The Happy Food Dance

Last night's dinner: La Superior

2009-08-02T15:35:00.005-04:00

All of the Cheap Eat articles seemed to come out this month and I couldn't escape reading about La Superior, a new, cheap, street style Mexican restaurant in Williamsburg. When I read any positive review, with the words cheap and Williamsburg in it, I have to try it out!

Yesterday, Femi, Jen, and I decided to give this place a try. Since we just wanted tacos, I thought it would be a great place to go because Femi had to be to work in an hour. I thought it was on 2nd and Berry, which is pretty close to the bar. I guess there is no such thing and 2nd and Berry because we passed 4th St and then hit Metropolitan. I was thought to myself, where did 2nd Street go? Then we passed Grand St and I was getting worried that we weren't going to be able to get tacos because the walk was taking so long. Finally, we realized it was on South 2nd. We were already there so we decided to risk Femi being late to work.

This restaurant is very cute and is nicely decorated with pretty wallpaper and decorative napkin holders. I like the bold red color of the walls. I also especially enjoyed the music that was being played and was able to really do the "happy food dance" while I ate. I also enjoyed that the staff seemed to be friends and enjoy working with each other. They were laughing, goofin around, and having a good time.

We were sat and given menus immediately, contradicting what all you naysayers have been posting on menupages and the like. We didn't get any bad service at all, in fact our order was taken and food was delivered in great time. Femi was only 15 minutes late to work!

Jen and Femi were brave and decided to try the agua fresca without knowing what it was. Femi got Watermelon and Jen got Pineapple. These drinks are amazing! I looked up the recipe on my phone and it is 3 cups of pureed fruit, a cup of water, and sugar and lime to taste. The drink tastes like the fruit. The watermelon agua fresca literally tasted like drinking a watermelon. I especially like the foam at the top.

Femi and I are on a budget these days, so this time we only ordered tacos. The tacos here are $2.50 each and are served tapas style. We got four each. At first, you think wow these are small tacos but after eating them, the filling is so rich with flavor, that the size is perfect. They are very satisfying.

We both got the Tinga de pollo, which is shredded chicken in a VERY SPICY chipotle tomato sauce. The chicken is moist and the sauce is really hot but it is delicious. I recommend if you order this one, you save it for last. You wouldn't want to screw up your palate, because there is many more flavors to taste!

We also both got the Camaron al chipotle, which in our opinions was the best one. This taco is also spicy but not as spicy as the chicken. The shrimps are juicy and plump. They also give you a decent amount of shrimps in a small taco.

In addition, I got the Pescado zarandeado. I love me a fish taco and this one is up there with the best. I like that the fish is not fried. This taco has good, refreshing flavors.

I also got the Cochinita pibil, which is slow cooked pork in banana leaves. When Jen saw this taco, she asked how I would be able to eat it. Imagine a tortilla that is only 3 inches wide with a mound of pork on top. If you folded this taco, the pork would fall out of the front and the back. This taco took two hands and three napkins to eat. It was delicious though and had a bbq/mesquite type of flavor.

Femi, got the Carne Asada (grilled skirt steak) and Carnitas (pork confit) tacos. He said they were great but I didn't try them so I will have to take his word for it.

Both Jen and Femi said that they would come back again despite the distance from Greenpoint. Femi actually said he wanted to come 4 times per month. I agree, I will definitely come back again. I want to try the quesadillas and entrees. Last night, they had a squid cooked in ink special for $10. I was tempted to try it but I wanted to stick the tacos this time. Maybe next time I will try the squid if they have it.

It is really refreshing to find good food in Williamsburg. Usually the restaurants are talked up and the food is subpar. La Superior is indeed true to its name! I will most definitely be back!

Ichiran Ramen opening soon!?

2009-08-02T15:20:00.005-04:00

I have always been hearing rumors of a ramen restaurant from Japan opening up on Manhattan Ave in Greenpoint. I never took the time to explore it for myself.

Yesterday, I was looking up cheap restaurants to go to for dinner and I came across a few review sites that mentioned this ramen place called Ichiran Ramen.

After doing some research, I found out that they are only opening up the restaurant to people who register and live within walking distance of the spot. Below are some of the quotes that I found.

On Chowhound, hungry_united said "FYI, greenpointers: there's a new sign posted in front of the ramen shop (actually two -- one in japanese and the other in very cute poorly translated english) saying that the restaurant is due to open at an "indeterminate date" as "ichiran ltd. membership shop." they will ultimately be a regular restaurant, but they will first open for a small group of "members" who are invited to share their "severe opinion and frank comment" while the restaurant perfects its menu... there was a little box full of registration forms which you're invited to fill out and then leave in a little mailbox and the sign said that they would contact interested parties once they had decided on serving dates... it also said that membership would be for people who live within walking distance of the restaurant...

not sure what exactly any of this means, but i signed up and i'm excited to find out!"

