn at least, was as difficult to conceive of as the Earth without gravity."

Who says we OVERDO threads here at BB-F????? Not us!! (I know, it should read "not we"........but that looked and sounded pretentious.)

[penncentralpete]

Kramer47: An egg cream and a devil dog for lunch!? It's a wonder we're still all kickin'........lol

[penncentralpete]

You're making my mouth water Pete with all the talk of the great food and now Tony brings up egg creams.I went to Fran and Izzy's candy store for my egg creams they were great with a devil dog. I think Izzy put in the milk then a few squirts of chocolate(I don't know if it was U-bet) then the seltzer and as he stirred it real good you got that beautiful head on it like a good beer.

Here's Fran & Izzy's sign:

[tonypug]

My dilema down here in Florida is finding honest to goodness seltzer, like the soda truck used to bring when we lived in Brooklyn. I have a Kosher Deli that sells the U-Bet syrup, I just need the seltzer.Knishes, Nathans and Chocolate Egg Creams, oh boy. Then a nice Charlotte Ruse for desert, it doesn't get any better then that. Or maybe a black and white cookie.

[kramer_47]

Here's Fran & Izzy's sign:

OMG where did you get that Pete, that is beautiful great find Pete, what memories I have of Fran and Izzy's.The Egg creams to the great thick vanilla malteds to the opening of the baseball season and me running there to get the first baseball cards of the year.

[penncentralpete]

OMG where did you get that Pete, that is beautiful great find Pete, what memories I have of Fran and Izzy's.The Egg creams to the great thick vanilla malteds to the opening of the baseball season and me running there to get the first baseball cards of the year.

You are still a legend at Fran & Izzy's, Bob. A place where everyone knows your name.................

[kramer_47]

Here is the ingredients and a real egg cream.

[penncentralpete]

My dilema down here in Florida is finding honest to goodness seltzer, like the soda truck used to bring when we lived in Brooklyn. I have a Kosher Deli that sells the U-Bet syrup, I just need the seltzer.Knishes, Nathans and Chocolate Egg Creams, oh boy. Then a nice Charlotte Ruse for desert, it doesn't get any better then that. Or maybe a black and white cookie.

Charlotte Ruse..........An elegant presentation of a childhood favorite. Three moist layers of vanilla cake with strawberries and vanilla whipped topping. For the finish, delicate ladyfingers wrap the cake while hand-dipped chocolate and glazed strawberries adorn the top.

[penncentralpete]

My dilema down here in Florida is finding honest to goodness seltzer, like the soda truck used to bring when we lived in Brooklyn. I have a Kosher Deli that sells the U-Bet syrup, I just need the seltzer.Knishes, Nathans and Chocolate Egg Creams, oh boy. Then a nice Charlotte Ruse for desert, it doesn't get any better then that. Or maybe a black and white cookie.

The key to eating a black and white cookie, according to Jerry Seinfeld, is to get some black and some white in each bite. “Nothing mixes better than vanilla and chocolate,” says Jerry, explaining the art form in episode 74 of Seinfeld.

[kramer_47]

You are still a legend at Fran & Izzy's, Bob. A place where everyone knows your name.................

They did know me well 40-50 years ago I was there all the time, they had those backless stools attached to the floor that spun around the kids loved them.

[kramer_47]

My dilema down here in Florida is finding honest to goodness seltzer, like the soda truck used to bring when we lived in Brooklyn. I have a Kosher Deli that sells the U-Bet syrup, I just need the seltzer.Knishes, Nathans and Chocolate Egg Creams, oh boy. Then a nice Charlotte Ruse for desert, it doesn't get any better then that. Or maybe a black and white cookie.

I know you would rather have the seltzer in the spray bottle but they don't make that anymore. Get the seltzer in the regular bottle and stir it real good and you still get the beautiful head on it.

[DODGER DEB]

In addition to miss seeing the GREATEST BASEBALL TEAM EVER, the kids today are missing all these wonderful and delicious treats. Did WE have it good, or what? :dance

WE were soooo lucky to have been born when WE were. Agree?

c.

[penncentralpete]

[WE were soooo lucky to have been born when WE were. Agree?

c.[/QUOTE]

I agree Deb, until my arthritis starts kickin' up when I reach for my glasses to read the Red Sox' boxscore.......then I'm not so sure!

[DODGER DEB]

[WE were soooo lucky to have been born when WE were. Agree?

c.

I agree Deb, until my arthritis starts kickin' up when I reach for my glasses to read the Red Sox' boxscore.......then I'm not so sure![/QUOTE]

Ya know, pete, I might agree with you, except, all those aches and pains remind US of where we've been, how far we've come...and how much history we've seen and, in some cases, been part of. Those kind of memories somehow mute the occasional flashes of pain.

c.

[penncentralpete]

I agree Deb, until my arthritis starts kickin' up when I reach for my glasses to read the Red Sox' boxscore.......then I'm not so sure!

Ya know, pete, I might agree with you, except, all those aches and pains remind US of where we've been, how far we've come...and how much history we've seen and, in some cases, been part of. Those kind of memories somehow mute the occasional flashes of pain.

c.[/QUOTE]

Very well put Deb. Of course, you're right......youth is wasted on the young.

[DODGER DEB]

A few years ago, in one of the lost threads, WE had a long discussion on just what made OUR Ebbets Field Franks taste so distinctive and so good.

