Musha - Santa Monica

Have you ever had Japanese cuisine without eating a plateful of sushi? Have you ever had Japanese tapas? (Probably not). At Musha you can get quality Japanese food, full of flavor and origination without order sushi, sashimi or any raw fish and rice combination.

Musha is like the Japanese version of The Melting Pot for those of you who are familiar. They have dishes that come with a little "grill" with hot stones (see picture) and you can grill the meat and veggies to your liking. There are tons of gluten free, non meat, non fish, and vegetarian/vegan options for the whole family!

Allergy Info:
Allergy friendly
Vegetarian friendly
Vegan friendly
Gluten free options available

Foodie Rundown:
Tapas / Small Plates
Uba Shinjo - shrimp dumplings wrapped with tofu skin and deep friend (Pictured)

Ebimayo - Musha's version of rock shrimp tempura, fried to perfection with a sweet and spicy mayo sauce! (Pictured)

Appetizer
Spicy Tuna Dip - served with rice cake crackers was light and delicious, the best part of a spicy tuna roll, without the roll! (Pictured)

Grill
The Shichirin is a modern table top charcoal grille. My friend and I ordered the Saikoro Steak, which is cube cut rib eye steak served with 2 different sauces (garlic soy steak sauce and ponzu sauce) - the steak was tender and juicy and the sauces went with not only the steak but everything else on the table! (Pictured)

Locations:
Santa Monica, CA
Torrance, CA
Pasadena, CA

Follow them on Twitter

Musha

Feel the Love, in Nashville!

This weekend I was fortunate enough to visit my brother at Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN. I went to a place called the Loveless Cafe. After a shortened 2 and a half hour wait, we were seated at this lovely country looking restaurant with a never ending menu of southern specialties. The service and the food were fabulous and the entire family had a great time. I suggest if you're in Nashville, driving out to the Loveless Cafe for some delicious and different foodie combinations.

*Note - Make sure to call ahead to cut down your wait time, you can put your name down and then drive over. Definitely a smart move that most of the locals know. The tourists, not so much.

Allergy Info:
Allergy Friendly

Foodie Rundown:
Pit-Cooked Pork BBQ and Two Eggs, One to the Left and One to the Right - This is the manliest of breakfasts, eggs topped with a whole plate full of pulled pork and BBQ sauce (pictured)

BBQ Pork Omelet with Sautéed Onions, Cheddar & BBQ Sauce (3 Eggs) - The girly version of what my brother ordered above, but full of cheese and BBQ sauce. This was seriously the most outrageous breakfast I could have asked for. It was so delicious and the BBQ sauce, cheese and onions were the perfect mix of flavors for this omelet. (Pictured)

Loveless Fried Chicken (Half Chicken) – Same Recipe Since 1951 - This fried chicken is NO joke, it was deep fried to perfection and served with 2 sides. My dad got the hashbrown caserole and the creamed corn, which were both outrageous. (Pictured)

Waffle with Bacon or Sausage - My mom and nana both ordered the waffle with country ham instead of bacon or sausage. The country ham is very salty (which they warn you about) but is definitely tasty! The waffle was a waffle, but was still enjoyable for all! (Pictured)

Sides:
Hashbrown Casserole - potato goodness, need i say more?
Homemade Creamed Corn - if someone came out with an entire bowl of this, I think I could have eaten it as a meal!

Dessert:
Banana Pudding - Served with 5 spoons and passed around the table multiple times, the banana pudding was sweet and savory, and was a great end to our huge breakfast! (Pictured)

Location:
8400 Tennessee Hwy 100
Nashville, TN 37221

Follow them on facebook or twitter!

Loveless Cafe

It’s Time for Kevin’s Thyme

Kevin’s Thyme is located in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ. Northern NJ, about 25 miles outside of the city. This restaurant has an amazing staff, amazing service and more importantly amazing food. With a local and ever changing menu, they are gourmet, not pretentious and full of real NYC flavors. For those of you located in NJ and can’t make it into the city for dinner, please go to Kevin’s Thyme. Order as much as you can, share it or keep it to yourself and if it’s nice outside, sit on the patio under the stars.