On Yelp, Hideki K. said "I've been trying to land a reservation here. Based on my sources, you need to physically go to ramen shop to pick up a neighborhood membership application to have special privileges to dine there during this soft opening period at Ichiran." and Isabel L. said "Apparently they are still going through that " neighborhood members only" system. You basically need a Brooklyn address to become a member to enjoy the privilege of tasting their ramen. So I wrote down my home address ( not brooklyn) and added this :

* I work in this area and I walk by your store every day !* "

I also read on Eater, that " Grub Street notices that the highly anticipated Ichiran Ramen is getting closer to opening, a year and a half late. Right now, they're open for friends and family, kind of: "Now a sign has been posted indicating that it will open its doors, at first, as a 'limited membership shop' accessible only to 'those living in the distance which walks from this shop,' provided they fill out an application form." [GS]"

After reading all of this information, I decided to take a short walk and do some investigating myself. I walked 3 blocks to Manhattan and Green (the restaurant is right next to Cafecito Bogota) and read some of the verbiage that they posted on their window. I filled out a card with my name and address. So we will see what comes of it. I am really anxious to try this place because I love country Japanese food. I will keep all of you in the loop when I get any more information.

Cottage cheese salad with cucumbers and strawberries

2009-08-02T15:15:00.004-04:00

During the week, I am on a diet. No carbs and no sweets. Sometimes I succeed, other times I cheat. I am on a mission though to stay dedicated! That is why, when I am cooking for myself I go to Weight Watchers for guidance. This week, I found a page dedicated to strawberries, which I love and are in season.

I made the salad with strawberries, cucumber, pineapple cottage cheese (instead of plain), lettuce, and lemon juice. I added some cured meat on the side. I didn't put the lemon rind or spring onions on because I am not a huge fan of either.

I was skeptical because it sounded too healthy and usually healthy sounding food tastes bad. I was wrong. It was delicious!

Bowling!!!

2009-07-26T13:47:00.005-04:00

Femi and I met up with Maddy at Brooklyn Bowl last Wednesday. Maddy was running late, so Femi and I decided to check out the restaurant. I was not impressed. I will cut them some slack though because it had only been open for 2 nights.

We shared the Cajun Shrimp Cocktail with Spicy Mayo which was $12. The dish came out and I laughed. The shrimps were super tiny. I could have made this from the frozen shrimp they sell at C Town. There was no cajun seasoning on the shrimp. They were cooked and chilled. They were served on a bed of lettuce. The "spicy mayo" was mayo with some old bay and ground up chile pepper on top.

I got the plate of Iceberg, Blue Cheese, and Bacon salad which was $8. I also laughed when this came out. It was a wedge of iceberg, blue cheese dressing all over it, and bacon bits. There were some tomato slices on the side too. The dressing was good because it wasn't strong like other blue cheese can be. But seriously!? Bacon bits? C'mon give me a thick, crispy slice of bacon or two? And can't you chop the iceberg? Again, I could have totally made this at home for half the price. Not impressed.

Femi got the "Really" Sloppy Joe which was $8 bucks. Finally, something worth the money! This was a damn good sandwich. The sloppy joe was sweet and spicy. It came with a bed of lettuce (a choice of fries would have been nice, especially for Femi). This is definitely what you should get if you come to eat at Brooklyn Bowl. Don't even attempt to be healthy here. Just go straight for the good stuff. The other stuff is a waste of time

Now to the goods, the bowling! $40 for an hour and 4 bucks for shoes. Not bad. You can have a max of 8 people to a lane and they knock $10 off during happy hour. The lanes are great and they have all new technology. The selection of balls was mediocre. I couldn't find a small 8 lb ball anywhere but I found a medium and that worked out.

What is weird, is they have you pay for your bowling and shoes at the end, along with drinks and whatever you order. I am used to paying for bowling and shoes in the beginning and then at the end settling whatever drinks/food I ordered. I wonder if this is so they can get a bigger tip when drunk people don't notice the bowling and shoes and just tip on everything. Hmmmm.

The drink menu is muy expensive!!! They don't have a very good selection of beers. It is all Brooklyn beer and other local brands. The cheapest beer is 5 bucks. They should have a beer and a shot special or a 3 dollar beer or something. I had a Strawberry Maragarita which was yummy but was also $9 bucks and not much strawberry.

On a positive note, the atmostphere is COOL! They have a huge stage for possible shows. The place is ginourmous. I think they should add in some pool tables somewhere as well.

My suggestion is come here for the bowling. Skip the dinner and if you must eat go straight for the unhealthy snack foods. I hope that they improve the menu and drink prices with time.

De Lorenzo's!

2009-07-26T13:17:00.007-04:00

I have been going to De Lorenzo's Pizza in Trenton since I was a little girl. My dad has been going there since he was in high school! This is the best pizza I have ever had.

I remember, as a little girl, being asked if I had to use the

bathroom before we left. De Lorenzo's did not have a bathroom. I would always say no and then as soon as we got to the restaurant, I would have to go. My Dad would have to take me to a rough bar down the street to use the bathroom.

Now, De Lorenzo's has added a new location in Hamilton that has a bathroom and is very fancy.

Before, at the old location in Trenton, one would have to wait in line for an hour to get a table. Now, I am sure there is still a long wait, but it is very spacious.

