Photoset
May 03, 2013
Beer, Wine, & Food


Sure, you can get these three things anywhere, but they are all at their best at Hamilton’s in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn.Typically, I am not one to travel to another borough for dinner, but I had the incentive of going for my brother’s birthday. Now, I am anxious my friends for the trip to enjoy Hamilton’s great selection of beer & wine and delicious, top-quality dishes.


To start, my mom and I ordered some glasses of wine to start the evening. We were shocked when the bartender quickly grabbed the wine glasses and started to pour it from the tap! At first, I was concerned the bartender mistook my Pinot Grigio for a Brooklyn Lager. I have never seen a restaurant with white and red wine on tap, and believe it or not, my wine was just as crisp and delicious as having it from the bottle. If beer and wine isn’t your thing, Hamilton’s also has an eclectic mix of soju drinks—a distilled rice liquor.


After we all relaxed with our drinks, we took a look at their simple menu. While it is limited, I still had trouble deciding what to choose! For appetizers, we went with their chicken wings with sriracha butter as well as asparagus with sour cream, chorizo, and bread crumbs (a special of the night). While the sriracha may scare you, I am telling you the moist chicken wings had the perfect amount of kick, and the asparagus with the cool sour cream served as a tasty cool down. For dinner, I went with their seared local hake—a nice flaky white fish with tasty melted leeks, roasted shitake and oyster mushrooms, and black olive oil. My mom also went with seafood, but she chose the special of the night—seared Massachusetts scallops with arroz verde and ramps (or wild leeks). Hamilton’s definitely got an A on their seafood test, but what about their meat? Luckily, the boys went with the turf instead of the surf—my dad picking the slow roasted beef brisket with mashed potatoes and roasted cauliflower and my brother deciding on the infamous grass fed burger with sweet and sour onions, aged white cheddar, and roasted potato wedges. Not to my surprise, Hamilton’s also passed with flying colors on their meat dishes—both options packed with flavor and cooked to perfection.


Well, since it is a birthday celebration after all, we obviously couldn’t turn down dessert. Since Hamilton’s has only two options, it was an easy choice—get both and share! Their flourless chocolate cake with sea salt was delectably rich—an instant crowd-pleaser for dark-chocolate lovers like myself. But, for those who don’t like chocolate, you can also get the whipped fresh ricotta cheesecake with oatmeal cookie crumble and raspberry sauce. It was light, creamy, and a sweet finish to a satisfying meal.


This restaurant definitely sets a higher standard for beer, wine, and food. Even though you may not live in Brooklyn where Hamilton’s is a quick subway ride away, I am telling you that this place is worth the ride no matter what borough you hail from.

Hamilton’s also has outdoor picnic tables (their “beer garden”) for those of you who like to enjoy brunch, dinner, or drinks in the sun!
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April 23, 2013
The Perfect Slice This post is way overdue, but it is certainly not too late to share with you the best red velvet cake I have ever tasted. Who deserves credit? Odessa Wade Lovell—owner of Dessa’s Delights in Belize. Not only was she an amazing host during my stay in Belize this past winter break, but she also spoiled me with her delicious cakes. While it makes me sad that she doesn’t have a bakery right here in New York City, I was lucky that she was willing to share her red velvet cake recipe. While I can’t promise it will be as good as when she makes it, it is certainly worth the shot! Ingredients (*makes two 9” round cakes) — 2 cups all-purpose flour — 1 tsp baking soda — 1 tsp baking powder — 1 tsp salt — 2 tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetened — 2 cups sugar — 1 cup vegetable oil — 2 eggs — 1 cup buttermilk — 2 tsp vanilla — 1-2 oz. red food coloring (*put more than you think you will need to avoid a brownish color) — 1 tsp white distilled vinegar — 1/2 cup prepared plain hot coffee (*the secret ingredient!) Directions Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Generously grease and flour two round cake pans with Crisco and flour. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the sugar and vegetable oil. Mix in the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla and red food coloring until combined. Stir in the coffee and white vinegar. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients a little at time, mixing after each addition, just until combined. Pour the batter evenly into each pan. Bake in the middle rack for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Do not over bake—the cake will continue to cook as it cools. Let cool on a cooling rack until each pan is warm to the touch. Slide a knife or offset spatula around the inside of each pan to loosen the cake. Remove the cake and let cool. Frost the cake with cream cheese frosting when the cakes have cooled completely. Top off with sliced almonds for a special touch.
The Perfect Slice


This post is way overdue, but it is certainly not too late to share with you the best red velvet cake I have ever tasted. Who deserves credit? Odessa Wade Lovell—owner of Dessa’s Delights in Belize. Not only was she an amazing host during my stay in Belize this past winter break, but she also spoiled me with her delicious cakes. While it makes me sad that she doesn’t have a bakery right here in New York City, I was lucky that she was willing to share her red velvet cake recipe. While I can’t promise it will be as good as when she makes it, it is certainly worth the shot!