*Don’t forget to make a reservation. The restaurant is super small (very NYC like). And stop off across the street to pick up a bottle of wine. Kevin’s Thyme is BYOB.

Allergy Info:
Allergy Friendly

Foodie Rundown:
When I was little, my parents always used to say that you could tell how great a restaurant would be based on the bread that they serve before the meal. As the bread came out, served with a delicious pesto sauce for dipping (pine nuts are in the pesto sauce). I looked at my mom and said “Dinner is going to be good”.

Lobster Spring Rolls with Asian Sauce This dish was beautiful, the colors from the veggies and the plating of the spring rolls were just absolutely gorgeous! What a delicious appetizer to get our taste buds going! (pictured)

Baby Green Salad with Balsamic Poached Figs, Candied Walnuts, Goat Cheese and Port Wine Cranberry-Raspberry Vinaigrette – a light and delicious way to start your meal. Full of candied walnuts (can be removed for those who are allergic) are absolutely fabulous. (pictured)

Grilled Wild Line Caught Southwest Swordfish with Israeli Couscous, Sautéed Spinach, Honey Jalapeño Glaze and Red Onion Marmalade Just thinking back to eating this makes my mouth water. The Honey Jalapeño glaze was to die for. Sweet and spicy to go with the perfectly cooked swordfish. (pictured)

Pan Seared Mascovy Duck Breast with Israeli Couscous, Sautéed Spinach and Orange Chocolate Espresso Sauce As a duck loving family, my mom ordered this 1) because it’s duck and 2) because it’s made with an orange chocolate espresso sauce, need I say more? (pictured)

Location:
614 North Maple Avenue
Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423

Don’t forget, Kevin’s Thyme does gourmet catering for weddings and other special events!

Kevins Thyme

Mesa Grill

Bobby Flay continues to bring southwest style excellence to NYC after years of success. At Mesa Grill, you will be in awe of the menu, the décor and the service. The food from the appetizers, drinks to desserts were all tasty, spicy, sweet and savory. Leaving with only the feeling of wanting to go back when I was done with my meal.

Allergy Info:
Mesa Grill uses a lot of spices, and if you do not like spices or cannot eat them, almost every dish can be altered to be less spicy or not spicy at all.
There are some nuts on the menu, but they are very accommodating
Allergy Friendly
Vegetarian Friendly

Foodie Rundown:

Appetizers:
Bread for the Table –Corn and Jalapeno Corn Muffins were such a lovely substitute for bread at Mesa Grill. Great consistency and flavor to begin our southwestern foodie journey!

Roasted Corn Soup with Ancho Chile Crema and warm hominy croutons – Considering this was my first ever taste of corn soup, I thought it was outrageous. It was creamy and had a little kick to it, that was definitely worth trying (pictured)

Rough Cut Tuna Nachos and the Blue Corn Pancake – So when I asked the waiter for his 2 favorite appetizers, these were the recommendations. The Rough Cut Tuna Nachos came with Mango-Habanero Hot Sauce and Avocado Crema. The tuna was perfectly served, fresh chips to dip, and the right amount of spices. The fresh tuna was delicious, and the mango flavor and colors of the dish really stood out. Now the boldest of these 2 appetizers was the Blue Corn Pancake with Barbecued Duck and Habanero Chile-Star Anise Sauce. This just brought together savory bbq flavors, with the rich tasting duck and the spices from the sauce. It was to die for. Only thing I would have changed would have been to have more pancakes on the plate! (pictured)

Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri, Pickled Red Onions and Charred Corn with Tortillas – My dad and boyfriend both got the Sunday night skirt steak special. It was grilled to perfection and both found it to be very delicious. I loved the flavors of the onions with the chimichurri sauce. Definitely a must have if you go on a Sunday! (pictured)

Cornmeal Crusted Chile Relleno filled with Roasted Eggplant, manchego cheese, with sweet red pepper sauce and balsamic vinegar – Now, to the average eye (like mine), I had no idea what on earth this was. But it kinda sounded delicious? So I asked about it, found out it was the oldest item on the menu, since the Mesa Grill opened, and that it was the only vegetarian item as an entrée. Well, I did some good homework, because I fell in love with Chile Relleno. Imagine an eggplant, fried in cornmeal, filled with cheese, with spices and flavors that you didn’t even know existed! I had everyone at the table try it, and the consensus was the same! An A+ for the Cornmeal Crusted Chile Relleno! (pictured)

Side Dish:
Roasted Corn with Chipotle Aioli, Lime and Cotija – a perfect side dish full of flavor for sharing! A definite must for the table! (pictured)

Dessert:
Sticky Toffee Pudding with salted Cajeta and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, need I say more? (pictured)

Seriously, thank you Bobby Flay.

