Last night's dinner: La Superior

All of the Cheap Eat articles seemed to come out this month and I couldn't escape reading about La Superior, a new, cheap,  street style Mexican restaurant in Williamsburg.  When I read any positive review, with the words cheap and Williamsburg in it, I have to try it out!

Yesterday, Femi, Jen, and I decided to give this place a try.  Since we just wanted tacos, I thought it would be a great place to go because Femi had to be to work in an hour.  I thought it was on 2nd and Berry, which is pretty close to the bar.  I guess there is no such thing and 2nd and Berry because we passed 4th St and then hit Metropolitan.  I was thought to myself, where did 2nd Street go?  Then we passed Grand St and I was getting worried that we weren't going to be able to get tacos because the walk was taking so long.  Finally, we realized it was on South 2nd.  We were already there so we decided to risk Femi being late to work.

This restaurant is very cute and is nicely decorated with pretty wallpaper and decorative napkin holders.  I like the bold red color of the walls.  I also especially enjoyed the music that was being played and was able to really do the "happy food dance" while I ate.  I also enjoyed that the staff seemed to be friends and enjoy working with each other.  They were laughing, goofin around, and having a good time.

We were sat and given menus immediately, contradicting what all you naysayers have been posting on menupages and the like.  We didn't get any bad service at all, in fact our order was taken and food was delivered in great time.  Femi was only 15 minutes late to work!

Jen and Femi were brave and decided to try the agua fresca without knowing what it was.  Femi got Watermelon and Jen got Pineapple.  These drinks are amazing!  I looked up the recipe on my phone and it is 3 cups of pureed fruit, a cup of water, and sugar and lime to taste.  The drink tastes like the fruit.  The watermelon agua fresca literally tasted like drinking a watermelon.  I especially like the foam at the top. 

Femi and I are on a budget these days, so this time we only ordered tacos.  The tacos here are $2.50 each and are served tapas style.  We got four each.  At first, you think wow these are small tacos but after eating them, the filling is so rich with flavor, that the size is perfect.  They are very satisfying.

We both got the Tinga de pollo, which is shredded chicken in a VERY SPICY chipotle tomato sauce.  The chicken is moist and the sauce is really hot but it is delicious.  I recommend if you order this one, you save it for last.  You wouldn't want to screw up your palate, because there is many more flavors to taste!

We also both got the Camaron al chipotle, which in our opinions was the best one.  This taco is also spicy but not as spicy as the chicken.  The shrimps are juicy and plump.  They also give you a decent amount of shrimps in a small taco.

In addition, I got the Pescado zarandeado.  I love me a fish taco and this one is up there with the best.  I like that the fish is not fried.  This taco has good, refreshing flavors.

I also got the Cochinita pibil, which is slow cooked pork in banana leaves.  When Jen saw this taco, she asked how I would be able to eat it.  Imagine a tortilla that is only 3 inches wide with a mound of pork on top.  If you folded this taco, the pork would fall out of the front and the back.  This taco took two hands and three napkins to eat.  It was delicious though and had a bbq/mesquite type of flavor.

Femi, got the Carne Asada (grilled skirt steak) and Carnitas (pork confit) tacos.  He said they were great but I didn't try them so I will have to take his word for it.

Both Jen and Femi said that they would come back again despite the distance from Greenpoint.  Femi actually said he wanted to come 4 times per month.  I agree, I will definitely come back again.  I want to try the quesadillas and entrees.  Last night, they had a squid cooked in ink special for $10.  I was tempted to try it but I wanted to stick the tacos this time.  Maybe next time I will try the squid if they have it.

It is really refreshing to find good food in Williamsburg.  Usually the restaurants are talked up and the food is subpar.  La Superior is indeed true to its name!  I will most definitely be back!

Ichiran Ramen opening soon!?

I have always been hearing rumors of a ramen restaurant from Japan opening up on Manhattan Ave in Greenpoint.  I never took the time to explore it for myself.

Yesterday, I was looking up cheap restaurants to go to for dinner and I came across a few review sites that mentioned this ramen place called Ichiran Ramen.

After doing some research, I found out that they are only opening up the restaurant to people who register and live within walking distance of the spot.  Below are some of the quotes that I found.

