Today is my good friend Pat's birthday (above right, with Joel on the left), so I decided to post about his favorite NYC spot, the Halal food cart on 53rd and 6th. Ave.
I know, I know... there are TONS of Halal Food carts in the city, which is pretty amazing, and everyone has their favorites for different reasons, but for the past 4-5 years, we never complained about waiting on the long line at the corner of 53rd and 6th with drunk eaters who share the same hunger and obsession for halal at 3:00 am. Four years ago, I could finish a whole chicken platter with rice, lettuce, pita, white sauce and hot sauce. I'm still a little fatty at heart and will always want to finish a whole platter, but these days, we only go on occasion when the line isn't too long, or when Pat comes home to visit. I now settle for just pita and chicken with lettuce, hot sauce and white sauce--no rice--I get to about half before handing it over to Joel to finish.
We stopped by at around 10:00 pm this past week after Joel's Urban Leage basketball game. I'm still a little freaked out from watching Fast Food Nation so I just got a platter of rice, pita, lettuce, hot sauce and white sauce (no meat). What a mistake, and a waste of money! Its my own fault, I know. It was still $5. If the rice was flavored, then I wouldn't mind, but it was so bland, and I ended up picking chicken off of Joel's "Mixed platter," with rice, salad, lamb, chicken, pita, hot sauce and white sauce. So, I guess I'm over it now.
My boring meatless platter.
"Mixed" Platter
I used to think that 53rd and 6th was only worth it in the middle of the night, when you were starving + sleepy, but it is still as good as I remember even on a normal night. I remember when they used to pour the 'hot sauce' right onto the platters. They've come a long way. Nowadays, you can get it on the side. They even have a website with their menu and other info.
Line too long? If the line goes waaaay too long (which it usually does on the weekends) the cart right on 6th ave., closer to 52nd st. is almost as good, and throws in some fried onions if you like.
No Parking? If you can, have someone stand in line as soon as you get there so by the time you do find a spot, you don't have to wait as long, or you can "stand" closeby and have someone sit in the car.
Thirsty? Order, pay, then wait for your food. All drinks are a few steps away, closer to 6th ave. $1 water! Get a lot if you are getting hot sauce!
See you soon Pat! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
53rd & 6th Ave. From 7:00 pm - 4:00 am ONLY (not before)
www.53rdand6th.com
3 comments:
yum.... mixed platter. im salivating just thinking about it. i totaly appreciate you posting this blog on my bday... means a lot to me =) cant wait to see you guys tomorrow and also cant wait to stuff my face into one of those mixed platter.
Oh man, I absolutely LOVE the cart on 53rd and 6th!! I used to wait an hour for their chicken and rice combo platter!!
gracenotesnyc: I was just there last night! I was so hungry, I couldn't pull out the camera! Oh, and this time, I made sure to have some chicken! Happy eating!
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