One of my favorite things about De Lorenzo's is the crushed ice and birch beer. I remember that they didn't have free refills so we would all order our own sodas with ice and then my Dad would order a cup of soda without ice and pour it in all of our cups. This way we all didn't have to get separate sodas.

This time we just ordered a pitcher because I wanted a lot of birch beer.

We got two pies. One with mushrooms and the other with sausage. Nanny (my grandmother)

even came with us! I didn't know that she liked pizza but she said that really loved De Lorenzo's.

The best thing about the pizza is the sauce and the thin crust. My dad said that the secret to the sauce is crushed tomatoes. Shhh!

The new location is on Route 33 in Robbinsville, NJ. You can get their easily from NY by taking the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line to Hamilton. The restaurant is right by the train station.

It is well worth the journey because this is the best pizza you will ever have!

Pio Pio Riko

2009-07-18T15:14:00.004-04:00

Thursday night, Femi and I ordered from Pio Pio Riko. This is also right near my apartment and they deliver. Pio Pio Riko is located on Huron and Manhattan in Greenpoint.

We both got quarter chickens. Femi got his with french fries and salad, and I got mine with just salad. Femi also got sweet plantains. They didn't have orange soda, so I got a diet coke and Femi got a Sprite. I love orange soda and I wish they would sell Photo courtesy of greenpointcity.com that.

The dressing that they put on their salad is sooo good. I don't know what it is but I love it. They also give you the spicy green dipping sauce for your chicken, but I put it on my salad because it is so good!

Pio Pio Riko does the whole rotisserie chicken thing and it is sooo good. It falls right off the bone and you don't even need to use a knife. I love that!

They also have other Peruvian specials on their menu but I find the chicken specials are the best bang for your buck. Two quarter chickens, plaintains, and sodas set us back about only $16 bucks. Not too bad.

Pio Pio Riko is the best for when you want something greasy and unhealthy, that isn't that bad for you.

Last Night's Dinner: OTT

2009-07-18T15:03:00.004-04:00

Last night and Wednesday night, I ordered OTT, a Thai restaurant right on the corner of my street. They are located on Manhattan Ave and India St in Greenpoint.

I like this place because it is consistently good and fast. They deliver but they are also a half a block away so it is very convenient.

Photo by Gavin Thomas - Courtesy of nymag.com

Last night, I got chicken pad thai medium spicy. Wednesday night, I got chili beef medium spicy and Femi got pad see ew with extra beef and regular broccoli (they usually put chinese broccoli in it and he doesn't like that). We also got chicken satay with peanut sauce. Both times I got thai iced coffee. I love it!

This place is a little pricey. Last night, it was 12 bucks for pad thai and an iced coffee. Wednesday it was about $30 bucks for two entrees, an appetizer, and a coffee. It is just very convenient and delicious!

Fette Sau - Food Coma Inducer

2009-07-18T14:21:00.006-04:00

Monday night, Femi and I went to Fette Sau for dinner. Fette Sau is on Metropolitan between Havemeyer and Roebling.

The great thing about this place is that you order your food by the pound (or quarter pound in our case.) This way you can try a little of everything without breaking the bank. They also have excellent sodas available (black cherry, vanilla cream, and root beer.) For the drinkers, they have an extensive beer and whiskey list.

Also the menu changes daily which is a nice thing about a restaurant. To me, it makes the restaurant's food better when they can focus on a few items each day, instead of a full menu. According to Fette Sau's website, they smoke their meat with Red and White Oak, Maple, Beech, and Cherry wood. They also dry rub bbq their meat. They don't apply sauce during the cooking process. All of the meat that they serve is organic and small family farmed.

Whenever Femi and I come here, we order a quarter of a pound of every meat and a side. This time around we got Hand Pulled Berkshire Shoulder, Berkshire Belly, Boneless Ribs, Brisket, Flank Steak, and a Rib on the bone. We also got Cora's Broccoli Salad. For drinks, I got Manhattan Special Black Cherry Soda and Femi got Manhattan Special Orange Soda.

They also make their own sauces, a sweet bbq sauce (my favorite), pasilla chile pepper sauce (its HOT), and vinegar.

The total for all of that was around $25! This is a great place if you want to load up on protein without paying 40 bucks for a steak!

By the way, this place also delivers too! But I must warn you if you are feeling lazy before ordering and eating, just wait until after you eat. This food will induce a coma - a good coma though.

For more information on Fette Sau and what they serve visit their website.

Festa Del Giglio - Yum!

2009-07-11T20:58:00.004-04:00

Today, Femi and I want to the carnival on North 8th St for some dinner. We didn't play games or go on rides, we went for the food.

We got sausage, peppers, and onions on a roll. I got sweet and Femi got spicy.

Then we got funnel cake and zeppoli (fried dough).

All the food was amaaazing. I wish we would have split the sandwich instead of getting our own because I couldn't eat the funnel cake or zeppoli because I was too full.

I had one zeppoli and it was sooo good, but I could only eat one. I knew how gross and bad for me they were. It is too intense of a food. I don't know how I could eat more than one.

Anyways, go get some good Italian food if you live in the neighborhood!

