Louise's Restaurant Picks - Cubana Social

One of my favorite things to do in October (well, all year round, who am I kidding?) is get together with my friends; eat and drink and be merry! I absolutely LOVE restaurants. There is something cozy about dining in the chilly temps and leaving a restaurant warmed and buzzed by the good food, good friends and wine. For this reason, I deeply miss my Restaurant of the Month buddies.

I haven't done a Restaurant Pick in a while. Certainly not because I haven't been going out and stuffing my face, I think it's just because I've been lazy, or maybe because nothing has given me that inner stirring that this restaurant did. I eat small portions, but I love food! And when food is so good that it I am moved in my soul, I just have to share!

My fifteenth featured Restaurant Pick is Cubana Social:

70 North 6th Street

Brooklyn, NY

http://www.cubanasocial.com/

Cuisine: Cuban

I RARELY travel to Brooklyn because it's in the opposite direction from where I live and these days, I am all about refusing to go out of my way and shortening my commute time. But it was one of my bestie's birthdays so I had to travel to the BK. My friend’s party didn't begin until later so I looked online for a restaurant in the area where I could kill time and Cuban Social was the winner; mainly because I love Latin food and also because I am a snob and they had a website (the others places didn't) and I like to scope out the menu and the place before go.

I’d stupidly had a smoothie for lunch that day, so by the time I got to the restaurant I was starving to the point of nausea. I wasn’t even sure if I was hungry anymore, but I had to eat, because there would be alcohol later.

I ordered the Ropa Vieja Classica (grass fed brisket stew with tomato, poblano & olive, maduros, arroz, frijos) and Edward ordered the Lechon Cubano (8 hour slow roasted & garlic citrus marinated pork, arroz, frijos). Now, my mouth is watering...

The food was GOOD!! Like moan, close your eyes and take a moment of silence to let the food sit on our tongue without chewing, good!

I completely wasn't expecting the food to be that good because I'd judged the restaurant by the swanky hipsters creeping out of every crevice of the neighborhood and the restaurant alike with their fedora / newspaper boy hats and prescription-less geek-chic glasses. But let's be honest, the swanky hipsters aren't the ones who were cooking the food, so I shouldn't have judged the place from the diners / employees.

No matter how hungry I am, I never finish my food, so I took the rest home and ate it the next day. I wasn't sure if I thought the food was that good because I was so hungry the day before, but it was just as damn good the next day!

The only complaints I have, which aren't really complaints, just things Louise doesn't like, is that it’s too dark in the restaurant. It's nice to be romantical and all, but I also like to see what I'm eating. And there is wonderful, live jazz being performed as you eat, but you can’t hear what the person sitting next to you is saying. 

Maybe I'm getting old, but I don't want to shout my dinner conversations. I guess to avoid such things, I would have to go next time before the music gets live.

...And there definitely will be a next time!

Visit their website for more of their menu options.

Enjoy and until next time, happy eating!

~Louise C.

Like me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CazleyLouise

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Photos from cubanasocial.com

Louise’s Restaurant Picks – Pio Pio

My fourteenth featured Restaurant Pick is Pio Pio.

There are a few locations, but the location on 34^th Street is the one I frequent the most:

210 East 34^th Street

(Between 2^nd and 3^rd Avenues)

New York, NY 10016

http://piopio.com/

Cuisine: Peruvian

Pio Pio was introduced to me by a friend who shared my devotion to eating, drinking and being merry. She and I spent many Friday nights sipping Pio Pio sangria and talking about naughty things that made explode into alcohol induced laughter. Good times!

Until I visited Pio Pio last night, I’d forgotten just how tasty and savory their food is. Flavorful, moist rotisserie chicken, rice and beans, tostones with a mouth watering garlic sauce for dipping, French fries and sausages… Mmmm. I’ll let you see for yourselves.

And you have to (HAVE TO) try their green sauce. My tongue, my stomach and I can’t wait for our next visit!

Visit their website for more of their menu options.

Enjoy and until next time, happy eating!

~Louise C.

Like me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CazleyLouise

Follow me on Twitter @ LouiseCazley

Photos from piopio.com

Burgers NYC

On Valentine’s night, while everyone was packing themselves into restaurants like sardines; or waiting outside in the cold for a table to free up, Edward and I took refuge in the near empty and QUIET New York Burger Co..

