I Just Want To Eat! 7/6/26 I Just Want To Eat! 7/6/26

Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Meximodo is the kind of place that you would want in your neighborhood: great ambiance, good food and cocktails is what makes this restaurant a great addition to the Jersey City food scene. We went there in the past 3 months five times, including brunch, and we were rarely disappointed. I say rarely because the only dish I really am not thrilled with is their ribeye divorciado ($59), a 14 oz steak topped with fried onion and served with salsa aji verde and salsa ranchera with a choice of sides (I chose rice and beans). I thought the steak was a little tough and lacked flavor. I would pass on this one and more go for the ribeye sizzling fajita platter ($26). Also served with rice and beans, it comes with sautéed onions and pepper, avocado, crema, pico de gallo and four tortillas. I loved the presentation, with the dish being served with a lazy Susan, turning on itself. And the ribeye was this time succulent: tender and juicy. Another favorite is their Jalisco Birria Melt tacos ($21) that is made with goat meat. Messy, the braised goat was melting in my mouth. A must have. They have few seafood options, but what I was looking forward to try is their Baja crispy fish tacos ($19). The battered Alaskan cod was crispy, smothered in tartare sauce and habanero ranch for a little kick, and covered with cabbage and a pineapple salsa. It did not disappoint. Jodi on her side tried their golden cauliflower tacos ($19), a spicy dish where crispy cauliflower was topped with chipotle aioli, crema, cabbage, pico de gallo and salsa macha. Know that you can also get the crispy cauliflower as a side (or appetizer). Another vegetarian option is the huilacoche quesadilla ($17). Not sure if you had huilacoche before: it is a type of fungus with an earthy and smoky flavor. Served with Oaxaca cheese, pickled jalapeños and guacamole (by the way, I prefer the truffle street corn - $16 - as I like my guac with chunks of avocado and less soupy), this appetizer was quite comforting. Going back to sides, I should mention their crispy yuca fries ($9), that were topped with chimichurri and cotija cheese, accompanied by a cilantro garlic aioli. This is a must have side: crispy as advertised and slightly greasy, they are a bit addictive. I also love the sweet plantains ($9), that are always a crowd pleaser.

Ribeye divorciado at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Ribeye fajita at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Guacamole and tortilla at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ — Guacamole at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Truffle street corn at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Baja fish tacos at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Birria melt tacos at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Huilacoche tacos at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Plantains at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Rice and beans at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Crispy Yuca fried at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ — Crispy yuka fries at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Brunch is also not to be ignored: at some point, their proposed some corn pancakes ($17) that were phenomenal, being sweet and slightly crumbly, and of course, their huevos rancheros ($21) do not disappoint as well.

Corn pancakes at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Huevos rancheros at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Before talking about dessert, I should mention their drinks. They have a large selection of tequila and mezcal, so, I could not miss trying their margaritas (classic and mango - $16), that they also offer alcohol free ($13). But my favorite is their smocky agave old fashioned ($18), a take on an old fashioned that comes in a wooden box filled with smoke. Another mocktail their propose is their Paloma ($14) that is made with Ritual Tequila Alternative, grapefruit soda and fresh lime. Now, if you are more into hot beverages, their sweet honeycomb ($8) that is a honey vanilla latte is quite nice, and their almond horchata ($7), made with sweet almond and cinnamon rice milk is smooth and calming. A must try.

Mango margarita at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Classic margarita at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Alcohol free margarita at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Smoky agave old fashioned at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Sweet honeycomb latte at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Almond horchata at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ — Almond horchata t Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Last is dessert: the tres leches cake ($14) was good but I wished it was more soaked in milk, although I admit that there was lots of milk in the plate, so I soaked it myself. Of course, we could not not try their churros ($14) that were served with a Mexican chocolate sauce and their signature dulce de leche. Nicely crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they were perfect. But the main attraction at Meximodo is their Margarita Sundae ($18), a giant ice cream made with a scoop of vanilla, one of horchata and one of cookie ice cream, layered with crushed cookies, hazelnut wafers and raspberry, and topped with a lollipop and a sugar cone. This is a fun dessert, perfect for sharing, with the horchata ice cream being a favorite.

