Corrado Bakeries
212.774.1904
They are located all over New York
Tuesday - June 1, 2010
Monday - May 31, 2010
MXco
212.249.6080
1491 2nd Ave, New York 10075
(Corner of 78th St)
It’s our last night in New York and after packing up the bags my boyfriend, Roberto, and I set out to find a late-night dinner spot. With no place in mind, we went walking around by his apartment basically looking for any place that was still serving dinner at the late hour of 11:30. We walked into one restaurant called Pil Pil (a Spanish tapas and wine bar) but it was so dark inside that we couldn’t read the menu. After using my blackberry as a flashlight, I discovered that I still couldn’t read the menu because well, it was in Spanish…with no translations! Although my boyfriend speaks Spanish, I wasn’t in the mood to hear him translate the entire menu and so the search continued. Next we found ourselves at a little Italian joint called Vero. Although they were running a great special—free Panini’s with the purchase of any drink (booze)—we were more in the mood for a real meal rather than a slice of bread to absorb our alcohol. The search finally ended when we sighted a couple munching on chips and salsa outside of a little place called Mxco. We decided to eat there since, as Roberto said, “you can never really go wrong with Mexican food!”
We ordered the Chicken Nachos to start and found ourselves pleasantly surprised by the combination of flavors. They used Chihuahua cheese (also sometimes called queso menonita) that was super rich and creamy, which kept all the nachos together nicely without making them soggy (soggy nachos are my pet peeve!). The nachos were topped with pico de gallo, a generous scoop of guacamole, and a drizzling of sour cream. But my favorite part of the nachos was the herb-pickled jalapeños, which had a really unique flavor when tasted on their own and added a great spicy kick to the dish overall (spice haters you’ve been warned). For our entree we decided to order two different types of tacos and share…we weren’t terribly hungry since our stomachs were still digesting our 5 O’clock breakfast. Each order came with two soft-shelled tacos so sharing was easy. First we had a Chorizo Taco, which had chipotle potatoes, salsa ranchera, queso blanco, and black beans. This one was undoubtedly our favorite of the two, and the flavors closely resembled those of Indian cuisine, almost like a samosa. It was unusual and unexpected but none-the-less delicious. Then we started on our Short Rib Tacos, which were simply prepared with pico de gallo and a tamarind-pasilla sauce. The meat was really tender and good, but not as interesting as the flavors of the chorizo taco. I must warn you though that the tacos were not, I repeat NOT, entrée-sized portions. They were more like tapas…I’m talking three bites and it’s gone!! Thankfully the nachos were rich and of a decent size so we left the restaurant satisfied, but we both agreed that the tacos, which ranged from $8-$10, were over priced for such a small amount of food.
As for the service at the restaurant...well it wasn’t that great. But I must remind you that we were seated at like 11:45 and they stopped serving at 12, and having been a waitress myself, I can understand that they were focused on closing the place. We did end up having to go inside to pay our check though because the waitress was MIA….annoying L
Monday - May 31, 2010
The Coffee Shop 
212.243.7969
212.243.7969
29 Union Sq. West, New York 10003
(At 16th)
This morning my boyfriend and I were supposed to go and see the Statue of Liberty, which he got tickets for as part of my birthday gift (note that I said supposed to). I have been wanting to go for a while and we thought it would be extra special since it was Memorial day and all. Well the tickets were for 12 O’clock in the afternoon, which is not early for the average person I suppose, but as we watched the sunrise that morning after my birthday celebration (in our going out clothes from the night before still drinking wine) we realized that waking up at 12 O’clock was just never going to happen…And it didn’t. It wasn’t until 5 O’clock in the evening that we finally found ourselves waking up and leaving the apartment to go grab our first meal. We headed to Union Square where we were meeting up with his brother again, and we decided to eat at a place called The Coffee Shop.
I had very low expectations for the food since the name of the place indicated that was more of a beverage spot, but I was very pleasantly surprised to enjoy a great meal. The place is decorated like a diner inside and there is some great outdoor sidewalk seating as well (so great that we couldn’t get a table!). My boyfriend was telling me that it is rumored that the waitresses are supposed to all be models or something…granted that many of them are anorexically thin, we did not think this rumor remains true there today, maybe just something of the past.
I ordered the Chicken Paillard, which was seasoned perfectly and enormous…I kid you not, it covered my entire plate (of course that didn’t stop me from finishing it all though!). It was topped with a very nice arugala salad with cherry tomatoes, tossed in a light red wine vinaigrette. My boyfriend had the Chicken Fajitas, which was also a huge portion and really good (a little oily though).