Tortilla Espanol con Verduras

2009-07-11T20:49:00.003-04:00

This morning Femi and I made Spanish Tortilla with Veggies. It was delicious. Here is the recipe:

5 links of breakfast sausage (not frozen)

6 eggs

1 white onion

2 cloves of garlic

1 pepper (any color, we used green)

1 tomato

can of thinly sliced potatoes (or you can use fresh, peel them slice them, and fry in olive oil till soft)

can of sliced mushrooms

fresh spinach

shredded cheddar cheese

olive oil

sofrito sauce

ketchup

smoked paprika

First, remove casing from sausage and saute sausage in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Cook till grey. Chop up into bite size pieces.

Chop onion, peppers, and tomato.

Saute onion in olive oil with two whole cloves of garlic, skins still on until onion is clear.

Add peppers and saute. Add spinach and saute until it is wilted. Add potatoes, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Saute.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, crack 6 eggs. Whisk with a fork until combined.

Pour veggie mixture and sausage into eggs. Mix. Add some cheese. Add salt and pepper.

Pour egg mixture into a big pan. When side is browned, take a plate, lid, or baking sheet, cover pan with it, turn upside down to flip, then slide tortilla back into the pan to cook the other side.

Repeat as above when that side is browned. But don't return to pan. Set aside and let cool to room temperature.

Meanwhile, mix sofrito, couple squeezes of ketchup, and some smoked paprika together to make a bravas sauce for your tortilla.

Tortilla is also served with ailoli. It is too complicated and messy to make. The grocery store sells mayo made with olive oil. So if you take some of that and mix it with minced garlic, it is similar. Not exactly the same though.

Once cooled, slice like a pie and serve with sauce. Bueno appetito!

Last Night's Dinner: Sakura 6

2009-07-11T20:39:00.005-04:00

Last night, we went to Sakura 6 in Greenpoint. They have free sake with dinner so why not! Plus they have big windows that they open so it's airy and nice.

I haven't had sushi in a while and since it was Friday, I could go for some rice. They have a special where you get three rolls and a salad for 14.95 so Femi and I split that and got two more rolls.

Photo courtesy of yu-misushi.com

We got spicy tuna, spicy salmon, and spicy crab. Femi ate the salad. He loves his ginger dressing. We also got sweet potato roll (I really love sweet potatoes) and spider roll. I am a new fan of spider roll. I had never had it before. It was the first time I had spider roll and the first time I have eaten soft shell crab. Both are delicious. I especially love the Japanese mayo and the fact that there was seaweed in the roll. I freakin' love seaweed!

The sake was yummy but I must say I was really annoyed by the amount of fruit flies. That just groses me out. Guess it's because of the open windows.

Maoz Vegetarian

2009-07-11T20:33:00.002-04:00

On Thursday, after Spanish class, I decided to get food and then eat it in the park. I was planning on just getting Whole Foods unless I passed by something else. Then, I saw Maoz! I haven't eaten it since I was on South Street when I lived in Philly!

I didn't want to eat a falafel with pita because during the week I must watch my carbs. So I decided to get a salad. For 10 bucks you get a salad with falafel, hummus, and fried eggplant. You also get a juice or lemonade. Then you also get free toppings! I got pickles, beets, tabouleh, chickpeas, olives, yogurt sauce, tahini, hot sauce, salsa, cilantro, and more!

Pastel de Carne (Meatloaf)

2009-07-11T20:28:00.003-04:00

I attempted to make meatloaf wrapped in bacon a few nights ago.

To me, it came out too salty. Femi loved it though. He has a high tolerance for salt. Next time I would use a thinner bacon. The one I bought was way too thick.

Peter's Since 1969

2009-07-11T20:07:00.004-04:00

Wednesday night, my boyfriend Femi was working at K&M. I was really excited to visit him because I wanted to try Peter's Since 1969 for a while. The restaurant is right down the street and I know that they did take out.

I got there and had a hard time choosing what to get between the roasted chicken and the kielbasa and then all of the sides you can choose from like mac'n'cheese and sweet potatoes. I finally decided on Peter's Sausage with mashed sweet potatoes and sauteed spinach (oh yeah all of their entrees come with two sides and focaccia!) My boyfriend wanted a 1/4 rotisserie chicken with mac'n'cheese and mashed potatoes. Carb explosion!

The food was greeeat! The sausage was perfectly cooked...I mean it is really hard to screw up kielbasa. The sweet potatoes were creamy and sweet but not overpowering. The spinach is what really surprised me! I thought it was going to be just steamed spinach plain and boring. Boy was I wrong, it was perfectly seasoned with olive oil and garlic. It had a kick to it which I love and was delicious. I am always skeptical of greens but then they are always the thing that I finish first!

Femi's was good. The chicken was juice, the macs were alright, and the mashed potatoes were yum. I am very picky about mac'n'cheese and I must say theirs was a little on the bland and gummy side.

They also have vegetarian love. They have a veggie special (three sides). That's always nice.

The portions are huuuuge! You definitely get a bang for your buck! Service was mediocre. The girl that was working took her time and was slow. The guy was quick and was funny.

There is plenty of seating and I even noticed a backyard for those who dine in. I took mine to go and ate it at K&M because that's how I roll.

