Mostly Food :)

Pachango Patterson's Por Fin!

2011-08-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

Let's face it...Astoria is BOOMING with amazing new restaurants! I love all my boroughs' but I'm partial to my hood of course!

Pachango Patterson's on located on 31st ave next to Bare Burger. From the same owners who brought you Vesta on 21st and 30th ave.

I have to say a friend of mine went the when it opened and had less than rave reviews. (if you're reading this try again!) I went last night and that place was AWESOME!

Started with Roasted Corn & Tomato salsa
Sweet crunchy and fresh served with homemade tortilla chips that were nice and crunchy! Such a yummy start!

I got the Moo Shu Duck, sriracha hoisin, cucumber, radish $9 (3 tacos)
Wow! The duck was shredded in this was incredible a mix of sweet and savory with just the right amount of fresh crunch from the cucumber and just the right amount of kick from the sriracha! I will get this dish again. (hopefully sooner rather than later)

And Ancho battered Pollack, citrus habanero aioli, cilantro, onion, tomato $9 (3 tacos)

The fish was crispy but flakey and juicy on the inside. The aioli was creamy and delish with the warm onion tomato mixture to top it off...AMAZING.

These were no small portions either the tacos were STUFFED! I couldn't finish!

Simple fun atmosphere friendly staff and great portions! GET THERE!

KickShaw, San Loco, and Canz...

2011-08-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

First I have been dying to try Kickshaw for weeks! It was worth the wait and I will be going here on a weekly basis. Note: this place is grilled cheese for adults...it not too kitchy (like a Big Daddy’s) just fresh, different ingredients grilled to perfection

I tried 3 different things.

Cheddar & Mozzarella on Brioche with tomato soup

A little twist on the classic. Ooey/gooey with thick sliced Brioche and a hearty tomato puree soup (a too on the marinara side for me but tasty) the bread was crispy and the cheese pulled apart in that beautiful line still connecting the 2 halves (drool)

Next was Gruyere with pickled and caramelized onions on rye with slaw

This was such a tangy delicious sandwich! The onions were cooked perfectly with just a great zest! The bread was amazing and thin.

And Finally Manchego and Ricotta with minted eggplant and capers

WOW! This had sooo much flavor...I loved the creamy Ricotta with the salty capers...this is not your mama's grilled cheese!

All were really amazing! They also have a great Wine list and yummy coffee!

I also got to stop by one of my favorite hole-in-the-wall places...San Loco...Catfish taco loco = Amazing! Crispy catfish beans lettuce cheese...this thing is so good!

The tacos/burritos range from $2.50-7 with daily drinks specials from their full bar.

Located in Astor place: 124 2nd Ave

Then because apparently I didn’t ingest enough alcohol...Canz. Now this place is basically a hooters with a HUGE beer selection and drinks that come in fish tanks...Yep! I had to try one! The peach palmer...Its a lemony-peachy iced tea...that will knock you on your ass! Simple bar fare but all in all I'd go back.

Ac & Christmas in July

2011-07-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

Well is was hotter than Hell this past weekend...we all know it

What better way to spend it than at a random bar in NJ??? (no snookie :( )

This weekend Ocean Drive bar Hosted Christmas in July...yep on the hottest weekend in summer.

The place was packed for Happy Hour Power Hour...

I had no idea what I was in for! Go-go Gadget played 60 songs in 60 min ...all 90's!!!

It was amazing...No Doubt, Kriss Kross, 3 eye blind...it was awesome
Follow the link for tour dates
Gogo Gadget

So simple to get to Atlantic City for the weekend
You can take the achadamy bus from port authority for 35$ round trip that takes you to the local casinos where upon arrival they give you a voucher to...what else GAMBLE! Love that.

The only notable food on this trip was my WAWA stops...you can't beat that place!

Freakin AMAZING weekend

2011-07-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

Started off my saturday morning at one of my favorite local restaurants...Queens Comfort.

POUND CAKE french toast!!! pink lemonade and a few other amazing treats

highly suggest getting the honey biscuits!

