I Just Want To Eat! 6/8/26 I Just Want To Eat! 6/8/26

Indian Buffet at Baadshah in Freehold, NJ

Baadshah Indian Freehold — Baadshah in Freehold, NJ

For Mother’s Day, my mother-in-law picked Baadshah as the place to go for lunch. Meaning “king” in Hindi, they serve a buffet for $35 that includes bread, entrees, dessert and special beverages in a room next to the main dining room, less nice, and without the throne that you cannot miss when entering. The appetizers were a bit disappointing as I was expecting some samosa or pakora, but, instead, they had vegetarian spring rolls (!) and tandoori soya chaap, popular North Indian vegetarian appetizer made from soybean and flour paste. The methi malai matar paneer was good, better than the vegetarian kolhapuri. On the non vegetarian side, I was looking forward to try their butter chicken, and thought it was good, better than the lamb rogan josh or the chicken biryani that was mainly rice. However, I loved their dal tadka. For bread, their had a garlic naan that was an odd choice I would think, plain or butter probably more widely eaten for a buffet and tandoori roti that was nice. For dessert, the Kheer or rice pudding was not sweet enough, but the rose shrikhand, that is yogurt with sugar and rose syrup was an interesting discovery. I just wished they had gulab jamun! Then were the drinks: I never had kokum sharbat before and did not know that it is an Indian summer drink made from the deep purple rinds of the kokum fruit, that is apparently good for digestion and rich in antioxidants. Tart and fruity, interesting to try, but not something I would crave.

Throne at Baadshah indian restaurant Freehold, NJ — Baadshah in Freehold, NJ

dining room at Baadshah indian restaurant Freehold, NJ — Baadshah in Freehold, NJ

Buffet at Baadshah indian restaurant Freehold, NJ — Buffet at Baadshah in Freehold, NJ

desserts at Baadshah indian restaurant Freehold, NJ — Desserts at Baadshah in Freehold, NJ

drinks at Baadshah indian restaurant Freehold, NJ — Drinks at Baadshah in Freehold, NJ

Overall, I was disappointed: pricey for what it is considering what you get with places like Rasoi or Bricklane in Jersey City, for a lower price and with much better food that makes you want to go back for more. I also found the service to just be ok: they never checked on us or asked if we wanted anything to drink, probably thinking that we would just stick with the buffet. I’ll pass…

Enjoy (…)!

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Baadshah - 3338 US-9, Freehold Township, NJ 07728

I Just Want To Eat! 6/1/26 I Just Want To Eat! 6/1/26

Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC, NY

Vegan food came a long way and Willow is a good example of how creative and delicious vegan food can be. With a menu crafted by Chef Guy Vaknin, who I discovered at Coletta, this vegan kosher place is a great address if you are vegan, vegetarian, dining with people who are vegan or vegetarian, or simply curious. With items like Buttermilk fried chicken sandwich ($26), double small burger ($24) or the double smoked cheese French dip ($30), you cannot not wonder if the kitchen can really pull it off. And they do! For sure it is not as good as the original, but I truly enjoyed these dishes that make you wonder how the ingredients are made and they surely have a way of describing the food in a way that makes you want to try it. For instance, the French dip is made with “Chunk Foods”™ grilled steak, smoked provolone, chili goat cheese, caramelized onions, and horseradish aioli on a toasted housemade demi-baguette. Served with au jus dip”. This dish was in fact my favorite for sure. The steak had hints of mushrooms and you would think it is meat for sure, not like a Beyond burger patty for instance. The whole experience was like having a French dip: it was delightfully messy, with a contrast of textures that made it so satisfying, from the crunch of the toasted French baguette giving way to tender, savory meat, smothered with cheese, all elevated by that rich, salty au jus that soaks into the bread. A must have. The Cobb salad ($22) looks also very appetizing and colorful, made with “baby gem lettuce, heirloom cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, housemade bacon, feta cheese, and blue cheese dressing”. Nice salad that also makes you forget that you are in a vegan restaurant!

Double smashed burger at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

Buttermilk fried chicken sandwich at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

Smoked cheese French dip at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

Cobb salad at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

For drinks, I enjoyed the Kentucky mocha ($16), made with bourbon, creme de cacao, espresso and spiced whipped cream, or the mocktails, especially the lychee Pom Pom ($11), made with pomegranate, lychee and lime, while Jodi loved the Dragon Den ($11), that is a mix of dragonfruit, cranberry, lemon. And of course, I had to have a double espresso ($7), but I will pass on the description as classic.