No matter how hungry I am, I never ever manage to finish a burger. Thankfully New York Burger Co. has a mini burger option (above) which was perfect for me! And although their sauce bar looked inviting, I wasn’t feeling adventurous that night so I stuck to regular old ketchup. And best of all, they serve wiiiiiinne!

I’ve had burgers at places where the meat is unseasoned and bland, but the burgers are New York Burger Co. were tasty, juicy and muy delicioso.

There are plenty of great burger joints in New York which I haven’t yet had the pleasure of visiting.

I don’t have a ‘go to’ burger joint, but Brother Jimmy’s BBQ makes great burgers and also has that mini burger option for me. Connelly’s is an Irish pub (where you wouldn’t expect to find a good burger) and although some might not agree with me, Connolly’s makes the most amazing Incredible Lamb Burger. These burgers are not beef, but The Ainsworth makes appetizing crab cake sliders.

If you love burgers, making your own is the best way to go because you can dash and dice your ingredients to flavor your burgers to taste exactly how you like them. And if you don’t have a grill, no worries, the George Forman grill works just fine… and your burgers will be better (healthier) for you.

My favorite burgers to make are the Bordertown Burgers with Spicy Onions. This Tabasco recipe, which was recommended to me by Daisy, can also be made with ground turkey. The recipe serves four, but I make slider size portions and serve them on mini buns with sweet potato fries. Mmmm…

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large sweet onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons TABASCO® brand Chipotle Pepper Sauce, divided
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 slices Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 hamburger buns, toasted
• Mixed baby greens

PREPARATION

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add onion and cook 5 minutes or until golden brown, stirring often. Stir in 1 tablespoon TABASCO® Chipotle Sauce and the Worcestershire sauce; mix well and remove from heat.

Combine ground beef, cilantro, green onion, salt and the remaining 3 tablespoons TABASCO® Chipotle Sauce; mix well and shape into 4 burgers. Grill over medium-high heat to desired doneness, about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Top each burger with a slice of cheese and grill just until melted. Place on buns and top with spicy onions and baby greens.

I plan on making it my business to broaden my horizons and visit at least five of the ten restaurants which were rated for having the best burgers in New York.

I’ll add Five Guys to that list because there is one near my job and I’ve heard all sorts of good stuff about their food.

Now on the Ten Best…

1. Burger & Barrel

    25 W. Houston St.

    New York, NY 10012

2. Burger Joint

    Le Parker Meridien New York

    119 W. 56th St.

    New York, NY 10019

3. Corner Bistro

    331 W. Fourth St.

    New York, NY 10014

4. DGBG Kitchen & Bar

    299 Bowery St.

    New York, NY 10003

5. Donovan’s Pub

    5724 Roosevelt Ave.

    Woodside, NY 11377

6. Dubuque

    548 Court St.

    Brooklyn, NY 11231

7. Mark

    33 St. Marks Pl.

    New York, NY 10003

8. The Prime Burger

    5 E. 51st St.

    New York, NY 10022

9. Shake Shack

    Madison Square Park

    New York, NY 10010

10. Stand

      24 E. 12th St.

      New York, NY 10003

Enjoy and until next time, happy eating!

~Louise C.

Like me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CazleyLouise

Follow me on Twitter @LouiseCazley

Louise's Restaurant Picks - Stage Door Delicatessen

My thirteenth featured Restaurant Pick is Stage Door Delicatessen:

5 Penn Plaza

(Corner of 33rd Street and 8th Avenue)

New York, NY 10001

http://stagedoordeli.com/menus.html

Cuisine: Deli, Diners & Coffee Shop

Stage Door Deli is very close to my heart because they feed me plenty. I’m like a little, furry animal. If you feed me, even a little, I’ll love you forever.

Aside from being a restaurant, Stage Door Deli provides catering to many business meetings in the midtown south (west) area, which is how I came to know them.

First, I’ll talk about the food. Everything and I mean everything that I have eaten from this place tastes DE-LISH regardless of whether it is baked ziti or a tortilla chip. And the reason everything tastes so great is because it is home made. Their pico de gallo is to-die-for; their guacamole, mmmm! And I hate avocado. Their salads, their sandwiches and wraps, their soups, their chicken parm… everything is muy delicioso!

