Happy Valentine's Day

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

NYC RESTAURANT WEEK SUMMER 2012

Join the 20th anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week, July 16–August 10, with 20 plus days of three-course prix-fixe dining, featuring $24.07 lunch and $35.00 dinner at more than 300 restaurants.

NYC Restaurant Week is New York City's original dining celebration and a pioneer in the dining industry. As the country’s first-ever restaurant week, it debuted in 1992 when it was developed as a one-time culinary event to welcome the Democratic National Convention (DNC) to the City. Though created to appeal to delegates and other DNC attendees, the program—with 95 participating restaurants—also found a strong following among residents excited to dine at some of the City's top restaurants for a fraction of the usual cost—$19.92 for a three-course lunch—and who wanted NYC Restaurant Week to be a recurring event.

Over the past 20 years, NYC Restaurant Week has grown tremendously yet has remained committed to giving visitors and residents the opportunity to experience the quality, variety and hospitality that embody the NYC dining experience.

A TASTE OF CORONADO ~ OCTOBER 12, 2011

A Taste of Coronado


Spend a night on the Island...indulging your senses and feeding your appetite with Island fare in the ocean air.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011, 5:30 - 9:00 pm, the Island of Coronado will be host to foodies and gourmands alike with it's 2nd annual Taste of Coronado. 

Take a culinary trip around the world one bite at a time. Locally-owned bistros, full-bodied wines, All-American barbecue, spicy Thai, regional Mexican fare, and fresh seafood. All of these flavors are laid out before you as Coronado prepares to tempt your taste buds in one of San Diego's premier neighborhoods. 

Stroll lazily along Orange Avenue or let the trolley deliver you to your next mouth-watering destination. It WILL be a night to remember!

Proceeds benefiting San Diego Family Justice Center and SAFE anti bullying campaign.

17th ANNUAL LITTLE ITALY FESTA ~ OCTOBER 9, 2011

17th Annual Little Italy Festa
October 9, 2011   10:00 am - 6:00 pm

The Little Italy Festa is known to be one of the largest single-day Italian American festivals West of the Mississippi. Enjoy the wine & beer garden, entertainment on 2 stages, over 120 Italian food & crafter booths, sidewalk chalk art, and shop to your heart's content.

Little Italy - Downtown San Diego
India Street - between Ash & Grape Streets
Info: (619) 233-3898 www.littleitalysd.com 

dineLA RESTAURANT WEEK ~ OCTOBER 2nd-7th & 9th-14th, 2011

dineLA Restaurant Week is a two-week dining event established to introduce diners to the vast array of restaurants in neighborhoods throughout LA County. Local foodies and visitors to LA will have the opportunity to enjoy a selection of specially priced three-course meals from some of LA’s best restaurants during this dining event.

dineLA Restaurant Week takes place over two consecutive weeks, excluding the Saturday between: October 2–7 and October 9–14, 2011.

LAKE TAHOE RESTAURANT WEEK ~ OCTOBER 2nd-9th, 2011

The 2nd Annual Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week is a celebration of the scrumptious cuisine and culinary talent that has made the Lake Tahoe region the best mountain dining destination in the country. 

Delight your palate with 3-course prix-fixe menus that incorporate organic, seasonal and local ingredients - all served up at Lake Tahoe's charming and historic eateries and bistros.

Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week gives local food aficionados and visitors an opportunity to enjoy menus at more than 30 participating restaurants throughout the Lake Tahoe region 

There are no passes, tickets or coupons. Instead, diners simply visit their favorite participating restaurants throughout the week to enjoy the special prix fixe menus. However, it is strongly recommended that diners make reservations in advance by contacting the participating restaurants directly.

Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week is Sunday, October 2 through Sunday, October 9, 2011.

OC BEER WEEK ~ OCTOBER 2nd - 8th 2011

OC Wine Week & OC Beer Week, a two-week event during which restaurants throughout Orange County will create fantastic meals to enjoy with wine or beer pairings.

