Foodie Adventures

BaoHaus- Asian Buns

2014-06-11T13:09:00.002-07:00

BaoHaus, a fast food rendition of the popular Asian street food known as the Bao, (which, when translated means bun in Chinese) created by internet personality Eddie Huang I stumbled upon him via a video on Vice: Munchies and felt inclined to check his eatery out since it was in NYC. Be warned, the weekends can sometimes equal long wait lines and crowded eating conditions.

Lunch:

Apple Sidra

Basically the Asian rendition of apple cider. Bubbly & refreshing. Much better than soda, (in my humble foodie opinion).

Chairman Bao

Braised all Natural Berkshire Pork Belly topped with cilantro, special Haus relish, crushed peanuts, and a sprinkle of Taiwanese red sugar. Pork lovers? this is definitely your dish! Savory with a hint of sweet. The freshness of the cilantro and the crunch of the nut helps balance out and adds a great texture to the meatiness of the pork belly.

Birdhouse Bao Special

Your typical Birdhouse Bao is a combination of all Natural Fried Chicken, Brined for 24 hours and topped with cilantro, special Haus seasoning salt, crushed peanuts, and a sprinkle of Taiwanese red sugar. But instead of your typical buttermilk friend chicken batter, this beauty is deep fried in a Cheeto concoction.

Yep that's right, you heard me. Fried Chicken and Cheetos, together, in a convenient travel-sized Bao. This newly added item is only served Monday-Wednesday and gives a whole new meaning to junk food. The fat girl in me is jumping for joy.

Happy Hump Day indeed.

http://www.baohausnyc.com/

Graffiti Food & Wine Bar- American Asian Fusion

2014-03-31T19:53:00.004-07:00

I first found out about Graffiti from their annual summer stall at Madison Square Park Eats. Being famished (and a lover of graffiti in general), I decided to sample one of their infamous spicy-sweet and savory "Graffiti burgers" and was instantly hooked! Since they offered a limited menu at the stall, I had to venture out to the Eas Village to taste what else owner and Iron Chef contestant Jehangir Mehta had to offer.

To describe this space as a "quaint" restaurant would be a bit of a stretch, it's most definitely more of a "tight squeeze" with communal tables and minimal elbow room. This location can make for quite the intimate date with newspaper place mats adding to the communal feel. That being said most, if not all of the entrees are tapas style, ideal for sharing and filled with extremely creative parings of ingredients. Reservations are ideal (and recommended) for the weekend hours.

Tapas:

Zucchini Hummus Pizza

Tired of your typical NYC slice? Then this exotic combination is your next best best. A crispy concoction served with slices of well seasoned zucchini slices and topped with (an extremely spicy) crushed green chickpea wasabi. Ideal for the adventurous type, not something I see myself craving in the future but definitely a pizza worth trying at least once in your life.

Duck Portobello Gratinee

A beautiful rendition of duck served with a combo of a huge portobello cap, braised duck, tomatoes and a sprinkle of seasoned grains and a mustard onion confit. Really lovely, flavorful combination of cultural seasoning, not to mention the duck was cooked to a tender perfection. Tasted both healthy and delicious.

Hazelnut Chocolate Caviar

A delicious dessert, a cupcake covered in hazelnut chocolate topped with caviar and served with a whipped dollop of chocolate ice cream. So delicious! Not too sweet, with an interesting blend of flavors and textures. Will absolutely be back to sample a selection of their other sweet treats.

I think I'll definitely more! They have way too many mouth-watering combos to pass up.

Book reservations at:

http://www.graffitinyc.com/

Cafe Habana- Cuban Cuisine

2014-03-12T14:31:00.004-07:00

Cafe Habana, I would gladly spend my last dime, here, on you. A tight squeezed eatery filled with flavorful waitresses, and even better, flavorful food. Home of the award winning Cuban Sandwich and authentic Mexican Street Corn, Latin foodie lovers and Soho shoppers alike (they have one other location in Brooklyn), flock to this quaint eatery on the regular. Let me do the math for ya, Tight space + Amazing/affordable food = Long wait times. That being said, I usually visit during lunch hours to avoid massive crowds and to get slightly cheaper menu options.

The Order:

Grilled Corn

You haven't lived life unless you've tried Cafe Habana's savory sweet corn on the cob! Char-grilled to a sweet, savory finish and topped with a ton of cotija cheese and chilli powder. I'm far from a big fan of corn, but my lord, this buttery, spicy, creamy goodness is like heaven on earth! I still get cravings for this in the middle of the night.

Quesadilla de Pollo

Grilled chicken served in a lemon cilantro flour tortilla, topped with smoked cheddar cheese, verde and crema with a whopping side of rice and beans. Probably the best, creamy, sweet but savory serving of black beans my taste buds have had the pleasure in tasting. With the contrast of the crispy yet soft feel of the quesadilla, practically melting in your mouth, just add a touch of hot sauce (if you're a spicy lover like myself), and this entree is as good as gold!

Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Saved the best for last, Corn tortillas stuffed with shrimp marinated with thyme, oregano, garlic and chipotle in adobo. Topped with a hint of citrus zest and served with a classic (whopping) serving of guacamole, pico de gallo and rice and beans. There are little to no words to describe this dish, my mouth is practically salivating thinking about the delicious, tangy flavor in contrast to the sweet, creamy beans. Honestly, this is probably the Top 5 best tacos in NYC!

Check out their sister location in Brooklyn. And don't be surprised to be met with a bit of a wait during their peak hours.

http://www.cafehabana.com/

Madiba- South African Cuisine

2014-03-05T13:46:00.001-08:00

Mandiba located on a quaint neighborhood block in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Inside is filled with ethnic paraphernalia of historical and cultural influence. Locals on the lounge/bar end discussing something deep, the other end filled with neighborhood family and friends. With a rooftop garden open in the summertime, this spot has definitely has the elements to become a neighborhood classic!

Colorful cultural paraphernalia

The Dranks:

South African wine is probably some of the best New World wine out there. I opted for the Excelsior Syrah aka Shiraz in Aussie terms (pictured above). A full body blend of red berries, tart with an oaky finish. A great paring for the spicy, flavor-filled dishes we tried below!