Locations:
NYC
Las Vegas
Bahamas

Fun Fact: The Mesa Grill used to be a factory in the 1960’s. What did they manufacture?
Answer: Coo Coo Clocks


http://mesagrill.com/new-york-city-restaurant/about.php

Madison Square What?

From September 21st to Friday October 19th, make sure to check out Madison Square Eats in Worth Square, across the street from Madison Square Park! What is this amazing feast you may ask? It is a collection of trucks, restaurants and vendors offering some of the best food in the city.

I’m going to try and get to each and every stand before they leave, here’s a sweet one for your Monday.

Today’s post is for Momofuku Milk Bar. I bought 2 nut free cookies from the Momofuku Milk Bar stand. Every ingredient is listed on the back of the cookie labels which is great. There are nuts in the bakery / factory where the cookies are made, but they are not in the Blueberry and Cream Cookie or Cornflake Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookie, which are the 2 that I bought.

Allergy Info:
Allergy Friendly
Nut friendly ** (anything on their menu on the website will have **’s to specify if the item has nuts in it or not.
Periodic soft serve ice cream flavors that are gluten free, unfortunately all the items on the menu otherwise have gluten


Foodie Rundown:
I need to go to the store to try more things, but the cookies were outrageous! Soft and gooey and lasted a few days. These were just outrageous! MUST TRY MORE!

Just to get an idea of the flavors, here are the available cake flavors, can you say, “yummy???”

· apple pie cake cheesecake filling, apple compote, pie crumbs
· banana cake**banana cream, hazelnut crunch, gianduja fudge
· birthday cake rainbow cake crumble, sprinkles, vanilla frosting
· carrot cake cheesecake filling, milk crumbs, streusel buttercream
· chocolate chip cake passion fruit curd, chocolate crumbs, coffee buttercream
· chocolate malt cake malt fudge, malted milk crumbs, charred marshmallow
· dulce de leche cake dulce de leche frosting, milk crumbs
· mint cookies n’ cream cake cookies n’ cream frosting, mint cheesecake, chocolate crumbs
· pistachio cake** lemon curd, pistachio frosting, milk crumbs
· pretzel cake stout ganache, burnt honey frosting, pretzel crumbs
· strawberry-lemon cake lemon curd, pickled strawberry jam, milk crumbs

Locations:
East Village – 13th and 2nd
Midtown – 56 btetween 5th and 6th
Upper West Side – Columbus
Brooklyn – Williamsburg
Brooklyn – Caroll Gardens
Urbanspace meatpacking market – Corner of 13th and Washington

Travel Thursday – Olive La Jolla!

Today’s Travel Thursday post comes all the way from La Jolla, California.  (Pronounced “La Hoy-a” for those on the east coast).  I stumbled upon this store while walking through the quaint and lovely town of La Jolla 2 summers ago.  My parents said “There Sydney goes into a food store again - Shocking”.  Immediately I was blown away at this store, as my immediate response to the woman at the register was, “you need to open one of these in NY” and here is why:

• All olive oil is local to California
• Educational shopping experience, learn things about Olive Oil that you most likely don’t know!
• Quality Olive Oil – Local, Local, Local! 
• In addition to Olive Oil, they sell handcrafted mustards, pestos, tapenades, balsalmic vinegars and other speciality ingredients such as caramels and chocolates and salts!

As their website says, “We Olive is more than just a store with olive oil…it is an Olive Oil Experience”.  And that’s how I felt when I left.  Check it out, tell your friends, and if you’re ever in California, get some local Olive Oil at “We Olive”!