The food is pretty good here, nothing memorable or unique, but still good. You can tell from the menu that the place is definitely Brazilian because they serve Ropa Vieja, Tamales, Fajitas Rio Style, and Sopa De Piexe Bahia…so I would order that route. Ohh and the coffee is delicious!! I had one of the best cappuccinos ever after my lunch…now that was memorable! This place gets four stars because the food is so unassumingly delicious and the coffee is divine.
Sunday - May 30, 2010
Serafina
212.315.1700
210 West 55th Street, New York 10019
(On Broadway)
So tonight was my birthday dinner and all day my boyfriend kept asking me where I wanted to eat. Considering how much I love food and the occasion, this was a stressful and rather time-consuming process. I wanted to go somewhere delicious but also somewhere that had a party atmosphere because as a group of 6, I knew that we would get loud. I decided on Serafina; the one located on Broadway at the bottom of the Dream hotel. There are a bunch of Serafinas in New York and I believe that this is the nicest one…some are actually rather grungy so go to this one or your experience may be completely different than the one my review prepares you for. The one on Broadway is very modern and chic, with glass chandeliers and artwork projected on the walls. The indoor dinning room is very large and there is also some outdoor seating too.
Anyways, onto the food!! Serafina is Italian and the food is pretty good…actually, very good considering it is kind of a New York chain restaurant. The best thing on the menu is the Focaccia De Sophia, and my boyfriend and I always get one to start (my birthday was no different…except that we got two!) It is two very thin pieces of focaccia with a layer of melted goat cheese and truffle oil in the center. It is seriously dreamy! I love goat cheese and I love the flavor of truffles, so put them together with a carb and I’m in heaven! Everyone at the table went wild for it and all 16 pieces got finished.
For my entrée I ordered the Penne Alla Stolichnaya (penne vodka with prosciutto), which is rich, creamy and delicious. It is topped with fresh basil and of course I always have them pile on the freshly grated Parmesan! On other occasions I have also had the I Taglionlini “Di Cortina,” which is a pasta dish with chicken, mushrooms, and peas in a light cream sauce—very good, but nothing special. I have also had the Chicken Salad “Gold Gym,” which has grilled chicken, sun dried tomatoes raisins, pine nuts, and pesto dressing. However, I substituted the raisins for goat cheese and mixed the pesto dressing with balsamic vinaigrette (which makes for a fabulous dressing that you can easily make at home with leftover pesto sauce!). The one thing I would not order again from Serafina (in fact I even sent it back) is the La Zuppa Della Nonna, which is their terrible version of a pasta fagioli. It has absolutely no flavor and is served in a bowl so shallow that it goes cold in .25 seconds. All the freshly grated Parmesan cheese in the world cannot even remedy this bland soup.
Although the food is pretty good, the service at Serafina is not. The wait staff often forgets special requests for lemons, extra olive oil, ect…and they are usually very busy so you have to kind of grab at them to get their attention as they run by the table. My boyfriend, who is very particular about his whisky (he’s Venezuelan…enough said), always asks for his drink in a short glass. But EVERY time they bring it in a tall glass and he finds himself spilling his drink on the table as they later bring him a short glass to transfer the beverage. This time they really out did themselves and brought his whisky in a white wine glass…with drink straws, which was the greatest bartending fopaux I have ever seen! As far as drinks go, there is usual a problem but I play it safe with the Sangria, which is pretty delicious.
Overall, this is a great place for large parties because the atmosphere is fun and chic and the price is reasonable for almost every budget (average entrée is $20). The menu isn’t very interesting or inventive but the food is simple and good, however, there are a lot of service problems that take away from the dining experience.
Sunday - May 30, 2010
Le Bilboquet
212.751.3036
25 East 63rd Street, New York 10021
(Between Madison and Park Ave)
Ohh Le Bilboquet…There is just so much to say about this tiny French Bistro, which is packed with a big French attitude. We all know that a certain level of animosity exists between the French and, as they would say, “Filthy Americans,” but Le Bilboquet proves that you don’t have to be in France to experience it! The wait staff (all French…of course) are a group of beautiful (and arrogant) young men, who seem inconvenienced that they even have to take your order. Essentially, you have to call them over for everything and this past time my boyfriend even caught himself saying, “Excuse me sir, can we place our order?” That’s right, the customer asking the waiter if they can be served!!! A little backwards, no? Of course the supermodel looking man then put down his Sunday paper and came out from behind the bar to take our order, but it just feels weird. Ohh and if you have questions about the menu, which of course is all in French, don’t expect much help from the wait staff…I asked if they had tuna tartar and he was like “of course, don’t you see it right here on the menu?!” (pointing to something in French, while making me feel uncultured at the same time).
