I Just Want To Eat! 1/12/17 I Just Want To Eat! 1/12/17

Mexican food at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen

I think I probably would have never gone to Tehuitzingo if it was not a suggestion from one of my blog readers who always had great comments or suggestions to my posts. Yes, from the outside, you just see the name, Tehuitzingo Deli and Grocery and would never guess that this place serves great food at reasonable prices, using fresh ingredients. I mean, I had to verify again on my phone the name of address and, when confirmed, entered in that small place.

Dining room at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen

Right there, you see their market, selling a bunch of Mexican products, from hot sauce to tortillas or candy.

Then, in the back, is the counter where you will order your food. We were the only ones, early last Saturday, the city still recovering from the first snow of the season. After we ordered, we sat on the stools, decorated with roosters, and did not wait long before our food came.

Counter at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen

Stool decorated with roosters at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen

We started off with a side of guacamole and chips. Pretty good, although not the best guacamole ever, the tortilla chips seem to be homemade.

Guacamole and chips at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen

Guacamole at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen

Tortilla chips at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen

Then, we got quesadillas. Cheese for Jodi:

Cheese quesadilla at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen

Cheese and chicken for me. It was made with a tortilla folded over Oaxaca cheese. I loved it: the tortilla itself was delicious, filled with lots of cheese, and the chicken very good, well cooked, not dry at all.

Chicken quesadilla at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen

We also had tacos pescado, made with tilapia fish. It was just ok, the tacos being bland and in need of hot sauce...

Pescado tacos at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen

Pescado taco at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen

Overall, we had a nice unexpected lunch at Tehuitzingo Deli and Grocery. The food is good
And cheap. It is definitely a place I would go back to.

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Tehuitzingo Deli Grocery

I Just Want To Eat! 1/10/17 I Just Want To Eat! 1/10/17

Great dinner at The Wayfarer, Midtown Manhattan

Opened beginning of 2014 at the corner of 57th Street and 6th Avenue, The Wayfarer defines itself as a purveyor of classic American cuisine. I like the atmosphere of the place that is cozy and modern, with great music in the background and a nice vibe. I should mention that the service was really good: efficient and courteous.

And the food! Simply delicious, from seafood to meat, without forgetting desserts, it showcases quite creative dishes. For instance, they have fried chicken rolls that were a very interesting combination, that definitely worked. With it, I also tried the spicy tuna roll that was made with big eye tuna.

Fried chicken and spicy tuna rolls at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY

Next was the octopus: well cooked, not rubbery, it had a nice char on the outside.

Charred octopus at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY

The last appetizer I tried was the seafood platter that had lobster, shrimp, clams, oysters, scallops, as well as a nice tuna and salmon tartare. It tasted very fresh and the only thing I would have done is to make the presentation a bit more spectacular, like Mastro's does.

Seafood platter at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY

For the entree, I breached my rule that is not to order steak unless I am eating in a steakhouse. Well, I could not resist when I heard their special: a Japanese wyagu ribeye served with bone marrow. This 10oz steak was perfectly cooked, tender and slightly charred. It was fantastic.

I also tried the pumpkin gnocchi, made with roasted baby vegetables, hen of the woods, pecorino and sunflower seeds, that were also good.

Pumpkin gnocchi at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY

Last was dessert. And I should say a dessert extravaganza:

Ricotta donuts with a banana foster sauce that were sitting on a crème fraîche crémeux:

Ricotta donuts at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY

A classic maple pecan pie:

And the ultimate sundae for two that was five scoops of ice cream, hot fudge sauce, caramel sauce, sour cherry sauce, candied walnuts, cookie croutons, rice pearls and marshmallow brûlée.

This was a delicious meal: The Wayfarer is a great place for dinner. I am curious now to see if their brunch is as fantastic as this...So I will have to go back and check this out!

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!

The Wayfarer

I Just Want To Eat! 1/8/17 I Just Want To Eat! 1/8/17

The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY

One time we were working late, one of my colleagues who is originally from India, ordered some food from The Kati Roll Company. I mean that was a revelation and each bite was so divine that I could hear angels singing on my shoulders. I love that place: the food is not only good, but cheap and, if I could, I would go there on a daily basis! Kati rolls are street food wraps that originated from Kolkata in India. There are many variants, but, at The Kati Roll Company, they are made by wrapping warm paratha, a type of Indian flat bread, around a variety of meats, vegetables and cheese.

Waiting online to order at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY

But beware: this place can turn to a madhouse, packed with hungry patrons avid to get a wonderful bite. In fact, we went at different times and, as you can see, it goes from quiet to crazy. The best time to go is before 6pm for sure...I love the decor with its yellowish walls that seem rundown, with Bollywood (the Indian Cinema Mecca) posters all over.

Dining room at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY

Bollywood posters at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY

Here is what we ate:

Order at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY

Jodi always went for the chana masala, a vegetarian dish made with chickpeas that they enhanced with lime, cilantro, chutney and pickled onions. Very good, but make sure you ask for not spicy.

