Seek Aimee

EATS: Oyster Soondubu from BCD Tofu House

2011-06-30T12:19:00.000-04:00

If you've been following my tweets, I have been tweeting about Korean Soft Tofu Soup or Soondubu and how delicious it is. I am seriously obsessed! I told one of my Korean co-workers that I'm sick and tired of always ordering the same thing when I eat at K-town. It's always Jap Chae, Bulgogi or Bibimbap. Give me something different already. So my coworkers brought me to BCD Tofu House and introduced me to this gnarly looking soup.

But before the entree, they serve you a tasty fried Croaker fish for appetizer and complimentary Korean Banchan!

Colorful Korean Banchan! I love the Kimchi and the Potato Salad. I was really looking forward to the Bean Sprouts but they didn't have it that day...

Ok so as they brought it out to the table, I didn't know how to react because it looks pretty crazy, Mr. Fox jokingly compared it to, a Witch's Brew when I showed him the picture. The rust colored soup is served in a scolding hot stone pot with floating oysters and an egg (that you must crack as soon as you get your bowl so the hot pot cooks it). Does it sound appetizing? No? Well don't knock it til you try it! It is soooo freaking good! The spicy warm soup is so comforting and the silky texture of the soft tofu and the added taste of the oysters from the sea is a magical combination. The Koreans also like to eat this stew with White Rice which makes it even more amazing (I love me some carbs!). I love it's spiciness too. I didn't think I would like this soup, but after my first taste- I was instantly converted! My friends Insik and Minjung said that there's different variations of this soup, ranging from Kimchi, Seafood, Oysters, Pork and Beef. Oh man, I can't wait to try it all! This soup has such a rich and unique taste that is quite comforting. You must try it!

BCD Tofu House
17 W. 32nd Street
New York, NY 10001
212.967.1900
www.bcdtofu.com

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EATS: The Famous Pink Tea Cup

2011-06-25T18:30:00.002-04:00

First, I didn't know how I would feel about the "NEW" Pink Tea Cup Restaurant. It's old location held a really sentimental place in my heart. My homegirl @LadyHood and I used to frequent that spot with our mutual friends and even befriended one of the employees named Virgil (hope he's doing ok!). I expected my old favorite, Fried Chicken and Pancakes to be on the menu- but it wasn't. :-(
Anyway, the new Pink Tea Cup basically had a major face lift as I would say. It has a totally new ambiance and the place looks totally hip! It's also located in a more commercial strip with a new and improved menu. I brought my brother and our visiting cousin, @miguelangelinos with me for some anticipated Soul Food eats and this is what we indulged in:

For starters, instead of bringing out complimentary plain old Corn Bread- they transformed it into a Corn Bread Waffle sprinkled with powdered sugar! How clever! It was delicious! The Waffle came out fresh, hot and buttery! Yum. I actually put a little bit of syrup on mine ;)

We also ordered Lobster Mac and Cheese as an appetizer to share. My brother remembered how yummy the Mac and Cheese was from the original restaurant. Well it's still the same- cheesy! But the star of the show was the fresh lobster. They added plump and juicy lobster pieces. The combination of cheese and seafood was amazing! Every bite was sooo good. They weren't cheap on the lobster either!

So I mentioned earlier that I wanted Fried Chicken and Pancakes... Well they didn't have it anymore but they did have Fried Chicken and Waffle! We all ordered this as our entree. How pretty is this dish?! Oh man this plate was definitely a lot of food! The chicken was delicious... Crunchy, not too oily, tender and even juicy! It kind of reminded me of Filipino Fried Chicken which is seasoned. Usually Regular Fried Chicken is just dipped in buttermilk then flour and deep-fried. This one had a hint of garlic powder and some salt. It was very tasty. The waffle was also great. I ordered plain but they do also come in Sweet Potato. I thought Sweet Potato would be too much sweetness if I add syrup so I decided plain would be good. It was freshly made and somewhat crunchy and soft which I liked. The sweet (Waffle) and salty (Fried Chicken) combo is perfect! I couldn't finish the entire meal but our cousin @miguelangelinos finished his plate with ease and went from this:

to this... Haha!

Overall the meal was excellent. We were so stuffed we didn't even get to order dessert. I wonder if they still serve the banana bread pudding (ungh! so heavenly!!). I enjoyed our foodventure very much. Even though I miss the old location, its friendly staff, and the brick wall covered with autographed celebrity photos- this revamped restaurant is still worth visiting. It is pretty pricey compared to the old spot but I guess it's because of where it's located now. I like the new and improved menu because it still has the old menu but remixed (in a good way too)! The place is also more fun to look at and they serve mix drinks so bringing a crowd to eat here would be fun. Not bad though :) because we all had happy bellies at the end of the meal!

The Famous Pink Tea Cup
88 7th Avenue
(@ the corner of Bleecker)
New York, NY 10014
212.255.2124
thepinkteacuprestaurant.com

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TRAVEL: Philippine Eats

2011-06-07T16:56:00.000-04:00

I know it's been over a month since I got back from the Philippines but don't think I wasn't going to share my culinary adventures, did you? My schedule was pretty hectic but I managed to snap some pictures of my blog worthy foodventures. So here you go, enjoy the mouth watering visuals:

Corned Beef Pan De Sal

Filipinos LOVE Corned Beef besides Spam. Found this at a Starbucks. The Corned Beef was baked on the inside of the bread. So good and savory!

Dalandan (left) and Calamansi (Right) Juice from Cafe Juanita
Dalandan and Calamsi are citrus fruits native to the Philippines. Dalandan is more like an Orange while Calamansi is more like a Lemon Lime. So refreshing during hot Summer days!

Pinakbet w/ Bagoong (fermented shrimp) Dipping Sauce

Melange of fresh vegetables and shrimp. Great with white rice!

Pork Sisig

The idea of eating Pig cheek and snout (that's what "Sisig" is) sounds really revolting but in a Third World country, nothing goes to waste! The cheek and snout are chopped up into small pieces and cooked until it is extremely crunchy. This dish is traditionally served as "pulutan" or bar food with a nice glass of cold beer (preferable San Miguel or Red Horse.. HA!) but can be also be enjoyed as an entree served with rice!

Halo-Halo (translated as "mix-mix" in English)

This is a very traditional Filipino dessert. It's served in a tall glass (or bowl) with layers beginning with shaved ice, evaporated milk, beans (sounds gnarly but you'll be surprised!), fruit (sugar palm fruit, coconut, and caramelized plantain, gelatin, Ube (taro) ice cream, and sometimes topped off with flan! It's really yummy!

Cafe Juanita Goodies Shelf

Home Made Shrimp and Fish Kebabs with Fresh Cherry Tomatoes, Green & Red Peppers

Kuya (Big Brother) Paul cooked this light and tasty appetizer! It was cooked perfectly.

Pancit

Traditional Filipino Rice noodles which usually has ground pork, red bell peppers and cabbage for texture. Most usually cook this dish with soy sauce and patis (fish sauce) and lemon for flavor. For special occasions, Chinese sausage can sometimes be added.

Home Made Lamb Kaldereta w/ Rice, Fish & Shrimp Kebabs & Pancit Plate

Chocolate Coffee Crunch Cake

If you're one of my close friends or family, this cake might look familiar to you. My Mom is the only person I know that can bake her famous and amazing Coffee Crunch cake (w/ Vanilla Sponge Cake though)! Someone bought this cake during a family dinner in the Philippines. This one is the Chocolate version! It's Chocolate Sponge Cake with Coffee crunchies in the middle with a Whipped Cream Icing! So good!!

Crispy Pata (Deep-Fried Pork Leg) from Via Mare

During our last day, we had our Family lunch at Tita Glenda Barretto's restaurant, Via Mare. I didn't eat this dish, but I wanted to share it with my readers. I needed to watch my cholesterol so I opted not to eat it.According to Tita G, the secret is to boil the Pork leg first so the meat is moist, then fry it in super hot oil. It sure looks crunchy!

Iced Dessert Trio

(Left to Right): Ginumis (shaved ice w/ evaporated milk, pinipig, and tapioca), Mais Con Hielo (shaved ice, corn, milk and sugar), Halo-Halo (ingredients are above) from Via Mare

Bibinka from Via-Mare

It's basically a rice mochi with a salted egg baked in and topped off with Coconut shavings. It's best to eat after it's freshly baked. Some people like to smear some butter on top, kind of like eating a hot pancake!

In conclusion, Filipino food is for people with acquired taste buds. It might not be for everyone, but if you have an open palate it might be one of the most delicious and interesting food you will ever taste! We have a lot of weird ingredients but it makes sense to us. As mentioned above, because it's a Third World country, we make the best out of what we have so we learn to appreciate any and every part of an animal (sorry Vegans) as a means of survival. We also like to add the weirdest ingredients (like beans in a dessert) just because it makes sense to us! Just think of Remy the Rat from the movie Ratatouille. He learned to make additions to his recipes simply because the ingredients he put together made his food taste better! :)

STYLE ICON: Life and Style of Elisa Salapantan

2011-05-07T11:21:00.000-04:00

As I've mentioned, I recently traveled back home to the Philippines to attend my Auntie Elisa's funeral. Since I believe that in death, a person should be celebrated, I would like to dedicate this blog post to her in honor of Mother's Day. She was definitely one of my style icons growing up. There's something classic about her look... simple, feminine and most of all- timeless. Even when she passed away, her sons had mentioned in their eulogies that she was so beautiful on her death bed. Auntie Elisa had so much style, charisma and in the words of her closest girlfriends, she had "sex appeal". She was often wooed by all sorts of men (including a marriage proposal from a gay man!). She was a globetrotter and was frequently stopped at airports (especially during the time of the Marcos' exile from the Philippines) because of her strong resemblance to Imelda Marcos. When I think of Auntie's style, I think of Cigarette Pants, Printed Blouses, Skirt Suits, Blazers, Long skirts, big Sunglasses, Brooches and SHOES (this is where I got my obsession from LOL)... all which are the things I love. Red lipstick was also a trademark of hers. Auntie Elisa just had amazing style and if I could pick three couture brands that would cater to her, I'd pick Yves Saint Laurent, Carolina Herrera and Christian Dior. She was always on top of Fashion too. I remember she'd always ask me what's the new in NY Fashion. She always managed to keep up with Fashion trends one way or another. Despite the trends that come and go, she was good at picking the classics and as you can see by the pictures below, it's evident.

