Yes, only days before heading to Southern California I had a craving for Mexican and went to this relatively new quick Mexican restaurant in Union Square. It was extremely hot outside, so I was more interested in the Aguas Frescas than I was in the tacos, but both were delicious. I’d skip the guacamole, though - much better guac to be had at Dos Caminos…
The Ninth Avenue International Food Festival
Highlights included… the sight of this pig on a spit (outside of Dalton’s Bar & Grill), a craw fish boil at The Delta Grill, thai iced tea ice-cream and the kalamansi ice pops served by Ember Room.
O CAFE
482 6th Avenue
Quote from Yelp: “Oh boy, this place makes me surrender my frugal mind every time!”
For something moderately priced and cheerful, head to the West Village, where restaurants grow on trees, just kidding ; ) If you’re in the mood for Mediterranean, then stop at Extra Virgin, where you can perch yourself at one of the outdoor tables and do some people watching as you deliberately dip your fries in gorgonzola fondue - alas, there goes your diet.. But there are plenty of healthier options on the menu, such as the red snapper, or the Extra Virgin salad: both great. If you’re looking for something exquisite, or a hidden gem, this will not be your place, but for a friendly bite at a locals kind of a place, this is just the kind of meal to put a healthy smile on your face, that is, until you try to squeeze your way to the bathroom…
Behind these come hither curtains lies the famous Japanese sushi den also known as morimoto. Unfortunately I did not dine here, but I can tell you that the cocktails are interesting and the tofu hot and cold is a nice dessert, and something unique. If Japanese is what you fancy, but your wallet is lacking, Naka Naka around the corner can work as a backup.
On April 1st this year I attended a food show in Soho, and at one of the booths a food writer was giving out these green almonds - something I’d never heard of before. They were unique and refreshing. You can order them from the above distributor.
Taqueria on Elizabeth Street!
The tacos were good, there were some interesting flavors of Mexican sodas and drinks, and the atmosphere was really fun, like an open garage.
Levain Bakery
The smell wafting out of this bakery was particularly enchanting today, and given the time I had on my hands, I caved. It smelled like chocolate, mostly, and I feel like I got one of everything. I am now the proud owner of these baked goods.
New York Magazine featured a great article on “foodie-ism as youth culture” not too long ago. A must-read for any young person “spending 25% of their paycheck on pickled lamb’s tongues,” ha!
