Surprise! Surprise!

I spent my Thanksgiving week on the hunt for the perfect apple pie to bring to Thanksgiving dinner. Obviously! Didn't everyone? Anyway, I had to find the the best apple pie in NYC, because, although I can cook up a storm, I can NOT bake to save my life!
My search took  me from bakery to bakery tasting slices of apple pie along the way.  And while on my journey of enjoying pie, I actually found something even better than all that pie put together.  Abandon Operation Apple Pie!!
I don't mind giving up on my original quest, because I found the best, most amazing, life changing, cinnamon bun.  Ahhhhh!  Can you hear the angels singing? You can't, because you haven't tasted it yet.
So you're wondering, where did I find this heavenly cinnamon bun, right? It was at Two Little Red Hens.
Two Little Red Hens is a cute little American bakery that has a variety of baked goods, including pies, cupcakes, muffins and biscuits. But the cinnamon bun takes the cake!

The cinnamon bun at Two Little Red Hens has large raisins and plenty of cinnamon and is covered is a sweet, buttery icing  It's served at room temperature, making it the perfect breakfast (or anytime) treat.  But here is the priceless tip...don't eat this bun at the bakery. Take it home and pop it in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Then enjoy it! And then, you can thank me!

Two Little Red Hens
1652 2nd Avenue @ 86th street
http://www.twolittleredhens.com/

Sucker for tacos

I am a sucker for tacos. But what about a fusion taco? Well a fusion of cultures is always great, and Korean Mexican fusion is no exception.  Korean BBQ refers to grilled beef, pork or chicken, typically marinated, and is usually served along with the most common Korean side dish, kimchi.  Kimchi is a mixture of fermented vegetables, such as cabbage and radish, that tends to be very spicy. There are a few popular trucks in NYC serving up Korean BBQ with a Mexican twist...but Korilla BBQ is by far my favorite. 
  I had the ribeye steak and spicy pulled pork tacos served over a corn tortilla with summer kimchi, monterey jack cheese, tomato salsa, and korilla sauce. The pork was the perfect amount of spicy and the rib eye has the most amazing flavor. The summer kimchi is right up my alley, mild, unlike traditional kimchi, but still adds a perfect crunch for the taco. What can I say? These tacos were so good, the three I had were not enough..I could have easily eaten three more.

Korilla's meat is in a league of it's own...the taste is unique and explosive. They have a huge variety in kimchi, giving the option to have your taco mild, or insanely spicy, or anywhere in between. Plus, the tiger striped truck is so cool!

So seriously, hunt down this truck. Whether Korean food is your thing or not, you'll enjoy this fusion of cultures!! Korilla BBQ does not disappoint!!


 Korilla BBQ now has three trucks serving NYC...and the best way to find them is on Twitter or Facebook.


http://korillabbq.com/

Num Pang!!

You know how I feel about sandwiches...I've told you before. But I think I have found a place that's top all others. Num Pang is a Cambodian sandwich shop serving up a variety of surprises...this is a something for everyone kind of place.
The sandwich shop is a cute little take out joint, with reasonably priced food, and an open kitchen, which makes me very happy.  They have two locations in NYC, one in midtown, the other near union square.

There are so many things on this menu I wanted to try but I thought it might be a bit glutinous to order six sandwiches for myself. But geez...it's so hard to decide, cut me some slack.
I tried the pulled duroc pork sandwich with spiced honey, the grilled skirt steak sandwich with crushed coriander and peppercorn, and the grilled corn on the cob. Both sandwiches were served on toasted, semolina flour baguettes, with cucumber, shredded pickled carrots, and chili mayo. The grilled skirt steak was tender and juicy. The pulled pork was mouth-watering. And the corn...OMG! This was my favorite part! I'm disappointed I only ordered one. It was grilled, smothered in spicy mayo, shredded coconut, chili powder with a hint of curry. Seriously, there is no way for me to describe to you how amazing this corn 

was...you just need to go try it yourself. (quick tip-order more than one!)

They also have a ginger barbecue brisket sandwich that I hear is excellent, and a coconut tiger shrimp sandwich that I can't wait to try. I'm definitely headed to Num Pang again this week. Maybe I'll bump into you there. I'll be the one at the counter balancing multiple ears of corn on my already stuffed tray!

Num Pang

140 E41st Street (bw Lexington & 3rd)

21 E12th Street

The Hangover Cure

There is nothing worse than the day after a great night...the payment for all the fun you had the night before...the hangover.  "You want to play, you have to pay" as my mother would say.  But i have something to ease your pain...the ultimate hangover cure.  
Gorilla Cheese NYC is one of NYC's most popular food trucks and they are serving the coveted hangover cure. Their specialty? The grilled cheese sandwich, of course! The menu consists of a long list of grilled cheese varieties, tater tots, mac & cheese bites, and creamy tomato soup.

