Category: Restaurant

  • The Best Freakshakes: Sweets Treats on Steroids

    Why are you still here? Check out something else.

    Let me tell you about a place that was an absolute dream for me when I was younger. As someone who loved- who am I kidding I still love sweets, Black Tap was the quintessential place to get a fix for a sugar high. First off getting there. We went to the location in Soho. With daylight savings bringing about the dark ages as soon and 4:30 PM hits there’s a chance you might walk right past the store so keep your head up and eyes open. Walking in under the warm tone lights we initially got seated at tables but switched over to a booth and the tunes kept everything vivacious.

    Satiate Your Hunger First

    Before we get into the freakshakes, I feel like I’m obligated to tell y’all that Black Tap does sell actual food. We ordered: The Texan Burger with bacon, aged cheddar, crispy onion ring, sweet baby rays BBQ sauce and mayo.
    The crispy chicken sandwich with buttermilk coleslaw, cilantro, a fresh lime, spicy mayo, and Korean BBQ sauce.
    The Mexico City Burger with pepper jack cheese, pickled jalapeños, crispy onion ring, and chipotle mayo. Our team was trying to be strategic, each ordering a different set of fries. One of us got plain, another cheese fries and finally Nashville hot fries. Apparently the cheese fries were the best so if you’re not lactose intolerance (or just one of the brave ones), we’d recommend spending the extra $4.50.

    Now Get a Drink

    FINALLY! The freakshakes. If you don’t know, a freakshake is a redonkulous milkshake that is also a snack. I got the Strawberry Shortcake Shake which is a strawberry milkshake with “vanilla frosted rim with crumbled cake topped with a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar, pink & white twisty pop, whipped cream, strawberry drizzle, crumbled cake & a cherry”. There’s something for everyone. Chocolate, vanilla, coffee, Oreo cookies & cream and many more. Why are you still reading, get yourself over to a Black Tap NEOW.

    Strawberry Shortcake Freakshake with a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar, whipped cream, strawberry drizzle, crumbled cake and a cherry on top.
    Strawberry Shortcake Freakshake
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CuFG83VuXrY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
  • Habana Outpost: Taste the Best of Mexico and Cuba

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    A shrimp bowl on the left and a chicken bowl on the right. Both served with a rice & beans. From Habana Outpost

    Going down Fort Greene in Brooklyn lies a mouthwatering Mexican and Cuban Restaurant. Habana Outpost, coated in a neon lime green. Immediately when you walk the interior is gorgeous. Brick lined walls covered in bright graffiti art. There was two options for seating to choose between. The first was picnic benches outside (which was definitely a no go in late October) and the booths inside. The ordering system is a bit intriguing. You order your food inside but then go to the back of the restaurant to pick up your meal from what seems to be a food truck. My videos don’t show any wheels but some photos from the web clearly show a food truck.

    Now while I don’t remember exactly what I ordered, I do know I tore that food up. In a time of “let’s get crab legs” or only having burgers left, right and center, Habana Outpost was a breath of fresh air. Based on my old photos and the menu I somehow saved, I’d wager a guess that I ordered a grilled chicken breast bowl served with rice & beans, field greens, pico de gallo, salsa verde, sweet plantains, a side of chips & salsa and a frozen piña colada. All this for a little over $20. Of course it didn’t include the drink because you know everywhere charges you a pinky for it.

    As of writing this post, Habana Outpost on Fulton is closed for the season and will return in April.

  • Submerging in the flavorful flavors of Hotpot

    With the cold weather slowly creeping in, soups become our ultimate go-to. There’s something about soups and stews that elevates the warmth in both our tummies and our souls, especially in cold times. It’s that cozy feeling you can’t resist, especially when you can craft your own bowl of comfort in the name of a hotpot.

    How do I pick my dream sauce and food items?

    Whether you’re a meat lover looking to load up on protein or prefer a veggie-centric approach, you’re in control here. The customization options are out of this world. If you’re in the mood for meats, you can pile them on, and if meat isn’t your thing, no worries at all. There are various soup bases and a galaxy of ingredients to choose from. As well as perfecting your go-to sauce from the sauce bar to dip your food into. My go-to sauce includes sesame sauce, peanut sauce, lots of green onions, lots of garlic, chili oil, chili powder, sugar, vinegar, fried onions and garlic. Wow, that is a mouthful, but so delicious. You can customize your dips depending on your palette.  

    How do I pick my liquid gold broth?

    For my soup-based, I went with the mala and beef broth option, and let me tell you, it was an explosion of spice, and palate cleansing with the beef broth. I’m a fan of spicy food, but this took it to the next level. It was almost too hot to handle, but you know what? It was very much worth the heat. It’s like a fiery journey for your taste buds, and sometimes, a little extra kick is just what you need to warm up in chilly weather. So, if you’re seeking that perfect bowl of warmth and flavor, this customizable soup spot is the place to be. It’s like a cozy adventure for your taste buds, and you won’t regret it. If you are like me and love the warmth that this hotpot dish brings to your time, it will have you craving it every season of the year.

