I Just Want To Eat! 1/6/25 I Just Want To Eat! 1/6/25

Shabu House AYCE in Fort Lee, NJ

We recently discovered Shabu House in Fort Lee, thanks to Jodi’s cousin Jessica and her husband Michael. This All You Can Eat (AYCE) place, specialized in Shabu Shabu, a Japanese hot pot dish where thinly-sliced meat and vegetables are cooked in broth, is phenomenal: for dinner, you can go for the buffet with no meat for $27.99 or for the buffet with unlimited meat for $37.99 (they have the same options for lunch, a bit cheaper). If you choose the former, you can add some meat from $6.99 to $8.99 depending on the cut, but it seems a no brainer to go for the buffet with meat as, for $10, you get unlimited portions of either brisket, top blade, ribeye roll, beef pastrami, pork shoulder, pork belly, chicken, lamb or tripe. However, it has to apply to the whole table. So, on our side, we decided to all go for the buffet with unlimited meat as adding up the servings of meat that Michael and I would get, it was economically favorable, Jodi and Jessica sticking with a vegetarian meal. Meat portions are big, but beware: if you order too much, each 1/4 lb of leftovers will be charged $15.

The way it works is that you first order the broth (vegetarian and non-vegetarian options). They will bring it in an individual pot that will sit on a burner that you can control from a panel on the side of the table. The fact that the pot is individual is a big plus, especially if you do not want to share, want a specific broth, or, like us, if some diners are vegetarian and others are not. On my side, I decided to try the pork bone broth that is made also with beef and is cooked for 16 hours, while Jodi chose the Golden Shiro Miso, a vegetable broth mixed with Japanese white soybean paste. After you order your broth, you take a plate and grab the various items from their buffet that you will cook in the broth. And that buffet is huge: you get a wide choice of vegetables ( with for instance different kinds of mushrooms), noodles, dumplings (frozen), seafood, etc. I have never seen anything like this! Once you pour these in the broth, you have to wait until they are fully cooked. I admit that this is a bit of an art as the temperature needs to be adjusted often as the broth will boil quickly, and ingredients will be fully cooked at different times. But it is quite fun and exciting as there is enough broth to go back to the buffet few times, where you can pick different things at each visit.

Beef pastrami at Shabu House AYCE in Fort Lee, NJ

Ribeye and lamb at Shabu House AYCE in Fort Lee, NJ

Pork bone broth at Shabu House AYCE in Fort Lee, NJ

Shiro miso broth at Shabu House AYCE in Fort Lee, NJ

Veggies at Shabu House AYCE in Fort Lee, NJ

At the end of the meal, if you are still hungry, are included some cookies, as well as mango served in three ways: cut, sorbet and granita.

Cookies at Shabu House AYCE in Fort Lee, NJ

Mango dessert at Shabu House AYCE in Fort Lee, NJ

This was great: great company, great food, both broth being delicious, the pork bone broth being creamy, and with endless possibilities. $37.99 for unlimited meat is a great deal, and know that if you prefer seafood, you can just get their meatless option and grab some of the seafood they have in their buffet: this is probably what I will be doing next time I go there. I should add that each seating is limited to 1h30 with a charge for every 30 minutes additional, that I can understand as with all this food, some people could eat for hours there! For sure, Shabu House is a great place that I highly recommend: it is worth a trip to Fort Lee!

Enjoy (I did)!

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Shabu House - 1642 Schlosser St, Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024

I Just Want To Eat! 1/3/25 I Just Want To Eat! 1/3/25

Drift in Weehawken, NJ

Weehawken, and in a way, North Hoboken, recently welcomed a new restaurant: Drift, where Chef Bryan Noury crafted a modern American menu that is quite exciting. Well, not fully American as the menu includes sushi that I did not try, always thinking that, if I wanted sushi, I may as well just go to a Japanese restaurant…This place is huge, with a dining area that is stunning, dominated by a 100-feet rectangular bar, brass walls and leather banquettes that give a warm and elegant feel to the place. I should mention their 4,000 feet outdoor space that overlooks the New York skyline and will be awesome when the weather will be warmer. We went a few times there and, for the most part, we had a great meal. Their whipped ricotta is quite good, although the focaccia was a bit dry, but I loved their croquettes that are made surprisingly with cauliflower, gruyere and truffle (oil probably). Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they were simply delicious. For entrees, Jodi tried their wild mushroom wood fire flatbread that was very good, made with a generous amount of wild mushrooms and triple cream brie. I recommend it over their Margherita one that was just ok. On my side, my favorite entree was their halibut piccata: the fish was perfectly cooked, flakey, moist, with a crispy skin, bathed in brown butter, with capers and preserved lemon. I highly recommend it! Their bricked heritage chicken is also superb. Served with a cheddar polenta and wild mushrooms, the chicken was also perfectly cooked, the skin being crispy and the meat moist. However, I found their filet mignon disappointing. Very small and overcooked. I had it with jenga fries that were steak fries setup like the jenga game. And if you know me, I prefer skinny fries. They were supposed to be triple fried, but I thought they lacked crispiness. As a side, I preferred their charred forage mushrooms for sure.

Halibut piccata at Drift in Weehawken, NJ

Charred forage mushrooms at Drift in Weehawken, NJ

With our meals, we tried some of their drinks. Jodi got their pineapple and pink grapefruit soda, while I tried few of their cocktails. The first one was the Slippery Slope, made with Japanese whisky (Toki), Redumption bourbon, Joto yuzu, green apple (definitely came through), matcha and lemon. I then tried their Lock and key, a mix of brown butter washed Great Jones bourbon, demerara, orange oil, Angostura and mole bitters, their take on an old fashioned. But my favorite was the Frequent Flyer, made with Haiken lychee, Ketel One cucumber & mint, fresh lemon, coconut, sour hibiscus, Lychee being one of my favorite flavors.

