November 2011
1 post
Luu's Baguette
Finally! A Vietnamese shop that I can look forward to going to that’s not in Chinatown or Queens. I’d call it a gem considering the neighborhood it resides in which is Murray Hill/Gramercy. It isn’t exactly Viet food-esque popular in this area. You go there for Indian, Italian, American, whatever but NOT VIET.
There are two Vietnamese restaurants on 3rd ave, and I remember at least dining there...
September 2011
1 post
IL Cantuccio- Tuscany's Specialties
Biscotti, the biscuit we all love to dunk into our coffees, teas, or hot chocolates. More correctly known as Biscotti di Prato, or Cantuccini.
One night, I accidentally stumbled upon this cute store front in the west village which had displayed an enormous sized focaccia bread in the windows luring any eyes bestowed upon it. Then, I see a woman through the windows, gently slicing up pieces...
August 2011
2 posts
Another amazing NYC rooftop!
Just when summer is about to end, (really sad!) I found this amazing space with great view and what better than some BBQ?!?! I was sooo SOLD before even having step foot inside. Best part is, it ended up being even better than I ever imagined.
PH2. Penthouse 2 at Mondrian SoHo is opened weekly on only Mondays and to anyone (no need to be a hotel guest) for beers, cocktails, wine and BBQ!...
Red Rooster - A fine Harlem spot!
Hello foodadelic-ians! It’s been awhile since my last post, but that does not mean that I haven’t been eating and/or exploring; it just means that I’ve done a piss poor job at spreading the word and documenting. I finally figured out why I haven’t been updating my meals. One major factor is that I was discouraged when I lost my new store bought camera. It was upsetting...
March 2011
1 post
6 tags
Beauty & Essex
GORGEOUS, SEXY, FUN, ….and pink champange in the ladies room EQUALS GOOD FRIGGIN’ TIMES!
I must have spent 4 hours here from 7pm dinner (walk in) til about half past eleven. And that was just the two of us (C, who IS a great dinner/drinking companion).. BUT, imagine having a chicas night out?!? I’d be here for hours and hours and endless hours.
First, you enter through a...
December 2010
1 post
5 tags
Waverly Inn
Wow, I had such a great time that I wanted to jump right onto my laptop as soon as I got home, but after three glasses of Barbaresco, I went to bed and slept like a baby. I was so content and couldn’t be any happier.
It was a random Tuesday night with one of my food lovers in crime out on an adventure. Do we dare step foot in the reputable Waverly Inn without any reservations?!?! OF...
November 2010
1 post
4 tags
Ilili - A Traditional Lebanese Find
I’ve always been intrigued about Ilili on 5th ave. At least 5 random people in the same month have recommended this place to me. It’s the first Lebanese cuisine I’ve tried. I had such an amazing time! It definitely helped that my friend Inky is the Pastry chef. The experience was impeccable and memorable.
The menu is unbelievably expansive. You’d probably want to dine...
September 2010
1 post
4 tags
A Bite At The Bar...
Resto is a neighborhood Belgian restaurant. Its cute and cozy appearance is what lured me in.
So I plopped myself down at the bar and ordered some bite sized foods. Of course an order of fries were immediately placed. They were delightful! In addition, the presentation was so pretty as the holder had a side pocket for one of the 10 offered sauces.
Frites
The mussels were okay.. I could...
August 2010
2 posts
5 tags
The Boathouse
This is the perfect spot to take anyone you are trying to SUCCESSFULLY impress. It truly is the fastest way to feel as if you are in a place outside the city without actually travelling outside the city. I had an amazing dining experience at The Boathouse, mainly thanks to Sous Chef Andrew Chang.
I would recommend visiting at least twice. Once in the daytime to brunch so that you can sit...
5 tags
The House
Adorable three floored, revamped carriage house in Gramercy! Classic interior; floor to ceiling windows; great service; and two must try plates off the menu.
