Tag: Manhattan

  • 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==
  • Take a Bite Out of Mighties Burgers On Delancey Street

    Want another burger?

    Hey y’all, let me tell you how an L turned into a W. When initial plans got cancelled and all hope seemed lost, Mighties came through with everything. After complaining earlier in the day about how nothing really tastes good anymore especially with the limited options where we live, Mighties burgers said “we’ll see about that”. If you don’t know where to look you might miss it. Walking on Delancey Street, you first have to walk into the Essex Market. Once you’re inside, make your way down to ‘The Market Line’ that’s where Mighties burgers live.

    A burger that's almost finished being eaten.
    Yes that’s my phone on the counter

    Fresh from the stove, I ordered a cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, their signature mightiest sauce and a side of fries. When I tell you I was shocked at how good it was. Our chef/server for the night should be secretly selling burgers on their own and bump up the price. Not to mention they were incredibly kind enough to charge my phone for me (I was dying on 5%). But back to the burgers. Maybe it was the hunger but I don’t think so. I had completely forgot my mission to take pictures everything I eat for the blog. By the time I remembered the burger was basically finished. Mighties definitely made it onto the list that night.

  • 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

  • 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.

    Want another bite?

  • 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.

    Hungry for more?

  • 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)
  • 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?

  • The Most Outstanding Chicken Spot To Stop In Williamsburg

    Hey guys we’re back with another New York eat. Sweet Chick is a nice little chicken spot with five locations in the state. During the warmer weather they do have outdoor seating, granted, it’s more of a remnant from the social distancing past. However, enjoying the outdoors with dividers provides a sense of personal space, allowing you to avoid feeling crowded by others outside your group. Best part is the waiters do come outside as well so you’re not completely sacrificing the restaurant experience. However, the only issue (this goes with any outdoor seating) was bugs, more specifically bees. Granted this only happened during one of my experiences in the warmer seasons a bee kept flying around the table. I think it may have sought a “boost” from fròse we ordered.

    Now from my experiences, I had the chicken and waffles. The chicken wasn’t overly crispy where it would scrape your mouth. The waffles were incredibly fluffy inside. The food is made how the southern high priestess intended. You also have to try their mac n’ cheese; It’s ooey gooey goodness topped with breadcrumbs for a little crunch. And if you like to have a drink in the morning don’t worry. Sweet Chick has a little something something for the 21 and up crowd too. I got a little taste of their fròse. Personally for me it was passable, but that’s coming from someone who likes weak drinks that taste like straight juice. If you’re ever in these parts of New York make sure you stop by a Sweet Chick to get your chicken fix. Another thing to remember, if you can’t go personally they also do delivery.

    You can discover Sweet Chick locations throughout various areas:

    • Union Square
    • Williamsburg
    • Lower East Side
    • Prospect Heights
    • Long Island City
    Chicken and waffles sprinkled with powdered sugar from Sweet Chick.
    Macaroni and cheese topped with breadcrumbs. Cheese fries topped with bacon in the background. From Sweet Chick.
    Chicken sandwich with lettuce and tomato from Sweet Chick in Brooklyn.

    Clucking for more?

  • One of the Best Japanese Barbecue in Manhattan

    Want a spot to eat with your friends without worrying about splitting the bill? Gyu-Kaku in Manhattan is the perfect place. This Japanese barbecue restaurant will have you stuffed and the drinks are nothing to shy away from. With a team of five I thought that the meal set we chose wouldn’t be enough for all of us, little did I know we would be fighting to finish everything we got. The meat just kept coming. In addition to the sides of rice, calamari and a hefty salad we were stuffed. You would be shocked to know the amount of bang you could get for your buck.

    They’ve set up everything for a successful grilling experience. There’s a little slip to tell you how to cook each cut of meat. The type of meat you’re cooking determines where you should place the meat on the grill. The immaculate vibes aside, we did experience some burnt meat due to inattentiveness. Nonetheless, the staff replaced the grill plates, making sure none of the burnt residue affected the flavor of the next cut of meat. At the end of everything is a small dessert of s’mores. You can get them for free when you gain points through the restaurants app. If you have a large group a cheat code is have one person sign up and then have each person sign up through the first person’s referral to rack up points while you’re there.

    You can find multiple Gyu-Kaku Japanese barbecue in:

    • Amsterdam
    • East Village
    • Flushing
    • Midtown
    • Times Square
    • White Plains
    Meat served on top of rice at a Japanese barbecue.

    Click here for more Asian cuisine