Pineapple and grapefruit soda at Drift in Weehawken, NJ

Slippery slope cocktail at Drift in Weehawken, NJ

Lock and key cocktail at Drift in Weehawken, NJ

Frequent flyer cocktail at Drift in Weehawken, NJ

Of course, we could not leave without trying their desserts. I would pass on the Basque cheesecake that has nothing to do with was that dessert is suppose to be, the one at Drift being very dense and reminding me a gingerbread like cake instead. They nicely switched it for coconut and saffron pudding that was very good (and I am not always a big fan of coconut). We also tried their apple and pear bread pudding that was ok, a bit dry, served with the vanilla ice cream and their nicely buttery caramel. But my favorite is their roasted banana soufflé that was out of this world. Smartly, they served it with a creme anglaise, that let the soufflé shine. A must have, but know that it requires 25 minutes wait, so I suggest you mention it when giving your order.

Roasted banana souffle at Drift in Weehawken, NJ

Apple and pear bread pudding at Drift in Weehawken, NJ

Basque cheesecake at Drift in Weehawken, NJ

Coconut and saffron pudding at Drift in Weehawken, NJ

Drift is a great addition to the Weehawken scene, with an interesting menu, some great food and an exceptional service that makes you feel welcome. At this time they only serve dinner, but I am sure that after some time, they will start serving brunch. I’ll be there…

Enjoy (I did)!

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Drift - 1200 Harbor Blvd, Weehawken Township, NJ 07086

I Just Want To Eat! 12/30/24 I Just Want To Eat! 12/30/24

Grand Brasserie in Grand Central Train Station

We currently went to Grand Brasserie, a French restaurant that opened few months ago in Grand Central Terminal. This place boasts more than 400 seats in a unique decor representing a French brasserie and offers a menu with many classics. This place has four main areas: the dining room split between regular seats and high tops, the green room and the bar in the back, that is louder and with dimmer lights as this is a more confined space.

Green room at Grand Brasserie in Grand Central Train Station

Bar area at Grand Brasserie in Grand Central Train Station

For appetizers, I tried their escargots persillade ($21) that is made with garlic, parsley and butter, my favorite part being dipping some bread in that buttery sauce (by the way, the bread was disappointing, that is sad for a French place). They did not serve the snails the classic way, and instead, put them in an onion soup bowl, covered with puff pastry that I dipped in the butter. Unusual, but quite delicious. I also liked their pate en croute ($24) that had a perfect texture and was superb.

Escargots persillade at Grand Brasserie in Grand Central Train Station

Pate en croute at Grand Brasserie in Grand Central Train Station

For entrees, I loved their duck confit ($38), that was served with pommes salardaises and frisee salad (not my favorite salad as a bit bitter, but I do not know why, I always love it with duck). I also tried their steak frites: at Grand Brasserie, you pick the cut you want between entrecôte, that I tried ($59 - boneless rib part of the cow, not as good as a ribeye), filet ($63), bone-in NY strip ($63) and a skirt steak ($37), with a choice of sauce (I chose béarnaise that is my favorite with steak). The steak was good, slightly over from the medium-rare temperature I ordered, but I admit that it was not earth chattering: I had better steaks in less fancy places. Still, it was good, but not a dish I would absolutely recommend. The fries were as I like them, thin, crispy on the outside and cooked all the way though, perfect with the béarnaise sauce that was well made, or some mayonnaise that I always ask for, dipping first in ketchup and then mayo…Jodi got their ravioli a la Parisienne ($32) that are mushroom ravioli with truffle in a creamy sauce: this was succulent! The ravioli were perfectly cooked, bathed in a rich cream that was drizzled with a bit of truffle, not enough of it (there is never enough truffle). But the most surprising dish, that is not so French, but something I would recommend as well is their crispy cauliflower that is like a cauliflower parmesan. Crispy on the outside and well cooked inside, it was topped with a tomato confit and some cheese. What a great way to serve what has become a staple in many restaurants wanting to offer a vegetarian entree.

Duck confit at Grand Brasserie in Grand Central Train Station

Ravioli a la Parisienne at Grand Brasserie in Grand Central Train Station

Entrecôte at Grand Brasserie in Grand Central Train Station

Entrecote at Grand Brasserie in Grand Central Train Station

Bearnaise sauce at Grand Brasserie in Grand Central Train Station

Crispy cauliflower at Grand Brasserie in Grand Central Train Station

With our meals, I decided to try their espresso martini that was well balanced, as well as a season’s special: their bourbon apple cider that was perfect on a cold day (I just thought that they could have had a better presentation).

Bourbon apple cider at Grand Brasserie in Grand Central Train Station

Espresso martini at Grand Brasserie in Grand Central Train Station

Desserts is where they fall short: the ile flottante ($14) was small and the fig jam they added in the bottom of the plate killed the delicious creme anglaise; the baba au rhum ($13) was too dense and the tarte tatin ($14) not as buttery and sweet as I would have expected.

Ile flottante at Grand Brasserie in Grand Central Train Station

Baba au rhum at Grand Brasserie in Grand Central Train Station

Tarte tatin at Grand Brasserie in Grand Central Train Station

Despite the dessert not being great, I would go back to Grand Brasserie to try some other appetizers and entrees, if not, I would probably stick with the escargots and the duck…Although the place is big, I suggest a reservation and be patient: the drawback of being one of the largest restaurants in the city is that the food is slow to come out and the service not always on point.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Grand Brasserie - 89 E 42nd St. Vanderbilt Hall,. New York, NY 10017

I Just Want To Eat! 12/27/24 I Just Want To Eat! 12/27/24

Kame in NYC, NY

When we went to Kame with our friends Jen and Gary, there was a sense of deja vue and, thanks to the blog, I realized that we went to that place years ago, but not in that location on 8th avenue: their previous location on Park Avenue. At the time, I found it good, thinking that I would go back, but with all the restaurants to try in New York, I never did, until now. Yes, not only did we go with our friends, but we went back few weeks later to try some of their appetizers, that I always find they are ignored in this type of places, people focusing mainly on ramen. Don’t get me wrong: their ramen is quite good, each proposed two ways: spicy or not. I went for a regular tonkotsu ramen, where the creamy pork broth was bathing kikurage mushroom, scallion, black garlic and a deliciously braised pork belly. Rich and comforting, it was really filling. Jodi had their shoyu tofu ramen from their vegan menu that was composed of green noodle in a shoyu base, grilled tofu, scallion, bamboo shoot, kikurage mushroom, shiitake and seaweed. We both added a perfectly made steamed egg, a must have with ramen. I should mention that I was so excited with my ramen that I forgot to take a photo of Jodi’s. But, I still had a taste of it and found it pretty good, tasty, the broth having some depth, far from tasting like a classic vegetarian broth, to the contrary.