Wine Week and Beer Week are growing in popularity across the country, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity for Orange County to enjoy both! this event, will allow diners to explore fabulous pairings of both wine and beer, to become an instant favorite. For the two-week event, with back-to-back weeks of wine and beer fun, the selections will be varied for every taste and budget so that those interested may take advantage of amazing deals at the best restaurants in OC and maybe even try new restaurants.

Support your communities, be a part of Restaurant Week, Wine Week & Beer Week.

ORANGE COUNTY WINE WEEK ~ SEPTEMBER 25th - OCTOBER 1st

OC Wine Week & OC Beer Week, a two-week event during which restaurants throughout Orange County will create fantastic meals to enjoy with wine or beer pairings.

Wine Week and Beer Week are growing in popularity across the country, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity for Orange County to enjoy both! We are anticipating that this event, which will allow diners to explore fabulous pairings of both wine and beer, to become an instant favorite. For the two-week event, with back-to-back weeks of wine and beer fun, the selections will be varied for every taste and budget so that those interested may take advantage of amazing deals at the best restaurants in OC and maybe even try new restaurants.

SAN DIEGO RESTAURANT WEEK ~ SEPTEMBER 18-23, 2011

Experience cuisine that delights your palate and defines the art of dining in San Diego. 

Held twice annually, this beloved culinary tradition features discounted prix fixe menus from more than 180 of San Diego’s best restaurants.

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.

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!

SUSHI LUNCH

Great place to grab fresh delicious sushi and not break the bank! As an absolute sushi fanatic, I was driving everyone I met when I first moved to San Diego crazzy asking them where there was a good sushi place....finally someone had mercy on me and decided to take me to the only place they new..........Sushi Deli 1 in Hillcrest, which became my first sushi experience in SoCal and has become one of my few "go to" local spots!! They have one in downtown on Broadway too.





I love coming here, they have a great variety of sushi and Japanese cuisine.....and an awesome Sake bar!





So today I decided to surprise my friend that works near by and see if we could grab some rolls and a chat for lunch....here's what we chowed on....

We shared their scrumptious garlic edimane to start with, a definite must have every time I go there!

She ordered the Monday #1A lunch special that came with sushi, gyoza and salad





I absolutely had to have sushi, so I ordered the Yokozuna combo which came with a spicy tuna roll, 5 pieces of sushi and lovely salad.




It was all delightful, quick and easy on the wallet. 2 people can eat very satisfyingly for $25 or have a couple of rolls and a couple of drinks for the same price....just great.....but they do have a bit of a wait (for lunch and dinner), so do plan to go 25-35mins early and put your name on the list....they don't do reservations.....but well worth the wait!

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

CAFECITO RESTAURANT ~ CUBA IN NEW YORK

After taking a little brake for the Thanksgiving festivities, I figure its a good time as any to continue my wonderful adventures in New York!! I cannot get over on how amazing it is to be in the Big Apple and all the endless opportunities available around the clock.  For me it is really essential to have a multitude of choices when it comes to food and when in New York I love to take advantage of the great Latin flair there is to enjoy!

Palomilla - sirloin steak marinated in garlic & extra virgin olive oil 

topped w/sauteed onions

I truly enjoy visiting with old friends and family that are in the New York area. Oddly enough that includes great old friends from my days living in Miami whom have now made Manhattan their home. About 10yrs ago we all lived in Miami, to make a very long story short Ian met Manny.....I met Ian and Many went to the same school Ian went to. I met Manny and then worked with Manny and then we all left Miami.....Manny partners up with Ian and they bring a taste of Miami, if you know Miami that means Cuba with them to the Big Apple......Manny is a Cuban American born and raised in Miami and Ian is an American raised in Long Island who went to hotel management school in Miami.....now, are we beginning to see the six degrees of separation channeling closer!!! If anyone knows Manny they will never argue that food and people are his main thing. These two entrepreneurial minds and good buddies brought to Manhattan a flavor and flair that took the Lower East Side by surprise (and thats allot to say for NY, nothing takes NY by surprise!!)