On Chowhound, hungry_united said "FYI, greenpointers: there's a new sign posted in front of the ramen shop (actually two -- one in japanese and the other in very cute poorly translated english) saying that the restaurant is due to open at an "indeterminate date" as "ichiran ltd. membership shop." they will ultimately be a regular restaurant, but they will first open for a small group of "members" who are invited to share their "severe opinion and frank comment" while the restaurant perfects its menu... there was a little box full of registration forms which you're invited to fill out and then leave in a little mailbox and the sign said that they would contact interested parties once they had decided on serving dates... it also said that membership would be for people who live within walking distance of the restaurant...

not sure what exactly any of this means, but i signed up and i'm excited to find out!"  

On Yelp, Hideki K. said "I've been trying to land a reservation here.  Based on my sources, you need to physically go to ramen shop to pick up a neighborhood membership application to have special privileges to dine there during this soft opening period at Ichiran." and Isabel L. said "Apparently they are still going through that " neighborhood members only" system. You basically need a Brooklyn address to become a member to enjoy the privilege of tasting their ramen. So I wrote down my home address ( not brooklyn) and added this :

* I work in this area and I walk by your store every day !* "

I also read on Eater, that " Grub Street notices that the highly anticipated Ichiran Ramen is getting closer to opening, a year and a half late. Right now, they're open for friends and family, kind of: "Now a sign has been posted indicating that it will open its doors, at first, as a 'limited membership shop' accessible only to 'those living in the distance which walks from this shop,' provided they fill out an application form." [GS]"

After reading all of this information, I decided to take a short walk and do some investigating myself.  I walked 3 blocks to Manhattan and Green (the restaurant is right next to Cafecito Bogota) and read some of the verbiage that they posted on their window.  I filled out a card with my name and address.  So we will see what comes of it.  I am really anxious to try this place because I love country Japanese food.  I will keep all of you in the loop when I get any more information.

Cottage cheese salad with cucumbers and strawberries

During the week, I am on a diet.  No carbs and no sweets.  Sometimes I succeed, other times I cheat.  I am on a mission though to stay dedicated!  That is why, when I am cooking for myself I go to Weight Watchers for guidance.  This week, I found a page dedicated to strawberries, which I love and are in season.

I made the salad with strawberries, cucumber, pineapple cottage cheese (instead of plain), lettuce, and lemon juice.  I added some cured meat on the side.  I didn't put the lemon rind or spring onions on because I am not a huge fan of either.

I was skeptical because it sounded too healthy and usually healthy sounding food tastes bad.  I was wrong.  It was delicious!  

Bowling!!!

Femi and I met up with Maddy at Brooklyn Bowl last Wednesday. Maddy was running late, so Femi and I decided to check out the restaurant.  I was not impressed.  I will cut them some slack though because it had only been open for 2 nights.  

 

We shared the Cajun Shrimp Cocktail with Spicy Mayo which was $12.  The dish came out and I laughed.  The shrimps were super tiny.  I could have made this from the frozen shrimp they sell at C Town.  There was no cajun seasoning on the shrimp.  They were cooked and chilled.  They were served on a bed of lettuce.  The "spicy mayo" was mayo with some old bay and ground up chile pepper on top.  

I got the plate of Iceberg, Blue Cheese, and Bacon salad which was $8.  I also laughed when this came out.  It was a wedge of iceberg, blue cheese dressing all over it, and bacon bits.  There were some tomato slices on the side too.  The dressing was good because it wasn't strong like other blue cheese can be.  But seriously!? Bacon bits?  C'mon give me a thick, crispy slice of bacon or two?  And can't you chop the iceberg?  Again, I could have totally made this at home for half the price.  Not impressed.

Femi got the "Really" Sloppy Joe which was $8 bucks.  Finally, something worth the money!  This was a damn good sandwich.  The sloppy joe was sweet and spicy.  It came with a bed of lettuce (a choice of fries would have been nice, especially for Femi).  This is definitely what you should get if you come to eat at Brooklyn Bowl.  Don't even attempt to be healthy here.  Just go straight for the good stuff.  The other stuff is a waste of time

Now to the goods, the bowling!  $40 for an hour and 4 bucks for shoes.  Not bad.  You can have a max of 8 people to a lane and they knock $10 off during happy hour.  The lanes are great and they have all new technology.  The selection of balls was mediocre.  I couldn't find a small 8 lb ball anywhere but I found a medium and that worked out.