Tres leches cake at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

Margarita sundae at Meximodo in Jersey City, NJ

So, I guess you now understand why we went many times to Meximodo: the food and drinks there are really good, and can be enjoyed in a nice atmosphere.

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!

Meximodo - 25 Christopher Columbus Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07302

I Just Want To Eat! 7/2/26 I Just Want To Eat! 7/2/26

Afternoon Tea at Fauchon in NYC, NY

Fauchon across Bryant Park in New York City — Fauchon in NYC, NY

Few months ago, Fauchon, the iconic Parisian luxury gastronomy brand, founded in 1886 by Auguste Fauchon, opened across Bryant Park. So, I was curious to discover this place and we decided to go for their afternoon tea. Beautiful place, with floor to ceiling windows that give even more volume to the dining room and hot-magenta all over, this color being used across their packaging and branding. As you enter, you see on the left the cafe, where viennoiseries like croissants and chocolate croissant sit next to beautiful pastries and some mouth watering sandwiches made with their own bread. The bread looks so good and it seems that their best seller sandwich is the classic ham and cheese. But it is not for this that we came: we came for the afternoon tea. Little we knew that they only serve it after 1pm and we were a bit disappointed as our reservation was at 12pm, but they gracefully accommodated, but asked us to wait 30 minutes to get everything ready. Then, when I told them that Jodi was vegetarian, they did not make a fuss and told us that they would simply replace any non-vegetarian item with a vegetarian one that is already part of the selection.

Cafe section at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY — Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY

Dining room at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY — Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY

Rivate room at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY

First, we had to pick our tea, from Fauchon of course. Menthe poivrée (peppermint) for me and thé noir saveur caramel (caramel flavored black tea) for Jodi. Then, they brought us each our food on a tall 2-tier stand. I will only describe mine as Jodi got the same things, except only with the vegetarian items. In the bottom was the savory selection made with the following:

The afternoon tea selection at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY — Afternoon tea at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY

Deviled eggs
Hummus, cucumber and radish
Tarragon chicken in a mini-croissant
Mini-mushroom quiche
Mini-croque madame
Smoked salmon on a buckwheat blini

My favorite was hands down the croque madame: delightfully cheesy, with a small quail egg on top, it is the kind of bite that transports you to another world, but makes you sad when it is gone after just one bite. Fortunately, they serve this as a dish for brunch and I will certainly go back just for this!

I also loved the deviled eggs that were not too mayonnaise-y.

Croque madame at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY

Deviled eggs at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY

Tarragon chicken mini croissant at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY — Tarragon chicken mini-croissant at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY

Hummus, radish and cucumber at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY

Smoked salmon on a buckwheat blini at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY

Mini mushroom quiche at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY — Mini-mushroom quiche at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY

Then on top were the sweets. The first thing that attracted my eyes was the red lips shaped cake, that is the bisou bisou (bisou means kiss in French), their signature pastry. Soft, I believe it was made with a strawberry mousse. This was not my favorite. Surprisingly, I preferred the cannelé. Why surprisingly? because I never like the cannelé I tried! This French pastry from the Bordeaux region has a dark, thick, caramelized crust and a soft, tender interior. Topped with some salted caramel, I loved the crunch of the crust that balanced well with the softness of the inside, and truly appreciated that it was not too sweet. This is a must have for sure! My second choice was the gianduja tart (I love hazelnut and praline). Dense and rich, it was a decadent bite. Don’t get me wrong, I also love the chocolate eclair (Jodi had a vanilla one) and their lemon macaron (Jodi has rapsberry). This was a satisfying way to end the meal!

Bisou Bisou signature pastry at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY — Bisou Bisou at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY

Cannele at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY

Lemon macaron at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY

Chocolate eclair at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY

Gianduja tart at Fauchon Bryant Park in NYC, NY

I love the afternoon tea at Fauchon: everything was delicious and for $60, a good price point. This is a French tea, not English with its scones (that I love) and it would have been great if they proposed some of their bread with butter and jam: it would have made it even more French! Still, I loved it and 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!

