NYC soda ban overturned and more in the QNYC Evening Edition for Tuesday March 12, 2013

The NYC soda ban was overturned

After all this anticipation, Bloomberg’s soda ban was overturned. You can thank Justice Milton A. Tingling Jr. of State Supreme Court in Manhattan, who, in a 36-page ruling, called the ban “arbitrary and capricious.” In his mind there were some legit inconsistencies. Bloomberg says he will appeal. Some restaurants, though, plan to carry on with the limitations set forth in the ban, regardless of yesterday’s decision.

LA vs. NYC Mexican food – which is best? 

Via the City Spoonful Facebook page, we took a look at this interesting article from FirstWeFeast, The Great Debate: Is L.A. Mexican Food Really Better than NYC Mexican Food? It is a common complaint among California expats that NYC Mexican food is not that great and that the real deal Mexican food is on the West coast. We tend to agree with this statement: “There is great Mexican food in New York City—anyone who denies it just isn’t looking hard enough.” We’ve eaten a lot of truly delicious Mexican food especially in neighborhoods like Jackson Heights and Corona – both in restaurants and off of street carts. Tortas Nezas, take us away!

Open Door has opened their doors

Open Door restaurant, run by local guy Nick Guitart (he’s executive chef and owner), is finally open. We first heard about it in 2009, and four years later, it’s in business. Their original concept was to serve “small, American-style tapas” in a relaxed environment. There are definitely small plates involved and the atmosphere is relaxed. The “leg of lamb, with apricot slaw on top of a walnut and date bread” sure sounded good. Yuca gnocchi with cilantro pesto also is intriguing. We can’t wait to try it ourselves.

Mets second baseman Jordany Valdespin is going to be OK

We read over on Gothamist about an unfortunate experience Mets second baseman Jordany Valdespin had yesterday. There was a 94 mph fast ball and… no cup. OUCH. The pitcher (Verlander) that threw the ball felt pretty bad (but probably not as bad as Valdespin). Everything is ok, though, and in working order. Maybe Valdespin will change his ways after this.

El Panadero – making pan dulce in Jackson Heights

We loved this video called El Panadero, about a man who makes pan dulce – those are the colorful Mexican pastries you see in various bakeries in Jackson Heights, Corona, and Elmhurst – at Panaderia Coatzingo in Jackson Heights. It’s fascinating to see him crack eggs, wrestle with a giant mass of dough, and create colorful pastries. Makes us want to run right down and pick some up!