Now, let’s go back to the appetizers: they have a wide choice, even in the vegan menu, where Jodi got to try their vegan gyoza (marinated vegetable, mushroom, cabbage and ponzu sauce), that I found pretty good, but lacking a bit of crispiness, or the impossible meat bun that is an original offering, mirroring the katuni bun made with pork that I got. Good, but messy to eat as they put lots of mayo and Japanese BBQ sauce on it, and we both thought there should be more meat in it. I had two favorites: the fried chicken or karaage, that was crispy on the outside, the chicken being moist. This was so good on its own that I did not care much about the spicy may (not so spicy) it was served with. This is probably one of the best karaage I had, oftentimes this dish being a bit dry, with the chicken slightly overcooked. My second favorite is their takoyaki that is a fried squid ball topped with mayo, tonkatsu sauce and bonito flakes that move when placed on something hot (it is called the “waggle dance”). I love that dish that I discovered in Japan and never hesitate to order it when on a menu, and at Kame, they are quite good, the sauces creating an explosion of flavors in your mouth. I also tried their Ika Geso (or fried Squid Leg) that is fried squid tentacles served with Japanese mayo. Crispy, nicely salted and perfectly cooked, I like it. The last dish I tried was their Japanese Berkshire pork sausage or kurobuta sausage that had nothing extraordinary and tasted like any hot dog sausage you would buy.

With our meals, we had their green tea that came in a small pot that they refilled with water from time to time, as well as their plum lemonade. But, if you’d like, you can get some hot sake or beer.

Overall, we had great meals at Kame. My favorite meal would be the fried chicken (karaage) or takoyaki for appetizer, followed by their tonkotsu ramen that was superb! This is definitely a place to know. And if you are vegetarian or vegan, ask for their vegan menu as they do not bring it systematically (they probably should).

Enjoy (I did)!

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Kame - 330 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001

I Just Want To Eat! 12/24/24 I Just Want To Eat! 12/24/24

Buffet at Brick Lane, house of the spiciest curry in the world

Please note that the meal was complimentary. However, I was not obliged to post and the opinions expressed in my blog are 100% my own!

I was recently invited at Brick Lane in Jersey City, not to try their phaal, but to try their buffet. If you do not know what the phaal is, you are missing out on the spiciest curry in the world. Made with Carolina reaper, ghost pepper and habenero, among seven different kinds of chili, whomever prepares it needs to wear a gas mask because of the fumes that would burn your eyes as this dish is made. Only few people are able to eat it, approximately 5%, after signing a release, and, if you do within 30 minutes, you get a free beer and your name on the “Phall of fame”, with a certificate. I admit that I only tried a side of it, a very little taste: at first, it was fine, and then, it hit me…and hard! My mouth was on fire and it took quite a lot of mango lassi and naan to tame that heat. But I was not going back for the phaal, but to try their buffet that they serve on weekends from 12pm to 4pm. I love buffets because they offer a unique opportunity to try several dishes and I was not disappointed: the buffet at Brick Lane is a great deal.

For $26, you get several appetizers, a mix of entrees, vegetarian and non-vegetarian, a selection of breads and a plethora of desserts that you can eat with chai, coffee or regular tea. Let’s start with the appetizers: my favorite is their dahi puri, an Indian snack that originates from the city of Mumbai, that are mini-shells filled with potato, tamarind, and yogurt among other things. Sweet and savory, crispy on the outside, it is packed with flavors. A must have that they make to order, so you do not have to wonder how to make them. As expected, they had samosa, but smaller ones, as well as desi fried chicken and Tawa aloo or potato fry that were quite good, getting some crispiness from the hot dish they were served on. My least favorite was the fried fish (Tawa fish fry) that had a fishy taste I did not like.

Desi fried chicken at Brick Lane in Jersey City

Tawa fish fry at Brick Lane in Jersey City

For the entrees, they have a nice selection of vegetarian dishes. I loved the maa ki dahl, and the Baingan Bharta that is like an eggplant mash from North India. This dish definitely has some heat and I appreciated some of the rice they had, my favorite being the saffron rice or zafrani pulao, or some of the breads. I should talk about these breads: usually, when you go to an Indian buffet, they only propose naan. At Brick Lane, they had butter naan, garlic naan and a delicious paratha that was nicely crispy. Their naan was superb: fluffy with a nice char, I could not stop eating it with the butter chicken that was definitely on my list of dishes to try. I admit that I would have preferred smaller pieces of chicken, but their creamy sauce was so good, that was my favorite entree, over the chicken curry and Rajasthani Laal Maas (mutton curry) that were also good, but had too many bones.

Maa ki daal at Brick Lane in Jersey City

Chikkar chilly and baingan bharta at Brick Lane in Jersey City

Mix veg Kadai at Brick Lane in Jersey City

Zafrani pulao at Brick Lane in Jersey City

Butter naan at Brick Lane in Jersey City

Garlic naam at Brick Lane in Jersey City

Butter chicken at Brick Lane in Jersey City

Chicken curry at Brick Lane in Jersey City

Rajasthani laal maas at Brick Lane in Jersey City

With my meal, I had a mango lassi that was well made and was great to counter any heat from some of the dishes, and finished with a chai that was perfect on a cold day, and to go with the many desserts we tried. Another difference with Brick Lane is the amount of desserts in their buffet, with not all of them classic Indian, like the chocolate cake or apple pie, but with a nice selection of traditional ones like gulab jamun that are some of my my favorite, or Gajar halwa that is a carrot pudding surprisingly good (I do not like carrot cake, but always loved this dessert). Less known is the Sevaiyan kheer that is similar to rice pudding, but with rice replaced with vermicelli. If you never had it, I recommend you try: it is delightfully sweet, but not as much as the gulab jamun.