The Dishes:

Oxtail Potjie Kos Bredie

A slow cooked, rich stew filled with a South African vegetable medley and a chunk of oxtails. Served with a side of African style roti. Let me tell you, this roti is the most buttery, soft yet crisp roti I've ever had the pleasure in tasting. Paired along side with the broth-filled stew equals an amazing cultural treat!

Pap & Vleis

A succulent rack of lamb chops, grilled to perfection, served with a side of pap aka cornmean but beneath a layer of chakalaka. What is chakalaka you might ask? It's simple South African dish consisting of spices, onions, beans and tomatoes. Served with a side of not mashed, but smashed potatoes seasoned with white pepper and truffle oil. So, SO good! p.s. just a point of reference, most items made with truffle anything, tastes amazing!

Dessert:

Koeksisters

A sticky and sweet braided doughnut, coated with a tangy lemon-ginger glaze and served with lychee and strawberry garnish. Sweet and savory with a bit of a doughy flavor, not one of my most favorite desserts, but it was a nice alternative from your run-of-the-mill dessert options.

Some goodies & a wanted Nelson Mandela poster, lined up by the bar entrance

An overall amazing cultural experience, with a large, but still quaint feel. Great service, and more importantly, delish food. I recommend trying here at least once!

http://www.madibarestaurant.com/

Blossom Du Jour- Vegan / Juice Bar

2014-02-28T12:23:00.001-08:00

Blossom Du Jour, one of the top vegan/vegetarian spots in the city. Located in the Chelsea area, with two sister locations Midtown and Uptown. Blossom boasts an extensive list of meat and dairy free dishes of your favorite comfort foods, from meat melts to quesadillas to the every popular pressed juices, (pre-packaged for your busy morning rushes).

Le Order:

Vegan Tacos

So I decided to give their Taco special a go (since they're only served on Tuesdays until the ingredients runs out). A combination of vegan meat and cheese, topped with lettuce, sour cream and topped with spicy seasoning. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of flavor of each of the 3 hard filled tacos. Each tasted just as flavorful as a regular tacos, plus the added flavor of the sweet vegan styled meat. Verdict, so worth it for those on a diet/fast, craving a hearty-filled taco.

Pretty in Pink Pressed Juice

To wash it all down I decided to give their pressed juices a go (despite their long list of tempting sundaes). Out of all the delicious options I decided to face my fears (I greatly dislike anything with beats in it) and try the Pretty in Pink drink. Boy was I glad I did, not only did the beets give the drink a gorgeous color, but the flavor was predominately a citrusy blend of the other two ingredients, pineapple and apples. Amazing! I could drink this every day. But at $7-$8 a pop....if only I could afford it!

Eat & be healthy: http://blossomdujour.com/

City Bakery- NYC Hot Chocolate

2014-02-21T08:40:00.000-08:00

Winter is certainly not winter without a cup of hot cocoa. And where better to find a cup than in NYC's classic eatery City Bakery. Located a few blocks from Union Square this cafe/cafeteria like eatery gives that hard-to-find, old school nostalgic vibe (circa 1989), before many out-of-town residence began to move in, making this lovely city their home. These past few weeks in the Tri-State have been brutal! But fear not, City Bakery's annual Hot Chocolate festival includes a a rich, new chocolate concoction every day for the rest of February.

Hot Cocoa:

Milk Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow

A smooth and creamy blend of milky chocolate goodness, topped with a jumbo marshmallow. Beware, I'd recommend this for extreme choco-lovers only! The sweet creamy combo of the chocolate + milk was a bit overwhelming for my savory loving taste buds. And that marshmallow, an optional addition but ohmygoodness, super sticky and extremely sweet. One of the thickest hot chocolates I've ever had the pleasure in tasting.

Le Pastry:

Cinnamon Almond Danish

Ah this powdered semi-sweet goodness saved my taste buds from the overwhelming sweetness of the cocoa. A cinnamon, almond, raisin danish soft on the inside, crunchy on the outside and topped with powdered sugar. This pastry was twice the size of my hand! The perfect size for sharing.

http://www.thecitybakery.com/

& Check out the rest of the hot chocolate items for the ending of February below!

Sprinkles Cupcakes- Sweet Treats

2014-02-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

Looking for a last minute yummy, Valentines day treat? Head over to Sprinkles Cupcakes, probably one of my most favorite cupcake spots in NYC. Hailing all the way from the west coast, each cupcake tastes as if it's baked with love...(pun intended). Depending on the day and month they have a rotation menu of special flavors which are typically holiday themed. My favourite time of year to venture to this quaint cupcake shop is always in February when the have some of my most fave flavors for sale!

Le Cuppycakes:

I ordered a box of four of these babies, but beware, you may be standing in line, (which typicality wraps around the block on major holiday) for a few minutes or so. Be sure to order online & skip waiting out in this terrible cold.

Raspberry Chocolate Chip

Now I'm not actually a fan of sweets, but this cupcake is possible one of my most favourite flavors of LIFE. Strong statement you say? Well wait till you try this chocolate chip studded, Belgium dark chocolate cake, topped with perfectly whipped raspberry icing. Really, the perfect marriage between fruit flavors, extra points for the eatable heart on top.

Salty Caramel

An interesting blend of both savory and sweet. Using fleur de sel crystals, hand harvested from Brittany, France as a topping for the sweet, buttery caramel cake and icing gives this cake an exotic, savory punch. Ideal for you salty/sweet lovers.

Dark Chocolate

Last but not least, the classic Belgium dark chocolate cake with bittersweet chocolate frosting topped with chocolate sprinkles. A mouthful indeed, for you extreme chocolate lovers, this ones for you. I actually didn't mind it as much as I thought I would of thanks to the slight bitterness of the dark chocolate. Lucky for you chocholics, this ones available year round.