Some say it was the beer they were soaked in...or perhpas the "dirty water" (from that incredible aroma in OUR Ebbets Field) that gave them their unique taste. They weren't NATHAN's; they were bought from STEVENS, wherever he got them.

Can you remember their taste...and can that WOW taste ever be duplicated?

What do you think?

c.

[penncentralpete]

I found this at the "history of hot dogs": 1902 - Another story is that the term "hog dog" was coined in 1902 during a Giants baseball game at the New York Polo grounds. On a cold April day, concessionaire Harry Mozley Stevens (1855-1934) was losing money trying to sell ice cream and ice-cold sodas. He sent his salesmen out to buy up all the dachshund sausages they could find, and an equal number of rolls. In less than an hour, his vendors were hawking hot dogs from portable hot water tanks while yelling, "They're red hot! Get your dachshund sausages while they're red hot!"

[penncentralpete]

A few years ago, in one of the lost threads, WE had a long discussion on just what made OUR Ebbets Field Franks taste so distinctive and so good.

Some say it was the beer they were soaked in...or perhpas the "dirty water" (from that incredible aroma in OUR Ebbets Field) that gave them their unique taste. They weren't NATHAN's; they were bought from STEVENS, wherever he got them.

Can you remember their taste...and can that WOW taste ever be duplicated?

What do you think?

c.

Deb: Actually, we brought our own sandwiches, etc. to Ebbets Field. Remember, I was born in 1946, so from '54 til '57 (the years I attended ballgames at Ebbets), I was only eight, nine, ten, and eleven. My daddy swore the EB hot dogs were "lousy" (his adjective). All these summers later, I suspect that was a ruse to get my mom to pack the lunches! BTW, daddy never complained about the beer. My first game, we sat behind third base and witnessed a rookie named Henry Aaron in town with the Milwaukee Braves. Erskine won, 8-4.....Duke homered in the 1st inning off Burdette.

[kramer_47]

In addition to miss seeing the GREATEST BASEBALL TEAM EVER, the kids today are missing all these wonderful and delicious treats. Did WE have it good, or what? :dance

WE were soooo lucky to have been born when WE were. Agree?

c.

How right you are Deb, we can sitback close our eyes and imagine how good all these goodies were just like we sit here and think about our Dodgers. Just think how much you could get for a dime, a quarter or 50 cents, if we had a dollar we were one of the wealthy kids.

[kramer_47]

Deb: Actually, we brought our own sandwiches, etc. to Ebbets Field. Remember, I was born in 1946, so from '54 til '57 (the years I attended ballgames at Ebbets), I was only eight, nine, ten, and eleven. My daddy swore the EB hot dogs were "lousy" (his adjective). All these summers later, I suspect that was a ruse to get my mom to pack the lunches! BTW, daddy never complained about the beer. My first game, we sat behind third base and witnessed a rookie named Henry Aaron in town with the Milwaukee Braves. Erskine won, 8-4.....Duke homered in the 1st inning off Burdette.

You probably brought boloney sandwiches too how ironic is that, I know as a kid I loved my boloney sandwiches but those Ebbets field hotdogs were a treat when you went to the park.

[Aa3rt]

Aside from all the gastronomic delights that BROOKLYN had to offer, here's another momento of my visits to the fair borough. A trip to Coney wasn't complete without a visit to both Nathan's AND Steeplechase!

[Aa3rt]

"Here's the "B" side. I've held on to this for over 45 years now, a reminder of happier times.

[donzblock]

For those who don't know, after about 69 years at the same spot at the corner of Brighton Beach Avenue and Coney Island Avenue Mrs. Stahl's Knishes has undergone some changes and renovations. Most notably, they now have turned into a pizzeria with knishes seemingly an afterthought on their menue. Sheeeeesh!
Two years ago, a Subway occupied the store once run by Mrs. Stahl. Has it since changed to a pizzeria?

[Gary Dunaier]

The Wonder Wheel was *AMAZING*. :D

Still is!!!!!!

Wonder Wheel as seen from Astroland's Astrotower.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/IMG_6149.jpg
(Photo taken August 12, 2007. © Gary Dunaier)


Wanna go for a ride? I think we can all fit in...

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/IMG_6081.jpg
(Photo taken August 12, 2007. © Gary Dunaier)


http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/IMG_6080-1.jpg
(Photo taken August 12, 2007. © Gary Dunaier)


Hold on, here we go...

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/IMG_6091.jpg
(Photo taken August 12, 2007. © Gary Dunaier)


http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/IMG_6106.jpg
(Photo taken August 12, 2007. © Gary Dunaier)


http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/IMG_6100.jpg
(Photo taken August 12, 2007. © Gary Dunaier)


Don't look down!!!!! :eek:

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/IMG_6108.jpg
(Photo taken August 12, 2007. © Gary Dunaier)


http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/IMG_6105.jpg
(Photo taken August 12, 2007. © Gary Dunaier)

[penncentralpete]

Gary: Wonderful pictures. Thank you.

[BayRidgeBrooklyn]

I really hope that Nathan's remains unchanged. Would anyone happen to know if the building has been designated a landmark?

To answer Tony's impassioned question, yes, you can still get a good Brooklyn egg cream, but you'll have to travel for it.

When my wife Yumi and I honeymooned last summer in New York, we took the subway to Coney Island, rode the Cyclone, ate Cracker Jack at a Keyspan ballgame, and scarfed some delicious dogs at Nathan's. We also sampled egg creams at seven or eight New York City establishments, including the Brooklyn Diner (wonderful food), Lindy's, and Ellen's Stardust Diner (talented singing staff). The egg creams were all disappointing. That old adage about getting a good egg cream appears to be true. No one seems to care.