Chana nasal Kati roll at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY

Chana masala Kati roll at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY

The shami kebab that is minced lamb kabab blended with chickpeas and eggs. Pretty good: I love the taste of lamb, so I was in heaven. A bit spicy though...

Shami kebab Kati roll at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY

And then their best seller: the chicken Tikka Kati roll. Very good and tasty.

Chicken tikka Kati roll at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY

With my meal, I went for a mango lassi, one of my favorite Indian drinks, that was delicious and perfect to soothe my mouth as the spiciness built up.

Mango lassi at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY

I am a big fan of The Kati Roll Company: their rolls are amazing, the bread being delicious and slightly crispy, and the filling very tasty. This is definitely a place I recommend for cheap eats. The only negative is that they do not serve dessert...yet!

Enjoy (I did)!

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

The Kati Roll Company

I Just Want To Eat! 1/6/17 I Just Want To Eat! 1/6/17

Eataly Nutella Bar in NYC, NY

I finally made it to the Nutella bar at Eataly, the fantastic market place located close to the Flatiron. And I did not regret it! If you are a Nutella lover, this place is for you and, for sure, you will not know what to get, the choices all looking good.

I was there after lunch and so got my espresso (I am addicted to coffee). But it was not your regular espresso: it was topped with a delicious homemade whipped cream and some Nutella.

Espresso con Nutella at Eataly Nutella Bar in NYC, NY

With it, I chose the bombolone, an Italian beignet that was also filled with a generous amount of Nutella (although there is never enough). It was a large beignet, well made, being not heavy and airy.

Nutella bombolone at Eataly Nutella Bar in NYC, NY

For a first visit there, it was great, but I wonder why I did not come before to Eataly Nutella!

Enjoy (I did)!

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Eataly

I Just Want To Eat! 1/4/17 I Just Want To Eat! 1/4/17

Austrian dinner at Blaue Gans in TriBeCa

We heard about Blaue Gans, an Austrian restaurant located in TriBeCa, thanks to our friend Tessa and decided to have dinner there one night, as we were in that area. the place was packed for sure and it had a nice atmosphere, a bit artsy, the posters of various exhibits surely playing a role there.

Dining room at Blaue Gans in TriBeCa, NYC

I decided to accompany my meal with a glass of Riesling, "Terrassen" Federspiel, Tegenseerhof, Wachau 2014 that was deliciously sweet.

Glass of Riesling at Blaue Gans in TriBeCa, NYC

We started off our meal with the bratwurst, that was served with potatoes, sauerkraut and some horseradish that was delightfully spicy. It was a perfect way to start the meal, the sausage being delicious.

Then, Jodi went for the roasted cod, served with carrots and asparagus, and a Riesling sauce. It was a nice presentation, with beautiful colors. The fish was flakey and perfectly cooked.

Roasted cod at Blaue Gans in TriBeCa, NYC

On my side, I went for the beef goulash that was served with peppers and quark spatzle. Nice dish, the spatzle being quite creamy thanks to the quark, I however found the beef a bit gamey...

Beef goulash at Blaue Gans in TriBeCa, NYC

Last was dessert. We went for the chocolate cake, the Sachertorte. A bit disappointing as I like chocolate cakes really chocolatey...

Sachertorte at Blaue Gans in TriBeCa, NYC

Overall, the meal was ok, my favorite being the bratwurst and the fish. I admit that I am a bit on the fence at this point and I am not sure I would go back there. Maybe, maybe not...

Enjoy (...)!

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

Blaue Gans

I Just Want To Eat! 1/2/17 I Just Want To Eat! 1/2/17

Chirping Chicken in Hell's Kitchen

When Jodi has something planned for lunch or dinner, and I end up going by myself or with a friend, I always try to find places where the food would be limited for her, like chicken or lobster places. These places can be of various level, from restaurants to take out. This time, I was at Chirping Chicken, a fast casual restaurant with, as of today, four locations in the City. I went to the one in Hell's Kitchen that was not that crowded but seemed to be a spot for police officers.

Dining room at Chirping Chicken in Hell's Kitchen

The dining room looked better than what I expected, filled with large tables. You order at the counter in the back and, if you eat there, you get a number and they will bring the food at your table.

Order number at Chirping Chicken in Hell's Kitchen

I decided to try only chicken, although I saw many other options on their large menu: ribs, shrimp or lamb were some of them. I started first with the chicken wings, small size. I ordered them spicy but was expecting more heat. Otherwise they were good: crispy on the outside, the chicken was well cooked, moist.

Chicken wings at Chirping Chicken in Hell's Kitchen

Next was the 1/4 chicken meal that come with pita, a salad and one side. I admit that I did not really care much about the salad, although it could help me try to justify the fact that it was a healthy dinner...The chicken, charcoal broiled, was pretty good: moist, with a slightly crispy charred skin, there was definitely no need for any sauce with it.

Chicken meal at Chirping Chicken in Hell's Kitchen

Charcoal broiled chicken at Chirping Chicken in Hell's Kitchen

The side however was disappointing. I ordered the Mac and Cheese that was like plastic! I should have gone for mash potatoes, corn or beans...

