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  • Selena inspired drink that’ll have you singing and dancing

    Toro Loco Selena is the kind of cocktail that’ll have you on your feet, dancing and singing your heart out, just like the legendary Selena. This drink is not just delicious; it’s so good that you’ll be itching for a second round, and not to spoiler alert. That is exactly what I did. The main stars of this show are hibiscus and tequila, and if you’re a fan of the floral notes of hibiscus, this drink is a complete game changer. I might be a bit biased, but I’m all about that hibiscus life. It is my go-to aqua fresh option, which is a story for another day. 

    The presentation is a work of art, much like the beautiful artist it’s named after. The cocktail is as visually stunning as Selena herself. The frothy top is a game changer too, adding a velvety smoothness that takes the whole experience to the next level. As with the rose buds on the top add an elegant feel to it. So, if you’re in the mood for a cocktail that’s not only delectable but also pays tribute to a beloved icon, look no further. Toro Loco Selena is a flavor-packed and visually stunning masterpiece that’ll have you singing, dancing, and sipping with pure delight. It’s a true showstopper in a glass.

  • Rummy in my time was leaving me feeling yummy. 

    I had a blast sharing this yummy drink with my good friend at Friiki Tiki, the ultimate pregame destination. The best part? This drink is perfect for two, so you and your pal can each enjoy two rounds of deliciousness. It’s a real treat after a tough day at work or school! This was my situation, and it had me feeling oh-so Yummy in my tummy.

    What’s even more awesome is that this delicious drink was only 26 dollars – an absolute steal in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen. Am I right??? Friiki Tiki is just the place to kickstart your evening plans and make those awesome song requests on the piano. From 8 to 10 PM, they’ve got a talented performer who takes song requests and turns them into a show with great vibes. Even if you’re not usually a fan of singing around others, such as myself. They’ll have you singing along, and I found myself vibing to classics like “Bad Romance.” It truly was an experience that set the vibe for a great night.

    So, if you’re seeking the perfect spot to share some drinks, unwind, and get your evening going, head to Friiki Tiki. It’s the kind of place that turns an ordinary night into a vibe-filled adventure, and it won’t break the bank and have you feeling Friiki.

    fishbowl with citrus and tiny beach umbrella

  • Mango Blast With a bucket of Anda Boba

    Sipping on that massive Mango bubble tea from a bucket was an absolute game-changer. I mean, seriously, how much more could you ask for in life? This was a bucket filled with pure mango and lemon goodness – a combination of flavors that happens to be my top two favorites. As well as delicious popping mango pearls at the bottom, and I promise you, you this is a MUST. And did I mention that it came in a bucket? Very important, and honest the icing on the cake!

    Believe it or not, this fantastic treat only cost us 14 dollars, making it a real bang for your buck. You get an incredible amount of liquid for that price, and it’s almost mind-boggling. My partner and I couldn’t even finish it in one go, so we saved the other half for the next day. It’s like a gift that keeps on giving.

    What makes it even more special is the three different layers of goodness that blend deliciously to create the ultimate flavor bomb. If you’re looking for an extraordinary treat that won’t empty your wallet, this Mango bubble tea in a bucket is the way to go. It’s the kind of treat that leaves you feeling satisfied and wanting more all at once.

    mango boba bucket wiht handle

  • Discover Paradise: Unveiling the Authentic Bliss of Mojito

    For my birthday celebration, I decided to hit up this fantastic spot during their happy hour, and let me tell you, the good times rolled! I lost count after sipping on four, or was it five? Their mojito is what sold me, I have a lot of mojitos but let me tell ya’ll. I want to go back here just for that mojito. The combination of zesty lemon and refreshing mint in the mojito was absolutely divine, creating a perfect balance of citrusy and herbal flavors. And you want to know the best part? They were only 8 dollars each – an absolute steal. Now, most of the spots I’ve mentioned so far have been in Manhattan, but this hidden gem is located in Queens.