Below is the fried Blognia w fried egg and fresh iced tea! Then the fried green tomato sandwich!!!Spicy crunchy and basically awesome!

After we headed to coney Island...not the best idea to go on upsidedown rides after Queens comfort but did it anyway and the new rides there are so cool...1 per credit rides are about 7 credits each and you can buy em on your smart phones and have them scan that bar code that way if you don't use them you save them for the next time. They still kept the old park intact and the boardwalk had great band playing as always. If you come to NYC in the summer it's worth the ride out there!

Then I went to a little concert by an artist that you may know....PAUL MCCARTNEY!!!!!
Yep!!! It was incredible

Did I mention Billy Joel was his encore performance....holy crap overload of freakin awesomeness.

Ending the weekend with the last Harry Potter...Loved every minute of it. Special thanks to Bobby for my tix :)

Salt and Fat...Nuff said!

2011-07-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

Holy cow/pig/lobster etc....a place to feast in Sunny Side!!!

Salt and Fat has been open a short time but they are pumping out dishes of a long established restaurant! Table starter! (popcorn popped in bacon fat!)

We tried almost everything on the menu thanks to some hungry friends that I convince to join me!

Note: They have NOT perfected wait times so if you have a group or are starving be prepared to wait!

They suggest ordering shared dishes...this would normally be no problem at all however everyone in the group had an allergy or a limit or didn't eat certain things...This in no way mean you can't go in groups...But they system didn't work for us.... So we each ordered 2 dishes...

Cesar Salad: A classic the blue cheese wasn't too heavy and the croutons were seasoned perfectly! Nothing outrageous about this salad but a nice start if you're having a heavier dish.

Lobster Salad: Everything is this dish was so fresh and balanced...again a great way to start if you're dipping into the heavy dishes but the lobster was so tender and perfectly cooked and it was balanced so nicely with the citrus of the grapefruit and the orange...not too over dressed it was great! I will get this again

Oxtail: For me hands down the best dish! It was beautifully plated! A rectangular portion of delicious tender oxtails on top of a small mount of mushrooms w a smear of onion puree...Wow!!! I can not say enough good things about it!

Crack & Cheese 3 of the 6 people I was with order this and did NOT want to share but in the end they couldn't give it away! It was sooooo rich! Fried Gnocchi topped with this type of cheesy orange béchamel type sauce and COVERED in think cut bacon chunks!

Scallops: This was a light dish. 4 scallops over a type of corn salad with a roasted carrot puree. I was told it was the best scallops EVER! I'm sure it was great but I have a food allergy :( so I couldn't try them.

Muscles with Chinese sausage: The table fell silent once these were put down...a huge portion of muscles in an incredible buttery wine sauce topped with 2 crostini and speckled with bites of Chinese sausage!

Short Rib Bhan mi: These were a bit surprising I love sweet and savory dishes but I’m not a 100% that this worked. The short ribs were so yummy alone and the meat was cooked perfectly! but the thin slivers of cucumber left it with out that nice bite that you want in a Bhan mi. The sweet part of this dish was an apricot spread...Some people at the table loved it others were less than impressed...I fell in the middle...I'll try again once they're opened a bit longer.

Pork Belly Tacos: Note its Pork BELLY...Yes it s fatty isn't your belly???? (If you're reading this blog then yes, yes it is) It is a rich cut of meat 3 hard shell tacos resting on pickled jalapenos.... I tried the jalapenos and those were great! As always I didn't try the pork was it was described by my friend dawn "It's one of those meals that feel like dirty sex. Like it was amazing but you have to take a shower afterwards” I don't know if that help anyone but ...she was a fan.

Oh yes we had dessert: Because they start you off wih popcorn cooked in bacon fat and we had all those dishes we decided to split 2 desserts...They were both the same...Rice Crispy Treats with marshmellow Ice Cream!!! AMAZING!!! I would go back for just this...i know I know always the desserts but it was soooo good!