Ingredients (*makes two 9” round cakes)

— 2 cups all-purpose flour

— 1 tsp baking soda

— 1 tsp baking powder

— 1 tsp salt

— 2 tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetened

— 2 cups sugar

— 1 cup vegetable oil

— 2 eggs

— 1 cup buttermilk

— 2 tsp vanilla

— 1-2 oz. red food coloring

(*put more than you think you will need to avoid a brownish color)

— 1 tsp white distilled vinegar

— 1/2 cup prepared plain hot coffee (*the secret ingredient!)


Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Generously grease and flour two round cake pans with Crisco and flour. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the sugar and vegetable oil. Mix in the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla and red food coloring until combined. Stir in the coffee and white vinegar. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients a little at time, mixing after each addition, just until combined. Pour the batter evenly into each pan. Bake in the middle rack for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Do not over bake—the cake will continue to cook as it cools. Let cool on a cooling rack until each pan is warm to the touch. Slide a knife or offset spatula around the inside of each pan to loosen the cake. Remove the cake and let cool. Frost the cake with cream cheese frosting when the cakes have cooled completely. Top off with sliced almonds for a special touch.

Photoset
April 21, 2013
All the Above


When picking a restaurant, which do you consider the most important? (a) Top-quality food at a reasonable price, (b) Tasty cocktails (& great happy hour specials), (c) Friendly and attentive service or (d) Pleasant and alluring ambience. Luckily, there is a gastropub out there that will give you it all.


The Ellington is making its debut on the Upper West Side, serving up crafty cocktails and delicious grub. I didn’t know about it until my friend Ariel suggested it. After researching its impressive press reviews, I knew it was worth a shot. Upon walking in, I instantly fell in love with its chic atmosphere—making me feel like I was secluded in a cozy bungalow far away from the busy city streets. Luckily, we arrived for dinner at the perfect time—happy hour. While I was set on trying one of their exotic cocktails, I could not refuse wine (served in your own personal carafe) and draft beers for only $4! As for the food menu, it showcases modern, flavorful options—ranging from comforting chicken wings and nachos, healthful flatbreads and salads, or sophisticated dishes like butternut squash risotto or pan-roasted salmon. Ariel and I split their brussels sprouts as an appetizer, which had a refreshing lemon taste. I decided on the half roasted chicken with fingerling potatoes, baby carrots, parsnips, and pan gravy. The chicken was so moist and seasoned perfectly with rosemary sprigs. Ariel had the bison burger with gorgonzola cheese and vanilla caramelized onions. I must say, after trying it, I am afraid a regular ol’ beef patty will no longer hit the spot. Not only did The Ellington pass the test on interior design, drinks, and food, but also was spot on in hiring enjoyable service that was neither pushy nor neglectful.


When it comes down to picking a place to eat, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice service for atmosphere or food for drinks. You deserve to have all the above…and the Ellington provides that. I have no doubt that as hype spreads, this place will be the next hot-spot for upper west siders—so hurry and grab a table before the wait list begins!

Believe it or not, this gastropub is till 4am every night of the week! Also, get ready for their outdoor seating during the summer months!
Photoset
April 09, 2013
Más tacos, por favor…


Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of Chipotle, but sometimes I am looking for something more authentic. Cascabel Taqueria is the place to go for some really fresh, delicious Mexican food.


Located on both the Upper West Side and Upper East Side, Cascabel Taqueria serves up traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist. Every day they offer a special—my favorite time of the week is Friday when they offer baja fish tacos. As you can easily tell by the picture, the tacos come piled high with huge pieces of lightly beer-battered tilapia with some crunchy cabbage carrot cumin slaw and spicy chipotle mayo. Hands down, probably the best fish tacos I have had (so far) in NYC. When I do not go to Cascabel on Fridays, I tend to go with their roasted shrimp tacos with fresh oregano, garlic, black beans, and red onion.