 

Allergy Info:

All ingredients are on the labels, so don’t be afraid to ask some questions.  The people at “We Olive” are there to help you in finding your inner olive oils.  (That’s a joke).  All ingrediatents are locally grown in California, and if they are not, We Olive will make sure to tell you (just in case you are against the other states).  Remember, you are helping the local farmers, the local economy and the local environment.

Foodie Rundown:

Unfortunately without physically going to La Jolla, you won’t get the same experience as I had.  Thankfully there are many locations throughout California and there is an online store.  But if you do get the chance to go, you will notice that there are little squares of bread and huge jugs of olive oil and spreads throughout the store.  Take some bread, and enjoy the different tastes of California’s olive oil.  Fill up the size bottle of your choice, and be on your merry way.

Pick an olive oil with flavor!  There are tons to chose from.  We left with over 8 bottles of Olive Oil.  One of the fan favorites is the We Olive Collection Fresh Garlic Olive Oil.  It is infused with garlic and is great for cooking pasta!

Truffle Salt will allow you to have your expensive taste on tight budget!  Throw this on potatoes, pasta’s or really anything?  (My trick is on mac n cheese!) -- Pictured

Check out the We Olive blog here

If you’re in the area, check out the events here

Locations:

La Jolla, CA

Costa Mesa, CA

Paso Robles, CA

San Luis Obispo, CA

Fresno, CA

El Dorado Hills, CA

Ventura, CA

Belmont Shore, CA

San Francisco, CA

Walnut Creek, CA

http://www.weolive.com/ 

YEE HAW!

Step out of the City into a country delight. Hill Country BBQ offers some of the best BBQ in New York City, and is fun for the entire family. Get family style sides to share, or little ones to keep to yourself (you all know what I would do!). This is an interactive restaurant so don’t think you’ll go to Hill Country to be wined and dined. Bring your cowboy hat, your appetite and have a few beers and enjoy this fun and casual BBQ place in the heart of Flatiron.

*Remember, don’t lose your meal ticket! You could be charged $50 for that baby! So keep it on your table at all times!

Allergy Info:
Meat lovers!
No nuts
No fish
Mostly gluten free
Sorry vegetarians, this place is not for you!


Foodie Rundown:

For the Meat:
Pork Spare Ribs And Beef Ribs – I can never remember which of the ribs I love more, so every time I go, I get one of each! They are absolutely great, and they are huge!
Brisket – My boyfriend loved the brisket, said it was delicious and fall apart delicious
Original Sausage - Can never go wrong with sausage, take that as you wish.
Market Chicken - ok so for those of you who follow the blog, I don’t really eat chicken. But my mom ordered the Market Chicken, and I took a little taste, it was outrageous! Succulent and juicy, with lots of BBQ sauce and a slice of white bread. Welcome to Texas!?

For the Side:
Longhorn Cheddar Mac & Cheese - I’m pretty sure everyone loves mac & cheese as a side, and if you don’t, well that’s just not good (pictured)
White Shoepeg Corn Pudding – this is like corn candy! I love this stuff, I’m pretty sure it’s seasonal, but it is always the first side that I get when I go
Green Bean Casserole w/ Durkee Onions - just like mama’s green bean casserole!
Skillet Corn Bread with Ancho Honey Butter – 1) you always need to have corn bread on the table at a BBQ, 2) the ancho honey butter is melt in your mouth delicious! It has some cinnamon and honey and it is just outrageous! Smother it all over the corn bread like you would in the deep south, it’s ok, no ones watching! (pictured)
Hot German Potatoes
Confetti Cole Slaw

For the Dessert:
Banana Cream Pudding - when you think you can’t eat any more? Make sure to order this dessert, as my boyfriend said, “I think this may be the best banana cream pudding I’ve ever had!”

Locations:
NY – 30 W. 26th
DC – 410 Seventh street NW

http://www.hillcountryny.com/

Always “Having a Good Time”

In Spanish, the word Pipa, means “having a good time.” At Pipa, you can guarantee yourself a good time with Spanish- inspired food, including the ever trendy and popular, Spanish tapas. With delicious Latin flavors and traditional small plates you will enjoy your evening whether with friends or on a date. Order as many dishes as your stomach can handle and don’t forget to share and don’t forget to admire the chandeliers in the dining room.