Hot Tip: They are going to start brunch soon!

Margaritas on the waterfront and Ariba Ariba in Sunny Side :)

2011-06-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

Well it was Father's Day this past weekend and my dad celebrated in style with all of his lovely ladies (me and my sisters ;> )
WE had these Huge frozen margaritas in Battery Park City. It was perfect weather for these and they offered EVERY flavor!

We ended the night at an small mexican Restaurant in sunny side called Ariba Ariba : )
I got tacos!!! Shrimp Chicken and beef....Skip all but the shrimp it was stuffed and seasoned to perfection with salsa cruda!
It was served with a side of rice and bean that completed that meal perfectly.

The sangria was nothing to write home about but the Trepeche chardonnay Was excellent!

Every one cleaned their plates the food was amazing!!! The service was some of the best that I've had...ever! I will go back there for sure :)

ROCKAWAY TACO

2011-06-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

The best tacos I've ever had! Hands Down!!!!

This place is way out of the way yes but...if you are in the area it's soooo worth it!

I got the delux style fish tacos

Crispy, light, juicy, fish!!! Topped with a radish salad that was so fresh and creamy guac!!!

The flavors were amazing and so fresh!

I can't say enough good things about them.

Also tried the Elote (corn on the cob) covered in butter and parm cheese garnish with a lime. The corn was so sweet and fresh I loved it was perfect with the balance of the salty parm!

Then (because immafatkid) the cheese, black bean, and madoro quesadilla!
This was purely just because I had to try this and it was a gooey sweet and salty mess of yummy-ness...

The prices are great with tacos at 3$ and the seating is adorable with roof top access as well!

Happy Eating!

Fetch - The Cheers of the UES

2011-06-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

As long as i lived on the UES i never went here...maybe I thought it was too close to home and I needed to venture out???

But I finally made it!
This restaurant is so charming.

It's like a big family at the bar with people walking up and down the bar greeting other regulars! Its kind of amazing!

Fetch is an Adam Powers restaurant (he will be featured on chopped soon)
There are items on the menu like thanksgiving egg roll to grilled calamari, to flat breads!

I had to have my favorite childhood dinner...'Sticks and Mac' (Fish sticks and mac and cheese!0
This was no ordinary fish stick... they were fillets fried to golden perfection and soooo juicy! And the Mac and cheese has a crispy top and the perfect gooey cheesey noodles.

(pic is fuzzy I only had my phone)

I have to go back and try more...soon

Oh and before I forget they have great happy house specials so get there early!

Coppelia 24/7!!!

2011-06-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

Went to check out Coppelia this past weekend...Only got snacks but I have to go back for full meal very soon!

Nachos: Homemade totiallas, gooey cheese, and yummy black beans!

Then the Avocado milk shake!!!! Not what I thought it would taste like...it was sweet and refreshing...although I didn't taste too much avocado.

I know it's summer time and it's freakin' hot out but it was nice and cool inside...and I really wanted to try the potato and pepper soup.
It was rich, creamy, and spicy...so good! If they have it as a soup of the day at least try a cup!

Then, because we had to, cheese croquetas....fried cheese need I say more

I will for sure go back and try some main courses soon!
The place is open 24 hrs and its just outside the meat packing district so after those late nights this is going to be such a hot spot in no time!

Ramblas, Ribbon, and Wine...

2011-05-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

What a night...

Las Ramblas in the West Village. I would have never found this place so I'm so glad I was invited! The place is small and the turn over is fast...I read some reviews before I went so I had an idea of what I wanted...
Manchego Croquets: They were on special so I'm not sure if they're always on the menu but how can you really go wrong with fried cheese...gooey and delish!

Gambas San Martin shrimp in sauce, white wine, & lemon: These came out boiling hot in a clay pot and just looked so amazing I had to have them...Shrimp is always go but the sauce totally made this...buttery, garlic...yummmm!

Ensalata De Pulpo: This dish reminded me a lot of Ceviche...It has tomatoes, onions, purple potato, in a citrus type dressing. The octopus was tender and seasoned perfectly.