What is weird, is they have you pay for your bowling and shoes at the end, along with drinks and whatever you order.  I am used to paying for bowling and shoes in the beginning and then at the end settling whatever drinks/food I ordered.  I wonder if this is so they can get a bigger tip when drunk people don't notice the bowling and shoes and just tip on everything.  Hmmmm.

The drink menu is muy expensive!!!  They don't have a very good selection of beers.  It is all Brooklyn beer and other local brands.  The cheapest beer is 5 bucks.  They should have a beer and a shot special or a 3 dollar beer or something.  I had a Strawberry Maragarita which was yummy but was also $9 bucks and not much strawberry.

On a positive note, the atmostphere is COOL!  They have a huge stage for possible shows.  The place is ginourmous.  I think they should add in some pool tables somewhere as well.

My suggestion is come here for the bowling.  Skip the dinner and if you must eat go straight for the unhealthy snack foods.  I hope that they improve the menu and drink prices with time.

De Lorenzo's!

I have been going to De Lorenzo's Pizza in Trenton since I was a little girl.  My dad has been going there since he was in high school!  This is the best pizza I have ever had.

I remember, as a little girl, being asked if I had to use the

 bathroom before we left.  De Lorenzo's did not have a bathroom.  I would always say no and then as soon as we got to the restaurant, I would have to go.  My Dad would have to take me to a rough bar down the street to use the bathroom.

Now, De Lorenzo's has added a new location in Hamilton that has a bathroom and is very fancy.

           

Before, at the old location in Trenton, one would have to wait in line for an hour to get a table.  Now, I am sure there is still a long wait, but it is very spacious.

One of my favorite things about De Lorenzo's is the crushed ice and birch beer.  I remember that they didn't have free refills so we would all order our own sodas with ice and then my Dad would order a cup of soda without ice and pour it in all of our cups.  This way we all didn't have to get separate sodas. 

 

This time we just ordered a pitcher because I wanted a lot of birch beer.

We got two pies.  One with mushrooms and the other with sausage.  Nanny (my grandmother) 

even came with us!  I didn't know that she liked pizza but she said that really loved De Lorenzo's.

The best thing about the pizza is the sauce and the thin crust.  My dad said that the secret to the sauce is crushed tomatoes.  Shhh!

The new location is on Route 33 in Robbinsville, NJ.  You can get their easily from NY by taking the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line to Hamilton.  The restaurant is right by the train station.

It is well worth the journey because this is the best pizza you will ever have!

Pio Pio Riko

Thursday night, Femi and I ordered from Pio Pio Riko.  This is also right near my apartment and they deliver.  Pio Pio Riko is located on Huron and Manhattan in Greenpoint.

We both got quarter chickens.  Femi got his with french fries and salad, and I got mine with just salad.  Femi also got sweet plantains.  They didn't have orange soda, so I got a diet coke and Femi got a Sprite.  I love orange soda and I wish they would sell    Photo courtesy of greenpointcity.com           that.

The dressing that they put on their salad is sooo good.  I don't know what it is but I love it.  They also give you the spicy green dipping sauce for your chicken, but I put it on my salad because it is so good!

Pio Pio Riko does the whole rotisserie chicken thing and it is sooo good.  It falls right off the bone and you don't even need to use a knife.  I love that!

They also have other Peruvian specials on their menu but I find the chicken specials are the best bang for your buck.  Two quarter chickens, plaintains, and sodas set us back about only $16 bucks.  Not too bad. 

Pio Pio Riko is the best for when you want something greasy and unhealthy, that isn't that bad for you.

Last Night's Dinner: OTT

Last night and Wednesday night, I ordered OTT, a Thai restaurant right on the corner of my street.  They are located on Manhattan Ave and India St in Greenpoint.

I like this place because it is consistently good and fast.  They deliver but they are also a half a block away so it is very convenient.