Mac and Cheese at Chirping Chicken in Hell's Kitchen

Overall it was ok. I mean, it is not pricey and you get what you pay for. Would I go back? Not sure: the city has so much to offer. And in the same area, Sticky's Finger Joint across the street is a better choice.

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Chirping Chicken

I Just Want To Eat! 12/30/16 I Just Want To Eat! 12/30/16

Sake Bar Hagi 46 in Hell's Kitchen

I was looking for a sake bar when I stumbled upon Sake Bar Hagi 46, the outpost of Sake Bar Hagi near Times Square. We got seated in the back of the restaurant where a large party was enjoying some food and probably too much drinking, making the noise level close to unbearable...So, needless to say that, although we enjoyed our meal there, we did not take our time to appreciate it fully and, as soon as we payed the bill, guess what? The large party left!!! I had only one fear: that they followed us!

Dining room at Sake Bar Hagi 46 in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Anyway, the food there was pretty good and I loved the fact that they served small plates so we could order a bunch of them. Here is what we had:

Frog legs karaage or deep fried frog legs. I am not sure where they found these frog legs but they were huge! The frogs were probably the size of a kitten! Otherwise, it was delicious: crispy on the outside, meaty (tastes like chicken but more bland), it was moist.

Frog legs karaage at Sake Bar Hagi 46 in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Karaage ponzu or deep fried chicken with ponzu sauce and grated daikon. Similar to the frog legs, it was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, the chicken being well cooked. I liked the slight taste of the ponzu sauce that was not overpowering, but admit that I did not care about the daikon.

Karaage ponzu or fried chicken at Sake Bar Hagi 46 in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Fried pork gyoza: good, tasty, but not the best I had.

Fried pork gyoza at Sake Bar Hagi 46 in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Age tofu: my least favorite dish. Not sure how they prepare this, but it was weird, a bit gelatinous. I definitely did not like the texture.

Age tofu at Sake Bar Hagi 46 in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Vegetable tempura: very good, crispy and delightfully greasy (slightly though).

Vegetable tempura at Sake Bar Hagi 46 in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

For dessert, we went for the green tea mille crêpe with vanilla ice cream. I admit that the presentation was a bit sad, but it was pretty good. The green tea especially was perfect, not bitter at all. We chose vanilla ice cream to go with it: it was good, creamy, but we did not even see that it was an add-on and I thought that for $11.95, it was a bit pricey. Lady M has a better Mille crepes cake for less.

Green tea mille crepes at Sake Bar Hagi 46 in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Now you are probably wondering if I had sake. And the answer is yes. In fact, I went for their sampler and picked three of them (from left to right):

Azure, sweet and dry.
Denshin, fruity.
Ginban, super dry.

Sake flight at Sake Bar Hagi 46 in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Sake at Sake Bar Hagi 46 in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

I like to try different sake, from the sweetest to the super dry to taste the difference and was glad that they offered a sampler.

Despite the noise, we enjoyed our meal at Sake Bar Hagi 46 and will definitely go back. Probably for other dishes as Jodi made me realize after that we only ordered fried dishes...

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Sake Bar Hagi 46

I Just Want To Eat! 12/28/16 I Just Want To Eat! 12/28/16

Surf and Turf Burger at Sagaponack in NYC, New York

Taking its name from a village in the Town of Southampton in Suffolk County, New York, Sagaponack is a restaurant located few steps from the Flatiron. I ended up there one day after finding that they serve a surf and turf burger, a dish I never heard of before. So I went one day for lunch.

Dining room at Sagaponack in NYC, New York

I did not go around the restaurant, but definitely, the decor sets the tone: sea and food, or I should say seafood.

Boat replica at Sagaponack in NYC, New York

I was not sure what to drink with my burger and then noticed their nice selection of cider. So, I went for a Wolffer No 139 dry white cider, that is made with 17 different varieties of apples and a small quantity of asian pear.

Wolffer No 139 dry white cider at Sagaponack in NYC, New York

Then came the burger that looked fantastic: the bun was topped with a grass-fed beef patty perfectly cooked medium, bacon and some chopped lobster. It was quite big and you need to press on it to be able to take a bite, the lobster releasing some juice that I thought would make the burger soggy. But it was fine and the first bite was sublime, the lobster and the meat patty pairing well together. This is for sure a decadent dish that would satisfy the burgers and lobster lovers.

With the burger was a salad as well as some very good fries that were crispy on the outside and well cooked inside.

I admit that this was a great dish and I would definitely go back to Sagaponack to try some other dishes. If you love lobster, I recommend this dish for sure.

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Sagaponack Bar & Grill

I Just Want To Eat! 12/26/16 I Just Want To Eat! 12/26/16

Soul Food at Zora's Cafe in Hell's Kitchen, NYC - Closed

We were really excited to have dinner at Zora's Cafe, a restaurant in Hell's Kitchen that serves soul food. We passed so many times in front of this 20 seat tiny place that I got curious. It started well, with a homemade lemonade that was delicious: not too sweet and with a perfect tartness.