    Hou Yi Hotpot with ingredients
    Hou Yi Hotpot with ingredients close up
  • Mom’s Kitchen & Bar: The Most Iconic Spot In Man…

    Hey y’all! Today we come with a good old restaurant review. Mom’s Kitchen & Bar is the spot to go to in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan. This restaurant is so cute, very welcoming, and it’s decorated with retro decor. This is a great place to go with your family, friends, lover or even by yourself on a solo date. I went to Mom’s Kitchen with my best friend, and we had a wonderful time with amazing food and even better service. The only thing is that when we went it got packed, therefore, we left right after we ate. However, I can’t wait to go back and try other things on the menu.

    Now let’s talk food! The food is to die for. I had the Fruity Pebbles Pancakes and I absolutely loved them. They were delicious, ever since I tried these I haven’t been able to stop thinking about them (lol). Apart from being delicious, their portions are huge. My bestie ordered the waffles and chicken, and it was also delicious, you already know, I had to try them. We also got some drinks, and they were pretty good too. Their price ranges from $17-$26 per plate, which I find pretty affordable due to the quality/flavor of the food.


    Location:

    701 9th Ave, New York City, NY 10019-7301

    48th St & 49th St – Hell’s Kitchen

  • A 90s Diner in 2023: In The Heart of NYC

    Hey y’all! What if I tell you that there was a diner decorated with a 90s decoration in Times Square NYC, so cool, right!?? Well, let me tell you that I actually found one! I was looking for a place to take a bite the other day when I met with my bestie and boom, we found this diner. It was pure coincidence. The 90s diner doesn’t look all that on the outside but once you go in, it looks amazing. I found out that this diner opened its door to the public recently, about a year or so ago.

    How was my experience?

    The experience in the 90s diner was amazing! Food was wonderful, we both ordered burgers with fries and natural juices. The burgers and fries were on point when it comes to flavor. The natural juices, didn’t really feel that natural, however, they were still okay. The overall experience of going to the past and living this history, like a blast from the past was amazing. The waiters and cashier were amazing too, they were very attentive. That being said, if you ever find yourself close to 43rs St and Broadway, go and have a little some, some from this diner. You won’t regret it!


    Locations:

    211 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036 (Times Square)

    200 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019 (Midtown)

  • Fat Boy’s Burrito Co.: Dinner Wrapped in a Warm Tortilla

    A bowl of food from Fat Boy's Burrito Co.
    Fat Boy’s Burrito Co. Bellmore

    Ever wished for your dinner to come together in a single burrito? I’m not talking just meat, cheese rice. Fat Boy’s Burrito Co. has you covered. This establishment has a long menu of burritos, tacos, quesadillas and more. The allure of this Tex-Mex restaurant is not only their literal fat burritos but also the intriguing combinations of food they can stuff within tortilla casing.

    On my most recent visit I got the Fat Hangover. A burrito containing “buffalo chicken fingers, mac `N cheese, diced bacon, tots, onion strings, extra queso, BBQ sauce and blue cheese. Garnished with cilantro.” The sheer amount of food that’s packed within one tortilla is astonishing. Being almost as big as my head, it’s not something I can eat in one sitting. While the Fat Hangover had tater tots in it I still got the Fat Tots topped with melted cheese and diced bacon. The tater tots by themselves were delicious as a side. All in all if you want a meal with leftovers for tomorrow head to Fat Boy’s Burrito Co.

    Fat Boy’s Burrito Locations

    • 2496 Merrick Rd
      Bellmore, NY 11710
    • 4097 Jericho Turnpike
      East Northport, NY 11731
    • 1660 Old Country Rd
      Plainview, NY 11803
    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx59FvsxUX8/?img_index=2

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  • Ricardo Steak House Bread Will Have You Begging For More

    Bread on a small cutting board with a small metal ramekin filled with marinara sauce from Ricardo Steak House.

    I’ve gone to Ricardo Steak House on more than one occasion. Maybe it’s the different locations or just specific dishes but I feel like the experience differed each time. Starting with getting into the restaurant. We highly recommend reserving a seat in advance. While you could try to do a walk in it’s best not to chance it. Once inside (or outside depending where you choose to sit) the atmosphere is a vibe. My most recent visit we sat in the back where the speakers weren’t so loud we couldn’t hear each other across the table. Every birthday celebration featured a variety of songs, such as 50 Cent’s “In da Club”; followed by waiters sprinting out with sparklers and a delightful ice cream brownie combo for the guest of honor.

    On to the food. One thing Ricardo’s is gonna do right no matter what is make bread. I don’t know what it is about it but each and every time I went the bread was delicious. Another guaranteed hit is their chicken satay. Glazed in a sweet and sour spicy honey sauce. One of my prior visits didn’t go so well but I blame that on my own poor judgement on how done I wanted my food. The lamb chops I ordered to well-done ended up being hard to chew and probably should’ve been medium-well. Another visit was mixed. On account that this is a steak house, not a seafood shack I probably shouldn’t have ordered clams. The 2nd Avenue Special comes with sautéed shrimp, clams, mashed potatoes and fresh spinach. Everything other than the clams were absolutely stunning. The clams, gummy. Hard to chew and even harder to swallow.