To see more restaurant reviews please visit The Gotham Palate. This article is also posted here but with more pictures!

Jen's Double Layer Red Velvet Cake with Red Velvet Cake Balls on top.

2009-07-01T19:46:00.004-04:00

For Danne and my birthday, Jen baked us a yummy cake! The cake balls were supposed to be dipped in chocolate but I think there was a mishap in the kitchen. Oh well...it's the thought that counts! Plus it was still yummy! The icing was the best! For the cake ball recipe, click here!

Last Night's Dinner: Five Leaves

2009-07-01T19:32:00.007-04:00

I have to tell you. I was really skeptical about dining at Five Leaves. I knew it was Heath Ledger's restaurant and I know it was frequented by hipsters. I heard that the service was really bad but the food was really good, so I thought I'd give it a go!

We went on Saturday around 5:30 pm. I also heard it get's really crowded so we decided to go early. It was pretty full. We sat outside because the weather was nice and because they didn't have air conditioning. I can't eat when I'm hot. The inside is decorated really cool though.

Before we sat down, I noticed that a lot of people were eating hamburgers. I thought it strange considering the menu on their website had a ton of options. When we sat down and got the menu, it seemed that they drastically cut their menu, now offering only burgers for their main course. Interesting...

No problem! I didn't really want a burger anyway. I came to try those oysters. We started with the soup special which was a cream based soup with white beans and bacon. It was simply delicious and seasoned just right. I know it's crazy to get soup on a hot summer day. It was Femi's choice!

Next, we got poached shrimp served chilled with a tomato horseradish cream. The shrimp were okay. They were fresh and were cooked fine except for one. But the tomato horseradish cream! Ohmigod! Out of this world! I couldn't get enough of this sauce! MMMMM!

We also got 1/2 dozen Blue Point oysters freshly shucked with two sauces, a rice wine mignonette and a red virgin mary sauce. Both sauces were good and the oysters were amazing! This was my first time eating an oyster and I am glad I did! So fresh and delish!

Last, we got truffle fries which are fries fried in truffle oil. They were really really good. Crispy and delicious (especially dipped in that tomato horseradish cream.)

All in all, a very very enjoyable meal. I would most definitely go back, even with the limited menu.

Of course, right when we were finishing it started downpouring. But that's good...kept me from eating all of the fries!

Last Night's Dinner: Carne Al Horno

2009-07-01T19:29:00.003-04:00

Last week, we made Porco Al Horno. The next day we tried our hand at Carne Al Horno. Same recipe, lemons, onions, tomatoes, and peppers, this time with flank steak all in the oven.

Last Night's Dinner: Porco al Horno (and today's lunch and tonight's dinner)

2009-06-23T21:04:00.002-04:00

Last night Femi made pork chops with red peppers, green peppers, tomatoes, onion, olive oil, and some lemon. It is called "al horno" in Spanish which we thought was really funny. We saw this dish on a menu in Barcelona and laughed about it because we have does dirty minds. Does pollo al horno make you horno? But today during my Spanish homework, I learned that "horno" means oven, so "al horno" means of the oven. So pork chops of the oven. Yum! Buen appetito!

My Spanish Pot Luck Birthday Party!

2009-06-20T19:51:00.007-04:00

Was a ton of fun! I made mixed paella (with mussels, scallops, calamari, shrimp, chorizo, and chicken), spanish tortilla, patatas bravas, clerico, and pan con tomate. I will include the recipes for some of these things after the jump. Femi made aioli, manchego frito with apple glaze and guava paste, and gambas. There was a ton of cheese and wine. We also had some olives, tortas, crema stuffed plantains, spanish stew and more! My roommate made rice pudding and gorgeous paper flower decorations. Pics and videos below.

Adam had to change shirts because of an accidental red wine spillage.

He looks thrilled especially near the orange flowers.

People piggin out on Spanish wonders.

Jen's diggin' her grandmas chorizo bread.

Ryan loves bread and Reid loves beer.

My Clerico with white wine, strawberries, grapes, apples, lemons, oranges, sugar, peaches, and more! Yum!

We got some fried potatoes, bravas sauce, aioli, pan con tomate, chorizo, tortilla, and queso. Yum again!

How beautiful were those decorations? Jen made them by hand!

Food baby/coma time.

Maiko and her boyfriend gettin ready to eat!

Adam and Ross chowin' down.

Femi's spicy garlicky shrimp dish.

Patatas bravas con aioli

Spanish Tortilla (that kinda fell apart)

Videos!!

I used this paella recipe just added more stuff in it.

I made this same recipe but added hot sauce and a little ketchup into the bravas sauce. Femi made the aioli with olive oil, eggs, lemon, and garlic. I don't know how to make aioli like he does.

My Birthday Dinner!

2009-06-20T19:16:00.012-04:00

Wednesday, June 17, was my birthday. So after work and after Spanish class, Femi took me to dinner. We met in Union Square and walked to the West Village. We walked through Washington Square Park holding hands (how romantic hehe). I hadn't seen it since the renovation. I really love arches and fountains and that whole combination in parks. It is so beautiful. It makes me feel like I am in a different part of the world or something. Then we ran into our friend Mikey and chatted for a bit. We finally ended up at La Lanterna for what was about to be a great birthday feast.

