Tag Archives: $

Arepas Lady & Sabor Mexicano Taco

Dear Food Diary:
Friday night we ventured into 74th and Jackson Heights just to pay the arepas lady a visit late in the evening, since she arrives at her spot after 10 pm (her hrs are 10 pm-5 am, Friday and Saturday). It was a quiet night, so I had some time to chat with her while our arepas were getting their golden brown color on the griddle. She’s very friendly and humble, specially when I asked her about her accomplishments like the Vendy Award and all her loyal followers, she simply smiled, and told me she gets quite a lot of business from write ups, reviews and internet blogs. The locals on the line however, were more impressed with her food and not so much with her fame, they actually commented on my picture taking and joked about her being known worldwide (‘cuz I’m chinese? and I would bring arepas to China? !@#@$#!!!… I speak Spanish fluently, so I heard everything).

Thai 51: Free lunch today! Score!!!

Dear Food Diary:
Walked into work today and there was this random sign about free lunch! What? This is a first, and a great surprise to start the day. The deal was, anything you eat for lunch would be reimbursed, no fine print, anything you want.

Quick Delight: Saltiest Food Cart Award?

Dear Food Diary:
Walking around the other day, I saw this sign: VENDI AWARD FINALIST. No way! Really??? Around midtown east???… man! I was so excited I planed out my lunch a week ahead, and today was the big day. I anticipated it the whole day, even during my morning oatmeal ritual I couldn’t stop thinking about this, as soon as the clock hit 12:30pm, I was there.
The menu even says this cart is supervised by this guy who use to work for the Russian Tea Room, hmm interesting. Made me want to try the food even more.

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.