Category Archives: Midtown (59 St – 24 St)

LUPULO: George Mendes’ new Portuguese spot

lupulo review

Dear Food Diary,
Starting a new look for restaurants reviews this week. Integrating Instagram (my new obsession) and honestly a quicker way for me catch up on all my posts without losing on the foodporn aspect of it all for you guys.

First review in this style is Lupulo in Midtown West. Been a big fan of George Mendes. For his new spot, think coastal, fun vibes. Great food and beers.

El Original: Tex Mex in NYC is a downer

el original - NYC tex mex - guacamole

Dear Food Diary:
I was excited for a Tex Mex in the neighborhood. But after the warm fresh tortilla chips, great salsa and a little overpriced guacamole, the rest of our dinner was a total downer.

Marta: Roman style thin-crust, wood fire oven pizzas

marta washington - funghi pizza - white truffle shaving

Dear Food Diary:
Danny Meyer’s trendy new spot at the Martha Washington Hotel offers rustic, Roman style, thin-crust, wood fire oven pizzas. Choices vary between red sauce and non with a variety of toppings.

KUNG FU Little Steamed Buns Ramen: Shanghainese Comfort

KUNG FU Little Steamed Buns Ramen - shrimp and loofah steamed pork bun - soup

Dear Food Diary:
Let me start by saying what’s on everyone’s mind: “I hate their name!”. The Kung Fu part is fine but Little Steamed Buns Ramen is just confusing and unnecessary. That said, their xiao long bao aka soup dumplings or buns are really darn good.

The gem is their shrimp, loofah and pork soup dumplings, a replica of one of my favorite fillings at the king of xiao long baos – Ding Tai Fung. Another favorite is their Shanghainese style wonton soup, which reminds me of my ChubbyMama.

THE CANNIBAL at Gotham West Market: Best Cuban Sandwich

The Cannibal - Gotham West Market - pig head cuban

Dear Food Diary:
I’ve never been a big fan of Cuban sandwiches until this past Saturday. I took at bite at The Cannibal’s Pigs Head Cuban Sandwich and wow, a flavor explosion. Hands down, the best Cuban Sandwich I’ve ever had.

The Cannibal at Gotham West Market surprised us with a brunch that went beyond eggs and toast. I want to make this my usual, regardless of what my doctor might say.