I have been to La Lanterna twice before. Once with some of my friends for drinks and apps. We sat outside in the back and I was really impressed by the decor, trees, and greenery inside the restaurant. Then the second time I went was with my friend Maiko and we sat downstairs. Downstairs is really nice and romantic. It is dim lit with candles and exposed brick/stone walls (can't remember). The perfect place for a date and the food is really good and fresh too!

When Femi and I got there, the downstairs was closed boo. But we were able to sit outside which was nice too. Our server was very attentive and knowledgeable as well. We started off with the Caprese salad (buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and bread.) It was very good and very fresh. The mozzarella melted in our mouths, it was very soft. Not at all chewy like some mozzarella can be.

For drinks, I got a glass of Pinot Grigio and I am not sure what Femi got. I am not a huge fan of Italian wine. I don't know too much about it. I do like Pinot Grigio though. Its an easy wine to drink.

I ordered a panini with speck, mascarpone, and a splash of cognac. I love this panini. The saltiness of the speck and the sweetness and creaminess of the mascarpone goes hand in hand to me. I got the panini on crostini bread. It, to me, is one of the best paninis I have ever tasted.

Femi got pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, proscuitto, basil, and olive oil. It was delicious! Thin crust, fresh ingrediants, really nice pizza.

For dessert, I wanted to share one thing but Femi insisted that I get my own. So I got tiramisu and Femi got raspberry cheesecake. My tiramisu was really good. I don't know a lot about it but on the menu it said it was their house specialty so I got it. I love the whipped cream and cocoa powder the best. Femis was great too. La Laterna is definitely a dessert place. We both got fancy drinks too. I got a Nikki Coffee (because it is my name) which is coffee, baileys, and butterscotch schnapps with whipped cream. Femi got a Irish Coffee which is coffee, Jameson, and whipped cream. Mine was better!!!

All in all a great birthday meal. We did end up taking half of the panini and half of the pizza home with us to save room for such rich desserts cuz that's how we roll.

Last Night's Dinner: Ensalata

2009-06-17T16:21:00.004-04:00

Last night I made a salad like the one below. I didn't use shallots or carrots. I added some cured ham and cucumbers. Instead of walnuts, I used peanuts and sunflower seeds (because I am on a budget and I had those things already). The best part of the salad was the dressing though. I used gargonzola instead of roquefert. I mashed it into the olive oil (like demonstrated in the video) and added some pepper. Who knew? I am not usually a fan of such a pungent strong cheese but mixed with olive oil it was delicioso!

I also made the dessert. Bananas, yogurt, honey but I used a little peanut butter instead of walnuts and I added a lil whipped cream. I love the banana peanut butter combo and I can't resist me some whipped cream. I think it is best condiment on the planet.

Bon appetit!

Last Night's Dinner: Lettuce Wraps

2009-06-16T18:04:00.002-04:00

I forget where I found this recipe. I made this about a month ago because I am trying to not eat carbs during the week. It consists of beef, peanuts, chili paste, rice vinegar, peppers, onions, mushrooms, water chestnuts and is basically one big spicy delicious stir fry. Then you spoon it into lettuce leaves (romaine or iceberg work best). Last night Femi made it for us. His wasn't as spicy as mine was. It was sooo good! I highly recommend this dish for a healthy dinner (or lunch).

Jen's Grandma's Sausage Bread

2009-06-16T18:02:00.004-04:00

is sooooooooooo good! Jen's grandma is Portuguese and she makes the best sausage bread! All I know is its got some chorizo in there. I don't know her grandma's secret but whatever it is I like it!

Legion: Fun Bar With Good Choices

2009-06-15T10:12:00.007-04:00

So maybe I am biased towards Legion because my boyfriend works there but I really like this bar a lot! They have something for everyone: a good selection of tap, bottle, and can beers. They have a few beer and a shot specials for the recession-friendly. They also have an abundance of scotch and bourbons. They have a great outdoor space where there are frequent bbqs on Sunday afternoons.

I like the fact that this is a regular bar catered towards patrons of the beer and whiskey drinking type, but they actually give you a choice of wine that goes beyond "red or white?" Just to be clear, this is definitely not a wine bar. But they do carry 4 types of wines and 2 types of ports. They have: Protocolo White, Nathanson Creek Chardonnay, Trapiche Malbec, and Luzon Verde Monastrell. The ports that they serve are Sandeman Fine Ruby and Cockburns Special Reserve.

I had the pleasure of tasting both of the white wines last night. The Protocolo White is a Spanish vino that is made of 100% White Tempranillo grapes and comes from mainly the Rioja and Penedes regions. My first impression was the strong fruity smell and when I tasted it I got a light-medium body. It is more dry than sweet but still has fruit aromas. When I looked this up on my phone, I read that it is composed of strawberry, raspberry, black pepper hints, black cherry, mint, and earthy tones. I wasn't too too far off.

The Nathanson Creek Chardonnay is from California. When I first tried this i got fruity again with a light bodied and sweeter than the Protocolo, less dry. I looked it up and it says that this wine is smooth with apple flavors with oak notes. Again, I was close! I need to work on picking out the specific fruits though. That is my mission!