But through this forum and several other nostalgic New York websites, I obtained and meticulously tested perhaps a dozen egg cream recipes. Using Fox's "U-bet" syrup (shipped to me), fresh whole milk, and the necessary seltzer water equipment, I believe that I've raised this rare and sentimental concoction to proud new heights here in my home.

And you're all invited here to my place for the World's Best Brooklyn Egg Cream here in Fujisawa, Japan. Just send me a message and I'll provide you with directions.

Charlie

[Mattingly]

I really hope that Nathan's remains unchanged. Would anyone happen to know if the building has been designated a landmark?


Charlie,

I don't know if Nathan's itself has been declared a NYC Landmark, but according to the website of the NYC Landmark Preservation Commission, a "Child's Restaurant" (which has been around since 1923), was voted a NYC Landmark in 2003.

http://home2.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/press/02_04_03.pdf

You will need Adobe Acrobat (http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html?promoid=BONRM) to read this, but many web browsers also allow you to read this.

Here is the site of the NYC Landmark Preservation Committee (http://home2.nyc.gov/html/lpc/html/home/home.shtml). It would be interesting to hear if any of the Coney Island historical areas have been designated for landmark status, and their interiors could not be altered without committee approval.

[Mattingly]

Out of curiosity, I emailed the Chairman of the NYC Landmark Preservation Commission. I got a reply from Emily Rich (erich@lpc.nyc.gov) (who replied for him), as follows:

Thank you for your email. In the Coney Island area, the following sites are landmarked: the Parachute Jump (des. 1989), the Wonder Wheel (des. 1989), and the Cyclone (des. 1988). Further along the boardwalk, park of Ocean Parkway is a scenic landmark (des. 1975).

Thank you for your interest in historic preservation.

Regards,

Emily Rich
Public Information Officer
Landmarks Preservation Commission

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've added emphasis with the bold and italics.

[DODGER DEB]

Out of curiosity, I emailed the Chairman of the NYC Landmark Preservation Commission. I got a reply from Emily Rich (erich@lpc.nyc.gov) (who replied for him), as follows:

Thank you for your email. In the Coney Island area, the following sites are landmarked: the Parachute Jump (des. 1989), the Wonder Wheel (des. 1989), and the Cyclone (des. 1988). Further along the boardwalk, park of Ocean Parkway is a scenic landmark (des. 1975).

Thank you for your interest in historic preservation.

Regards,

Emily Rich
Public Information Officer
Landmarks Preservation Commission

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've added emphasis with the bold and italics.

Thanks for obtaining this info, Brad.

My personal favorite was always the Parachute. I loved going up in it. The "drop" was awesome.

c.

[DODGER DEB]

In September 1954, Coney Island held a BROOKLYN DODGER Mardi Gras Night. It was fantastic. Most of the players on OUR Team were there, and after the festivities, they just roamed around playing the games, and riding the rides. It was so much fun!

I took a few photos that night of some of OUR players (black&white), which will be included in my book.

Does anyone else remember that night?

c.

[Mattingly]

Which rides did the players go on? Parachute Jump? Cyclone? Did they eat a few hot dogs at Nathan's?

Lastly, who were the players in attendance?

Thanks for obtaining this info, Brad.

My personal favorite was always the Parachute. I loved going up in it. The "drop" was awesome.

c.
You're quite welcome, DODGER DEB, as always! :D

Hasn't the Parachute Jump been discontinued for sometime now? I heard about this around 1980 or so, but haven't heard much more.

I do remember about the Wonder Wheel. It was awesome just dangling high in the air like that as each car just swayed on the rails. A little scary some 30 years ago, but a wonderful experience that I'm sure many of you folks here have enjoyed many times. ;)

[Mattingly]

* * *

When my wife Yumi and I honeymooned last summer in New York, we took the subway to Coney Island, rode the Cyclone, ate Cracker Jack at a Keyspan ballgame, and scarfed some delicious dogs at Nathan's. We also sampled egg creams at seven or eight New York City establishments, including the Brooklyn Diner (wonderful food), Lindy's, and Ellen's Stardust Diner (talented singing staff). The egg creams were all disappointing. That old adage about getting a good egg cream appears to be true. No one seems to care.

But through this forum and several other nostalgic New York websites, I obtained and meticulously tested perhaps a dozen egg cream recipes. Using Fox's "U-bet" syrup (shipped to me), fresh whole milk, and the necessary seltzer water equipment, I believe that I've raised this rare and sentimental concoction to proud new heights here in my home.

And you're all invited here to my place for the World's Best Brooklyn Egg Cream here in Fujisawa, Japan. Just send me a message and I'll provide you with directions.

Charlie
Charlie, are you referring to the Brooklyn Diner on Times Square at Broadway around 44th St or so? I've passed by it a few times but never went inside. I'm familiar with Ellen's Stardust by Broadway and 52nd St. You must either like Times Square or be a theatergoer re the Broadway plays.

Now that we're on the topic, which Brooklyn restaurants make a fine authentic egg cream? Don't they need some kind of siphon (I forgot its exact name) to be authentic? I've heard that it's not this without that device, but I'm not too learned on this.