Photo by Gavin Thomas - Courtesy of nymag.com

Last night, I got chicken pad thai medium spicy.  Wednesday night, I got chili beef medium spicy and Femi got pad see ew with extra beef and regular broccoli (they usually put chinese broccoli in it and he doesn't like that).   We also got chicken satay with peanut sauce.  Both times I got thai iced coffee.  I love it!

This place is a little pricey.  Last night, it was 12 bucks for pad thai and an iced coffee.  Wednesday it was about $30 bucks for two entrees, an appetizer, and a coffee.  It is just very convenient and delicious!

Fette Sau - Food Coma Inducer

Monday night, Femi and I went to Fette Sau for dinner.  Fette Sau is on Metropolitan between Havemeyer and Roebling.

The great thing about this place is that you order your food by the pound (or quarter pound in our case.)  This way you can try a little of everything without breaking the bank.  They also have excellent sodas available (black cherry, vanilla cream, and root beer.)  For the drinkers, they have an extensive beer and whiskey list.

Also the menu changes daily which is a nice thing about a restaurant.  To me, it makes the restaurant's food better when they can focus on a few items each day, instead of a full menu.   According to Fette Sau's website, they smoke their meat with Red and White Oak, Maple, Beech, and Cherry wood.  They also dry rub bbq their meat.  They don't apply sauce during the cooking process.  All of the meat that they serve is organic and small family farmed.

Whenever Femi and I come here, we order a quarter of a pound of every meat and a side.  This time around we got Hand Pulled Berkshire Shoulder, Berkshire Belly, Boneless Ribs, Brisket, Flank Steak, and a Rib on the bone.  We also got Cora's Broccoli Salad.  For drinks, I got Manhattan Special Black Cherry Soda and Femi got Manhattan Special Orange Soda.  

They also make their own sauces, a sweet bbq sauce (my favorite), pasilla chile pepper sauce (its HOT), and vinegar.  

The total for all of that was around $25!  This is a great place if you want to load up on protein without paying 40 bucks for a steak!

By the way, this place also delivers too!  But I must warn you if you are feeling lazy before ordering and eating, just wait until after you eat.  This food will induce a coma - a good coma though.  

For more information on Fette Sau and what they serve visit their website.

Festa Del Giglio - Yum!

Today, Femi and I want to the carnival on North 8th St for some dinner.   We didn't play games or go on rides, we went for the food.

We got sausage, peppers, and onions on a roll.  I got sweet and Femi got spicy.

Then we got funnel cake and zeppoli (fried dough).

All the food was amaaazing.  I wish we would have split the sandwich instead of getting our own because I couldn't eat the funnel cake or zeppoli because I was too full.

I had one zeppoli and it was sooo good, but I could only eat one.  I knew how gross and bad for me they were.  It is too intense of a food.  I don't know how I could eat more than one. 

Anyways, go get some good Italian food if you live in the neighborhood!

Tortilla Espanol con Verduras

This morning Femi and I made Spanish Tortilla with Veggies.  It was delicious.  Here is the recipe:

5 links of breakfast sausage (not frozen)

6 eggs

1 white onion

2 cloves of garlic

1 pepper (any color, we used green)

1 tomato

can of thinly sliced potatoes (or you can use fresh, peel them slice them, and fry in olive oil till soft)

can of sliced mushrooms

fresh spinach

shredded cheddar cheese

olive oil

sofrito sauce

ketchup

smoked paprika

First, remove casing from sausage and saute sausage in olive oil.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cook till grey.  Chop up into bite size pieces.

Chop onion, peppers, and tomato.

Saute onion in olive oil with two whole cloves of garlic, skins still on until onion is clear.

Add peppers and saute.  Add spinach and saute until it is wilted.  Add potatoes, tomatoes, and mushrooms.  Saute.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, crack 6 eggs.  Whisk with a fork until combined.

Pour veggie mixture and sausage into eggs.  Mix.  Add some cheese.  Add salt and pepper.

Pour egg mixture into a big pan.  When side is browned, take a plate, lid, or baking sheet, cover pan with it, turn upside down to flip, then slide tortilla back into the pan to cook the other side.

Repeat as above when that side is browned.  But don't return to pan.  Set aside and let cool to room temperature.

Meanwhile, mix sofrito, couple squeezes of ketchup, and some smoked paprika together to make a bravas sauce for your tortilla.

