I Just Want To Eat! 4/21/26 I Just Want To Eat! 4/21/26

Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

With several locations in New Jersey, Rumba Cubana is a good spot in Jersey City, near Hamilton Park, for a nice Cuban brunch. With a vibrant atmosphere, it serves a wide range of Cuban and Latin food, with so many mouth watering dishes that you would want to try everything. It starts with their Cuban tapas. I admit that I am not of big fan of the guacamole cubano ($9.95), simply because the plantains made it hard to eat and get a good amount of guacamole on it. I would have separated them, like they show on their website. Still, I love plantains and also got their plantain chips with cilantro aioli or Mariquitas platano ($3.95). I found them quite addictive. But my favorite was the fritura maiz (5.95) or corn fritters. Topped with parmesan cheese and served with crema fresca, they were delicious crispy and nicely sweet. A must have.

Fritura maiz at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

Mariquitas de platano at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

Guacamole cubano at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

While Jodi had their ensalada tropical ($8.95), one time with queso blanco and one time without, I went for their vaca frita ($16.95), a classic Cuban dish made with crispy seared shredded flank steak, marinated in citrus mojo, and prepared with garlic and red onion. Served in a plantain cup with white rice and black beans, it was very good. Crispy on the outside, but tender inside, the beef with intensely savory, garlicky and citrusy. Another traditional dish I tried was their arroz con pollo a la chorrera ($17.95). This chicken braised in sofrito infused yellow rice with sweet plantains is like a Cuban risotto. I loved it: the chicken was well cooked, and the rice very flavorful, with the plantains adding a nice sweetness. For the price, this was a very good deal considering the generous portion.

Ensalada tropical with queso blanco at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

Ensalada topical at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

Vaca fritta at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

Arroz con pollo a la chorrera at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

With it, I tried their batido, a fruit milkshake that I always get in a Cuban restaurant. Mamey, a tropical fruit also called sapote, is my usual order, and I also tried their mango one. Both were well made and a nice drink to get with food.

Batido de mamey at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

Batido de mango at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

For dessert, we tried their tres leches ($4.95) that was nicely sweet, creamy and ultra-moist, and their coconut flan or flan de coco ($4.95), that, although I am not a huge fan of coconut, was pretty good.

Tres leches at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

Flan de coco at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

We had great food at Rumba Cubana with prices that are reasonable when it comes to what you get in the area. Definitely a place to put on a must explore list.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Rumba Cubana - 235 Pavonia Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302

I Just Want To Eat! 4/14/26 I Just Want To Eat! 4/14/26

Product Review: AMZCHEF Coffee Grinder

Although these products were sent complimentary, the opinion expressed in this post is 100% my own.

I recently received a coffee grinder from AMZCHEF to try. As I opened the box, I immediately saw how slick it looked with its anti-static silver body and its led panel. But, what makes it more interesting is its 48 grind settings, from coarse to fine, that you just need to adjust depending on the coffee machine you have, from French press, drip or espresso, giving you the perfect brew. I personally prefer freshly ground coffee beans because they preserve volatile aromatic oils and flavor compounds that evaporate within 15 to 60 minutes of grinding, providing a richer, more flavorful, and aromatic cup. And with a burr grinder like this, you get consistent particule size, that I could never get with the grinder I used to have, perfect for my espresso machine. And then there is the smell of freshly ground coffee filling the kitchen… honestly, that alone makes the whole ritual worth it!

Check this out on Amazon or the Amzchef website.

Enjoy (I did)!

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I Just Want To Eat! 4/13/26 I Just Want To Eat! 4/13/26

Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

Fire and Oak in the Westin Hotel is one of my favorite restaurants in Jersey City: nice atmosphere and great food there always makes for a nice evening. While Jodi always goes for their pizza (margherita - $20 or the Newport made with eggplant - $21), missing their no longer served Detroit pizza years ago, I enjoyed their steaks, especially their steak frites ($46), composed of a hanger steak and truffle Parmesan fries with a sauce au poivre (peppercorn sauce). Tender, juicy, with that bold and intensely beefy flavor. Their 16oz Sterling ribeye ($57) is good, but I thought it lacked that buttery and richness that I crave in a that piece of meat. I still enjoyed it with the best whipped potatoes ever: so creamy, with bits of skin. They sometimes have specials, like the mushroom pappardelle ($32) that Jodi got in one off our visits, a great pasta dish topped with whipped ricotta cheese, and with a generous amount of mushrooms (oysters and shiitake), bathed in a delicious creamy sauce.

The Newport, eggplant roman pizza at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

Wild mushroom pappardelle at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

Steak frites at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

Sterling ribeye at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

Seafood is not to be missed though. I really liked their lobster bisque ($16), that was rich, creamy, and velvety with a deep, savory lobster flavor, as well as their crab cake ($21), made with blue crab served with a lemon remoulade that was also a special. Their pan seared Bronzino with jumbo lump crab scampi ($38) is not to be missed if still proposed: the fish, topped with large pieces of crab, was perfectly cooked, sitting on top of a delicious roasted garlic and white wine sauce. With it, were asparagus, as well as some fingerling potatoes that were deliciously crispy.

Lobster bisque at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

Crab cake at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

Bronzino and crab scampi at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

Desserts there are pretty good, with their decent tiramisu, and my favorite: the apple crostata à la mode, that was deliciously sweet and buttery. A must have.