Next, I’ll talk about the service. Fantastic!! In corporate offices, professionalism is appreciated and the gentlemen who deliver our catering are extremely polite, courteous and professional. It can’t be easy walking into the middle of a meeting with (sometimes) 30 - 50 hungry people waiting to eat. The deliverymen manage to set up a beautiful spread quickly and discreetly.

And then there is the owner and his two sons (Tom, Nick and George) who feed me all the time. Where I work, we contact Stage Door A LOT for their catering services and regardless of whether I want something or not, they will send me breakfast or lunch depending on what time of day it is. I’ve walked in to work and found egg whites and home fries on my desk. I’m not a fan of egg yolk and I love Stage Door for remembering this about me. (Ha-ha). It’s so minor, but to me, customer service goes so far with the littlest personal touch.

Today, Tom invited me to have lunch at his restaurant to thank me for all of the business that I have given him throughout the year. It feels like I’m cheating because I am only doing my job, but I am so warmed in my heart for his generosity today and for all of the breakfasts, lunches and cups of tea that he has provided ME throughout this year. Thank you, Jesus! (LOL)

I haven’t read my bible in a very long time (bad Louise), but the reason I am thanking Jesus is because of this scripture:

Matthew 6:26: Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

I try never to take anything I get in life for granted. Thank you Stage Door for being so good to me.

If you are in the Penn Station area and are looking for a great place to eat, do visit Stage Door Deli. You will not regret it!

Visit their website for more of their menu options.

Enjoy and until next time, happy eating!

~Louise C.

Like me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CazleyLouise

Follow me on Twitter @LouiseCazley

Louise's Restaurant Picks - Oro Bakery & Bar

My twelfth featured Restaurant Pick is Oro Bakery & Bar:

375 Broome Street

(Between Mulberry & Mott Streets)

New York, NY 10013

http://orobakerybar.com/index.html

Cuisine: Wine Bar & Cafe

The only dishes that I have tasted on their menu are the Meatballs (Made with Angus beef. Served with a homemade sauce); the Spinach & Artichoke Dip (Served with crisp bread); and the Chocolate Souffle Cake served with chocolate sauce.

I haven't had the pleasure of tasting them yet, but their madeleines seem to be a big hit.

The reason I have eaten so little from their menu is because this was the real reason for my visit:

I just love a wine bar!

The first time I visited Oro was on a cold, wintery night with two of my friends. We ordered mugs of warm, alcoholic beverages (which I don't see on their menu, but I'm sure they still serve) and dessert. That night, Oro was the perfect place for a spontaneous girl's night, but Oro is also the perfect setting for a cozy date.

The space is limited, but there has never been a crowd when I have been there (which has only been twice). The warmth and friendliness of the service also mirror the ambiance of the restaurant. Oro is so quaint and cozy, especially with a warm drink in your hands, that you won't want to leave; and with the cold days of winter looming ahead, Oro is a perfect pick. I plan on going back soon!

Visit their website for more of their menu options.

Enjoy and until next time, happy eating!

~Louise C.

"Like" me in Facebook: www.facebook.com/CazleyLouise

Follow me on Twitter @LouiseCazley

Photos from orobakerybar.com

Louise's Restaurant Picks - S'MAC

My eleventh featured Restaurant Pick is S’MAC:

345 East 12thStreet

(Between 1st and 2nd Avenues)

New York, NY 10003

http://smacnyc.com/home.html

Cuisine: Traditional; Macaroni & Cheese

S’MAC (Sarita’s Mac and Cheese) was a recommendation which I used as one of my Restaurant of the Month picks. Who doesn’t like Mac & Cheese?? And at S’MAC, there is a Mac and Cheese for just about everyone.

From their menu I have had the All-American (a tasty blend of American & Cheddar cheeses), the 4 Cheese (Cheddar, Muenster, Gruyere and a touch of Pecorino) and the Cajun (Cheddar & Pepper Jack cheeses, andouille sausage, green pepper, onions, celery, garlic and, of course, some genuine Cajun seasoning). So yummy! And so filling. Even their smallest size, the Nosh is hard for me to finish, but then again, I’m a small portion eater. I’m not sure if the Nosh would be enough for someone with a normal appetite. There are three other sizes to accommodate larger appetites; the Major Munch, the Mongo and the Partay!.