Auntie Elisa, Not only are you a loving Aunt, but you are a mother figure and also a friend to me. You are irreplaceable and I've never encountered anyone quite like you. May you rest in peace and continue to look after us from heaven. I love you and I'll miss you. Happy Mother's Day.

P.S.
And don't think I forgot about my own Mother, Happy Mother's Day Mom!

MESSAGE: Be Right Back!

2011-05-05T11:53:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts... Been traveling around since April and I've just recently been winding down. Had to take an emergency trip to the Philippines for my Aunt's funeral and then to Canada shortly after for my cousin's wedding. Sometimes life just throws a curve ball at you- from a sad experience to a happy celebration...It's been physically and somewhat emotionally draining for me so I decided to take the month of April off. Regardless, I'll be back in action soon and back in the blogosphere. BRB guys and thanks for understanding! xoxo Aimee

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EATS: All American Drive-In (Massapequa, LI)

2011-03-27T20:55:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts this month, it's been really hectic and busy at work for me so I haven't had a chance to blog... but never too busy to scope out new places to eat! :) Anyway, Mr. Fox and I decided to head out to Massapequa, Long Island to visit All American Drive-In for some fast food. We heard about this place through the TV show, "Hamburger Paradise" on the Travel Channel and since it's so close to home, we planned the trip right away. Supposedly Jerry Seinfeld and the Baldwin Brothers are big fans of their burgers. This establishment has been around for years and is family owned. Everything on the menu is American fast food consisting of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hotdogs, fries, onion rings and milkshakes.

Check out the Menu. Everything is CHEAP. I think the most expensive item on the menu is the Butterfly Shrimp for $5.25! You can not beat that!

This was the line to place your orders. They have several windows so it's not bad as it looks. The cashiers take your order, hands you a receipt with a number and when the food is ready- a number is called out for pick up. It really goes by quick. I'd say less than 5 minutes for your bag of fast food goodness!

The hotdog area located on the side.

They have a lot of employees which really helps with the quick turn around.

We decided to eat in the car since there really wasn't a place for us to sit and it was too cold outside.

Thank God Mr. Fox brought a tray with him from home, it made eating so much easier! He ordered a Vanilla milk shake, 2 cheeseburgers, and large fries. I ordered a diet coke, a cheeseburger, small fries and small onion rings. Our 8 items for lunch cost us a total of $11.95!! Where can you eat for that price?! Not even McDonald's!

My meal! :)

The Cheeseburger.... *drool* Hmm, what does this cheeseburger look like?

NOM! Well it sure looks like a McDonald's cheeseburger and it tasted exactly like it but without the guilt (for all of you that know about/seen the Pink Chicken McNuggets.. ack!). The hamburger bun was soft, the meat patty was the right size and well cooked, it had minced onions inside and 2 slices of pickles with a slice of melty american cheese. It was yummy! I liked the size because I am watching my food portion. Then if you prefer a bigger burger, you can opt for their quarter pounder.

But the star of the show for me was the French Fries! Crunchy on the outside, salted and had a soft potato center.. just the way I like it! Not too oily either! LOVED it! Also, they cut their own potatoes because I got an odd shaped waffle-fry like piece in my bag. So good!

It was great experiencing a delicious meal at an old-school drive-in joint. You don't find a gem like this around anymore. This place is classic! It's definitely quality fast food at its finest without breaking your bank and without the guilt of eating super processed food because all the ingredients are fresh!

All American Drive-In
4286 Merrick Road
Massapequa, NY 11758
516.798.9574
www.allamericanhamburger.us

NOTE: Shout out to Joan, my 5th Floor buddy from my NT days! Saw her at Roosevelt Field Mall this weekend ;)

DIY: Twig Terrariums

2011-02-14T00:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone! As part of our "V-day" activity, Mr. Fox and I thought it would be a fun activity to make a terrarium this weekend. I saw a bunch of terrariums at this awesome store called Cog & Pearl in Park Slope Brooklyn and I gained interest quick- seems that it's made by a company called Twig Terrariums. Their terrariums are super neat and come with cute little figurines inside which adds some pizzazz! Each terrarium is one of a kind and you can buy them pre-made or buy one of their "do-it-yourself" kits. We picked two DIY sets this weekend and had a blast making them. It was as easy as 1-2-3! I can't wait to make more and buy a more advanced set.

Each set comes with a vessel for your moss, rocks, dried moss, potting soil, live moss and a figurine.

All you have to do is set rocks on the bottom of the vase, add the dried moss (which has to be soaked for a minute in water and squeezed dry) then layer the potting soil on top (makes a filtration system for the terrarium), moisten the soil a little bit then add the live moss (which is recommended to be soaked for 3 hours to overnight) and finally add the figurine inside! It took less than an hour to do. Don't worry, it comes with instructions! Real easy! :)

Check out my first terrarium! This set was called Le Petit Singularite ($25). I actually did this one by myself to for practice. It actually came out better than I expected. I found a piece of wood in my soil packet so I saved it for decoration because it looked like a bridge. I'm really happy how it came out. It looks like she walked over a bridge and discovered a forest.

The complete kit! Awesome huh?

This set was the one that I made with Mr. Fox. This DIY terrarium is called Romantik ($65). It came with an old couple kissing while sitting on a bench. Super cute!

This is the Romantik set in its entirety. I love that it comes in a tall 10" vase which actually converts to a candle holder (see below for a better picture). It came out really cute and we actually are looking into finding a mini plant to add inside for a later date so it will look like the old couple is sitting under a tree to add better landscaping.

Le Petit Singularite and Romantik set side by side.

The finished products.. TA-DA! You can find Twig Terrariums at the Brooklyn Flea most of the time or go to one of the stores like Cog & Pearl to find their unique creations. They don't ship ready made terrariums yet, so DIY kits are available for purchase online.

At the end, we actually came out with three terrariums. I had extras materials to make another little terrarium. The Romantik and Singularite ones are mine and the small terrarium was the one I made for Mr. Fox. I added a small frog figurine for him.

Twig Terrariums are reasonably priced and very unique. They add character to any room. I am so obsessed. I plan to make more in the future. Who knows, it might become my new hobby! Super easy and fun to make and the live plants inside are really low maintenance. The instructions state that they only need to be spritzed with water once every two weeks or so. The moss requires very little light but make sure not to keep your terrarium near heat or give it too much sunlight because you can end up cooking your moss. It's such a great home decor also. Can't wait to make another one!

LINK: twigterrariums.com

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EATS: Doughnut Plant (Lower East Side)

2011-02-12T17:25:00.005-05:00

After @JustineDori's Birthday Dim Sum today, we decided to head on over to Doughnut Plant in LES for the after party. Located on 379 Grand Street, this little doughnut haven was worth the walk for my sweet indulgence for the week. I've been craving a doughnut since I started my diet and this was a great place to "cheat".

They offer such a great variety of treats from the yeast-type, jam-filled to cake doughnuts at a very reasonable price.

@JustineDori had the Black Out Doughnut. I took a bite of course and it was chocolatey, moist and gooey. It melted in my mouth. Worth every bite!

I felt a little guilty going to this place but a little treat doesn't hurt sometimes. Since I tried to "control" myself, I got the smallest doughnut on the menu which was the Creme Brûlée.

Can you see the goodness?!? Every layer is heavenly. It had a crusty and crunchy caramelized top. The yeast dough itself was a nice soft texture. The party in the middle was a very creamy vanilla bean custard which oozes out in every bite! Then the bottom layer was sugar glazed! The ten seconds that it took to annihilate this donut was amazing! Perfect size packed with deliciousness for $2.50! You cannot go wrong!

Check out the display by the counter! *Homer Voice* "Mmm.. DOOOONUTS..* By the way, I'm not sure if the original word is spelled "Doughnut" or "Donut"? Does anyone know? Ah- po-tato... po-ta-to.. :P It's all the same right?

Doughnut Plant is AWESOME! I will definitely go back. Maybe I'll even have a huge doughnut next time. There's so many treats on the menu that I want to try. *Sigh* Oh, if LES seems out of the way, they're opening another location at the Chelsea Hotel on Valentine's Day! ;)

Doughnut Plant (Lower East Side)

379 Grand Street
New York, NY 10002
(212) 505-3700

www.doughnutplant.com

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EATS: Hunter Dave's Venison Chili

2011-02-07T12:30:00.002-05:00

First off, I hope everyone had a great Superbowl Sunday and Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers! My buddy Hunter Dave aka Fisherman Dave cooked Venison Chili yesterday as part of his Superbowl Feast. He used his crock pot to slow cook the amazing Chili and it simmered for hours so you know it had to be flavorful and it was indeed! I never tried "deer" before but I heard it's a very lean meat. So what does it taste like? It tasted like sausage and beef combined with a very crumbly texture. It was a little gamey tasting but not gross. It's definitely for people with acquired taste. As far as the Chili itself, it was delicious! It was mild and the tomato was chunky which is how I like it. I'm not a fan of saucy and watery Chili. The texture has to be chunky and hearty! Hunter Dave used cannellini beans and also added corn which I loved (good touch)! The Chili was delicious and eating venison meat was definitely an adventure! I enjoyed it very much. The Filipino girl in me would've liked rice with the dish, but I'm trying to cut down on carbs... LOL!

P.S. It's kind of funny and a little ironic that the same day Dave cooked his Chili, Mr. Fox and I watched Bambi earlier that day! Like the movie, sometimes "Man" gets in the way- but it's a cycle of life and I guess "deer" would be considered as part of the food chain. Sorry to all the animal lovers out there, but as I took a bite of the venison, I did keep Bambi in mind... :-X

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EATS: Sushi Night With Fisherman Dave & Mr. Fox

2011-02-05T20:15:00.002-05:00

It's cold and rainy outside so what better day to stay in and make some home made sushi? It's been awhile since I made sushi hand rolls. I was real rusty at first but after a few tries, I finally got it down perfect and started to make rolls like a mad woman! The best part is that we used the Tuna that my buddy Fisherman Dave caught at the end of the summer (it was freeze dried since then FYI.. haha). We ate Avocado Tuna Rolls, California Rolls and Avocado Maki for Mr. Fox (he doesn't eat fish). Sushi night was a great success! Thanks to Fisherman Dave for hanging out and sharing his Tuna. It was really fun and easy. Oh, and I'll promise to work on better presentation and better ingredients the next time around...

The Tuna that Fisherman Dave caught during the Summer... We ate the Toro (middle) or the belly for Sushi night!

My Sushi rolling area!

Our left-overs! I made the assorted giant rolls and Fisherman Dave made the Tuna Sushi Ngiri.