Banderillas Con Chorizo De Pato: Everyone who reviewed this place talked about these duck sausages...and it was great! Classic simple...Duck, quail egg, Vidalia onions, roasted red peppers...The flavors blended so perfectly!

Of course we had to wash everything down with a Sangria (ok a pitcher)...There were 3 flavors but we got the sparkling strawberry (aka the best one).

So easy to get here it's right off the E,F,M...

I know I know...Dessert! We were supposed to have the best cannoli’s but the bakery has closed down which was a sad surprise

...So we had to suffer ;) and went to Blue Ribbon for...BREAD PUDDING!!!! I've never actually been to Blue Ribbon but this one was cranking out fresh bread down stairs and I'm so curious to go back and try more...back to the pudding it was so indulgent covered in chocolate syrup and ice cream...Heaven!!(pic is bad bc it was dark)

Some where between Dessert and wine we came across a square dancing practice…Yes!

They were called the Time Square Dancers…and anyone can join (don’t be shy)

I also got to check out a really cool street in NY…that Surprise, I’ve never been on. I completely forgot what it’s called but it was filled with town houses, a small theater, and a gorgeous restaurant on this tiny block…it was like a dream!
Ended the night at some random wine bar that I will probably never find again but it was dark, cozy, and had some great Melbec!
All in 1 night! ...Only in NY

Strawberry Mojitos, McSorely's, Karaoke, and China town show!

2011-05-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

What a weekend!

Started early on Thursday with what was supposed to be a manicure at Athena's (best nail place in Astoria) turned into 2 mojitos and snacks at Athens' Cafe. I got my mojitos without extra sugar...way too sweet otherwise but they were sooo good and i've never been there for drinks so now if there is ever a wait again I'll know where to hangout. (needless to say I didn't end up getting a manicure)

Friday night was great (weird but great) Started the night with friends at McSorely's...One of the oldest bars in NYC. Est in 1859 they serve only light or dark beer...and I son't mean different types of dark and light...I mean either or. There is a ton of history and great stories from this bar. If you're ever near Astor place stop by for a drink...5$ will get you 2 small mugs of beer! A trip to Astor place would not be complete without Karaoke...Do not drinks the blue drinks...I repeat Do not drink the blue drinks....it will turn you into a crazy person!
(You know who you are...)
Saturday had to be mellow...with a failed attempt to get a book signed by Chelsea Handler line wrapped around 2 city blocks) we just did not want to wait..then I got the most random/amazing text from my best friend saying she was Engaged... Dawn Congratulations to you and Jonny!

The very talented (best in show) Ms. Jillian Hassett wrote and preformed a piece in a workshop called Networks 2011 at Chen Dance Center at 70 Mulberry Street

If you were worried about the manicure ...don't fret I went on Sunday! Pink w Sparkles!

Agnati's in Astoria!!!

2011-05-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

Every Astoria resident needs to eat here at least once!
It is like going into your family's living room. Super comfortable and warm with community seating as well. It's adorable and right next to Astoria Park.

Because we weren't that hungry ; ) We ordered:

(on recommendation)
Shrimps Kataifi

shrimp dipped in homemade mustard sauce and rolled in finely shredded pastry $11.
These were so crispy with right the right amount of tangy sweetness from the sauce! The meat was tender and juicy!!! Excellent
Kolokythokeftedes Mykonos
Zucchini and cheese croquets$7.

They were light but still so comforting and the cheese wasn't overwhelming, you could still taste the Zucchini!
Farmer's Salad

arugula, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, capers, kefalograviera cheese 7.$
This salad was good but not anything special...fresh nice a little too much dressing but all in all just okay
Fried Baccalao
salt-cured cod fish dipped in batter and fried $13.
The fish was AMAZING!!!!!!!

I think we gobbled it up in about 3 min! It was served with garlic hummus and lemon...simple but so lush at the same time!
I will order that dish again and again.