Apple crostata at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

Tiramisu at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

Besides food, their cocktails are not to be missed. Their smoked old fashioned ($21) is definitely the star of the show, the glass coming under a cloche filled with smoke that will be removed by the wait staff in slow circular motion. I also like their Pears and Lychee ($16) that is like a lychee martini with hints of pear, or their Ketel One Nitro espresso martini ($16) that is perfectly balanced. They also have mocktails, like the Lychee Fusion, made with pineapple, lychee and cranberry.

Smoked old fashioned at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

Ketel One espresso martini at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

Pears and lychee cocktail at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

Lychee fusion mocktail at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

I don't think I have ever been disappointed with fire and Oak: the food is quite good there and I love their cocktails. This is for sure a place to know in Jersey City if you are looking for a nice diner.

Enjoy (I did)

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Fire and Oak at the Westin Hotel - 479 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310

I Just Want To Eat! 4/10/26 I Just Want To Eat! 4/10/26

Japanese BBQ at Yakiniku Toraji in New York City

Meaning “grilled meat” in Japanese, yakiniku is what can simply be described as Japanese BBQ. Originating from Korean cuisine in Japan, it is simply bite size meat, usually beef, pork or chicken, that is grilled on either a charcoal, gas or electric tabletop. It’s been since a memorable trip in Japan years ago since I had Japanese BBQ, so I was excited to try Yakiniku Toraji. We went on a Friday evening and what was great is that they sat us in a small room, giving us not only privacy, but also far from the tables that were a bit noisy.

They have quite a large menu, but with few vegetarian options that one could have found exciting. I thought that the Yakko ($6) or spicy tofu was bland and not spicy at all. I don’t know if the lack of flavor made me not like the fact that it was served cold, but I would pass on this dish. I preferred the Ninniku ($9) or flash fried garlic that was surprisingly delicious and probably provided me protection against vampires for few weeks. No, in fact it was not too garlicky. The Negitama rice ($9) was quite good, made with chopped scallion and a yolk, perfect to accompany grilled vegetables (Yasai- $12). What I really wanted to try was the meat and opted for the Toraji selection ($68), composed of boneless short rib, outside skirt, rib finger and filet. I chose to have it marinated rather than just salted and casually cooked it on the grill. My favorite was the rib finger, that I never heard of before: it is the meat that you find between the ribs. Fatty, it has a rich flavor. But overall, all the meats were superb: tender and juicy. I was in heaven.

Fried garlic at Yakiniku Toraji in New York City

Spicy cold tofu at Yakiniku Toraji in New York City

Ngitama rice at Yakiniku Toraji in New York City

Vegetables at Yakiniku Toraji in New York City

Meat at Yakiniku Toraji in New York City

Grilling meat and veggies at Yakiniku Toraji in New York City

Dessert was great: it was a green tea ice cream with red bean ($6) that was served with green tea. With its nice presentation, I loved the contrast between the ice cream that was creamy and slightly bitter, and the red bean that was sweet. A must have.

Green tea ice cream with red bean at Yakiniku Toraji in New York City

Overall, the meal at Yakiniku Toraji was delicious, although the meat was a bit pricey for the quantity, and is better if you are non-vegetarian in term of choices. This should definitely be on your list if you love or want to try Japanese BBQ.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Yakiniku Toraji - 217 E 43rd, 1F NY10017, New York

I Just Want To Eat! 4/6/26 I Just Want To Eat! 4/6/26

Product Review: AMZCHEF 20-Bar Espresso Machine

Although these products were sent complimentary, the opinion expressed in this post is 100% my own.

I love coffee. So, when Amzchef proposed to send me their espresso machine to review I was quite excited. Especially as I could try it along their coffee grinder that is awesome.
This stainless steel machine looks slick with its LED control panel that allows you to choose between single shot or double shot espresso (what I usually drink), steamed water or frothing. With its 20-bar high pressure, I was able to obtain a golden brown crema that is definitely what you are looking for in an espresso: no crema means poor pressure and an awful taste. This one gave me a bold flavor in just a few minutes.

This is a great espresso machine, easy to use and with a nice design. To get it in your kitchen, check out Amazon.

Enjoy (I did)!

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I Just Want To Eat! 3/30/26 I Just Want To Eat! 3/30/26

Crab House Times Square

If you always wanted to eat like a king, you should go to Crab House Times Square: the opulent decor, from the main dining room behind the bar to the various private rooms, with its gold Pegasus and giant chandelier will certainly make you think that you are royalty. The food as well: this is an all you can eat (AYCE) restaurant, where, for $168, you have two hours, from the time your drinks arrive, to ordering from their menu, from mainly seafood options to Wagyu ribeye lit on fire, Wagyu kalbi (rib) or Wagyu fried rice, with very limited vegetarian options that would not make sense in such place. The way it works is simple: they give you a menu with all the options, that you will mark with an X, and they will bring it to the table fairly quickly. Apparently, the food is cooked to order rather than buffet style. And I am glad that they sat us at a large table, because when the food arrives, mostly at once, you need lots of space. The table was fine, but I admit that a couch is not the most comfortable seat when eating, even if you can bring it closer to the table, and for sure, regardless, the bib they provide is strongly suggested.

