I’ve eaten so many sandwiches, so many ways…  heros, grinders, subs, wraps, paninis, and more, I’ve rocked ’em all. I’ve written about cheesesteaks from Philly, Pastrami from New York, BBQ from Austin, Hot Dogs from Chicago, Burgers from just about anywhere, and of course, Roast Beef and Mozz from Hoboken.

Yet, after all my searching, there may be no finer sandwich in all the land than the much-discussed Num Pang pulled duroc pork spiced with honey, topped with cucumber, pickled carrots, cilantro and chili mayo on fresh baked Parisi bread.

It’s become impossible to visit Union Square in NYC without eating one… or two.  Go try ASAP — 21 E. 12th St. (near University)

Small sandwich, powerful flavor

Food Highlights:

• Bobby Flay’s Buffalo Burger
• Spike Mendelsohn’s Marshmallow Shake
• The caramelized onions from Minetta Tavern
• The shortest line you’ll ever see at Shake Shack
• The Bacon wrapped, avocado topped, Crif Dog

Party Highlights:

• Meeting Giada De Laurentiis, Tyler Florence and Nick Mangold
• Watching Martha Stewart pound burgers and Rocco Dispirito pound a beer on his way out
• Getting pushed out-of-the-way by one of Rachael Ray’s six security guards. Enough already… if Martha Stewart is just hanging around by herself, you don’t need an armed entourage.

 A great culinary event for a great cause! Looking forward to 2010… for now though, I’m off to eat a salad.

Bobby Got My Vote!!!

Recent visits to the annual Big Apple BBQ festival in Madison Square Park, Lambert’s in downtown Austin, TX and Blue Smoke in NYC have made me continuously crave messy, sloppy, dirty, and filthy,  ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, slaw, beans, and of course… beer.

Looking for a good sauce? Give FunniBonz a shot… especially the spicy

Ready to chop that whole hog

Obama and Clinton yesterday at Il Mulino, presumably talking global issues over perhaps the finest bread basket on earth. Kind of makes you wonder, does the suit make the man, or the meal? Either way, good choices all around.

Rolling out... literally... walking is difficult after a meal at Mulino

It was Bryan Adams… yes, that Bryan Adams…  Summer of ’69 Bryan Adams who more than two years ago suggested to me that the tiny West Village eatery, Mexicana Mama, was perhaps the best Mex joint in the City. Doubting the Canadian rocker-turned-photog’s (is that an oxymoron?) knowledge of south-of-the-border fare, I brushed it off and continued dining with friends at the standard city Mexican restaurants (Dos Caminos or El Rio Grande for hallucinogenic margs).

It’s important to note that prior to my visit to Mexicana Mama, I was fresh off a trip to perhaps the Tex-Mex capital of the U.S. , Austin, Texas (where I was treated to a delicious Tortilla Crusted Tilapia… another post for another day), making me that much more skeptical.

Well today I swallow my pride, and wash it down with a Dos Equis Amber… apologies to you Mr. Adams, as your recommendation was correct…  Mexicana Mama, with only a handful of tables and a limited menu serves up an incredible bounty of flavors through its dishes.  Extra points here for eliminating margarita mix and opting for true Tequila and Fresh Lime Juice Margs!

Keeping with the music theme, a trip to the bathroom actually requires a backstage pass… well, not really, but it does force a trip through the kitchen offering a behind-the-scenes look at some fresh meats, veggies and melted cheeses adjusting to their floury tortilla homes..

Chihuahua Cheese and Chorizo for all… and well, the guacamole could be all for one, or one for all

Not Much Room To Rock...

Since we last spoke, I dined at CulinAriane, food-modeled for La Fonda Del Sol, toured the Upstate New York wine country, chowed on the best that the Bahamas had to offer and pigged-out at the NYC BBQ block party… and yet, despite all of that,  I’ve found no reason to share my experiences with you?

My apologies for having been missing in action for so long, it won’t happen again! I’m back and believe me, I’m hungry.

More to come, including updates on the previously mentioned culinary experiences.

Why? Because IAteItMyWay… That’s why!

Strikin' a pose at one of NYC's hottest new tapas spots

Yesterday we paid homage to Top Chef contestant Jeff McInnis and had lunch at the Dilido Beach Club. I must say for a beach-side restaurant, I was really impressed. Similar places always seem overpriced and over-hyped.  Perhaps the drinks were a bit pricey, but the cuisine was spot-on. A great selection of Tapas, salads, sandwiches, etc.

A table with a view at Dilido

Breakfast thus far has commenced at David’s Cafe. A great spot for standard continental breakfast with a Cuban twist. My new fav… Cuban toast!

More to come with meals planned at le sandwicherie, the Ritz-Carlton, the National Hotel and more!

For now, I’m just tryin to enjoy the sun! Perhaps some poolside live blogging is in the cards?

 CHECK IT OUT HERE

Can’t say that I was thrilled with most of the comments. Apparently, I’m not giving enough respect to Indian food, and not liking it makes you a questionable human being…

Thanks to Zach for the post!

Hmm… let’s jack up prices on a boring menu and offer a cheap glass of champagnge  and a rose to make everyone feel special??? No thanks…

You want special for V-day… make  it yourself. Chicken Saltimbocca, stuffed peppers and a “Heart of Shrimp” salad…

Valentine's Day a la Hoboken

In the voice of the late, great Don Lafontaine: In a world where calories no longer matter… Food is prepared any way you like… heart attacks are something to strive for… and being wrapped in bacon, topped with french fries, or deep fried merely make you normal… well…

 THIS-IS-WHY-YOURE-FAT

A web site completely dedicated to the most raucous, heartburn inducing, artery clogging foods on earth… you must check out this website.

Coming soon to an emergency room near you…

One example of why you are fat... The Hamdog... click the pic for more