While all their tacos are equally delicious, I also recommend trying their other dishes, especially their sopa de tortilla—-a spicy and comforting soup with moist shredded chicken, mexican oregano, queso fresco, and a fried pasilla right on top. Furthermore, whatever you choose to eat, you must wash it down with one of the house margaritas. Ever try a cucumber cilantro margarita? What about a watermelon basil margarita? Cascabel has these unique concoctions and more for you to sip on.


So I know it’s hard to resist Chipotle, but when you are finally feeling adventurous, go to Cascabel Taqueria for a new, flavorful taste of Mexican cuisine (and delicious ‘ritas) that you can’t find just anywhere.

Cascabel Taqueria has a happy hour special from 3-7 on Monday-Friday where they have their margaritas for only $6 (beer and wine for $4) and appetizers for $4! Great for quick tapas and drinks on a spring afternoon!
Photoset
March 31, 2013
Late Morning Luxury


Until I moved into the city, I never knew the significance of brunch. Now, Saturday and Sunday mornings I am all about sleeping in and skipping the usual early breakfast routine to hold out for a grander meal. Recently, my friends and I went to Community Food & Juice for their top-notch brunch menu dedicated to free-range eggs and meats, local farm veggies, and fresh squeezed juices.


The menu has both breakfast and lunch options, but despite it being the afternoon, I chose the former and went with their vegetable frittata. It came out in a hot cast iron pan filled to the top with baked fluffy eggs with mild mushroom, wilted spinach, roasted tomatoes, and dollops of Lynnhaven local goat cheese. Talk about a great, yummy portion to keep you full all day. Larissa went with the community omelet with her choice of avocados, cheese, and tomatoes, as well as a side of their sweet potato fries. Seeing that this restaurant prides itself in healthy and fresh foods, their fries were baked instead. But, they were just as addicting, and seeing Larissa was forced to share with the rest of the table, I recommend you order your own helping. Lastly, Raph went for the in-between of breakfast and lunch items and decided on the B.E.L.T.—a delicious sandwich layered with large slabs of applewood smoked bacon, a fried egg, lettuce, tomato, and mayo between sourdough french toast served with a side of carrot hashbrowns.


The worst part about weekend brunch is the thought of having to go back to cereal and oatmeal during the work week. But then again, I guess that is what makes brunch so special. By going to Community Food & Juice, you definitely won’t be putting this weekend luxury to waste.

Community not only guarantees fresh and organic ingredients, but also can make many of the menu items dairy-free or gluten-free so even those with restrictions can enjoy a wholesome meal.
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March 15, 2013
Vietnamese Grub Sure, this looks like a plain ol’ sub, but it certainly isn’t your ordinary turkey sandwich or philly cheesesteak—it’s a bánh mì. A bánh mì refers to bread in Vietnam, but more importantly, it is the name for a Vietnamese sandwich. Down in St. Mark’s Place, Xe May Sandwich Shop is serving tasty sandwich combinations with Asian flair at cheap prices. Featured above is their signature Sidecar sub—grilled beefsteak with pineapple chutney, topped with the traditional condiments of fresh cilantro, pickled carrots, daikons, cucumbers, and chili mayo on a crispy whole-wheat baguette. I made mine extra spicy with jalapeño peppers and Sriracha sauce. It was my first time trying a Vietnamese sandwich, and I must admit—I think I found a new food addiction. After finishing it, I already wanted to order another one (or somehow convince them to deliver all the way uptown to Columbia). Next time you find yourself craving a satisfying sandwich, forget going to an Italian Deli and try out a bánh mì instead. I guarantee you won’t regret it. Not in the mood for a sandwich? Try out Xe May’s Vietnamese tacos or salads instead!
Vietnamese Grub


Sure, this looks like a plain ol’ sub, but it certainly isn’t your ordinary turkey sandwich or philly cheesesteak—it’s a bánh mì. A bánh mì refers to bread in Vietnam, but more importantly, it is the name for a Vietnamese sandwich. Down in St. Mark’s Place, Xe May Sandwich Shop is serving tasty sandwich combinations with Asian flair at cheap prices. Featured above is their signature Sidecar sub—grilled beefsteak with pineapple chutney, topped with the traditional condiments of fresh cilantro, pickled carrots, daikons, cucumbers, and chili mayo on a crispy whole-wheat baguette. I made mine extra spicy with jalapeño peppers and Sriracha sauce. It was my first time trying a Vietnamese sandwich, and I must admit—I think I found a new food addiction. After finishing it, I already wanted to order another one (or somehow convince them to deliver all the way uptown to Columbia). Next time you find yourself craving a satisfying sandwich, forget going to an Italian Deli and try out a bánh mì instead. I guarantee you won’t regret it.