The drink was a lychee martini ($20), that in fact, arrived a little after the first dishes came. From all the dishes, my favorite was of course the lobster, that was perfectly cooked, and whether it was with salt and pepper or garlic butter. The fresh seafood was also delicious and the octopus perfectly made. On my least favorite side was the clam chowder that was potato-y and the crab. Not that the crab was not good, but there is little reward for lots of effort, especially with the blue crab with Cajun butter sauce, where you get barely any meat. On the meat side, I loved their Wagyu fried rice and the Wagyu kalbi that was perfectly cooked, while the ribeye, although giving a good show when lit on fire, was a bit overcooked. Dessert was also a bit disappointing, because I was expecting, if not an extravant display, more than just one dessert, that was a passion fruit tart. I am not a huge fan of passion fruit that is quite particular and thought that it was an odd choice, but, ultimately, it was ok.

Below is what I tried that night:

Lychee martini at Crab House Times Square

Octopus with chimichurri sauce at Crab House Times Square

Lobster claw, oysters and clams at Crab House Times Square

Breaded jumbo shrimp at Crab House Times Square

Blue crab with cajun sauce at Crab House Times Square

Snow crab with old bay at Crab House Times Square

Mini lobster rolls at Crab House Times Square

Fresh lobster with salt and pepper at Crab House Times Square

Fresh lobster with garlic butter at Crab House Times Square

Wagyu fried rice at Crab House Times Square

Passion frui tart at Crab House Times Square

So, Crab House is an interesting concept and serves an exciting menu that would satisfy any seafood lover. It is pricey though and I see this as a one time experience if you can afford it and have a big appetite.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Crab House Times Square - 218 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018

I Just Want To Eat! 3/23/26 I Just Want To Eat! 3/23/26

Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart in Chelsea

Walking down Chelsea, we stumbled upon Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart, a small joint serving sandwiches, coffee, basque cheesecake, cream puffs and, of course, cheese tarts. I admit that when going there, I did not know that the Japanese cheese tarts originated from Hokkaido, Japan, a large dairy production region, when in 2011, in Singapore, Shintaro Naganuma of the Kinotoya bakery, served tarts directly from the oven, causing the warm center to have that melting texture that made its success. I was a bit confused: what is the difference with Pasteis de nata, the famous Portuguese egg tart? There are a few: the Pasteis de Nata is made with egg yolk, milk or cream and sugar, in a flaky and airy puff pastry, while the Hokkaido tart is made with mascarpone, cream cheese and sometimes Parmesan in a short crust pastry. So I had to give it a try. Here is what we had: the original, the egg brûlée and the salted caramel cheese tarts. Each was $4.95 or $13.75 for 3 pieces. The original was my favorite, being creamy and nicely sweet in the center, with a nice buttery crust. The egg brûlée was good, but a bit denser than the original and less decadent. My least favorite was the salted caramel as I was expecting some gooey center, but it was not the case, although I liked the added crunch from the corn flakes.

Salted caramel tart at Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart in Chelsea

Original tart at Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart in Chelsea

Egg brulee tart at Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart in Chelsea

We also tried their cream puffs that were outstanding, especially the original one ($5) that is filled with a delicious vanilla custard. But I admit that the black sesame ($5.50) was an interesting surprise as it gave an earthy and nutty flavor to it. And that Chou: light, with the craquelin on top adding a nice crunch to it. If you do not like cheese tarts, this is something to try.

Original cream puff at Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart in Chelsea

Black sesame cream puff at Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart in Chelsea

Last was the Basque cheesecake ($14) that had a nice burnt top and was light, creamy, not as rich as its counterpart, but pretty good.

Basque cheesecake at Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart in Chelsea

Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart is an interesting find that I would recommend for a morning or afternoon treat. I love their original tart and cream puffs, but their other flavors are still interesting to try.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart - 220 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011.

I Just Want To Eat! 3/16/26 I Just Want To Eat! 3/16/26

Mercato Trattoria in NYC, NY

Located in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, Mercato is like your neighborhood Italian restaurant: cozy and warm, with a welcoming service, its menu showcases classic dishes. As I started off my meal with a Negroni, they brought us some lentils with capers in olive oil that was pretty good with bread and a nice way to open my appetite…

Lentils and capers in olive oil at Mercato Trattoria in NYC, NY

We then started with three different appetizers: the carciofini fritti ($14) that are deep fried baby artichokes topped with ricotta salata and a lemon dressing, caponata ($15) that is like an eggplant ratatouille and the polpo e patate ($24), that is pan seared octopus with potatoes, olives and capers. The latter was my favorite, the octopus being perfectly cooked. The caponata was ok, not the best I ever had, preferring the baby artichokes that had a nice crunch and are a good way to serve a vegetable that is not that popular (when I was a kid, we use to eat it with oil and vinegar, or as a salad with oranges).

Caponata at Mercato Trattoria in NYC, NY

Fried artichokes at Mercato Trattoria in NYC, NY

Next was pasta: we had to try their fettuccine ai funghi ($23), that are homemade, prepared with wild mushrooms that have been sautéed in garlic and olive oil. This was succulent: the pasta was really good and they were not shy with the amount of mushrooms. A must have!

Fettuccine ai funghi at Mercato Trattoria in NYC, NY

Dessert however was a bit disappointing: we got the pettole ($13) that are ricotta fritters served with strawberry sauce. First, it was pricey for the quantity of fritters. Then, I had better, these being heavy and a bit dry inside. I would pass.

