I moved to New York City long after the last of the Horn & Hardart Automats (right) closed. Of all the photos of yore of a Manhattan I never knew, however, the images that have intrigued me the most have been of these establishments. I mean, what's not to like about put-the-money-in, open-the-little-door, get-the-food?
That's why I can't wait to try Bamn. Especially considering some of its offerings:
bite-sized burgers, mac & cheese, pizza, chicken strips, grilled cheese, hot dogs, pork buns, and lots of other great stuff - made fresh throughout the day.
Judging by the G'mist pix, the machines look like those of the Netherlands's FEBO (left), which is basically the same thing: treats of deep-fried goodness nestled in cubbies alongside burgers and other sandwiches. I sampled lots of FEBO while visiting Amsterdam in February, and if Bamn is anything like it, then happy days, indeed.
Sesto: Heh. I don't think I had FEBO while I was (or was not) under the effects of any of Amsterdam's (perfectly legal, I might add) unique botanical products. I found the kassesouffle absolutely delicious. Mikey Utah: If there was a PR firm behind this, I didn't know about it until you brought it to my attention just now. Sad to say I'm a little behind on my media consumption and just learned of the place this morning while checking Gothamist. If anything, I'm guilty of third-party PR influence. Besides, how can I resist blogging something sliders and pizza dumplings? Crazy. --Adam
Mikey: I didn't take it all that harshly. Didn't read any ill intentions into your comment. But, yeah. "Hamburger Matty" and I are going to check it out after work tonight. Don't know what kind if madhouse it might be. Given the Manhattan food scene, could be bad. The people here are nuts, working themselves into a frenzy about everything. (Of course, I'm guilty of helping stir the frenzy with the lil' ol' blog here, but I still feel qualified to bitch about it.) From cupcakes to Japanese creampuffs to freakin' burgers in a park. If you sold shit on a stick and had the right press coverage, New Yorkers would stand "on line" for an hour to buy it. --Adam
I was that asshole, too. "Hamburger Matty" and I went last night. Matty's going to have the report up soon. Gotta say, Lord Jezo, we were underwhelmed. The burgers sucked, and most of the food there was straight outta Costco. To be fair, I did like the mac-n-cheese kroket and the fries. Maybe barhoppers will respond well to this, but it seems like novelty will only get this place so far. Once the newness wears off, they're going to need to improve the food. --Adam
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Happy days are here again!
That's why I can't wait to try Bamn. Especially considering some of its offerings: 
9 Comments:
Mmm, an automat with a PR firm behind it. Open the door and smell the affectation.
Hamburger mikey utah at 7:50PM on 08/29/06
Damn you must have been high as shit, cuz FEBO is some nasty stuff.
Hamburger sesto at 8:14PM on 08/29/06
Sesto: Heh. I don't think I had FEBO while I was (or was not) under the effects of any of Amsterdam's (perfectly legal, I might add) unique botanical products. I found the kassesouffle absolutely delicious. Mikey Utah: If there was a PR firm behind this, I didn't know about it until you brought it to my attention just now. Sad to say I'm a little behind on my media consumption and just learned of the place this morning while checking Gothamist. If anything, I'm guilty of third-party PR influence. Besides, how can I resist blogging something sliders and pizza dumplings? Crazy. --Adam
Adam Kuban at 8:24PM on 08/29/06
No worries, Adam - no criticism to you intended. Just a sort of "WTF" aimed at the Manhattan dining scene in general. :)
Hamburger mikey utah at 8:38PM on 08/29/06
Mikey: I didn't take it all that harshly. Didn't read any ill intentions into your comment. But, yeah. "Hamburger Matty" and I are going to check it out after work tonight. Don't know what kind if madhouse it might be. Given the Manhattan food scene, could be bad. The people here are nuts, working themselves into a frenzy about everything. (Of course, I'm guilty of helping stir the frenzy with the lil' ol' blog here, but I still feel qualified to bitch about it.) From cupcakes to Japanese creampuffs to freakin' burgers in a park. If you sold shit on a stick and had the right press coverage, New Yorkers would stand "on line" for an hour to buy it. --Adam
Adam Kuban at 8:50PM on 08/29/06
And there'd be some asshole there to blog it that night! ;)
Adam Kuban at 8:52PM on 08/29/06
Ha!
Hamburger mikey utah at 9:56PM on 08/29/06
I was that asshole.. :) Full rundown on the pre-opening night party and complete menu... http://www.78west.com/wordpress/?p=119 It's a fun place.
Hamburger Lord Jezo at 7:47PM on 08/30/06
I was that asshole, too. "Hamburger Matty" and I went last night. Matty's going to have the report up soon. Gotta say, Lord Jezo, we were underwhelmed. The burgers sucked, and most of the food there was straight outta Costco. To be fair, I did like the mac-n-cheese kroket and the fries. Maybe barhoppers will respond well to this, but it seems like novelty will only get this place so far. Once the newness wears off, they're going to need to improve the food. --Adam
Adam Kuban at 8:27PM on 08/30/06