Eating In Translation

El Presidente

There's not much to say about muslo a la parilla (lunch special; $4.99), except that my grilled chicken thigh seemed to be riding high — high enough that I was also served white, breast meat (which tends to dry out on the grill) and not just dark. Lovely charred highlights, though, that were almost as endearing as the "donde vivimos" paper placemat. Paired with the sweet oatmeal drink called avena (not shown; about $2), flavored with orange and lemon.

El Presidente
3938 Broadway (at 165th St.)
212-927-7011

Sidewalk sweets vendor

There's elotes, and esquites, and then there's majarete.

Otafuku

(This post is based on visits to the shop's previous location just down the block.) Usually I don't go for the clingy type.

Art Students League cafeteria

A starving-artist mentality holds sway on both sides of the cash register: A hardboiled egg is 75 cents, hot water for BYO teabags costs a quarter, and a packet of butter or jelly will set you back a nickel.

Meredith's Bread

Ever since my last visit to Cape Cod, when I missed my chance at Marion's, I've had chicken pot pie on my mind.

Just Wingin It

(This venue is closed.) Five wings ($3.25) with the "hot" (that is, medium) version of the traditional Buffalo-style sauce, and blue cheese dressing. Decent amount of meat for the price.

Just Wingin It
2190 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (at 118th St.)
718-690-3639

Leo's Latticini

You'll be greeted by very friendly servers, too.

Manducatis Rustica

To land a fish panino, you'll need to navigate past the siren song of the desserts.

Tournesol

"Sunflower," the English translation for the name of this French bistro, shines in the evening, too.

Silvercup Bakery

That's the reverse angle — or, if you like, a reaction shot of the Empire State and Chrysler buildings. (Click the photo for a better look.) In 1983, the brothers who inherited the former Silvercup Bakery converted it into a film and television production facility, removing the word "bread" and adding "studios" to the iconic rooftop sign. (Thanks to snoh, whose comment pointed me to the pre-makeover photo.)

Surviving signage for Silvercup Bakery
Near the main lot of Silvercup Studios
42-22 22nd St. (42nd-43rd Aves.), Long Island City, Queens