Mango lassi at Brick Lane in Jersey City

Gulab Jamun, Gajar halwa and kada prasad at Brick Lane in Jersey City

Sevaiyan kheer at Brick Lane in Jersey City

Apple pie and fruits at Brick Lane in Jersey City

Chocolate cake and cookies at Brick Lane in Jersey City

We left full and glad we had a walk after such a meal. The food at Brick Lane is delicious and the buffet is a nice addition, allowing to try many dishes from various regions of India. And for $26, this is a very good deal! Sadly, their location in New York just closed, but know that their outpost in Jersey City is easily accessible as few steps from the Grove Street path station.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Brick Lane - 136 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302

I Just Want To Eat! 12/19/24 I Just Want To Eat! 12/19/24

Kellari Taverna in NYC

There are quite a lot of nice greek restaurants in the city and Kellari Taverna is one of my favorites. We went there over the past few months, for dinner and brunch, although the latter feels more like lunch considering the dishes we got that are not at all brunch-like. Located few steps from Times Square, Kellari Taverna is identical to many places of that sort: big, with high ceilings, the center piece of the dining room being their fresh fish that is something I …

Well, in fact I tried their lavraki that they deboned for me. The charcoal grilled fish was superb and definitely seemed fresh. The sardines, offered as an appetizer, were less successful. Don’t get me wrong: they were good but they did not remove the bones that can be challenging with sardines. Too bad, because they were pretty good, also grilled. Besides fish, they also propose shellfish, and their yiouvetsi with clams, calamari and shrimp, served with orzo in a tomato and feta sauce is succulent and quite comforting; it was my first time having seafood yiouvetsi; I had lamb before. Talking about lamb, their lamb chops or paidiaka are superb: perfectly cooked medium, juicy and a little bit fatty, they give you a nice amount of it that they serve with broccoli rabe and roasted potatoes.

If you are vegetarian, they have plenty of options as well. For appetizer, you can opt for the classic spreads (we had hummus, tzatziki and babaganouj), Mediterranean kale salad (baby kale, chickpeas, quinoa, graviera cheese and a honey lime dressing) or the greek salad (tomatoes, onions, olives, cucumbers, peppers and feta), that seems to be popular as are the Kellari chips, that are made with eggplant and zucchini and accompanied with tzatziki. They always come straight from the fryer, burning your fingers a bit if you try to eat them like you would chips. What I love also there is their Halloumi psito, where the cheese is grilled and served with apples, figs and honey for some nice sweetness. Interestingly, they do not offer saganaki that is always a crowd pleaser when flambe. For entrees, they have what I would call a Greek risotto: the wild mushroom Kritharoto that is made with orzo and graviera cheese in a creamy sauce. Definitely creamy and quite comforting.

Pikilia or spreads at Kellari Taverna in NYC

Mediterranean salad at Kellari Taverna in NYC

With our meals, I always order a glass of ouzo and Jodi got their sunrise moktail, made with pineapple, ginger, grenadine, lemon, agave, ginger ale and orange juice. And I always finish with a Greek coffee that is similar to a Turkish coffee, ordering it medium sweet. It is perfect with dessert and their baklava that is good, but their bougatsa that is a vanilla custard pie is even better, the vanilla filling being superb.

After reading this post and seeing the photos, I hope you now understand why I like this place: the food is really good and I will surely go back!

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Kellari Taverna - 19 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036

I Just Want To Eat! 12/16/24 I Just Want To Eat! 12/16/24

South House in Jersey City - redemption?

I discovered South House two years ago, wanting to explore a bit what Jersey City had to offer, but the experience was not that great and I never went back. Until I received an email from one of the managers, Mike, who found the post and was saddened to read the experience I had, asking us if we would be willing to come back as him, and another manager, Taylor, made some changes to the place. So, we decided to give it another try, with the idea to order the same dishes as last time, allowing us to compare the experience. I like the feel of the place with its exposed bricks, wood beams and stairs, furniture and old photos or paintings, that make me think strangely about a place you would find in areas like …

Please note that the meal was complimentary. However, I was not obliged to post and the opinions expressed in my blog are 100% my own!

To start, Jodi had a tea while I had the “Pick me up” cocktail that is like espresso martini, made with vodka, hazelnut liqueur (did not taste much of it), espresso and cinnamon. Well balanced, I drank it with some pickled veggies that they brought to the table.

Pickled veggies at South House in Jersey City

Pick me up cocktail at South House in Jersey City

They then brought us some freshly made biscuits with butter and raspberry jam. This was a bit of a problem: these little biscuits were so good that I could not stop eating them and, considering what was coming, it was a bad idea…In fact, few minutes later, came the fried green tomatoes that were quite large. Crispy on the outside, they were served with a sriracha mayo that had a nice kick and was not super spicy. They were good, but I admit that I had better. However, the farmers skillet that I ordered was really good (that was the dish I ordered the last time that I did not like), especially the brisket that they smoke for close to 16 hours: it was soft and juicy with nice burnt ends. This is a large dish: remember the biscuits I could not stop eating before? I did when I got that skillet that was composed of a layer of potatoes covered with cheese, topped with that delicious brisket and then covered with eggs and roasted salsa; you can choose how you want your eggs, so, instead of scrambled that is how I got them last time, I decided sunny side up, over easy, the perfectly runny yolk adding some creaminess to the dish. Jodi got their bean and cheese brunch tacos that are served with scrambled eggs, refried pinto beans and cheddar cheese. These tacos looked appetizing and were quite good: the scrambled eggs were well made, not overcooked and dry, and the soft tortilla had some nice char that added a bit of flavor.

Fried green tomatoes at South House in Jersey City

Farmers skillet at South House in Jersey City

Bean and cheese tacos at South House in Jersey City

Of course, we could not leave without trying again their banana pudding. This time, no weird taste: it was quite good, not too sweet, with crumbled Nilla wafers in the bottom that we mixed with bananas and the vanilla custard that was not totally set, but still addictive. A must have.

