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

Travel Thursday!

Psych! Today we are traveling to Colombia without actually leaving Manhattan. Palenque is a food truck with gourmet Colombian delicacies. The food is made using only the best eco-friendly and organic ingredients and has vegetarian and vegan options as well.

What is an Arepa? You might ask…It is a bread patty made from corn and water (Palenque offers brown rice or quinoa based patty’s as well). Arepa’s can be topped with arugula, queso de hebra, beef, chicken, shrimp, seitan (wheat based and vegan), portobello mushrooms (vegan), organic vegan Italian chorizo or organic vegan chipotle chorizo! And if you think that’s not enough! They have organic vegan chipotle mayo (made with soy), guacamole and chimichurri-cilantro sauces!

Allergy Info:
Organic
Vegan
Vegetarian
Nut free!

Foodie Rundown:
Organic Chipotle Chorizo Arepa– A fan favorite according to the truck. This vegan, vegetarian, chorizo arepa, on a corn based patty, was outrageous. It was full of flavor and definitely packed a nice little spicy punch!

Beef Arepa on a Brown Rice and Sesame Patty – same great flavors as the chipotle chorizo, with a little less of the spcies! Absolutely delicious, the patty was nice and crisp, and both were thoroughly enjoyable!

Location:
Their Schedule is located here: http://palenque-schedule.blogspot.com/


http://www.palenquehomemadecolombianfood.com/

Terri Tuesday!

What are you doing for lunch today?  Head over to chelsea (23rd and 6th) during your lunch break to get a vegetarian, organic, vegan & gluten friendly lunch! All items on the menu are 100% vegan and kosher, and only organic ingredients are used.  They have sandwiches with gluten free bread available, along with some great dessert options, including cookies, donuts and cupcakes! Make sure you grab a drink or a side to go in the fridge on the left, the strawberry mint lemonade is delicious!

Allergy Info: 
Vegan
Vegetarian
Organic
Gluten Free



Foodie Rundown:
*Fan Favorite - I would have to say, that while waiting for my Hummus & Avocado Wrap, the 4 people before me got the Hummus & Avocado Wrap!  Full of hummus, avocado, smoked tofu, hot peppers, lettuce and tomato (See Picture)

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich - 'chicken', Buffalo sauce, vegenaise (a vegan version of mayo), lettuce, onion and celery

Strawberry Mint Lemonade - says it like it is


Location:
23rd and 6th

Follow Terri on Twitter here

The Daily Juice

Today's post comes out of Austin, Texas.  With lots of readers with affiliations to Austin, I wanted to make sure you got reviews that would make you smile!  The Daily Juice, is an all natural juice bar, never using chemicals, preservatives, chlorine, processed or genetically modified foods.  They are local and organic, as much as possible.  For a list of nutritional information for many of the Daily Juices ingredients (you can use this even if you don't live in Austin) please click here.

The Daily Juice is a local hot spot, stop by for a smoothie, a juice or a shot.  Hang out on the back porch with some friends and enjoy your juice in the hot sun (not sure if it's ever NOT hot in Austin).

Allergy Info: 
All Natural
Local / Organic when possible
Lots of nuts on the menu, so not allergies be careful

Foodie Rundown: 
check out the menu for the list of smoothies here
I had the Ahh...I see, which was acai berry, banana and fresh apple!  Naturally sweet, refreshing and delicious!

Locations: 
Austin, TX (Hyde Park)
2 New Locations to open up:
Westlake & Downtown Austin

http://dailyjuice.myshopify.com/  

Hot Diggity Dog!

Let’s not let Labor Day end our summer just yet! Take a ride down to Cape May, NJ for some hot dogs! You’d be surprised at the menu full of gourmet, fun and crazy hot dog combinations! Vegetarians, don’t worry, there is a Carrot Dog for you! Get in line early, as it will start to build up around noon, get a slushy to cool you off and eat your hot dogs or “leaner wieners” on the beach, on a bench, or somewhere nearby!