Anyway, here's a link I found which looks pretty good:

http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/NYEggCreamHistory.htm

[BayRidgeBrooklyn]

Hi Mattingly.

The Brooklyn Diner is located at 212 West 57th Street, NY NY. Telephone 212-977-2280. I can't recommend the food highly enough...huge platters, steaks, omelettes, salads, cheese cake, fuhgeddaboudit!! And huge old Brooklyn photos on the walls, including one of Ebbets Field.

But if you are on West 44th St, check out Birdland Jazz Club for dinner and a fine show.

No, I'm not much of a theater goer. Just spent a few days researching and exploring Midtown and the Lower East Side.

Yes, to make a proper egg cream one must have:

1) Fox's U-bet chocolate syrup (kosher, made in Brooklyn)
2) Fresh cold whole milk
3) Seltzer water sprayed from a "soda siphon" (also known as a "seltzer bottle," available on websites if not in stores)

My wife Yumi makes the best Brooklyn egg creams at our home "diner counter" here in Japan.

Charlie

[Mattingly]

Hey, Charlie, how are you doing? I see that the Brooklyn boyhood has extended its long tentacles to the Far East in Japan. :)

How did the U-Bet taste, and what made this the "de facto" chocolate syrup ingredient? Why couldn't you use powder like Ovaltine, or another chocolate syrup like Hershey's? (hopefully, that name isn't blasphemous around here)

I'll have to check around the web for a soda siphon. If they come cheaply and are of good quality, I may try it.

For some reason, diners used to sell egg creams in vanilla, strawberry and chocolate. Now I see that chocolate was the only authentic "Brooklyn" version of this.

Did they sell very good egg creams in or around Ebbets Field back in the "days"?

-Brad

[BayRidgeBrooklyn]

Mattingly (Brad), to answer your posting regarding egg cream recipes...I suppose one must make due with whatever ingredients are available. But today, U-bet chocolate (and vanilla) syrups are available in many suburban (Connecticut, for example) supermarkets. Compared to the real thing, other syrups are motor oil. By the way, I was born in 1964, so for me, "back in the days" would be a scene from "That 70s Show."

Charlie

[Mattingly]

Mattingly (Brad), to answer your posting regarding egg cream recipes...I suppose one must make due with whatever ingredients are available. But today, U-bet chocolate (and vanilla) syrups are available in many suburban (Connecticut, for example) supermarkets. Compared to the real thing, other syrups are motor oil. By the way, I was born in 1964, so for me, "back in the days" would be a scene from "That 70s Show."

Charlie
Charlie,

I'm happy that the information provided to you has proven somewhat useful. :) However, I think that you may wish to contact the owner of Nathan's Famous before presuming that they want landmark status. I've heard of building owners that fought against this, since they're unable to modify their interiors w/o LPC approval. If you can talk him/her into this, then provide him/her with the information on landmark status. I'm not sure I'd do this on my own lacking the owner's interest. Here's Nathan's contact information:

Nathan's Famous
1310 Surf Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11224
USA
(718) 946-2202

I was only born a few years before you, but don't tell anybody (shhhhhhhhhh). I was a mere toddler at your time of birth, so we just may have something in common. I guess that people like Prof Donz and Dodger Deb have lived longer lives than us. :)

If U-Bet was that good, I'm surprised that they're not longer around. It must've been mighty hard to keep a quality product in business for all those days. Oh well, I wouldn't have minded trying both the chocolate and vanilla back then. ;)

[DODGER DEB]

Charlie,

I'm happy that the information provided to you has proven somewhat useful. :) However, I think that you may wish to contact the owner of Nathan's Famous before presuming that they want landmark status. I've heard of building owners that fought against this, since they're unable to modify their interiors w/o LPC approval. If you can talk him/her into this, then provide him/her with the information on landmark status. I'm not sure I'd do this on my own lacking the owner's interest. Here's Nathan's contact information:

Nathan's Famous
1310 Surf Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11224
USA
(718) 946-2202

I was only born a few years before you, but don't tell anybody (shhhhhhhhhh). I was a mere toddler at your time of birth, so we just may have something in common. I guess that people like Prof Donz and Dodger Deb have lived longer lives than us. :)

If U-Bet was that good, I'm surprised that they're not longer around. It must've been mighty hard to keep a quality product in business for all those days. Oh well, I wouldn't have minded trying both the chocolate and vanilla back then. ;)

I hate to disagree with you, Matt, but FOX'S U-BET Chocolate Syrup is most certainly still around...and it is still a quality product! I have one in my kitchen cabinet right now. They are on shelves in most superemarkets, like KeyFood, and Waldbaum's. I've also seen their Strawberry Syrup.

Also, let me add that The BROOKLYN DINER on West 57th Street has been there quite some time. As BRB notes, it has really good food, and, of course, the photos are the best! The NY Times had this write-up just a few months after it opened in 1995. Enjoy it...

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CE1D91E3BF935A2575AC0A9639582 60&scp=3&sq=%22The+Brooklyn+Diner%22&st=nyt

c.

[donzblock]

Has the Brooklyn Diner corrected the mistake in the Ebbets Field mural, which depicted fans sitting in the right field seats? (The artist went to the Staten Island School of Art!)