At this point, you’re probably thinking that I messed up my star rating because all that I have done is complain…but Le Bilboquet does in fact deserve five stars because the FOOD IS INCREDIBLE! The reality is that this place would not be packed with American patrons if it did not serve delicious food. I always order the Cajun Chicken, which is actually orgasmic. It is served in a delicious peppery butter sauce and is sliced down into small pieces, making it easy to eat. Ohh and there are no bones, which is a major plus in my opinion. It is served with a small mixed green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette and some of the most amazing french fries I have ever tasted. The fries at the bottom of the pile soak up some of the buttery Cajun sauce and WOW, eating those is an experience! I have also had the Ceasar Salad, which is very delicious. However, the Cajun Chicken is a must have and even better, it is a huge portion!!
So, if you walk into this place and find yourself annoyed by the arrogant wait staff and the difficult to read menu, DON’T LEAVE!! Just order the Poulet Cajun and I promise you won’t even be able to put down your fork to complain. When the food comes at Le Bilboquet, the table (no matter what size) goes quiet until everyone has finished their plates. Then to pull yourself out of the inevitable food coma, order a cappuccino or espresso (the cappuccino is amazing!!) and resume your table talk.
The prices are high (Cajun Chicken is $27), but the food quality can demand such a price in my opinion.
I have only ever been to Le Bilboquet for lunch, and the crowd ranges from youthful to elderly. Lots of people getting dropped off in character town cars and as New York Magazine says, tons of “trust fund women with their little dogs.” However, I have heard that the dinner scene is quite different and much more youthful because the restaurant plays loud “club music,” which makes conversations difficult. I’m young and that doesn’t appeal to me, so I will probably stick to lunches there!
Bon Appetitte!
Saturday - May 29, 2010
Café Orlin
(Between 1st and 2nd)
After having spent our day walking off the AMAZING burgers from JG Melon, Roberto and I found ourselves hungry and ready for another New York dining experience! We hopped on the subway and headed to the East Village, where we were supposed to meet his brother at a little restaurant named Café Orlin. The problem was that he didn’t emphasize just how little this place was!! We were lost walking up and down St. Marks Place, distracted by the fashion statements of the trendy Village crowd and the abundance of street vendors, which almost made us feel like we were in Chinatown (You need to be both prepared and able to push your way through the crowd to get to Café Orlin). Thanks to Blackberry’s Google map application we finally found our way to the restaurant, which is marked only by a small “Café” sign (not “Café Orlin,” the signed is pictured above so you know what you are looking for). If you can’t find the sign though don’t worry, because the large crowd dinning outside will certainly grab your attention. And let me tell you, this is one restaurant that you wanted to be seated outside for because it is prime for people watching and because the inside is very small and noisy.
The menu offers a little bit of everything from sandwiches to pastas and roast chicken, but there is most certainly a Middle Eastern influence as it also offers falafel, hummus, and other vegetarian dishes. I ordered the Pan Roasted Goat Cheese Salad, which came with three generous pillows of fried goat cheese, walnuts, and slivers of green apple all tossed in a shallot vinaigrette. I also added some grilled chicken for a little extra protein, and let me tell you that this was one of the best salads I have ever had. The salad was perfectly dressed, the spring mix was fresh, and the chicken was warm. And I really don’t think anything with goat cheese, fried goat cheese none-the-less, could ever be bad. It is a perfect light and satisfying summer salad. I had a very hard time putting down my fork, and probably came off as rude to Roberto’s brother because not only was I the first one done, but I didn’t speak a word as I was inhaling my delicious meal! Roberto said that his dish was also amazing (even though he wasn’t kind enough to offer me a bite…I guess that just proves how good it was!). He had the Chipotle-lime Chicken, which was served with sliced avocado and chickpeas over whole grain rice (this is new to the menu, and not posted on their online menu).
The portions are very generous, leaving you satisfied and the prices are surprisingly cheap. The salads are about $10 and the hot entrees are about $15. The sandwiches, which are supposed to be very good are also only about $10. The scene is definitely very trendy and youthful, and the greatest part about Café Orlin is that it is open 24 hours a day!!! I have never drunkenly craved healthy food before (I myself prefer Taco Bell for the “fourth meal”) but it is nice to know that there is an alternative. Might be a refreshing change not to wake up covered in taco bell fire hot sauce with pieces of crunch wrap supreme on my nightstand…my stomach might like the change too!