I hope you can have your cake and eat it too...have a happy Valentines day.

http://www.sprinkles.com/

Bantam Bagels- Superbowl Snacks

2014-02-02T14:23:00.001-08:00

With the Superbowl quickly approaching, proper preparations are necessary. Family, friends, and of course food! With that being said, it's easy to get tired of the typical sticky wings and pizza combo. Que in Bantam Bagels, they've taken one of NYC's most classic food staples (bagels), stuffed em' with delicious, cheesy concoctions, and rolled em up in to a convenient bite-size ball which is known as a "Bantam bagel". Ideal for eating on the go, (a classic trait of many New Yorkers).

Tailgate Special:

Their Superbowl "Tailgate" box special comes with 3 game day inspired flavors, so you can opt for a healthier, less messy and calorie inducing snack without sacrificing that bacon-covered-pizza-and-hot-wings-ducked-in-ranch flavor.

Hot Pretzel Bantam

Stuffed with cheddar Dijon cream cheese and topped with sea salt, beware, this one is quite on the salty side, great for those looking for a chips and dip alternative.

Buffalo Bantam

Buffalo Bantam is a celery carrot bagel filled with buffalo chicken blue cream cheese. Forget those messy, hard to eat wings and pop on of these Buffalo babies in your mouth.

Bleeker Street Bantam

Pizza dough bagel stuffed with marinara, mozzarella cream cheese and topped with a slice of crunchy pepperoni. Hands down my favorite one of the bunch! I'm usually not a huge fan of pepperoni on pizza, but this crunchy pepperoni slice added to the delicious pizza flavor filling.

Overall a delicious experience. Be sure to check out more of their Bantam bites and order yourself a Tailgate box on the big day!

www.bantambagels.com/

Oficina Latina NYC- Latin Cuisine

2014-01-23T22:38:00.001-08:00

Oficina Latina, oh the lovely things I can say about you. The first being how surprisingly underrated this lovely eatery is. With outside aka sidewalk seating in the summer time and an intoxicatingly delicious happy hour, (pun intended). This place makes for a great spot to catch up with old friends and avoid eating out again at Chipotle.

Dranks:

Ah yes, happy hour, one of the best times of the day, especially for us broke, post grad city dwellers. With a two for one special, me and my date opted for the classic Caribbean style drinks. Both which were mixed to a delicious perfection. But beware, you can only order the same drink both times, so choose wisely.

Le Mojito

Fresh, minty and delicious. With a splash of carbonation. Quite a simple, straight to the point but strong drink. Done and done.

Le Piña Colada

I actually felt a bit bad at first ordering such a stereotypical beverage (I think I was just craving pineapples), but I'm quite pleased I did. Creamy, smooth and with the right amount of sweetness. Felt like I was back in Mexico again!

Food Time:

Guacamole & Chips

My guac craving is too real. I eat it at least 5 times a week. If it's not homemade, it's definitely the first thing I order/suggest whenever I go out. That being said I consider myself a semi guac expert, & let me tell you, this one definitely passed the test! Chunky, spicy & smooth, served with a side of fried chips. Love it.

Salmon Arepas

An arepa aka a corn cake, typically grilled served with ceviche style salmon. Topped with slices of guacamole (yum), and tomatoes. The dry, grainy arepas were were an interesting pair with the smoother texture of the fish. But a delicious dish nonetheless.

Peruvian Ceviche

Poached calamari and scallops, mixed in with celery, cilantro and a dash of pineapple. Served on top of crunchy tortas. So far I must say, all of the best ceviche seems to have its roots in Peru. This dish was no exception. Delicious all around.

Overall a great dining experience. The seatings a bit of a squeeze, but name any New York City place that isn't. Oh, and I forgot to mention how cute the decor is. It really gives a lovely Latin American vibe. Happy hour, I'll be back for you.

http://www.oficinalatinanyc.com

Republic- Asian Fusion

2014-01-23T14:25:00.000-08:00

Located in the heart of union square, Republic serves as a trendy, cafeteria like eatery. With a lovely student discount of 10% off with your ID and a yummy happy hour special, making here an ideal place for an impromptu meeting or a quick girls date.

Drinks:

Hooray for Happy Hour! With a two-for-one drink special me and my date decided to opt for Dark n' Stormy (the brown beverage) mixed with dark rum, ginger and garnished with a time. The other (sorry, I totally forgot the name) a spicy mix of puree raspberry, gin and seltzer water. The perfect amount of spice and sweetness at the same time.

Entrees:

Sauteed Rice

Thai sausage, broken rice, long beans, fried eggs, blended in with tomatoes, shallots and a dash of soy sauce. The quintessential Thai fried rice with the perfect blend of meat to veggie ratio. Can't go wrong with this number.

Spicy Coconut Chicken

Turmeric coconut broth, rice noodles, chicken, bean sprouts, fried shallots with a touch of lime. The perfect healthy substitute, tangy (thanks to the lime) and creamy, all at the same time. Ideal for those rainy/cold days when that can of chicken noodle soup aint cutting it.

Overall a great after work dining spot with an extremely convenient location. With the added discount, I'll be sure to be back to sample some appetizers.

Visit them at: http://www.thinknoodles.com/

Ladurée- Sweet Treats

2014-01-17T09:18:00.002-08:00

Macaroons, the trendier version of the modern cupcake. What better place to try a bite sized cookie than at Ladurée. One of the most popular French luxury bakeries and sweets maker house. Best known for their double-decker macaroons. Be prepared for a mini wait at their NYC location. Typically 15 thousand of these little treats are sold every day. Making them one of the best known makers of macaroons in the world!

Sweet Treats:

Chocolate & Rose Petal:

Typically when presented with an array of options I try to choose flavors that would pair well and balance each other. The classic chocolate flavor is the perfect example of this (pictured left), blends perfectly with the more delicate earthy flavor of the rose petal cookie (pictured right). An extremely exotic flavor. Perfect for those looking to try something new.

Earl Grey & Lemon:

Being an avid tea lover, I go to great lengths to try tea infused anything, this earl grey macaroon (pictured left) was no exception. The creamy filled freshness of a macaroon except with the properties of a soothing cup of earl grey. One word; love! The lemon (pictured right) lent a tangy, refreshing offset to the earl grey. Really enjoyed this one as well!

