Tortilla's Cafe

So most recently, while in Washington DC, I decided to forgo the typical foodie adventure to such locals as We, The Pizza (made famous by Chef Spike of Top Chef) or Georgetown Cupcakes and go for some real authentic Mexican/ Salvadorian cuisine thanks to one of my favorite guides, Guy Fieri. So my friends and I decided to adventure out to Tortilla Cafe.This place has been seen on Diners Drive-ins and Dives, and the interior decor wont let you forget it!  With that being said, this establishment has some of the best Mexican food I have ever eaten, period (and my foodie friends agree).

I have to diverge from my food indulgence for just a moment here, to tell you that this place really is a hole in the wall, and quite tricky to find, especially when using Google Maps. My friends and I had quite the adventure trying to locate it, and its unassuming exterior really did not help our cause. We first ended up at a very cheesey Mexican restaurant, also by the same name, so Watch Out! Don't fall into that trap. 

Anyway, this place is amazing, not only for the quality of food, but the value. You get a real bang for your buck here, which just adds to the long lists of reasons of why you need to eat here. Our total per person was less than $10.00 and we ordered, a cheese quesadilla with guacamole and sour cream on the side, 2 different papusa's filled with cheese and chicken, fries (cause why not?) and a Margarita chicken sandwich. Each order came with choices of two different sides from a long list of options: plantains, chips, beans, rice, fries etc.

The papusa's were actually the main item that was shown on Triple D, and in reality not the groups favorite. The chicken quesadilla won for best lunch choice overall. However, with nothing to compare them to, I can say that the papusa's were unique in flavor and texture, and over all just scrumptious. The most off putting thing about them was that they were just a tad on the room temp side, instead of being steaming hot. They were also really reminiscent of pancakes. These make a great side dish to any main order, but I would not recommend only getting these Salvadorian specials for the whole meal. The margarita chicken sandwich was good. It was hot off the grill and has some really good flavors to it, so if you're in the mood for a good sandwhich, this is definitely an option to consider. BUt overall that quesadilla just had something perfect about it. The right cheese mixture, the appropriate amount of time on the flat top, so many reasons for a perfect bite. As for the sides, the plantain chips were soggy, the rice was excellent as were the beans.

Overall you will not be dissappointed with anything that you order in DC's best kept secret, if anything you will come out of there saying this is a top 5, if not number 1 Mexican/Salvadorian restaurant ever. 

So figuring that this is a hole in the wall, secret restaurant of amazing proportions, this has to be in the middle of no where right? wrong. This is actually located right across the street from DC's historic Eastern Market. This market had to be one of my favorite spots in all of DC (yup it beats out some of the most recognized monuments of America). It is really a unique place, and changes depending on when you visit. During the winter months, there is a Christmas market (outdoors!) with so many great gift ideas from various artisit, including unique jelewry, photos, paintings etc. There is also an indoor food market. This is where you are able to get some really unique food items, or even those things you are craving from the various parts of this world. Inside there is literally everything you can think of, from traditional italian meats and cheeses to the freshest seafood that DC can offer. It truely is a unique experience and one where you will not leave hungry!

So when in DC, grab lunch at Tortilla Cafe, and leave some room for samples as you walk through the historic Eastern Market on your way to see all the many historic sites this great city has to offer.

Adventure on!
-Amanda

The (Rainy) 5-0 Adventure

So my wonderful mother turned 50 this year! (and I am sure she is thrilled I am telling the blog-o-sphere her actual age) but because this was such a momentous occasion, I decided to return home from University and grace her with my presence, (as a poor college student, its the best present I can give). To celebrate this we decided on a family trip into NYC for an amazing dinner at Bobby Flay's first restaurant, the MESA GRILL.

We went on a Saturday night, and let me tell you, if you were to only walk into this restaurant you would have no idea there is a double dip recession going on right now! Every table was packed, and there were multiple couples eating at the bar! Also, even with our reservation we still had to wait a half an hour! It was a local hot spot. Since we did have to wait, I decided to try a Mesa Grill speciality cocktail. I went with the only non-margarita on the menu, and it was quite forgettable (case in point I cant even remember what it was called) It was a cocktail of lime juice, grapefruit juice and tequila and it was also too strong for me. My first reaction was  too make sure I had indeed ordered a mixed drink and not a tequila on the rocks, and then I had to ask the bartender to put more juice in the drink to make it even drinkable for me, even the best tequila still packs a punch! However,everyone in the bar area had these gorgeous pink cactus pear margaritas, and if I ever go back, that is definitely what I am ordering. Also, for those waiting patiently for their table there were bread sticks that really had a kick. From the first small nibble it tasted like  an ordinary herbed breadstick, however with a larger bite, the fire really hit my mouth. I don't know where it came from or how he hid it so well, but those breadsticks were like a drug, even with such a spicy twist, I couldn't put them down and kept going back for more! 

