Happy Valentine's Day

Wishing all of you a romantic and delicious day ..... LET LOVE RULE!

OPERATION PORK SHANK

On my lifelong journey through culinary explorations, there is one place I must visit every time I'm in New York City, Cafecito!

The reason being that they serve generous dishes with the authentic flavors of creole Cuban cuisine.

I have been stoping by Cafecito since they opened in 2003 and have never been disappointed or dissatisfied!

They have a 'secret' menu that the constantly change and my latest encounter & newest obsession in it is the Pork Shank!

Deliciously roasted to perfection, the meat falls of the bone with a delicious sauce that makes you want to lick the plate. It served with rice and beans and sweet plantains which can be switched for tostones, which I often do.

Next time you're in the area, stop by and give it a try, you'll be very happy.

HAPPY NEW YEAR BLOODY MARY

One Dish At A Time wishes everyone a healthy & prosperous 2013 ~ HAPPY NEW YEAR!




The perfect cure for a long night of New Year's Eve celebrations, a Bloody Mary.

Morning After Bloody Mary
1.5 oz. Tequila
6 dashes tabasco
6 dashes Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch celery salt
1 pinch pepper
1 teaspoon horseradish
2 teaspoon lemon juice
7 oz. tomato juice
Pickle Wedges

In a large glass build ingredients and stir with a bar-spoon.

Garnish with pickle wedges.

Optional: rim glass with lime juice and dip into a mixture of celery salt & pepper.

CHEERS TO THE NEW YEAR!!!

HOT MAPLE CIDER COCKTAIL

This is the perfect drink after an amazing holiday feast with dessert or for those cold winter evenings by the fire place.

Maple Cider
1.5 oz Crown Royal Maple Finished Whisky
2 oz hot Apple or Peach cider
1 splash(es) hot water]
Butter
Cinnamon Stick

How To Mix

• Mix all ingredients in a coffee mug.
• Garnish with a half pat of butter & cinnamon stick

Recipe courtesy of thebar.com

TEQUILA FUEGO SHOOTER

Tequila Fuego Shooter (Serves one)


1 1/2 oz premium tequila
1 teaspoon hot chile sauce
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 dash onion powder
1 lime wedge
kosher salt
1 jalapeño ring


Use lime wedge to moisten 1/2 the brim of the shooter glass. Dip the moistened brim in salt. In a shaker or a glass, mix the lime juice, tequila, onion powder and hot chile sauce. Blend well. Pour the mixture into the shot glass and garnish the edge with a jalapeño ring.


Follow the shot with the lime wedge.

Traditional Mexican flavors highlight your favorite premium tequila in this spicy shot. Enjoy!!


Recipe Courtesy of about.com

CALIFORNIA RESTAURANT MONTH

As we are all partaking and enjoying San Diego Restaurant week, I thought I'd share with you something that everyone may not know about....not only can you enjoy great special menus at the best restaurants in San Diego, but throughout California as San Diego Restaurant Week is part of California Restaurant Month. 

California Restaurant Month: 

Splurge, Savor, Save in JANUARY

Sexy outdoor cafes in Southern California, ultra-fresh ingredients in Northern California, amazing seafood along the coast, and all the bounty of California's Central Valley. Virtually every corner of the state has extraordinary restaurants, bistros, and cafes. And now is your chance to try them. 

Caprese, California Style!

California Cuisine

California Comfort Food

California Seafood 

Introducing California Restaurant Month, a statewide celebration of special savings traditionally offered this time of year. Treat yourself to that urban hotspot you’ve always wanted to try, or plan a quick getaway to gorgeous wine country, the dramatic coast, or a cozy mountain retreat. Click on the regions below, and see where you’ll be making dinner reservations. (Note: offers and dates may vary.)

More tasty news: Check our events section for more restaurant and wine & dine events throughout the year.

Can’t make it to California during California Restaurant Month this January? Check out these Restaurant Weeks going on in California throughout 2011.

To learn more about California Restaurant Month and other participating cities please visit California Restaurant Month.

SAN DIEGO RESTAURANT WEEK ~ JANUARY 16-21, 2011

I'm so excited, Restaurant Week starts Sunday. I love Restaurant Week!! 

San Diego Restaurant Week 2011

Extraordinary 3 course menus from San Diego's best restaurants. Experience cuisine that delights your palate and defines the art of dining in San Diego. Choose from over 180 of San Diego's best restaurants and enjoy a 3 course meal for $20, $30 or $40 per person, depending on the restaurant. Now is your chance to discover new restaurants and enjoy all your favorites at a discounted price!

What is San Diego Restaurant Week?