My Favorite Water Ice

2009-06-15T10:07:00.004-04:00

Ralph's has the best water ice in the city. There are so many flavors and combinations. Yesterday, I got No Sugar Added Chocolate Mousse and No Sugar Added Mint Creme Ice. I am a huge fan of the Mint Creme Ice but the Chocolate Mousse was just okay. It was really grainy and fell apart. I lost a couple chunks just because they fell off of my cup. It is sweet and doesn't taste like sugar free. It is kind of like regular chocolate water ice...I didn't really get that mousse flavor. But the mint is out of this world. It is creamy and minty with chocolate chip chunks in it. Yum! I saw that Ralph's has a Birthday Cake creme ice flavor. I think that is the next flavor on my horizon.

Best Drink Ever!

2009-06-15T10:04:00.003-04:00

In my opinion, is sparkling orange soda like San Pellegrino Aranciata. It has the perfect amount of fizz but not too much fizz. It not too sweet like orange soda but is sweet enough that its drinkable. It has the same bitterness to it that regular San Pellegrino has but extra sweet so its actually yummy (unlike plain.) It is crispy and has a bite and its a great thirst quencher plus it is inexpensive (only $1.25 for a can at the bodega on Norman and Manhattan.) I also like Orangina too.

Breakfast

2009-06-14T12:06:00.003-04:00

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Lately, on the weekends, I have been eating a simple but delicious breakfast. Baguette, cured meat, gourmet cheese, and a little guava paste. I haven't been able to find the bread that Catalans use for their bocadillos but this is pretty damn close.

I am also of fan of eggs benedict especially at Brooklyn Label. I used to be able to make my own eggs benedict. I haven't done this in a while though. The trick is to crack one egg into a cup and then drop that egg (carefully!) into boiling water and take the handle end of a wooden spoon and stir the water around the egg so it spins. Then turn down the heat to simmer and let the egg simmer for a while. I still have yet how to figure out to make hollandaise sauce. I got a recipe from weight watchers which said to take egg subsititute like egg beaters and squeeze half a lemon into it and whisk. There you go. But I always but it in the microwave for 15 seconds so it doesn't cook but gets a little warm. I know there is supposed to be some double boil action in there somewhere.

During the week, I am on a boring diet. So I just eat lowfat vanilla yogurt (activia is my favorite) with raisins, sunflower seeds, and maybe fruit if I have it. I always have a triple espresso with milk. I have been drinking that flavored cream stuff but I think I am going to stop and instead use fat free half and half with splenda again. I don't know.

Spain On The Road Again

2009-06-14T12:01:00.003-04:00

Before my trip to Barcelona, I came across this show on NYC-TV. Spain on the Road Again is a show that follows Mario Batalli, Mark Bitman, Claudia Bassol, and Gwyneth Paltrow around Spain. They embark on culinary adventures, wine tastings, and some touristy bits. I honestly can't stand Mario or Bitman and the two ladies get on my nerves a little bit too, but I am addicted to this show for the beautiful scenery and interesting food knowledge that it brings to the table. I think it is on NYC-TV on Fridays at 9PM. But I just download the episodes on xtorrent. If you want to learn more about Spanish gastronomy, this is definitely a good way to do it.

Arroz Con Costra (sort of)

2009-06-14T00:36:00.003-04:00

This recipe traditionally calls for eggs and garbonzo beans but Femi and I are not such a fan of either. (I do like my poached eggs though) We also didn't have access to rabbit or blood sausage unfortunately. Not that I would have ever eaten rabbit. I do love blood sausage. We used pork instead of rabbit (I know not at all the same.)

Ingrediants:

2 cups of Rice

4 cups of chicken broth

2 garlic cloves

chorizo

pork

chicken breasts

white wine

thyme

paprika

can of diced tomatos

one red pepper

1) Cut the meat up and season with salt and pepper

2) Add olive oil to a large pan and heat

3) Add two garlic cloves and saute

4) Cut up red pepper

5) Add chicken and brown on both sides then set aside

6) Cook chorizo and set aside

7) Cook pork and set aside

8) Add tomatoes and pepper

9) Add rice and mix

10) Add meat back in

11) sprink some paprkia

12) add broth and white wine

13) add thyme

14) bring to boil and then simmer for 30 min covered.

Voila! Yummy meat and rice dish! Sorry for the lack of photos. I will take one soon and post it tomorrow!

My favorite "Funky Chef"

2009-06-14T00:31:00.004-04:00

When I got back from Spain, I was on a mission to recreate some of the food that I ate there. I came across this video channel that is full of spanish recipes. Of course, you have to either watch very closely and interpret your own way or know very good Spanish. I do a little of both.

So far I have made arroz con pollo, spanish tortilla, empanadas, bocadillos, arroz con costra (sort of), spaghetti bolognesa, meatballs, and more. All came out really well. I will start translating the recipes into English in my own interpretation and I will take photos of what I make. I will leave it to him to take the videos.

