The (two) Weekly Eater: 2/03 - 2/17
What I loved and/or really stood out last week from the past two weeks (2/03 - 2/17)
Yes, that's right, the title says "two weeks." I know that you guys probably think I'm the world's biggest asshole for virtually going MIA, but things in La Vida Lunch Belle have been a bit kah-ray-zee. I promise that, once the dust that is 'my schedule' settles, I will get right back to my daily musings & postings.
Until then, dear readers, please enjoy...
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Superbowl Sunday Instead of going to some raucous bar this year, my friend, Nicole, invited me and Lucy (my dog) over to her fabulous new abode. I volunteered to bring my homemade chicken enchiladas (recipe to come, soon!) and chile con queso dip. Nicole provided the margaritas and guacamole, and Liza was put in charge of dessert.
What is it with dogs and their obsession with lying on wee-wee pads?
Liza's football cupcakes!
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Gaonnuri You mean, what did I love aside from the ridiculous views courtesy of the restaurant's 39th floor abode? An assortment of the best savory Korean pancakes I've ever had (...OK, so that's not saying *too* much, since I haven't had that many Korean pancakes. But, still, they were still life-altering to this naive gringa.)
Quite the view from my seat at the table
An assortment of savory Korean pancakes
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The "croissant'wich" breakfast sandwich from 'wichcraft Buttery. Salty. Oozing with melted, gooey, aged cheddar cheese and the gently-cooked yolks of two fried eggs. All sandwiched between a buttered, griddled croissant. Are you drooling yet? Thought so. Call it what you will - ravenous hunger - a monumental hangover - or just the fact that it was legitimately delicious - this breakfast sandwich rocked and shell-shocked my otherwise-jaded world.
P.S. All of this tantalizing goodness only comes in at 455 calories! That ain't much if you workout...
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Brunch at Mesa Azteca For our most recent NY Mexican Food Lovers' Meetup, we found ourselves in Bushwick (Brooklyn) at this fabulous little gem located within a stone's throw of the Dekalb Avenue subway stop.
From its affordable pricing, outdoor beer garden (which I plan to visit during the warmer months), kick ass margaritas, and delicious food, Mesa Azteca is a destination-worthy winner.
A warm and inviting interior space (decked out with Valentine's Day motifs)
Tamarind margarita
Mexican trinity: Chips, salsa, and guacamole
Chilaquiles rojos con juevos
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Valentine's Day in the Big Apple While I will always think that this is the most redonk day of the entire calendar year, I must say that V-Day 2013 was filled with lots of laughs and, believe it or not, a first date...
BELOW: Enjoying the free photo booth at Barry's Bootcamp!
BELOW: Check out this incredibly cheesy, goosebump-inducing card that a friend of a friend found at Rite Aid!!
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Ewwwww! Blech!
A romantical Empire State Building
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D Pet Hotels Although I may be a "yes" person, I *hate* - I repeat, LOATHE - asking anyone to do me a favor. So, whenever I leave town - which is often - I leave my sweet lil' Maltese, Lucy, at D Pet Hotels. Not only does she love going in for daycare on occasion, she completely relishes in their posh boarding facilities when I travel. And best of all? The employees at DPH adore her. It's a total win-win.
Disclaimer: Yes, I 100% realize that my pup lives a better life than most human beings. What can I say? I'm a total sucker.
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The sights, sounds, and flavors of San Antonio I was in San Antonio this past weekend for my college friend's wedding. And, let me tell you, it was so nice to escape the teen-degree temperatures of NYC for the gorgeous 60/70-something afternoons in Texas. Plus, it goes without saying that the Mexican food kicked major ass...
The famous Riverwalk
Cheese enchiladas, rice, refritos
Margarita, chips & queso
If you find yourself in San Antonio in the near future, I highly recommend checking out Restaurant Gwendolyn, a not-so-hidden downtown gem. The menu is built using techniques and methods that only existed before 1850. Food is cooked without modern equipment - coffee is brewed on an open flame - and Chef Michael personally meets his farmers/ranchers - bypassing the ol' Sysco-style delivery truck. All perishable ingredients are sourced from within 150-miles of the restaurant. Restaurant Gwendolyn is destination-worthy and, certainly, a must-visit!
Seared amberjack, classic risotto, lemon hollandaise
I'd like to give a shout-out to all of the dear high school and college friends that I was so blessed to get to visit with in San Antonio. I love y'all!
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Antojeria La Popular From the name, alone, I knew that Soho's newest Mexican would be an authentic and delicious success. Although there isn't a full bar as of yet, the sangrias are refreshing and the wine-based cocktails are creative. Entice your palate with the eccentric "Distrito Federal" ceviche: A blend of sirloin, shrimp, and tilapia.
I look forward to returning on a Saturday or Sunday morning when I can enjoy the $7.95 "Chilaquiles Brunch."
White sangria
Michoacan: Chicken, mole, queso fresco, lettuce, toasted sesame, crema fresca on a corn tostada
Flan con cajeta
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And tomorrow, dear readers, I'm off to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami! As per usual, I promise to go text/picture crazy on Twitter, Instagram, Foursquare, and Facebook in an effort to keep all of you abreast of everything that's happening. So if you're not already following me on every goddamn social media outlet on the planet, do so now! I promise to keep you *very* entertained.
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Until we eat again,
The Lunch Belle