*FYI, the sangria is potent and delicious! (Pictured)

Allergy Info:
Allergy Friendly
Lactose Intolerant may have a hard time, but there are enough dishes without cheese that you can order!

Foodie Rundown:
Cocas (Catalan Flat Bread) - The Pipa with sliced chorizo, artichoke, tomato and piquillo peppers is delicious, as is the Bistec with grilled skirt steak, goat cheese, tomato, red onion, cabbage, chimichurri and jalapeno (for the spicy tongued)

Pinchos (Skewers) – de Pollo – free range chicken breast with coriander, paprika marinade and hazelnut-romesto dipping sauce. My family ordered this without the hazelnut sauce, and it was outrageous! 1) I don’t really like chicken, go figure? And 2) this was the best part of my dinner! I can only imagine what it would taste like with the dipping sauce!

Croquetas – Anything deep fried with cheese is going to be delicious. But I have tried and loved the following:
Bolas de Queso Croquette - goat cheese, tricolor bell peppers with a white wine dipping sauce
Jamon Croqueete – Ham, carmelized onions with a sherry dipping sauce

Let the fun begin, Tapas Rundown:
Gamas al Ajilillo – Sauteed Ecuadorian Shrimp with garlic and chillies – make sure you’re not kissing anyone right after this tapas, but if you do, bring some gum, cause it’s totally worth the garlic breath!

Stuffed Piquillos – Piquillo peppers, crabmeat, shrimp and piquillo aioli – this just speaks for itself.

Baby Chorizo with white wine, olive oil and garlic (a Spanish tapas staple)

Beef Meatballs – sofrito, green pepper demi-glaze, crème fraiche and tomato (I wanted to order 10 of these with some pasta and eat this as a meal)

Patatas Bravas – another Spanish tapas staple dish, deliciously sliced potatoes with a spicy brava aioli sauce (Pictured)

Location:
Flatiron - 38 East 19th St - Between Broadway & Park Ave South

http://www.pipa-nyc.com/

Thirsty Thursday!

Before we wrap up this great summer full of dinner, drinks and allergy friendly food, make sure you get in one last slushy this labor day weekend! Kelvin Natural Slush Co. has all natural slushies with sophisticated flavors in our favorite location on wheels, a truck!

Some flavors that they have are Spicy Ginger, Tangy Citrus, Green Tea and Black Tea. These are then mixed with real fruit puree, chopped mint and basil, and other mix-ins that they have available.

Follow them on twitter or give them a call and find out where they are located! Follow us on Twitter or call the “slush” phone 1.646.200.5083

Allergy Info:
All Natural fruits and flavors - All Kelvin Slushies are proudly made with highest quality all natural ingredients
Gluten Free
Nut Free
Allergy Friendly

Foodie Rundown:
Slushy of the day:The Arnold Palmer ( ½ Tea, ½ Citrus, with a Pomegranate mix in)

Location:
Follow Kelvin on Twitter @KELVINSLUSH

http://kelvinslush.com

Sunday Brunchday!

If you’re looking for a high quality, delicious brunch when you wake up on Saturday and Sunday I would suggest Sarabeth’s Kitchen as it is a favorite of mine in the city. They have a complete menu full of pancakes, waffles, eggs and my mom’s favorite, for the lighter fare - porridge. Located throughout the city, a delicious place that the whole family will enjoy. While you cannot make reservations for breakfast / brunch on the weekends, make sure to check it out. Get there early to avoid the wait, because by 11 or 12, you will wait for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 4pm

Allergy Info:
Nuts on the menu
Allergy Friendly
All-Natural Eggs from Sullivan County Farm NY

Foodie Rundown:
Menus vary from location to location, the below are reviews from the Central Park South Location
Fresh Juice (Grapefruit was delicious)
Lemon and Ricotta Pancakes with Fresh berries – a table favorite! As my dad tried these, the ricotta is baked into the batter, with a slight lemon flavoring, these were outrageous, the entire family enjoyed these fluffy pancakes
Classic Eggs Benedict – Canadian bacon, hollandaise sauce (I got that on the side) and chives – the muffin this was served on was so fluffy and perfectly toasted, with a perfectly poached egg that was runny and delicious!
The Red Omelette – Chunky red pepper and tomato sauce, cheddar cheese, dollop of sour cream and chives – perfect for a hearty omelette and a big appetite!
Side of extra crispy bacon? YES PLEASE!
(Please see pictures below)