[BayRidgeBrooklyn]

Charlie,

I'm happy that the information provided to you has proven somewhat useful. :) However, I think that you may wish to contact the owner of Nathan's Famous before presuming that they want landmark status. I've heard of building owners that fought against this, since they're unable to modify their interiors w/o LPC approval. If you can talk him/her into this, then provide him/her with the information on landmark status. I'm not sure I'd do this on my own lacking the owner's interest. Here's Nathan's contact information:

Nathan's Famous
1310 Surf Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11224
USA
(718) 946-2202

I was only born a few years before you, but don't tell anybody (shhhhhhhhhh). I was a mere toddler at your time of birth, so we just may have something in common. I guess that people like Prof Donz and Dodger Deb have lived longer lives than us. :)

If U-Bet was that good, I'm surprised that they're not longer around. It must've been mighty hard to keep a quality product in business for all those days. Oh well, I wouldn't have minded trying both the chocolate and vanilla back then. ;)

Good point, Mattingly.

Now that you mention it, I must agree with you. If other Coney Island sites have been landmarked, while Nathan's has not, it might be that the owner(s) do not want landmark status. If the proprietor wishes to renovate, we should respect his/her wishes.

[Gary Dunaier]

If other Coney Island sites have been landmarked, while Nathan's has not, it might be that the owner(s) do not want landmark status.
I can't cite any references for you, but I recall news stories about other properties where the owners were afraid their properties would receive landmark status. If the owners were afraid, then obviously they didn't have any say in the matter (because if they did, a simple "no" would have sent the Landmarks Preservation Committee away).

If this is true, and if it's also true that the Coney Island Nathan's won't be landmarked because the owners don't want it to be landmarked, then the Nathan's people must have some kind of connections or something like that.

[Mattingly]

I hate to disagree with you, Matt, but FOX'S U-BET Chocolate Syrup is most certainly still around...and it is still a quality product! I have one in my kitchen cabinet right now. They are on shelves in most superemarkets, like KeyFood, and Waldbaum's. I've also seen their Strawberry Syrup.

Also, let me add that The BROOKLYN DINER on West 57th Street has been there quite some time. As BRB notes, it has really good food, and, of course, the photos are the best! The NY Times had this write-up just a few months after it opened in 1995. Enjoy it...

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CE1D91E3BF935A2575AC0A9639582 60&scp=3&sq=%22The+Brooklyn+Diner%22&st=nyt

c.
I have absolutely no problem getting corrected by "the best of 'em" and you Brooklyn forumers, with yourself as the Mod here, are about the best I can think of! :D :bowdown:

I'll have to check out that syrup. I don't have those supermarkets near me. Amongst the chains are C-Town, Shop-Rite, Pathmark.

It's the Brooklyn Diner on 44th & Broadway (near the ABC Studios for "live" morning broadcasts) that I've recently noticed.

Now then, does Dodger Deb make Brooklyn Egg Creams in her household? :D

After having read the article, I see now how the importance of baseball knowledge, including the signs in RF, who played where in Ebbets Field and the numbers they wore, is of utmost importance to the Brooklyn fans who grew up in the many parts of the 4th largest city, according to Welcome Back Kotter. ;)

Thanks again, U-Bet-cha! :p

[DODGER DEB]

I have absolutely no problem getting corrected by "the best of 'em" and you Brooklyn forumers, with yourself as the Mod here, are about the best I can think of! :D :bowdown:

I'll have to check out that syrup. I don't have those supermarkets near me. Amongst the chains are C-Town, Shop-Rite, Pathmark.

It's the Brooklyn Diner on 44th & Broadway (near the ABC Studios for "live" morning broadcasts) that I've recently noticed.

Now then, does Dodger Deb make Brooklyn Egg Creams in her household? :D

After having read the article, I see now how the importance of baseball knowledge, including the signs in RF, who played where in Ebbets Field and the numbers they wore, is of utmost importance to the Brooklyn fans who grew up in the many parts of the 4th largest city, according to Welcome Back Kotter. ;)

Thanks again, U-Bet-cha! :p

I am sure one or more of those chains that you mentioned does carry Fox's U-Bet, Matt. You have to look real close, since they are usually buried around and between the numerous Hershey's varieties.

As for my Egg-Cream, Matt. I perfected it a long time ago, and my guests tell me it really tastes like the BROOKLYN Egg-Cream we grew up loving. How's that for bragging rights? :rofl:

As for the BROOKLYN DINER....you really should visit the one on West 57th Street, Matt. It will be worth your time!

c.

[Mattingly]

I am sure one or more of those chains that you mentioned does carry Fox's U-Bet, Matt. You have to look real close, since they are usually buried around and between the numerous Hershey's varieties.

As for my Egg-Cream, Matt. I perfected it a long time ago, and my guests tell me it really tastes like the BROOKLYN Egg-Cream we grew up loving. How's that for bragging rights? :rofl:

As for the BROOKLYN DINER....you really should visit the one on West 57th Street, Matt. It will be worth your time!

c.
Well, Dodger Deb, since you'd mentioned being a food lover, I thought I'd soft-toss to you underhanded and you'd hit out outta there (onto Bedford Ave somewhere). I set 'em up, you knocked it out! :D

I'll definitely trust your judgment on that one, and I'm sure that even the longtime Brooklyn fans would agree that you've made the real deal very many years. ;) :p

This weekend, I'll go visit the Brooklyn Diner on W 57th St. It's not too far from Ellen's Stardust with the singing waitresses, and I'll be sure to order a Brooklyn Egg Cream (like what grandma & granddad used to make) :) I'll look at that mural that's been taken to task, but at least it'll be something about one of the most famous parts of Brooklyn.

