chocolatebirthdaycake's Profile
Hilton Inn at Penn
Just go next door to POD. Go at an "off" time because it gets packed. Great bites and drinks by Stephen Starr!
Brief Review - Zaragoza Deli in East Village, NYC
So, after wanting to try this miniscule Mexican deli/hole-in-the-wall for a lonnnng time, I finally did. I was pleased to see the old school Mexican woman cooking up front, dissapointed to see that their microwave is used often and glad that a table opened up do I could try one of their tamales. Poor waitress, nicest girl, she was on her break and the man in the front just wouldn't let her enjoy her meal, he kept asking her to get up to make her table available to others (there are only about three tables). I grabbed a Coors Light from the fridge and my microwaved tamale on a small styrofoam plate was served to me. The waitress and I shared a table, it too was her first time having one if their tamales. She said to her friend, "this tastes like matzo balls". I wasn't sure if I'd heard correctly and then, I took a bite. My tastebuds confirmed her statement and I said to her: "Did you just say these taste exactly like matzo balls"? She said yes, we gave each other a Jewish "Chai Five" and I downed my Coors Light, gave her a tip and wished her well. Man, I'll never go back there again. Matzo ball tamales, an old cat running around and to the man up front, you need to treat your employees better. No Stars.
HOLY COW!!! BEST Chocolate Layer Cake is practically hiding in SEDONA!!!
Last week my Cousin and I toured Sedona, we started at Cafe Elote (great, chic Mexican food - -the Chef knows his stuff)! Had delicious pizzas and salads for lunch at Picazzo's but then I asked my cuz to take me to a place "where the locals go" and he said he'd heard good things about Keiser's West. We had a tough time finding a phone number or address for the place because we all assumed it was spelled "Kaiser's" (like the roll)
Anywayyyy, it's on Route 89 in Sedona and Linda the waitress was nice as
could be! She reccomended we try their Mexican dishes but on the way in, I noticed a
photo of their chocolate cake so we figured we'd try it...
MAN OH MAN!!!! WE WERE PRACTICALLY BLOWN OUT
OF OUR SEATS!!! The cake must've just been made because it was still
a little warm, the homemade icing was mellow and deep -- not that clawingly sweet
stuff, the slice was huge and when we complimented the owner, Nick, he gave us a
very "knowing" smile. BEST Chocolate Layer Cake EVER. And our huge slice cost us $4.50
Worth a trip just to down that cake with a glass of milk. A speechless moment for a big mouth
like me!
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Keiser's West
2920 W State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
A Few Meals in Utah, Sedona, Santa Fe
I also went to Cafe Elote and I agree, it's great! We got there late and there was STILL a wait so we took the tall "bar table" by the Hostess Desk and made a meal out of their appetizers there -- GREAT tamale dish and corn soup!
Best Gooey Pecan Pie or Chocolate Layer Cake by the slice???
I was hoping to get an awesome slice of Pecan Pie and Chocolate Layer Cake. Went to Chat N Chew because their front case features lots of pies/ cakes and while I love their "Thanksgiving Dinner Plate", I could not give thanks for their desserts. Dry as a BONE! Really and truly bummed.
Which place has the best gooey Pecan Pie and Chocolate Cake (sold by the slice) in NYC???
Cheesecake Factory - AWESOME SOFT TAMALE DISH!! (no meat),
I was at the CF in Boulder by the Pearl Street area and man, their soft corn tamale dish is fantastic!!! Fresh roasted corn inside, cilantro, chopped veggoes -ALL FRRSH. i think it's listed as an appetizer but it is PLENTY as a meal. Seriously, I'm a chain-snob but this dish blew me away.
"Copeland's"/"Copeland's Martini Bar" at the Westin Governor Morris Hotel?
Has anyone else been here? I heard they have a great Chef who is worth the trip to Morristown.
Antica Venezia (West Village) - Hidden Gem!
I really liked this place and am wondering why it's so under the radar. FANTASTIC Italian food one block North of Christopher St, & the West Side Highway. Great Veal, great Seafood and outstanding service. I mean, the service is really top-notch just as the most upscale uptown restaurant.
Complimentary appetizers, complimentary after-dinner drinks and a meal that uses the freshest ingredients and great presentation? I'm in love with this place, Has no one discovered it yet? Reminds me of dining in Little Italy in the Bronx back when waiters wd prepare a Caesar Salad by the table (as they do here). Their Zabaglione is wonderful. Quiet spot but really impresses on many levels!!!
Best Banana Cream Pie?
"The Coffee Shop" at Union Square had the BEST Banana Cream Pie back in the day. THE BEST. I am not sure if they changed the recipe but I haven't tried it again since I had it years. Ago.
It's still on the menu.
Dorado, Puerto Rico
Hounds! Hounds! You MUST go uber local for at least ONE meal just before Sunset at Pinones beach for eats at the seriously old-school casual food kiosks (shacks) at Pinones Beach. $1 for the best Pincho (grill chicken on a skewer) and about $4 for a great homemade Pina Colada. Dress super casual as almost everyone there will be in bikini's and t-shirts enjoying the beach scene. Weekends are busy!!! Wepa!!!