Completely in love with the beautiful array of options at Ladurée. Beware of the time you're visiting, the line for this dainty shop sometimes wraps around the block. But of course, most of the best things are always worth the wait.

I wouldn't at all mind having a surprise box of these magically appear on my doorstep one day (hint, hint).

Delivery & more info at:

http://fabricantdedouceurs.laduree.com/

Fatty Crab- Asian Fusion

2013-11-20T11:23:00.001-08:00

With another location recently opened in Hong Kong, Fatty Crab has the perfect blend of South East Asian inspired flavors. Me and a friend originally picked here because we though it was a seafood spot (I mean , hello, fatty... crab!). Their selection of seafood is quite limited, but instead filled with American classics, except with an Asian twist.

Me and my friend decided it would be easiest to ordered whatever entrees caught our eye and split it. So we could get a taste of a few things at once.

Le Dishes:

Steamed Buns

Pork wrapped in the classic Asian bun served with a side of salad and house sauce. Tasty to say the least. Honestly didn't taste like anything I haven't had at other eateries. The outstanding difference would be the amazing home sauce. Super spicy, sweet and tangy all at the same time.

Tandoori Spiced Chicken Wings

Being a spice and chicken wing lover we decided to give this one a go. Cooked with a yogurt curry sauce and seasoned with cilantro. The wings were a spicy yet smooth combo thanks to the creamy texture of the yogurt. Extra plus for the salty, flavor-filled dipping sauce.

Nasi Lemak

Chicken Curry on Coconut rice served with a poached egg and seasoned with sambal ikan bilis, which is a popular spicy Asian mix including anchovies, garlic, peanuts and a few chili peppers. Wow, the texture and flavor of this was hands down amazing. Spicy thanks to the sambal ikan bilis, yet sweet and smooth thanks to the coconut rice and egg. Throw in the crunchy peanuts and the perfectly cooked chicken and you've got an outstanding dish!

Really an interesting place to visit, (they have these weird, old school yet futuristic fans on the ceilings, it looked really sick) not to mention their impeccable 90's Hip-Hop and R&B sound track. Two things I didn't find too pleasing however was the pricing. For the serving sizes were pretty high, and was the cutlery used for whatever reason, just felt extremely cheap and flimsy to me, it definitely distracted from the eating experience (& doesn't help that there actually quite expensive). Definitely worth a visit (if it be only once), especially for their infamous brunch.

http://www.fattycrab.com/

Waffle & Wolf- Brunch/Sandwiches

2013-11-14T09:17:00.001-08:00

Waffle & Wolf pride themselves in being a "refined fast food" eatery. Serving everything from organic teas, coffees and beverages; to their signature waffle recipe. Served in both Regular and Buckwheat options which are made in-house by their chefs. Looking for a gluten-free, vegan brunch spot? Then W&W is the place to be.

Le Waffles:

#9.

Feta cheese, avocado, carrots, cucumber, red onion, pickled cabbage, wrapped in the Regular, waffle-like covering. A super savory sandwich-like wrap. I mean, can anything taste bad once theres avocado in it? I think not. An extremely healthy (and affordable, at only $10.25!) lunch/brunch option that leaves you feeling full without all that heavy

Mac & Cheese

A blend of cheeses and elbow pasta in waffle form. Honestly, this is the first time I've ever tried anything like this. Crunchy on the outside (much crunchier than your standard Macaroni pie) but filled with cheesy goodness on the inside. The perfect, light but savory side.

S'more Waffles

A pressed chocolate waffle cooked to crispness filled with organic chocolate and a slab of marshmallows. This gooey concoction was of the utmost sweetness, sticky, messy but pure delight for those chocolate lovers. After a few bites of this, I had my sugar fix for the week!

Overall, a quaint place to grab a bite to eat, the freshness of the flavors are something to be reckoned with. Worth a stop in if your ever in the Williamsburg area.

http://waffleandwolf.com/

Dar 525- Mediterranean / Middle Eastern Cuisine

2013-10-04T20:33:00.003-07:00

Dar 525, (the Arabic word for home) seems like a small store front on the outside. But after we had walked in, me and my date were both blown away! The size of the restaurant is quite spacious, yet at the same time homey, (bonus points for having a gorgeous purple accent wall). Filled with native decorative accents and a sun roof, you get all the benefits of outside seating, minus the tumultuous temperature. Be sure to pay em a visit around time for an amazing special on their most popular entrees.

Dranks:

Harpoo Cider

An alcoholic beverage that taste like a combo of apple juice and bubbly?

Yes, please! Super refreshing, crisp drink, probably one of the best beer, ciders I've tried in a while.

Starter:

A crunchy fried starter with a serving of honey and sesame blended dipping sauce. Fried, post-hangover goodness.

Entrees:

Chicken Kebab

The classic Chicken Kebab platter with a serving of home-made hummus and Mediterranean style serving of veggies. The chicken was coated with a slew of seasoning, not too spicy nor sweet, charred to perfection but still soft, (near to melt-in-your-mouth goodness). The serving of veggies gave the perfect, healthy balance, along with a serving of lightly whipped hummus. Served with pita bread (not pictured). Consider this your healthy way to get a kick of flavor, along with the serving of the major food groups in one yum platter.

Safiha Pizza

Lamb pizza with a mix of Middle Eastern spices, I was trying to be all adventurous ordering this one. Unless your a major meat-lover, I'd suggest staying far, far away from this one! With this dish being predominately meat and grain, after one slice, I couldn't finish. Unless you're a major (and I stress extra emphasis on major) meat lover, I say stay away. Stay far, farrrrrr away.

http://www.dar525.net/

The Smoke Joint- American Barbecue Cusine

2013-09-18T09:42:00.003-07:00

Being disappointed by the amount of Barbecue I had this summer I decided to go on a hunt for the best (and affordable) chops in town. After a bit of research, The Smoke Joint was top on the list. Located Downtown Brooklyn and equip with outside seating, not the fanciest of insides, but the food (and pricing) was on point. Service? It was questionable, the server guy clearly wasn't in love with his job or had an ounce of joy in him, making a part of the dining experience a bit awkward, but I guess we all have those days. Now on to the food!