I'll also scour the supermarket aisles for the U-Bet. May even bring out some of the Brooklyn boy in me. :laugh

[penncentralpete]

Fox's u-bet

[Mattingly]

While I'm sure that others knew about this Brooklyn address, it's new to me, sooooooooooo ... "Guess what I just found?"

http://www.foxs-syrups.com/egg_cream.html

http://www.foxs-syrups.com/images/02_ubet_truck_top_center.jpg

[BayRidgeBrooklyn]

Mattingly,

I really hope ya do visit dem Bums at da Brooklyn Diner (West 57th) and Ellen's Stardust Diner (Broadway), and trow in Lindy's whydontcha (53rd and & 7th Ave). And den kin ya please give us a full repawt on dare cheese cakes and egg creams?

[Mattingly]

Mattingly,

I really hope ya do visit dem Bums at da Brooklyn Diner (West 57th) and Ellen's Stardust Diner (Broadway), and trow in Lindy's whydontcha (53rd and & 7th Ave). And den kin ya please give us a full repawt on dare cheese cakes and egg creams?
I hadn't realized that Ellen's Stardust had Brooklyn memorabilia also.

I see that Lindy's is at 825 Seventh Ave. I'll have to visit that. Is this a place which has any Brooklyn memorabilia or theme, or is this for cheesecake? I've heard of it, since it's near the Ed Sullivan Theater where Dave Letterman broadcasts, just as the Stage Door Deli and Carnegie Deli are in the area.

I haven't been to Junior's on DeKalb & Flatbush Aves in awhile, and they have the U-Bet egg creams, from the Fox Syrup website. Their cheesecakes, I'll have to try.

I've never seen "den kin ya please" in awhile. Is that an older Brooklyn accent, like how people say "cawfee" instead of "coffee", or "chawklit" instead of "chocolate"? I remember how people used to say "Toidy-toid and Ate" for "33rd St & 8th Ave" when giving the location of Madison Square Garden, which was I think, how they'd spoken in the old "Bowery Boys" comedy from the 1920s or so.

I've been collecting addresses and phone numbers of places in Flatbush where I used to go to in the past. Back then, Macy's was at Tilden & Flatbush Aves, but that closed down many years ago (1980, I guess), and now houses a Staple's office supply store. I guess its proximity to Sears just a few blocks away must've factored in. Anyway, I have to check out some of my old Brooklyn places like restaurants, barber shops. I may need to reacquaint myself back with Brooklyn again. :)

[penncentralpete]

[
I've never seen "den kin ya please" in awhile. Is that an older Brooklyn accent, like how people say "cawfee" instead of "coffee", or "chawklit" instead of "chocolate"? I remember how people used to say "Toidy-toid and Ate" for "33rd St & 8th Ave" when giving the location of Madison Square Garden, which was I think, how they'd spoken in the old "Bowery Boys" comedy from the 1920s or so.


Hi there: My older brother tells the story..........a NY newspaper sports headline read: "Hoyt Hurt", and my uncle reading it countered with: :"Hurt Hoyt"......same as "Oisk" for "Ersk", etc. Amusing.

[DODGER DEB]

I hadn't realized that Ellen's Stardust had Brooklyn memorabilia also.

I see that Lindy's is at 825 Seventh Ave. I'll have to visit that. Is this a place which has any Brooklyn memorabilia or theme, or is this for cheesecake? I've heard of it, since it's near the Ed Sullivan Theater where Dave Letterman broadcasts, just as the Stage Door Deli and Carnegie Deli are in the area.

I haven't been to Junior's on DeKalb & Flatbush Aves in awhile, and they have the U-Bet egg creams, from the Fox Syrup website. Their cheesecakes, I'll have to try.

I've never seen "den kin ya please" in awhile. Is that an older Brooklyn accent, like how people say "cawfee" instead of "coffee", or "chawklit" instead of "chocolate"? I remember how people used to say "Toidy-toid and Ate" for "33rd St & 8th Ave" when giving the location of Madison Square Garden, which was I think, how they'd spoken in the old "Bowery Boys" comedy from the 1920s or so.

I've been collecting addresses and phone numbers of places in Flatbush where I used to go to in the past. Back then, Macy's was at Tilden & Flatbush Aves, but that closed down many years ago (1980, I guess), and now houses a Staple's office supply store. I guess its proximity to Sears just a few blocks away must've factored in. Anyway, I have to check out some of my old Brooklyn places like restaurants, barber shops. I may need to reacquaint myself back with Brooklyn again. :)

YOU are from BROOKLYN and YOU haven't been to JUNIOR'S? Oh, Matt you have got to get a life.

One hasn't lived if they haven't had JUNIOR'S Cheese Cake. It is like no other.

It should most definitely go to the top of your list...right after the BROOKLYN DINER.

[BayRidgeBrooklyn]

I would really like to know more about "Juniors," the "U-Bet" syrup factory, and any other Brooklyn eaterys past and present.

As we've gotten off track here, how about a new thread on this topic?

[Mattingly]

YOU are from BROOKLYN and YOU haven't been to JUNIOR'S? Oh, Matt you have got to get a life.

One hasn't lived if they haven't had JUNIOR'S Cheese Cake. It is like no other.