That's a pretty and colorful California Roll! Isn't it? ;)

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SNACK: Trader Joe's Mocha European Style Low-fat Yogurt

2011-01-24T11:38:00.003-05:00

Because I've been such a glutton during the holidays, I decided to start off the new year by going on a diet in hopes of shedding some of the added weight. Diets are never easy and it's a real commitment. I don't like depriving myself so I'm always in search of great, delicious and healthy foods. One problem that i encounter each time is not being able to indulge in sugar! I can't deny it- I love sweets and desserts... it's my weakness! Anyway, yesterday while shopping at Trader Joe's, I found this amazing Mocha European Style Low-fat Yogurt... I think I found my new obsession!! It's so creamy and sweet with a hint of mocha flavor. It has that particular "tangy" yogurt-y taste which I don't usually like but works well with the mocha flavor and I find myself trying to chase the taste! I also tried the chocolate flavor which is pretty damn good too! It tastes like a really light mousse. Best of all- this sweet treat is only 130 calories and has 2 grams of fat! I would take the extra 30 calories over those 100 calorie Dannon brand fruit yogurts just to get my sweet fix! Oh, and it's only $0.99 a cup and totally worth it! This new snack is amazing and definitely guilt-free! For the people following the Weight Watchers point system such as myself, it's only 3 points! So glad I found this yummy yogurt. I think I have to plan my next trip to Trader Joes asap!!

LINK: Trader Joe's

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FILM: The Fighter by David O. Russell

2011-01-12T21:01:00.000-05:00

I saw The Fighter by David O. Russell this past weekend after the fear that it won't be in theaters very long and boy I sure am glad I watched it! I knew that this movie was a must see for 2011, not just because Mark Wahlberg has the star role (I still remember the first time I saw him in person with @AnnaWHY at Bar Pitti *drool*) but because lately I learned to appreciate the sport of Boxing (because of Manny Pacquiao of course).

So what is it about? It's about an Irish fighter named Micky Ward's (played by Wahlberg) struggle to achieve the light welterweight championship. He's torn between trying to pursue his dreams versus family loyalty. Worst of it all, Ward is overshadowed by the drama of his older brother / former boxer / slacker trainer turned crack addict, Dicky Ecklund. I was expecting this movie to be "average" but was swayed after Christian Bale's epic performance as Dicky Ecklund. Check out the picture above and see how much weight he lost for this role! Bale was very effective and his role was also emotionally moving. This movie is excellent for a "based on a true story" flick! The characters were all convincing and I give an honorable mention to Amy Adams who plays as Micky's girlfriend and Melissa Leo who plays as his mother. If it's still out the next few weeks, I highly suggest you see it! I'm kind of surprised it didn't do as well in box office sales because it definitely has all the elements that make an amazing film.

Check out the trailer below:

'Fighter' Theatrical Trailer @ Yahoo! Video

LINK: The Fighter Movie

EATS: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in Binghamton, NY

2011-01-01T16:54:00.002-05:00

My last gluttonous hurrah before the New Year was at Cracker Barrel in Binghamton. I first heard of this establishment through Tribble & Mancenido while they were working on their project, Hurry Up & Wait in which they were on the road photographing America's trucking culture for over a year. The couple said that a pit stop at any Cracker Barrel location during a cross country drive is a must. Cracker Barrel is renowned for serving old-fashioned home cooked meals. Who would want to eat at your average fast food joint after a long drive anyway? I know I don't. Stopping by was definitely a treat as it was an adventure in its own- beginning with shopping at the amazing General Store and then ending it with a delicious meal and a happy full belly!

The Store Front which is pretty much a standard look for all its branches throughout the U.S.

Upon entering its doors, you begin to experience that "country" feel and nostalgia.

You can purchase an old-school rocking chair for only $129!

Vintage Hershey's Chocolate Bar!

Do you remember thin sticks?

They offer an variety of vintage treats from gumballs, sodas and even Moon pies!

Baking Supplies and goodies. Do you see the huge country ham?

More Vintage candies!

Valomilk.. YUM! Anything with chocolate and marshmallows is good by me!

Sky Bar! Four different flavors in one yummy candy bar :)

Don't you just love Peanut Brittle?

Vintage toys for the kiddies! Love the wind up ones..

@KnownAsAdi about to experience her first Cracker Barrel experience just like me and Mr. Fox!

We didn't realize Macaroni 'n' Cheese was considered a "Vegetable" amongst many other choices from the list! Haha!

Complimentary corn muffins and biscuits :D

Frosty Beverages: Raspberry Lemonade and Apple Cider

Mr. Fox decided to get meatloaf with mashed potatoes and a double side of Macaroni 'n' Cheese which he enjoyed and was later on a food comatose shortly after.. haha

I ordered the Haddock Dinner with Macaroni 'n' Cheese and Sweet Potato Casserole w/ Pecans. The Haddock was pretty good- lightly fried and not that greasy. I had to sprinkle some lemon juice to enhance the flavor. The Mac 'n' Cheese was pretty good.. very cheesy! The macaroni was a little overcooked though. The best part was the Sweet Potato Casserole- sweet and velvety with little crunchy pecans in every bite! AMAZING!

My third side was Fried Okra which was ok. The Okra was too soft- I'm used to a firmer texture. The breading was too thick.

We didn't eat dessert because after we devoured our food we were ready to take a nap! BUT how bizarre is this dessert option- a Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake??? I think I'll definitely pass on this one!

The decor was nostalgic- straight out of a old country home!

The old school paraphernalia especially the shot gun and taxidermy was pretty interesting...

The Huge billboard facing the highway.

I had a great time at the Cracker Barrel! They definitely know how to preserve that nostalgic feel. The food was definitely filling and a little bit overwhelming but I guess if you're hungry and have been sitting in a car all day long, going to a Cracker Barrel is something to look forward to.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
876 Front Street
Binghamton, NY 13905
607.722.5006
www.crackerbarrel.com

Happy New Year! 1.1.11

2011-01-01T14:46:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to share some photos I took around Nanticoke Creek in Endicott, NY during New Year's Eve. I hope everyone had an amazing 2010 as I am definitely looking forward to 2011. Happy New Year Everyone! :)

EATS: Lupo's Char Pit in Endicott, NY

2010-12-30T22:19:00.001-05:00

I never knew what a Chicken Spiedie was until this year. It seems to be a staple food around the Binghamton area and one eatery that I hear about the most is Lupo's Char Pit. So what exactly is a Chicken Spiedie? It's just marinated cubed chicken cooked on a skewer and served on Italian Bread. It's all about the marinade and a basic Spiedie sauce contains olive oil, balsalmic vinegar and dry italian spices. Of course there are different recipes for the marinade from others but Lupo's seems to perfect it.

The Endicott branch is mostly for take-out orders

Besides Spiedes, Lupo's also serves other delicious sandwiches

I ordered a 6" Chicken Spiedie with French Fries

The Chicken Spiedie was delicious! The chicken was tender and very moist. You can taste a combination of smokiness from the char pit as well as the slight sourness of the balsalmic vinegar. Out of all the spices, the pepper also stands out the most. The best part is the Italian bread which is soaked with the flavors of the marinade. The food looks plain in sight but it is bursting with flavor. Can you believe that this Upstate specialty only costs $3.69? Now I understand why Spiedies are a local favorite.

If you're looking for a delicious sandwich that hits the spot, Lupo's Char Pit is the place to be! It's so good that I made sure to bring back a 16 oz. Spiedie Marinade so I can make this at home!

Lupo's Char Pit

2710 East Main Street

Endicott, NY 13760

607.748.1916

www.spiedies.com

TRAVEL: Wegmans in Johnson City, NY

2010-12-30T12:57:00.000-05:00

We have Whole Foods and Trader Joe's in the city, but we don't have a Wegmans... why is that? It's rated as one of the best grocery store in the US! After hearing all the buzz, I decided to visit a Wegmans in Johnson City in Upstate, NY. They offer fresh produce, meats, seafood and everything else you can imagine! I love that you can also find a section in the supermarket for organic foods. If you get hungry while grocery shopping, you can easily dine in the Market Cafe which offers a wide variety of foods from Italian, American and even Asian. It's so convenient and the price is always right. If Alec Baldwin, co-signs it- then I do too!

LINK: Wegmans

MUSIC VIDEO: Kanye West - Monster

2010-12-30T12:05:00.001-05:00

I haven't been impressed with any music videos lately... but I really dig this one a whole lot. Kanye done-did-it again folks with this long awaited "Monster" music video. This seems about right.. another great interpretation of Kanye's beautiful dark twisted fantasy. I think my favorite highlights are: the models hanging by a noose, all the zombie models, the 'monster' heels (Kanye voice), the contorted model on the couch, Kanye in his fitted camel leather blazer holding a decapitated head of a model zombie, Nicki's dominatrix segment, the gore, a she-wolf and of course- the impeccable styling! Very eerie and impressive! I likes.

LINK: YouTube

TRAVEL: Alpacalachin Farms in Apalachin, NY

2010-12-29T18:17:00.001-05:00

I visited Alpacalachin Farms today in Apalachin (Upstate NY). Alpacas are bred for their soft, warm and fleecy fiber which is used to make woven sweaters, mittens, blankets, scarves and ponchos. They kind of look like camels without the hump or resemble a llama but are smaller in size. Ahh.. Alpacas are such cute and cuddly creatures! If you're looking for something to do when visiting Upstate, NY- head over to Alpacalachin Farms for a tour and be sure to check out their gift shop for one of a kind fashion finds. If you're interested, you can even buy an Alpaca! ;)

Alpacalachin Fashions
2571 Chestnut Ridge Road
Apalachin, NY 13732
607.687.6950
www.alpacalachin.com

FILM: Black Swan by Darren Aronofsky

2010-12-18T08:30:00.001-05:00

Finally got to see Black Swan directed by Darren Aronofsky this weekend. All I can say is it's an amazing psychological thriller and is well worth seeing on the big screen. There was one thing I didn't like though- and it's the shaky hand-held camera movement the first ten minutes into the film. However, I understand why the director used this effective technique which added to the anxiety and suspense of what's to expect next. The intense hair-raising scenes along with great acting from actors Portman and Kunis definitely makes this movie a must see before the year ends! I don't want to spoil the movie, so check out the HD trailer below to get a sense of the storyline:

LINK: Fox Searchlight - Black Swan

EVENT: Jay-Z in Conversation With Charlie Rose x DECODED @ Brooklyn Museum

2010-11-20T10:09:00.000-05:00

On Thursday Night, I was lucky enough to witness Jay-Z being interviewed by Charlie Rose about his new book, Decoded at the Brooklyn Museum. It was a full house with some familiar faces in the audience from Hova's circle such as his Mother, Beyonce and Steve Stoute. As always, Jay-Z was a pleasant interviewee as he answered Rose's question with finesse and humor. I've witnessed Jay-Z once during a live taping before (VH-1 Storytellers) and he's really a humble dude in my opinion- down to earth and is known to crack jokes to put you at ease. He even had Charlie Rose laughing as Jay-Z corrected his pronunciation of "Tupac" as "two-pack" which ended with chuckles and a fist bump. He spoke briefly about growing up, selling crack at a young age in Marcy Projects, his lyrics and song writing, and his life after "making it". After the taping, Jay-Z also participated in a Q&A with the audience where devout fans asked a mix of intelligent and some ridiculous questions and he was gracious enough to answer all without stumbling. I think my favorite part of the Q&A was when a young lady came up and was telling Mr. Carter how proud she was of him and out of nowhere, Jay-Z told her to sing and she started to sing "What's the meaning... what's the meaning of life..." and we all realized that she was the woman who sang the hook to his song, "In My Lifetime (Remix)" which was the one of the first records Jay released under Roc-A-Fella Records. It was an amazing night and always an honor to hear Mr. Carter speak. Stay tuned to the Charlie Rose show for its air date.
Check out some images below:

Photograph by William Yan

Check out this video of Jay-Z as he chooses his Top 5 MC's for a ultimate cipher:

EATS: Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse in Midtown East

2010-11-14T18:40:00.004-05:00

Last weekend Mr. Fox and I went to Smith & Wollensky for a fancy Sunday night dinner. We were craving for some nice meaty and high quality steak but wanted to go for something else besides Peter Luger. I first heard of this establishment through the movie, the Devil Wears Prada and decided to see what the fuss was all about.

We were offered complimentary bread in the beginning of our meal which was pretty good. I liked the thin bread. I didn't want to load up on carbs though, I was saving my appetite for the main event!

Mr. Fox's Filet Mignon! They butterfly sliced it because he likes his steak well done. He loved it and said the steak was lean and not too fatty.

He also got a side of hash browns. I tasted it and it was cooked perfectly! Very crispy, browned, salted and tasty! I like how there was small pieces of onion for added flavor!

I got a NY Cut Sirloin. I didn't realize my nice hunk of meat was 24oz! I ordered meat medium well. My steak was tasty and charred. It was meaty, fatty, tender and very juicy as I sliced it. I like how the cook also seared the fat on the ends. My meal was very hearty indeed and you bet I was stuffed halfway through it and had to carry a doggy bag home! :X (I always finish my food. I rarely do this!!)

The steak was a good contrast of meat and fat.

Their house steak sauce. I tried it just to try it even though I'm suppose to enjoy the lightly salted and meatiness of my steak (oh how carnivorous!) and it wasn't bad. It tasted more like Worcestershire Sauce. I could do without it...

How could you go to a steak house and not order the creamed spinach?! I had to! It was delish. I think I liked this the most. It was very rich and creamy. Some might complain about the texture because it's a bit liquefied than most creamed spinach but I actually like it. The color doesn't look that appetizing but it was really good nevertheless.

Overall Smith & Wollensky is pretty good. I wouldn't categorize them as part of my Top 3 steak houses in NY though. The meat is definitely high quality and their portions are very generous but it is a little bit on the expensive side. If I had to spend the money again, I would rather go to Peter Luger in all honesty. I think if I could re-do this whole experience I would've been more happier spending the money at the Smith & Wollensky Grill located on the side which is a more casual dining experience with a wider variety- but hey, there's always next time!

Smith & Wollensky
797 Third Avenue at 49th Street
New York, NY 10022
212.753.1530
www.smithandwollensky.com

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DESSERT: Momofuku Crack Pie

2010-11-06T12:41:00.000-04:00

Holy ish! I have never tasted a pie as amazing as Momofuku's Crack Pie! It does not contain "crack" but sure is as addicting like it. It's definitely a slice of heaven. After one bite, you keep chasing the taste to figure out what exactly is in this amazing dessert and it's really simple! The crust is based out of crumbled cookie with rolled oats instead of your average graham cracker or pie dough crust. The filling consists of butter, heavy cream, sugar and eggs and that's it! It's so simple and so delicious! The filling is very rich and sweet while the crust is buttery, gooey and chewy- the combination is just a party in your mouth! I am in love with this pie. For a $5.25 per slice or $44 for a 10" pie price tag- money ain't a thing! It is so good that Momofuku trademarked the name! You must head to either one of Momofuku Milk Bar's locations.. STAT! Oh and if you don't live in the NY area, you can get a piece of the pie by ordering online! ;)

Momofuku Milk Bar - East Village
207 2nd Avenue
New York, NY 10003
www.momofuku.com
Follow @momomilkbar on Twitter!

CANDY: Green Tea Kit Kat

2010-11-06T11:15:00.003-04:00

Kit Kat bars have always been a favorite chocolate treat for me. It's the candy I crave the most and the only candy I would really buy. Today my twinbee Tammie shared her Green Tea Kit Kat straight from Japan! I always wanted to try this flavor but for some weird reason it's never available in local Japanese groceries. It is as delicious as green tea ice cream. It has a white chocolate creamy taste infused with green tea match with a wafer crunch! I loved it! Hope I can get my hands on these again because it really tastes amazing... and amazing enough to sway me from Chocolate flavored Kit Kats! *gasp* I suggest that if you run across this- to definitely try it and buy me one on the side too! It's not as weird as it sounds! ;)

Remember that episode from The Office when Andy Bernard kept singing "Give me a break.. Give me a break.. Break me off a piece of that.... " and he kept trying to figure out what it was? haha, thought the side of the Green Tea Kit Kat Bars would help him remember :P

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DRINK: Starbucks Via Flavored Ready Brew Coffee

2010-11-04T11:45:00.002-04:00

So I stopped drinking milk tea to go with my breakfast or my afternoon wake up drink then started drinking instant coffee to save myself from spending $2 each morning (not including coffee cravings). I was previously drinking Nescafe's 1+2 instant coffee typically sold in Asian markets and not to mention super cheap (42 packets for $7.99) until the Starbucks Via Ready Brew instant coffee came out...

I really really love this coffee. I thought I could save myself some money in the beginning but with Starbucks you really end up paying for the quality and superb taste that gets you hooked! Via is made of arabica beans with natural flavors and cane sugar. Starbucks currently offers four flavors: Vanilla, Mocha, Caramel and Cinnamon Spice. If you don't like flavored coffee, they offer Colombia, Italian Roast, Decaf Italian Roast and Iced. I personally tried the Vanilla and Caramel for the mean time and I must say that Vanilla is my favorite! When I pour the water in my cup, the coffee really does smell fresh brewed unlike other instant coffees that smell artificial. The flavor is rich and bold and the coffee is quite strong for something unbelievably labeled as 'instant'. I actually do two 10 fl oz cups of for every packet even though the directions say one packet is good for an 8 fl oz cup. As you try it you can definitely tweak how much you use if you don't like your coffee super strong which is what Starbucks is known for. I also love the fact that when I finish my Vanilla flavored Via that I see remnants of the vanilla bean floating in the bottom of my cup (they definitely didn't lie in the commercial)! Oh and not to mention it's 60 calories per packet! So every morning, I look forward to my first cup of coffee and in the afternoon, when I crave for something sweet to jolt me up, I fix myself a cup of Starbucks Via! ;)

It's so easy, this is how I make my coffee:

Open the Via package, pour contents into cup ...

Add hot water and stir...

Add skim milk and then enjoy! :D

Note: Since I like my coffee sweet, I do add a little more sugar in my cup!

Try it out for $6.99 for a 6-pack and there's also a coupon for $1 off until the end of November for every purchase so mention it to your Barista when they're ringing you up!

LINK: Starbucks

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DESSERT: Warm Chocolate Bread Pudding from Dessert Truck

2010-10-26T14:09:00.003-04:00

Now I understand why this heavenly dessert won the Throwdown With Bobby Flay Challenge... It's so amazing, so chocolatey, so decadent and sinful at the same time. I love how this Chocolate Bread Pudding was served warm with a pool of rich vanilla anglaise and fresh cool whipped cream on top. It was so sweet and gooey... I swear I finished it in record time. I just kept eating every spoonful until I reached the bottom of my disposable bowl (and you bet I scraped that sucker clean!). As rich as it was, I had no regrets eating this treat and if I did have any regrets- it is not buying two and trying the one with bacon anglaise! This dessert from a truck is amazing and I don't care if it's a bit expensive ($6) it was definitely worth my buck. Glad to have finally tried it and to see the Dessert Truck back on the streets with their amazing gourmet desserts! I must try the Warm Molten Chocolate Cake next!

You can find @DessertTruck at their usual location at 3rd Avenue between Astor Place and 9th Street ;)

Link: Dessert Truck Works

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EATS: Ippudo NY in the East Village

2010-10-22T15:03:00.002-04:00

I've been craving for ramen for weeks now... so I ended up going to dinner with my friends to Ippudo NY for a last minute post birthday get-together. I've been dying to go here for awhile now but was always intimidated by the wait time. I thought going on a weekday would be wiser instead of a weekend and I thought wrong. Regardless of when you decide to go, you will be standing in line! I'm impatient and I dislike killing time but after I was seated and my food came, I realized why this noodle spot is definitely worth the wait...

The Appetizer Menu

Tori Karaage - Marinated Deep-fried Chicken with Spicy Chilli and Sweet Mayo Dipping Sauce! It was crispy and yummy! I like how it's small chunks of bite-sized chicken. The sweet mayo was my favorite. :)

Philly Cheese Steak Spring Rolls - Self Explanatory! It was a nice cheesy treat. I didn't think an appetizer like this would make the cut at Ippudo but it's a good addition and inventive!

Hirata Chicken Wings - Wings with Ippudo Black Pepper Marinade! The chicken was soft and the sauce was finger licking good.. :-X

The Ramen Menu! I like how you can add more ramen by simply saying "Kae-dama" :) my kind of place!

My friend Justine's Shoyu Ramen with a side of Kakuni (Braised Pork Belly).