Not in the mood for a sandwich? Try out Xe May’s Vietnamese tacos or salads instead!
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March 01, 2013
Quite the Luscious Loaf I know I have posted about meatloaf in the past, but it would be a shame not to give this recipe a spotlight as well. It is a healthier alternative that is packed with flavorful ingredients. I doubt you will be able to have just one slice… Ingredients Vegetable cooking spray 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs 1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1/4 cup chopped garlic-and-herb-marinated sun-dried tomatoes 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 eggs (room temperature), lightly beaten 2 tbsp whole milk (skim or soy milk works just as well) 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1 tsp freshly ground pepper 1 lb turkey, preferably dark meat (more flavor!) Directions Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, eggs, milk, feta, salt, and pepper. Add the turkey and gently stir to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat. Carefully pack the meat mixture into the prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. I have also done this recipe using goat cheese instead of feta—an alternative I liked even more!

Quite the Luscious Loaf


I know I have posted about meatloaf in the past, but it would be a shame not to give this recipe a spotlight as well. It is a healthier alternative that is packed with flavorful ingredients. I doubt you will be able to have just one slice…


Ingredients

Vegetable cooking spray

1/2 cup plain bread crumbs

1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1/4 cup chopped garlic-and-herb-marinated sun-dried tomatoes

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 eggs (room temperature), lightly beaten

2 tbsp whole milk (skim or soy milk works just as well)

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp freshly ground pepper

1 lb turkey, preferably dark meat (more flavor!)


Directions

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.


In a large bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, eggs, milk, feta, salt, and pepper. Add the turkey and gently stir to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat.


Carefully pack the meat mixture into the prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

I have also done this recipe using goat cheese instead of feta—an alternative I liked even more!

Photoset
February 24, 2013

Just Around the Corner


It is disappointing that many Columbia students don’t often venture up to 218th St. to support our athletic teams. But, what makes it even sadder is that they are also missing out on an amazing place to dine before or after the game! Indian Road Cafe is just around the corner of Baker Field in Harlem, and it is serving up quality drinks and food for fans.


Upon walking in, you almost forget you are in the city. It has a homey and quaint atmosphere resembling the comforting qualities of a general store. In the front is a big bakery case filled with homemade pastries and cookies, and small tables to enjoy a nice cup of joe. But, there is also a large sitting area with a full bar for those looking for a fulfilling meal. Their menu is comprised of a long list of wholesome dishes with plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians, and even gluten-allergic guests. I went with something very light—their winter salad with fresh fall greens, roasted pumpkin & sunflower seeds, sliced granny smith apples, dried cranberries, currants and calimyrna figs and dressed with a light & sweet white balsamic vinaigrette. It was so sweet and scrumptious that I can’t wait to try and make it myself at home. Diane got their spicy green thai curry with vegetables. It had the perfect level of spiciness and was filled with fresh carrots, asparagus, celery, onions, and brussel sprouts. Despite both these great choices, the winning dish has to go to Simon’s Lobster Mac-n-Cheese. A huge serving of curly pasta filled with fresh meat lobster covered in asiago, pecorino romano, and Parmesan cheese. Oh, and you can’t forget the truffle oil that brought out all the flavors. Twenty-one dollars for this big helping of the best mac-n-cheese I have ever tried? Not bad at all.


While I can vouch for all of these dishes (the lobster mac-n-cheese being my number one recommendation), I encourage you to try any of the intriguing choices on the menu. Everyone’s plates were licked clean when I scanned the dining room, so it seems anything this restaurant has to offer is top-notch. So, if a football game isn’t going to motivate you to take the trip uptown from Columbia, then at least go to try out the delicious food at this corner cafe.

Indian Road Cafe also has a calendar of events! They have live music nights, open mic nights, and even trivia nights! Oh, and you can’t forget their weekday happy hour specials from 4pm to 7pm! The long list of wines and handcrafted beers is sure to impress you.