Tortilla is also served with ailoli.  It is too complicated and messy to make.  The grocery store sells mayo made with olive oil.  So if you take some of that and mix it with minced garlic, it is similar.  Not exactly the same though.

Once cooled, slice like a pie and serve with sauce.  Bueno appetito!

Last Night's Dinner: Sakura 6

Last night, we went to Sakura 6 in Greenpoint.  They have free sake with dinner so why not!  Plus they have big windows that they open so it's airy and nice.

I haven't had sushi in a while and since it was Friday, I could go for some rice.  They have a special where you get three rolls and a salad for 14.95 so Femi and I split that and got two more rolls.

Photo courtesy of yu-misushi.com

We got spicy tuna, spicy salmon, and spicy crab.  Femi ate the salad.  He loves his ginger dressing.  We also got sweet potato roll (I really love sweet potatoes) and spider roll.  I am a new fan of spider roll.  I had never had it before.  It was the first time I had spider roll and the first time I have eaten soft shell crab.  Both are delicious.  I especially love the Japanese mayo and the fact that there was seaweed in the roll.  I freakin' love seaweed!

The sake was yummy but I must say I was really annoyed by the amount of fruit flies.  That just groses me out.  Guess it's because of the open windows.

Maoz Vegetarian

On Thursday, after Spanish class, I decided to get food and then eat it in the park.  I was planning on just getting Whole Foods unless I passed by something else.  Then, I saw Maoz!  I haven't eaten it since I was on South Street when I lived in Philly!

I didn't want to eat a falafel with pita because during the week I must watch my carbs.  So I decided to get a salad.  For 10 bucks you get a salad with falafel, hummus, and fried eggplant.  You also get a juice or lemonade.  Then you also get free toppings!  I got pickles, beets, tabouleh, chickpeas, olives, yogurt sauce, tahini, hot sauce, salsa, cilantro, and more!  

Pastel de Carne (Meatloaf)

I attempted to make meatloaf wrapped in bacon a few nights ago.

To me, it came out too salty.  Femi loved it though.  He has a high tolerance for salt.  Next time I would use a thinner bacon.  The one I bought was way too thick.  

Peter's Since 1969

Wednesday night, my boyfriend Femi was working at K&M. I was really excited to visit him because I wanted to try Peter's Since 1969 for a while. The restaurant is right down the street and I know that they did take out.

I got there and had a hard time choosing what to get between the roasted chicken and the kielbasa and then all of the sides you can choose from like mac'n'cheese and sweet potatoes. I finally decided on Peter's Sausage with mashed sweet potatoes and sauteed spinach (oh yeah all of their entrees come with two sides and focaccia!) My boyfriend wanted a 1/4 rotisserie chicken with mac'n'cheese and mashed potatoes. Carb explosion!

The food was greeeat! The sausage was perfectly cooked...I mean it is really hard to screw up kielbasa. The sweet potatoes were creamy and sweet but not overpowering. The spinach is what really surprised me! I thought it was going to be just steamed spinach plain and boring. Boy was I wrong, it was perfectly seasoned with olive oil and garlic. It had a kick to it which I love and was delicious. I am always skeptical of greens but then they are always the thing that I finish first!

Femi's was good. The chicken was juice, the macs were alright, and the mashed potatoes were yum. I am very picky about mac'n'cheese and I must say theirs was a little on the bland and gummy side.

They also have vegetarian love. They have a veggie special (three sides). That's always nice.

The portions are huuuuge! You definitely get a bang for your buck! Service was mediocre. The girl that was working took her time and was slow. The guy was quick and was funny.

There is plenty of seating and I even noticed a backyard for those who dine in. I took mine to go and ate it at K&M because that's how I roll.

To see more restaurant reviews please visit The Gotham Palate. This article is also posted here but with more pictures!

Jen's Double Layer Red Velvet Cake with Red Velvet Cake Balls on top.

For Danne and my birthday, Jen baked us a yummy cake!  The cake balls were supposed to be dipped in chocolate but I think there was a mishap in the kitchen.  Oh well...it's the thought that counts!  Plus it was still yummy! The icing was the best!  For the cake ball recipe, click here!

