Andrew J. Lederer

Saturday night:
Smiling Pizza in Park Slope. Not gourmet, just a classic street slice. Biting into and tasting it was close to rapturous.

Sunday afternoon:
A major chef's version of a Philly cheesesteak in Greenwich Village. Cheesy, oniony, moist, doughy, meaty, mouth-filling, totally satisfying goodness.

and

Grey's Papaya hot dog. The blend of the bun, the beef, the mustard and the tomatoey onions -- perfection. And practically free.

and

A new barbecue place just south of Harlem. Pulled pork so tender it basically melted in your mouth. Kind of like Gentile brisket.

Monday evening:
Wendy's chili. Almost no one knows how great this is -- and from a major fast food chain! People always fight me when I recommend this, then return to praise me. Now a staggering $1.29, up from 99¢.

Tuesday night:
The wonton soup from the Chinese take-out place on the ground floor of the building in which I live. I'd missed it.

Wednesday:
My friend Alan's homemade chicken soup. Soft, perfect matzoh balls. Later, spaghetti with tender Jewish brisket in the sauce. And black and white cookies! (My father and sister always loved them but I didn't. I do now.)

Today:
A friend and I couldn't wait for the refurbished KFC to open in this ghetto/up and coming hipster hamlet. They were working on it forever but it didn't open 'til just after I left for Edinburgh. Shiny and still so new that the staff hasn't given up yet. "Original Recipe" was actually somewhat crispy but you could taste all the subtle spicing of the original that's missing in the "Extra Crispy". It may not have the 11 herbs and spices they claim, but it's damn good. (And here, you can get it with mashed potatoes and gravy.)