Banana pudding at South House in Jersey City

This meal was a total 180 compared to what we had few years ago and I am not saying this because it was complimentary: the food was pretty good and there are lots of things on the menu that look quite appetizing. This is a good restaurant to have on the map if you are looking for a brunch place in Jersey City. And if you go, ask for the biscuits…

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

South House - 149 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302

I Just Want To Eat! 12/12/24 I Just Want To Eat! 12/12/24

Long Island Dumplings in NYC

No, Long Island dumplings is not in Long Island but in Manhattan, right next to the 23rd street path station and a couple of blocks from Union Square. This small joint with few tables and a counter to sit, is a nod to their restaurant in Long Island called Long Island Pekin. As you arrive, you order your food on the self-service kiosk, that is sometimes less stressful if you are not sure what to order, allowing you to go back and forth on the menu. So, as their names has “dumplings” in it, we decided to try a bunch, neglecting any soup, noodles or curry dishes they also have on their menu. Of course, I could not not order their crystal shrimp dumplings that I always order in these kinds of places, and they were perfectly made, the thin shell being sticky but not disintegrating as I lifted them with my chopsticks. The rest of our selection was all vegetarian, where they propose some interesting options, like the vegan truffle soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) that were a successful alternative to the classic pork or crab and pork soup dumplings, replacing the meat with dried mushrooms and potato. There, the succulent fattiness that pork ones have is replaced by the taste and aroma of truffle (probably oil and not real truffle). We also got their veggie spring rolls, filled with cabbage, carrot and wood ear mushroom, were slightly greasy as one would expect and really out as just fresh from the fryer, as were the veggie dumplings that we always prefer fried instead of steamed. But, the last dish that came was the most surprising of all (they cook to order, so you get your dishes as they are ready). That last dish was their crispy scallion sticky rice that were sticky rice patties filled with scallion, pickled green veggies and dried mushrooms. The slightly charred patty was crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, packed in flavor predominantly coming from the scallion. This is a must have!

Spring rolls at Long Island Dumplings in NYC

Crystal shrimp dumplings at Long Island Dumplings in NYC

Vegan truffle soup dumplings at Long Island Dumplings in NYC

Fried veggie dumplings at Long Island Dumplings in NYC

Crispy scallion sticky rice at Long Island Dumplings in NYC

We passed many times in front of Long Island Dumplings and I am glad we stopped by to try it: their dumplings, made to order are simply delicious. This small casual place is perfect if you are craving dim sum or are looking for a quick bite.

Enjoy (I did)!

Long Island Dumplings - 513 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011

I Just Want To Eat! 12/9/24 I Just Want To Eat! 12/9/24

Brunch at Canto on the Upper West Side

Canto, a popular eatery in the West Village, just opened an outpost on the Upper West Side and I was invited to try their brunch in the new space. There, I briefly met with Chef and owner Djamel Omari who crafted an original menu that combines American brunch classics with Italian and Mediterranean dishes…

Please note that the meal was complimentary. However, I was not obliged to post and the opinions expressed in my blog are 100% my own!

Chef Djamel Omari at Canto on the Upper West Side

Here is what I tried:

To start, Jodi got a tea, while I chose their martini espresso, hesitating a bit to try their frozen version, but it was too cold that day for that. I admit that I was relieved when I saw that they did not serve it in a martini glass as I hate those…The martini, made with vodka (you can ask for tequila as well) was good, smooth and well balanced as I like it, the chocolate shavings enhancing a bit more the flavor of the coffee.

Espresso martini at Canto on the Upper West Side

Then, I tried their burger a cheval that looked beautiful with the melted Swiss cheese running down the sides of the thick beef patty that was squeezed between a delicious brioche bun with tomato, pickled onions, lettuce, and a dijonnaise sauce (made with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard) that gave a little French touch to a dish that represents Americana. The burger was pretty good, packed in flavors, with the patty being perfectly cooked medium and juicy. So, this was a regular burger as “a cheval” means that is top with a fried egg, that was a supplement for $1.50, but, considering what we wanted to try, I decided not to add more to an already big burger. I should mention the fries that were just ok for me, preferring thinner and crispier ones.

Jodi got the shakshuka, a mediterranean dish, made with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, served with two poached eggs and some goat cheese. I simply loved it: comforting, eaten with or without the grilled slices of bread that came with the dish, it had a nice hint of cumin.

Shakshuka at Canto on the Upper West Side

Last, we finished our meal with their waffle all Lombarda that was served with mixed berries, whipped cream, creme patissiere and maple syrup. First, I should mention that they give you a nice amount of cream or syrup, when, usually, we need to ask for more. The creme patissiere was more like a creme anglaise as quite liquid, and balanced well with the sweetness of the syrup. But let’s go back to the waffle: this is a great one: crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, it is one of the best I had in a long time!

So, overall, we had a great meal at Canto, and the walk we had after was needed! I’ll have to go back to try their dinner menu that is all Italian, besides the burger, and try that time their desserts as their limoncello cheesecake or basil creme brulee sound interesting!

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Canto - 2014 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

Sponsored post: Leerdammer cheese celebrates 50 years!

I Just Want To Eat! 12/7/24 I Just Want To Eat! 12/7/24

Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

Skinner’s Loft in Jersey City is a true find. Located few steps from the Grove St Path station, this unassuming place boasts a terrific menu. We went there over a period of time, trying their brunch and dinner, always leaving satisfied after a nice meal. For brunch, I loved their croque monsieur, where the black forrest ham was smothered with a nice amount of gruyere cheese, before being squeezed between two slices of country bread and again topped with cheese. There is never too much cheese for sure! Interestingly, it was not served with a salad but with cole slaw. Jodi tried their mushroom and spinach omelet that was also good, not overcooked (I like my eggs runny by the way) and served with some crunchy home fries. I accompanied my lunch with a beer, the Founders Breakfast Stout that was quite refreshing on a hot summer day.

Croque Monsieur at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

Founders Breakfast Stout at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

Mushroom and spinach omelet at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

For dinner, we had their arancini, made with ricotta and parmesan. These were crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, served with a roasted pepper coulis that added a sweet and smokey flavor. I also liked their grilled oysters that were simply made with a garlic and herb butter. I wish more restaurants would serve oysters that way.