Kentucky mocha cocktail at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

Dragon Den mocktail at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

Lychee pom pom mocktail at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

Double espresso at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

For dessert, I only tried the chocolate hazelnut dome ($18), a rich cake made with a dense hazelnut praline mousse, chocolate cake, salted fig caramel in a chocolate hazelnut shell. I would have never guessed it is vegan and was too focussed on eating it anyway. This is a must have!

Chocolate hazelnut dome at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

Like Coletta, Willow Vegan Bistro is a nice place that I really do not mind going to: the food is delicious, the ambiance relaxed and the service on point.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Willow - 199 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011

I Just Want To Eat! 5/29/26 I Just Want To Eat! 5/29/26

Tokyo Treat: Japanese snacks at your door

Please know that this box was sent complimentary but the opinion expressed on my blog are 100% mine.

I discovered Tokyo Treat years ago, after a memorable trip to Japan, looking for a way to discover even more Japanese snacks. This monthly subscription box was created back in 2015 by Ayumi Chikamoto, a Tokyo native, who wanted to share snacks with her friends who were living abroad. What started as a friendlty gesture is now a business, delivering these small orange boxes all over the world. Each box showcases a city in Japan. The one they sent me was Osaka. Interesting detail: we were discussing with Jodi that, if we were to go back to Japan, we would go to Osaka! Opening the box is always exciting as you do not know what you are going to get, everything being written in Japanese and the only recognizable item being a bag of Kit Kat bars, although not with the classic chocolate flavor. Fortunately, it comes with a leaflet that provides few facts about the city (did you know that Osaka is known for its street food scene?), and then a description of each item. It can be sweet, savory, vegetarian or non vegetarian. A great way to explore various tastes and textures.

So, if you are curious and want to try it, use the discount code "IJUSTWANTTOEAT" to get $5 USD off when you subscribe to Sakuraco & Tokyo Treat for the first time!

Enjoy (I did)!

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I Just Want To Eat! 5/26/26 I Just Want To Eat! 5/26/26

Brunch at Leonetta in NYC

Please know that the meal was complimentary but the opinion expressed on my blog are 100% mine.

When it comes to brunch, Leonetta surely knows how to make it exciting. The Murray Hill restaurant of Chef Ed Cotton, a Top Chef Alum, proposes a $50pp prix-fixe with black garlic hummus for the table, an entree (marked PF on the menu) and two Spritz from their Spritz bar. Yes, you read it well: a Spritz bar where you build your own by choosing a liquor (Campari, Rockey’s Botanical, Chinola passion fruit or St Germain Elderflower), orange, guava or grapefruit juice, prosecco and San Pellegrino Sparkling Water. This allows for plenty of combinations. Two spritz is a solid order for me and I preferred the Campari with orange juice that was nicely bitter over Rockey’s Botanical liquor and grapefruit that was less tasty.

Spritz flight coupons at Leonetta in NYC

Campari and orange juice at Leonetta in NYC — Campari and orange juice spritz at Leonetta in NYC

Rockey's Botanical liquor and grapefruit spritz at Leonetta in NYC — Rockey’s Botanical Liquor and grapefruit juice at Leonetta in NYC

The black garlic hummus is definitely a must have at Leonetta: smooth, rich and creamy, perfect with their fluffy pita. Another must have for brunch is their babka French toast. Chocolate babka is a very decadent bread, so, imagine when prepared like a French toast! It is even more decadent that way, the bread being eggy, crispy on the outside, topped with whipped cheesecake, and accompanied with wild berries and an orange blossom syrup. I highly recommend it. The Little Gem Caesar salad was good, but it definitely needed some addition like grilled shish kebab or black garlic marinated beef, both for an additional price, respectively $12 and $19. Otherwise, the smoked salmon and avocado toast with a poached egg that was perfectly made (+4$), was very good: with a nice amount of smoked salmon and avocado, it was topped with feta and, for acidity, cucumber, radish and pickled red onion. I also appreciated that the Pugliese bread was not difficult to cut…

Little gem caesar salad at Leonetta in NYC

Smoked salmon and avocado toast at Leonetta in NYC

Overall, we had a great meal at Leonetta: the mediterranean menu is exciting as is the Spritz Bar that is a fun concept. This is for sure on top of my list when it comes to brunch.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Leonetta - 181 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016

I Just Want To Eat! 5/19/26 I Just Want To Eat! 5/19/26

Craize, the award winning cracker

Inspired from the Venezuelan arepa, Craize is a toasted corn cracker that is up and coming. Made with non-GMO sweet corn, they are vegan, gluten-free and kosher, It is made using a proprietary fire-griddled process, without frying or added oils and is offered in five different flavors:…

Please know that this was sent complimentary but the opinion expressed on my blog are 100% mine.