While the portions were never big they were filling and the flavors were pronounced and authentic.
There was a free dessert of greek yogurt, cherries, and honey cake ... A nice ending to a great meal! It's good that it's next to a park too you can easily walk off some of the dinner!

More info here

Sometimes you gotta feed the soul!

2011-05-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

Well I finally went to the 5 napkin burger in Queens!!!

It was excellent...just as everyone had said!

For this...the way I ended up here is far better a story than the food.

My Friend and I met up to go to the gym. Now everyone that belongs to a planet fitness knows that after work (5-7:30pm) the place is packed!!! We couldn't get on any machines and while we were trying to do stretching, planks, and crunches...we decided that it was a better idea if we we went for a walk and enjoy the nice weather..at least we'll get in some cardio...yeah right

Well I remembered on our walk that there was a 5 napkin burger that I really wanted to try...

Long story short instead of working out we went to 5 Napkin Burger and got:

The 5 Napkin Burger: oozing with caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, and rosemary aioli!!!
Ah-freakin-mazing!
one of my top burgers

We also had the Slaw, house cured pickles, and the tuscan fries (covered in Parmasan cheese and rosemary). They were all awesome and to top if off drinks...so much for the gym

So we got in a little walk...taking care of our bodies and a great dinner...feeding the soul...had to be done!

Mother's day in De.

2011-05-09T07:23:00.000-07:00

Surprise!

I went home for mother's day and the surprise was actually a success!

We started the weekend off right with tapas and drinks at Orillas in downtown Wilmington.

We ordered the Quail stuffed with cous cous and almonds

Crab stuffed chilies peppers

baby scallops-I couldn't try these because of a food allergy that I have but...They were described as a little sweet with a spicy kick in the end and a perfect texture!

Tuna Lemon: Fresh and sooo delish..the sauces complimented the dish prefectly as did the chips on the side. It reminded me of a mix between a ceviche and a Tartar.

And the most amazing duck flat bread with drizzled blue cheese and fig spread!: Sweet, savory, fatty (in the best way) This dish was by far my favorite! It was an amazing balance of flavors!

Desserts we had a flourless chocolate cake and the rice pudding with a creme brulee top!
Both were very good and even though I don't love rice pudding this one was by far the best I've had! I think the Brulee top really made it!

If you happen to be in the area or are a local you should really stop by!

The rest of the weekend was filled with shopping and more eating!
It was a perfect break from NYC!

Book Party @ Drive In NYC!

2011-05-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

NYC's most random crowd gathered together Wednesday at Drive In Studios

For the DCC Lab's Book release party!

They had everything from pretzel venters to swedish fish. The Photos were....interesting but all in all a very NY experience.

And hey the wine and swag bag didn't hurt!

What's up BK Flea!

2011-05-02T07:56:00.001-07:00

Ah warm weather in nYC....we can all leave our tiny ass apt and enjoy the best time of year!

If you've never been to BK flea market it's definatley worth checking out. Tables filled with everything from old bags and hotel keys, to custom jewelry, to well headless dolls (great name for a band).

They also offer amazing treats Coffees, tacos, pizzas, and HUGE Donuts!!!!
I had to try one...Dulce ce leche with almonds...yes please!

That thing was as big as my freakin head...but don't worry I managed to finish it with some help from a friend!

About 2 blocks away is an awesome dive bar called Alibi. 3 dollar drinks all the time and if that's not enough...they have a great backyard space : ) ! (242 Dekalb Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11217)

To get to Brooklyn Flea take the G train to clinton and follow Lafayette: 176 Lafayette Ave. (btw. Clermont + Vanderbilt Ave.)

And the rain held out

2011-04-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

This is what I'm talking about NYC, the time of year we wait for!!!

Take off those jackets and boots...the warm weather finally came and although it ended with rain...I think it was perfect!

I do have to note that Wednesday I got to go to See Train in Concert with some Lovelies!