Homemade lemonade at Zora's Cafe in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

And some very good homemade corn bread that was served with butter and drizzled with honey.

Homemade corn bread at Zora's Cafe in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

But then it started downhill: the kitchen, quite small, was so slow, it took forever for our food to come and it was not even hot! We got:

Hush puppies: just ok, a bit dry.

Hush puppies at Zora's Cafe in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Fried green tomatoes: just ok, some slices being hard.

Fried green tomatoes at Zora's Cafe in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Linda's Mac and Cheese: promising when digging into it with a spoon, it was cold and so the cheese was not gooey.

Linda's Mac and Cheese at Zora's Cafe in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Fortunately, the fried chicken was delicious, crispy and slightly moist.

Fried chicken at Zora's Cafe in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

We skipped dessert because of the slow service and left a bit disappointed for what could have been an amazing experience. Too bad...

Enjoy (...)!

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

Zora's Cafe

I Just Want To Eat! 12/23/16 I Just Want To Eat! 12/23/16

Cafe Triskell in Long Island City

We were back to Long Island City, looking for a place to have lunch and found Café Triskell, a French crêperie coming straight from Brittany from where the owner, Philippe Fallait is from. And I have to say that it felt like a little corner of France, miles away.

Chef and owner Philippe Fallait from Cafe Triskell in Long Island City

We were there for crêpes and did not even consider any other dishes, although I regretted not ordering the escargots that the table next to us were eating with much pleasure. No, we went for their buckwheat crêpes. Jodi chose the pear, aged goat cheese, honey (without almonds) one, that was served with a small salad.

Pear and goat cheese crepe at Cafe Triskell in Long Island City

I went for the ham, egg and cheese.

Ham, egg and cheese crepe at Cafe Triskell in Long Island City

Both crêpes were delicious, very slightly crispy. In Jodi's crepe, I loved the combination of the sweet and savory. With mine, it was quite a classic crepe, very good, with a perfectly made sunny side egg, but I wish there was a bit more ham. Despite this, I would recommend it.

Butter and sugar crepe at Cafe Triskell in Long Island City

For dessert, we both got the butter and sugar crepe that was fantastic: sweet, very buttery and delightfully crispy.

We had a great lunch at Café Triskell and I would definitely go back there as I think it is one of the best crêperies in New York, staying very classic and not trying to make crazy combinations. I surely recommend it

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Café Triskell

I Just Want To Eat! 12/21/16 I Just Want To Eat! 12/21/16

Numero 28 Pizzeria in The East Village

I was recently invited at Numero 28 Pizzeria in the East Village. I already know this pizza place as I went to their original location on 28 Carmine St, location that gave its name to the place. Little did I know that they had that many locations, including Miami and London! We were there for lunch and the place was quiet until later, prompting me to think that we were really early...I liked the atmosphere that is rustic and warm, with the staff speaking Italian to add to the ambiance.

Please note that the meal was complimentary. However, the opinions expressed in my blog are 100% my own!

Facade at Numero 28 Pizzeria, NYC, New York

Dining room at Numero 28 Pizzeria, NYC, New York

In the back is their wood fire oven that would make an amazing pizza later on. While waiting for our food, I decided to try one of their sodas: a San Pellegrino Chinotto a quite bitter drink made with Sicilian Chinotto oranges.

San Pellegrino Chinotto oranges at Numero 28 Pizzeria, NYC, New York

We started off our meal with some classic Italian dishes: meatballs

Meatballs at Numero 28 Pizzeria, NYC, New York

as well as eggplant or Parmigiana di melanzane:

Parmigiana di Melanzane at Numero 28 Pizzeria, NYC, New York

Both were sublime: the meatballs were not dry and tasty, smothered in an incredible tomato sauce that I also ate with their homemade focaccia. The eggplant were also very good, sliced thin, so fully cooked and soft, melting in my mouth.

Focaccia at Numero 28 Pizzeria, NYC, New York

But then I got to see them make our pizza in their wood fire oven. What I like at Numero 28 Pizzeria is the fact that they offer different sizes, from the round personal one to the long medium or large, with half and half possible for the medium or three different choices for the large one.

Cooking the pizza in a wood fire oven at Numero 28 Pizzeria, NYC, New York

Pizza in the making at Numero 28 Pizzeria, NYC, New York

We decided to go with two of their best sellers on a medium pie (half-half). The first one was the DOC, made with a San Marzano tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and mozzarella. The second one was the Numero 28, made with speck, mozzarella, mushrooms and truffle cream. The size of the pizza was spectacular and it was only the medium: I cannot imagine how the large one is. I looked beautiful and our noses were filled with the smell of truffle. Both were delicious, the Numero 28 having lots of speck on it with the truffle cream not being overpowering. The DOC, simpler was also fantastic, from the tomato sauce that was phenomenal to the large amount of cheese. I should add that the crust was thin in the center, puffed up on the outside and deliciously crispy.