My Dish: Miso Ramen w. Onsen Tamago (Poached Egg)! I opted for the more traditional ramen. The broth was amazing and the noodles were perfectly cooked. The pork was fatty and soft but I do wish I had more meat in my serving. I guess I should have ordered the extra side of pork belly. There were crunchy vegetables that provided texture in every scoop full of ramen noodles but what I loved most is the ball of Shredded Ginger right in the middle. It provided so much flavor for the broth. Without this- this would've just been just any other Miso Ramen. I would rank this ramen experience as my #2 (my heart and #1 still belongs to any Momofuku Noodle Bar). Delicious though!

And of course, I was surprised with Green Tea Ice Cream for dessert accompanied by really loud singing! It was so embarrassing! Haha

Overall, the food is amazing and I can't wait to go again! I would love to try the pork buns next (I hear a lot of people raving about it) and other appetizers. I don't doubt their ramen, I'm sure whatever I order next time will content me. I also love the ambiance.. this place is very hip and modern. The waiters are very friendly and attentive so you won't have to worry about having a bad experience. The only thing I stress is the wait (there are no phone reservations, just walk-ins) but if you're willing to taste some kick ass ramen, you'll be willing to wait... ;)

P.S. Thanks again to all who celebrated with me on my Birthday!

Ippudo NY
65 4th Avenue
(between 9th and 10th Sts)
NY, NY 10003
212.388.0088
www.ippudony.com

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DESSERT: Little Cupcake Bakeshop in Bay Ridge

2010-10-22T13:46:00.002-04:00

Since my favorite bakery in Staten Island was closed on Monday, I headed over to Bay Ridge in Brooklyn to try Little Cupcake Bakeshop. I wanted to get a cake for my birthday but decided that buying individual cupcakes would probably best. I figured, if I have a whole cake in my fridge, I'd end up eating it all and that's not good! Hah. So I picked up some after dinner goodies:

My Picks!

Carrot Cupcake

Chocolate Cloud Cupcake

Red Velvet Cupcake

Blue Velvet Cupcake

Vanilla Cupcake w. Chocolate Buttercream

Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding

Out of the five, I chose the Chocolate Cloud Cupcake. The fluffy merengue icing enticed me to pick this one. The icing definitely makes this treat delicious. However, the devils food chocolate cake wasn't great- I definitely had better ones than this one. I felt like it was too dry and the cake felt too hard. I'm used to moist and fluffy cakes. However, I also tried the Banana pudding and it iss to die for! It was very rich, creamy and buttery. The nila wafer cookies in between balanced the richness of the heavy cream and added some texture to every bite. This one is so far my favorite from the Bakeshop.

The location is great and the cupcakes are mediocre for $2.75 a piece. If you're looking for plain dessert but not mind blowing then Little Cupcake is your spot for dessert and hot or cold beverages. But in all honesty, the bakery is reminiscent of Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker Street from the decor, the lay-out and even the staff dress (which I prefer- sorry!). Supposedly another location will also open on Prince Street in Soho for all you Manhattan dwellers to try if Bay Ridge is too far from your reach.

Little Cupcake Bakeshop
9102 3rd Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
718.680.4465

www.littlecupcakebakeshop.com

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MUSIC: Its Overture - Classic Rap Vol. 1

2010-10-18T10:44:00.000-04:00

Check out this amazing Classic Rap Vol. 1 from RiVerse from Its Overture. Its been awhile since I heard some good mixing with a clever playlist, dope beats and smooth transitions to back it up. Loved the Clipse joint the most with the Alchemist beat as well as the epic ending with ODB's The Stomp. This Rap mix is definitely for the Rap dweebs out there and simply speaks for itself. Dope!

Classic Rap Vol. 1 by Its Overture

Playlist:
1. Bobyahed2dis - Redman (+) Save Their Souls - Hamilton Bohannon
2. The Planet - Gang Starr
3. Whole City Behind Us - Kanye West
4. Streets Of New York (Acapella) - Rakim (+) Heart Of The City (Instrumental) - Kanye West (with elements of Escape From New York - Sadat X w. Pete Rock)
5. Trouble Man - Inspectah Deck (prod. Pete Rock)
6. Sucka Nigga (Instrumental) - A Tribe Called Quest
7. For You - Little Brother
8. Royal Flush (Accapella) - Andre 3000 (+) Goldmine (Instrumental) - Dr. Dre
9. Lyin King (Instrumental) - Nine (+) Apocalypse - Wyclef
10. Audiotorium - Mos Def (prod. Madlib)
11. Make Em NV - J Dilla
12. Represent (verse) - Big L (+) Moses Theme - Frankie Bleu (sample used for “24 Hours To Live”)
13. Click (DJ Premier Intro)
14. Thirteen - Organized Konfusion (+) How We Rock (Instrumental) - DJ Premier
15. Poisonous Darts - Ghostface
16. Made You Look (Acapella) - Nas (+) Illy (Instrumental) - El-P
17. When The Last Time (Acapella) - Clipse (+) Get At Me (Instrumental) - Alchemist
18. Return Of The Mac - Prodigy (prod. Alchemist) (+) Beatnuts Forever (Instrumental) - Beatnuts
19. None Of Y’all Better (verse) - Jadakiss (prod. DJ Premier) (with elements of No Mercy (Instrumental) - Alchemist)
20. The Stomp - Ol Dirty Bastard (+) The Edge - David McCallum

LINK: ITS OVERTURE!!!!

EATS: Cebu Bar & Bistro in Bay Ridge

2010-10-18T10:41:00.000-04:00

I celebrated my Birthday dinner with my family last night and we decided to go to Cebu Bar & Bistro in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn to try something new. I remember going to this location when it was Mambo Italiano back in the day which was an Italian family restaurant that we loved going to... but I'm glad this new eatery replaced it because its gourmet bistro food is simply amazing! You have the option of dining in or enjoying a drink or two at the bar. Cebu Bar & Bistro has a great menu with much to offer.

The Entree Menu for the evening.

The Appetizers:

Complimentary Bread with Remoulade Dipping Sauce

Grilled Steak Skewers with Dijon Dipping Sauce - This appetizer was so delicious. The Steak was soft and cooked medium rare and the Dijon sauce was a little tangy and spicy. SO GOOD!

Fried Calamari with Marinara and Tartar Sauce - it was perfectly fried and lightly battered.

The Entree(s):

Dad ordered the Seafood Paella. The Rice was perfectly cooked and the seafood was fresh. It had
Calamari, Clams, Mussels , Shrimp, Peas and Chorizo. I think the best part of this dish was the Spanish Chorizo because it was nice and spicy. The dish portion is HUGE (enough for 2)!

Mom ordered the Striped Sea Bass with Mussels on herb broth on a bed of Spinach with Cherry Tomatoes and a side of Toast. This dish was light and the fish was perfectly cooked. The chef also added wine to the herb broth which made the sauce very flavorful!

My Brother Lorenz ordered the 10 oz. Steak Frites Au Poivre. The Fries were crispy and the meat was delicious in its medium rare form. The heavy cream based sauce was a good touch of flavor for such a meaty dish.

Mr. Fox ordered the Double Cut Pork Chop with Grilled Hot Cherry Peppers, Asparagus and Roasted Peppers. The Pork Chop was delicious and tender but the Hot Cherry Peppers overwhelmed the dish a bit because it became too spicy after awhile. The Roasted Potatoes were tasty and was baked to perfection.

I ordered the Chipotle Chicken. The dish came with two lightly fried Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Mashed Potatoes slathered with a Chipotle Cream Sauce. The sauce was great and was definitely the star of the meal! It a little spicy and rich in heavy cream. The Chicken was fried to perfection and was not too thick. The mashed potatoes were buttery and creamy was able to tone down the spiciness of the Chipotle sauce. I loved my dish! The portion was just a little too big for me so I ended up with a doggy bag at the end of my meal.

The table shared a side of Mac and Cheese. It was perfectly cheesy and baked in the oven with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It was DELICIOUS. This is how Macaroni and Cheese should be done!

The Desserts:

Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich - Yes, you saw it correctly- that's a Pound Cake my friend! Not a cookie! This dessert is pretty amazing in theory but was way too rich for me. A Pound Cake is too much in my opinion and should be enjoyed by itself. Perhaps if it was a little thinner in slice then it would've been enjoyable.

The Chocolate Molten Cake - this dessert was so delish! A perfect ending to my meal. The Chocolate Cake was warm, sweet, and gooey and the Ciao Bella Vanilla Ice Cream just made it better with every bite. It was addicting and soooo good!

Overall, the food was delicious! You bet that we were really stuffed at the end of the night with all the food that we ordered. It's a bit pricey but from experience I know that an entree dish is good for two people to share. Lighting was also a bit too dim for my poor eyes and the food wait took awhile to arrive which made it a mediocre experience. Nevertheless if you have time and you want to try something different from the usual Italian restaurants in Bay Ridge, then this place is for you. Also heard that they have affordable and amazing weekend brunch... I'll have to try it out one weekend!

Cebu Bar & Bistro

8801 3rd Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11209
718.492.5095

www.cebubrooklyn.com

p.s.

Thank you for all the Birthday wishes via phone call, text, Twitter and Facebook! :)

MUSIC: A Fresh Beet from Schrute Farms

2010-10-17T11:37:00.001-04:00

So recently I've been watching The Office and have been super hooked to this incredible show. Then yesterday I was listening to Mick Boogie and Terry Urban's Sirius Radio show, "The Press Play Show" and heard this blend of Lil' Wayne's "Hustler Musik" acapella (from The Carter II) with The Office's theme song! OMFG how genius is this and where the hell was I when it dropped 6 months ago?! I'm really digging this joint produced by Los Angeles producer Clockwork- anything Hip-Hop combined with a clever movie or tv show theme is a plus to me (like Jayelectronica's "Act 1: Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge)" and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). What a great blend and a definite plus in my iPod playlist! Anyway, we all know that Dwight K. Schrute loves beets, but I'm sure he'll love this beat even more! ;) HAH!

Dwight K. Schrute Vs. Weezy – Office Musik (Clockwork Edit) by Hypetrak

LINK: Hypetrak

Follow Me @Foodspotting.com!

2010-10-12T11:10:00.004-04:00

I can't help it, I LOVE food. I take pictures of the food I've eaten and store it on my iPhone and computer as my trophies... Is that sick or what?! Well I think it's pretty normal if you love food right? Well guess what- I've discovered a new community with this same belief through Foodspotting... :P

I discovered the Foodspotting app for my iPhone last week and I've been hooked ever since! Do you usually twitpic your food like I do? Then this app is for you! It's like everyone's twitpics of just FOOD! Its super easy... just sign up, 'spot' your food, upload your picture through your phone or web, name the food, add the name of the restaurant or establishment and you're done! It's a virtual diary of the food you eat and the restaurants you've eaten in.. simply genius! Also, if you're like me and have a hard time deciding what to eat for take out- you can search for food that are near you or search for specific restaurants to see what people have already tried. It's a great tool to help you make a foodie decision. I love it!