So we finally get to our table, and I powered through that tequila, and our server was quite energetic, maybe even a tad frantic. He was hard to find when we needed him most, and some things we had to remind him about. He did tell me that my cocktail choice was not the favorite on the menu, so for dinner I selected a lovely prosecco (which is my current obsession).  For appetizers I choose the Blue Corn Pancake with bbq duck & habanero chile-star anise sauce but also stole some of the Crispy Squash Blossoms with ricotta, corn, basil and Hot & Sweet Yellow Pepper Sauce. For dinner I went with the waiters favorite, Grilled Lamb Porter House Chops (photo) and  we ordered the roasted corn with chipotle aioli, lime + cotija side dish for the table (even after being told that there would be a wait because they had already ran out of the ingredients for the evening)! And for dessert I got the churro's. The lamb really did pale in comparison to both the duck and the corn, the duck was moist and had such a unique flavor. The lamb here was cooked perfectly, and the tamale was awesome, and not something I usually eat. Overall, I'm not sure this is a dish I would order again.

Its really hard to decided what was my favorite dish I had all evening, it really is a tie between what little corn I was allowed to eat, and the Blue Corn Pancake with duck. My sister will tell you it was the corn, because even after making fun of my mother for ordering a side of corn, she basically ate the whole thing, and wanted to get another. The corn just had the amazing and interesting taste to it, the combination of flavors was so unique, and it was just the right creamy texture. It was not your normal cream corn, and it is an absolutely must have. 

This restaurant is located in one of my favorite parts of the city, right by union square! There is always something going on in this part of the city, and if you are there during the day you should definitely check out the Green Market great local produce that can get you excited for your season appropriate meal at Mesa Grill. Additionally, there is just some hands down great shopping in this neighborhood, for both men and women. 

So to recap: Check out Union Square, grab a Cactus Pear Marg and get the Blue Corn Pancake with Duck and Dont Forget the Cream Corn! (But in all honesty you cant go wrong with anything at the menu)!

-Adventure On! 

Amanda 

The Rino(ceros) Adventure

Forget the North End of Boston, East Boston has the best Italian food (and I know Italian) and it comes from the local hot spot at Rino's Place. Located in the heart of a residential neighborhood Rino's is unsuspecting and quite surprising. It has gained some national attention on such shows as The Food Networks Triple D and Phantom Gourmet. 
In order to get to Rino's you have to take the Blue line to the airport stop and then walk 15 minutes into the neighborhood. Rino's is a tiny place, with only 12 tables of 4 and they only take reservations for parties of 6 or more. This place is packed from the time they open to the time they close, and no matter the weather there is a line of people waiting around the corner. Here is my helpful hint so you can enjoy the delicious creations at Rino's GET THERE EARLY! My party and I showed up at 4:55 and the place was packed! All 12 tables were taken by locals. We were greeted at the door and put our name on the list with a cell phone number. They call you when your table is ready, and trust me, you don't want to miss it! We waited a total of a half an hour, and there was even a line around the corner, by the way, it was raining! That is how good this place is, people will wait in the rain for hours, and after my experience I would be one of those people waiting in the rain to get a table.



In addition to the year round stable menu (which you can find on their website) there is the handwritten menu (photo) that has the specials. On the side of each of the items there is one of the more interesting things that Rino's has to offer: the option to get the appetizer's in either half or full portions. I love this idea, mainly because I got to try a couple of more options than normal. 


To start with we had the asparagus with balsamic and goat cheese, the burrata with prosciutto and tomato, and the pumpkin ravioli. This was the best burrata I've had since my time in Padova (where Burrata was created). It was firm on the outside and the perfect liquidy texture on the inside, also the inside had the right creamy flavor which really makes a burrata stand out, compared to buffalo  mozzarella. I love the combination of cheese with prosciutto, and it really started off the meal right. The next appetizer was the Pumpkin Ravioli in a butter sage sauce. Another perfectly executed dish that just brought me back to Mantova, were the dish was created. It was a creamy butter sauce that had a hint of something that I cant place my finger on, but I'm taking an educated guess saying its nutmeg. But that's not my point, everything we had for appetizers was just delectable.