Allergy Info:
Vegetarian Friendly

Foodie Rundown:
Big Bad Dog - B.A.D (All-Beef angus Dog on a ginsberg roll)
Leaner Wiener (all-meat pork & beef puppy on a soft steamed bun)

I tried the Leaner Wiener Scooby Dog, with crunchy onions, yellow mustard and dill relish, which was so delicious and full of crunch! I also tried the Chicago(-esque) Dog, (non leaner wiener) which was also delicious! Definitely packed a nice little kick, with brown mustard, onions, dill pickle relish, tomatoes, banana peppers and celery salt!

Here are some I wish I could have tried, but how many hot dogs can you eat in a day? -- Don’t answer that question.

Buffalo Dog
Reuben Dog
Texas Tommy (bacon and shredded cheddar cheese)
Tornado Dog – mashed potatoes, chili, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, banana peppers and sour cream
Thunder Dog – mashed potatoes, baked beans, yellow mustard, chopped onions, shredded cheddar cheese
Chippy Dog – tangy red pickled pepper relish, onions and potato chips

Location:
Cape May, NJ

http://www.hotdogtommys.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/

Dare to Dumpling?

If you’re in the mood for some dumplings…nice, plump, yummy dumplings (ok, my mouth just watered), and you don’t want to order the fried rice, the egg roll or the chicken and broccoli, you can simply have a dumpling feast at Rickshaw Dumpling Bar! In addition to their location in Flatiron, on Lexington and in Times Square, they also have a food truck! And we all know, everything tastes better from a food truck! Indulge in different flavored dumplings, different dipping sauces, and an array of side dishes that will make you dance for dumplings! Have a desire for a double dose of dumplings? They will cater an event as well!

Allergy Info:
Peanut allergy be careful! – there are peanuts in some of the dumplings as well as the sauces
Vegan Friendly
Vegetarian Friendly
Looking to eat healthy? Rickshaw says an order of 6 dumplings has less than 300 calories! After a meal, your dumplings will still look good!
No MSG

Foodie Rundown:Szechuan Chicken Dumpling – Bell & Evans chicken with Szechuan chilli, white soy bean and Chilli soy dipping sauce
Peking Duck - Local Hudson Valley duck with cabbage, scallion, 5 spices and hoisin dipping sauce
Chicken & Thai Basil – Bell & Evans chicken with lemongrass, glass noodle, carrot and spicy peanut dipping sauce
Never can go wrong with Classic Pork or if you’re vegetarian / vegan, check out the Vegetarian Edamame Dumpling with organic edamame with lemon in a whole wheat wrapper and lemon sansho dipping sauce!

Order a Rickshaw Regular for the best dumpling deal in town! Medium order of dumplings (6 dumplings) with a choice of noodles, salad or side for only $8.96!

Locations:
Flatiron – 23rd between 5th and 65h
Times Square – Broadway between 42nd and 43rd
45th and Lexington
Food Truck – Make sure to follow Rickshaw on twitter for their daily location changes! @RickshawTruck

Dare to Dumpling? http://www.rickshawdumplings.com/

Hummus you hungry?

If you’re in the mood for some healthy fast food, you’re a vegetarian, and or love falafels, chickpeas hummus and pita bread, head over to The Hummus & Pita Co. With a cafeteria-like feel where you order at the counter, you have the option of a pita, laffa, bowl or platter. Add meats, mix ins, veggies and hummus for a complete dinner full of vitamins and minerals, that will definitely fill you to the brim.

Allergy info:
Vegetarian Friendly
Nut Friendly
Health Conscious! - Check out their nutrition calculator on their website! http://www.nutritionix.com/hummus-and-pita-co/nutrition-calculator/premium

Foodie Rundown:
The platter offers the most complete dinner with 3 “Fill Its” or as us normal people call it, sides.

Gyro - Succulent pieces of beef and lamb made with greek spices (I topped this with the green chimichurri garlic sauce, a little spicy, but delicious!)

Chicken Shawarma – Fire roasted marinated chicken thighs, definitely has a curry flavor, so if you’re not a fan of curry, you may or may not like the Shawarma

Spanish Eggplant – Reminded me of Eggplant Caponata, delicious large marinated pieces of eggplant served on the side

Falafel – Can never go wrong with 2 crispy falafels either on the side or in a pita

Baba Gannosh – this goes great on the pita, full of eggplant flavor (I’m sensing an eggplant theme?)

