Derik’s Open Flame

I take my Southern food fairly seriously, but apparently Derik’s didn’t. That’s why they’re closed.
One thing that inevitably lead to it’s demise was it’s take on Southern cuisine. I had a chat with someone who worked here awhile back and they were content to compare their food to anything worthy in Texas and Louisiana. Something tells me they were doing a Canadian version instead.
I gave them multiple opportunities to get me on the bandwagon. I dined in, even got delivery a few times. It was depressing inside and delivery took way too long. But what about the food? Sometimes places have great food but still manage to close due to other unforeseen circumstances.
The food was disappointing. Their only saving grace was maybe their mac and cheese, but every other side was bland and uninspired. Two of their star attractions, the Baby Back Ribs and Chicken Wings were terribly dry, and most of their other dishes were major setbacks. It was only a matter of time before they were down for the count.
The search continues for decent southern food in Sty-​town.

Is it possible to have a decent burrito delivered to Stuyvesant Town?
That’s the question I asked myself as I tried to squelch my insane Chipotle craving by perusing Seamless Web for anything of similar faux-​Mexican persuasion.
I don’t know who Derik is, and I don’t know what Derik’s Open Flame looks like, but they know how to stuff a burrito. A tortilla jammed with rice, black beans, salsa, lettuce, cheese, steak, and guacamole the size of a small toddler, grilled lightly, will set you back around $ 11. Is it worth it? Consider a Chipotle burrito is similarly priced, yes.
Seriously, this is one of the biggest burritos I’ve ever seen, let alone attempted to finish. And of course I didn’t. But I may now safely suggest a burrito fix that will journey into the East Village tenement abyss known as Stuy Town in under half an hour. And that alone was worth $ 11.

Just around the corner from School of Visual Arts I decided to try this place out. The interior is pretty small, about 4 small tables, with bright orange walls and a grill in the kitchen. The first time I went here I ordered the ¼ BBQ Baby Back Ribs w/​Rice and Beans. Ribs weren’t bad at all, they were pretty good. The rice and beans however, had no taste though, mind you they were black beans with onions. Second time coming here I got the Cheese Burger & Fries. Not bad, it was a big burger but the patty was thin. The fries were good, really crunchy. I wouldn’t dine in anymore, because it can get really loud (small area + blender + grill). This place is alright, nothing too special other than it’s a fast food BBQ joint.