Despite that, I thought the rest of the meal was pretty good. I would definitely go back, although, I wish they had my favorite dish: linguine alle vongole! Kidding aside, they have several home made pastas, as well as other items on the menu, like braised beef stew, that I would not mind trying.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Mercato - 352 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018

I Just Want To Eat! 3/11/26 I Just Want To Eat! 3/11/26

Longhorn Steakhouse in Freehold, NJ

For her birthday, we asked my mother-in-law where she wanted to go and she picked Longhorn Steakhouse. This chain has an interesting story: it was founded on August 10, 1981, by George McKerrow Jr. and his father, George McKerrow Sr., along with Bill Norman and Bill Dukes, in Atlanta, Georgia. With its western saloon aestetics, it became popular in 1982, when, during a major snowstorm, they offered $1 drinks and specials that attracted the attention of local columnist Ron Hudspeth who wrote about it. It is said that this is what started the brand momentum that expanded in the US, with more than 600 locations. I am always excited to try new places and I admit that, being a big fan of western movies since my childhood, I was like a kid in a candy shop as I was walking around the restaurant that was empty at first and then filled up a little.

They first brought us some warm bread and butter, and we quickly switched to the Texas Tonion ($10.49), delightfully crispy battered onion petals that were served with a zesty dip. Think onion rings. I also got their shrimp and lobster chowder ($5.99 or +1.99 with a steak) that was creamy and hearty. For steaks, my mother-in-law got the outlaw ribeye ($33.79), a 20oz bone-in piece of meat that was fire-grilled. This was good, tender and juicy, with nice grilled marks that added a bit of textural contrast that I also got with the Longhorn ($35.79), their signature porterhouse, with the bone separating the strip and the filet. With the steak, you can get a side, some for an additional cost, others without, like their steakhouse Mac & cheese ($3.49), that was very good and creamy, a baked potato ($3.49), steamed asparagus ($5.99) or a side of sweet potato that was included with the ribeye.

Bread at Longhorn Steakhouse in Freehold, NJ

Texas Tonion at Longhorn Steakhouse in Freehold, NJ

Ribeye with sweet potato at Longhorn Steakhouse in Freehold, NJ

Porterhouse with Mac & Cheese at Longhorn Steakhouse in Freehold, NJ

Steamed asparagus at Longhorn Steakhouse in Freehold, NJ

Baked potato at Longhorn Steakhouse in Freehold, NJ

Dessert was amazing. We decided to go for the chocolate stampede ($11.79), made with six different kinds of chocolate, two large scoops of vanilla incense cream, whipped cream and chocolate sauce. If you love chocolate, you have to order this dessert: rich and addictive, it is definitely to be shared.

Chocolate stampede at Longhorn Steakhouse in Freehold, NJ

Overall, we had a great time and food at Longhorn Steakhouse. I would not compare it to steakhouses I tried, and the steaks were not the best for sure, but they were decent for the price. And let’s not forget the experience, especially if like me you like westerns!

Enjoy (I did)!

If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!

Longhorn Steakhouse - 370 US-9, Freehold, NJ 07728

I Just Want To Eat! 3/9/26 I Just Want To Eat! 3/9/26

Product Review: Manischewitz Homemade Jarred Soup line

Founded in 1888 by Rabbi Dov Behr Manischewitz, the brand began in Cincinnati, Ohio, originally focused on mass-producing kosher matzo and then expanding to other products, becoming part of Jewish life, present in Sabbath, Passover seders and other moments where food is not just about sustenance, but sharing a moment with love ones. In 2026, Manischewitz released…

Although these products were sent complimentary, the opinion expressed in this post is 100% my own.

Founded in 1888 by Rabbi Dov Behr Manischewitz, the brand began in Cincinnati, Ohio, originally focused on mass-producing kosher matzo and then expanding to other products, becoming part of Jewish life, present in Sabbath, Passover seders and other moments where food is not just about sustenance, but sharing a moment with love ones. In 2026, Manischewitz released a new line of homemade jarred soup, to accommodate everyday’s busy life, selling a jarred chicken matzo ball soup ready to go, with no need to buy the soup and matzo ball mix, that would require some preparation. Their line of soups also includes vegetable soup, borscht, clear chicken broth, chicken noodle, split pea, and mushroom barley. The ones I tried (chicken matzo ball, split pea and mushroom & barley) were quite good, hearty and comforting. They can be found on Amazon or other online stores.

Enjoy (I did)!

If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!

I Just Want To Eat! 3/2/26 I Just Want To Eat! 3/2/26

Salswee Bakery in NYC

What is so special about Salswee, the Asian-French bakery that has taken NYC like a storm two years ago? People are raving about the fruit shape cakes, but I admit that I was less impressed by it than by their viennoiseries that were deliciously buttery and flakey. Don’t get me wrong, they are doing an amazing job shaping and decorating these little cakes that really look like mini versions of fruits, but it is more something I would try once to see what the hype is about. These are mousse cakes with a thin layer of chocolate that gives a bit of a crunch. I thought the pear ($9.95) looked amazing, but was lacking a bit of the fruit taste, maybe because the puree and chunks of pear were still frozen when we got it. Not sure if it was on purpose when consumed as freezing the mousse is part of the process, but it did not work for me. I preferred the chocolate banana ($6.95), that definitely had hints of banana.