Le Entrees:

Pulled Pork Barbecue Sandwich

Well seasoned and drenched in just the right amount of BBQ sauce, served with a small side of cole-slaw and pickles. Meaty and delicious. The only danger with ordering anything pulled is sometimes the meat loses its moisture, this however had the perfect balance to it. In a sandwich mood? Then this is a winner!

Barbecue Wings

I mean, can you really ever go wrong with wings? Served with both a mild and spicy barbecue concoction (cause I like it hot) and a side of spicy fries. Let me tell you, these were some of the best fries I've ever tasted. Seasoned with cayenne pepper and fried crispy, yet still soft, with a hint of barbecue seasoning. Ah-mazing! This meal really killed my barbecue cravings.

Sides:

Corn on the Cob, Collared Green and Mac & Cheese

Meat-less, slow-cooked Collard Greens, a joint rubbed Corn on the Cob topped with barbecue aioil and green onions. Lastly a serving of Mac and Cheese, with a blend of four cheeses and baked to perfection. Creamy, yet still crunchy. OMG, can you say straight home-cooked meals?! So, so, so good! And the servings you see here are just enough to share with two.


Table view of our delicious meal.

As if the amazing flavor of our meal wasn't enough, all this food was under $35! Yes, you heard correctly, less than $40 for a full, delicious meal for two.

Next time your in the hood' (or at Barclays) be sure to pay them a visit.

http://www.bcrestaurantgroup.com/

Takumi Taco- Asian/Mexican Fusion Cusine

2013-08-28T21:23:00.002-07:00

"Weaving the best of Japanese and Mexican edibles, Takumi Taco is representative of both great, affordable food and the charm and convenience of mobile dining." Wait, wait, wait Japanese flavors x Mexican type foods?! Sounds like an amazing foodie adventure to me! With a newly opened location in Willimasburg, Brooklyn and at the Brooklyn Flea on the weekends, these tacos are as delicious as they are affordable, undoubtedly a winning combination to me.

Taco Time:

Spicy Tuna

Sashimi grade big eye tuna, jicama, avocado, spicy mayo, cucumber all stuffed in a crispy gyoza shell. Served with a side of salted chips. Served cold, crisp and fresh with just the right amount of flavor, really an ideal summer snack. Light but still filling. (not to mention quite affordable at only $6!)

Japanese Beef Curry

Curry beef, cotija cheese, napa cabbage, onion, cilantro stuffed in a crispy gyoza shell. Quite an intresting flavor, served hot this entree was extremely savory. The spices tasted quite similar to that of Indian cuisine. With just the right amount of savor and spice. This was a great balance to the light crispness of our first taco.

Really amazing, affordable food, be sure to give em a try when venturing out in Williamsburg or at Brooklyn Flea.

http://www.takumitaco.com/

Rippers: Rockaway Beach- Food Stand

2013-08-16T10:40:00.001-07:00

Summer-time is basically a synonym for beach time! And after the devastating effects of hurricane Sandy, many of the stores, shops and boardwalk has been renovated, giving this neighborhood a brand new face-lift. Rippers, one of the closest (and yummiest) food spots to rockaway beach (icee carts don't count). Clearly a neighborhood an even favorite, since eveytime I pass there seems to be a line wrapped around the boardwalk. I decided to see what all the hype was about.

The entire place is hand decorated with cute, artsy touches (see napkin holders below). It's the little thangs.

Dranks:

"Cooler" Slushie

A blend of mint, agave, cucumber and coconut water slush. When reading the drink menu I was faced with the option of a pnieapple, banana and coconut water slush, but decided to go for the "cooler" drink, since I wanted something a bit more "exotic" and unusual. Bad move on my part. Unusual was the correct word to describe this. It wasn't terrible, and it was quite refreshing but the taste was quite medicinal like, with an after taste of lots of greens. Unless that's your thing, I say stay away!

Foodies:

Cheesy Fries

Pretty much the best.thing. EVER. These hand cut fries are filled with gooey, cheesy goodness, topped with a slew of seasonings and served fresh. Love, love love! Every time I go here, I get these. Long lines? these fries are more than worth the wait.

Fish Dog Torta with a serving of Regular Fries

Fresh, fishy and delicious. The perfect combo of fish, veggies and yum spicy sauce. The fish practically melts in your mouth, not to mention the entire two tacos are quite filling as well. Verdict? After a tiresome day of fighting waves and drunken beach volleyball, I say yes.

Hand cut potatoes, for them yummy fries!

Go here. Your tummy (& your taste buds) will thank you.

www.86badvibes.com/‎

Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream- Sweet Treats

2013-08-07T15:44:00.005-07:00

August is like the Sunday of summer, equip with sweltering hot days and breezy nights. Nothing beats a yummy cone of ice cream.

If your tired of your run-of-the-mill ice cream truck vanilla or chocolate flavors, Van Leeuwen is the place to be.

With a slew of flavors from Currants and Cream to Ceylon Cinnamon, think of this place as an ice cream parlor with a taste palette for big kids.

Cones:

Giandeuja

Palm Sugar topped with Earl Grey Tea
The top scoop is the Earl Grey flavor made with Rishi black tea from antique tea trees with bergamot citrus yunnan from Italy. It tasted as if I was literally slurping up a sphere shaped cup of creamy Earl Grey tea. The perfect solution to those tea lovers who want to still enjoy the flavor on a humid summer day.