The very first time I stumbled upon The House was last year for my birthday dinner celebration. My friend tried to surprise me with the restaurant, EXCEPT we got lost for a brief 5-10mins looking for it! (Thanks G). More recently, I...
June 2010
1 post
3 tags
Flex Mussels
If you are a mussels kind of person, this is absolutely 100% a place for you and your taste buds. It will rock your world!
Flex Mussels has only been opened for less than two years and their original location is in Prince Edward Island, Canada. I’ve been tipped that they are in the process of opening another restaurant in the West Village. (Actually, just found out that it’s...
May 2010
2 posts
5 tags
Babbo
Italian food!! Hard to mess up, right?!?! But also very hard to find mind blowing awesome tasty Italian meals!
Babbo, is Mario Batali’s restaurant in the heart of West Village. It is incredibly well known and people can’t stop raving about it. Reservations are not easy to get and you can only make reservations a month in advance. Luckily for me, I got reservations! Of course, I...
5 tags
Tidbit: Pineapple Surprise
Pineapple sent from Mr. Pineapple from Maui, Hawaii.
I know I’ve written about receiving presents that are delivered into the workplace before. I think that it’s such a good idea to do for someone. Especially if they are having a shitty workday. It’s out of the ordinary. It’s also unexpected which makes it even better of a surprise. It’s a win win situation, no...
April 2010
1 post
4 tags
Tidbit: Discovering A New Favorite "Fruit"!
Pineapple Sorbet
Today was a cruddy day. The rain, the wind, the wisdom tooth pains. It is the perfect combination for resulting in cranky, moody, miserable ME.
UNTIL, I discovered sorbet in fruit shells!!! OMG, incredible. I’ve only had this similar frozen dessert in my neighborhood restaurant, Belvedere. But, now since I found it in a super store, I can enjoy them at home anytime I...
March 2010
2 posts
5 tags
Luke's Lobster - To Die For!
I find myself talking more and more about Luke’s these days, and realize that I only wrote a few sentences about them in a tidbit without including any pictures. Also, I keep getting calls from people this past week asking for its location. So here I am writing a proper post on Luke’s Lobster! Easily inspired! A good thing?
Last year, I went on a lobster shack tour in Maine with...
4 tags
Baohaus
The ever so popular pork buns made popular by David Chang of the Momofuku line, come a tiny shop in LES whose menu only serves these sandwiches.
One of my foodie loving chicas could not stop raving about this place. So I went. On my way, I discover from a colleague that he is friends with the owner, Eddie Huang. (small world, ain’t it?)
I like the set up of the shop. The trend...
February 2010
5 posts
4 tags
O'Neill's Has The Biggest Chicken Pot Pie Ever!
Cool Irish bar.. GI-NORMOUS POT PIE!
I’ve been introduced to O’Neill’s from a regular goer, my Irish neighborhood BFF! It’s a pretty cool bar with a jukebox. He always likes to play DJ and put in his favorite songs…the majority of his picks are good, but some totally suck!
I don’t usually like to write about bars, unless of course, their food menu leaves an...
2 tags
Tidbit: Lebanese Bologna
Sound gross?? BUT it’s actually hella good! I bumped into a colleague who offered me some. I was excited when I saw it but not initially because of its name (weird!). It is really tasty and delicious. It reminded me of genoa salami (which I LOVE LOVE LOVE!). There were countless days (and nights!) where I’d get half a pound of it and dunk them in deli mustard… I would do this...
3 tags
Eileen's Cheesecake
Pretty good cheesecake! Many praise it to be the best in New York City located on Cleveland and Kenmare street (Nolita area).
I think it’s pretty good but NOT the best in NYC. I am not even a fan of cheesecake.. maybe a bite here and there but overall it’s just too thick and heavy. However, Eileen’s is good; it’s prettty light and fluffy but the downside is...
4 tags
Tapas at Tia Pol
All the way in Chelsea is where some great but hidden restaurants are located. Tia Pol is not one of them. It’s not the best that I’ve had and it is way over hyped by reviewers on the web.