Original Hummus included with every meal, (any flavored hummus such as sundried tomato hummus or jalapeno hummus just add $1)

Whole wheat pitawas are
Available (just in case you’re looking to be health conscious)

The best of all, my meal, plus a water, was $11. Can’t beat that in NYC! Fresh and delicious!

Locations:
585 6th Avenue (6th and 18th)
Order Online – Delivery is a 10 block radius of the restaurant with a $10 minimum

http://www.hummusandpitas.com/

Yardhouse

Guest post by Jenn Press Arata! -thank you!!
www.thatssojenn.com

I was very excited to check out Yard House's newest location at Palisades Center mall, that had only been open a few days before we arrived. The restaurant/bar boasts 130-250 taps of imported, craft and specialty ales and lagers.

The servers were still in training, yet eager to learn and very accommodating. We ordered many dishes and they were always quick to clear and ready to assist. Fun Fact: Yard House's beer glasses are cleaned separately from the food dishes to ensure their pure taste. If you aren't quite ready to order a yard (be aware that not all beers can be ordered in this size due to their high alcohol content), you can ask for up to two samples at a time to taste before you commit.

Allergy Info:

Very allergen friendly menu, including a whole section for Gardein options--a vegetarian chicken and beef meat substitute. There are also many 'gluten sensitive' options provided along with gluten-free beers. Everything is labeled making it easy to navigate, and the extensively varied menu offers something for everyone. An overall nutritional breakdown is available on their site as well.


Foodie Rundown:

For appetizers, the ahi poke bowl was precisely seasoned and didn't even require the soy sauce served on the side. The marinated raw ahi tuna was full of texture and crunch when prepared with avocado, carrots, bean sprouts, macadamia nuts & wontons. Can be made 'gluten sensitive' without the wantons and soy sauce or minus the macadamias if you have a nut allergy.

The deviled eggs topped with spicy tomato sauce, sweet chili sauce and minced chives were unlike any I've had before, and I can't wait to order them again. They offer a unique sweet and spicy kick for a perfectly satisfying appetizer bite! A must have for sure. (Vegetarian)

For entrees, I was excited to sample the many Gardein options. I tried the boneless buffalo chicken wings (you can also order them jerk or firecracker style) served authentically with celery sticks and ranch dipping sauce. They tasted so good, even the carnivores at the table had to clarify it was vegetarian. The chicken and avocado sandwich was also a hit, while the beef sliders were way more than your typical bulky veggie burger. I ordered the sliders two ways: classic with their house sauce and cheese and the other with fried onions and bearnaise sauce. What a treat! I upgraded to truffle fries which were shoestring thin, served in a cone and sprinkled with parmesan. Delish. Incredible selections for vegetarians to feel part of the action and enjoy hearty beer grub rather than a dainty salad. (Vegetarian)


Of the street tacos, we tried the asada (grilled new york steak with roasted pasilla peppers, pico de gallo and guacamole), baja fish (crispy white fish with lemon sriracha aïoli, green cabbage, cilantro, pico de gallo and guacamole) and blackened swordfish (with green cabbage, cilantro, cumin crema, pico de gallo, guacamole and mango papaya chutney). Swordfish was impressive, but steer clear if you have a fish allergy!

Adult macaroni and cheese with playful campanelle pasta, chicken breast, applewood bacon, wild mushrooms, cheddar, parmesan and truffle oil was rich and decadent. Can be ordered from the Gardein menu with chicken substitute and no bacon. (Steer clear with dairy allergy).

Locations:

This particular location was at Palisades Center Mall in West Nyack, NY, but they have multiple locations throughout Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, Virginia and Texas.

www.yardhouse.com

I heart the Burgh!

Now the one thing that NYC doesn't have is Nakama -Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar! Nestled in the Southside is a sushi and hibachi gem with what seems like a never ending martini menu. If you're headed to Pittsburgh for business or pleasure, or so happy to live there, I'd suggest two things: a Steelers game and Nakama!