Trompe L’oeil fruits at Salswee Bakery in NYC

Chocolate banana mousse cake at Salswee Bakery in NYC

Pear mousse cake at Salswee Bakery in NYC

What I preferred was their viennoiseries, the pain au chocolat ($5.50) being buttery, flakey and deliciously crispy on the outside, with the almond croissant ($5.95) being nicely sweet, with a good almond filling. Mastering their croissant dough, they use it for many of their creations, like the coconut flake bun ($4.95) that was good, but Jodi who loves coconut wished there was more or the cinnamon roll ($3.95) that she loved (I always prefer the ones with a good layer of icing). I preferred the tart brulee ($5.95), that was a tropical fruit tart with a brulee caramel crust, inside a deliciously buttery and flakey shell.

Almond croissant at Salswee Bakery in NYC

Chocolate croissant at Salswee Bakery in NYC

Coconut flake bun at Salswee Bakery in NYC

I should mention that they have coffee (the espresso is $3.99), but, interestingly, they only have Rooibos tea! Overall, I loved the viennoiseries, but was less impressed by the trompe l’oeil fruits that are nice pieces of art, but not something I would crave.

Enjoy (I did)!

If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!

Salswee - 1407 Broadway, New York, NY 10018

I Just Want To Eat! 2/23/26 I Just Want To Eat! 2/23/26

The Shakespeare in The William Hotel, NYC

Located at the bottom of the luxurious William Hotel, few steps from Grand Central, The Shakespeare is an unpretentious English tavern that serves classic pub food. With a dining room separated from the bar, this dark but homey place only suffers from a shortage of staff that requires patrons to be patient and enjoy drinks as they wait for their food. With the cold weather, I was glad that they offered hot drinks ($16) like mulled wine, Bailey’s coffee, although I would pass on this one, surprisingly lacking any flavor, even of coffee, unless you like a very light one, and the mysterious buttered rum that they ran out each time I went. Off the menu, you can get a hot toddy or, like I did, an Irish whisky that I enjoyed. Of course, they also have beer and my choice was a Guinness ($10).

Bailey’s coffee at The Shakespeare in The William Hotel, NYC

Irish whisky at The Shakespeare in The William Hotel, NYC

Guiness beer at The Shakespeare in The William Hotel, NYC

Know that they have a happy hour, and we got their house made ricotta ($10), that was good and creamy. But my favorite appetizer is a classic English dish: scotch egg ($16) that is a boiled egg wrapped around a sausage and bread crumbs, that is then deep fried. Served with a tartar sauce, I loved the crunch of the outside that uncovered the meaty coat, before dipping into the soft egg and runny yolk that gives a gooey texture. Another classic I loved was their bangers and mash ($27) that are sausages served with mashed potatoes. Theirs is served with an onion gravy that elevated a bit what could have been a boring dish, giving a nice sweetness to it. The best part was the bangers sausages that were nicely charred, giving a bit of a crunch at each bite. A must have. Another classic? The fish and chips ($29) that is battered cod deep fried just enough to get a perfectly cooked and flaky fish, covered with a deliciously crispy layer and served with fries that, although not crispy, were pretty good.

Ricotta at The Shakespeare in The William Hotel, NYC

Scotch egg at The Shakespeare in The William Hotel, NYC

Fish and Chips at The Shakespeare in The William Hotel, NYC

Bangers and mash at The Shakespeare in The William Hotel, NYC

If you are vegetarian, they do have options like the veggie burger ($22), with a pretty good house made patty, or the British grilled cheese ($14), made with English cheddar, stilton, dijon mustard on a country sourdough toast. The grilled cheese was good, but needed more cheese!

Veggie burger at The Shakespeare in The William Hotel, NYC

British grilled cheese at The Shakespeare in The William Hotel, NYC

Of course, we had to try their desserts, especially the Sticky Toffee pudding ($12) and the chocolate pudding ($12), that are not house made, but still a great way to end a meal.

Chocolate pudding at The Shakespeare in The William Hotel, NYC

Sticky toffee pudding at The Shakespeare in The William Hotel, NYC

Overall, we had nice meals there, in a relaxed atmosphere. This gastropub has a nice menu, with some dishes that are definitely a must try (scotch egg, fish and chips and bangers & mash for sure).

Enjoy (I did)!

The Shakespeare - 24 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016

I Just Want To Eat! 2/22/26 I Just Want To Eat! 2/22/26

Product Review: Wonder Juice Clean Green and Veg8+Cayenne

Crafting 100% cold-pressed organic juices, made with Fair-Trade certified and non-GMO ingredients, with no added water or sugar, Wonder Juice is releasing two new vegetable juices: Clean Green and Veg8+Cayenne. Whether you are health conscious or need a snack, these juices are a perfect way to get a dose of vegetables.

Although this product was sent complimentary, the opinion expressed in this post is 100% my own.

