Formosa Street Food and Bar (formerly Unwind Cafe)

[Thomas Vu]

IMHO, even though Katz is famous, there are a number of delis with better Reubens and Pastami sandwiches in Manhattan. Maybe Scottie’s will surprise me, but I haven’t found anything close in OKC yet.

Give me this list.

[ctchandler]

Give me this list.

I will try to locate the place in Queens where I really enjoyed their pastrami and Swiss on rye. I didn't make it to Katz, but if it's as good or better than the one in Queens I'm really sorry I missed it.
C. T.

[soonerguru]

IMHO, even though Katz is famous, there are a number of delis with better Reubens and Pastami sandwiches in Manhattan. Maybe Scottie’s will surprise me, but I haven’t found anything close in OKC yet.

The food critics of New York Magazine disagree with you. Although I would love to see your list by all means. "Better than Katz's" for pastrami would be high praise.

Here's New York's list:

http://www.grubstreet.com/bestofnewy...trami-nyc.html

[Rover]

That’s like reading the best barbecue list in the Gazette.... Earls, Rib Crib, .... people need to go try instead of reading lists.

[Uptowner]

The New York New York, which is the exact sandwich I get at canters or Katz, half pastrami half corned beef on seeded rye w/ kraut cheese and mustard instead of ketchupy mayo (thousand island). Is not what I would call a reach to clone these delis. It’s got its own style since they heavily smoke the pastrami and make their own kraut. It’s a very very good sandwich. But I wouldn’t go expecting a clone. Scottie’s is legit in what it’s trying to do and it’s identity. Which is a kind of hybrid between a quick serve, counter sandwich shop and a full blown, sit-down delicatessen.

[David]

That New York New York is more or less what I always get, it's so good and hard to stray from.

[Rover]

The New York New York, which is the exact sandwich I get at canters or Katz, half pastrami half corned beef on seeded rye w/ kraut cheese and mustard instead of ketchupy mayo (thousand island). Is not what I would call a reach to clone these delis. It’s got its own style since they heavily smoke the pastrami and make their own kraut. It’s a very very good sandwich. But I wouldn’t go expecting a clone. Scottie’s is legit in what it’s trying to do and it’s identity. Which is a kind of hybrid between a quick serve, counter sandwich shop and a full blown, sit-down delicatessen.

Great to know. And, I like that they aren't trying to be someone else. Haven't made it there yet, but am looking forward to it.

[Pete]

They will now be open Sundays 10-4.

[Joe Kimball]

Excellent news! That's a good sign.

[soonerguru]

That’s like reading the best barbecue list in the Gazette.... Earls, Rib Crib, .... people need to go try instead of reading lists.

You come across like such a jerk sometimes. Not sure if that's your intention. That New York Magazine list is nothing like the Gazette's Best of OKC; it's not a popularity vote of readers, it is the combined opinions of the food critics of New York Magazine.

Still, I would love to read your "Better pastrami than Katz's" list, if it actually exists.

[Rover]

There’s one in Brooklyn I like, I believe it is Frankel’s. Also is Court Grocers. Near our apartment was a place, Eisenbergs. And, of course, Katz. I was sad to see Carnegie close as it was a long time go to for me.

Don’t know why you keep feeling compelled to attack me when I disagree or don’t fall in line. I just happen to trust my own opinion on many things I have experience with rather than lists, even from “experts”. Things like food, music, movies, books, etc. often are a matter of personal preferences and just because something is popular doesn’t make it the best. Like I said, Earl’s is very popular and on many lists, but it isn’t necessarily where I would recommend barbecue enthusiasts from out of town to go first,

By the way, I’ve been to plent of restaurants touted by the NYT that were far from great,

And a final btw on this thread and your defense of Katz...I like Katz a lot. It is better than anything here. It just isn’t my favorite in NYC.

[Thomas Vu]

And a final btw on this thread and your defense of Katz...I like Katz a lot. It is better than anything here. It just isn’t my favorite in NYC.

I probably should have started my statement on something like this. I think Katz is better than the lot here. I just happen to prefer Scotties, and I have a feeling I could find better in NYC if I had more time there.

[John Knight]

I had a meeting with Eric yesterday and it looks like they are going to be adding a small patio in front.

[Pete]

I had a meeting with Eric yesterday and it looks like they are going to be adding a small patio in front.

Yes, he had applied for design approval a few months ago.

The sidewalk along 23rd has plenty of room for some tables and chairs and would add life to the entire area. I hope the other bars and restaurants will do the same.

[shawnw]

Pizza 23 and Big Truck were the patio pioneers in this area

[Heysloth]

I had a meeting with Eric yesterday and it looks like they are going to be adding a small patio in front.

This is great news. I have been hoping 23rd would have more of a street presence. Now if only they will get started on the sidewalk improvements it could be a really nice walkable area.

[TheTravellers]

A little while ago, Scottie's switched from making their own bread to using Esca Vitae. Now that Esca Vitae has closed, anybody know what they're going to do for bread?

[TheTravellers]

A little while ago, Scottie's switched from making their own bread to using Esca Vitae. Now that Esca Vitae has closed, anybody know what they're going to do for bread?

Found out they went back to baking it themselves a couple of months ago when we went. Ate there last night and found out that about 2 weeks ago, they added hot dogs and a bunch of fried stuff to their dinner menu, don't think that update has made it online or to their paper printed menus yet (it's on their laminated ones). Fries are *huge* (2-3 servings easily), but great - hand-cut, peels still on, fried super-crispy.

[Pete]

^

Scottie's hired one of the Esca Vitae bakers.

[Anonymous.]

Rip

[Pete]

They have announced Feb 29th will be their last day.

[Pete]

Just wanted to say that the owner of this place, Eric, absolutely busted his ass and did everything he could to make the place a success.

As someone who has also invested heavily in this community, I just hate to see them not make it.

[TheTravellers]

Just wanted to say that the owner of this place, Eric, absolutely busted his ass and did everything he could to make the place a success.

As someone who has also invested heavily in this community, I just hate to see them not make it.

I totally agree, it's a shame it died, but it's kind of their own fault, if I may be so bold. We ate there within a few weeks of opening, wasn't great, but later on it did get great (we ate there probably a total of 7-8 times) - tasted good, portion size was good, lots of variety, service was good. But the last time we went, it was like a Subway in a gas station - sandwiches weren't very big (yes, I understand a ton of places overserve at the beginning and then realize that's not sustainable and cut down, but it was ridiculous how much they cut, at least on our sandwiches), presentation was completely sloppy and just thrown together, didn't taste that great. Service was still decent though, but everything else had gone downhill, which is something that's completely on them, because if you start sucking, people aren't gonna go back (we'd go to Gusto or someplace else (not the deli )).

[Pete]

^

I'm sure they just couldn't provide the quality and portions at a price point that people will pay in this town.

They were trying to do everything from scratch, which is highly ambitious.

[Pete]

^

I'm sure they just couldn't provide the quality and portions at a price point that people will pay in this town.

They were trying to do everything from scratch, which is highly ambitious.