212.777.1447
41 Saint Marks Place, New York 10003
(Between 1st and 2nd)
After having spent our day walking off the AMAZING burgers from JG Melon, Roberto and I found ourselves hungry and ready for another New York dining experience! We hopped on the subway and headed to the East Village, where we were supposed to meet his brother at a little restaurant named Café Orlin. The problem was that he didn’t emphasize just how little this place was!! We were lost walking up and down St. Marks Place, distracted by the fashion statements of the trendy Village crowd and the abundance of street vendors, which almost made us feel like we were in Chinatown (You need to be both prepared and able to push your way through the crowd to get to Café Orlin). Thanks to Blackberry’s Google map application we finally found our way to the restaurant, which is marked only by a small “Café” sign (not “Café Orlin,” the signed is pictured above so you know what you are looking for). If you can’t find the sign though don’t worry, because the large crowd dinning outside will certainly grab your attention. And let me tell you, this is one restaurant that you wanted to be seated outside for because it is prime for people watching and because the inside is very small and noisy.
The menu offers a little bit of everything from sandwiches to pastas and roast chicken, but there is most certainly a Middle Eastern influence as it also offers falafel, hummus, and other vegetarian dishes. I ordered the Pan Roasted Goat Cheese Salad, which came with three generous pillows of fried goat cheese, walnuts, and slivers of green apple all tossed in a shallot vinaigrette. I also added some grilled chicken for a little extra protein, and let me tell you that this was one of the best salads I have ever had. The salad was perfectly dressed, the spring mix was fresh, and the chicken was warm. And I really don’t think anything with goat cheese, fried goat cheese none-the-less, could ever be bad. It is a perfect light and satisfying summer salad. I had a very hard time putting down my fork, and probably came off as rude to Roberto’s brother because not only was I the first one done, but I didn’t speak a word as I was inhaling my delicious meal! Roberto said that his dish was also amazing (even though he wasn’t kind enough to offer me a bite…I guess that just proves how good it was!). He had the Chipotle-lime Chicken, which was served with sliced avocado and chickpeas over whole grain rice (this is new to the menu, and not posted on their online menu).
The portions are very generous, leaving you satisfied and the prices are surprisingly cheap. The salads are about $10 and the hot entrees are about $15. The sandwiches, which are supposed to be very good are also only about $10. The scene is definitely very trendy and youthful, and the greatest part about Café Orlin is that it is open 24 hours a day!!! I have never drunkenly craved healthy food before (I myself prefer Taco Bell for the “fourth meal”) but it is nice to know that there is an alternative. Might be a refreshing change not to wake up covered in taco bell fire hot sauce with pieces of crunch wrap supreme on my nightstand…my stomach might like the change too!
Saturday - May 29, 2010
JG Melon
212.744.0585
1291 3rd Ave, New York 10021
(Corner of 74th and 3rd)
This morning, at the obscene hour of 6 am, my boyfriend and I left for New York City to celebrate my 21st birthday. The trip was a surprise gift from him and he knew that the only way to get me out of bed in time for the flight would be to bribe me with the promise of food…and not just any food…but a burger from JG Melon (he knows how I operate). So he coaxed me out of the house reminding me that the sooner we got to NY, the sooner I would be devouring my favorite burger. It worked and when we finally got to JG Melon, we were told as usual that there was a wait. But this is one wait I never mind for the following reasons:
A) I believe all truly good food is worth the wait—and this burger is the best!
B) The line moves quickly because the dinning area is very small and people don’t want to linger in the semi-claustrophobic space.
C) The walls are decorated with every type of watermelon artwork (including a watermelon handbag, which I noticed for the first time on this trip!), and so your distracted while you wait.
But lets get to the food!! The menu is incredibly small, but it doesn’t matter because the burger is the only thing you need to order…in addition to a side of cottage fries of course!! What’s a burger without the fries?!? The burger has no fancy toppings, but it is delicious in its simplicity. It is a thick juicy patty and you have the option to add cheddar cheese, bacon, or both. I always ask for sautéed onions too, but this is not a place that you can get high maintenance with your order. I once asked for sautéed mushrooms on my burger and the waitress went into a long speech on how the cooks are too busy to be bothered by such a special request (Why it’s too difficult to add some mushrooms to the pan they are already cooking my onions in, I don’t know...but I’ve never asked again). Every burger does come with pickles and raw red onion on the side though, and the bun is PERFECTLY toasted. When you finish, you’ll wish that you could rewind and experience this meal all over again….it is an orgasm to the taste buds and in my opinion the greatest burger to be found. But make sure to stop at an ATM before you go to JG Melon because they only accept cash....thats right, NO CREDIT CARDS!!! But a 20 spot will do it because the burger is only about $9 and the cottage fries are $4.25. Enjoy!!
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