My Trip To Barcelona

2009-06-13T23:33:00.003-04:00

My trip to Barcelona was the inspiration for this blog. I am really interested in food, wine and travel. Especially combining all three. So here is my "official" guide to Barcelona. Click here to see my photos.

My boyfriend and I went to Barcelona during May 09. The weather was fantastic, sunny, hot days but not too hot.

We stayed at Hotel Zenit Borrel in L'Eixample which I highly recommend. It was affordable and very nice.

The thing I most love about Barcelona is the cafe seating on the street corners. There are countless numbers of cafes and all are good. Anywhere you go, you can get amazing cafe con leche (espresso with steamed milk) and bocadillos (meat and cheese sandwiches). Femi and I did this every day for breakfast. Dos cafe con leches y dos iberico jamon bocadillos. Iberico jamon is the best thing on earth! I wish it was more readily available in the U.S. Chorizo bocadillos are also great as well as manchego too.

My first "real" meal in Barcelona was at Inopia. This place was really good. At first, we were really skeptical because of the decor and loud American music playing in the background but we gave the food a chance and it was amazing. We got the Croquetas caseras de jamon iberico (which were great!), the Patatas bravas con salsa mixta (their specialty and my personal favorite), the Bomba de l'Eixample (because we were staying in l'Eixample we wanted to try it), Pork Belly (not what I was expecting, it was like pork rind with some soft pieces, but was really yummy nonetheless), and Lamb Kebabs (Femi's favorite). They have a really extensive menu which we didn't even make a dent in.

After dinner, we went to Minusa, which became our favorite bar in Barcelona. It was cheap, had great music, and was close to our hotel. A Estrella was like 3 euros. Some people danced but contrary to my blog title, we just sat at the bar. We went back to this bar three more times during our trip.

The next day we went up to Gaudi's Parc Guell which was beautiful but full of tourists. That day for lunch we decided to budget and made our on "bocadillos" with bread, jamon, and gouda from the grocery store as well as some Sunny D. That night, we got dinner at Cocina a la Antigua. This place was okay for Barcelona, good compared to any place in New York. I ordered octopus but instead got fried calamari (meh), mussels (yum!), mushrooms in olive oil and parsley (meh), and a meat place with jamon, chorizo, and blood sausage (which by the way, I had never had before, and now I am a total believer.) I really want to find blood sausage in Brooklyn so I can eat it at home. It is sausage made from pigs blood and rice. It really is the best thing ever.

The day after, we went to the beach (my favorite part of Barcelona!) There are some really cute cafes and restaurants along the pier and boardwalk. After the beach, Femi and I got a traditionally big lunch. We just happend to come across it while we were walking back to our hotel. We got macarones a la bolognesa (Femi's favorite dish of the trip I think) and I got some chicken dish and Femi got lamb. Both dishes were really great. They served some jalapenos that were cooked and weren't spicy at all. The jalapenos were really good. The reason that the maccarones were so great was because the pasta was homemade, the tomato sauce was fresh and creamy, and the parmasean was fresh and real. Catalan food is so basic but is so good because of the amazing, fresh, local ingrediants. Sunday for dinner, we went to Taller de Tapas. It was okay for Barcelona but good for New York. Another tourist catered type of place. The one place we were going to go to was really crowded, Cerveceria Catalana. And the other place, Taktika Berri, was closing. We got chorizos in red wine, espinicas a la Catalana (spinach, chickpeas, pine nuts, and raisins mmmm), langostine two ways (one grilled with aioli and the other served cold), we also got some creme brulle. Good meal all in all.

Monday was wine country day...off to the Penedes region where they produce cava! We were scheduled to go to dos wineries but only made it to one because we took the wrong train (we went down the coast and past Sitges instead of in the country). And Google Maps gave us the wrong directions, they told us Codorniu was in one location when it really was not and was very far away. We finally made it to Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, had a picnic lunch of homemade "bocadillos" and went to Freixenet for our only cava tour of the day. We learned a lot about how they made the cava. They crushed three different kinds of grapes, Macabeo, Xarello, and Parelleda, and stored them seperately. Then they mixed them in different amounts to create different types of cave. They added something to make the cava sweet for the different levels of sweetness. Then they store these bottles of cava in slanted holders and turn them every day until they lie in a flat direction. Then they move them to another cellar where they are stored for a while. A lot of the bottles were broken because of the pressure from the cava in the bottle. Then we got to taste cava which was the best part! I bought a few bottles home. I am a fan of semiseco. I don't like brut cava too much. That night we just got some late night pizza around the corner called Trattoria Pizzeria Genova Milano. Pizza in Spain is really thin and crispy...just the way I like it.

Tuesday, we walked around the old town, saw MACBA, went into the Boqueria Market, saw the Catedral, and hung out in the park. We had a fantastic lunch at a restaurant that was right on the park. We got paella which was very good. I can't seem to find the name of the restaurant, but it was across from the park and had outside seating.

Wednesday was our last day. We walked around L'Eixample and saw some Gaudi. We got gelato. We got a fantastic dinner at Arenal near the beach. Femi got Paella and I got Arroz Negra (squid cooked in its own ink with rice). Such a great end to a fantastic trip. Oh yeah and Barca won the Copa de Fira that night so that was awesome too!