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

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/

Olive You <3

Fig & Olive is a trendy, fun, and healthy place to have either a romantic dinner, a quick casual dinner and drink or a family gathering in the city. My family and other families alike, love going to Fig & Olive for their variety of shared crustini’s and veggies and delicious salads. All the ingredients are fresh, and everything is made with Olive Oil and not butter. The philosophy is to highlight the use of the different and the best olive oils from the coastal regions of the South of France, Italy and Spain. Figs are predominant on the menu (that shouldn’t be too surprising), but their use of vegetables and flavors are delicious! Making those who are health conscious, very excited!

Allergy Info:
No Butter
Vegetarian Friendly
Vegan Friendly
Nut Allergy must be careful as there are a lot of walnuts, almonds and pine nuts on the menu

Foodie Rundown:
So being that I’ve been here a few times, I have tried a lot of what is on the menu. I have also never had anything that myself or someone else didn’t like – so I will give you a review of everything! (Hey! The more the merrier, right?)

Let’s start with the Crustini’s – Depending on the number of people at the table, make sure you get enough to share. These are pretty small, but can be cut in half to share. For 4 people, I recommend at least 6 crustini’s (and other appetizers, duh?)

Burrata, Tomato, herbs and Blasamic – A classic twist to a Bruschetta
Roasted Bell pepper, Ricotta – This was the largest and juiciest bell pepper I think I’ve had in my life, I think I cut it in half to share, and then stole the 2nd half back, whoops?
Prosciutto, Ricotta, Fig, Olive, Walnut – This is the epitome of Fig & Olive – so delicious
Salmon, Ricotta, Citrus, Cilantro – Mom’s favorite, salmon is fresh, and refreshing with the citrus
Shrimp, Avocado, Cilantro, Tomato – A little taste of mexico with the avocado and cilantro and a fresh crisp shrimp on top! (See Picture)

Veggies:
Zucchini – Pesto Ricotta with Pine Nuts, is really just a Zucchini spin on Pesto, with ricotta instead of Parmesan, dunk the extra Zucchini sticks or use the extra bread that they will give you (See Picture)
Artichokes – Family Favorite! These juicy artichokes with Parmesan and Balsamic, are a great combination (See Picture)

Appetizer:
Fig Gorgonzola Tartlet – So I don’t even like gorgonzola cheese, but warmed, with prosciutto, fig, walnut, arugula, scallions, tomatoes on a fine puff pastry, nothing matters anymore. These flavors and the crispy yet fluffy puff pastry, just melts in your mouth! (See Picture)

Dinner:
Fig & Olive Salad – Crisp lettuce with fig, apple, manchego, gorgonzola (I replaced this with goat cheese), tomato, walnut, olive, scallion and 18 year fig balsamic and Arbequina olive oil – want something delicious and guilt free? This salad is the way to go! (See Picture)

Melon & Prosciutto Burrata Salad – This was like an art sculpture when it came out of the ktiche, piled high with argula, melon, burrata, pesto, tomato, fresh herbs and lemon with Picholine Olive Oil, this was a sight to see! (See Picture)

Zucchini Blossom & Goat Cheese Ravioli – House made goat cheese ravioli, zucchini emulsion, tomato confit, curpsy zucchini blossoms with parmesan & shaved ricotta salata with Nocellara Olive Oil

Truffle Risotto – So my love for truffle never ends, Arborio rice, trumpet and cremini mushroom, with scallions, parmesan, parsley and white truffle oil

Locations:
NYC - Meatpacking (13th and
NYC – 5th Ave
NYC – Lexington
NY - Westchester
California (Melrose Place)

http://www.figandolive.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

Ruby-Foodies!

At Ruby Foos in Times Square you may feel like a tourist, but in this case, it's ok! Without going to Tao or Buddaken for some Pan-Asian fusian, this place has a great menu, great service and they are allergy friendly! Did you say, allergy friendly? Because last I checked, pan-asian and allergies definitely didn't go together.

Well, the waiters keep (on hand) the ingredients in every single dish on their menu. Any questions, allergies or preferences that you may have, they will be able to answer and/or modify per your request. This is so important to all food allergies and is so comforting for parents.

Come here for dinner (pre or post theater) or whenever you're in the area. I know New Yorkers try to stay away from Times Square, but if you ever feel like venturing out, head over to Ruby Foos!

Allergy Info:
Allergy friendly - ingredients are available by the waiter/waitress at the table

Foodie Rundown:
Dim Sum Sampler
Roasted Peking Duck
Coconut sticky rice (this will change your life)

Address:
Times Square (1626 Broadway and 49th)

And best of all? If you live in the area, Ruby Foos delivers! (5th to 9th ave between 42nd and 59th st.)

http://www.rubyfoos.com/

Alta-nate menu!?

At Alta in the W. Village, they cater to making sure that people with nut allergies and those that are gluten free can enjoy their dinner as much as anyone else. For those chefs that like to use nuts in their food and not tell you, is scary. For those of you who can’t eat gluten, it’s hard for you to go out to eat. But Alta – proves this theory wrong.

For example, at Alta for dinner one night, I mentioned that I had a nut allergy. Out comes this “nut free” menu! Talk about a VIP feel!!! I started to notice that some of the items were not on the menu. But when I realized that the lamb meatballs weren’t on there, I asked the waiter why. Turns out the chef likes to use a type of walnut or pine nut in the chopped meat for the meatballs. Something that is not stated on their regular menu.

So for the nut allergic and the gluten free, this place is great! (well, let’s be honest, for everyone this place is great!). The regular menu has over 40 items of small plates! Go with a large group and get every small plate on the menu for $480 bucks. Sounds like a lot, but you’ll get over 40 plates of food.

Try the sangria – it’s fabulous.

Note: Alta only takes cash and American Express. So bring your boyfriend and a wad of cash!

Allergy Info:
This place has a nut free and gluten free menu! What could be better?

Foodie Rundown:
Although I haven’t tried every dish, due to allergies and or lack of stomach space, here are some favs:
Pulled Pork Empanadas
Brussel Sprouts (can you tell this is a theme of mine?)
Pastrami Ravioli
Fried Goat Cheese
Grilled shrimp and chorizo skewer

Address:
West Village (64 w. 10th st)

http://altarestaurant.com/

Check out my Buns!

Happy Bun-Day! Today’s Happy Hump day goes to Fun Buns!

A cart I found outside my office today. Fun Buns is food truck that offers pork belly, braised beef and braised chicken on little buns!

These “Fun” Buns come topped with Pickled Mustard Greens, crushed peanuts, and cilantro! Myself and my colleagues were happy to indulge in these little guys, as they were full of flavor and not overwhelming large! This means were full, but not stuffed! (in the foodie world - that's perfect!)

Allergy Info:
Not peanut friendly - Crushed Peanuts on the buns (which are so good)
Seafood friendly – but be careful of the salt and vinegar chips, they claim to have seafood in them!

Foodie Rundown:
Fun Bun Combo – a tasting of 2 or 3 buns with chips and a drink!

Locations:
Follow them on twitter @funbunsnyc to make sure you know where they are each and every day!