It should most definitely go to the top of your list...right after the BROOKLYN DINER.
Well, not quite "from" Brooklyn, but debatable. I was born abroad and lived in Crown Heights for a few years, then Flatbush for 20+ years, then Brooklyn Heights. I have pretty good Brooklyn roots, though sometimes I wonder. :( :o

I said "in awhile" not "never". There's a Junior's in Times Square near the "other" Brooklyn Diner, and the Junior's is around 45th and Broadway, down the street from the Brooklyn Diner.

My sister used to bring home the strawberry cheesecake from Junior's and we all loved it. I remember we had to totally forget trying to get into there on Mother's Day, since the place was routinely swamped.

I think it's been around 10 years since i've been to Junior's on DeKalb Ave near Long Island University and Brooklyn Hospital. Yes, I do need to get more "Brooklyn" into me. Anyway, I was walking down Fulton Mall thinking about how A&S had been replaced by Macy's so many years ago, then I just walked into Junior's. Great food! :D

Next weekend, I'll go visit a few places, including the Brooklyn Diner on 57th St, then Junior's on DeKalb. I've also had a few other spots I've wanted to visit, such as the barber shop and a few restaurants I've known in Flatbush (Church & Nostrand Ave vicinity).

I beg forgiveness from you (and all of the excellent forumers here) for my lack of faithfulness to the wonderful world which is Brooklyn. :)

[Mattingly]

I would really like to know more about "Juniors," the "U-Bet" syrup factory, and any other Brooklyn eaterys past and present.

As we've gotten off track here, how about a new thread on this topic?
You mean what type of food they serve at Junior's? It's an American restaurant whose specialit is their wonderful cheesecake.

U-Bet sells to supermarkets. What else were you looking to find out?

[BayRidgeBrooklyn]

Now that you mention it, I did have a bite at Junior's in Times Square Station in 2005. How does that one compare with the one in Brooklyn? Aside from cheesecake, what else do you recommend from Junior's menu?

[Mattingly]

Now that you mention it, I did have a bite at Junior's in Times Square Station in 2005. How does that one compare with the one in Brooklyn? Aside from cheesecake, what else do you recommend from Junior's menu?
Sorry for the very late reply. I haven't been online in a few days. :o

I was just there today and picked up one of their menus. I've only tried their signature cheesecake (strawberries with some crumbs), and it was as silky smooth as the last time I remember having had it! :D

I see that they have matzoh ball soup, which is $4.95/cup and $6.50 a bowl. I've never been for $10 sandwiches, since I'm not on an expense account, but the Brooklyn Egg Cream is only $3.25, so I would highly recommend that. In fact, I'm surprised that I never ordered it, considering we'd discussed that for a few moments here.

They also have soup, wings, salads, steakburgers, etc, and the prices seem to be about what I remember from the original Brooklyn one at Flatbush & DeKalb Aves, which I think is near the D train at DeKalb, in Downtown Brooklyn by the Fulton Mall.

Anyway, I'll have to post the menus later on, once I've gotten time to scan them.

Here's the link to Junior's: http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/

... and the same for the Brooklyn Diner (the Times Square one is affiliated with the Carnegie Hall one that's already been mentioned, per the link): http://www.brooklyndiner.com/

here are a few pix from my cell, which I've edited slightly:

[Mattingly]

From pages 2 and 6 of Junior's 16-page brochure (http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/juniors_cheesecake/uploads/pdf/JuniorsOrderList.pdf) (you'll need Adobe Acrobate, from www.adobe.com), it seems as if they more than know how to celebrate Brooklyn in a *VERY* fine & traditional manner: :D

[Bill Burgess]

I lived in NYC, 1969-79. The Nathan's I remember best was located at 8th Street & 6th Ave. When I worked as a Trude Heller Dancer in the 1972, I would normally stop by Nathan's before I started to work at 9PM.

They had those jumbo shrimps, great fries, oysters on the half shell, burgers/hot dogs, New England clam chowder, egg creams, pina coladas, sodas, milk shakes, coffee, iced tea, fried chicken, hot chile, and lots of assorted stuff that I craved.

Never had to wait long, and they had tables and counters ringing the walls to sit down and read while you ate. Don't know when that one went out of business, but it was just so great. I never saw the famous one near Coney Island, where they now host the hot dog eating contests.

[musial6]

A few years ago, in one of the lost threads, WE had a long discussion on just what made OUR Ebbets Field Franks taste so distinctive and so good.

Some say it was the beer they were soaked in...or perhaps the "dirty water" (from that incredible aroma in OUR Ebbets Field) that gave them their unique taste. They weren't NATHAN's; they were bought from STEVENS, wherever he got them from.

Can you remember their taste...and can that WOW taste ever be duplicated?

What do you think?

c.


Harry Stevens and the Hot Dog:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3190/is_nSPEISS_v30/ai_18091904

[DODGER DEB]

From pages 2 and 6 of Junior's 16-page brochure (http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/juniors_cheesecake/uploads/pdf/JuniorsOrderList.pdf) (you'll need Adobe Acrobate, from www.adobe.com), it seems as if they more than know how to celebrate Brooklyn in a *VERY* fine & traditional manner: :D

I first received this catalog around Thanksgiving last year, and immediately got them to send me as many as I could get....for distribution. It felt good to see that at least somebody in this city will do the right thing and pay homage to OUR DODGERS.

Thanks for posting it, Matt.

c.