Arancini at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

Grilled oysters at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

For the main, I tried their steak frites that was a 13oz NY strip perfectly grilled to a medium rare temperature, served with some parmesan herb fries that were crunchy as I like them. They also have some interesting vegetarian dishes. The roasted cauliflower and its arugula pesto was good, but my favorite was the vegan “scallop” mushroom risotto with asparagus that is the kind of dish where I do not miss any seafood or meat. It was a mushroom fest: porcini, maitake and rumpet gave another dimension to this dish. A must have!

Steak frites at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

Roasted cauliflower at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

Vegan risotto at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

To accompany my meals, I tried some of their cocktails: The Lafayette (same name as my cat, so I had to try it), made with their house infused rosemary gin, lemon juice, orange shrub, egg whites and smash cranberry, and the Rejuvenator, made with plantation rum, poire williams (pear), apple cider vinegar, ginger thyme syrup, and pear nectar. Both were quite good and creative.

Rejuvenator cocktail at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

Lafayette cocktail at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

For dessert, we tried their bread pudding that was pretty good, not dry, topped with some vanilla ice cream.

Bread pudding at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

Overall, we had great meals at Skinner’s Loft. The food there is really good, served in a very relaxed atmosphere. I definitely 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!

Skinner’s Loft - 146 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302

I Just Want To Eat! 12/2/24 I Just Want To Eat! 12/2/24

Buc-ee's: come for the brisket, leave with the experience

We were visiting our friends Pam and Pat in Florida, when, as we were talking about lunch, Pat mentioned the brisket sandwich at Buc-ee’s, a chain of gas stations that started in Texas, with an outpost in Daytona Beach. The close to an hour drive, with potentially traffic, was not a deterrent, my love for BBQ being more powerful than the idea of potentially sitting in traffic the day before Thanksgiving…As we drove, I was already checking Buc-ee’s website, trying to figure out what I should try there. Brisket and pulled pork sandwiches were on the menu, so I had no other choice than trying both! As we arrived, there was already a line to pull into the giant parking lot, with people eating in their car or standing in front of their vehicle, holding sandwiches that they devoured without hesitation. You guessed it: there are no tables; you grab your food and eat in our car or next to it, making it a whole experience.

The place in Daytona Beach is huge: a gigantic parking lot with car wash and gas station on one side, and a fairly large store in the back. There, t-shirts, house decorations and various Buc-ee’s souvenirs, sit next to cakes, chocolates, and other kinds of foods, with three main areas of focus: first is their jerky that I did not try (I regret it as I am writing this, ditching the overpriced Amazon merchandise). Then is their fudge that looks amazing and tastes pretty good, especially the praline fudge that was my favorite, over the birthday cake one that Jodi liked.

Jerky at Buc-ee's in Daytona Beach, Florida

Fudge at Buc-ee's in Daytona Beach, Florida

Fudge and chocolates at Buc-ee's in Daytona Beach, Florida

But the main attraction was the brisket and pulled pork sandwiches. In the middle of the station, you can see that brisket with its nice bark being chopped and then smothered with some sweet BBQ sauce before being squeezed between two soft buns and wrapped (no need to wait for your sandwich to be done, they have a bunch ready for grab). As they prepare the sandwiches, you can hear them yelling “Fresh, hot brisket on board!” or “Sauce on the board!”, followed by an acknowledgment from the staff, like you would hear “Oui, Chef” in a fancy restaurant. So, I grabbed a pulled pork sandwich ($7.48) and a chopped brisket sandwich ($8.49). I admit that, although the pulled pork was good, my favorite was the brisket that was so tender, it literally melted in my mouth.

Brisket at Buc-ee's in Daytona Beach, Florida

Chopped brisket sandwich at Buc-ee's in Daytona Beach, Florida

Pulled pork sandwich at Buc-ee's in Daytona Beach, Florida

With it, we tried their Beaver Nuggets that are puffed corn tossed in a mix of butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla, that give it an interesting taste. Crunchy, you need a couple before liking them, the first few being more focussed on trying to figure out what they taste like rather than wondering if you like them or not. Then, they start being a bit addictive…

Beaver nuggets at Buc-ee's in Daytona Beach, Florida

Overall it was fun: the brisket sandwich is definitely something I would get again, but I would go for the XXL that has more brisket in it. Eating this in the back of a car was whole experience, worth the drive.

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Buc-ee’s - 2330 Gateway N Dr, Daytona Beach, FL 32117

I Just Want To Eat! 11/18/24 I Just Want To Eat! 11/18/24

Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Meaning “River”, Aragvi refers to a river in Georgia that is popular for kayaking and rafting. It is also a Georgian restaurant located Midtown East, where Chef Mikheil brings authentic recipes to our plates. Of course, when going to Aragvi, you have to try their khachapuri, Georgian cheese bread made famous on instagram, especially the Adjaruli that is an open-faced khachapuri from the Adjara region topped with a cheese blend that will be mixed with butter and egg yolk in a photogenic twirl. But they have others like the Royal Khachapuri that is topped with three huge dumplings filled with lots of cheese, or the Imeruli that is an old Georgian recipe from the Imereti region and that is dough stuffed cheese blend, like a Georgian calzone.

Adjaruli khachapuri at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Royal khachapuri at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Imeruli khachapuri at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Imaruli khachapuri at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

We also tried their large dumplings as an appetizer, filled with mushrooms, but I admit that it was a bit disappointing as the shell was too thick. Continuing with cheese appetizers, we got their Aragvi salad that was quite good, topped with a cheese ball, or their Soko Kecze that is baked mushrooms filled with cheese, seasoned with dry mint, and finished with a hint of butter. Good, I would have preferred the mushrooms in smaller pieces. If you do not like cheese, you can get their mushrooms and potatoes that are cooked with garlic and dill, or the Ajapsandali that are oven baked vegetables with greens and tomato sauce.