    It’s your quintessential Mexican food joint, serving up some seriously delicious dishes. But what truly steals the show here are the drinks.

    My bestie went all out and ordered one of their flavored margaritas, and let me tell you, the options are practically endless. I, unfortunately, didn’t get a picture of her beverage, but just close your eyes and imagine sipping on boozy passionfruit heaven from a cactus margarita glass. It’s a true fiesta in a glass, and it was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday.

    So, if you’re ever in Queens and craving typical Mexican food with a side of fantastic cocktails that won’t break the bank, this place should definitely be on your list. It’s the kind of spot where good times and drinks go hand in hand, making any celebration a memorable one. Cheers to great food, even better drinks, and the incredible combination of lemon and mint in that fantastic mojito!

    Want another drink?

  • Chicken Sausage Pasta with and Amazing Bolognese

    With the holidays slowly creeping up on us, we need a quick and easy recipe that’ll wow the crowd. This simple dish will save you time in the kitchen while leaving whoever is lucky enough to taste it satisfied.
    Eat more pasta here.

    Ingredients

    • 9 Ounces Italian Chicken Sausage Mix
    • 6 Ounces Spaghetti
    • 1 Zucchini
    • 1¾ Cup Crushed Tomatoes
    • 1 tsp Chicken Stock Concentrate
    • 1½ tbsp Sour Cream
    • 3 tbsp Parmesan Cheese
    • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
    • Olive Oil
    • 1 tbsp Butter
    • 1 tsp Sugar
    • Kosher Salt
    • Black Pepper

    Instructions

    1. Set broiler to high and bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cut Zucchini in half lengthwise then slice thinly into semi circles.
    2. Place zucchini slices on a baking sheet with olive oil, ½ tbsp Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Broil for 5-7 minutes until browned and softened.
    3. While zucchini broil, heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the chicken sausage and ½ tbsp Italian seasoning, breaking up the meat. Cook for 4-6 minutes until browned.
    4. In case you don’t know how to make spaghetti, add spaghetti to the pot of boiling water and cook for 9-11 minutes. Keep ½ cup of the water.
    5. Meanwhile in the pan with your sausage, stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock concentrate, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for 5-7 minutes and thicken.
    6. Finally, mix in sour cream and butter into sauce until melted and completely combined. Add your zucchini and spaghetti and voila.
      Note: If your pasta isn’t fully coated in sauce you can pour the leftover water in 1 tbsp at a time.
    7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and parmesan.

  • 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.

    Rice and Smoked Herrings
    Fried Fish with Veggies

    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

  • Sticky’s Finger Joint and their Extra Special Sauce

    Clucking for more chicken?

    Located all over Brooklyn, it’s not hard to find the chicken chain. Sticky’s Finger Joint has proclaimed itself as “The Home Of The Best Damn Chicken Fingers!” Now I’m not gonna knock Sticky’s chicken. The chicken fingers ain’t bad, but that’s not why I like going. The real stars (for me at least) are the sauces. What’s a chicken finger without something to dunk it in? I for one want to try all their sauces. I’m a little embarrassed to say it but it’s like filling a Pokédex for me. On their current menu they have 13 different sauces to try ranging from classic to global. As of writing this, they have 2 limited time sauces; Jerk BBQ and Taco Supreme.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz_3dEsLIlw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

    Now while I haven’t tried their extensive menu, because they do sell more than just chicken fingers, I feel like it’s my duty to tell you everything they sell. Starting with their sandwiches.

    • They have the classic served with sticky’s sauce, purple slaw and pickles.
    • A spicy chicken served with Sticky’s sauce, Nashville numb sauce, cumin and pickles.
    • The honey BBQ consists of the sassy BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, honey and of course pickles.

    Next is their wraps, all of which have two chicken fingers within them (you just can’t get away from the chicken fingers).