I like this app so much that I've uploaded pictures of ALL the food on my iPhone and got ranked #4 this week! Check me out on the picture above! ;)

So what are you waiting for? Download this fun app and make sure to follow me @Foodspotting! This app will get much better as more food enthusiasts join to create a greater food library!

LINK: Foodspotting

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RECIPE: Mr. Fox's Meatloaf

2010-10-11T12:20:00.002-04:00

We had a weird craving for meatloaf this weekend so Mr. Fox and I decided to freestyle our own recipe and attempted to make our own version by combining both Italian and Classic meatloaf recipes that we found on the Internet. I must say, it was pretty good for our first run and came out really tasty. We were afraid that it would taste bland but to our surprise the meatloaf was bursting with flavor and our culinary experiment was a success! We couldn't just make meatloaf for dinner so we also decided to make oven roasted potatoes for a side dish and both paired of real well. Here's our recipe:

MEATLOAF INGREDIENTS:
1-1/2 .lb Ground Beef (we used sirloin because it is less fattier)
2 Large Eggs
1 c. Italian Flavored Breadcrumbs
4-6 Cloves of Garlic, chopped
1/2 Onion, chopped
1/3 c. Red Bell Pepper, chopped
1/3 c. Fresh Basil, chopped
1/3 c. Fresh Parsley, chopped
2 tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
Ketchup (Optional)

-- Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
-- Take a sauté pan and place 2 tbsp of olive oil until it's hot. When hot enough, place the chopped garlic, onion and red bell pepper mix on the pan and stir until cooked. Put aside when finished and let the ingredients cool on the pan.
-- Take a big mixing bowl and break up the ground beef with a fork. Add the two large eggs and a cup of Italian flavored bread crumbs and mix accordingly.
-- Take the cooked garlic, onion and red bell pepper mix and add it to the meat mixture and mix.
-- Add chopped Basil and Parsley on the bowl and mix again.
-- Season the meat by sprinkling Salt and Pepper (to your liking) on the bowl and mix.
-- Take a baking loaf pan and spread the meat mixture on the pan. (NOTE: We used 5 individual baby loaf pans for individual serving and portion control). Make sure not to over fill your loaf pan and leave some room. Place loaf pan on a flat baking sheet or pan and place inside the oven.
-- Bake in the oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 mins (depending on your oven) until brown and cooked.
-- Let pan cool for 15 minutes
-- Slice, Serve with or without Ketchup and Enjoy!

GARLIC ROASTED POTATO INGREDIENTS:
6 Medium Sized White Potato (quarter sliced)
4 Cloves of Chopped Garlic
1/3 c. of Chopped Fresh Parsley
3 tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

-- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
-- Grab a mixing bowl and place cut potatoes.
-- Drizzle Olive oil.
-- Add chopped garlic and parsley on the mix.
-- Season with Salt and Pepper to your liking.
-- Mix ingredients with spoon accordingly.
-- Grab a baking sheet and spread potatoes evenly.
-- Place in oven to cook for 1 to 1-1/2 hours depending on how crispy you would like them turn out.
-- Cool for 15 minutes.
-- Enjoy!

Bon Appetit!

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DESSERT: Oreo Goodness at Martha's Country Bakery in Astoria

2010-10-10T12:26:00.003-04:00

Was finally able to swing by Martha's Country Bakery at 37th and Ditmars Boulevard yesterday for dessert. Mr. Fox and I decided to go down the Oreo route out of everything in the menu. Here's what we ended up ordering:

Mr. Fox's Oreo Crunch Cupcake. The frosting was amazing and comparable to his favorite cupcake, Cookies And Cream from Crumbs Bakeshop. His only complaint is that the cake is airy and not as fluffy and moist as it should be according to his standards. Overall, the cupcake was delicious for its size and $2.25 price.

For my dessert, I ordered the Oreo Mousse Layer Cake- chocolate cake bottom layer, a generous layer of vanilla mousse with Oreo bits, another layer of chocolate cake then topped with fresh whipped cream. It was really creamy and rich. The mousse made the cake delicious but was a little overwhelming for me after eating it for awhile. If the cake was smaller in size then I would've been able to finish it, or perhaps if they made the cake and mousse in equal proportion it would have been much more enjoyable. But over all not bad for $4.50. This dessert would be perfect for mousse lovers.

Overall, Martha's Country Bakery is a great place for all kinds of sweets. They have a wide variety to choose from like cupcakes, specialty cakes, pies, cookies, puddings, sorbet and gelato, hot pies, pastries and any hot or cold beverage you can imagine. There's indoor and outdoor (seasonal) seating with a 30 minute table limit. The prices are also really affordable. It has a quaint ambience and friendly staff that will keep you coming back for their amazing sweet treats!

Martha's Country Bakery
3621 Ditmars Blvd
Astoria, NY 11105
718.545.9737
www.marthascountrybakery.com

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DESSERT: Homemade Tomato Soup Cupcake With Mascarpone Frosting

2010-10-04T11:50:00.002-04:00

So on Friday my boss tells me about this Tomato Soup Cupcake with Mascarpone Frosting recipe that she has. She's really into making 'healthy' desserts that taste good (she gave me some tasty Lentil Cookies before). First thing on my mind when I heard the words 'tomato' and 'cupcake' was that this gnarly combo definitely won't mix well together. I asked her to bring me a cupcake when she finally bakes it out of curiosity. Anyway, she proved me wrong today. Tomato Soup Cupcake isn't bad at all! When I took my first bite I was hesitant but when it reached my taste buds I kept wanting to eat more. The best part is that my boss forgot to tell that it was made with whole wheat flour and apple sauce was used as a substitute instead of sugar before I ate it! The dessert just got healthier in my opinion... The verdict? It definitely tastes like tomato BUT the flavor is very subtle. Just imagine eating a carrot cake-- you can taste the carrots, you know it has carrots but you know it tastes good so you keep on eating it! Anyway, the cake itself has the consistency of a loaf rather than a cupcake but I blame it on the whole wheat flour. I think it could be fluffier and moist if she used regular flour and a little more baking soda to help it rise in the oven. I didn't taste the apple sauce but you can taste some sweetness to the cake. The Mascarpone frosting was delish... simple, smooth, sweet and creamy. I like this type of frosting better than cream cheese frosting so it made the dessert even better. Overall, this home made Tomato Soup Cupcake came out excellent. I think I found a new substitute to Carrot Cake.. HA! Lesson learned is don't underestimate ingredients in desserts because it's endless! I wonder when my boss will make another batch... heheh!

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EATS: Petey's Burgers in Astoria

2010-10-04T10:16:00.002-04:00

Mr. Fox and I found this new burger spot called Petey's Burgers on 30th Avenue in Astoria this past Saturday. All I can say is, Five Guys- move over! I really enjoy traditional burger and fries and this is as good as it can get. I opted for the #5 Petey Melt Combo meal for $7.79... Got to love quality for a low cost!

Hand peeled shoe string fries cooked in 100% vegetable oil. It was perfectly salted and really crispy. It has the golden appeal and salty goodness similar to Mc Donalds fries and the crunchiness and flavor of Burger King fries. The serving is perfect- not too much, not too little and comes in an adorable little bag.

Now the main attraction, Petey's Melt! A toasted sour dough bun, two slices of American cheese, a hamburger beef patty, grilled onions and Petey's special sauce.

If a grilled cheese sandwich and a cheeseburger had a baby, this would be their little bundle of joy! The burger was so good. The grilled onions made it seem as if I were eating a Philly cheese steak. The meat was juicy, moist and very flavorful- reason being is because this fine establishment does not serve frozen patties. Everything is made fresh. The sour dough bun is great too because it was toasted (how I like my bread) and thin. I love the packaging too because it makes eating the burger easier and catches all the oozing melted cheese and grease. I guess the only thing I didn't like was its greasiness but thats expected for most hamburgers so I should stop complaining. :-X Nevertheless, I was satisfied at the end of my meal.

Mr. Fox ordered a vanilla milk shake which I tasted. It was creamy and frothy. I personally think it's ok. It was too liquified for my taste. For a $3.99, I could do without it. I prefer Bare Burger's milk shake instead for a dollar more.

Overall the experience was great. Our meals cost less than $20 and we both enjoyed our food. I also love their simple menu and ingredients and I'm glad that the sizing isn't absurd-- I really like that. I've also read that most food blogs have been comparing this to the world renowned In-N-Out Burger from the West Coast, maybe because the owner lived out west and maybe because of the restaurants' colors... But you should decide for yourself and be the judge of that! ;) Cheap eats and amazing food!

Petey's Burgers
30-17 30th Avenue
Astoria, NY 11102
718.267.6300
www.peteysburger.com

DESSERT: Green Tea Pudding

2010-09-29T11:17:00.001-04:00

Got this new and yum-o Green Tea Pudding Dessert at Cafe Zaiya inside the Kinokuniya Bookstore by Bryant Park last week. It's basically like a Green Tea custard with a smear of red bean paste and bits of Mochi with sweet milk to drizzle. I really love the sweet milk that comes with this dessert. It's a better alternative to whip cream in my opinion and it kind of reminds me of the caramelized sugar in flan. All the sweetness on top of the custard balances the green tea matcha flavored pudding. This dessert is creamy yet light. I also like its size portion because they don't give you too much or too little and is also affordable at $3 a cup. A perfect little deelish Green Tea Dessert! ;)

Cafe Zaiya

1073 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10018

212.764.6785

www.zaiyany.com

CANDY: Pretzel M&M's

2010-09-22T16:14:00.003-04:00

After reading my post on the Coconut M&M's, my buddy @AlmightyDJKo told me to try the Pretzel M&M's next and shortly after gifted me FOUR bags after insisting that it was pretty damn amazing. As soon as I returned to the office from my lunch break today, I opened a bag and KO wasn't kidding, it is GREAT and way better than the Coconut M&M's! I had mentioned before that Crispy M&M's were one of my favorite flavors and this new flavor is equivalent in taste and texture but a little saltier (funny how both flavors are sold in the blue package!). Not to mention, a bag is only 150 calories and 5 grams of fat which makes it a good sweet indulgence! No guilt after finishing a whole bag at all!! The M&M pieces are also double the size of a plain M&M because there is an actual crunchy pretzel ball covered with chocolate then the candy covered coating. You get that "crunchy, salty, sweet" mix on your taste buds as Mars had advertised- they weren't lying. The best part of it all is it is under a dollar, only $0.75 a bag! This candy is a definite win! I LOVE it. I'll be sure to hold on to my remaining three bags and save them for a rainy day. Hope Mars decides to keep this flavor on the market... because I like it A LOT! ;)