Everything, one of my favorites, made with sesame and poppy seeds blended with garlic and onion for a savory, bagel-inspired bite that received the sofi™ Gold Award as Best Cracker of 2026 at the January Fancy Faire Winter Fancy Food Show. This pairs well with cream cheese and lox.
Sweet Corn, another favorite, that is lightly sweetened with dark brown sugar. It pairs well with jams, nut butters and of course guacamole.
Guava: this fruity and refreshing chip is made with authentic guava puree.
Coconut: a warm, inviting blend where cinnamon’s gentle heat meets the sweetness of the dried coconut and vanilla, creating a flavor that feels like sunshine.
Jalapeño Lime: a zesty heat balanced with bright cilantro and lime.

Craize snacks sweet corn — Craize snacks - sweet corn

Eaten with something else or just like you would chips, they can be found on major online stores (Walmart and Amazon to name a few) or in major supermarkets. I like the crunch, the taste and the concept. So, why not try it for yourself?

Enjoy (I did)!

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I Just Want To Eat! 5/18/26 I Just Want To Eat! 5/18/26

L&B Spumoni Gardens in Dumbo, Brooklyn

L&B Spumoni Gardens is an institution in Brooklyn. It all started in 1938 when Ludovico Barbati, who immigrated from Torella dei Lombardi, Italy, began selling from a horse-wagon throughout Gravesend and Bensonhurst, Italian ices and spumoni, a 3-layer ice cream typically composed of pistachio, cherry, and chocolate or vanilla that are mixed with candied fruits and nuts. The first brick and mortar that…

We went on a Friday I was off, and the reservation we made was not necessary as we were the only one there. Strange considering that we passed in front of their competition that were quite busy. We started off by ordering drinks: a Shirley temple ($3) that was too sweet for Jodi and a root beer ($3) for me, my go to soda when I have pizza.

Root beer at L&B Spumoni Gardens in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Shirley Temple at L&B Spumoni Gardens in Dumbo, Brooklyn

We were quite excited to see that we could either order a pie or by the slice, the later giving us an opportunity to try several kinds of pizza. So, we went for their “world famous L&B sicilian” ($4.50), the vodka version ($5.50), the grandma slice ($5.50) and a white slice ($5.50). My favorite was the grandma slice: it was crunchy with a bright tomato sauce that covered enough mozzarella cheese so you do not think that they forgot it. Their Sicilian was good, but I thought that it was too garlicky, as was the white pie. I enjoyed them, but my mouth was coated with garlic at the end of the meal. However, I would not recommend the vodka one: I was really looking forward to it as I love Vodka sauce, but thought that the slice was doughy and lacking flavor. With it, we also got arancini with parmesan cheese ($17) that are the kind of appetizer a cheese over should order: creamy, cheesey, slightly crunchy on the outside. Quite decadent.

Arancini with parmesan at L&B Spumoni Gardens in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Slices at L&B Spumoni Gardens in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Sicilian at L&B Spumoni Gardens in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Vodka at L&B Spumoni Gardens in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Grandma at L&B Spumoni Gardens in Dumbo, Brooklyn

White slice at L&B Spumoni Gardens in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Overall, it was just ok and I admit that I was a bit disappointed by L&B Spumoni Gardens: I was expecting a fantastic pizza and I only loved the grandma slice that was delicious and would probably be the slice I would order or recommend for a pizza crawl.

Enjoy (I still did)!

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L&B Spumoni Gardens - 46 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

I Just Want To Eat! 5/12/26 I Just Want To Eat! 5/12/26

Create your own Biergarten with Paulaner Beer

Please know that the beer was sent complimentary but the opinion expressed on my blog are 100% mine.

When thinking about Biergarten, I always think about German Beer, and Paulaner definitely embodies this concept. True to the Reinheitsgebot, Germany’s legendary beer making regulation dating back to 1516, restricting the making to specific ingredients, Paulaner sticks to the essentials: hops, malt, yeast, and water. Nothing more. That restraint is exactly what preserves the purity, the quality, and the unmistakable flavor that festival‑goers enjoy right at the source. Here are some of their offerings available in store and online:

Paulaner Grapefruit Radler:

Thanks to its 50/50 blend of Münchner Lager and real grapefruit juice, this shandy is refreshing, light, with a burst of grapefruit layered over a smooth lager, that even someone who does not really like beer would love. This beer is perfect with beef as the acidity cuts through the richness of the meat, chicken as pairing well with the citrusy flavor of that beer, or fish as grapefruit can brighten richer seafood.