Fauchon - 2 Bryant Park, New York, NY 10036

I Just Want To Eat! 6/29/26 I Just Want To Eat! 6/29/26

The Dynamo Room in NYC, NY

I am surprised that I do not see much about The Dynamo Room, a steakhouse and seafood restaurant located right next to the Madison Square Garden. We had a reservation on a Friday at 7:15pm and the place was not that crowded, even if it started filling up as the time passed. We started off our meal with drinks: zero-proof Island Negroni ($13.95) for Jodi and Rob Roy ($41.95) for me. That drink, made with Hibiki Harmony, Glenlivet 12 and smoked beer malt came with three smoked cherries that gave a hint about the quantity of cocktail they serve, meaning equivalent to three glasses. Strong, it was deliciously rich and smokey.

Bar at The Dynamo Room in NYC, NY — The Dynamo Room in NYC, NY

Dining room at The Dynamo Room in NYC, NY

Island Negroni mocktail at The Dynamo Room in NYC, NY — Isand Negroni mocktail at The Dynamo Room in NYC, NY

Rob Roy cocktail at The Dynamo Room in NYC, NY

We then got, as an appetizer, their smoked cheddar soufflé ($22.95) that took approx. 15 minutes to prepare. When it came, the waiter carefully made a hole on the top and poured a warm cheese sauce in the center. This soufflé was fantastic and could stand on its own without the cheese sauce: with a nice golden brown crust, it was airy in the center, the sauce adding some richness and having a mustardy hint. A must have.

Smoked cheddar souffle at The Dynamo Room in NYC, NY

But what I was really looking forward to getting was the 50-day dry aged split-bone in ribeye ($155.95). Before ordering, they rolled a table with their different cuts of meat, from porterhouse, a special, to 30-day dry aged bone in NY strip. All these pieces of meat look incredible, but I was set on my choice. And I did not retreat. Sliced, the meat, perfectly cooked medium rare, was tender, juicy, nicely fatty, with a nice char on the outside. I was in heaven. Jodi on her side, got their Maitake mushroom steak ($28.95), that was served with a mushroom bordelaise sauce. This was a delicious dish, quite uncommon, most restaurants proposing often a cauliflower steak as the only vegetarian option. Dense, meaty, and flavorful, a good choice for a vegetarian person.

Steaks at The Dynamo Room in NYC, NY — Steaks display at The Dynamo Room in NYC, NY

Maitake mushroom steak at The Dynamo Room in NYC, NY

MAc and cheese at The Dynamo Room in NYC, NY — Mac and cheese at The Dynamo Room in NYC, NY

Dessert was also delicious. We got their banana's foster sticky toffee pudding ($14.95). Nicely sweet, especially on the outside that were slightly caramelized, it was very comforting, with the brûléed bananas adding a nice touch. A must have.

Banana foster sticky toffee pudding at The Dynamo Room in NYC, NY

The meal at The Dynamo Room was fantastic. Pricey for sure, but I used the InKind app with 40% off. Interestingly, all prices end with .95 that is consistent charm-pricing. That is fine: the food is delicious and exciting. I just wonder why there is not more buzz about this place. What is your take on this?

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 Dynamo Room - 2 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10121

I Just Want To Eat! 6/22/26 I Just Want To Eat! 6/22/26

San Patricios Cantina and Irish Pub in Jersey City, NJ

Have you ever been to a Mexican Irish pub? I just did recently by visiting San Patricios Cantina and Irish Pub in Jersey City. Mixing Irish classics with Mexican street food, this place opened in the fall of 2025, replacing Hudson Hounds. I really like the setup that is decorated with a mix of Irish and Mexican artifacts, with on one side, the bar, and on the other, the dining room dominated by a tree of life (el Arbol de la vida) and the other side, a tree of death (el Arbol de la muerte), both representing the cycle of life in Irish and Mexican traditions.