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February 17, 2013
The “Knickerbocker Special” Looking for a fun, new cocktail? For all you rum fans our there, try making this zesty-tasting drink instead of your usual cuba libre. Ingredients 2 oz. light rum 1 oz triple sec 1 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp raspberry syrup (Just melt some frozen raspberries!) Fill with OJ (Adjust to how strong you like your drink…) Directions Shake all the ingredients together with ice and strain into a glass over ice. Add some frozen raspberries and garnish with an orange slice to make it extra special. The original recipe was made to be a martini, but I made adjustments to make it more like a shaken drink. However, if you do have martini glasses on hand and you prefer your drink on the strong side—then use only 1/2 tsp of triple sec and only 1 tsp orange juice.

The “Knickerbocker Special”


Looking for a fun, new cocktail? For all you rum fans our there, try making this zesty-tasting drink instead of your usual cuba libre.


Ingredients

2 oz. light rum

1 oz triple sec

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp raspberry syrup (Just melt some frozen raspberries!)

Fill with OJ (Adjust to how strong you like your drink…)


Directions

Shake all the ingredients together with ice and strain into a glass over ice. Add some frozen raspberries and garnish with an orange slice to make it extra special.

The original recipe was made to be a martini, but I made adjustments to make it more like a shaken drink. However, if you do have martini glasses on hand and you prefer your drink on the strong side—then use only 1/2 tsp of triple sec and only 1 tsp orange juice.

Photoset
February 13, 2013

A Worthy Splurge


While people may think the holidays begin to subside after New Year’s, they are forgetting a crucial NYC celebration that is on every foodie’s calendar—Restaurant Week. While it doesn’t help those resolutions of getting healthier and saving money, it is well worth a night of cheating to treat yourself to some five-star quality food at a reduced price. While there are many top-notch places to choose from, Simon and I decided to check out Mesa Grill, owned by one of my favorite chefs Bobby Flay, in the Flatiron District. Let’s just say, I think we picked one of the best on the list.


Mesa Grill is Bobby’s outlet for showing off his Southwestern cuisine with his zesty spices and bold flavors. While drinks are not included in the pre-fix $38 deal, it is impossible to refuse trying one of his renown margaritas. I went with the waitress’s recommendation: the Cactus Pear Margarita (with a salted rim of course). Not only did it look pretty and pink, but the taste had a perfect balance of sweet and sour. It was hard to make it last through the three-course meal ahead.


For my appetizer choice, I went with Sophie’s Chopped Salad—a mix of romaine lettuce, chickpeas, red beans, diced tomato, cubes of Monterrey jack cheese, and crumbled blue corn tortilla chips lightly dressed with a  balsamic vinaigrette. While it may just sound like a plain ol’ salad, Bobby’s is certainly one to remember with his combination of spicy cheese, crunchy chips, and sweet vinaigrette. But, I will admit, it was Simon’s appetizer that would win the throwdown. He chose the wild mushroom grits topped off with a poached egg and flavored with chile sauce, cortija cheese, and blue corn tortilla chips. While I have had an egg on top of rice and beans before, I decided that rich and creamy grits is the way to go after trying this dish.


Next up is the main course. Seeing I always am stuck eating chicken when I am on a budget, it was to get some seafood. Lucky for me, Mesa Grill was offering up one of my favorite types of fish: mahi-mahi. It was perfectly grilled and coated in a spicy coconut green curry sauce with a  side of coconut cashew rice to soak up its delicious flavor. Simon went with the cornmeal crusted chile relleno stuffed with roasted eggplant and manchego cheese with sweet red pepper sauce and balsamic vinegar. I bet you’ve never seen a chile relleno look so good right? Well, the picture doesn’t lie—it definitely set a high standard for any chile relleno I come across in the future.


Nothing is complete without something sweet. We decided to share both of the desserts offered on the menu: a coconut bread pudding with coconut dulce de leche sauce and a chocolate cake with peanut butter ganache center and topped with vanilla anglaise. They were both so sinfully delicious, we couldn’t have asked for better ending to a fantastic meal.


Sometimes you don’t get the best out of Restaurant Week meals, but Mesa Grill made sure to not skimp out on us. Great portions, amazing tastes, and friendly service makes this place my top recommendation for Restaurant Week. But, if you can’t wait until summer for the next one, then save up a little more cash to come experience Mesa Grill sooner—it is worth the splurge.

Bobby Flay also owns Bar Americain—a top-rated steakhouse in Midtown.