I was not initially impressed with this place at all. Perhaps my expectations were off the charts…or perhaps I was too hungry to have gone to a tapas/small plates establishment. Nothing on...
4 tags
Tidbit: Unlimited Access to Freshly Baked Italian...
This may be the ONLY post or tidbit that I’ll write about and not expose its whereabouts. It used to be one of my favorite things to do in the middle of the night. My special friend bought me here a few years ago and since we recently had the idea to go the other day; it brought back all my memories of such good times.
So this is a bakery in Queens; they have normal hours til about 7pm....
January 2010
8 posts
8 tags
Tidbit: Doggy Bagged
The leftovers that came home with me.
I went to dinner with my possibly new #1 eating partner. It was at Boka, the restaurant version of Bon Chon (the chicken wing place). We ordered incredible amounts of food and for the first time, I wasn’t the one doing the damage on ordering excessively! In addition, we went to Luke’s Lobster for a snack right before dinner when we were on the...
4 tags
First Pudding Party!
Pudding, as in —>Christmas pudding. It’s a bit late since we’re just about getting into February, but where do you think that statement “better late than never” derives from?!?!
It’s the first year for the ultimate pudding party..I want this to be an annual event! It is also a first for many of us to try christmas pudding.
The pudding was served with...
6 tags
La Bellezza - The Lunch Spot for Foot-Long Heroes
Frank’s father wearing Frank’s cap
YES! Another kick ass lunch spot in midtown east by my office!
I heard about this spot from someone in the office. I would frequently see him eat his lunch and it always smelled and looked so good. I was super envious and finally made my way out there to his lunch spot. It was more than I ever imagined it to be.
The owners are so friendly and...
5 tags
Wild Edibles!
Seafood in Manhattan that’s not corporate account like expense?!?!?! CHECK. I never thought in a million years that would exist but I found it! Fresh, delicious, AND affordable. I felt like the king of the world ordering unlimited amounts of oysters, fish, scallops, and clams.
I am growing up. My taste buds have matured and loving new things. Up until a few years ago, I was an anything...
3 tags
Trattoria Belvedere
The Italian restaurant that does it all. Food and service are phenomenal. Whether you want to bring a date, your family, friends, or just a drink and dinner at the bar…this restaurant is suitable for ALL occasions.
I walk by Belvedere at least twice a day and am on first name basis with the owners, Oso and Dino. They are my favorite people in the neighborhood for so many reasons. One,...
4 tags
Apiary
A friend of mine worked with the executive chef, Scott Bryan, formerly at Veritas a few years ago. He suggested we go to try his menu at Apiary. I’ve walked by this restaurant over dozens of times, and always naturally sneaking a peek. There was something that drawn my curiosity towards it (perhaps it was because of the clear glass exterior) but I haven’t put much effort into...
5 tags
Tidbit: Macarons!
I love getting things in pretty boxes, and then finding out it’s edible! (Don’t get me wrong, I also like diamonds, ALL women do!)
But I have to admit, totally unexpected gifts are the best gifts. When you have expectations, you are destined for disappointment. Sad but true.
Macarons are wonderful. They are soft, light, airy, fluffy and crispy from its shell like crust..all in one!...
4 tags
Vosges
…a luxurious, exotic chocolate experience.
It’s a great place to stop in from the Soho madness and a much needed shopping break. The décor is really chic and cool. There are mirrors and the color purple everywhere, leaving a very laid back yet, unique upbeat vibe at the same time. It left me thinking, “this is a place to stop by where the cool kids hang out”.
If you are a...
December 2009
8 posts
2 tags
Antique Garage
The first time I came here was for a birthday party a few years ago. The space used to be an auto garage, transformed into a local hot spot in 2003. We had the best seats in the house on the 2nd floor, loft like, and seated in a table for 20 ladies (since it was an all girls party for the birthday goddess). I’ve recently come back for a couple of brunches with that same lucky lady who...