El Arbol de la vida at San Patricios Cantina and Irish Pub — El arbol de la vida at San Patricios Cantina and Irish Pub

El Arbor de la muerte at San Patricios Cantina and Irish Pub — El Arbol de la Muerte at San Patricios Cantina and Irish Pub

We went there for brunch and this was quite exciting to see how they would create a fusion between the two cultures. Take for instance the fish and chips taco ($12 for 2), that was one of my favorites. The battered fish was topped with slaw and potato string for some added crunch, and dressed with a spicy tartare sauce. A must have. Their beef Birria taco ($12 for 2) was also really good, the beef, slow braised in Mexican chiles, melting in my mouth, dipped in this delightfully fatty and slightly salty consommé. You cannot mix and match your order, so, you need two orders if you want to try several tacos, knowing that they are not big and four of them is not too much. What I liked also was their Mexican Irish breakfast ($26), where black and white pudding is eaten alongside black beans, tortilla and pickled jalapeños. Quite comforting. If you are vegetarian, there are few dishes, like the cauliflower al pastor tacos ($12), made with grilled pineapple, guacamole crema and pico de gallo, or the burrito bowl ($22), composed of romain, cabbage, rice, corn, queso fresco, guacamole, black beans, pico de gallo dressed with a cilantro dressing.

Guacamole and chips at San Patricios Cantina and Irish Pub

Mexican Irish breakfast at San Patricios Cantina and Irish Pub

Fish and chips tacos at San Patricios Cantina and Irish Pub

Beef birria tacos at San Patricios Cantina and Irish Pub

Cauliflower Al Pastor tacos at San Patricios Cantina and Irish Pub

Burrito bowl at San Patricios Cantina and Irish Pub

They also have beer and various drinks, like the San Patricio Coffee ($16), made with Patrón Silver Tequila, Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey, coffee, Café de Olla, and whipped cream. Strong, this is a good alternative to the classic Irish coffee that they also have on their menu.

Bar at San Patricios Cantina and Irish Pub — San Patricios Cantina and Irish Pub

San Patricio coffee at San Patricios Cantina and Irish Pub

Overall, I loved the concept and the food. San Patricios is a nice place to go to if you are looking for a different kind of brunch in Jersey City.

Enjoy (I did)!

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

San Patricios Cantina and Pub - 8 Erie St A, Jersey City, NJ 07302

I Just Want To Eat! 6/15/26 I Just Want To Eat! 6/15/26

Bella Trattoria & Pizzeria in Guttenberg, NJ

We were going to the opening of our friend Leandro Comrie in Guttenberg, and so, we decided to have dinner there. A we walked on Bergenline avenue, we stumbled upon Bella Trattoria and Pizzeria, an old school Italian restaurant that surprised us. The food was simply delicious. Serving classic Italian dishes with Italian music in the background, it was like a trip to Italy without the fare! I started off with their house sangria ($12) and some garlic bread ($7) that was nice, the bread being soft and crunchy, drenched with garlic to a point that you would not need any other protection for weeks against vampires. We also shared eggplant rollatini ($14) bathed in a delicious tomato sauce also in the Nonna’s lasagna ($21) or in the baked ziti ($20). The lasagna looked amazing with that red glow from the sauce with white stripes from the melted cheese. It was very good, but I wished there was more of that amazing sauce. The baked ziti was my favorite and probably one of the best I had after Parm. The ziti were perfectly cooked, downed in that sauce and covered with a nice amount of cheese. This was a large portion that is perfect for sharing.

House sangria at Bella Trattoria & Pizzeria in Guttenberg, NJ — House Sangria at Bella Trattoria & Pizzeria in Guttenberg, NJ

Garlic bread at Bella Trattoria & Pizzeria in Guttenberg, NJ

Eggplant rollatini at Bella Trattoria & Pizzeria in Guttenberg, NJ

Nonna's lasagna at Bella Trattoria & Pizzeria in Guttenberg, NJ — Nonna’s lasagna at Bella Trattoria & Pizzeria in Guttenberg, NJ

Baked ziti at Bella Trattoria & Pizzeria in Guttenberg, NJ

For dessert, we decided to get their house made tiramisu ($12). Creamy, with perfectly soaked lady fingers, it was a great way to end the meal.

Tiramisu at Bella Trattoria & Pizzeria in Guttenberg, NJ

This place is definitely a great spot to know if you are in Guttenberg or close by. The kind you would like in your neighborhood. I highly 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!