Paulaner Pils

With its clean bitterness, floral‑herbal aromas, and a refreshing finish, this classic pilsner pairs well with fried food, the crisp bitterness cutting through oil and richness, salty snacks like pretzels, chips and cured meats, as the dryness will balance salt, or matches well with grilled fish, sushi and shrimp.

Paulaner Hefe-Weizen

What some beer experts call a masterpiece, this classic wheat beer from Bavaria has a cloudy appearance that is the result of a unique technique with “yeast suspension” that the brewmasters perfected. Fruity, with the right balance of sweetness and bitterness, it is perfect with creamy cheeses, grilled fish, shrimp and mussels, or even salads thanks to its citrusy notes, but also with Weißwurst (white sausage) with sweet mustard, or soft pretzels.

Paulaner Münchner Lager

This popular Munich lager has the perfect balance of malty character and the light bitterness of hops, that give a slight sweetness, and a soft, dry hop finish that pairs well with pretzels, sausages, or schnitzel, as well as grilled meat and chicken, and even mild cheeses such as Brie, Gouda, Havarti, and Swiss.

So, do not wait and grab a stein of Paulaner beer, whichever way you like!

Enjoy (I did)!

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I Just Want To Eat! 5/11/26 I Just Want To Eat! 5/11/26

Homie’s Donuts in NYC

Named as an homage to Homer Simpson, known for his appetite and love of Donuts, Homie’s is coming from Montreal to New York, to compete head to head for best donut in the city. With a large selection of doughnuts besides the classic glazed or vanilla glazed, or Boston cream, as well as some of their own creations, like Ferrero Rocher, Cannoli, strawberry cheesecake or Dubai chocolate. I tried the Boston cream and the Dubai chocolate one over two separate visits. These donuts are big for sure and the chocolate frosting is very good on both. I also liked the vanilla custard in the Boston Cream, and the crunchiness of the kataifi and the nutty flavor of the pistachio cream of the Dubai Chocolate one was great. However, I find the doughnut itself to be doughy and so, I am not a big fan. My favorite remains The Doughnut Plant and Krispy Kreme.

Dubai chocolate donut at Homie’s Donuts in NYC

Enjoy (…)!

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Homie’s Donuts - 23 Cleveland Pl, New York, NY 10012

I Just Want To Eat! 5/7/26 I Just Want To Eat! 5/7/26

The rise of Israeli Wine

Driven by the rapid shift toward high-quality, boutique production, diverse Mediterranean terroir, and innovative, tech-driven viticulture such as specialized drip irrigation to manage arid climates, Israeli wines are up and coming. The Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA) is promoting nearly 40 local wineries like the ones below, that are available online and in store:…

Please know that the wine was sent complimentary but the opinion expressed on my blog are 100% mine.

Driven by the rapid shift toward high-quality, boutique production, diverse Mediterranean terroir, and innovative, tech-driven viticulture such as specialized drip irrigation to manage arid climates, Israeli wines are up and coming. The Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA) is promoting nearly 40 local wineries like the ones below, that are available online and in store:

Shiloh Privilege Blanc 2025:

The first ever blend from the Shiloh Winery in Judea, made with 39% Chardonnay, 26% French Colombard, 15% Chenin Blanc, 14% Viognier and 6% Riesling is a dry, crisp medium-bodied white wine, with floral and fruity tones that pairs well with grilled seafood, salads and vegetarian dishes, as well as goat cheese and alike.

Psagot Rosie Wild Brut Rosé:

Made from Pinot Noir (85%) and Chardonnay (15%) grapes, Psagot Rosie sparkling wine is unique thanks to its abbreviated second fermentation duration to just 30 days. Because of its high acidity and fruity notes (strawberry, peach and lemon), it pairs well with charcuterie, grilled fish and meat, as well as Asian dishes.

2023 Lahat Lavan:

Lahat Winery has been the personal project of Itay Lahat who, after learning about wine across Israel, decided to start his winery in 2012, showcasing the terroir of the Upper Galilee. The 2023 Lahat Lavan white wine is a blend of Roussanne (70%), Viognier (25%) and Marsanne (5%), giving to this exquisite wine a fresh, aromatic with herbal and grassy notes, perfect with goat cheese or feta, mediterranean dishes, grilled fish and salads.

Carignan 2021 Taninim Showmron from Carmel Winery:

This winery has an interesting history: It was established in 1882 by Baron Edmond de Rothschild, the proprietor of Château Lafite, one of France’s most prestigious estates. In 1957, ownership of the property was transferred from the Rothschild family to the Cooperative of Winegrowers, which later became known as Carmel Mizrahi. The Carmel Signature Taninim Creek Shomron Carignan 2021 showcases old carignan grapes that are harvested by hand and go through controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats before being aged for 16 months in oak barrels. With its medium-to-full body with concentrated aromas of black fruit, herbs, and moderate tannins, it pairs well with grilled or roasted red meat or vegetables.