4 tags
Tidbit: Tina's - A Cuban Midtown Lunch
Ground Beef Stew: picadillo w/rice and fried sweet plantain (maduros).
It is such a bad idea to over stuff yourself at lunch on a workday. The effects? Food Coma! Tina’s Restaurant, formerly known as Sophie’s, is an awesome lunch spot considering my office location. Great rice and bean platters that are not overpriced and you get huge portions.
I would definitely go back to try the...
4 tags
Cubana Café
A stretch of streets filled with cute shops, restaurants, and bars. Cubana Café is on Smith in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.
It is exactly what we were looking for on a really bitter cold night. We craved for something heavy, hot, and hearty. So what better than Cuban food?!?! This place is small, cute and the staff is friendly. The décor of the place exuberated a homey feeling, as if I was...
4 tags
Cookie Takedown
What a fun night trekking to Brooklyn. The first time I went to the Bell house was for the Chili Takedown. It was so much easier transporting via car, especially in a punch buggie red! This time two chicas and myself journey out there by train after the crazy snow storm. Manhattan streets were cleared in less than 24 hours, but as soon as we hit Brooklyn…we were hiking up and down snow piles!...
4 tags
Hot Wings!
The proper kind, not saucey, are ones that are spicy, fried, and dry. You hardly see these selling anywhere. Before discovering this place, the only place on my top list is Kennedy Fried Chicken. BUT, with the Korean craze on chicken, I found this little hidden spot in Manhattan’s Koreatown (thanks to the soon to be EX-roommate).
Baden Baden is pretty well known if you already know about...
5 tags
The Breslin for LAMB BURGERS!
The Breslin recently opened in the Ace Hotel in Flatiron. It’s absolutely gorgeous in there. I stumbled upon its review because of its lamb burger. Yes, that’s right….—> L A M B.
I’ve had a variety of burgers in my life. All beef, turkey, veggie, soy chicken, salmon, and even a turtle burger. That’s a pretty decent list of burgers that I’ve...
5 tags
Seafood Galore!
Queens! And live Octopus! The best Korean restaurants can be found here! Even better than Manahattan’s mini korea town on 32nd Street. This place is unique. It’s a restaurant but has a drinking/loitering feel. Very relax and décor is very different. I was extremely excited about coming here for days, and I’ve been here before, but tonight, I had a peculiar feeling. I knew I wanted to do a write...
3 tags
Tidbit: Devil's Advocate
Every day at work, my one value added responsibility is to decide where my group goes for lunch. Nothing special. But today, I was like the devil’s advocate, or the devil on my boss’s shoulder. As we are patiently waiting on the line to order sandwiches, we’re wrapped around the cookies, snacks, and dessert area. My boss picks up one of those healthy Kashi bars that are popularly known...
November 2009
6 posts
6 tags
Chili Takedown 2009
28 contestants compete for the best chili title. It was loud, it was fun, it was crowded, and there was A LOT of chili. Some were very creative and some stayed on the traditional route. As for me, I had a blast running around and tasting everything. I had no idea of all the different ingredients people could think up of to put in their recipe.
Some ingredients just did not sound good. The broad...
2 tags
Tidbit: Cool Snacks!
I went to Sunrise Mart, a Japanese supermarket in the East Village. They have the cutest packages and snacks!! Check out these mini oreo-like snacks. I figured smaller is better, less consumption, less calories. BUT NO, I was SO SO SO wrong! I ended up eating the entire thing by myself. Those little suckers are addictive.
Another unique and kind of cool snack I came across is this chocolate...
4 tags
Thanksgiving 2009: Chicas
Every year our group of girlfriends get together for Thanksgiving dinner. This year is, by far, the best and most creative one!! Since it was held a week before the actual date, it will be very hard for the other dinners to outshine this one.
My PA friend makes the turkey every year. This year, she decided to try a deep fried turkey. BELIEVE ALL THE RUMORS YOU HEAR. Deep fried turkey is...