Friday: With work ending early I wasted no time and started drinking right away : ) We went Tribeca Grand for a gallery benefit for the Japan Tsunami Relief.

The Place was amazing and the open bar did not hurt :)

After that to Yakitori w/ some great company ; )

I was supposed to see Ghetto Klown but of corse I didn't check the time and missed it : / but not to worry I will reschedule.

A little skating, a lot of walking around, and ending the night at a local taco truck : )

all in all a great weekend

YakiTori Taisho!!!!

2011-04-25T07:02:00.000-07:00

Everyone who lives in NY (and else where) should come here at least once!
Wait in the line, deal with the small tables, it's soooo worth it!
Tucked away in St.Marks this place is such a find!

Some of the best cheap eats in the city.

You should try the Grilled rice ball with Salmon and the Chikuwa Cheese (deep fried fishcake with cheese)

We had the spicy tuna bowl (usually awesome but wayyy to much mayo this time)

Chikuwa Cheese this is crispy and mild and great if you're just trying this place for the first time!

Grilled rice ball with Salmon:

Mentai Potato (fries): the sauce served with this is salty and amazing!

and of Corse yakitori
Chicken and Quail Egg

Washed everything down with an extra large plum soda (pitcher size)

Everything here is soooo well priced starting with 1$ skewers and 2$ riceballs!

The place is always packed anytime!!! Just put your name in and wait!
It's great for 1-6ppl but you will pack yourselves at the smallest table and that is just part of the experience. It's casual, fun, and always good!

Click Here for more info!

Lunch @ Sala One Nine

2011-04-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite after work places but for $9 at lunch you get a soup or salad and a sandwich!

I had the Margret De Pato which was savory, tangy, and simply so good!

Chased by the Sangria!!! : ) Not too sweet and very fresh fruits!

My friend had the
Lentil Soup

And she said it was just "warm, cozy, and delish!'
And Pollo (chicken sandwich)!!! This came with grilled veggies and a small side salad.

The portions are so filling and the value is great!

Yelp Map of places I've reviewed...

2011-04-14T07:17:00.001-07:00

Recent reviews by Ruthanna K.

What's this?

Tell me some places I should check out!

Lulu's Cake Boutique

2011-04-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

Go Go Go!!!
They offer amazing treats!!!! They have everything from cupcakes to chocolate oreos to twinkies
They even offer gluten free options too!

I had the red velvet with cream cheese filling dipped in white chocolate, Vanilla with vanilla frosting covered in chocolate, and... Lemon cake with lemon icing dipped in white chocolate!!!
Ahhhhmazing! Really you must try!

Prices and flavors vary (avg. $3)...and they are open late night daily!
Click Here
Located at 112 8th Avenue

Spice!

2011-04-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

Ahhh there is nothing better than a cheap delicious lunch!

At Spice for around $8 you get your choice of an appetizer and entree!

So many things to select from but I had the Duck lettuce wraps
which were savory and rich

and for my entree I got the broad black noodles with chicken!

The portion is so filling and the flavor is great!

They really have something for everyone here! THe pad thai is also excellent as well as the shrimp fritters!

Blend L.I.C.

2011-04-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

Latin Fusion in Long Island City

Nothing better than kicking off the weekend with great company and awesome eats!

Long Island City is up and coming! The building, the spectacular views, and now amazing restaurants popping up everywhere.

A short walk from the Vernon Jackson stop on the 7 train is Blend. They offer everything from Mofungo to Ropa Vieja. And great cocktails to match like the Blend mojito or the new frozen sangria!

Our table ordered soooo much

We started with the tapatizers sampler...
Coconut shrimp, Chicharrones de pollo, madoros, and empanadas(1 chicken & 1 cheese)

Then shared was the Ropa Vieja...literally translated means old cloths...slow cooked braised beef w/ peppers tomato & onions.... the presentation was so beautiful.

The Beef was served in a dish made of plantains and comes with a side of rice and beans

We also ordered the arroz con pollo served with black beans

Queso de cabra salad...spiced pecans and crispy warm goat cheese on top of fresh delish mixed greens (yummm!) You can add chicken or shrimp to any salad and this would make a perfect entree.