The second layer, is the super sweet (but still deliciously natural tasting) Heritage Palm Sap kettle boiled down, to produce the perfect balance between sweet flavor and texture. A mild, distinct kind of sweet, very reminiscent of the sugar cane found in various Caribbean countries.

ice cream menu

Cute, yummy and certainly affordable. I've got the Cinnamon and Strawberry next on my list of what to try. With a working ice cream truck, and a location in Brooklyn and SoHo, be sure to stop by!

http://www.vanleeuwenicecream.com

Tink's- New American Cuisine

2013-07-08T12:51:00.001-07:00

We had vised Tink's on a whim (thanks to the awesome food app ScoutMob which offers users 50% select eateries for free, so foodies on a budget, be sure to check it out!). The place is a cozy, decent sized spot with open windows and side walk seating. The service was impeccable. Attentive, helpful and friendly. That being said, the day we visited was ~~extremely~~ hot and inside, it wasn't any better, me and my date were practically dying in there! Of course we complained (super nicely of course)...not only did they close the windows and turn on the AC, but they went out and brought extra fans to help the cooling process speed up! To get such caring and attentive service is extremely hard to come by, especially in NYC. If that isn't amazing customer service, then I'm not sure what is.

Drinks:

Watermelon Spritzer (or something like that)

I wish for the life of me I could remember what the name of this drink is. They were serving it as a special the day we came. If I recall correctly, it's a blend of watermelon juice, sake, champagne and topped with a slice of watermelon and lemon. Very interesting combination of sake with watermelon, it was quite refreshing except for the fact the watermelon juice tasted a bit "rank" (aka not fresh). They happily had no problem in replacing our drinks (once again, amazing service)!

Small Plates:

Nacho Libre

Doesn't this dish look like a work of art? Fried white corn tortillas, served with avocado orange pico de gallo, ahi tuna, red cabbage leek slaw and seasoned with sesame nori dust. Served cold, I must say it was one of the most tasty and unique ways of making nachos I've ever witnessed. Not only did it taste twice as good as it looked but its also super healthy for you (thanks to all the veggies and such), and not to mention perfect for the summer since it has such a light, crisp taste!

Shrimp and Grits

Stone ground grits topped with cheddar, gruyere (a hard yellow cheese, native to Switzerland), garlic shrimp and seasoned with slices of lemon and thyme. This was arguable some of the yummiest shrimp and grits I've ever tried. The perfect blend of flavor minus the oatmeal-like consistence grits can sometimes get like if not cooked correctly. Thank God it was served in a small portioned plate cause I might of just gained 10 pounds eating a larger serving on my own!

I've also heard splendid things about their brunch and lunch menu items (be on the look-out for a foodie update!). Overall an adorable place to eat, with outstanding food flavor and combinations. I think Tink's might just become one of my regular go-to's!

Show them some love at:

http://www.tinksrestaurant.com/

El Mio Cid- Spanish Cuisine

2013-06-24T12:01:00.001-07:00

El Mio Cid, an authentic Spanish eatery located a bit back in Bushwick (quite a walk from the nearest subway, but it goes by quickly thanks to all the beautiful scenery/murals). With a red painted exterior and a bull-fighter replica on the outside, this place is certain hard to miss. The name of the restaurant is after a famous bull-fighter (which now makes sense why they would paint it outside) whose story in included in the menu for a cute touch to the authentic Spaniard theme.

Drinks:

White Sangria

We had the option of either white or red version of this fruity concoction. Me and my date decided to stick with the white version since it was extremely hot outside. We ordered a pitcher (there was a relatively good happy hour deal) and much to our disappointment it tasted like water down wine with a dash of floating fruit on top. We asked to have the flavor spruced up a bit, which the waiter did with no complaints, but much to our dismay it tasted like sangria w a dash or two of extra tequila. Highly upsetting. But we drank it anyway.

Tapas:

Usually when I venture to a Traditional Spanish restaurant I mostly stick to the tapas (which is just another fancy word for small plates or appetizers) to share. From my recent travels to Spain, I realized many of the best foods were found in the tapas servings, not to mention you get to take a taste of a bit of everything.

Stuffed Mushroom

These baby mushrooms were stuffed with crab, lobster and scallops, mixed in with native spices and topped with melted cheese and served with a side of greens. Extremely delicious! Fun food fact, mushroom has a ton of zinc (which most of us have a major deficiency in), that helps grow nails, teeth and assist in helping replenish skin. So not only is it yummy, but its crazy healthy for you too!

Fried Calamari

Fried Octopus (for those of you who had no idea what calamari actually is) can either be done extremely right or completely wrong. Wrong consisting of greasy, undercooked and flaky calamari. This dish however was done so right! Fried to the perfect crisp, not at all greasy with just the right amount of chew. Completely satisfying.

Shrimp Arjoli in Green Sauce

This lovely seafood dish comes with the option of Red (spicy Tabasco) or Green sauce (garlic). We opted for the Green sauce since my date wasn't a big fan of anything overly spicy. The garlic had a hit of spice to it without it being overwhelming, this buttery concoction was the perfect gravy counterpart to the amazing bread they served us as at the beginning of the meal (not pictured). Overall a delicious dish, would definitely consider trying the Red sauce as well!

Pretty nice change from the usual eateries, if your looking of something a bit out of your normal foodie spots and looking to explore a new neighborhood, I say give here a go!

http://www.elmiocidrestaurant.com/

DishCrawl: A Special Foodie Adventure- Astoria NYC

2013-06-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

This is a special edition blog post on the ultimate, upcoming Foodie Adventure! In less than 2 weeks from now, a few adventurous foodies (myself included) will be venturing out to Astoria, Queens on a restaurant tasting tour! Meet and mingle with other like-minded food lovers, while enjoying an array of (surprise) exotic meals of the best Astoria has to offer.

"About Dishcrawl: Food, Fun, and Exploration! We here at Dishcrawl aim to provide you with a premier culinary social experience by bringing together neighborhood restaurants, local chefs, regional food producers and fellow food enthusiasts. Join us if you'd like to embark on a one-of-a-kind gastronomic adventure!" But what exactly is a "Dish Crawl"? Think of it as a pub crawl, but instead of tons of booze, substitute that with amazing food!

Dishcrawl was started in the Bay Area, California in 2010 by Tracy Lee. She started the company because she would frequently take her friends and family visiting her in California to different restaurants she felt were amazing and that they needed to try. Due to its popularity, she decided to create a business out of it. They've been trying to expand across New York City starting this year. This is the first Dishcrawl in Queens so be sure to come out & help up make history!