S’MAC is also an extremely budget friendly dining experience, which is one of the reasons it can be hard to find a seat in their cozy space. Not to mention how delicious their dishes are. But if you want to avoid the wait, you can place a Take & Bake order. Your Mac will be prepared by S’MAC and you take it home and bake it at your convenience. This is a great option for catering a party or for nights when you don’t feel like cooking.

I haven’t been to S’MAC in a while, but I plan on going soon and this time, trying something new!

Visit their website for more of their menu options.

Enjoy, and until next time, happy eating!

~Louise C.

“Like” me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CazleyLouise

Photos from smacnyc.com

Louise's Restaurant Picks - Chip Shop

My tenth featured Restaurant Pick is Chip Shop:

129 Atlantic Avenue

(Between Clinton & Henry)

Brooklyn, NY 11215

http://www.chipshopnyc.com/

Cuisine: British

Chip Shop was also introduced to me by Daisy as one of her Restaurant of the Month picks. There are two Chip Shops; The Park Slope Chip Shop and The Atlantic Chip Shop. We visited the Atlantic Chip Shop.

Although I am British, I haven’t been back to London since I was eight-years-old (which I plan on changing soon), but I recognized most of the items on the menu from when I was in London. Items like the Steak and Kidney Pie and Ribena, brought back memories.

I also took my mom to The Atlantic Chip Shop one Mother’s Day because she is an authentic Brit who appreciated the experience.

From their menu I’ve had the Battered Cod and Chips and the Battered Haddock & Chips. The fish was delicious as is anything fried. I don’t eat like that all the time, so I needed a ginger ale after scarfing down that greasy deliciousness.

From their Dessert Menu, I've had the Spotted Dick with Custard…. I know, I felt funny saying the word ‘dick’ with my mom sitting right next to me, but she is a Christian woman so her mind didn't go where mine went. Spotted Dick is a steamed, sweet, sponge pudding with raisins or other dried fruits and it is served hot with custard.

The custard I grew up eating is called Bird’s Eye custard and it is served hot and poured over pound cake, chocolate cake, apple crumble…whichever you prefer to pour it over before you gobble it up. I almost lost my mind when I found Bird’s Eye custard in Whole Foods, so now I always have a supply in my cabinet.

I couldn’t go to a British restaurant and leave without having tea. British tea is right! And I also had to have Ribena, which is a black currant fizzy drink. Although you can find it anywhere in England, it’s not popular in America.

When you come from another country it’s always nice to come across a place that reminds you of your roots. And being that my mom is more British than I am, she really enjoyed her visit to the Chip Shop.

Visit their website for more of their menu options.

Enjoy and until next time, happy eating!

~Louise C.

“Like” me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CazleyLouise

Photos from Yelp

Louise's Restaurant Picks - Cafecito

My ninth featured Restaurant Pick is Cafecito:

185 Avenue C

(Between 11th and 12th Streets)

New York, NY 10009

Cuisine: Cuban

Cafecito was introduced to me by Daisy and was the first of our Restaurant of the Month adventures. Cafecito might be my favorite restaurant. I say "might" because there is always another restaurant that could be better than the one you love. But it's been six years and Cafecito is still my number one.

EVERYTHING on their menu is Mmmmm! From their appetizer menu I have had: Papa Rellena - lightly breaded mashed potato with a beef picadillo filling; Croquettas De Jamon - golden brown ham croquettes; Bollos - roasted corn and black beans fritters; Chicken and beef empanadas.

From their entree menu I have had: Bistec De Palomilla - sirloin marinated in garlic and extra virgin olive oil, topped with sauteed onions served with white rice, black beans and tostones; Churrasco - char grilled skirt steak with cuban chimichurri sauce and lime cured onions served with yellow rice, black beans and tostones; Vaca Frita - crispy mojo drenched flank steak served with white rice, black beans and tostones; Ropa Vieja - cuban style beef stew made with pulled flank steak, fresh peppers, onions, plum tomatoes and freshly ground cumin served with white rice, black beans and tostones; Camarones Al Ajillo - shrimp with garlic, citrus and butter served with yellow rice and sweet plantains.

Cafecito's 1/2 off happy hour (at the bar), is Monday - Friday from 4pm - 7pm and only includes drinks.