Allergy Info:
Please tell your server of all allergies as hibachi is made on a shared surface
Vegetarian options available

Foodie Rundown:
Hibachi shrimp and filet mignon and you'll leave happy! Don't forget to ask the chef to do the famous volcano and if you're lucky he will sling shot broccoli into your mouth

Locations:
1611 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh PA 15203 (Pittsburgh's Historic South Side)

Veggie Tales!

This is one of my all time favorite restaurants in NYC. I have been to 2 out of the 3 locations in the city (west village and Chelsea) and they have yet to let me down.

Westville, is known for being fresh, simple, vegetarian and vegan friendly! Their mom and pop style restaurant is a local hot spot that I frequent. They have a great menu full of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, hot dogs and veggies. The veggies are daily specials and are definitely my favorite part of the menu, (and I'm totally not a vegetarian) they are always fresh and delicious!

Allergy Info:
Vegetarian Friendly
Vegan Friendly
Nut Friendly

Foodie Rundown:
Greek Salad - Salad portions are huge, which is great for a dinner salad!
Veggie Chili – my parents love this!
Grilled Cheese: Cheddar / Gouda blend melted on a Portuguese muffin (with bacon) – this will just melt in your mouth, fat kid style (see picture)

Veggies (Note – these vary by location / day but here are some of my favs)
Arichoke Hearts with Parmesan
Soy Glazed Green beans
Broccoli with Garlic
Honey Dijon Brussel Sprouts – another brussel sprout award from Foodergie! (these will totally clear out your sinuses, so make sure you like Dijon!)
Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella
Korean Cucumber Salad – So fresh, great during the spring / summer!


Locations:
Chelsea - 18th between 7th and 8th
East Village - Avenue A and 11th
West Village – Bleeker and West 4th (this one only has about 8 tables, so try and go at an off time so you don’t have to wait too long!)

Daily Specials are listed on Westville’s website, they also deliver, so make sure you check the delivery map! http://www.westvillenyc.com/

As seen on serious eats! http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2011/07/a-sandwich-a-day-grilled-cheese-with-bacon-an.html

Eddie’s Pizza...Yummmm

So you have a pizza craving, but don’t want to feel like a slob after lunch? Do you want something delicious? If so, Eddie’s Pizza Truck, the thinnest of thinnest crust pizza, comes with a variety of toppings! The meat lover, the vegetarian, the BBQ lover, can all be happily fed with Eddie’s.

Allergy Info:
Eddie’s Trucks USED to have gluten free crust, but due to a low demand, they don’t usually carry them anymore. If you are gluten free and think Eddie should carry the gluten free crust, tweet at him @EddiesPizzaNY and tell him @foodergie said so! :-p I'm sure he won't mind!
Vegetarian Pie
Make your own pie! For any allergy issues
*note pesto is on the menu

Foodie Rundown:
Eddie’s Favorites – Comes with all the meat you could dream of, including: Sausage, meatballs, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers and onions (pictured)
Pesto - a light crisp summer pie, with pesto, mozzarella, tomatoes and basil! (pictured)

Location:
Permanent location in Hyde Park
Food Truck! For the complete sightings and locations of Eddie’s Food Truck, check out their website http://www.eddiespizzany.com/ or follow them on Twitter (@EddiesPizzaNY)

Travel Thursday - BBQ all year round?

So you want to have a hamburger or hotdog, but it’s either pouring or negative degrees out, or any undesirable weather issue that prevents you from firing up that grill! Well, travel out to Paramus, NJ and head over to the Fireplace! They have the best hot dogs, hamburgers in the tri-state area! They make fast food fresh and delicious so you can forget McDonalds or Burger King, and eat some REAL fast food.

The Fireplace has an amazing reputation in northern NJ. They have been around over 53 years! I’m not even kidding you, my parents and their parents have been going to the fireplace forever! Not only do they have these BBQ delights, they have turkey burgers, veggie burgers and chicken patty’s for all different allergy and food preference variations.