Medium pizza at Numero 28 Pizzeria, NYC, New York

DOC pizza at Numero 28 Pizzeria, NYC, New York

Numero 28 pizza at Numero 28 Pizzeria, NYC, New York

Last was dessert. We went with their homemade tiramisu that was sublime: creamy, light and not too sweet, with the lady fingers properly soaked in coffee.

Tiramisu at Numero 28 Pizzeria, NYC, New York

It was perfect with an espresso...

Espresso at Numero 28 Pizzeria, NYC, New York

This was great meal. Numero 28 Pizzeria offers great food and their pizzas are delicious. I would certainly go back and probably try, this time, their pasta that is homemade.

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Numero 28 Pizzeria Napoletana

I Just Want To Eat! 12/19/16 I Just Want To Eat! 12/19/16

Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

I was recently invited for a dinner at Cafe Istanbul, a restaurant on Steinway in Astoria that serves Mediterranean, Egyptian and Turkish cuisine. Opened over two months ago, this place is the dream come true of Mumbai native, Sonny, who spent 18 months creating this place, making it comfortable and very open.

Please note that the meal was complimentary. However, the opinions expressed in my blog are 100% my own!

Dining room at Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

Cafe Istanbul is a hookah lounge, so if you like a hookah during or after your meal, or just with a bite, this might be your spot. As I do not smoke, I did not try it, but saw many people there, enjoying it. Well, they may even have enjoyed their hookah desserts, that have exotic flavors like mango, orange of pomegranate. I never thought flavored hookah even existed.

Hookah at Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

In term of beverages, know that this is a halal restaurant, so they do not serve any alcohol. However, they offer great tea made with mint leaves. There is Moroccan (made with green tea), Egyptian (made with black tea) and Turkish. You can really taste the difference between each of them, not only by the color, but also the taste that goes from lighter (Moroccan) to stronger (Turkish).

Moroccan tea at Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

Egyptian tea at Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

Turkish tea at Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

Mint leaves in Egyptian tea at Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

Foodwise, we were there for a treat, prepared by Chef Fathi who is from Egypt. We started off with some hummus and babaganouj that we ate with some pita. These were delicious: the babaganouj had a delicious smokey flavor and the hummus a texture that definitely showed it was homemade. I loved the nice drop of olive oil in the middle that I mixed with these spreads while dipping my piece of pita.

Hummus at Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

Babaganouj at Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

Then, we got the cigars, called sigora boregi. They were made of feta cheese, parsley, dill, herb wrapped up in homemade Turkish phyllo. Some were just filled with cheese, and others with lamb as I told Sonny that I love lamb. It was very good, served with a homemade tahini sauce. The shell was hot and crispy, not too thick, and the filling melted. However, I could not really taste the lamb, whose flavor was too subtle, overpowered by the cheese that was predominant.

Lamb and cheese cigars at Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

Next were two salads: the Turkish shepherd salad, made with feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers and onions topped with parsley. And the fattoush salad, made with mixed greens.

Turkish shepherd and fattoush salads at Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

Fattoush salad at Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

Turkish feta salad at Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

But then came an appetizer I was really looking forward to try: the lamb liver. Cooked in a pan with just some oil, it reminded me the way my mom use to cook liver. Simple, but tasty. If you like liver, this is a dish I recommend.

Lamb liver at Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

But the lamb extravaganza did not stop there! I also got the lamb chops that were superb: these six pieces were well cooked, medium, and had a nice char. It was served with a delicious basmati rice that was prepared with saffron. The rice was moist and there was no need for any sauce on it.

Lamb chops at Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

For Jodi, Sonny prepared a vegetarian dish that was grilled vegetables.

Grilled vegetables at Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

Last was dessert. We got to try their version of creme brûlée that was topped with berries:

Berries creme brûlée at Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

As well as the almond pudding that had a slightly denser consistency of a panna cotta.

Almond pudding at Cafe Istanbul in Astoria, Queens

We had a great time at Cafe Istanbul: the food was good and there was a nice ambiance there. Even if you are not into hookah or even smoking, it is a good spot to have dinner and, if you are a bit put off by the smoke, you can go for an early dinner: it is worth 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!

Cafe Istanbul

I Just Want To Eat! 12/17/16 I Just Want To Eat! 12/17/16

Lunch at LobsterCraft in NYC, NY - Closed

We were walking on 33rd, behind Penn Station, when Jodi pointed out Lobster Craft a restaurant that specializes in ...lobster...and follows the success of a food truck operated by Captain Mike, a coast guard captain and licensed lobster fisherman.

More of a casual place, you order at the counter and your order will be ready in just few minutes. I decided to go for The Coastal, their classic lobster roll served on a toasted split-top roll baked daily. They use a whole lobster from Maine, from the claws to the tail, and for sure there is a lot of it. The lobster is topped with hot butter and a pinch of their secret seasoning. I thought that it was an ok roll, the lobster being slightly overcooked and needing a bit more butter. It came with some potato chips that were...good for potato chips.

Potato chips with lobster roll at LobsterCraft in NYC, NY

With the lobster roll, instead of a beer, I decided to go with a glass of Chardonnay, served on tap.