In its seventh year as San Diego County's largest and most successful dining event, San Diego Restaurant Week was launched with the intention of spotlighting the city as a premier dining destination. Held twice annually, this beloved culinary tradition features more than 180 of San Diego's best restaurants offering fixed price, three-course meals for $20, $30 or $40. There are no tickets or passes required. Food lovers may simply dine out at as many participating restaurants as they like during San Diego Restaurant Week, explore new dining opportunities or enjoy old favorites. Advance reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling restaurants directly or visiting their profile online.

Restaurant Week is organized by the California Restaurant Association's San Diego County Chapter. For a complete list of CRA member restaurants, click here.

San Diego Restaurant Week is part of California Restaurant Month. To learn more about California Restaurant Month and other participating cities please visit California Restaurant Month.

Not finding what you need? Contact Jenna Thompson at jenna[at]mcfarlanepromotions[dot]com or 619-233-5008.

When is it?

Restaurant Week occurs twice a year. The upcoming dates are September 19-24, 2010 & January 16-21, 2011

How do I take part in San Diego Restaurant Week?

No passes, tickets or coupons are required. Instead, diners may simply visit their favorite participating restaurants throughout the week to enjoy the special prix fixe dinner menus. It is strongly recommended that diners make reservations in advance. To make a reservation, diners may contact restaurants directly.

Which restaurants are involved?

More than 180 restaurants throughout San Diego County are participating. A complete list of participating restaurants is available here for dining ideas or you may call your favorite restaurants to see if they are participating.

Are reservations required?

No. Reservations are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are appreciated. There is no guarantee that walk-in guests will be accommodated.

Go to the official site of San Diego Restaurant Week for more information on San Diego Restaurant Week 2011 by clicking on the image below.

Restaurant week is a great way to enjoy more of your favorite spots, but equally if not greater for trying out new restaurants or indulging in some of those fine dinning venues you may have been undecided about trying. It makes going out to dinner with friends & family a different kind of exciting to taste and review varied cuisines and new places. I'm definitely excited!

Restaurant Week is available in cities throughout the united states. Make sure to check for the Restaurant Week dates in your city.

HAPPY HOUR @ TOWER 23

I love a little posh in my life every now and then....

And for me that involves prosecco, oysters and a delightful ambiance sometimes!

I love JRDN Restaurant @ Tower23, with it's splendid sunset views and it's fantastic bar menu that contains classic bar faves as well as elaborate gourmet bites.....plus they have raw bar happy hour!!

Ummmm, yes, I love oysters!!

But, if raw-bar fare is not your thing, I absolutely recommend that you indulge in the many other small bites the bar menu has to offer....

Like the baked goat cheese plate.

Or perhaps a light and tasty tuna tartar.

And if bubbling wine doesn't float your boat either, they have a very impressive wine selection and specials on their bottles of wine on Tuesdays (don't worry guys, they have plenty of beer to offer as well!!)

But the point is, that no matter what you decide to drink or eat, you should decide to go, grab a seat on their outside lounge and enjoy the beautiful sun setting on the beach period!!

CHEERS!!

ENJOY!

ROYALE WITH CHEEEEEESE BABY!!

"Simply put, Royale is the epitome of a neighborhood bar. Whether you've been going there for years or it's your first visit, they'll always make you feel at home there. You can watch a game at the bar or enjoy the garden with your friends." This lower east side typical neighborhood hangout can provide all the essential things one needs for a great time, whether its Sunday brunch, quick munchies before the night out, the Sunday game, or Tuesday or Wednesday.....you get it!! Basically they have it all, the food, the ambiance and a full bar....what else can I say. Drop by and take a look at their very appealing and familiarly comforting menu that will not disappoint your bar chomping cravings. 

But, before you venture out into trying the entire menu, DO NOT leave without trying the most mouth-melting juicy cheeseburger you will ever sink your teeth into in Lower Manhattan  - The Royale w/Cheese.....I love this burger as much as I love New York!! I recommend the Onion Rings, French Fries and a very appropriately recommended Porkslap Ale; just because without them, your will not have that out of this world experience that has me dreaming of a one-way ticket from San Diego for just 1 bite! Believe you me.....its worth every single calorie and every hour on that plane! 

Just look at it, don't you just want to dive right into that perfectly cooked  layering of juicy goodness?

ROYALE WITH CHEESE (chedar)

ROYALE ONION RINGS

ROYAL HOUSE FRIES

So the final word is...get the burger, get the fries, the onion rings, wash it all down with the Porkslap Ale and leave amazed and satisfied...I sure did!!

I know you will agree with me on this one......have a bite & a sip and enjoy!!!

ROYALENYC.COM