Aragvi salad at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Khinkali filled with mushrooms at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Soko Kecze at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Ajapsandali at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Potatoes and mushrooms at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

They have lots of meat, but lamb being my favorite, I could not not try their drunk lamb that is lamb boiled in beer, cooked with tomato, bell peppers, greens and onion. The dish is cooked in a pot covered with dough that I used to dip in the succulent juice. Their lamb Lula kebab was also really good, a must have if you love this meat.

Drunk lamb at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Lamb lula kebab at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

With our meals (we went quite few times), we had some of their drinks. They have homemade lemonade and Jodi tried their lime and mint, as well as their strawberry lemonade that was a bit sweet. On my side, I tried their chacha that is a Georgian brandy; I had it straight, but I admit that I preferred it in a cocktail, like the Vovik that was composed of chacha, gin, watermelon and lemon. This was quite refreshing, as was the Qvevruli that was made with Georgian red wine, blackcurrant puree, lime juice and mint.

Lime and mint lemonade at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Strawberry lemonade at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Vivid cocktail at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Qveruli at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Of course, we had to have desserts. They have baklava or chocolate lava cake, but we wanted to try something a bit different. The first time, we had their honey cake, but I admit that I found it a bit dry. I liked the matsoni that is Georgian yogurt topped with honey and nuts, but my favorite was the Eklerki that are cream-puffs filled with cream and served with ice cream, similar to profiteroles. I also noticed that they serve Turkish coffee, that I love. So, when I asked for it, they brought me some ice cream as well. Apparently, this is the only way they serve it…

Honey cake at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Matsoni at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Eklerki at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Turkish coffee at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

We had great meals at Aragvi. I prefer this place over Chama Mama because they have a lot more choice of dishes. If you go there, you must try their khachapuri: it is superb!

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Aragvi - 230 E 44th St, New York, NY 10017

I Just Want To Eat! 11/7/24 I Just Want To Eat! 11/7/24

Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

I should start this post by saying that Wolfgang Steakhouse is not the restaurant of Wolfgang Puck who opened Cut by Wolfgang Puck many years ago. No, this place takes its name from its owner, Wolfgang Zwiener who was a former headwaiter at Peter Luger. There is definitely a big step between working the dining room and the kitchen, and they successfully made it, but I admit that not all locations are equal. However, the one in Times Square is great: the food is consistent and their steak superb. The porterhouse, that comes sizzling or the tomahawk cajun style are both

I should start this post by saying that Wolfgang Steakhouse is not the restaurant of Wolfgang Puck who opened Cut by Wolfgang Puck many years ago. No, this place takes its name from its owner, Wolfgang Zwiener who was a former headwaiter at Peter Luger. There is definitely a big step between working the dining room and the kitchen, and they successfully made it, but I admit that not all locations are equal. However, the one in Times Square is great: the food is consistent and their steak superb. The porterhouse ($69.95 per person), that comes sizzling or the tomahawk cajun style are both tender and juicy, with a nice crust, the butter adding a bit more decadence to it. Surprisingly, the cajun rub did not overpower the tomahawk that was succulent.

Tomahawk cajun style at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Tomahawk steak cajun style at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Porterhouse at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

My favorite sides with a steak are the lobster Mac and cheese that is really creamy, and their sautéed mushrooms.

Lobster Mac and cheese at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Sautéed mushrooms at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

But before getting a steak, I always enjoy a crab cake ($29.95), theirs being made with big lump of crab, letting the crustaceans shine and not being overposwered with fillers or celery. Their thick cut of bacon is a bit pricey ($15+ a slice), but delicious with their steak sauce, and I also like their baked clam with a glass of Manhattan ($24) that I asked to get in a whisky glass the last time I went as I hate martini glasses!

Crab cake at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Thick slice of bacon at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Baked clams at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Manhattan at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Desserts ($16.95) are not to be ignored: I love their their pecan pie that was deliciously sweet and buttery with a generous amount of crunchy pecans, or their key lime pie, that is served with a homemade whipped cream to cut the sweetness of the pie and its tartness.

Key lime pie at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Pecan pie at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Wolfgang Steakhouse is one of my favorite steakhouses in New York, but in Times Square: the steaks are of great quality and their food quite consistent. I definitely recommend it!

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Wolfgang Steakhouse Times Square - 250 W 41st St, New York, NY 10036

I Just Want To Eat! 11/4/24 I Just Want To Eat! 11/4/24

Fushimi Times Square

It’s been a while since we went to Fushimi, my first visit being not in Times Square but Brooklyn. So, when they invited us for their first year anniversary, I was quite excited. Located few steps from Port Authority, this place is gorgeous: as you enter, you are right away amazed by their rendition of the Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto that is famous for its thousands of red torii gates that create a trail we visited few years back during a memorable trip to Japan. The rest of the restaurant is stunning with a sophisticated urban vibe, blending Japanese minimalism with sleek, contemporary aesthetics, starting with the bar area with its paper cranes or orizuru, that is a powerful symbol in Japan. According to legend, folding 1,000 paper cranes grants you a wish or brings you good luck and long life. This tradition has become a symbol of peace, especially after the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who developed leukemia due to the Hiroshima bombing and sought to fold 1,000 cranes to heal. She didn’t finish before she passed away, but her story inspired many to continue folding cranes as a wish for peace and health.

Talking about the bar, they have a great selection of cocktails. I tried: the lychee martini that was not too sweet, a whisky sour made with Suntori whisky, Masamune (made with Iwai Japanese whisky, Campari, St Germain and orange bitter, The Q (unfiltered sake, St Germain, grenadine and lemon juice).

During their first year celebration, we got to try some bites:

Veggie gyoza:

Pork gyoza:

Tuna

Rock shrimp:

Salmon:

Shrimp cocktail

Shrimp Shumai

Bacon:

Then, we went back for dinner a couple of times. For appetizers, I tried their roasted duck, made with mango, cucumber, lime, mint and an hoisin reduction. This was definitely to share and I simply loved it because the skin on the duck was delightfully crispy and fatty, with the mango and hoisin sauce giving a nice sweetness to it.

