Last week I wasn’t feeling that well, probably because I don’t wash my hands with Purrell hand sanitizer. So I decided to make myself some chicken soup. It’s one of the few things I know how to cook. I’d go as far as to say it’s delicious, but that might be the fever talking.
Anyway, I needed some stuff to make the soup, and I decided to go to Cardona’s Market. I love that place. And here’s why…
Not only is it family owned and operated since the 1940s, but once I saw the owner wearing one of those news-boy hats, on his hands and knees with a bucket of soapy water scrubbing the floor. Who does that these days? It was like a scene out of the 1930s. It was so impressive.
A few years ago they renovated the store and made it bigger and better. They have cheese and meat hanging from the ceiling (I mean, c’mon), and a great produce section, and a butcher in the back. AND, they make their own pre-made meals like lasagna and soups. They’re so good.
(One more thing and then I’ll stop. Cardona’s once catered one of our holiday parties and everyone loved it.)
Anyway, I’m attaching my recipe for soup. (nevermind, scratch that. I can’t find it on my laptop. I thought I wrote it down.)
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So, all this italian food talk got me hungry and I am just getting back from dinner with my buddy Eric. We went to Delmonico’s on Central Avenue. I love that place! I always have a really good meal there.
…and last week my grandparents in Utica sent me a greeting card with a gift certificate to Delmonico’s and Red Lobster (don’t judge) because it was my “Name Day” (which is a catholic recognition of the Saint’s day who shares your name…. mine being St. Matthew, and apparently last week was St. Matthew’s day. Have I mentioned lately how much I love my grandparents?)
Anywaaaaaaaay, while I was there I was pleased to meet a very sexy bartender named Christina who came over and introduced herself as a Friday Puppy reader :) , which made me feel very good. She was surprised I wasn’t drinking vodka, but I told her how I have to speak in front of a “Blogging” class tomorrow night (don’t laugh), and I didn’t want to be hungover in any way (because the slightest hangover will give me a panic attack).
But she pours a mean diet Pepsi, not Coke, the other bartender wanted to be absolutely CERTAIN I was aware it was NOT Coke. She was like, “no no no, it’s diet PEPSI, NOT Coke”. Ok ok. Jesus, like I’m going to sue them. Serve me Diet Rite for all I care.
Anyway, great meal, great service. (Hi Christina!)
Love Cardona’s. Before I leave town, I stock up on their individual meals which are fantastic when you’re in a rush and have no time to eat. I recommend the classic spaghetti w/ meatballs or try their manhattan clam chowder…after posting this, I now go to bed incredibly hungry…mmmmmm
LOVE Cardona’s. I just had dinner from them the other night – Chicken Cacciatore. Yum. We frequently get the meatballs and sauce from them for dinner. :)
I must say I’ve never been, but now that I live downtown well close to it…I’ve been looking for places such as this to frequent. So now I will have to check it out after work!
oh and congrats on the new website… I check this out everyday before or after my first block of class everyday.
“She was like,
It sounds like this bartender is actually up on her current events. She assumed you would want only Pepsi because of Pepsi’s recent support of Gay/Lesbian groups, although indirect. Some Conservative groups have been boycotting Pepsi because of this. Actually, one group in particular estimates to have convinced 500,000 people to boycott Pepsi until they stop their support of these groups. Pepsi to their credit has refused. Google the story. Now that’s a good bartender!
Love Cardona’s… I practically live around the corner from it. They have fresh pasta from NYC and all kinds of stuffed olives. The butcher is the best – tell him what you want and it’ll be freshly cut, ground, etc. for you. And try the chicken meatballs; they are yummy!
gotta say i am mad at that place. went and didn’t find simple things i thought they should have. it is nice to have an italian market (what about that Andy’s place down the street?) but i thought it was way overpriced and the stock wasn’t that impressive. it can be done and for cheaper. and better.
Hey Matt,
I asked this question on the TU, but it may have gotten lost in the transition: are you throwing the Halloween Party in Washington Park this year?
If so can you post the details or email me?
Good luck with your blogging class! Maybe you can give us some pointers tomorrow night ;)
Interesting that you mention the Diet Rite, which I believe is an RC product. A few years ago when I foolishly flirted with entering the restaurant business, I sought some advice from a seasoned vet who said “Number One tip – don’t buy coke, buy RC. It’s much cheaper and your customers wont care”. Makes me wonder, is this a trick in the bar business, or a common way to cut costs??
@ Zack,
yes that party is definitely happening.
OMG – I thought only Greeks recognized Name Day’s – LOL