Mo' ribs, mo' cue at Mo Gridder's
SHEA STADIUM
Mets Opening Day: Tuesday, April 8
Sentosa
One stop past Willets Point Boulevard-Shea Stadium on the 7 train is Flushing’s Main Street, close to bustling ethnic eateries—some of the most authentic and tasty in the city. The mostly Malaysian Sentosa, which also serves Indian-inspired fare, offers up a bevy of Malysian standards: roti, that flaky pancake meant to dip into fiery curries; peanut satay; and fried noodles. The dishes here, though, are cooked to perfection—spicy like they’re meant to be. (39-07 Prince St. at 39th Ave., 718-886-6331)
Spicy and Tasty
As its name suggests, this bustling Sichuan restaurant is known for expertly prepared blazing hot Chinese specialties. Ideally, you should come here with a large group of friends in tow, so you can gather at one of the big tables and share family-style portions of noodles in sesame oil, bean curd with minced pork, and lamb with red chili pepper. (39-97 Prince St. at Roosevelt Ave., 718-359-1601)
Green Papaya
With lackluster Thai restaurants all over the city, it’s exciting to stumble upon one that’s a cut above, like Green Papaya. Choose from reliable classics, like a fragrant coconut milk soup with chicken, spicy basil noodle, and, of course, red and green curries. (38-12 Prince St. at 38th Ave., 718-353-1888)
Unidentified Flying Chickens
While the Korean fried chicken craze may be pretty hot in Manhattan, Queens has its own impressive lair for fans of fowl. Take the 7 train to 74th Street in Jackson Heights, six stops before Shea Stadium, and head to Unidentified Flying Chickens. First, grab a seat in the modern orange-and-silver-hued dining room, then skip the mainstream panini and go straight for the main event: juicy fried chicken. Sauces like soy garlic and spicy mustard get brushed onto the chicken’s crispy skin after a frying session. Pair a bird with French fries or pickled radish. (71-22 Roosevelt Ave. near Parsons Blvd., 718-205-6662)
YANKEE STADIUM
Feeding Tree
The Bronx is filled with offbeat culinary hideouts where the locals hang, like Jamaican joint the Feeding Tree, close to Yankee Stadium. Full-on Caribbean flavors are captured in island specialties such as jerk chicken, oxtail and curried goat. (892 Gerard Ave. near 162nd St., 718-293-5025)
Charles’ Southern Style Kitchen
A short walk over the Macombs Dam Bridge leads you from the stadium to this upper Manhattan soul-food eatery. Half of Charles’ Southern Style Kitchen is devoted to takeout, while the remainder is a huge all-you-can-eat buffet spread. You’ll want to keep queuing up for more once you see the fried chicken, smothered turkey, collard greens, okra and black-eyed peas on display. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a Southern supper done right. (2837 Frederick Douglass Blvd. at 151st St., 212-926-4313)
Real Azteca
If you’ve got a hankering for a pre-game taco, this is the place to go. Seating’s tight here, so hope you can snag one of the few stools. Try one of the homemade tortillas with cheese and beef on it, folded in half, omelet-style—it’s the specialty. (1013 E.163rd St. at Simpson St., 718-860-1566)
Mo Gridder’s Barbeque
Vibrant red with a barbecue pit attached to it, Mo Gridder’s trailer certainly makes a whimsical first impression. In the daytime, it’s a charming place to get comfortable in. Sit at one of a few tables and order a down-home lunch of brisket, barbecued pulled pork or, of course, ribs—meaty St. Louis–style ones. Keep an eye out for Mo Gridder’s on opening day: Last year, they carted the trailer to Yankee Stadium, so chowhounds didn’t have to trek too far. (565 Hunts Point Ave. near Randall Ave., 718-991-3046)
Photo courtesy of Mo Gridder's