Enjoy (I did)!

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I Just Want To Eat! 5/4/26 I Just Want To Eat! 5/4/26

Gair in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Taking its name from Robert Gair, the paper bag industrialist who created a manufacturing empire in Dumbo, Brooklyn, Gair is the kind of restaurant you would barely notice, probably because the front is kept busy with all the people who want to take a photo of the Manhattan bridge. Too bad, because this is a place to know. With its concrete wall and ceiling, large windows and u-shape bar, it is reminiscent of the industrial era, giving to the place a unique vibe. The menu for brunch and dinner is small, but it does not mean that you would not hesitate between multiple dishes when ordering.

But first, know that Gair is a cocktail bar, so they have a large selection of unique cocktails and few mocktails. For brunch, Jodi got their Something Soft ($12), that had orange, tonic, and could have had a bit more grenadine, while I got their Breakfast of Champions ($16), made with bourbon, Stumptown coffee and corn-flakes infused past milk. Like a spiked latte. Corn flakes seems to be one of their favorites as their French toast is crusted with it ($20). Served with maple syrup and orange infused labneh, and topped with slices of oranges and grapefruit, I loved the cereal crust, but wished it was eggier. The star of our meal was the cacio e Pepe omelette ($19). Made with pecorino Romano and cracked black pepper, and topped with Parmesan cheese, it was soft and custardy, as I love my omelettes. A must have.

Something soft at Gair in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Breakfast of champions at Gair in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Cacio e pepe omelette at Gair in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Corn flakes crusted French toast at Gair in Dumbo, Brooklyn

The brunch was pretty nice and I loved the vibe. Gair is definitely a spot to know if you are in the area.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Gair - 41 Washington St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

I Just Want To Eat! 4/27/26 I Just Want To Eat! 4/27/26

Ootoya in Times Square

Roughly translating to “Big door” or “Large household”, Ootoya is a popular Japanese restaurant that originated in Tokyo in 1958. In fact, few years ago, while being in the Japanese capital, we had a lunch there, where they serve the same concept called “Teishoku” that is a Japanese set meal usually composed of rice, soup, main dish and pickles. I love the concept because you get everything at once, that can for sure take a little time to be prepared, but then you can eat things out of order. Picking your set can be a bit overwhelming as they have so many choices, but it is what makes this interesting and different each time you go as you can create multiple combinations, both vegetarian and non vegetarian. To ease the ordering, I usually take photos of my choices.

Here are some of the sets we had:

For Jodi, she always goes for the Vegetable Tonyu Nabe ($27), that comes with rice (she preferred the mini matcha curry rice over the multi grain rice), salad and miso soup. She also had their mini homemade tofu (+$4), that was very good (forget about supermarket tofu!).

Vegetable Tonyu Nabe at Ootoya in Times Square

On my side, the first set I tried was the Gindara Miso Set ($28), composed of grilled black cod in original blend miso and Japanese grated radish, mini matcha curry rice (+$3), a salad and miso soup.

Gindara miso set at Ootoya in Times Square

And the second set was amazing: Steak Ju regular for $39 (you can get a smaller portion for $27). It is a US Wagyu sirloin dressed with their steak sauce and scallions over rice. The meat was perfectly cooked, tender, juicy, with a nice char on the outside. A must have. With it, I added kake udon (+$5) that are hot udon noodles in dashi sauce (quite good, with a nice bite), and chawanmushi (+$3), a homemade egg custard that was delicate, soft and comforting. Another must have.

Drink wise, they of course have tea like sencha ($6) and sobacha ($6) or sparkling oolong tea soda flavored with lychee ($8), but also mocktails like the Genmaicha spritz ($7) that is made with brown rice green tea with matcha, lime and Sprite. Deliciously bright and refreshing.

Sparkling oolong tea lychee at Ootoya in Times Square

Genmacha spritz at Ootoya in Times Square

Last is dessert. I love the fact that they propose a dessert box ($12) that is composed of a Japanese cheesecake, green tea ice cream and Warabimochi that are housemade mochi served with red beans and brown syrup sugar.

I love Ootoya: the food there is exquisite and quite different from what you usually get in a Japanese restaurant. I highly recommend 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!

Ootoya - 141 W 41st St, New York, NY 10036

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)!

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

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)!

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! 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)!

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