    If you want a steak, head to Ricardo Steak House. If you want seafood go somewhere else. Ricardo Steak House is located on 2145 2nd Avenue Bet. 110th & 111th St. Harlem New York, NY 10029.

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  • Lagos NYC: Devouring West African Flavors in the East Coast

    If you’re in the mood for immaculate vibes, you need to check out Lagos NYC in Manhattan. Before you go waltzing in you’ll need a reservation with your entire party on location but once you’re all there that’s where the fun begins. This restaurant and lounge has two floors. The live DJ is located on the second level but can be heard throughout the entire venue. During my visit a dance line started from the second floor, made its way down the stairs and back up again. Going back to the first floor, towards the back is a grass wall to capture a pic for Instagram. Those of you who like hookah can smoke while you eat. Those of us who aren’t a fan of having smoke blown all over our food should steer clear as there are no separate accommodations for either situation.

    Now the food itself is debatable. Don’t judge me but the first trip I went for brunch and got pancakes, scrambled eggs and mac n’ cheese. There’s not much to say about the pancakes and scrambled eggs but I was going back and forth on whether or not I liked the macaroni. I ended up giving the cheesy pasta to someone else. The second go around another member of my party had sent food back. Then there was the soup. Super spicy to the point she was coughing. I can only assume it tasted extremely good as she kept drinking it. There’s also the drinks but there is one in particular I want to highlight. The Fire On The Mountain. Literally coming in hot, the top of the drink is on fire.

    If all of these variables sounds like your speed then head down to the Lagos NYC at 7th Ave in Manhattan.

    Mac N' Cheese served in a small cask iron pot on a plate from Lagos NYC.

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  • The Most Incredible Latin Empanadas in New York

    Hey y’all, we got another hit. And this time it has many locations, so don’t worry there’s probably one store near you. When I was younger I would eat empanadas as breakfasts all the time, crazy right!? But listen, you can’t blame me, they are absolutely incredible. Every time I eat an empanada it takes me back to my childhood, good times.

    Where are the best Latin Empanadas?

    Empanadas Monumental has the finest empanadas in New York. They have a variety of empanadas that you can’t pass on. However, they don’t just make regular empanadas, they curate a combination of flavors such as an empanada that tastes like pizza and such. They also add different ingredients like cheese, corn and chicken, which might sound a bit weird but trust me. It tastes incredible! I love their empanadas. If you want to have a quick savory snack, stop by and try their variety. Because, I make sure to go and buy me some empanadas every time I see an Empanada Monumental dinner store.

    In addition, they also offer different types of food and drinks, not only empanadas. Such as yaroa, natural juices, batidas, sandwiches, quipes, bola de yuca, caprichos, salchipapas and few other items. Point is they have a lot of varieties and the majority of the things I have tried are absolutely delicious.

    They have different locations all around the city where you can go and enjoy their delicious delicacies. So, whenever you see an Empanada Monumental, please do yourself a favor and go try it. You will have the time of your life, trust me. Don’t be shy, invite your family and friends to try it with you, you can also order online.

    Locations: Manhattan & Bronx

    • 1344 Amsterdam Ave
    • 3477 Broadway
    • 681 Melrose Ave
    • 3772 Broadway
    • 4039 Broadway
    • 522 W 207th St
    • 1573 St Nicholas
    • 1457 Westchester Ave (BX)
  • One Of The Most Flavorful Seafood Buffets

    Hey y’all, today, we come with another hit. Boca Chica is a restaurant/buffet that specializes in seafood. If you are a seafood lover, then this one is for you. They also provide non-seafood alternatives. So don’t worry if you’re not a seafood lover, they have a bit of everything.

    What they offer:

    Boca Chica has so many varieties that you won’t even know what to choose from. They offer natural juices, empanadas, quipes and desserts. Boca Chica also has a variety of different rice, salmon, shrimps, fried fish, locrios (rice mixed with seafood/meat) and many more things.

    I haven’t tried everything yet, but I’m definitely planning to. So far I have tried the locrio de arenque (Rice and Smoked Herrings), which is one of my favorite dishes from their restaurant it is perfection and if you pair this dish with some green salad and sweet plantains you, my friend will be golden. Something else that I enjoyed were the empanadas, they have so much filling, are freshly done and taste amazing. One of the natural juices I tried was the chinola (passion fruit) juice, it was also delicious. A few days ago I tried the baked salmon, and it didn’t disappoint.

    Something that I have tried from Boca Chica that I wasn’t really a fan of was the fried rice, it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t what I was expecting. The fried rice had many raw veggies which is the part of the dish I wasn’t a fan of, I usually like my veggies at least a bit cooked. Other than that the taste/ flavor was there, it tasted fantastic and if they were to cook the veggies, I would definitely try it again and probably get to love it.

    My point is, Boca Chica is an excellent place to go and try some Caribbean seafood that taste bomb that com. Don’t miss out, go and try it and let me know how your experience was. Enjoy!

    Location: 584 W 207th St, New York, NY 10034