Jodi got each time we went their avocado truffle crispy sushi that is a pan seared crispy rice cake, topped with avocado, truffle puree and sweet miso sauce. I admit that this is probably one of the best I ever had! Crunchy as promised and decadent with some truffle that filled my nose as they brought the plate. She also got their avocado roll that is quite basic and we also shared the bang bang broccoli with sweet chili sauce and peanut, but I thought it was just ok. It was crispy, but I did not like the sauce that could have been uniformly spread, by tossing it with the fried broccoli in a bowl. What was amazing though is their charred seasonal mushrooms that is proposed as a side, but could easily be an appetizer (note that they were not that charred, but still good).

Avocado truffle crispy sushi at Fushimi Times Square

Bang bang broccoli at Fushimi Times Square

Charred seasonal mushrooms at Fushimi Times Square

On my side, I tried the roasted Scottish salmon that was good, but not the best I ever had, being slightly overcooked, and the miso chilean seabass roll that was made with crispy sea bass with green apple for freshness and crunch, topped with crunchy sea scallops, sweet aioli and saikyo miso. This was a delicious roll, with an explosion of flavor in each bite.

Miso chilean seabass roll at Fushimi Times Square

Roasted Scottish salmon at Fushimi Times Square

Of course, we had to try their desserts. Their best is the molten cake that was gooey inside and accompanied with an amazing red velvet ice cream. I also liked their mochi ice cream that was a trio composed of vanilla, strawberry and espresso.

I had no idea that Fushimi was in Times Square and was glad that I have been invited so it put it on my map whenever I want to have an elevated Japanese meal. They have great cocktails and interesting dishes that I will continue to discover.

Enjoy (I really did)!

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

Fushimi Times Square - 311 West 43rd St, New York, NY 10036

I Just Want To Eat! 10/18/24 I Just Want To Eat! 10/18/24

My trip to Memphis: Amelia Gene's

Few months ago, we decided to go to Memphis with the most memorable moments being the visit of the Lorraine Hotel and National Civil Rights museum, as well as Graceland, the songs from the Elvis Presley being part of my childhood. We stayed at the Caption by Hyatt Beale Street and had no idea that a not so little gem was standing next to the hotel: Amanda Gene’s, a restaurant where Chef Nate Henssler crafted a contemporary menu inspired by global cuisines. That place, that used...

We started off our meal with some drinks, their cocktail menu being quite interesting and not your classic old fashioned or Manhattan. Some had rosemary, some cauliflower brine and truffle, others raspberry. tea leaf. Jodi went for a spirit free (the Green Gene with lime, apple, cucumber and peach champagne rub), while I chose the Shadow Woman made with bourbon, pear (the deciding factor), honey syrup and lemon.

The Green Gene at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

The Shadow Woman at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

We then proceeded to share their buttermilk biscuits, that came with hot honey butter, fruit preserves and pickled vegetables. I think that was a mistake, not because it was not good, to the contrary! They were delicious, crispy on the outside, but because you could not stop eating these large biscuits and we had more food to come…

Buttermilk biscuit at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

Buttermilk biscuits at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

We then got two bites: the first one was a tiny croissant filled with foie gras and with a touch of raspberry gel. Surely one bite, but, what a bite! The buttery and flakey croissant was just a cover for the foie gras filling to explode in my mouth. The second item was their golden potato fondue made with Tete de Moine cheese and black truffle. This looked quite appetizing, with the shavings of cheese sitting on top of the mashed potatoes, calling for a thorough mix that gave a creamy texture to the dish and freed the delicious aroma of the truffle. A must have!

Golden potato fondue at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

Croissant with foie gras bite at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

Next was their cheese: for $26, we got 5 different kinds:

Bloomy breeze: a brie style blend of fresh milk from Jersey and Holstein cows.
Truffle hive: a Utah cheddar with a truffle rind.
Little Mountain: an Alpine-style cheese from Wisconsin.
Shabby Shoe: a Wisconsin version of a popular French goat cheese (Chabichou).
Point Reyes Blue: a Californian blue cheese.

Cheese selection at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

These platter at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

It’s been a long time we have seen a good cheese selection like this, many restaurant serving low quality cheese, just to have a cheese plate on their menu as it looks fancy and is easy to prepare. The selection at Amanda Gene’s was truly amazing.

We also shared the bucatini with saffron and white tomato: was a succulent dish! The pasta was well cooked, al dente, smothered in a delicate sauce that still allowed to shine.

Bucatini with saffron at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

Of course, we could not leave without dessert and opted for the salted caramel creme brûlée with a cherry sauce and whipped white chocolate. Perfectly made, custardy, it was the best way to end a fantastic meal.

Salted caramel creme brûlée at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

Amelia Gene’s was an incredible find: this place proposes a great menu in a stunning decor, and a relaxed atmosphere. I highly recommend it!

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Amanda Gene’s - 255 S Front St. Memphis, TN 38103

I Just Want To Eat! 10/15/24 I Just Want To Eat! 10/15/24

The Dubai Chocolate: worth the hype?

I admit that I had no idea what the Dubai chocolate was until I read an article in the news about the frenzy that has taken over Tik Tok. So, I decided to try it and went to The Nut Factory who was promoting it. At close to $19 a bar, this chocolate bar, made with Belgian chocolate, pistachio and kataifi is pricey, but so good! Kataifi is used in many desserts, my favorite one being kunefe or knafeh...

I admit that I had no idea what the Dubai chocolate was until I read an article in the news about the frenzy that has taken over Tik Tok. So, I decided to try it and went to The Nuts Factory who was promoting it. At close to $19 a bar, this chocolate bar, made with Belgian chocolate, pistachio and kataifi is pricey, but so good! Kataifi is used in many desserts, my favorite one being kunefe or knafeh, popular in the Middle East, that is made with cheese, pistachio and a sugar syrup. Don’t worry, there is no cheese in this chocolate bar, but the crunch from the kataifi and the creaminess of the filling surely elevates it. Overall not overly sweet, the chocolate is also of good quality, my preference is the white chocolate.

So, yes, it is worth the hype for me! You can find it at The Nuts Factory and Amazon, with prices varying greatly, from $19 to $35!!! Surely not a treat I would have every day.

Enjoy (I did)!

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