Cafecito makes me feel all warm inside when I think about it. Just the name of the restaurant itself invokes warmth and comfort. The atmosphere is very quaint and cozy and the low playing Latin music adds to the ambiance. Although the space is 'almost perfect', they could definitely benefit by renting a larger restaurant space as they are filled to the max on the weekends. But hey, they've been in the same spot for so many years and it works. If it aint broke, don't fix it.

Important things to know before dining at this restaurant are: you will not be seated until your entire party has arrived and they ONLY TAKE CASH. Muy importante, as we live in an age where no one really carries cash on them.

I'm overdue for a visit to Cafecito so I will be going there soon!! You should too!

They don't have a website so visit menu pages for more of their menu options:

http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/cafecito/menu

Enjoy and until next time, happy eating!

~Louise C.

"Like" me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CazleyLouise

Photos from NY Restaurant Guide

Louise's Restaurant Picks - Sofrito

My eighth featured Restaurant Pick is Sofrito:

400 East 57th Street

(Between 1st Avenue and Sutton Place)

New York, NY 10022

http://sofritony.com/

Cuisine: Puerto Rican

Although I haven’t been to every single restaurant in New York City, I’m pretty sure that Sofrito is one of the best places to eat.

Sofrito was introduced to me by Daisy as one of her Restaurant of the Month picks. I can’t count how many times I have been back or the amount of people I’ve visited Sofrito with, but I can guarantee that each and every one of us walked out stuffed and happy as hell. (I don't want nothing to do with hell, but you know what I mean.)

I have soooo many good eating memories from dining at Sofrito. I haven’t been to Sofrito in a while because it is a bit pricey; but you forget about the dollar signs as you are chomping away because the tastes are worth every penny.

From their menu I have eaten: Mofongo Al Pilon De Camarones (Mashed Green Plantain with Shrimp); Pargo Entero Al Horno O Frito Con Arroz De Coco (Whole Red Snapper Baked or Crispy - I got crispy - with Coconut Rice); Pernil Con Arroz Y Gandules (Roast Pork with Pigeon Pea Rice). Come ready to eat, these portions are huge!

There is also an appetizer sampler, which is not on the menu so I can’t say which appetizers are included, but Mmmmm! Everything is so freaking Mmmmm! Even the garlic buttered, pressed bread that you get for free on your table is delish!

See their menu: http://sofritony.com/sofdinnermenu0411.pdf

They also serve great cocktails. I’ve had the Sofrito Sangria (Choice of Red or White Wine topped with fresh fruit) and the Sofrito Mojito (Rum, Malibu Passion Fruit, Passion Fruit Juice, Lime and Mint, served with a stick of sugar cane). The Sofrito Mojito is yum! If you are with a group, or with one other person who can put a drink away, it’s worth it to order a pitcher.

Sofrito has a lounge-ish feel. The salsa music is blasting so it is a bit loud. I don’t mind loud at a bar, but at a restaurant I don’t want to have to yell. And you if want to talk to anyone, you will have to talk loud to be heard. But because everything else about this restaurant is so great, I don’t care. I can talk loud for an hour or two. There won’t be much talking once the food arrives anyway.

There is a dress code, which adds to the ‘lounge’ – not ‘restaurant’ feel. I understand this for a club, but not really for a restaurant. Even if you are dressed decently, but happen to be a man who is wearing shorts, they will not let you in. And they don’t open until 5pm Monday - Saturday and 4pm on Sunday (Lounge). But then again, maybe they don’t open until later in the day, because they are busy seasoning, and cooking my pernil.

If you know someone who likes to be fussed over on their birthday (me) Sofrito is a great place for a birthday dinner. The music stops and they play a Latin version of Happy Birthday over the speakers. The entire wait staff comes over clapping and singing; one carrying a dessert adorned with a sparking candle just for you. This can happen about ten times while you are there for other people who you may or may not share a birthday with. I’m sure a lot of people fake the birthday funk.

I’m not sure if they are still doing this, but there was one night when a live cover band was playing. This created more of a mellow atmosphere.

I’m looking forward to visiting Sazon which is owned by Sofrito; and I heard that they were opening a restaurant in Queens called Adobo. My belly and I are looking forward to it all!!

Visit their website for more of their menu options.

Enjoy, and until next time, happy eating!

~Louise C.

“Like” me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CazleyLouise

Louise's Restaurant Picks - Lucy's Cantina Royale

Let’s face it; Restaurant of the Month no longer applies so I’ll be changing Restaurant of the Month to Louise’s Restaurant Picks.