Dunkin' Donuts 99cent B'fast Wrap - HA!
i ordered one of these with a coffe to go and jumped into a cab to go to work - when I opened up the bag, i laughed out loud! The DD Breakfast Wrap is sooooo small that it looks like like a prop for a little doll! Their ad campaign make it look big but I think it was about 4-5 inches long. Buy two if you're hungry but their bagel w smoked salmon cream cheese is still my fave!
And Walt Disney World Foodie Recc's?
I'm heading to the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. I'm game for off-the-cart reccs, counter-food recc's and sit down places as well. Thanks!!!
A+ Thanksgiving Meal To-Go on Lower Fifth
The Fifth Avenue Epicure on Fifth Avenue serves an awesome T'giving meal - FRESH hand-carved Turkey, Cornbread Stuffing w/ pieces of Corn, Cranberry relish + two sides. i had the Glazed Carrots and Roasted Potatoes. It's all under $9.00 and better than my previous fave for this meal (Chat-N-Chew). If you get a Pilgrim Meal craving - call them for a delivery. You'll be happy.
Burger Joint, like Corner Bistro...but not Corner Bistro.
Walker's Tavern - Varick & No. Moore in Tribeca. Fantastic burger witthout the smell of smell of beer soaked floor. Nicest bartenders in town!
what's missing from my list of must-try pizzas in nyc?
L'asso - Located on Kenmare Street. Get the oie with mozz and a bit or gorg with thinly sliced pears - warning: you will want to make out with the chef.
P.S. They have a happy hour everyday that covers specially priced drinks and slices.
Upscale Dominican. Is there such a place?
Dominican's are island people - their culture is relaxed and their restaurants reflect that. Enjoy the "sabor" de mi gente!!! La vida Dominicana es FANTASTICO! Go to La Nueva Caridad on E116 but be forewarned - it will be hoppin' on weekends.
looking for really good Banana/Banana ricotta tart desserts
The bakey/patisserie "Financier" has a banana tart thing that's great. Also, Union Sq. Cafe - have it at the bar with coffee - nice!
Downtown Dinner for Five with Baby
The Odeon (Tribeca) - great menu, great variety of price points for all and they welcome babies/kids. Try their calamari and their warm goat cheese salad. Always a "feel good" place!
ENJOY!
Best and affordable Peking Duck for Two People
Without a doubt - Charlie Mom on Sixth Avenue. Their Peking Duck Dinner for Two special is FANTASTIC and it is a PHENOMENAL value!!! They had a BIG poster up about it in the restaurant so my friend and I tried it. I came with other Chinese dishes, dessert and I think soup too. MAJOR VALUE!
Best kept secret in the village - until now!
8 people tomorrow night... any ideas?
Il Cortile at 125 Mulberry - ask for Garden Room. Tell Michael the Chef that a food writer sent you! Fantastic refined Italian food, the best professional wait staff and an atmosphere that's MAGICAL (Garden room!!) A guaranteed FANTASTIC night!
Best Bagels
Bagel Buffet - BEST BEST BEST BAGELS - (two locations downtown on Sixth Avenue near 14th Street and 8th Street). Crusty outside and chewy inside. Their coffee (Vassiliades Bros.) at the location near 8th Street is the perfect complement to their bagels. MY FAVE.. and the location near 8th Street is open 24/7. These place is far from fancy but those bagels...mmm.
Get your bagel on...
Dim Sum Go Go - crowds?
IMO - This place iswildly overpriced for Dim Sum and lacks the authentic atmosphere of a place like The Golden Unicorn. It's like going to the "Olive Garden" for an Italian food experience.
best tacos in the city?
I'm game for trying new places but you'd better check the Restaurant Inspections on some of these places before enjoying that Taco or Burritto...I think I just averted a bullet at Taco Mix.
There's a website called Everyblock that gave me all the detailed info.
Eye opening.
RIP - "Crosby Connection" (At Parisi Bakery) So Sad!
kathryn -
I love your guts, Joey has been found! I will report back with details as soon as i have them refarding his next locale/
Joey and his sweet meat (prosciutto!) has been found!!!
It will be a good New Year!
Puerto Rican pasteles de yuca (frozen)
Call the folks at Casa Adela in the East Village and ask them. they can help!
MOVING TO DOWNTOWN/FIN. DISTRICT, NEED AFFORDABLE RESTAURANT RECs
I had always wanted to try Harry's Cafe at 1 Hanover Square and finally did - theservice was great and the $13.50 burger was FANTASTIC. I love the vibe of this beautiful iconic Wall Street upscale Tavern - the pricier Harry's Steak Restaurant is somewhat hidden from view in the back. Great wine list too. The staff aims to please. FYI, the bar is pretty noisy but the large cafe that's adjacent to it was a great place to catch up with an old friend recently. The view is sort of sub-sidewalk (a la Lavern and Shirley). Yay, Harry!!!