Glass of Chardonnay on tap at LobsterCraft in NYC, NY

I admit that I was a bit disappointed by LobsterCraft, expecting an outstanding roll, as good as Luke's Lobster or The Red Hook Lobster Pound. But it was not as good, just an ok roll.

Enjoy (...)!

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

LobsterCraft NYC

I Just Want To Eat! 12/15/16 I Just Want To Eat! 12/15/16

Fantastic Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich at OPPA in the Gansevoort Market

Being part of the food bloggers community is a great thing as you meet great people who enjoy good food, whether in a fancy restaurant or in a casual place. It is thanks to a blogger friend if mine, Malini, The Restaurant Fairy, that I discovered Oppa, a great Korean place in the new Gansevoort Market.

Counter at OPPA in the Gansevoort Market, NYC

Opta means "old brother" in Korean (yes, this is not the Greek one): it is an endearing name that girls in Korea use with their male friends. When going to Oppa, you need to know few things. First, it is own by the same people who own Bar Suzette in Chelsea Market where I went for dessert after this (I love their butter and sugar crepe). Second, it might only have five seats at the counter, you can just grab your food and go in the back of the Gansevoort Market, where there are large tables...and a piano. Lastly, if you order the chicken sandwich, they will mention to you that it takes 12 minutes. It is simply because they are using an incredible machine to cook it. So do not expect to see them fry the chicken!

So, the fried chicken sandwich is called the Busan Chicken Sandwich. It is composed, besides chicken, of a brioche (really good), pickles, daikon, lettuce and sesame leaf. And when you see them applying their sauce on the chicken, you start drooling.

Making Busan Chicken Sandwich at OPPA in the Gansevoort Market, NYC

And then, when it comes in front of you, it is hard to wait before having that first bite. And that bite is spectacular: that chicken is definitely the star there. It is crispy, moist and comes very hot. I love the sauce that is sweet and spicy (you can ask for less spicy). The brioche bread is perfect with it as not dense. I loved it so much that I went back two days later to eat more by the way...

Busan chicken sandwich at OPPA in the Gansevoort Market, NYC

If you prefer a lighter version and still want to eat that fantastic crispy chicken, you can get the Bulging Wings that are made with a Bulgogi Gochujanj Chili sauce. They not only look appetizing, they also taste delicious.

Buljang wings at OPPA in the Gansevoort Market, NYC

As Jodi does not like chicken, so she decided to go with a salad: Yache Dubu, made with vegetables, kimchi and sesame marinated tofu.

Yacht Dubu salad at OPPA in the Gansevoort Market, NYC

Yacht Dubu at OPPA in the Gansevoort Market, NYC

I still dream about this sandwich and wish there was an OPPA restaurant close to where I live. The Busan Chicken Sandwich is one of the best Korean fried chicken and even the wings are amazing. I definitely recommend it.

Enjoy (I surely did)!

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

OPPA

I Just Want To Eat! 12/13/16 I Just Want To Eat! 12/13/16

Fast-casual dinner at Tres Carnes near the Flatiron - Closed

I recently received a coupon to try Tres Carnes, a fast casual tex-mex restaurant with few locations in the city. We went to the Flatiron one and I admit that I was surprised as to how good it was, definitely better than the other restaurants in the same segment. It is not only due to the freshness of the ingredients, but also because of the slow cooked BBQ meat they serve. It is not a big place for sure, but we had no problem finding seats at the large table in the center of the dining room.

Please note that the meal was complimentary. However, the opinions expressed in my blog are 100% my own!

Food wise, I was surprised to see that, similar to ice cream or frozen yogurt places, they offer you to try some of the meat they serve and so, I tried the smoked brisket that was good, although not outstanding. But anyway, I decided to get a burrito called Carlito's Way, that not only contains brisket, but also smoked chicken, blackeyed-black beans, pico, radishes, cotija cheese and creme. Normally, there is rice, but I always prefer burritos without. It was quite a tasty burrito and I literally inhaled it, the two meats being a nice combination.

Carlito's Way burrito at Tres Carnes in NYC, NY

Jodi went for a vegetarian taco that had squash in it. It was made with a soft white tortilla.

Vegetarian taco at Tres Carnes in NYC, NY

As she did not have that many ingredients in her taco, they gave her a portion of rice and another of beans, a nice gesture I thought.

We also shared some guacamole and chips. I thought these were ok...

Tortilla chips at Tres Carnes in NYC, NY

Overall, it was a good meal: tasty with food at a reasonable price. I would definitely go back to Tres Carnes and try maybe another burrito, or build my own trying not to go overboard...

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Tres Carnes

I Just Want To Eat! 12/11/16 I Just Want To Eat! 12/11/16

Gazala's Place in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

I was really looking forward for our dinner at Gazala's Place in Hell's Kitchen, sometimes craving Middle Eastern cuisine. We found it walking one afternoon on 9th Avenue, seeing the owner, Gazala Halabi making some pita at the window.