Then finally we got the mofungo con pollo (chicken)
I've had mofungo in Puerto Rico and this one is wayyy better (really!!). They also offer pork and beef!

They have several dessert options but we got the tres leches which was dense, rich, and so fresh!
The bread pudding served warm with vanilla ice cream! (so so so good!)
and, because that wasn't enough we got, the chocolate cake!

While all the desserts were very good I liked the bread pudding the best! But I'm not sure how latin that or the chocolate cake was.

Blend has great service and very fresh ingredients! They also offer lunch, brunch, and delivery! The place is beautiful with pictures from Ecuador, Peru, Puerto Rico and more. The bar has a great cocktail list and a fair amount of red and white wines to offer.

It is a great addition to the upcoming scene in Long Island City!

Del-a-where??? My 36Hr trip : )

2011-03-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

I always love going back home!

There is something very comforting about knowing there will be a full fridge and a childhood bedroom. (filled w/ bad yearbook photos)

I got to take a quick trip back home this weekend and while it was quick, as always, it was fun!

As soon as we got back I made a WAWA run...NY needs to get on this Wawa is the freakin' best! You can get a 32 ounce soda, cowtails, milkshakes, and hoagies for like $5!!!

Ended that evening with my sister and her friends playing a drinking game with waaaay too many rules!!! But was sooo much fun!

Delaware has awesome thrift stores...not like the ones here that are just as pricey as regular stores...My friend picked up a Christain Dior blazer for about $6...and this sweet jump suit he had to have!

And my sister found this awesome jazzercise album

Then after cake w/ friends and family for my dad's birthday it was off to one of Wilmington's new restaurants...VinoTeca
I must say we ordered a lot and most of it was pretty good but... it was a Saturday night and there was only 1 waiter!!!! NOT OKAY...He was great but honestly they have a lot to work on.

We had soooo many dishes!
Okay to start we had 2 ceviches
Tuna served with popcorn (ecuadorian style) and Red Snapper with Chili (this was waaay to fishy no one had more than a bite : ( )

Griller Octopus...YUM!!! Served with fava beans and tomoatos

calamari...really tastes the same everywhere but good

Duck with orzo (fatty and delish) and short ribs with yuka (the yuka was amazing!

We also got warm beet salad (soooo good 2 thumbs up)and mediterranean flat bread (for sure skip the flat bread...it was on this thin shell so really it was just a $14 salad that was way over powered by the olive tapenade)

We tried one of each of the desserts
There was a chocolate peanut butter dome

A white chocolate orange mouse cake with a square of crunchy white chocolate with orange rind in it!!!!

And a chocolate layer cake

The white chocolate was the best!
I will have to head back another time once they're opened for a bit.
The next day it was back home to NYC
A road trip with shopping, food/drinks, and family is always welcomed.
Happy Birthday Dad!

Vesta in Astoria

2011-03-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

Local Fare, Italian Dishes, Rotating Artist, A great wine list...

Astoria Restaurant scene is spot on!!!!!!

Vesta is located on the corner of 21st and 30th Ave in Astoria Queens
You can take the N train to 30th ave and it's a straight shot down!

It wasn't my first time here but it was the first time with my camera!

We had soooo many things at the table...

Braised Pork Shoulder

The meat fell apart and the whole dish was gone in about 4 min.
(the reaction said it all...silence)
Lasagna

Served in a mini cast iron skillet
Cheesy, gooey, crispy...yummmm
Pizza with pancetta, potato, goat cheese, and caramelized onions!

It was fresh and light and soooo good!

We had to finish off the meal with a dessert that's name made everyone curious... Little Baby Jesus cake!

(this pic is for Dawn, Krissy, Nicole, and Jon..'get it with the forks')

The service was great although because this place is opening a new location they were a bit short staffed so the food took a while to come...but it was well worth the wait...plus we had wine : )