Wonder Juice Clean Green and Veg8+Cayenne

The first one is called Clean Green and gets its color from kale and spinach, that are mixed with green apple, cucumber, lemon and ginger. If you know me, you would know that kale and spinach are not my favorite veggies, but I admit that I really liked the taste: crisp and refreshing, with a perfect acididy. This blend has lots of health benefits:

Support immune function
Aid digestion
Help reduce inflammation
Improve hydration
Provide antioxidants
Support natural detox pathways (mainly liver support through nutrients)

The second one is Veg8+Cayenne and gets its beautiful red color from tomato, red pepper and beets, that are mixed with lemon, celery, carrot, cucumber and some cayenne pepper for a subtle heat. Bold, slightly sweet, with a mild acidity, the health benefits of this blend are:

Support heart health & circulation (beet, tomato, cayenne)
Improve blood pressure regulation (beet, celery)
Boost immunity (red pepper, carrot, lemon)
Improve hydration (cucumber, celery)
Reduce inflammation (tomato, cayenne, beet)
Support natural detox systems (beet, lemon)

I like both and truly appreciate that they do not add sugar (you only get the sugar from the vegetables) and they are low sodium. They are also quite good, so, give it a try! They are available in all major supermarkets.

I Just Want To Eat! 2/16/26 I Just Want To Eat! 2/16/26

Planet Hollywood in Times Squares

I remember when Planet Hollywood started 35 years ago, being promoted by Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwartzenegger and Bruce Willis: it was a real phenomenon, with all the memorabilia from Titanic, Terminator and Alien being displayed in their restaurants. I only went once to a Planet Hollywood, in Hong Kong in 1998 and still have a small shot glass that I bought as a souvenir with my drink. Then, moving to New York, I never thought about going back there, preferring the Hard Rock Cafe when it comes to theme restaurants. Planet Hollywood closed because of Covid-19 and then came back last year, in Times Square, more discretely for sure than it used to and with less memorabilia than before, replaced by large screens, for apparently a more sensorial experience. I don’t know about you, but I would have preferred to see the real things!

We went there on a Friday evening and it was not that busy. We decided to start our meal with their guacamole ($18) that was mixed with roasted corn, Serrano peppers and topped with cotija cheese and pickled onions. Good, although a bit too creamy as I like chunks of avocado in my guacamole. Served with blue corn tortilla chips, I enjoyed it with an espresso martini.

Guacamole with Roasted corn at Planet Hollywood in Times Squares

Espresso martini at Planet Hollywood in Times Squares

For her main, Jodi got their burrata caprese sandwich ($19), that was one of the few vegetarian options, composed of burrata, tomato and basil pesto, on toasted ciabatta bread. On my side, I got the Philly cheesesteak burger ($26), that was composed of an 8oz beef patty, topped with sliced prime rib, caramelized onions, peppers, Provolone, on a toasted brioche bun. This burger was fantastic! Juicy, tasty, the prime rib was tender, topped with caramelized onions that added a nice sweetness to it. A must have!

Burrata caprese sandwich at Planet Hollywood in Times Squares

Philly cheesesteak sandwich at Planet Hollywood in Times Squares

Another must have is their Candy Bar Sundae ($26) that is definitely to share with more than two people! With several scoops of chocolate and vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, sprinkles, and maraschino cherries, the bottom showcases a variety of chocolates and candy, like Kit Kat, Twix, M&M’s and delicious pieces of brownie, that they also feature in their Brownie Sundae Martini ($19). This Candy Bar Sundae will definitely give you a sugar rush!

Candy Bar Sundae at Planet Hollywood in Times Squares

Overall, the meal at Planet Hollywood was good, but I still wish they had the memorabilia that you would be looking at after your meal. The burger I got was superb, and the dessert was like a heart attack at the tip of my spoon. Would I go back? I would.

Enjoy (I did)!

If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment.

Planet Hollywood - 136 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036

I Just Want To Eat! 2/11/26 I Just Want To Eat! 2/11/26

Smash Burger at Gotham Burger Social Club

Located on the Lower East Side, Gotham Burger Social Club has made the headlines for years now, with many considering that they serve the best smash burger in the City. So, as we were looking for a place to eat, we decided to give it a try. Cool vibe, reminiscent of old school joints, I was glad to see that they at least had a vegetarian patty ($10), made with Impossible meat, on their menu for Jodi. Obviously, if it was not for the little green flag on top of the burger, you could not tell with one was which as they both looked the same, being made with the same toppings: grilled onions, melted american cheese, housemade pickles, jalapenos, ketchup, mustard and club sauce. Both patties were extra flat, crispy and nicely caramelized on the outside, the veggie one reminded me a bit of a parmesan crisp in the way it looked as it was really smashed thin. They are small and so, I was glad I decided to go for the Gotham Smash Double ($12.50), that has two patties, but admit that I could have probably gone for the Beastie Boy that has three. We also got some tater tots ($5) that were quite good. In fact, I should mention that they have a good selection of sides ( fries, onion rings, fried pickles and tots), that is always my frustration when I get a burger and they only propose fries. I wished they had milkshakes since that is my favorite with burgers, but, instead, got a delicious chocolate egg cream ($5).

Chocolate egg cream at Gotham Burger Social Club in NYC, NY

Tater tots at Gotham Burger Social Club in NYC, NY

Gotham smash double at Gotham Burger Social Club in NYC, NY

Veggie burger at Gotham Burger Social Club in NYC, NY

So, I loved my smash burger at Gotham Burger Social Club: this is definitely a good one and I understand why there is so much hype about this place.

Enjoy (I did)!

If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!

Gotham Burger Social Club - 131 Essex St, New York, NY 10002

I Just Want To Eat! 2/9/26 I Just Want To Eat! 2/9/26

Product Review: Tommy Popcorn

Please know that this product was complimentary, but the opinions expressed on this post are 100% mine.