Bella Trattoria & Pizzeria - 6717 Bergenline Ave, Guttenberg, NJ 07093

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

Indian Buffet at Baadshah in Freehold, NJ

Baadshah Indian Freehold — Baadshah in Freehold, NJ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy (…)!

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

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

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

Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC, NY

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

Double smashed burger at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

Buttermilk fried chicken sandwich at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

Smoked cheese French dip at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

Cobb salad at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

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

Kentucky mocha cocktail at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

Dragon Den mocktail at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

Lychee pom pom mocktail at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

Double espresso at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

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

Chocolate hazelnut dome at Willow Vegan Bistro in NYC

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

Enjoy (I did)!

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

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

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

Tokyo Treat: Japanese snacks at your door

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

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

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

Enjoy (I did)!

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

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

Brunch at Leonetta in NYC

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

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

Spritz flight coupons at Leonetta in NYC

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

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

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

Little gem caesar salad at Leonetta in NYC

Smoked salmon and avocado toast at Leonetta in NYC

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

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Leonetta - 181 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016

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

Craize, the award winning cracker

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

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

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

Craize snacks sweet corn — Craize snacks - sweet corn

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

Enjoy (I did)!

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

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

L&B Spumoni Gardens in Dumbo, Brooklyn

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

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

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

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

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

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

Slices at L&B Spumoni Gardens in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Sicilian at L&B Spumoni Gardens in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Vodka at L&B Spumoni Gardens in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Grandma at L&B Spumoni Gardens in Dumbo, Brooklyn

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

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

Enjoy (I still did)!

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

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

Create your own Biergarten with Paulaner Beer

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

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

Paulaner Grapefruit Radler:

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

Paulaner Pils

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

Paulaner Hefe-Weizen

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

Paulaner Münchner Lager

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

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

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Homie’s Donuts in NYC

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

Dubai chocolate donut at Homie’s Donuts in NYC

Enjoy (…)!

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

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

The rise of Israeli Wine

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

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

Shiloh Privilege Blanc 2025:

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

Psagot Rosie Wild Brut Rosé:

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

2023 Lahat Lavan:

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

Carignan 2021 Taninim Showmron from Carmel Winery:

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

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Gair in Dumbo, Brooklyn

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

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

Something soft at Gair in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Breakfast of champions at Gair in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Cacio e pepe omelette at Gair in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Corn flakes crusted French toast at Gair in Dumbo, Brooklyn

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

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Gair - 41 Washington St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

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

Ootoya in Times Square

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

Here are some of the sets we had:

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

Vegetable Tonyu Nabe at Ootoya in Times Square

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

Gindara miso set at Ootoya in Times Square

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

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

Sparkling oolong tea lychee at Ootoya in Times Square

Genmacha spritz at Ootoya in Times Square

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

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

Enjoy (I did)!

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

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

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

Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

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

Fritura maiz at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

Mariquitas de platano at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

Guacamole cubano at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

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

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

Ensalada topical at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

Vaca fritta at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

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

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

Batido de mamey at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

Batido de mango at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

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

Tres leches at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

Flan de coco at Rumba Cubana in Jersey City, NJ

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

Enjoy (I did)!

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

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

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

Product Review: AMZCHEF Coffee Grinder

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

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

Check this out on Amazon or the Amzchef website.

Enjoy (I did)!

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

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

Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

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

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

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

Steak frites at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

Sterling ribeye at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

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

Lobster bisque at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

Crab cake at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

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

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

Apple crostata at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

Tiramisu at Fire And Oak in Jersey City, NJ

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy (I did)

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

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

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

Japanese BBQ at Yakiniku Toraji in New York City

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

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

Fried garlic at Yakiniku Toraji in New York City

Spicy cold tofu at Yakiniku Toraji in New York City

Ngitama rice at Yakiniku Toraji in New York City

Vegetables at Yakiniku Toraji in New York City

Meat at Yakiniku Toraji in New York City

Grilling meat and veggies at Yakiniku Toraji in New York City

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

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

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

Enjoy (I did)!

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

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