Last Night's Dinner: Five Leaves

I have to tell you.  I was really skeptical about dining at Five Leaves.  I knew it was Heath Ledger's restaurant and I know it was frequented by hipsters.  I heard that the service was really bad but the food was really good, so I thought I'd give it a go!

We went on Saturday around 5:30 pm.  I also heard it get's really crowded so we decided to go early.  It was pretty full.  We sat outside because the weather was nice and because they didn't have air conditioning.  I can't eat when I'm hot.  The inside is decorated really cool though.

Before we sat down, I noticed that a lot of people were eating hamburgers.  I thought it strange considering the menu on their website had a ton of options.  When we sat down and got the menu, it seemed that they drastically cut their menu, now offering only burgers for their main course.  Interesting...

No problem!  I didn't really want a burger anyway.  I came to try those oysters.  We started with the soup special which was a cream based soup with white beans and bacon.  It was simply delicious and seasoned just right.  I know it's crazy to get soup on a hot summer day.  It was Femi's choice!

Next, we got poached shrimp served chilled with a tomato horseradish cream.  The shrimp were okay.  They were fresh and were cooked fine except for one.  But the tomato horseradish cream!  Ohmigod!  Out of this world!  I couldn't get enough of this sauce! MMMMM!

We also got 1/2 dozen Blue Point oysters freshly shucked with two sauces, a rice wine mignonette and a red virgin mary sauce.  Both sauces were good and the oysters were amazing!  This was my first time eating an oyster and I am glad I did!  So fresh and delish!

Last, we got truffle fries which are fries fried in truffle oil.  They were really really good.  Crispy and delicious (especially dipped in that tomato horseradish cream.)

All in all, a very very enjoyable meal.  I would most definitely go back, even with the limited menu.

Of course, right when we were finishing it started downpouring.  But that's good...kept me from eating all of the fries!

Last Night's Dinner: Carne Al Horno

Last week, we made Porco Al Horno.  The next day we tried our hand at Carne Al Horno.  Same recipe, lemons, onions, tomatoes, and peppers, this time with flank steak all in the oven.

Last Night's Dinner: Porco al Horno (and today's lunch and tonight's dinner)

Last night Femi made pork chops with red peppers, green peppers, tomatoes, onion, olive oil, and some lemon.  It is called "al horno" in Spanish which we thought was really funny.  We saw this dish on a menu in Barcelona and laughed about it because we have does dirty minds.  Does pollo al horno make you horno?  But today during my Spanish homework, I learned that "horno" means oven, so "al horno" means of the oven.  So pork chops of the oven.  Yum!  Buen appetito!

My Spanish Pot Luck Birthday Party!

Was a ton of fun!  I made mixed paella (with mussels, scallops, calamari, shrimp, chorizo, and chicken), spanish tortilla, patatas bravas, clerico, and pan con tomate.  I will include the recipes for some of these things after the jump.  Femi made aioli, manchego frito with apple glaze and guava paste, and gambas.  There was a ton of cheese and wine.  We also had some olives, tortas, crema stuffed plantains, spanish stew and more!  My roommate made rice pudding and gorgeous paper flower decorations.  Pics and videos below.

Adam had to change shirts because of an accidental red wine spillage.

He looks thrilled especially near the orange flowers.

People piggin out on Spanish wonders.

Jen's diggin' her grandmas chorizo bread.

Ryan loves bread and Reid loves beer.

My Clerico with white wine, strawberries, grapes, apples, lemons, oranges, sugar, peaches, and more!  Yum!

We got some fried potatoes, bravas sauce, aioli, pan con tomate, chorizo, tortilla, and queso.  Yum again!

How beautiful were those decorations?  Jen made them by hand!

Food baby/coma time.

Maiko and her boyfriend gettin ready to eat!

Adam and Ross chowin' down.

Femi's spicy garlicky shrimp dish.

Patatas bravas con aioli

Spanish Tortilla (that kinda fell apart)

Videos!!

I used this paella recipe just added more stuff in it.

I made this same recipe but added hot sauce and a little ketchup into the bravas sauce.  Femi made the aioli with olive oil, eggs, lemon, and garlic.  I don't know how to make aioli like he does.