Minetta Tavern

A night of celebration. I know J have been wanting to come here for the longest time and it was a perfect place to celebrate. We were hoping they have tables open since we didn't make reservations.

We got seated right away, how perfect is that?! Minetta is small, the walk-way is really narrow but when you step further into the restaurant, it quite big but it doesn't mean walking around is easy. You need to know how to weave through the chairs, tables, and people. Our waitress was so perky and fun to talk to, plus she makes everything on the menu sound good.

I knew J wanted the Dry Aged Côte de Boeuf and I wasn't against it at all.

Murray Sour

Escargot on Puff Pastry

The escargot was one of their specials of the night and once the waitress said escargot, J and I knew we would get that dish no matter what. We both love escargot and we can literally eat plate after plate of escargots. This dish was extremely creamy and also a bit on the salty side but the pastry was perfect. And the escargot were so plump, if they went a little light on the salt this dish would've been amazing.

Huîtres et Crépinettes

The oysters were on the small side but the sauce that was on top of it made it taste extraordinary, totally enhanced the flavor of the oysters. The pork sausage which looked like meatballs were a little bundle of surprise, unlike any sausage/meatball I've ever had, it was packed with flavor and was tender.

Dry Aged Côte de Boeuf

The star of the night was so mouthwatering. The smell was intoxicating when it was brought out to us, only to let us know that they were going to take it back in to slice it for us. Once it reappeared we started salivating again. The slices of the dry aged beef was so soft and melted in your mouth like butter would on a hot pan. We had it cooked medium-rare and that was just perfect. This dish also came with Roasted Bone Marrow which was insanely fatty and gelatinous, I wish they gave us some toast with it though. To finish it off, there was also a small side salad towards the end. Great palette cleanser.

Grand Marnier Souffle

To wrap everything up, we ordered the souffle. The waitress came by our table and asked if we wanted to have souffle for dessert since it would take 20 minutes to make. I didn't hesitate one bit and placed the order. When the souffle came out, it was huge! Definitely enough to feed two people.

Minetta is usually known for their Black Label Burger but they sure do have other dishes on the menu that is just as good. Considering coming back for sure.

Minetta Tavern
113 Macdougal St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 475-3850

Bo Ky

Bo Ky has been around for a long time, pretty much ever since I was a kid. They serve up some delicious noodles and their broth is just amazing. They have noodle soup ranging from seafood to wonton to assorted pig's innards. Besides the meat that goes into the bowl, they also have different kinds of noodles. I usually eat the rice noodles or pearl noodles, but they have egg noodles and flat rice noodles. Another dish that's on their top list is the Country Style Duck, marinated in soy sauce and different spices and cooked perfectly.

Seafood Noodle Soup

Combination Noodle Soup

Country Style Duck

I love coming to Bo Ky because service is quick. It's a big place and there's a bunch of seats so if you come hungry then you can satisfy your tummy sooner than you think. You might think that the staff there are rude or they're just "brushing you off" but it's the quick service and good food that always has me heading back.

Bo Ky
80 Bayard Street
New York, NY 10013

(212) 406-2292

Bibim-Bar

I've been craving for spicy food lately and I just couldn't stop thinking about the Korean spicy rice cakes. To give a new place a shot, J and I met up and headed to Bibim-Bar.

This Korean restaurant is located behind a ramen shop. If it weren't for their small sign in the front, I would've never known a place existed. With a large flat screen right above the bar, the place was quite dim. The TV was playing Korean music performances which is quite entertaining if you're the type that follows the Korean entertainment industry.

Teok-Bokee

Rice cake smothered in spicy sauce. I thought the sauce was way too thick, like they just emptied a whole bottle of hot sauce into the dish. But I really like the consistency of the rice cake, chewy and dough-y.

Japchae

Another favorite Korean dish of mine, potato noodles sauteed with vegetables and slices of beef. I just love how light it taste and the noodle has a bit of "spring" to it when you bite it.

Marinated Beef Rib Eye Dolsot Bibim Bap

Hot stone bibim-bap is another staple of Korean dishes. Rice along with vegetable and meat, throw in some hot sauce and mix it all together, and don't forget the egg! Almost taste like fried rice but Korean-style.

Bibim-Bar isn't a bad place but because it's located in the back of a ramen shop, not a lot of people would know about it. The food isn't bad and the space is quite large too. I also see a door that leads to the backyard...

Bibim-Bar
141 1st Ave
New York, NY 10003

Blockheads

Blockheads is a great inexpensive place if you want some good margarita and great Mexican food. I've been there once and since then, I feel in love.

Blockheads is very well known for their Bulldogs, a type of drink that only Blockheads have. Margarita mix with either sangria or tequila with an upside-down corona, not as bad as you think it would be. A regular margarita is cost only $3-4 (depends on which location of Blockheads you go to), if you want to add a flavor it's only an extra $1. So yummy!

Quesadilla Grande

One quesadilla or burrito can feed 3-4 people, no joke. The food here comes in big portions and everything taste absolutely delicious. Recently discovered their Fish Tacos and they are so amazing!

Blockheads
499 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10016
(212) 879-1999

Dos Caminos

It's been a long while since I've posted. January is almost more than halfway through and it feels like the year just started yesterday. Lots have happened, but now it's time to get back on track and continue this journey of food.

This post was a bit overdue, my bestie, J and I went to Dos Caminos for the purpose of exchanging our Christmas gifts. We ended up eating there, having a great time and opened our gifts elsewhere.
It also happens to be one of the nights where you see endless Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus roaming around.

J made sure to make reservations and we got seated immediately. Our waitress was very sweet and catered to us really well.

Chip & Complementary Dips

The waitress insisted we ordered their freshly made guacamole. I'm ok with avocado but guac I never really had and when I did try it, it was bland so I was skeptical about ordering the guac.

Guacamole

And boy, am I glad she made us ordered it. It was insanely fresh and tasted so good. Very spring-like feeling and the textures of the tomato gave the dish a crunch and the lime gave it a zesty kick. Works really well with the chips.

I can't recall the names of the 3 cocktail drinks above but they were quite tasty. I don't think you'll go wrong with any drinks you order here.

Ceviche Trio

Delightfully fresh tasting. Each one had a unique taste to it. Tuna, lobster and the red snapper all mixed in with herbs, lime juice, and some extra sauce for some kick truly did it for me.

Farmers Market Vegetable Quesadilla

Lamb Chops - special

Salmon - special

J and I both chose from the specials menu of the night because we were just so intrigued when the waitress started describing the dishes. I had the salmon and it was cooked perfectly. Nice crust on the outside and the meat was flaky and not dry. Although, the yuca and potato fries on the bottom was burnt which took away the experience for me. If you can't even make a side dish like vegetables on par then your entire dish is just mediocre when even though the salmon and sauce was on point. I just feel that simple things like vegetables should not be screwed up.

I like Dos Caminos and I think I'll return for the guacamole. Maybe I'll stick with the tacos next time.

Dos Caminos
373 Park Ave S
New York, NY 10016
(212) 294-1000