When you think about a snack to get while watching a movie, at home or at the movie theater, you immediately think about popcorn. At least, I do! And so, I was excited when the PR from Tommy Popcorn reached out to see if I wanted to try few samples. Doing some research, I realized that Tommy Popcorn is an homage to the 1950s movies, Inspired by a fictional filmmaker Tommaso “Tommy” Marino, who supposedly once ran a cinema in Brooklyn: Tommy Popcorn carries his legacy of storytelling, proposing classic but also creative popcorn that the founders, Tom Leigh, Michael Norr and Jason Martinez Moreno took time to reasearch, trying to find what people were looking for online. They came up with flavors like the cereal and marshmallow one that was my favorite, with delicious bits of marshmallows and the nice crunch of a caramel popcorn. The golden Irish, infused with whiskey will not give you a hangover, but one cannot be mistaken: it surely has whiskey in it; or, more surprisingly, an homage to the NY pizza with the Empire State popcorn, made with caramel popcorn and NY style pizza seasoning, will make you wonder why you cannot stop eating it, although you know this is not a slice!

Each bag has a story that stays true to its theme. For instance, the Empire State says: "Tomato tang, sharp parmesan, herbs that talk pack-and yep, that buttery caramel twist you didn't see comin’. It's New York in a bag: neon lights, yellow taxis, late-night slices. So take it easy, homestice! Tommy's got you. And if you think popcorn can't taste like pizza? Fuggedaboutit".

Or the Golden Irish: "Tommy's got a taste for the finer things. Warm vanilla, a whisper of oak, a finish that lingers like jazz on the record player. Velvet booths, tailored suits, city lights, old money. Refined, but never boring -just like Tommy".

Tommy Popcorn is not just popcorn, but an introspection into the past, by simply taking a bite, closing your eyes and let the magic happen. And if you wonder where to find it, it is available on their website.

Enjoy (I did)!

If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!

I Just Want To Eat! 2/2/26 I Just Want To Eat! 2/2/26

Brunch at Lafayette Lafayette Grand Cafe and Bakery in NYC, NY

Lafayette Grand Cafe and Bakery is one of these institutions in New York, where you have no doubt you will get a nice brunch there, so, when our friend Jeannine visited during the holidays, we proposed to go there on a Sunday. The highlight would of course be the meal, but also the bakery, this place being known for its Supreme chocolate croissant, that they started back in April 2022. If you never had one, it is a laminated croissant dough in a circular shape, that is filled with cream and topped with a glaze. I got their classic one ($10.50) and admit that it was pretty good: buttery, crunchy on the outside and flakey, with a delicious chocolate cream inside and a robust chocolate glaze on top. Jodi was more tempted by their cinnamon-cruffin ($6.50), a fusion of cinnamon croissant and muffin.

Supreme chocolate croissants at Lafayette in NYC, NY

For brunch, you can get the lemon ricotta pancakes with fresh berries ($25) that are light and fluffy as well as eggs, with their ham and brie omelet ($26) being one of my favorites, the eggs being perfectly cooked (I hate the taste of overcooked eggs), filled with a generous amount of ham and cheese, with a touch of herbs. However, it only comes with a little bit of salad, surprising for the cost, and so, we got some deliciously crispy fries ($14). The shakshuka ($28) was a bit of a let down, being used to more cooked down vegetables that melt in your mouth, and with eggs that could have been runnier.

With the meal, we got some juices, like the Hyper C ($12), made with blood orange, yuzu and grapefruit, or the French rose ($12), with carrot, beets and orange. Of course, you can get a tea for a more classic choice; this one was a mint tea ($6).

French rose juice at Lafayette in NYC, NY

The brunch was overall good, although a bit pricey and a visit to their bakery is definitely recommended, for the supreme chocolate croissant, but other offerings that look very appetizing as well. Lafayette is for sure a good spot for brunch, but reservation required!

Lafayette Grand Cafe and Bakery- 380 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10003

I Just Want To Eat! 1/26/26 I Just Want To Eat! 1/26/26

Product Review: AMZCHEF Cold Press Juicer

I love to make fresh juices, but, what I do not like is having to squeeze or chop fruits and vegetables. That is why I love the AMZCHEF Cold Press Juicer: with its 4.6’’ chute, you can simply put whole vegetables and fruits in it and it will do its magic at the push of a button. Quite easy. Another easy thing? Cleaning! With four detachable parts, it all goes…

Let’s see it in operation:

And below are few ideas for recipes using the following:

Turmeric: anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial
Ginger: anti-inflammatory and good for digestion
Beets: antioxidant
Fennel: digestion and bloating
Apple: heart, digestion
Cucumber: digestion and bloating
Pineapple: heart health

Beets, Fennel (half) and apple (one with the skin):

Pineapple (a cup), fennel (half), mandarin (One) and cucumber (1/4):

Cucumber (1/4), apple (one), fennel (half), a mandarin and a sprinkle of ginger and turmeric:

Cucumber, mandarin, fennel and apple juice

You can find this cold press juicer on the Amzchef website (use the coupon code IJUSTWANTTOEAT for 30% discount) or on Amazon.

Enjoy (I did)!

If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!