Rino's is known for their home made pasta, and they have a full stable menu with a vast pasta section with such classics as Bolgenese, Pasta al Forno, or Vongole. So we decided to try a few of their pasta varieties.  For the main course we tried the world famous, lobster ravioli in a rosa sauce, (this was what Guy was talking about) a big bowl of clams and mussels and fusili a bolognese. Each of these main dishes came with a side salad, and let me tell you, there is no way anyone could eat all the food they put out on that table. These portions were huge! 


 I think the best thing I had during this course was the sauce on the lobster ravioli (I admit I'm not a huge lobster fan) but this sauce was just unbelievable and something you will have to try to believe. Also inside these raviolis were just chunks of lobster folded into the great mixture of ricotta, these were just heavenly. The mussels and clams were cooked perfectly and the white wine sauce was full of that garlic taste you expect with seafood, I do have to say, I appreciate the idea of putting the bread at the bottom of the bowl, however it absorbed too much of the sauce, and did become soggy quite quickly and left my bowl rather dry when I was looking for sauce to dip the clams and mussels in. The Bolgnese was a classic rendition but does not quite compare to the ravioli.

So its safe to say that after this feast we were too full for dessert, but we left as happy campers!
Now normally this is the part where I tell you whats around the area, however, this part of Boston is extremely residential. There is a bar down the block called Kelly's, which would be a good place to grab a drink and wait for that fateful call. But, I do not recommend walking around this neighborhood especially if you are not familiar with it or if it is late at night.


Final reccomendations: GET EVERYTHING! If thats not an option, start with the Burrata and then go with the Lobster Ravioli and I dare you to see if you have room for dessert or can even finish those portions!


Adventure On!
-Amanda

The SoWait Adventure

The SoWa (South of Washington) is one of my favorite weekend adventures since my discovery of its exsistence about 2 years ago. And this year it got even better... they added a FOOD TRUCK section! Food trucks are now the biggest thing in the culinary world (please see the great food truck race!) So I got my butt down there to try some of the Boston flair. Also,  they're even holding a winter farmers market! This makes me super happy and sad at the same time because it is a long walk from my apartment, but I digress..... The Food Trucks! 

So at SoWa they have a rotating line up of about 10-12 trucks (if I counted correctly) that are parked in the artisian market portion. The Sunday I was there the line up included: Kick Ass Cupcakes (see my opinion here, ) Roxy's Grilled Cheese (they're so amazing they get there own post), M&M Ribs, The BBQ Smith, Lefty's Silver Cart (photo 2), Clover, Bon Me Foods, Boston Sped Dog, Lincoln Street Coffee, Silk Road BBQ, The Dining Car, The Froyo Truck and Speedwell Coffee. With so many options I decided to try only 2, M&M Ribs and The BBQ Smith. It was  gorgeous sunday afternoon, and this place was packed; and hence we had to wait, and wait, and wait. This really is the only problem with food trucks, the waiting and my least favorite part, but that is the price you have to pay when food comes to order.  

I have previously enjoyed Bon Me Foods and thought they were a good, not great. They are a Vietnamese inspired truck, and I had a bbq pork sandwhich. This sandwhich has pickled carrot and daikon, cucumbers, red onion, spicy mayo, pate and of course bbq pork. With their sandwhich options the only thing that changes is the protein and you have other options such as chicken and tofu. They also offer noodle salad and rice bowls. I would be willing to try those options, just not the sandwhich. My issue with that sandwhich was the extreme amount of cilantro in a very small space. It was too over powering, and I had to try and remove it completely to even remotely enjoy the sandwhich. 

At the M&M BBQ (photo 3) I had the mini tasting option (which is a SoWa special) 2 mini sandwhiches one of brisket and the other of bbq pork. These were super tiny sandwhiches and really could be finished within 3-4 bites. (Photo 1) The brisket was the hands down winner of the day, it was moist and pretty much perfect, and the sauce really complimented the meat instead of overpowering or covering the brisket. The chicken on the other hand was not as successful, it was dry, even though it had the sauce on top. Im not sure I would go out of my way to try this truck again. 

The second truck I tried was the BBQ Smith, I had their chicken taco with salsa verde, pickled vegetables, roasted tomato and avocado lime (photo 4), and I tried the Cranberry limeade. The Limeade was amazing, and by the time I went back to get a second round, it was all gone. It was the perfect drink on a hot day. I wish I could say the same thing about the tacos; they were just such a disapointment. They were actually double wrapped in a flour tortilla, which was the first problem, too much tortilla for the portion of filling. The second issue was by the time I was eating the tortilla it was soggy and literally falling apart. Not what I wanted, especially when eating from a food truck, I dont want to have to deal with a mess. 

Overall the two trucks I tried were not the hilight of the day; however I would be back in a second to try some new and different food trucks! 