Thanks again to @AlmightyDJKO for the candy treats. An early Halloween treat for me! ;)

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Chanel #509 - 'Paradoxal' Nail Polish

2010-09-14T14:23:00.002-04:00

I love getting my nails done. What about you ladies? For years and years I've been known for my trademark red nail polish that I would wear regardless the season. By the way, I started off with a red color from Bourjois then to Mac Cosmetics and now graduated to Chanel (first bottle was gifted by @keefwasheretoo). It's really hard for me to become fixated with a nail polish color. It's on my fingernails and I see it all the time so that would mean the color should be neutral to me and I have to LOVE it (my OCD kicking in). I would say that I only have a handful of colors that I would consider my favorites. I got this Chanel color at Macy's last week and was itching to get my nails done right after and all I can say it's love at first sight. The color is amazing! It's a rich and creamy plum color that somewhat looks like a grey in the dark but if you look closely in direct sunlight it has a plum metallic shimmer that pops. Does that make sense? If it doesn't then I guess that's because the color is truly "Paradoxal" to the eye! You can never quite interpret its color- it changes like a purple chameleon. This color looks great and is sure to match my Fall wardrobe. I thought paying over $10 for a bottle of nail polish was ludicrous and now that I've finally graduated to a $25 (with NY state tax) bottle of Chanel nail polish- I have no regrets. I'll gladly pay more than double for timeless color and quality lacquer that doesn't chip off in two days.

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CANDY: Coconut M&M's

2010-09-02T16:48:00.004-04:00

Picked up these Coconut M&M's yesterday. I usually like young coconut ('Buko' for the Filipino readers) which is the one with the green shell usually grown in the tropics, not the typical brown one that you see in the US. Anyway, I tried these new M&M's and it's totally not what I expected. I thought there would be coconut shavings mixed in the chocolate under the candy covered shell but there wasn't (I figured this wouldn't be the case anyway because of pricing since a small bag is only costs $0.99)! It's actually coconut flavored chocolate which is amazing because sometimes it's kind of gross to be still chewing on coconut shavings after the chocolate has already melted in your mouth. The coconut flavor is subtle and it doesn't taste as weird as it sounds. It doesn't have a bad after taste either. I wouldn't consider this my favorite flavor M&M's but I'd definitely buy it again if I have any sort of coconut craving. I also think the color combo- white, green and brown is perfect. There's also a hibiscus flower around the 'M' on some of them which is a super cute touch! If you like or better yet, love coconuts- this new flavor is for you!

P.S. Just in case you're wondering, my top 3 favorite M&M's are: 1) Original 2) Peanut 3) Crispy (discontinued)

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TRAVEL: New York Aquarium - Brooklyn, NY

2010-08-29T19:24:00.000-04:00

It was beautiful in New York this weekend so Mr. Fox and I had to take advantage of Summer's last hurrah by visiting the New York Aquarium in Brooklyn. I haven't been here for years and going back as an adult gave me a different perspective on how much I enjoy marine life. Here's some pictures from our visit:

The Aquarium is just an amazing place to be. It's fun and educational- great for all ages. I really enjoyed my visit. My highlight was the walrus and the penguins. I was kind of upset the touch pool was closed, but nevertheless it was great seeing marine life up close. We also viewed the 4D Planet Earth: Shallow Seas show (additional $4) which was pretty cool. There's several exhibits and attractions to see. The New York Aquarium is a great place to visit if you're willing to wander out of Manhattan- plus, the Coney Island Boardwalk is just next door if you're looking for a fun-filled day!

New York Aquarium

602 Surf Avenue

Brooklyn, NY

718.265.3474

www.nyaquarium.com

EATS: A Salt & Battery - Fish & Chips

2010-08-24T22:18:00.004-04:00

Fish & Chips- how I love thee! I'm a huge fried fish fan and when it's time to chow down, it's most perfect companion is my other all time fave- fries or as the British would call it, chips! Finally went to A Salt & Battery in Greenwich Village for dinner with the bestie @williamyan today and it was as I described it to Will verbatim- AMAZINGLY GOOD.

We ordered the small fish and shrimp combo to share.

Fried Fish and Shrimp perfection!

The fish was fresh, deep-fried in vegetable oil goodness, light, crispy and not soggy (like the bad kind of fish and chips- yuck!). The shrimp was also super crunchy and flavorful because the same batter used on the fish! My only complaint is that the fries were a little soggy as I would've preferred it to be crunchier BUT the tartar sauce for dipping sauce made up for it! The sauce wasn't heavy and I could taste the dill and it had some bite to it because of the relish. If you don't like tartar sauce, malt vinegar is also an available condiment. Another crowd pleaser seems to be the mushy peas (note to self: get this next time too!) since almost everyone eating inside was eating this side. The meal was incredible and this is as authentic as it can get outside the UK (if not, BETTER.. yeah, I said it!).

Also saw my college friend, Marisa who happened to be ordering this scrumptious dessert, Fried Mars Bar (say what?!?). She claims to get this each time she visits the eatery so it must be delicious and addictive!

This place is great! I will definitely be a repeat customer- Friendly staff and amazing eats is all it takes for me to come back! Don't let the name fool you- you will be coming back for more A Salt & Battery once you try it! ;)

P.S. They also offer different kinds of fish fry- pollock, haddock, sole and whiting. What great variety!

A Salt & Battery
112 Greenwich Avenue
(12th and 13th Streets)
212.691.2713
www.asaltandbattery.com

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DESSERT: Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie in Red Hook

2010-08-22T14:39:00.002-04:00

Hey Dexter- Remember when Camilla put you on a search for the best Key Lime Pie while she was on her death bed? Well you should've sailed your boat down to Pier 41 for Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie in Red Hook, Brooklyn!

Who would've thought that behind these doors you would find the most incredibly delicious Key Lime Pie hands down.. and it's not even in Florida! It's in Brooklyn!

It is PERFECTION- light, sweet, smooth and creamy, tart (but not too tart) with a crumbly Graham Cracker crust! After each bite, you crave for more. Actually- I'm craving it as I write this blog post! It is so good.

Price List is as follows:

10" Pie - $25

8" Pie - $15

4" Tart - $4

Swingle - $5

I think next time I visit, I want to try the Swingle, a chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick! Doesn't that sound amazing? Most of the people eating outside were enjoying a Swingle so it must be the customer favorite!

You can devour your pie on the small table outside or you can walk around with a Swingle in your hand and enjoy the view of the water.

This place is definitely a hidden gem under its industrial looking facade. If you're around Red Hook and craving something amazing and sweet.. head on over to Steve's! You will not regret it! If you've never tasted a Key Lime pie, try it here and you will fall in love with it and other pies will never taste the same.

Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie

204 Van Dyke Street

(between Conover and Van Brunt St)
Brooklyn, NY 11231

718.858.5333

www.stevesauthentic.com

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EATS: Ping's Restaurant in Elmhurst

2010-08-22T11:31:00.002-04:00

After a fun night in the city the night before, my Chinese brother @williamyan and sister @JustineDori decided to meet up with me for dim sum at Ping's Restaurant in Elmhurst, Queens yesterday morning. It's been awhile since I had some authentic dim sum (I usually go to Chinatown in the city)... how could I say no? It was my first time dining with someone who speaks the Cantonese language (Will) so picking food was much easier this time around instead of playing a food guessing game as the ladies pushed their cart around trying to explain what's inside the steaming bamboo basket. Here's what we ended up ordering:

Spare Ribs in black bean sauce (top), Steamed shrimp dumplings (middle), and Chicken feet with black bean sauce (bottom). I tried the two before but the chicken feet is a first for me. I remember seeing these in palengkes (Filipino food market) in the Philippines where they would barbecue it in a skewer and they called it "Adidas" because a chicken has three toes and the Adidas brand is known for the three stripes... Get it? Anyway I never tried it back then so I decided to try it now. I thought it would be gross but it was surprisingly good. I see it being a texture issue for most people since it's a bit chewy and gelatinous and you are chewing on bones but it definitely acquired its robust flavor from the black bean sauce. It wasn't a bad first. I don't think I can stomach eating steamed chicken feet by itself in all honesty, but if you can mask it with a tasty sauce like this one then I'd definitely eat it.

Ahh... My usual favorite, steamed rice noodle with baby shrimp inside topped with a sweet tasting soy sauce! Super light and the sauce is killer! A "must" during dim sum!

Ok this one is dish that can be submitted to thisiswhyyourefat.com... It's deep fried shrimp wrapped in bacon with mayonnaise on the side. I tried it of course out of curiousity- I know it looks wild and it tasted really oily but if you're a bacon lover, this is something for you to try. It's a bit on the heavy side for me. Not something I'd order again...

Last but not least... Deep fried taro dumplings!!! I've been searching for this for a long time. Can you believe I never knew what this was until yesterday? Every time I get into a dim sum discussion with people, I ask them about this dish and call it "birds nest" because that's what it looks like! Doesn't it? It was just one of those things that I ate and never knew what it was. :-X Anyway. I love it! It's crunchy when you first bite into it then you chew on the soft taro inside. Delicious! I'm such a sucker for crunchy food.

Hot Chrysanthemum tea.. the perfect dim sum drink!

One of the ladies walking around offering dishes from table to table...

The manager smiled for me! He was nice and was telling me to take more pictures of food. ;) Thanks!

When it comes to dim sum, I think you need to have an acquired palate for foods that are considered delicacies in other countries. We could have played it safe and picked out foods we're familiar with- but what's the fun in that? I thank my parents for teaching me how to eat with an open mind and this is the attitude I bring when it comes to chowing down on some yummy dim sum. Thanks to Will and Justine for being such awesome foodie hosts and bringing me to Ping's. The food was delicious and very affordable for brunch. Hooray for Yum Cha!

Ping's Restaurant

8302 Queens Boulevard

Elmhurst, NY 11373

718.396.1328

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EATS: Bare Burger in Astoria

2010-08-15T20:00:00.002-04:00

After passing by this eatery on 31st Ave. in Astoria numerous times and a referral by my friend Jihyun, Mr. Fox and I finally gave Bare Burger a visit yesterday. There's nothing wrong with craving a good burger once in awhile and Bare Burger definitely hit the spot! Everything on the menu is organic and I was most excited about the variety of bare burger meats that they serve: Piedmontese Beef, Turkey, Grilled Chicken, Veggie, Portabella Mushroom, Bison, Elk, Ostrich and Lamb which can be served on a Brioche or Seven Grain Bun.