Tickets are running out very quickly so snag up some entry passes here & be sure to share with your friends to receive some $$ off!

The show starts at 7pm on Tuesday June 25th, (with the location to tbd) so be sure to arrive on time, to ensure you don't miss out on any of the yummy food adventures.

Any further questions, comments or concerns be sure to contact Danielle, your Queens Dishcrawl Ambassador at: Daniellet@dishcrawl.com.

Still in doubt? Check out all of there amazing press coverage here.

I look forward to seeing you lovely, lovely people there!!

Jin Ramen- Japanese Cuisine

2013-05-30T10:48:00.002-07:00

Jin Ramen, a delightful Japanese eatery located in Harlem, 125th st. I've passed here on few occasions and almost every-time, have seen it filled to capacity. That being said, the ideal time to grab a bite to eat here would be around lunch time (there is almost always a wait for the dinner session). We were seated and served promptly, with the food taking under 20 mins to cook. I won't lie to you, it almost felt a bit rushed with the pressure to hurry and finish eating so others could be seated. None, the less the food was surprisingly amazing both flavor and value-wise...

Starters:

Kani Salad

Crabstick, cucumber and wakame in a spicy mayo dressing, wasabi sauce, and crunch. This was even better than I expected! If water could be converted to food, then this entree would be it!
Such a light, crisp salad, packed with flavor. The perfect mini meal for those hot, upcoming, summer days... an entree that taste amazing and is healthy for you? Yes, please.

Steamed Pork Buns

Gua Bao buns stuffed with chashu pork, ice berg lettuce, and topped with spicy mayo. This was light, yet full of flavor, the buns felt a bit doughy, which can easily taste soggy and terrible of not done right. But my goodness, this pork bun was on point! Melt in your mouth goodness with minimal chewing and maximum flavor. Three words, I'm in LOVE!

Ramen:

Shōyu Ramen

Shōyu ramen is the most traditional variety, with its roots in the Chinese immigrant community of Yokohama. The broth is typically brown and clear, made from a chicken, vegetable and pork stock blend with just the right amount of soy sauce, garlic and ginger, giving a smokey broth that is bold but not overwhelming. In comparision to the first two entrees, this was actually a bit on the salty side, but delicious none-the-less. Definitely worth a try!

A cute cup of green tea to accompany a delicious lunch.

Ramen lover or not, this place may just give you a whole new appreciation for Japaneses cuisine.

Show them some love at:

http://www.jinramen.com/menu

Yerba Buena Perry- Latin American Cuisine

2013-04-30T07:51:00.001-07:00

For a random Tuesday evening, Yerba Buena Perry (their is a sister location known simply as Yerba Buena, located in another part of NYC) was pretty jam packed. We smartly made reservations (since both locations are usually reserved to capacity) and despite our 10 minute lateness, were still seated promptly. Our waiter was attentive, and what one might describe as "comical" or "eccentric". With outrageous commentary the entire night, he certainly kept us entertained.

Drinks:

La Pina

As recommended by the waiter, this concoction is mixed with Don Q rum, coconut water and pineapple juice topped with coconut foam. Unbelievably amazing! If the Caribbean had a "taste", then this drink would be it! The foam, thick, sweet and delicious, and the drink, tangy with a hint of sweetness, but most importantly...smooth! ( I have a strong dislike for mixed drinks that still manage to burn your throat). I would venture back here just to cop a few more of these!

The Sun-dia

Riazul tequila, st. germain, watermelon, jalepeno cordial and a dash lime, I was warned that this one was spicy, but decided I could easily "take it on", I couldn't do it. Way too spicy for my taste buds, not to mention the lovely (note the sarcasm here) burning sensation that occurred as the drink slipped down my throat. Wasn't personally a big fan (especially in comparison to the first drink I tried!) but for those that would enjoy strong, spicy drinks, this ones for you!

Since there was so many menu options we wanted to try, we decided to split several mini entrees and appetizers to ensure we got a taste of everything.

Appetizers:

Cazuela de Cangrejo

Crab meat, manchengo, aji amrillo and plantains. This combination proved to be an amazing blend of flavors, textures and colors (as you can see from the lovely picture). A was at first visually fooled into thinking was a cevice type dish, since it had sea food in it, but it was very similar to it. A bit less intimidating, taste wise, to those who aren't a big fan of raw seafood, without skimping on taste.

Tacos de Costilla

Beef short ribs, avocado, chimichurri and topped with cilantro. These lovely tacos were chock-filled with flavor. The beef was the perfect texture, juicy, chewy but somehow still melt-in-your-mouth kind of good. Nothing too exotic or crazy as far as ingredient combination was concerned, but still extremely tasty!

Empanadas

Manchengo cheese, butternut squash, spinach, hon shimeji mushrooms salad, topped with Thai basil- jalapeno and ocopa sauce. I'm sure reading the ingredient description, you're probably hungry already. These were probably the best empanadas I've ever had the pleasure in tasting! Cooked to a perfect crisp, and filled with a delicious blend of flavors. I thoroughly enjoyed these (and regretted not ordering some more).

Desserts:

Tres Leche

Tres Leche cake, topped with lemon-vanilla frosting and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sweet, light and savory! A nice twist on a Spanish classic.

Chocolate

Warn chocolate cake, berry salsa, dulce de leche ice cream, sprinkled with almonds. Sounds extremely simple, but the molten cake was amazing! The dulce de leche flavored ice cream was like nothing I've ever tasted before. Great combination of flavors and textures while still giving this dish a Latin flair (thanks to the lovely dulce de leche ice cream). Hands down delicious.

Be sure to pay them a visit at:

www.ybnyc.com/media/yerbabuena.html

Aji Sushi House- Japanese/ Sushi Bar

2013-04-13T21:20:00.002-07:00

Aji Sushi House, located in the bustling neighborhood if Astoria, Queens, Aji Sushi House (not to be confused with another Aji Sushi spot which is located in the city) is less than a year old. With a luxurious decor and inviting hosts, this place's service is impeccable. On top of the overall friendliness and pleasant demeanor of "Cindy" our waitress (who made us feel very much at home), we also received lovely hot towels upon our arrival. Truthfully, it's the little things in life that make all the difference, and these hot towels on a cool spring night certainly were one of them...

