look at all that cool Mets stuff!
love the window displays
A few days later, I had an evening game at Citi Field on a Saturday, so I looked up what time they close – 6pm according to NY Mag – and headed over to Corona early again. I got there at 5:45, walked in, and was informed that they were closed. I was so disappointed, but I asked politely what time they close, and was informed that they close at 5. Wow. Okay.
The next day, I had another game at Citi Field, and I was super determined to eat there. I arrived at 11:30; their opening time is listed at 10am. Strangely enough, though, they didn’t seem to be open… or not fully operational, anyway. They occupy a huge space on the corner, with multiple entrances, so I confusedly asked where I should go and wandered through the deli, the pasta section, and finally wound up in the cafe, where I was told they were busy prepping for the game and could only sell pre-made sandwiches.
The exact same ones I get at the game, Mama’s Special. Of course, it was a few dollars cheaper – $7.50, I believe – but it was essentially the same sandwich, down to the mushrooms and red peppers in little cups they give you to top your sandwiches with yourself. I’d really like to love the place, but I simply don’t understand how I can visit and get the full scope of what’s available to purchase, either for them to make for me to eat, or for me to buy and eat at home. I just don’t get it. This was one of the more frustrating experiences I’ve had this year – it was like they don’t need or really want my business. When are they actually open???
(I just did a little extra research and noticed that they close at noon on Sundays. Perhaps they were closing a bit early that day. I don’t know. Perhaps I will give them one more try, smack-dab in the middle of their hours of operation on a weekday, and see how that goes. One more try. I think three times is a lot already.)
Yvo says: I still like their sandwiches, and even though the sign said and I ordered “fresh lemonade” I was given a bottle of Pellegrino limonada, I don’t dislike them. I just feel frustrated that there’s no way for me to really understand how things work there, and I feel very much like I’ll never find out. I tried three times within a week to go, which is something of an anomaly for me… and I remain frustrated and unconvinced.
get the sandwiches at the stadium… at least you’ll know what’s going on when you do
T.C. says
Mama’s gonna knock you out.
Are you going to their official pizza place, Cascarino’s, too?
Feisty Foodie says
BF sort of likes their pizza but admits it isn’t that good. I’ve driven by in the past – it’s near my school – but I’m not that interested… the place looks way more than a pizzeria and more like a real restaurant!
Hungry says
Sounds like an old school place that does whatever, whenever as they please. I like it!
Feisty Foodie says
I like the idea, I don’t like that I can’t ever go when they’re willing to be open! Hahaha!
BeerBoor says
Omerta.
chakrateeze says
Bummer.
Tracie
Feisty Foodie says
Very weird right?!
Barbara says
Maybe if you checked their hours before you went the first time, or called them directly instead of relying on a potentially inaccurate third-party source, you might have been a bit less frustrated. As for “not getting” what there is available to purchase, it’s really not all that complicated–it’s an old-school, Italian deli. But they also have printed paper menus right on one of the counters. Don’t count this place out. The food is great, the owners are nice women and they are usually very accommodating. I first started going there over a decade ago when a cousin from out of town saw a feature on them on what is today The Food Network, but was then TVFN. They carefully individually paper-wrapped, then plastic-bagged each of the 3 or 4 Mama’s Specials I bought when I commented that I was taking them to my cousin in Texas and they volunteered to pack separate containers of peppers and mushrooms on the side, so the sandwiches would stay better. Now I dare not show up in Dallas without them.
Feisty Foodie says
Hi Barbara – so… there were no menus when we went. We were told we could buy Mama’s Special sandwich, and that’s it. That’s disappointing given that I can and do get that at Citi Field on a routine basis. I went out of my way to go here and see what else they offer, and got something I always get at the stadium, for a buck or two cheaper. I also don’t deny the food being great, nor did I count this place out! I just had very frustrating experiences trying to eat there and still don’t feel I’ve “eaten there” – I simply said it was in my best interest to eat the Mama’s Special at the stadium.
Also, the containers of peppers/mushrooms… have always come on the side for me, including this time eating at the cafe. We have clearly had very different experiences; the food is good, and I like it… but my three times trying to go were very discouraging.
Ah well, I’ll be back… at least for the fresh pastas. I love fresh pasta. Soon enough… I’ll get there 🙂