Category Archives: Cuisine

Choux Factory: Better than Beard Papa’s

Dear Food Diary:
Seems like every time my friends and I decide to take a walk around the UN, we end up at Choux Factory. Before trying this place, like most cream puff lovers, I thought Beard Papa’s were the best ever (both japanese). But once I took a bite into these puffy, buttery balls of sweetness, I was converted, and there was no turning back.

Aldea: new portuguese gem

Dear Food Diary:

A girlfriend from college who was MIA for the past year and change had dropped me a line the other day, so we met at Aldea (Named village in Portuguese. A small neighborhood gem that opened a few month back). We didn’t think reservations were necessary on a tuesday night, to our surprise, the place was packed. They did offer us a table on the ground level dining room, but it seemed tight and crowded, so we opted to dine at the bar with the company of the attentive and friendly bartender Ted (for you ladies who are wondering, yes, he’s pretty cute). The restaurant has a very chic, modern and elegant interior. I suggest making reservations at the chef’s table (only 6 seats) overlooking the busy kitchen. And I highly recommend it for a date, it’s nice but not stuffy, and the food will help you score points for sure (high five me later).

wafels & dinges: just another truck

Dear Food Diary:

I saw the truck and got super excited. The guys behind the truck were very friendly and helpful as I couldn’t decide. Word of advice: don’t go on an empty stomach, it was my mistake, and i paid for it later. I ordered the Brussels Wafel and topped it with Nutella and walnuts ($6), which was huge! I only shared a little piece with my coworker and ate the rest myself, that was my lunch, and felt it was way too much afterwards.

Despaña: Jamón ibérico + Surimi Baby Eel


click on yummy images to enlarge

Dear Food Diary:

I was so excited when my friend told me they opened this new store Despaña around Chinatown, for all things from España (hence the name De= from, España= Spain). A small but well stocked specialty store with an array of cure meats, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, canned seafoods and a back counter serving pintxo (small slice of bread with different toppings of cured meats and chorizo), tortillas (made with eggs, potatoe, onions and a variety of other ingredients).

Le relais de Venise L’Entrecote: Parisian steak in NY

Dear Food Diary:
I fell in love with Le relais Venise L’Entrecote steakhouse in Paris during our trip last November. We knew there was a reason the line was out the door on a cold and rainy day. Average wait time 30min. When my travel buddy heard about the opening in New York, we made reservations asap for opening day.