    • The chicken caesar wrap is simple. Grilled and wrapped with coleslaw, and grated parmesan cheese
    • The chicken bacon crunch wrap has obviously chopped bacon, grilled greens, tomatoes, red onions, cheddar cheese and buttermilk baby ranch
    • Sticky chicken wrap consisting of buffalo balsamic maple, coleslaw, pickles, shredded carrots and cheddar cheese.

    Side note: I think the buffalo balsamic maple is an acquired taste

    There’s also the sides but I’m not gonna get into those.

    Bacon Mac Fries
    Bacon Mac Fries
    Spicy Chicken Wrap
    Classic Chicken Sandwich from Sticky's Finger Joint
    Thai Fiesta Chicken
    Thai Fiesta
    Chicken Finger Combo

  • Loaded Pork Taquitos, Mouthwateringly Simple

    Pork Taquitos in a cast iron skillet cover in pico de gallo and sour cream

    Now when I was learning to cook I was extremely anxious of cooking meat because I didn’t want to potentially poison anyone. These loaded pork taquitos though are ridiculously easy to make for a noobie chef. When I say these loaded pork taquitos are loaded they were quite literally getting out of hand, I had meats and cheese falling everywhere when I was eating (or maybe I’m just a mess in general). If I wasn’t so lazy I would be making these on the daily.
    If you want other meats wrapped in a tortilla click here.

    Ingredients

    • 10 Ounces Ground Pork
    • 1 Yellow Onion
    • 2 tsp garlic powder
    • 1 tsp cumin
    • 1 tsp chili powder
    • Tex-Mex Paste
    • 6 Tortillas
    • ½ Cup Mexican Cheese Blend
    • 3 tbsp Sour Cream
    • 1 tsp Hot Sauce (or more I’m not your mom)
    • 4 tbsp guacamole
    • 1 Lime
    • 1 Tomato
    • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
    • Salt
    • Black Pepper

    Instructions

    1. If you think you can prep fast enough, put a rack to the middle, preheat you’re oven to 425 degrees, and put foil lightly oiled on a baking sheet (I put mine in a cast iron skillet). Otherwise, mince your onion until you have 1 tbsp then thinly slice the rest. Dice tomato and zest lime, cutting it into quarters after.
    2. Mix garlic powder, cumin and chili powder to make a spice blend.
    3. Over medium-high heat, heat a large drizzle of oil in a pan and cook sliced onions for 3 minutes. Next add ground pork, breaking into pieces and cooking for 4-6 minutes until meat is browned and onion softens. Mix in spice blend, Tex-Mex paste, ⅓ cup water and simmer until thickened for about 2-3 minutes.
    4. Coat tortillas evenly on both with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Fill tortillas with about ¼ cup of pork and 1 tbsp of cheese blend. Roll and tuck the tortillas tightly until shaped like a taquito and place seam down on the baking sheet.
    5. Put the taquitos in the oven to bake for 8-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
    6. In one bowl combine tomato, minced onions, half the lime zest and lime juice from half the lime and salt to taste. In another bowl combine guacamole, sour cream, the other half of the lime zest and lime juice then salt and pepper to taste.
    7. Top your taquitos with pico de gallo, guac mixture and hot sauce.

  • The Most Terrific Pastelon Dish For The Holidays

    Hey y’all! Here we come with another hit for your holiday dishes. This dish right here, you have to make at least once because it is that delicious.

    Pastelon is a traditional dish from the Caribbean. Depending on what part of the Caribbean you are from, the way pastelon is prepared varies. Some people use other types of meats and or veggies. Other mash the sweet plantains, while others simply slice them. This dish is mostly prepared during the holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, you name it. And in my culture pastelon is a dish that consists of sweet mashed plantains, ground beef seasoned to taste and cheese. It is easy and affordable to make and very filling, and on top of that it is also delicious. I know, hard to believe, right!? But I assure you, it’s definitely all that and a little more.

    It’s a delicacy of flavor in each layer, similar to a lasagna (or casserole) but the pasta is replaced with sweet plantain. This dish is an all-time favorite of mine, every time I go to family gatherings and I see a pastelon at the table, my heart gets so warm and happy.