When I began writing the Restaurant of the Month blogs I wasn’t sure how often I would post a blog recommending a restaurant. Apparently more than once a month. I knew that I loved restaurants, but I didn’t realize how long my list actually is.

With that said, My seventh featured Restaurant Pick is Lucy’s Cantina Royale:

1 Penn Plaza (34th Street)

(Corner of 8th Avenue)

New York, NY 10119

http://www.lucyscantinaroyale.com/

Cuisine: Mexican

I didn’t get to dine at Lucy’s Cantina Royale with the friend who introduced me to the restaurant because the night we decided to dine there, which was a Thursday night, the place was packed and loud. Packed and loud is the way a good bar should be, but we were in the mood for a more serene experience. Regardless, I made sure that I took myself back there.

If you work in the area, Lucy’s Cantina Royale is a great place to take your lunch break, especially in the summertime when their rooftop seating area is open. Although you are surrounded by the city, the rooftop area of the restaurant gives you the feeling that you are dining on the beach.

The lower level reminds me of a surf shop with a beachy bar, which also adds to the feel that you are at the beach and not smack in the middle of the city. There is also an outdoor seating area at the back of the restaurant, but I haven’t been seated there yet.

The restaurant reminds me of the Saved by the Bell summer series where Leah Remini was Zack’s love interest and the cast was working at the Malibu Beach Club, which is totally beside the point, but it gives you an idea of the feel of the restaurant.

The waitresses’ uniforms are quite attractive. All waitresses are wearing short, blue halter dresses, with white Hawaiian flowers printed on the fabric, a red belt and tan cowboy boots. I love their uniform and I’m sure men do too.

I haven’t been here too often, but from the menu I’ve only had the Pulled Chicken Tacos served in a Soft, Corn Tortilla with Pico de Gallo and Shredded Lettuce. I have also had the Honey Corn Bread with Jalapeño Butter. Both are very tasty and their meals aren’t expensive at all.

See their menu:

Lucy’s Cantina has a happy hour special everyday from 4pm – 6pm, but happy hour only applies on the main floor, not on the rooftop. I didn’t really love their margarita, but their mojito and sangria were good.

If you have the time, eating lunch at Lucy’s Cantina Royale is a great way to break up your work day. It is also a great way to end your day or nice pretend escape on the weekend if you are able to snag rooftop seating.

Visit their website to view of their menu options.

Enjoy, and until next time, happy eating!

~Louise C.

Like me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CazleyLouise

Photos from Lucy's Cantina

Restaurant of the Month - La Cocina Boricua

It’s time I start showing my borough some love. The Bronx gets a bad rap, but it’s really not as bad as the news says it is. I promise!

With the Bronx having a hefty population of Latin dwellers, the Latin culture is spread all throughout the borough providing an abundance of tasty places to eat. YUM!

My sixth featured Restaurant of the Month is La Cocina Boricua (The Puerto Rican Kitchen):

2245B Westchester Avenue

Bronx, NY 10462

http://www.lacocinaboricua.com/

Cuisine: Puerto Rican

I'm sorry that I don't have a better picture, but it was dark when I took it.

I’d walked past La Cocina Boricua a few times before I actually dined there. The word ‘Puerto Rico’ got my attention and I made it my business to get myself there for a sit down meal. Just by looking in the window and at the menu, I could already tell that I would enjoy the restaurant.

They gave me their menu, but I didn’t attach it because I like the way it looks on their website. See their menu:

http://www.lacocinaboricua.com/#!menu/vstc7=entrees

From the menu, I have eaten the Camarones al Ajillo, Arroz y Habichuelas, y Maduros (Shrimp in Garlic Sauce, Rice and Beans and Sweet Plantains) and the Pernil con Arroz y Habichuelas (Pork Shoulder with Rice and Beans). The Pernil was not mine, but I stole a few pieces off the plate of my dining companion. I would say that you can’t go wrong with Latin food. It’s usually like a party in your mouth, but I’ve been to places where the food was a little bland. La Cocina Boricua is definitely not one of them. The food is delicious!

The sangria is AMAZING! Some places skimp on their serving sizes, but at La Cocina Boricua, you are served a large wine glass sized amount of sangria. And it sneaks up on me. I don’t notice that I might be a little more than tipsy until my mouth feels tired; like I might have been talking nonstop for the past hour about... Who knows?

