Food
Ironically, all the food places I’m going to discuss in this slide are places I’ve been to at least once for the sake of visiting the Barclays Center.
Where I’ve Been
My favorite Thai restaurant (Sky Ice) that also has the most amazing ice cream. Thai food is also my favorite type of cuisine pic.twitter.com/S4TOOV200O
— Sandy Mui (@SandySMui) October 23, 2016
Date: January 4, 2016 (though I’ve been there numerous times, including prior to the Nets’ Open House)
What I had: massaman curry lunch special (existed at the time) and ice cream sampler (five medium scoops)
My Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮
Thoughts: Yes, Thai food is my favorite cuisine, so I’m bit biased, but it’s not hard to tell if a Thai restaurant is doing things right. And SkyIce does everything right. My usual order at any Thai restaurant is massaman curry, and SkyIce uses the most delicious massaman curry paste I’ve ever had. It’s so good I thought they might’ve made their own paste (the waitress said otherwise).
However, SkyIce isn’t well-renowned for its entrees – it’s their ice cream. I can’t remember the flavors I like the most (they have too many and I’ve tried too many) so tough luck there, but you have to treat yourself to one of their ice cream samplers when you’re there. You get to choose between a sampler of five medium scoops or 12 mini scoops. If you’re feeling ambitious, still have an appetite, and want to try more flavors, I recommend the 12 mini scoops. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with the five medium scoops.
Another place by Barclays (Chick P) that won't break your wallet. Too bad they don't have Mediterranean fries anymore (on the right). pic.twitter.com/Tg4psGF4F7
— Sandy Mui (@SandySMui) October 23, 2016
2) Chick P
Date: October 18, 2015 – Nets vs. Sixers preseason game (I’ve been there twice though)
What I had: popeye delight sandwich and mediterranean fries (discontinued)
Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮
Thoughts: I love falafel, and it could pass as my religion. For just $5-$8 (depending on which sandwich you get), you get a huge portion of condiments in a pita, paired with a side dish of pickles and schug (spicy green dressing). Do get a sandwich with falafel (classic forever, red hot chili, popeye delight, deluxe), because falafel is life. They even have a rewards card–buy 10 sandwiches, get one free–though it might be difficult to go there 10 times. I was disappointed the second time I went to Chick P because sadly they don’t have their lovely mediterranean fries anymore. Chick P just might be the best bang for the buck in the area, and it’s definitely worth a shot.
It's a great day for pho 😋 pic.twitter.com/NxH9uzkn0f
— Sandy Mui (@SandySMui) October 22, 2016
3) 5ive Spice
Date: October 22, 2016 – went there for this piece
What I had: house pho (spicy braised shortrib)
My Rating: ✮✮✮✮ 1/2
Thoughts: Hot soup is the cure to any cold, so it was pretty ironic that I caught a cold from being out all day in the rain. Still, this pho was pretty darn good. It’s not the best pho I’ve ever had hence why I’m only giving four-and-a-half stars, (see Little Saigon Pearl in Bensonhurst), but if you’re in the area and want some hot soup, 5ive Spice isn’t a bad option. Usually, my go-to meat for pho is beef, but since their house pho was shortrib, I thought it was worth trying. Plus, anything spicy sells me. Honestly, it wasn’t that spicy either, so do have sriracha on hand.
Pro tip: The entrance to 5ive Spice is on Bergen Street, not Fifth Avenue.
Pro tip #2: The restaurant was extremely packed (I went around 1 PM), so you’ll probably have to settle for a stool at the bar if you go alone. If you’re going with a big party, I wish you luck.