With that being said, go to SoWa whenever you get the chance. It is and outdoor (and now indoor) artist and farmers market. There are so many talented individuals and you can really find some unique gifts, esepcially around that holiday season. Also they have a huge vintage/thrift store "market" where there really are some hidden gems! It is worth the walk into my favorite part of Boston, the South End! Be Adventurous! Try any food truck (you still can't go wrong) 

Adventure On!
-Amanda

The Irene Adventure

So the best thing ever happened this summer, NYC Restaurant week was extended this year from July 25 to September 5! Why is this the best thing ever? Well because I was going to be abroad for the original dates of restaurant week, and this had given me the opportunity to come back home and experience some of NYC's finest. I also was extremely lucky, because Hurrican Irene hit the next day. SO, being the poor college student that I am, I was able to choose just 1 place to go to (for lunch) and my final decision  (which really wasn't a decision at all mainly due to my love for Mr. Tom Colicchio) was Colicchio's & Sons Tap Room. The restaurant week menu (at least for lunch) was a smaller version of the extensive lunch menu already in existence. The menu does change with seasonal ingredients, so the summer version is slightly different than the current menu on the website. 

 

I think one of the best parts about this restaurant, besides the food (of course), is the location. It's located in Chelsea at 85 Tenth Avenue, which is down the block from the meat packing district. It offers so many other opportunities to explore such a great part of NYC, especially one that is not overrun by tourists. Before or after your meal you can explore the famous Chelsea Market and the NYC Highline (photo). Chelsea Market is not only home to The Food Network, but has amazing local restaurants and shops inside, such as 9th St Espresso or the world famous Morimoto. The NYC Highline is a converted elevated train track into a national park. It offers amazing views and new perspectives of the city, with so many innovative architectural designs throughout! 

My friend and I decided to share everything, 
best decision ever. In the end we were able to sample 7 delicious dishes and 3 different beers, taking risks that we wouldn't normally take. When you go, ask your server about the tap selection, its so vast (and almost overwhelming) but they are extremely knowledgeable. After telling him what I do enjoy in a beer, he was able to select one for me that was really quite perfect, especially for such a lovely afternoon. It was a Belgian Pale Ale (just don't ask me how to pronounce or spell it).

So on to the food! To start with we had: Beef Tartar with and Roasted Bone Marrow with Truffle Vinaigrette & Drunk Onions. The main course was: TC Burger with Drunk Onions, Pecorino & 
Chips (Photo #1) and Pork Belly with Anson Mills Polenta & Broccoli Rabe (Photo #2). And for dessert we were treated to Italian Zeppole with Olive Oil Ice Cream, a Blackberry Tart and Ice Cream Sandwiches with peanut butter and cream (Photo #3). All of these things were absolutely delicious, my favorites were the tartar, bone marrow and the pork belly (I was too full by the end to really enjoy dessert). 

I had never had a tartar or bone marrow and my experience was just amazing. The bone marrow was more fatty and mushy than I was 
expecting, but the combination with the crosstini, provided a great texture and really made it enjoyable. The tartar had such an amazing flavor that I was surprised especially since it is a cold dish. I thought it would have really had the strong meat flavor, and I was completely wrong, it had this wonderful light flavor of all the other ingredients. I would love to have either of those again and hopefully soon. I do have to say that the Olive Oil Ice Cream, sounded just so exotic that I was eger to try it, and was dissapointed it was just a strange combination.

So, if you are in NYC and want an amazing afternoon adventure, go join Top Chef's Head Judge at Colicchio & Sons Tap Room, start with the bone marrow move on to the pork belly, and then take a walk on the NYC Highline to work those calories off!

Adventure On! 

-Amanda  

Adventure On

"foodie"- A person that spends a keen amount of attention and energy on knowing the ingredients of food, the proper preparation of food, and finds great enjoyment in top-notch ingredients and exemplary preparation. A foodie is not necessarily a food snob, only enjoying delicacies and/or food items difficult to obtain and/or expensive foods; though, that is a variety of foodie. - www.urbandictionary.com 


So what I am doing with my new found, and axiomatic definition (and new vocabulary)? Well going on foodie adventures to make you salivate (and maybe hate me a little bit for the bites of heaven i've tasted) of course! And i'm writing about it here, hopefully i'll be able to update within a reasonable time period, but hey, I do have a delicious life.
My goal is to not only talk about where to eat, and what to eat, but what to do in the areas around these places! 


These adventures will take us mostly around Boston, Long Island, NYC, and now Seattle! From fine dining to food trucks there is no limit to my adventures! 




Adventure On! 
-Amanda