There is a happy hour, but because I work in the city I’m never around to take advantage of it.

The second you walk into the restaurant your ears are greeted with both lively and mellow Salsa tunes (played at an adequate volume). Because Salsa music ignites a passion in me that makes me want to burst out of my seat, I couldn’t sit still the entire time I was there.

The atmosphere and the décor are cozy and intimate; and the staff’s warm, accommodating manner made me feel well taken care of.

The owner of La Cocina Boricua is also very warm and friendly. He makes the rounds chatting with customers and making sure that you have a good dining experience. It might not seem like it, but the owner hanging out at his own place of business is great advertisement and great customer service. Having a short conversation with your customers goes a long way, because it makes them feel connected. Meeting the owner makes the restaurant a little more significant instead of it being just a random place to eat. And the owner having a good personality certainly doesn’t hurt his cause. Good job, Owner Galarza!!

Visit their website to view more of their menu options.

Enjoy, and until next time, happy eating!

~Louise C.

Like me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CazleyLouise

Restaurant of the Month – Tequillaville

My fifth featured Restaurant of the Month is Tequillaville:

12 Vanderbilt Avenue

(Between 42nd and 43rd Streets)

New York, NY 10017

http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/tequilaville/menu

Cuisine: Mexican

It wouldn’t be right for me to have my Book Sign & Mingle event at without including Tequillaville as one of my Restaurant of the Month posts.

Gia introduced me to Tequillaville and what I love most about this restaurant is the Cheers atmosphere as the staff is familiar with us and most of the patrons who are regulars.

I happened to be there the Friday before Halloween last year and the entire staff and some customers were decked out in Halloween costumes. Music was playing, people were dancing and laughing; there was just a good time jovial vibe. And even when it isn’t a Halloween, I always have a good time at this place.

The manager, Nestor is very nice and accommodating and Jorge, the bartender, always remembers what we like to eat and what we like to drink. He always comes around for last call before happy hour ends, which a lot of other places won’t do.

Tequillaville’s Happy Hour, which is in the bar area and sometimes extends to the upper level, is Monday-Wednesday from 11:30am – 8pm; Thursday-Friday from 11:30am – 7pm and Saturday from 1pm – 7pm. I find it interesting that their happy hour starts so early during the work week, Lol.

The happy hour special varies from day to day, but it’s usually ½ price margaritas, beers, potato skins, nachos and wings.

I can’t give a review on anything besides the margaritas and the potato skins which is mainly what I go there for. Lame, I know I should try something different, but as I said, I am loyal and my loyalty also extends to food.

I have yet to taste better potato skins anywhere else. Some places make their potato skins with bacon that is still a little soggy. At Tequillaville, the bacon is baked until crispy on top of cheese covered baked potatoes.

There is a stereotype that black people are known for liking chicken, and I do, but I do not like wings. I feel like they are a waste of time and energy for that little bit of meat. So it’s potato skins for me all the way.

There is a juke box is the bar area of the restaurant so it can get a little loud, but because I feel so at home here, I don’t mind the noise at all. It is a bar, so I expect it to get noisy. And the bathrooms are clean. He-he!

If you are free tomorrow, at 6:00pm, please visit me at Tequillaville to purchase a signed copy of Undies in a Bunch. Have a drink, and stay a while.

Visit Menu Pages for more of their menu options.

Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow and maybe I won’t. Either way, happy eating!

~Louise

Like me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CazleyLouise

PS: Don't forget to visit Danfredo Rivera, for a chance to win a signed copy of Undies in a Bunch!

Restaurant of the Month – Neely’s Barbeque Parlor

My fourth featured Restaurant of the Month is Neely’s Barbeque Parlor:

1125 First Avenue

New York, NY 10065

(Between 61st and 62nd Streets)

http://neelysbbqparlor.com/

The friend whom I visited Neely’s Barbeque Parlor with, has been following the Neely’s (a married couple) on the Food Network Channel.

Just thinking about the ambiance inside of this restaurant gives me a dose of warm nostalgia.

When I was little and still living in London, my mom and I frequented a park called Clissold Park. There was an ice cream parlour (emphasis on the word ‘parlour’) in the park, where my mom always took me to get ice cream. This was no ordinary ice cream shop. The windows stretched from floor to ceiling making the interior sunny, bright and cheery. The ice cream parlor had a porch front entrance/exit with umbrella covered, café seating; and was surrounded by the flowers that were growing all over the park.