Allergy Info:
Turkey Burgers
Veggie Burgers
All meat is cooked on premises
Milkshakes are made with REAL milk
Soups are made on premises (from scratch!)
NO trans fat in cooking

Foodie Rundown:
Hot Dogs - with all the fixings (which can be found on the side and added at your own discretion)
Cheeseburgers
Recently my mom got a buffalo burger, which was great! Topped it off with some onions and ketchup and was good to go
Onion Rings / French Fry Combo (but the onion rings are better!)
Vanilla Milkshake – you’ll have to roll yourself home after dinner, but it’s ok, you deserve it once in a while!

Address:
718 Route 17 North, NJ,07652 (Right by the Fashion Center)

http://www.thefireplacerestaurant.com/home.html

It’s Taim…

It’s TIME to get over to a food truck called “The Taim Mobile”. Taim means highly pleasant to the taste or delicious, which is exactly what this food truck delivers. Not only do they have gluten free falafels, but they have a vegetarian and mostly vegan free menu!

So today, my colleague and I ventured to Varick and Grand (see location list here: http://www.taimmobile.com/). We were so happy with our Falafel Sandwiches that we have vowed to make Tuesdays “food truck Tuesday” and head over to this truck every week!

The guys were great, fun, and the service was quick. If you work in Soho or Tribeca (on Tuesdays), definitely head over to Taim and get a falafel sandwich, or probably anything on their menu, because it was delicious!

Schedule for the rest of this week (Week of 7/30) – If you haven’t left yet to find the truck, you’re totally missing out!
Wed 20th St & 5th Ave 11am- 330pm
Thurs World Financial Center, North End Ave at Vesey 11am-3pm
Friday 27th & Park Avenue 11am-330pm
Sat McCarren Park, Williamsburg 11am-?

Allergy Info:
Gluten Free Falafel
Vegetarian
Mostly Vegan

Foodie Rundown:
Falafel sandwich “with everything” – Let’s break this down, the Falafel sandwich has green falafel, hummus, Israeli salad (chopped tomato, cucumber, parsley and lemon mint dressing), pickled cabbage (marinated in a sweet and sour marinade), tahini sauce, S’rug (spicy sauce), Amba (mango chutney), pickles AND peppers! Seriously – it’s like everything but the kitchen sink, leave now to get to tribeca before the truck leaves! I’m not even kidding…have you left yet?

Locations:
Follow Taim on twitter for their most up to date locations (@TaimMobile)
Check out their website for the schedule as well www.taimmobile.com

That’s so Jenn!

Today’s blog post is about another blog! Blogging about blogging, I like it.

That’s So Jenn, is a blog that blogs about foodies, who like to cook, unlike MY blog which is just about foodies who like to eat! Here you can find great and amazing recipe’s, along with a fabulous sense of humor that will have you rolling in your seat. That’s So Jenn – Confessions of a Foodie has great allergy options as well. Tonight, go home and make Jenn’s healthy and delicious Homemade Veggie Pizza!

Note* Gluten free friends, replace flour with gluten free flour for the same great recipe!
http://thatssojenn.com/2012/07/24/thats-so-jenn-ingredient-challenge-night-1-homemade-veggie-pizza/

Allergy Info:
Veggie Pizza is great for gluten free and vegetarians, nut free, seafood free and meat free!

Foodie Rundown:
Ooops – I made something delicious post! This is my favorite, and as I was a taste tester of the ooops ice cream that was created, I have to say, it was delicious! Here’s an except to get any idea:
“I continued this innovative mindset when I once forgot the egg in my potato latkes turning them into what we called ‘Chanukah hashbrowns’…or the time I left out the butter in my oatmeal, chocolate peanut butter cookies and wound up with the perfect snack for my vegan mother…or how my crumbled layer cake became a beautiful trifle. And the list goes on.” – That’s So Jenn!
http://thatssojenn.com/2011/11/12/oops-i-made-something-delicious/

Location:
Instead of giving you Jenn’s address which would be highly inappropriate, I will point you to her website!
www.thatssojenn.com

Now if you like what you see and you think this blog is great, LIKE it on FACEBOOK! And don’t forget to vote for Jenn to be named Taste of Home's Mrs. Holiday! You can vote up to once a day through Sept 7th, vote and share, spread the word! - http://www.facebook.com/tasteofhome/app_308553629224079

Bareburger – Spare it all, but the Bun!

