Last weekend my 3-quart container of super cheap olive oil dribbled out its last tasty drop and I found myself with a real dilemma: where could I find another cheap, flavorful olive oil without trekking all the way to Astoria?

by Robyn Lee via Seriouseats.com

Hallelujah! Someone at Serious Eats must have heard my panicked thoughts. Their staff tried nine reasonably priced olive oils and ranked them according to taste (mellow, bitter, like water, etc.). They even chose a best in show.

Thanks to them, I’ll never again stand before an aisle of olive oil wondering which overpriced bottle might suck less.

It doesn’t matter what language you speak, a nice, cold beer is the perfect remedy for a muggy, looks-like-it’s-going-to-rain-for-the-thousandth-time kind of day. Instead of cursing Mother Nature, swing by Eagle Provisions in Brooklyn’s South Slope and pick up one of the 1,500 brews in stock. Then sit back, prop your feet up, pop open that can/bottle/keg and let the cool, bubbly liquid take you away to a happier climate.

Known to many as “The Old White Eagle Market,” this grocery and delicatessen offers an impressive stash of imported European goods, fresh baked breads and kielbasa, but in the summertime I just can’t get past the beer. Everyone–from die-hard beer connoisseurs to those drawn to bottles with cute labels–can find what they’re looking for here. And don’t be mislead by the small offering of beer up by the front registers–there’s a whole beer room to your right! The selection can be a bit daunting, but friendly owner John Zawisny will eagerly help you navigate the stock and point out his current favorites. John and his brother Richard have been at the business for 30 years and watched the clientele (and their requests) change dramatically. more…

If you’re craving the supremely Spanish dish callos a la madrileña-a stew featuring garbanzos and tripe, head to J & R (NY) Supermarket at 1406 Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay for all your animal body part needs.  In this nation of animal body part phobias, J & R offers all those organs and appendages you can’t find anywhere else-and at bargain prices.

Though traditional callos recipes vary depending on who’s grandmother you ask, many depend on tripe, cow’s feet, cow’s snouts and ham bones for that oh-so-animalicious flavor that leaves you wanting more. At J & R you’ll have your pick of animals.  Many organs come in three sizes: pig, chicken and cow.  more…