I hunted Gorilla Cheese down when I was in desperate need of my own cure. I had the cheddar, crumbled bacon and tomato on wheat, with a side of tater tots. Oh boy!  It was everything a grilled cheese is supposed to be...buttery, crispy and stuffed with all the things I love.

Gorilla cheese NYC is casual and unpretentious...they are not trying to be some fancy shmancy truck...they are about grilled cheese, down and dirty...that's why I love them. Sure, you can have your grilled cheese with BBQ pulled pork, prosciutto, or caramelized onions...if you want. You can get dipping sauce for your grilled cheese, like balsamic glaze or sweet thai chile.  But in my opinion, there is nothing like the classic grilled cheese sandwich, and they serve it up perfectly!
Great job Gorilla Cheese...I am cured! ...until next time...




Check out their website or follow Gorilla Cheese NYC on twitter for mobile food locations.
http://gorillacheesenyc.com/

Want a Bite of My Crepe?

When I eat a crepe, I think it tastes different than when everyone else eats crepes. My crepe has different ingredients, a different taste and brings me a world of emotion that no one else experiences. Want to taste "my" crepe? I bet you do! Let me explain...

My first and most memorable crepe was eaten under the Eiffel tower. And when I eat a crepe any where, I feel like I am right back there, standing under the Eiffel tower with my husband...I bet yours doesn't taste like that, does it? The ingredients in my crepe are more than just some chocolate and strawberries; they are joy, passion, and good company.

I recently enjoyed a nutella and banana crepe at Bar Suzette’s booth at Mad. Sq. Eats on 25th & 5th (get there before they shut down, only open until oct. 21). It was nothing short of what a crepe should be…light, delicious, and satisfying.  Plus to top it off, I enjoyed this crepe, as it should be, amongst great company with my favorite cousins, who enjoy a good crepe as much as I do.

Seriously, a crepe should always start with nutella...anything else is a mistake. But Bar Suzette is serving up both sweet and savory crepes, ranging from nutella & coconut to cheeseburger. They also have the most amazing looking French fries, but I'll check that out next time. I was there for one reason only.

Their booth is very cool, with great music, friendly service, and a bit of alcohol, serving wine and prosecco.

Bar Suzette’s home base is their cash only creperie in the Chelsea Market food court.  Their menu is constantly changing…all the more reason to visit often.

So go check it out...order a crepe, take a seat and close eyes as you take the first bite. Imagine yourself...with your family, best friend, or better yet, the man (or woman) of your dreams, standing under the Eiffel tower. Now that's my crepe! Yum!

Bar Suzette: World Crepe Bar

Chelsea Market

425 W. 15th Street

My Big Fat Love Affair

Dear my darling husband, I confess...it's true! I'm having an affair. But my love affair with Fatty Crab shouldn't come in between us. I think we can find a way to make it work with all three of us together. Please consider the possibilities...

Dear reader, please don’t judge me. My husband is rather slim, and I have always had a thing for fat boys. That's why, when Fatty Crab arrived in my life, I couldn't just let it be a one time thing.

Fatty Crab has a group of restaurants and kiosks around Manhattan: Fatty Crab, Fatty Cue, and Fatty Snack.  Each has its own menu with a Southeast Asian base.  Fatty Snack has a southern twist and they currently have a booth set up at Madison Square Eats on 25^th St. & 5^th Ave.  They are serving a BBQ pulled pork bun that will make u reconsider previous relationships.

The BBQ pulled pork is a little oily, but it's spicy, and oh so tender. It's complimented with a pickle, which adds the perfect crunch. It's all served on a Chinese steamed bun that’s light, airy and slightly sweet. It almost tastes like nothing...the buns only purpose is to prevent you from grabbing fist-fulls of pork.  It's the perfect nest, allowing the pork to take center stage.

Well there it is! I’m finally free of my secret, and I want to shout it from the rooftop.

I'm in love with another, and I don't care who knows it.

You can find Fatty Snack at Madison Square Eats until October 21, or check out their website for all their locations.

Holy Lobster

I finally found it! The sandwich that has no peers. I have had many a sandwich in my day, every kind imaginable....so I like to think of myself of a sandwich pro.

So what's on this heavenly sandwich you ask?

Drum roll please...LOBSTER! Exactly! I know what you’re thinking right now. Do I really want lobster on a sandwich? Lobsters amazing and all, but does it belong on my sandwich? The answer is, “YES”! And after you try this version, you’re going to agree, there is no better place for a lobster.

The Red Hook Lobster Pound is serving up the most insane lobster roll I've ever had. I had the Maine style lobster roll, which is definitely the way to go since it's their specialty. They drive to Maine a few times a week to get fresh lobsters. Then they toss huge (and I mean HUGE!) chunks of lobster in a touch of mayo, celery and spices.  Now here's where they go completely above and beyond. They serve this lobster on the most delicious bread. This bread is also brought down from Maine, toasted, and buttered, and piled high with ¼ lb. of lobster meat.