Gazala's is quite a small place so don't be surprised to have your back on your neighbor's chair. For the time we arrived to the time we left, the flow of patrons continue to arrive and go, probably having the same cravings as we did.

They have a large menu, with quite classic items for this type of cuisine and so, we decided to go with their vegetarian sampler where we could pick five different items. Our picks were: hummus, babaganouj, tahini, falafel. Overall, it was ok and I thought even disappointing. The hummus and falafel were good, but the babaganouj and tahini had a weird taste...

Tzatziki at Gazala's in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Babaganouj at Gazala's in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Hummus at Gazala's in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Falafel at Gazala's in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

We ate them with their paper thin pita I mentioned before, a pita that was delicious and slightly chewy.

We also got the potato cigars that are rolled pita stuffed with mashed potatoes, curry and other spices. I loved it: it was deliciously crispy on the outside and it reminded me the ones my family cooks but more in a triangle than a cigar shape (we call them "bestel").

Potato cigars at Gazala's in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Then, we ordered a sort of Middle Easter pizza: the cheese pie. It was a made with pita dough, topped with homemade goat cheese and spices. This was pretty good and a perfect dish if you love goat cheese.

Cheese pie at Gazala's in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

But really, what we were looking forward to eat was the dessert: kenefeh. It is a shredded dough, topped with homemade sweet cheese, pistachios and (lots) of honey. This was huge, but not enough to justify a $14 dessert. I liked it as it was crunchy and gooey at the same time, and delightfully sweet.

Kenefeh at Gazala's in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Although we liked some of the dishes at Gazala's, I admit that I was a bit disappointed by this place. For Middle Eastern cuisine, I really prefer Byblos that has some outstanding food, including a much better kenefeh!

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Gazala's Place

I Just Want To Eat! 12/9/16 I Just Want To Eat! 12/9/16

Lunch at Pershing Square in NYC, NY

As were were close to Grand Central Terminal and were not that thrilled about the choices in the food court there, we decided to go to Pershing Square, a restaurant that reminded me of a brasserie because of its decor. It was definitely beautiful, with lots of light thanks to the large windows.

Dining room at Pershing Square in NYC, NY

Food wise, they are apparently known for their breakfast, but what I wanted to try was their lobster roll that looked spectacular. Unfortunately, it felt short in delivering, mainly because the roll made it heavy, so heavy. There was a lot of lobster, but also lots of mayo...

Lobster roll at Pershing Square in NYC, NY

It was served with delicious homemade potato chips, cole slaw and avocado, as well as pickles.

Homemade potato chips at Pershing Square in NYC, NY

Cole slaw and avocado at Pershing Square in NYC, NY

Jodi got the seared tuna Nicoise salad that was superb. First of all, the presentation was beautiful, looking like a deconstructed Nicoise in a way, although the french beans, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes were housed in the salad shaped like a nest. Then, the tuna was delicious, perfectly seared. I definitely recommend this dish.

Seared tuna Nicoise salad at Pershing Square in NYC, NY

Even if I did not like the lobster roll at Pershing Square, I would not mind going back there and trying some other dishes like the braised short ribs melt or their filet mignon au poivre.

Enjoy (...)!

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

Pershing Square

I Just Want To Eat! 12/7/16 I Just Want To Eat! 12/7/16

Bonnie's Grill in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Last Saturday, we went to Bonnie's Grill in Brooklyn, a restaurant that describes itself as a "hardcore burger and wings establishment". So I could not not go to this small place that has its charm, to try...burgers and wings.

Please note that the meal was complimentary. However, the opinions expressed in my blog are 100% my own!

Bonnie's Grill in Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY

Bar area at Bonnie's Grill in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Dining room at Bonnie's Grill in Park Slope, Brooklyn

I did not feel like trying one of their beers, bottled or draught, and went for a root beer, a soda that I discovered in this country and really like, especially with burger or pizza.

Barq's root beer can at Bonnie's Grill in Park Slope, Brooklyn

We started off with the mac and cheese, that they serve in a cup, great if you love mac and cheese but do not want to overindulge. It is made with three cheese, jalapeños (did not taste them) and bacon bites (I got a big piece of bacon in it). It was good, creamy and tasty.

Mac and cheese at Bonnie's Grill in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Next were the wings: I got a smaller portion considering that I wanted to try the burger to. I liked them: crispy on the outside, the chicken was moist, and the sauce delicious and mild, although I ordered it medium spicy.

Chicken wings at Bonnie's Grill in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Then came the burgers that were prepared on the grill behind the bar, filling the room with a nice scent.

Grill at Bonnie's Grill in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Jodi went for the spiced veggie burger with mushrooms, avocado and pickles, with fries; a fairly good veggie burger I would say.

Spiced veggie burger at Bonnie's Grill in Park Slope, Brooklyn

On my side, I went with the spiced black angus burger and just ordered some American cheese on top. The 8oz patty had a nice char and was juicy, slightly overcooked unfortunately (I asked for medium). But overall, it was a good burger and I was scared at first that the grilled bread would be dry based on how it looked, but it was not the case.

