Manhattan Bridge Orthodontics (212) 274-0477

Manhattan Bridge Orthodontics
145 Canal St, 2nd Floor (On the corner of Bowery and Canal – Located right in front of the bridge – on the street with the temple- look for the sign with the gold bridge)
New York, NY 10002
(212) 274-0477
www.manhattanbridgeortho.com

My smile was always something I was self concious about- until  I had it corrected, I had no idea how much I used to hide it. Now I smile so much!  I am so lucky to have found an incredible orthodontist- Dr. Jenny Zhu.  From the moment I made my appointment with Alice, I knew I had a good feeling about her office. Dr. Zhu is thorough, articulate, professional and compassionate. I felt confidant in her treatment throughout the entire time. Dr Zhu is without a doubt an incredible orthodontist and an amazing practitioner in general.  Her staff is also incredible. I can tell she instills in all her assistants that patience and quality that she expects from her own work. And I can honestly say that at the end of it, they changed my life.

 

Manhattan Bridge Orthodontics is THE place to go to get your orthodontics done, whether you’re in Chinatown or anywhere in Manhattan- or the Tri-State area for that matter. I would recommend anyone to travel to see her.  I had done my research and gone to quite a few consultations before I made my decision.  I realize now I was waiting for the right office. The quality of service here is unbeatable. The office is immaculately clean. The front desk is always polite and welcoming. And… wait for this….. the price was the lowest for an orthodontist (even compared to NJ- I compared a lot!) and they accepted my insurance. This is hands down Chinatown’s secret gem. Go here and save yourself the time and travel wasted on the overpriced tiny Uptown/ Midtown offices or the dingy, overcrowded Downtown offices.

 

Update 3/22/09

I had my retainer check appointment this Sunday. (I’m so thankful that they are open evenings, Saturdays and Sundays.)  And Dr. Zhu replaced my retainer No Charge!  I had walked in expecting to pay hundreds of dollars because that was what my friend said she had been charged recently at her orthodontist.  I am so lucky I chose the right orthodontist from the start.  I’m going in for another retainer check appointment in 3 months and I can honestly say I am looking forward to it! I love going to Manhattan Bridge Orthodontics! — I talked to a mother that was hanging out in the waiting room and she said both her and her son love it there too.

Hot Mini Cakes aka Hong Kong Cakes, Pancake Balls

Hot mini cakes, also known as pancake balls or Hong Kong cakes to some, have been a staple of Chinatown street treats for as long as I can remember.  They are bite sized, round, fluffy, light, and extremely fun to eat.  It is made to order using an ancient secret Chinese pancake batter poured over a hot steel griddle.

A little bit of historical fact: the first mini cake shop was located on the corner of Mosco and Mott Street in a bright red shack.  As a child, I remember my grandfather taking me there as a reward for doing well in school.  Although that shop is no longer around, there are several street vendors that still make this delicious treat.

There’s a mini cake vendor on Bowery and Pell Street, another one down on Canal and Mulberry Streets, and possibly one on Bowery and Hester Street.  However, the best (when I say best, I mean cheapest) mini cake vendor can be found on Grand and Bowery Street.  While others sell them for 15 pieces for $1, this guy sells you 20 for $1 – what a bargain!

K.L. Malaysia Beef Jerky Inc.

95A Elizabeth St., New York, NY 10013, Between Grand St. and Hester St.

This family owned beef jerky joint makes such delicous beef jerky.  I do not have words to drescibe the finger-lickin’, juicy, flavorful tenderness that is found in their beef and pork jerky.  This is truly one of those times that I find my lack of foodie vocabulary has failed me. All their jerky is good.  When it comes to jerky, I like mine a little spicy.  Although they also have the plain flavors.  Pork jerky is a little more tender and beef jerky is a tad tougher.  Both taste delicious.  This beef jerky is better than any jerky you will find prepackaged and way, way better than that tough stuff they sell at this other beef jerky place on Bayard St. Cost: Approx $16 per lb.

Another wonderful treat they offer are their ha koo cho (prunella vulgaris) and sugar cane drinks ($1). These drinks are used as Cantonese food therapy.  They offer the “yin or cooling” cure for too much “yang”.  (Sympoms of yang include dry skin, chapped lips, and mouth sores.) It’s a perfect refreshing drink to go with a delicious snack.