It's amazing! The taste is fresh, and light, and ohhh so heavenly.

The Red Hook Lobster Pound’s home base is of course Brooklyn, serving tons of lobster rolls at various Brooklyn events.  They also have a mobile Lobster truck, that you can hunt down via twitter or their website.  But currently, they have a booth set up at Mad. Sq. Eats, daily from 11am-9pm, until October 21.  Madison Square Eats is an outdoor food fair at Madison Square Park at 23^rd & Madison Ave.  There is huge variety of food to try but The Red Hook Lobster Pound is surely the best bet. 

You've just got to try this miracle of a sandwich. It doesn’t get much better than this.

The Red Hook Lobster Pound

284 Van Brunt St

Brooklyn, NY

Desperately Seeking Taco

The Taco Truck’s slogan is "Eat More Tacos". Well I certainly want to!

The Taco Truck serves authentic Mexican street food, using organic and locally grown ingredients.  I visited The Taco Truck and was instantly turned into an admirer. The truck usually serves Hoboken and Jersey City, but if you are lucky enough, you can sometimes catch the truck making a rare appearance in Manhattan, if you say your prayers.  The Taco Truck also opened a storefront last year, in downtown Hoboken.  Geez, why is New Jersey so lucky…this makes me want to whine and stamp my feet a little. Can someone please tell The Taco Truck that Manhattan desperately wants to Eat More Tacos???

I had the pescado…A crispy catfish taco served on a tortilla, with red cabbage, pico de gallo, and chipotle salsa. The taco was smothered in Mexican tarter sauce, but I didn’t care. I dove in carelessly, leaving evidence of this joyous taco all over my face. Boy oh boy, it was mouth watering. I want another…like NOW!

I also had the special corn on the cob.  It was covered in mayo, butter and chili powder. I have been hearing a lot of praise and worship for this corn. Ehh… it was just ok. I don’t get what all the hype was about.

The Taco Truck recently won best food truck in NJ at the Vendy Awards. Now the taco, I get it, definitely award winning, but the corn, I don’t see it. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe my palette is not sophisticated enough to understand the beauty of this corn. But I think I'm a pretty good judge of character. And by character, I mean food. I wouldn't order this again. I was underwhelmed to say the least.

But the taco…ohhh, the taco…was enough to make me keep coming back…even if I do have to go all the way to New Jersey to get it.


The Taco Truck
62 Newark Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030

Patsy's Please!

Some people are born to change the world.  Some people are born to be leaders.  And some people have no particular purpose in life at all.

I…was born to eat. I have always thought I should be eating for a living, but never knew quite where to begin. 

Sometimes you need someone else to push you in a particular direction and make you see just what your talents are.  A great friend of mine just got done asking me what I was waiting for…well, I don’t know.  So here I am….

It’s only fitting that the first thing I write about is pizza.  Pizza is definitely my favorite food in the world.  I am Italian, and pizza is my comfort food.  It makes me happy and solves all my problems…for a moment anyway.

So this friend of mine and I, just got done eating at my favorite pizzeria of all time.  Patsy’s that is, on 1^st Avenue in Harlem.  Now, don’t go telling Louie & Ernie’s in the Bronx what I said.  They are definitely up there at number 2 for sure.  But I am passionate about Patsy’s…no comparison.

There are so many things that make me love Patsy’s.  First and foremost, the pizza.  I know they have other things on the menu but it’s honestly a complete waste of your time to go to Patsy’s and not go straight for the pizza.  “Pass go & collect $200” must be your mindset to eat here.  The second reason I love Patsy’s is the history.  My dad was raised in East Harlem, just a few blocks from Patsy’s.  When I am there, I imagine a time when my dad was just a little kid, walking to get a slice of pizza with his brother…doo wop music in the air, kids playing stick ball in the street.  I’m not sure if that’s exactly how it went, but I like to think of it that way.

Back to the pizza…the original pie is the best way to go.  It has a very thin crust with the perfect amount of cheese, light and tasty, and to be honest, you can’t get anything like it, anywhere else.  What sets this pie apart from others is the charred taste is gets from the coal oven.  It is absolute perfection!  If you are down for a second pie, go with the fresh mozzarella.  I am drooling just thinking about it!!

 Two slices is never enough here, like it would be in any other pizzeria.  Five!  That’s right, 5 slices is what I ate.  And I definitely could have gone for number 6 if my “friend” didn’t eat some too.  I have actually eaten an entire pie on my own once.  I know, I know…by now your imagining me…300 pounds, stuffing my face with an entire pie that usually feeds a small family.  That’s not exactly the case. I am a very thin person in fact…been called skinny a few times to say the least.  But I like to eat! And by some lucky stroke, I can pack away the food.

So head uptown for a slice, or better yet, a pie.  You will thank me!

Patsy's Pizzeria

2287 First Avenue

New York, NY 10035