Black angus burger at Bonnie's Grill in Park Slope, Brooklyn

We had a nice lunch at Bonnie's Grill: the food was good and it had a nice atmosphere. It is definitely a place to know if you are roaming around in the neighborhood.

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Bonnie's Grill

I Just Want To Eat! 12/5/16 I Just Want To Eat! 12/5/16

A dinner a Bettola, an Italian restaurant on the Upper West Side with an interesting story!

I was recently invited at Bettola, an Italian restaurant located on the Upper West Side with a fantastic background story. This place is under new management since May of this year and I would say a colorful management. It all started in a ski trip where co-owner Giga Leszay met a rockstar turned Chef Vlado Kolenic. Yes, you heard well: rockstar turned Chef. Vlado was the lead singer of Taktici, a popular band in former Czechoslovakia that defected from the iron curtain at the end of the 70s. This is an incredible story that you can find here, on this short video. When Giga saw an opportunity to take over the ownership of Bettola, she did not hesitate and reached out to Vlado, as she needed a new Chef.

Please note that the meal was complimentary. However, the opinions expressed in my blog are 100% my own!

Dining room at Bettola on the Upper West Side, NYC, NY

I like the place: warm, it definitely has this neighborhood feel that Giga and Vlado are shooting for, ensuring that people have a good time there. What I like is that they are not trying to be the best Italian in New York, but simply provide a nice experience to their patrons. But don't get me wrong, their food, although not 100% Italian, is quite good. And I am even amazed by it considering how tiny their kitchen is!

Chef Vlado Kolenic at Bettola on the Upper West Side, NYC, NY

Here is what we tried:

Crab balls, a take on Italian meatballs with simply crab...balls served with marinara sauce (small tasting portion):

Crab balls at Bettola on the Upper West Side, NYC, NY

Eggplant Napoleon, roasted eggplant, tomato and mozzarella, baked In their wood-burning oven:

Eggplant Napoleon at Bettola on the Upper West Side, NYC, NY

I should in fact mention that they have a wood fire oven that they were able to get through a grandfather clause, as the construction of new wood-burning ovens is restricted. There, they cook also the meatballs as well as pizza. And we tried one: the Bianca, made with mozzarella, parmesan, mushrooms and truffle oil. Definitely a great pizza, thin in the center, with nice charred bubbles on the outside.

Wood fire oven at Bettola on the Upper West Side, NYC, NY

Pizza bianca at Bettola on the Upper West Side, NYC, NY

Next was the Wise Guys Bolognese, homemade fettuccine with meat sauce: simply delicious and comforting.

Wise Guys Bolognese at Bettola on the Upper West Side, NYC, NY

Shrimp Prosecco, that are served with a sauce that has coconut milk in it, and with Israeli couscous.

Shrimp prosecco at Bettola on the Upper West Side, NYC, NY

As we were talking about seafood with Vlado, he insisted that I try the scallops that he crusts with rice flour for some extra crunch. Of course, I could not refuse and I did not regret it!

Scallop at Bettola on the Upper West Side, NYC, NY

Last was dessert. For sure, we wanted to try the homemade tiramisu that was delicious, being creamy and light.

Tiramisu at Bettola on the Upper West Side, NYC, NY

As well as the bread pudding that is served with a sauce made with whiskey.

Bread pudding at Bettola on the Upper West Side, NYC, NY

We had a great time at Bettola and enjoyed the food. I like the feel of the place and the atmosphere. I am curious about their brunch whose theme is around The Beatles, with Beatles's songs of course, but also dishes inspired from them, such as Here Comes the Sun that refers to a sunny side up egg dish!

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Bettola

I Just Want To Eat! 12/3/16 I Just Want To Eat! 12/3/16

Honeygrow in Hoboken, NJ - Healthy eating?

It has been a while since we wanted to try Honeygrow, a casual dining place that serves locally sourced high quality ingredients. So we made it and I admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the experience. First, I like the minimalist decor, very naturalistic and zen, with the light colored wood and the black and white photos.

Then there is the food. I did not expect the screen where you can choose either to pick one of their composed dishes or customize one, going from salad to stir-fry.

Screen for ordering at Honeygrow in Hoboken, NJ

Open kitchen at Honeygrow in Hoboken, NJ

Once your order is placed, they prepare it in the open kitchen and I think we got it in probably 6 or 7 minutes. Very efficient!

Jodi went for a salad that she made with arugula, romaine, tomatoes, mushrooms, brussels sprouts, pear, egg, parmesan crisps and mustard soy sauce on the side (not enough though).

On my side, I chose to make my own stir-fry with egg white noodles, free-range chicken, egg, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, sesame seeds, roasted cashews and a sweet soy five spices.

I only tried the parmesan crisps from Jodi's salad, focussing on my dish that was fantastic. It was very tasty and I have to say that they put a lot of ingredients in the bowl. We paid less than $23 for both of us for just food, so it was definitely a great deal.

Honeygrow has its place in the fast casual dining, proving that it can be delicious and tasty. I definitely liked it and will come 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!

honeygrow