[DODGER DEB]

Well, not quite "from" Brooklyn, but debatable. I was born abroad and lived in Crown Heights for a few years, then Flatbush for 20+ years, then Brooklyn Heights. I have pretty good Brooklyn roots, though sometimes I wonder. :( :o

I said "in awhile" not "never". There's a Junior's in Times Square near the "other" Brooklyn Diner, and the Junior's is around 45th and Broadway, down the street from the Brooklyn Diner.

My sister used to bring home the strawberry cheesecake from Junior's and we all loved it. I remember we had to totally forget trying to get into there on Mother's Day, since the place was routinely swamped.

I think it's been around 10 years since i've been to Junior's on DeKalb Ave near Long Island University and Brooklyn Hospital. Yes, I do need to get more "Brooklyn" into me. Anyway, I was walking down Fulton Mall thinking about how A&S had been replaced by Macy's so many years ago, then I just walked into Junior's. Great food! :D

Next weekend, I'll go visit a few places, including the Brooklyn Diner on 57th St, then Junior's on DeKalb. I've also had a few other spots I've wanted to visit, such as the barber shop and a few restaurants I've known in Flatbush (Church & Nostrand Ave vicinity).

I beg forgiveness from you (and all of the excellent forumers here) for my lack of faithfulness to the wonderful world which is Brooklyn. :)

I am glad you finally got around to seeing the original Junior's, Matt. Their cheesecake is the best tasting ever.

Back in 2005, when WE were planning OUR ill-fated 50th anniversary of OUR 1955 World Championship, I had designed a huge four layer cheesecake, complete with OUR World Championship banner, and the names of OUR Players to be inscribed on the cake. It was to be all done in OUR colors of ROYAL BLUE and White. My plan was to ask Junior's to make it. Be sure it would have looked incredible...probably too good to eat...but, WE would have celebrated with it anyway. :dance

Ah, the best laid plans of mice and men.....

c.

[musial6]

Harry Stevens and the Hot Dog:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3190/is_nSPEISS_v30/ai_18091904


Rebuttal:

http://books.google.ca/books?id=cp0r3aa8EM8C&pg=PA59&lpg=PA59&dq=harry+stevens&source=web&ots=W0ElB2NnLP&sig=LiS1O7pzY5remSG8QDqkcsJh2Ks&hl=en#PPA59,M1

[musial6]

Charles Feltman, Nathan Handwerker, Eddie Cantor, and Jimmy Durante (not to mention Clara Bow).

http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/HotDog/HDIndex.htm

[Mattingly]

I first received this catalog around Thanksgiving last year, and immediately got them to send me as many as I could get....for distribution. It felt good to see that at least somebody in this city will do the right thing and pay homage to OUR DODGERS.

Thanks for posting it, Matt.

c.
So that's when it came out? Before this, I thought that most restaurants only had eat-in, take-out and catering menus. I thought that catalogs were mostly for stores, such as Macy's.

Speaking of which, I still remember the Toy Department of A&S being on the 13th floor, which was the only place I remember back then. One of my niece's paternal grandmothers (she's my niece on her mother's side) used to work at A&S, which had the elevators still run by elevator operators using the hand swing things to move the elevators up and down, the gates to open the door, and then the ice cream in the basement. Back then, the subway would stop right in the basement, but they ended that subway stop at least 25 years ago (likely due to theft). Those were the days of the "Y" token, which I remember being as low at 35¢.

Anyway, back to the Junior's catalog, I'd happened across it online while perusing their website. If you happen to have Adobe Acrobat, you can always make as many as you want for distribution, and I'm sure that people will be just as appreciative of their fine food as they would be of the excellent idea of their Brooklyn Dodger tie-in that they've established.

I'll try scanning the menus a little later on (both Junior's in Times Square and the nearby Brooklyn Diner), and I made sure I got one of Junior's bags. I never got to visit the original Junior's on DeKalb this weekend, but I'll try in a few weeks. Please forgive me for not having made that venture, nor to the Brooklyn Diner on 57th St near Carnegie Hall.

Please enjoy your day, to both yourself and all the Brooklyn Dodger fans here. :)

[TarHeelMan]

I am glad you finally got around to seeing the original Junior's, Matt. Their cheesecake is the best tasting ever.


c.

Totally agreed. I'm not even a big cheesecake eater, but they had this devil's food cheesecake at Junior's that was absolutely sinful. You guys are making me miss New York. I have a lot of fond memories of cutting class (I went to Brooklyn Tech) and going to Junior's with some buddies. One day we were in there, and one of the teachers we were going to see later in the day was in there having some lunch, and caught us. Of course, we made sure to be present for her class...

[driver62]

Reading about Nathan's hot dogs made me hungry so I went to the website. Since they accept mail orders, I'd like to order some but there are so many choices. Anyone have a suggestion on which ones I should order?

Also, should I order the mustard or is it about the same as other brands?

[DODGER DEB]

Reading about Nathan's hot dogs made me hungry so I went to the website. Since they accept mail orders, I'd like to order some but there are so many choices. Anyone have a suggestion on which ones I should order?

Also, should I order the mustard or is it about the same as other brands?

I know NATHAN'S make all kinds of DOGS these day, but, the original (plain) ones, IMO, are the best. I think any really good Deli mustard should do it.

BTW, Nathan's also sells regularly in QVC Food shows. So, if you tune into one of them, you can catch one of they reps with several different kinds of their DOGS. It might make it easier to choose, since it is visual.

Which ever one you choose, driver62, they are delicious...so, enjoy enjoy!

c.

[Mattingly]

I've finally returned and have scanned in some of the menus. Here they go. :)