    For these upcoming holidays I recommend you to try this dish, it will be a hit at the family gatherings. Your loved ones will be asking for it every time you guys have any festive gatherings. We will provide an easy pastelon recipe that you won’t stop making and will most likely make it part of your family dish tradition as well. This dish can be done more or less under an hour, and it is perfect for any occasion, but it will taste even better if shared with others. Don’t just share the dish but also make sure to share the recipe with friends and family. Enjoy and have fun preparing this delicious delicacy!

    Serving Size: 6

    Ingredients:

    • Olive Oil
    • Red Onion
    • Garlic
    • Green Bell Pepper
    • Fresh Cilantro
    • Tomato sauce
    • Ground Beef
    • Salt
    • Ground Black Pepper
    • Ripe Sweet Plantains
    • Salted butter

    For the filling:

    • 2 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
    • 1 red onion, [65g], minced
    • 1 tablespoon of mashed garlic, (3 large garlic cloves)
    • 1 pound ground beef, [454g]
    • 1 cup tomato sauce, [115g]
    • 1 green bell peppers or red, seeded and minced
    • 1 ½ teaspoons of salt (or more, to taste)
    • ½ teaspoons ground black pepper (or more, to taste)
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, (or parsley)

    For some non-traditional fillings (including vegetarian ones), check out this pastelones fillings. You can also use ground turkey, pork, or chicken for a non-traditional filling.

    Preparation:

    • In a ceramic pan, heat oil over medium-low heat. Stir in onion and cook and stir until it turns translucent.
    • Add garlic and cook and stir for a minute.
    • Add minced meat and cook and stir, breaking it into small clumps until it browns.
    • Pour in tomato sauce. Add bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir and cover. Simmer for 3 minutes.
    • Uncover and mix in the optional ingredient of your choice, or none at all if you so prefer.
    • Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste if needed. Remove from the heat and put it to the side until needed. 

    To assemble:

    • 6 ripe/yellow sweet plantains
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ¼ cup salted butter plus extra to grease pan
    • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

    Preparation:

    • Peel the plantains and boil adding 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
    • Once the plantains are fork tender (15 – 20 mins), remove them from the heat.
    • Drain the water right away, and mash them with a fork. 
    • Add the butter and keep mashing until it is very smooth with no lumps. 
    • Grease a 1-inch tall baking pan.
    • Put half of the plantain mixture in the baking pan. 
    • Cover with half of the cheese. Cover the cheese with the meat. Keep layering until the mixture is finished. Cover with the rest of the cheese.
    • Cook in preheated oven to 350 °F [175 °C] until the top is golden brown.

    Now, you are all done. Let the pastelon cool down for at least five minutes after removing it from the oven, so it’s easier to serve. Enjoy!

  • Flippers: The Most Superior Brunch Spot

    This one is for all of my early birds. Out in Soho, on Broadway there’s a store on the corner that you might miss if you’re not paying attention (or the line isn’t out the door). Flippers is a brunch spot that serves up delicious soufflé pancakes. This particular eatery is far from a walk in and is highly recommended to get a reservation first. If this warning isn’t heeded you can try your luck with the waitlist. From my experience it’s a gamble. The first day I went and found it by chance, the I never got a text saying there was a spot open. The second I lucked out and got a full party of four in.

    A brunch spread from Flippers in Soho. Caramel banana chocolate pancakes, strawberry pancakes,fresh fruit pancakes. Hashbrowns, bacon, and mimosas.

    Once you enter the restaurant is kinda small but that just makes it cozy. Depending on the size of your party seating can get a bit tight. While Flippers does sell other food, the main star is their pancakes. The pancakes themselves are very cute and yes they jiggle when you shake them. I ordered one mimosa. Let me tell you something, they are very generous with the champagne so if you’re going to brunch to drink, this is the place to be.

    You can find Flippers located in Soho, Manhattan. I recommend getting a reservation if you plan to make a day out of it.

    Flipping out for more?