I haven’t been to that park since I was about six years old, but whenever I smell roses, it always brings me back to the ice cream parlor inside Clissold Park.

The design in one section of Neely’s Barbeque Parlor was reminiscent of the ice cream parlour I used to visit in London with my mom.

Depending on where you are seated, there is a different feel in the atmosphere for each separate dining area at Neely’s Barbeque Parlor; as the design is different in each area, but also unified.

With black and white photos hung throughout the restaurant, which may or may not be family photos, I really felt like I was walking into a home.

I and my friends were lucky enough to be seated in a private, carpeted room with dark red damask wall paper, adorned with gold frames and chairs covered in velvety softness.

The room was lit by a chandelier which was suspended above the dining table. Stepping into this room, I didn’t feel like I was dining at a restaurant. I felt like I was down south in the dining room of a big breasted woman who only referred to me as “Baby”. I felt like I should have worn a big fancy hat, gloves and carried a hand fan in my purse for this affair. I felt like I should have a French-Creole accent and speak in a passionate tone of voice as my friends and I passed the food around the table to each other.

There was also an iPod dock in the room so that you could control your own music, but we weren’t able to figure this out.

Now to the food. Sorry, no happy hour special here, but the food is still very affordable.

See their menu:

If you are a Muslim or you are depriving yourself from sweet, succulent swine for another reason, this might not be the restaurant for you as there will be fewer dinner selections. But for me it was heaven! I learned that Mrs. Neely’s favorite animal is a pig so most of the dishes are made with pork. Sigh, a woman after my own heart.

From the appetizer menu, I had the Pulled Pork Hushpuppies with spicy Carolina dipping sauce; I’m not much of a saucey girl, I tried it, but I ate my hushpuppies sans sauce. Everyone else loved the sauce, though. I also tasted the Cornmeal Fried Mississippi Catfish. YUM!! A little crunch on the outside, soft, flakey fish on the inside.

For my entrée I had, the Memphis Style Baby Back Ribs (Dry) with Sweet Potato Fries. I couldn’t finish it, but it was just as tasty when I gobbled up my leftovers the next day.

For dessert (I ordered to go. I wasn’t gonna miss out on this!!) I ordered the Red Velvet Cake. The huge slice of cake they served me, with filled me with joy because I knew that I wouldn’t eat a slice of cake that size in one sitting. (I LOVE cake) I ate half that night and throughout the night, I took just one more bite; just one more bite; just one more bite…until the cake was gone. That slice of cake never stood a chance.

The service:

Our waitress was a little bit of a space cadet, but she was pretty and very nice. See, I followed up one negative with two positives. I will give her a free pass because the restaurant had had its grand opening only three days before.

There were fancy plates and napkins that were set on the table which we weren’t supposed to use for eating. I guess they were just placed on the table as a display and were supposed to be removed before our food arrived, but that is not what happened. I began to feel un-special as the waitress walked around the table to remove the plates and napkins after our appetizers arrived and one of us had already started using one of the plates to eat; because what are plates used for if you can’t use them to eat. I felt like the plates and napkins were only to be taken out and used for the ‘good-company’ and we were not one of the good.

See the "Good Company" place setting:

The waitress forgot to bring some dishes, brought duplicate dishes and added dishes to our bill that we did not order, but all can be forgiven if the issues are resolved, and they all were!

The bathrooms:

I always have to go there. In more ways than one. (he-he). Everything I drink goes right through me, so the bathroom being on the lower level of the restaurant, away from the dining floor wasn’t fun. But that’s only my opinion; people with normal bladders might not mind this at all.

The stalls in bathroom, although clean and good smelling were dark. So dark, that you could hardly find the lock on the bathroom door because you couldn’t see.

All in all I had a fantastic time at this restaurant and I cannot wait to go back again!!

I kind of get the feeling that us being seated in the private room was a one time deal. I think that as the place becomes more popular, you might have to reserve that space and place a deposit before you can be seated there. But that's just my thought. The restaurant could very well stay the way it is, with its lovely, southern charm.

Visit their website to view more if their menu options.

Enjoy, and until next time, happy eating!

~Louise C.

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Photos by Neely's Barbeque Parlor