During the big cleanup transformation in the area called Alphabet City, the young restaurateurs took advantage of the fresh atmosphere and the already existing Latin population in the neighborhood. They decided to combine Ian's knowhow, Manny's Cuban heritage and easy going-people loving personality, contemporary culinary techniques and soulful flavors.  They gave birth to Cafecito, which by now has been written several time in the New York times, New York Magazine, and several other accredited food publications......needles to say I am honored to call them my friends, proud of their success and so so happy that I get to eat there!!

I have to be very honest with you, my very favorite thing in the entire menu is the Macitas De Puerco or Mojo Marinated Pork Chunks, I can't even think about them without becoming automatically starving!! But, I promised myself I would eat something different this time around.  I wanted to sit by the kitchen and take a peak at the "Cafecito Dinner Action".......I began by ordering the Ceviche Del Dia or Ceviche Of The Day, which comes with mariquitas (plantain chips)

CEVICHE DEL DIA

Then the next thing up for me to order is a Cubano or Cuban Sandwich. This is an AWSSSOME sandwich.  Its a meal pressed between two pieces of crusty Cuban bread (its got fresh ham, cheese, pork, dill pickles) and they make it perfect at Cafecito.  Let me just begin by telling you that they start by slow roast the pork overnight for 14 hours until the pork is completely falling apart, I don't think I need to say much more other than....you have to have it when you go there!

CUBANO

Another thing that I had been dying to try was the Ropa Vieja or Shredded Beef, I am ssssso glad I finaly tried this dish!!! It was so incredible.  This Cuban style beef stew made with pulled flank steak full of  heart piercing flavors will make your mouth dance for joy!!! It is served with white rice, black beans and tostones or fried smashed plantains (Cuban side dish staples!!) These flavor profiles combined in one dish are just heaven on a plate......trust me, you will thank me after ordering this dish!!!

ROPA VIEJA

One last mouth watering delight.......totally not in my agenda, but suddenly it was there right in front of me, so appetizing and inviting, the Chuleta de Puerco or Pork Chop, they have taken the traditional household Cuban dish and re-wrote it into a contemporary culinary sensation.  It is served with an amazing authentic sauce that will blow your socks off, and without a doubt its a complete pallet success.  It is cooked to perfection, crisp on the outside and juicy adn tender on the inside. The only down side to this dish is that you have to be lucky enough to catch it on the day its featured......I surely picked the perfect day to be there, yey for me!!

CHULETA DE PUERCO

I know I'm going on and on about all the wonderful carnivore main dishes, but if vegetarian is what you do.....not a problem, they got you covered; you too can have a great taste of Cuba as well....order the Playa Verde or Green Beach, a dish filled with awesome Bollos or golden corn and black bean fritters which are suitable for veggie lovers and carnivores alike, the dish comes with boniato hash, aguacate or avocado, mixed greens and rice and beans.... but, if you are feeling a little more on the simple and to the point mood, order the rice and beans with maduros or fried sweet plantains and smother it with that magical garlic sauce only THEY make THAT good and you will be utterly satisfied!!

ARROZ CON FRIJOLES

They have a colorful menu filled with a variety of authentic Cuban Cuisine that serves delicasies of  grains , salads, pork, beef, and seafood. You will definitely not go wrong ordering anything on the menu.  I would sugges that you start off  your meal with their delicious white (or red) sangria, with an order of croquetas and an enpanada to set the tone for the rest of your dining experience.

Cafecito is a great place to just stop by and grab a quick Cafe Con Leche or a Cuban style latte, the warm staff will welcome you and  make you feel like you're one of the family!

The restaurant "provides a warm atmosphere, that recalls old Havana and the lifestyles of the Caribbean".

So if you're hungry or just want a get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city life, stop by this little peace of heaven in the lower east side!!!

Cafecito

185 Avenue C

 New York, NY

212.253.9966