I Just Want To Eat! 1/26/26 I Just Want To Eat! 1/26/26

Oyamel in NYC, NY

Taking its name from a tree in the Mexican mountains, Oyamel is one of the many restaurants from Chef Jose Andres, that serves Mexican cuisine at the bottom of Hudson Yards. The place is big, colorful, with lots of light from its floor to ceiling windows and a nice vibe…

Cocktails are interesting, with their boozy Oaxacan hot chocolate ($18) standing out, made with Rosaluna Mezcal (lots of it!) and topped with whipped cream. A must have! I also enjoyed their Amor Caffeinado ($18), that is like an espresso martini, but made with Rosaluna Mezcal, espresso, Cynar and Oaxacan spiced chocolate. Smooth and nicely smokey. For non-alcoholic beverages, they have classic sodas, as well as Jarritos soda ($5 - Jodi got guava).

Boozy Oaxacan hot chocolate at Oyamel in NYC, NY

Jarritos guava soda at Oyamel in NYC, NY

Guacamole and salsa ($18) is made fresh at a stand in the back of the dining room and definitely a favorite, well balanced and mild as ordered. We also tried their Chilaquiles con salsa verde y queso ($18) was good but I prefered the guacamole, the top part with the cheese being great, but then, once you eat the top, it is not as good and a bit watery. This was made with an Oaxacan cheese blend, tomatillo salsa, onion and crema.

Chilaquiles con salsa y queso at Oyamel in NYC, NY

One of the things I really appreciated is the fact that you can order each taco as one, so you can mix and match what you want, allowing you to try a few. I really liked the Hongos en Molito ($7), that was made with Mushrooms, onion and poblano peppers sautéed with mole and served with crema, salsa verde tatemada and cilantro: it was deliciously smokey. But my favorite was their Pescado Baja California taco ($8), that was composed of a tempura-battered seasonal fish with shredded cabbage, chile arbol mayo, crema and salsa Mexicana. The fish was delightfully crispy and perfectly cooked, and the shredded cabage added even more crunch. A must have! Mushroom seems to be the main option for vegetarian dishes, so we tried their empanada de hongos ($14), composed of heirloom corn dough with Oaxacan cheese blend, smoked mushrooms, roasted onion, chile morita served with avocado salsa verde and cilantro. It was good, but I just wished we could either order one or have the possibility to mix with other empanadas. The quesadilla de hongos ($15), made with Oaxacan cheese blend, roasted mushrooms, onion, chile poblano and cilantro was good, earthy, but, after the empanadas, it would be kind of the same and a bit boring. The enchiladas de pollo en salsa verde ($19) was a chicken enchiladas in a tomatillo green sauce with crema, onion, Mexican crema and cotija cheese. Quite good, but not the best chicken enchiladas I had.

Mushroom and fish tacos at Oyamel in NYC, NY

Quesadilla de hongos at Oyamel in NYC, NY

Enchiladas de pollo en salsa verde at Oyamel in NYC, NY

For dessert, we decided to share the churros con chocolate ($15), that were served with oaxacan chocolate that I did not really care for. The churros were ok for me, I had better.
So, overall, the food at Oyamel was ok: this is a bit pricey and I had better Mexican food in the City.

Enjoy (I still did)!

If you like this post, the photos or the log, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!

Oyamel - 505 W 30th St, New York, NY 10001

I Just Want To Eat! 1/23/26 I Just Want To Eat! 1/23/26

My Trip to Savannah: Sunday Sunday

For our last meal in Savannah, we had an early dinner since we booked a 7pm ghost tour, and decided to try Sunday Sunday, as we passed by earlier and it seemed to be a popular place. We arrived as they opened the restaurant at 5:30pm and it was perfect being empty, quiet, but started to fill up fairly quickly after 6pm. We started by ordering some beverages: earl grey latte ($5) for Jodi and Cafe de Vietnam ($6) for me. For the latter, it was mentioned that it was table service, so I thought it would with a classic Vietnamese coffee dripper, but they just bought a coffee to me that was good but did not have much of condensed milk in it.

Vietnamese coffee at Sunday Sunday, Savannah

Earl Grey latte at Sunday Sunday, Savannah

The appetizer was zucchini frites ($13), that were served with an aioli sauce: good, nicely crispy, I could have eaten two plates of it if I did not order some fried chicken ($24) that was served with a trio of sauces (creamy parmesan, garlic and chives, and hot honey). The chicken came in a small basket that was an invitation to eat each piece with my hands. It was deliciously crispy the outside and moist inside, and I could not care less about the sauces, although I admit that if I had to pick, I would have chosen the hot honey as my favorite. Jodi on her side got the avocado fresh rolls ($12) that were made with avocado, lettuce, carrot in a rice paper roll. It is normally served with a seafood vinaigrette, that is odd for a vegetarian dish, but they replaced it with some soy sauce. With it she also got some wild mushrooms ($8). Both were good, quite basic. For dessert, we got their tiramisu ($15), homemade apparently, that was pretty good, creamy, witht he right amount of coffee and not too much chocolate on top to make me choke!

Zucchini frites at Sunday Sunday, Savannah

Wild mushrooms at Sunday Sunday, Savannah

Fried chicken at Sunday Sunday, Savannah

Avocado fresh rolls at Sunday Sunday, Savannah

This was a nice meal, although not in the same category as the other places we went to during our trip.

Enjoy (I did)!

If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!

Sunday Sunday - 116 Whitaker St. Savannah, GA 31401