2 tags
Momofuku Ko
LUNCH -> 16 COURSE -> 3 HOURS-> A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE. Will be sharing with you my experience dining at Ko as best as I can without any photo support!! They strictly prohibit any photos taken of the food. BOoOO! You would think that if you pay for food, it’s yours to do whatever you want with it.
First off, reservations are incredibly hard to get. There are just 12 seats. Chef...
2 tags
Tidbit: Office Package Surprise!
Friday morning sucks. Most people think, “TGIF” whoo hoo! The weekend is finally here. But, if you were out late night Thursday, you will feel like feces coming in the office at 7:30am, even if it is a Friday.
My morning was a bit hectic with a few meetings and new projects to work on. Luckily some guys from the office ordered breakfast pizza. Time sort of flies, and by early...
2 tags
Rocket Joe's Pizza
It is because of this awesome hole in the wall pizza place that makes me turn away from eating at another pizzeria ever again. Why waste the calories when I know this place is soooooo good?!?!?!?
Everybody knows that 3am pizza tastes awesome ANYWHERE. At that time in the morning, after a night of bar hopping or clubbing, your taste buds are just out of whack. This is exactly what happened the...
October 2009
7 posts
3 tags
Taco Stand - El Rey del Sabor
Ahhhhhhh TACOS…I found you!!!! Mexican lunch in midtown east!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Taco trucks and carts are such a trend these days, but never around where I am! I’m starting to feel like I have to travel to some part of town just to get to one. Maybe it’s my location, or maybe there just aren’t enough of them…(it’s probably the first).
One day, I walked...
4 tags
One of Many Childhood Memories: 25¢ Dumplings
Growing up in Bayside, Queens, hanging out in Flushing, and eating authentic chinese food. Life was much simpler in your adolescent years. One thing I enjoy reminiscing is the 25 cent fried dumplings.
The story about this place is that it started as 2 street carts who sold dumplings on the opposite sides of the same street. They realized that competing with each other wouldn’t do any...
3 tags
Breakfast Pizza in One Word...WOW
Simply put…bacon, egg, and cheese on a pizza from Pranzo Deli.
I’ve had the pleasures of being introduced to breakfast pizza over 3 years ago from the people at a hedge fund that I used to work for. I can still remember that very first day… ah yes, Friday morning, a bit hungover, and the smell of bacon and eggs. Yummmmmm… b’fast pizza has arrived and has been...
2 tags
Wine 30
This is my new fav wine bar. Excellent service and shockingly great food. (Not even close to the “bar food” category) MUST VISIT, and call me out to join! I live a block away. =)
The very first time I walked past this place, I knew I had to check it out and I knew that I would fall in love with it. The interior design is beautiful. Even if you don’t want wine or great food, just pass by...
4 tags
Damn Good Burger at Minetta Tavern
If you ever read about this place from any of the big players in the food blogging world, you will find unbelievably great reviews. Don’t fret, it will not over hype the Black Label Burger one bit.
I strolled in right before they opened and sat at the bar. Order the Roasted Bone Marrow and of course, the Black Label Burger. The meat is made from their Côte de Boeuf, which is a steak that...
4 tags
Sunday Food Drive-By
A day in the life of me! HA! Hardly, but a rundown of all the places and foods that I jumped around to today.
Every Sunday at 8am, my parents and their siblings typically go to Bo Ky in Chinatown. It’s a Chiu Chow (city in eastern Guangdong province, China) restaurant, and one of my favorites. I usually get the Seafood noodle soup; thin yellow noodles with soup on the side or the Satay beef...
3 tags
Bushwick, Brooklyn for Ecuadorian Food
ROADTRIP!! Not quite, but close enough! I went on a scavenger hunt to Brooklyn to find an authentic home cooked Ecuadorian meal. LITERALLY.
After a couple of detours and almost getting lost, we finally arrived at our destination- 1414 Greene Ave. I read about this place from BushwickBK.com. This woman serves only on weekends right out of her kitchen in her house. She has a table with some...