Locations:
NYC - Tribeca
NYC – West (Amsterdam and 80th st)
NYC – East (Madison and 92nd st)
NYC – Central Park South
Chelsea Market
Lord & Taylor – NYC
Lord & Taylor – Manhasset
Lord & Taylor – Scarsdale
Lord & Taylor – Garden City
Florida – Key West

http://www.sarabeth.com

Fatta Cuckoo

So tonight, my boyfriend and I had a dinner special that I found on Rue La La for a restaurant in the LES (lower east side) called Fatta Cuckoo.

Tonight, I think I found a new favorite restaurant in the city. Favorite for food and for its mom and pop style. It is a seasonal menu comprised of all local and organic foods and is almost an entirely gluten free menu! The food was outrageous, the service was great, an they have amazing specials and date nights for very affordable prices.

See schedule below:
Monday - closed
Tuesday- Date Night! $70 for a bottle of wine, shared appetizer, 2 entrees and 2 desserts!
Wednesday- $40 for 2 entrees and 2 cocktails!
Thursday- $40 for wine night at the bar! A cheese board for 2 and a bottle of Bordeaux
Friday- $7 cocktails after 10pm
Saturday- 1 entree and 3 cocktails for $20 bucks!
Sunday- 1 entree and 3 cocktails for $20 bucks (brunch until 6pm!)

Allergy Info:
Organic and local foods and seasonal menu
Predominantly gluten free menu!

Foodie Rundown:
Taco of the day - this was delicious and so flavorful! Steak with a chili Run in a blue corn tortilla (2 tacos) - see pictured
PEI Mussels - Prince Edward Island Mussels in a mango, yuzu, ginger and Thai chili broth over udon noodles and finished with fresh basil and scallions Mmmm mmmm good! (see picture)
Surf and Turf- as a foodie I know I have many favorites, but I do believe that this was one of the best meals I have ever had. The "surf" was succulent pan seared, an the "turf" was a boneless BBQ short rib. With 3 chills and a tomato and avocado salad between make this unique surf and turf 100% worth ever bite! (see picture)

http://www.fattacuckoo.com/

Not your High School Cafeteria

At Cafeteria, there is no shortage of trendy comfort food. The motto, “You are What you Eat”The restaurant is always crowded and is known for being open 24 hours. The atmosphere, music and open windows bring all Chelsea-ites and Manhattan foodies to this great spot for brunch, lunch, dinner, and late night snacks. You cannot make same day reservations, but the wait isn’t too long, and the bar has a lot of fun drinks that you can try. Totally worth the wait, and a cocktail.

Allergy Info:
Allergy Friendly

Foodie Rundown:
Macaroni and Cheese Spring Rolls with Smoked Gouda Dipping Sauce – Just imagine if an egg roll had a baby with your favorite mac and cheese, and instead of soy sauce you had a cheesy, delicious, gooey dipping sauce. So yeah, it’s pretty amazing

Since my boyfriend and I were in the mood for something light (that’s a joke right? After we just ate mac and cheese spring rolls) we decided to both get seafood:

Grilled Mahi-Mahi – Crushed Mango, Tortilla Salad, Avocado and Chili Cilantro Aioli – I’m not even lying, my mouth just watered as I was writing this, remembing how fabulous these flavors were together and how delicious this piece of fish was. (See picture)

Roasted Sea Bass – Shaved Artichoke, Radicchio, Reggiano Parmesan, Lemon Truffle Vinaigrette – If you know me, anything truffled is good in my book, fabulous dish! (See Picture)

Drinks:
Aloe Citrus – Bulldgo gin, aloe vera juice, lemon and lime – sounds kinda strange, but for someone who doesn’t even really like Gin, this drink was awesome!
Wildberry Mojito – Cruzan Raspberry Rum, Fresh Muddled Berries, mint and lime – for the sweet tooth, make sure you indulge in this cocktail

Location:
Chelsea – 17th and 7th

http://cafeteriagroup.com/about.php