Of course because I'm an adventurous eater, I had to try the Lamb Bareburger- Well done Lamb Burger, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions and cucumber mint yogurt with french fries.

It tastes like a gyro in a burger! I really liked the caramelized onions and the especially the cucumber mint yogurt because it didn't make lamb taste too overwhelming. The vegetables were fresh and the Brioche bun was light. I loved my burger!

Now my FAVORITE part of my meal, the French fries!! They cooked it in peanut oil (a la Five Guys) and the portion was pretty big. I like how they left the skin for extra flavor.

I also love my dipping sauces- so I tried two for $0.35 each: orange and ginger mayo as advised by the waitress (left) and spicy chipotle mayo (right). I liked the orange ginger mayo the best. It tasted a bit more on the ginger side with a hint of orange. The spicy chipotle mayo was ok but it tasted more like taco mix and mayo mixed together.

Mr. Fox had the Original Bareburger- Well done Piedmontese Beef burger with Monterey Jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, raw red onion, and special sauce.

And of course you can't go to a burger joint without having a milkshake! So we shared a Vanilla shake. I liked the bits of vanilla bean floating around. It was rich, thick and creamy.

Awesome Bear decor on the wall of our booth.

Hanging chandelier made out of spoons!

A garage door that opens up to extend outdoor seating.

Overall it was a great dining experience! If you want amazing burgers, head on over to Bare Burger in Astoria (N Train to Broadway or 30th Ave)! It's a bit on the pricey side but expect to get quality for the price. I can't wait to try the Bison and Elk meat next time. Also rumor is that there will be a Bare Burger opening in the Greenwich Village in the city... I'm sure it'll be a hit! I highly recommend this joint.

BARE BURGER
3321 31st Avenue
Astoria, NY 11106
718.777.7011
www.bareburger.com

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RECIPE: Dave's Margherita Porgy

2010-08-15T18:03:00.002-04:00

Last week, I had the opportunity to eat my friend Dave's fresh catch of the day, a Porgy fish from Jamaica Bay. I was there as he scaled and filleted the fish until it was time to cook! He made up his recipe from the top of his head with ingredients he is most familiar with and came up with this recipe for his amazing Margherita Porgy.

Ingredients:
Porgy fillet
Eggs
Panko Bread crumbs
Tomato
Basil Leaves
Chopped onion
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Olive oil
Salt and Pepper

1. Grab a pan and take your Porgy fillet and dip it in egg.
2. Cover the entire fillet with Panko Bread Crumbs.
3. Add chopped basil and chopped onion on top of the breaded fillet.
4. Place tomato slices on the fillet.
5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan Cheese.
5. Drizzle Olive Oil.
6. Sprinkle salt and pepper to your liking.
7. Bake fish in the oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

The fish was delicious and is a simple and quick recipe! As a side dish, Dave also made Rosemary Red potatoes to compliment the meal. Overall, the fish was cooked to perfection and I loved the crunch from the Panko. Until the next catch! Thanks to Dave for sharing an amazing meal. ;)

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TRAVEL: Rincón Lighthouse, Puerto Rico

2010-08-01T11:37:00.005-04:00

I just love lighthouses. Today Mr. Fox and I wandered off a few kilometers from our Villa and discovered the Rincón Lighthouse. It has a wonderful view of Rincón's shoreline perfect for picture taking on a sunny day. It is also an amazing location to score some hand made souvenirs made by locals. If you're looking for more activities around the area, horseback riding is also offered nearby. It's a great place to unwind and enjoy the scenery.

Thanks to Mr. Fox for some of the snap shots.

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EATS: Starfruit from the Tropics

2010-07-27T23:49:00.001-04:00

I ate a starfruit today that we picked from the tree. I haven't seen a starfruit for a minute. This fruit takes me back to my childhood in the Philippines where we call it "balimbing". It's only grown in Tropical Islands which is why we don't see this in the United States. It's best when it's ripe and yellow with a little brown around the edges. Try not to eat the green ones though because it'll taste a bit tart. It's waxy and kind of has the texture of a pear- very light and crispy. I did remove the seeds because it was a bit slimy but the meat of the fruit is very juicy and delicious. Yum!

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DRINK: Gasolina - Urban Blends

2010-07-27T21:49:00.002-04:00

My boy @bosshog139 told me to look for this drink called Gasolina in Puerto Rico. It's a cocktail drink packaged in an aluminum-like tetra pak like a Capri-Sun. Say whaa? No glass? Just an alcoholic sippy pack? I'm down! So as soon as we got off the plane I was on the look out for it and the ads were EVERYWHERE. I asked Juny where to buy the drink and he said, "the gas station"- how ironic! So after a visit to the local gas station, we finally found it.

The original "Gasolina: High Octane Rum Cocktail" made with rum, tequila and fruit juice. I tasted this one first. It's pretty strong and tastes similar to a nutcracker from Uptown. I'm not going to lie though, it goes down a little rough. Not bad though. It's also kind of funny how there's a straw inside of the pack. If you check out the upper right hand corner, you see the fuel sign and where you insert the straw. Funny!

Then we also saw this new flavor called "Seabreeze" made with pink grapefruit, cranberry and vodka. I actually like this one better. It's lighter but still strong. I guess this flavor is made more for the ladies if they can't handle the 'gasolina'... Haha.

And in Puerto Rico, 18 is the legal drinking age so get your drink on! Available for $1.35/pc and $10.99 for a 10-pack.

Gasolina: Urban Blends
www.gasolinadrink.com

What up to Cassidy and thanks for picking up the 10-pack Seabreeze!

P.S. Does anyone know if the Daddy Yankee "Gasolina" song came before or after this drink was put out on the market? *ponder*

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TRAVEL: Rincón, Puerto Rico

2010-07-26T23:21:00.004-04:00

So my travelmates and I finally arrived at Rincón yesterday and were finally settled in. Rincón is located on the western shore line of Puerto Rico and is approximately 2 hours away from the capital, San Juan. I can't believe how picturesque this location is! Doesn't it look like it came straight from a post card? The beach is right behind our rental home and the view from the house is simply magnificent and indescribable- it's so surreal. I can't believe I'm here! If you're in Puerto Rico and willing to go beyond San Juan to explore, Rincón is the place to be. It's well known for its beautiful surfing beaches and perfect sunsets. The snapshots will describe it all...

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EATS: Kiosko El Boricua - Pinoñes, Puerto Rico

2010-07-25T00:19:00.002-04:00

So it's Day 2 of my vacation in Puerto Rico and so far so good! Our first stop was at Kiosko El Boricua in Pinoñes. I asked what's for breakfast and our hospitable hosts said, "bacalaitos and medalla beer". So we headed over to this roadside for some cheap eats and it was amazing! When locals buzz about eateries, you know it's got to be real good...

The food is fresh and prepared in front of your eyes!

They also barbecue on the grill.

The menu. Can you see how cheap the food is?!? For $7 or less, you will be extremely full with a happy belly. I know I was! ;)

$1 Medalla beer to guzzle on while you eat your food. This beer is pretty damn good. Very light and amazingly refreshing for a beer!

My meal:
1) alcapurrias - crab meat (jueyes) or meat (carne) stuffed inside a plantain and deep-fried. It was real crispy when you bite into it. And the meat inside was savory. It's real filling and a bit on the heavy side.
2) bacalaito - fried bacalao fish. It was super thin, crunchy, flavorful and light! The only downside is it was super greasy. Wish I would've wiped it down with tissue before eating but nevertheless it was my favorite out of the two. This is definitely one of the best fried fish I've ever tried.

Jueyes Alcapurria! Mmm.. Crabmeat!

Overall it was a wonderful experience. Great eats for such an affordable price. Be sure to come early though because the line can be extremely long and it's not something I would consider as "fast food" but at the end of it all... The food is worth the wait!

Kiosko El Boricua - Pinoñes, Puerto Rico by Las Playas Aviones
787.996.1100

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EATS: Mitsuwa Marketplace in Edgewater, NJ

2010-07-13T12:41:00.005-04:00

Want to experience what it's like to be in a supermarket in Japan where you can buy groceries and then grab a bite to eat? Check out Mitsuwa Marketplace in Edgewater, NJ! My family and I decided to troop out to NJ for a post July 4th gathering a few weeks back and it was such a great idea! Mitsuwa has an amazing supermarket and a great variety of eats in a big cafeteria space. Groceries are quite on the expensive side but the food is great for the price!

Here's my fatty foodie journey:

I walked around and checked out all the wax food displays to see what I was in the mood for... My stomach was thinking "uhh.. I want EVERYTHING! Duh?"

I made my choice! Kayaba it is!

What's for late lunch? Pork Tonkatsu Don! They serve it with salad (with a mayo dressing), miso soup, pickled veggies and a slice of orange to finish your meal.

What's a Tonkatsu Don? Deep-fried pork cutlet topped with egg and toppings on a bed of rice.

Overall the food was good. I'd say the best part is the price. Kabaya gives you a lot for about $7. I've tasted better Tonkatsu but I think it was the experience that made the my food experience worth it. I'd go again next time and perhaps try the Chicken Karagi or the Shrimp Tempura Udon Bowl.

It was so hot that day! Especially after eating so I cooled off with a soft serve green tea ice cream! ;)

Then I walked around and discovered Japanese candy land! Woo!! I was good. I only bought one thing! :P Besides the candy, they have an amazing assortment of fresh seafood for sashimi. Sorry forgot to snap a pic!

Then when I walked out from the grocery and my cousins asked if I wanted a creamyaki. It's like a spongy cake filled with custard. How can I say no?

So I ate a half. It was good. The cake wasn't super sweet and the custard which tasted like egg and vanilla was really good. It was rich, creamy and super silky. The cake and filling inside was a good balance.

My godson Max liked it! Heheh.

Overall, what an awesome experience! I ate a whole lot that day! But at the end of it all, my belly and I were really happy. I mean, how can you turn down shopping and eating? I know I can't! :-X If you're a huge Japanese foodie like me, this place is a must. You can find everything here. Plus- Edgewater, NJ is a really nice area. So head on over while you can!

Mitsuwa Marketplace
595 River Road
Edgewater, NJ 07020
201.941.9113
www.mitsuwa.com

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