For those of you gluten free friends out there, don’t let your burger be bare at Bareburger! Eat the burger WITH the bun! Popping up all over the place in NYC, Brooklyn and Queens, this organic, all natural, free range, grass fed burger sensation will be sure to delight all family members.

Whether you are looking to stay lean with a multi-grain roll, wheat or lettuce wrap, looking to keep your cholesterol down with a turkey burger, veggie burger, or chicken patty, or just trying to make up any excuse to eat a beef, elk, bison, or ossie burger, go to Bareburger!

Foodie Rundown:
Start with some pickles for the table, don’t want to fill yourself up before the big meal
Fries…or Onion Rings? Can’t decide? Get the basket combo with both!
The Western (This was the burger I had, with a gluten free bun, out of this world!)
Maple Bacon Chesesebarburger (This was the burger my friend Tara had, on multi-grain, that was described as the “best burger ever”)
The Roadhouse (Turkey burger, on a wrap, the healthy version that my friend Jolene tried)

Allergy Info:
Not Nut Friendly (100% peanut oil is used for all the fried items)
BUT
Veggie Friendly
Gluten Friendly
Cholesterol Friendly
Organic Friendly
Beef Friendly
Chicken Friendly

Locations:
Manhattan
Laguardia Place, NY, NY - Washington Square Park
3rd Ave - Murray Hill
8th Ave, - Chelsea
2nd Ave – East Village
1st Ave – Upper East Side

Queens
31st Ave – Astoria
31st St. – Astoria
Austin St. – Astoria
Bell Boulevard – Bayside, NY

Brooklyn
7th Ave – Brooklyn, NY

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!

Shake Shake Shake...Shake your booty!

Shake it for Shake Shack!

For those of you who haven’t had Shake Shack, I suggest you going immediately. Tell your boss you're sick and leave work! A secret special sauce, and a juicy fast food burger that does dances in your mouth. Make sure you factor in a 30 to 60 minute wait at all shake shack locations (at least the ones in NYC).

Allergy Info:
Seafood free (no seafood on the menu)
100% all-natural Angus beef, vegetarian fed, humanely raised and source verified. No hormones or antibiotics
Although there are no peanuts/ peanut oils used for the burgers, they have peanut butter sauce and flavored ice cream for dessert
Vegetarians, hope you like mushrooms! Veggie friendly ‘Shroom burger

Green Friendly? YES!
100% of Shake Shack’s electric usage is offset through wind power and Renewable Energy
Each Shack is constructed from recycled and sustainable materials

Foodie rundown:
Shack burger with fries (for the bold and hearty appetite, try the double shack burger!) with fries and a vanilla shake -- make sure to head to the gym soon after as this burger has 490 calories and 29 grams of fat.

http://www.shakeshack.com/

Locations:
New York
Connecticut
Florida
Washington DC
Pennsylvania
Dubai
Kuwait City

Welcome to Good Burger Home of the Good Burger, may I take your order?

Welcome to Burger Week! Allergy friendly and not so friendly burger places to be reviewed by Foodergie!

First, we will start with Rare Bar and Grill. A veggie friendly, nut friendly gourmet burger restaurant that won’t break the bank.

Both locations (Chelsea and Murray Hill/Midtown East) will be pleasant and enjoyable experiences. Don’t forget to head up to the rooftop for some beautiful views after you stuff your face (see pictures).

Menu distinctly asks to inform your server of any allergies, so be safe, and don’t forget to mention your allergies and preferences!

Allergy Info:
Veggie burgers available
All burgers are 100% grade “A” American beef

Foodie Rundown:
Frickles
Build your own burger
Any burger with brie cheese
Fries with all the dipping sauces! (BBQ, Mexican, chipotle aioli and honey maple)
If you’re above ground beef, enhance your burger experience with a steakhouse burger

Locations:
Chelsea – 26th between 6th and 7th
Murray Hill / Midtown East – Lexington and 37th