Now on to the food!

Appetizers:

Spicy Seafood Miso Soup

A delicious version of the classic miso soup with chunks of shrimp, assorted vegetables and a ton of spices. So if you have more of a mild taste palate, I say stay away. If not, then this soup is ideal for seafood lovers and those looking to try something a bit more exciting than their regular miso soup.

Tuna Wrapped Lobster

Wow, now this thing... as simple as it may sound, it was amazing! Servings of tender lobster meat, wrapped in raw tuna. It was just like sushi, only a 100 times, no 1000 times better! The rolls were the perfect, bite-sized amount, required minimal chewing and was bursting with flavor (no soy sauce or wasabi needed). Truthfully, I regretted not ordering two of these and just calling it a day (the adventurous side of me wouldn't permit it), just know, I'll be back for these babies.

Sushi:

Astoria Roll

The first roll we got consisted of spicy salmon, yellow tail and tempura crunch with avocado inside and topped with salmon. It was a pretty basic tasting sushi flavor-wise (despite its lengthy ingredient combination). Great for those who don't want to get too adventurous, but still enjoy a a flavorful sushi combo.

The Magic Roll

Arguable one of the best sushi combos I've ever tried ( I say arguable because I've tried quite a few in my day). This one consists of Rock shrimp tempura topped with spicy lobster, spicy kani and accompanied with their special spicy Cajun sauce. The flavor of this is amazing! Paired with the crunchy yet smooth texture of the tempura and lobster, this certainly intrigued my taste buds. Not to mention, the spices on this is like nothing I've ever tried before.

Vanilla ice cream mixed with warm brownie chunks, topped with chocolate, caramel and almond sauce. I think the picture speaks for itself. Sounds pretty simple, but omg...AH-mazing! Not to mention the appealing presentation. I truthfully didn't feel as terrible eating a ton of ice cream since it was out of a martini glass.

Overall a visually and more importantly, physically satisfying meal. Show them some love at:
www.ajisushihouse.com/

Apartment 138- Brunch/New American Cuisne

2013-03-24T20:57:00.001-07:00

Brunch in NYC...it's more of a religion than it is a meal time, that delicious 2:30pm, hungover breakfast/lunch infused meal, served up with a 2-for-1 bloody mary special (to help ease your hangover back into a euphoric state). Unfortunately for many brunch lovers, restaurants exclusive brunch menus are usually only available for a 48 hour run (usually Sat-Sun). consider your tragic food dilemma solved with Apartment 138! Their delicious brunch menu is served daily! Not to mention their weekly events, drinks and food specials for every day of the week. (As if good food wasn't an incentive enough for visiting!)

2 for 1 drink specials on the usual Mimosas & Bloody Mary's

Foodie Time:

The Apartment Benedict Bowl

Let me just start this description by saying, this is by far the most amazing, unique brunch entree I've ever had the pleasure of tasting! A bowl served with chopped roasted red potatoes, smoked ham, and English muffin bits, seasoned with brown butter hollandaise and topped with an egg, Benedict style. This is one of those dishes I would have craving for in the middle of the night. Extremely satisfying both taste and tummy wise. I would completely recommend sharing this (and the dish below) since both are overtly flavorful (as well as filling). I'll certainly be back for this baby!

The Apartment Burger

A juicy beef burger topped with sun-dried tomato relish, smoked aioli, NY cheddar cheese accompanied with a side of salad. Being one of their top sellers, and house special I decided to opt for this one (thank god I only had to eat half), waaay to big and juicy for my usually big appetite, which if I do say so myself, is a lovely thing to have to complain about. Not to mention the flavors are to die for. You definitely get good value for your $ (and taste-buds) with this one!

Overall, Apartment 138 has thoroughly satisfied my random Tuesday afternoon brunch craving. I will without a doubt be back for more brunchy goodness!

Visit em at: http://apartment138.com/blog/

Foodie Adventures

BaoHaus- Asian Buns

Lunch:

Graffiti Food & Wine Bar- American Asian Fusion

Tapas:

Cafe Habana- Cuban Cuisine

The Order:

Madiba- South African Cuisine

The Dranks:

The Dishes:

Dessert:

Blossom Du Jour- Vegan / Juice Bar

Le Order:

City Bakery- NYC Hot Chocolate

Hot Cocoa:

Le Pastry:

Sprinkles Cupcakes- Sweet Treats

Le Cuppycakes:

Bantam Bagels- Superbowl Snacks

Tailgate Special:

Oficina Latina NYC- Latin Cuisine

Dranks:

Food Time:

Republic- Asian Fusion

Drinks:

Entrees:

Ladurée- Sweet Treats

Sweet Treats:

Fatty Crab- Asian Fusion

Le Dishes:

Waffle & Wolf- Brunch/Sandwiches

Le Waffles:

Dar 525- Mediterranean / Middle Eastern Cuisine

Dranks:

Starter:

Entrees:﻿

The Smoke Joint- American Barbecue Cusine

Le Entrees:

Sides:

Takumi Taco- Asian/Mexican Fusion Cusine

Taco Time:

Rippers: Rockaway Beach- Food Stand

Dranks:

Foodies:

Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream- Sweet Treats

Cones:

Tink's- New American Cuisine

Drinks:

Small Plates:

El Mio Cid- Spanish Cuisine

Drinks:

Tapas:

DishCrawl: A Special Foodie Adventure- Astoria NYC

Jin Ramen- Japanese Cuisine

Starters:

Ramen:

Yerba Buena Perry- Latin American Cuisine

Drinks:

Appetizers:

Desserts:

Aji Sushi House- Japanese/ Sushi Bar

Appetizers:

Sushi:

Apartment 138- Brunch/New American Cuisne

Foodie Time:

Entrees: