The Foodies Report

eat and be merry

[thefoodiesreport]

Location | MUD, 9th Street (between 1st and 2nd Ave)

I've been meaning to share this coffee oasis with you. My first experience at MUD's 9th street location happened some time last summer when I found myself desperately needing a gulp of liquor. I walked into MUD and had a sangria. It took a while for me to return, but when I did, I had their soy chai latte and was in heaven! 

I've since had the pleasure of enjoy various beverages and their grilled cheese sandwich with a salad. The staff is super friendly, the prices are moderate, it has an almost secluded back section (and garden) and welcomes folks in their front area with their window bench seating. Their mugs are huge and the overall vibe is chill. 

-S

[thefoodiesreport]

Location | The Crooked Tree, East Village

Thoughts: The Crooked Tree is becoming comfort food. Want a sandwich? A deliciously satisfying salad? A savory or sweet crepes? You can find it all at the Crooked Tree. It's even become the spot where a gal can spill her guts out over a homemade sangria. The price range is affordable, the staff is incredibly friendly and they almost NEVER miss the mark in terms of appetizing food. 

-S

[thefoodiesreport]

Location | Ninth Street Espresso, East Village

Thoughts: of teeny tiny hole in the walls, Ninth Street Espresso is misleading. The outside of their 10th street location suggests tiny, but walk inside and you're confronted with enough room to comfortably break dance. Their menu is short and to the point. Espresso's of various sizes and basic coffee/tea. They also have an incentive card, and they hole punch it with a heart. =)

The guys are good looking and nice, there's room to breathe and it hasn't been taken over by the masses. Check it out.

-S

[thefoodiesreport]

Location: Santos Anne | Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

Thoughts: I've visited Santos Anne twice now, and it wasn't until the second time around that Puebla, Mexico finally came to mind. The restaurant is part French, part Mexican-- and for those who aren't aware what 5 de Mayo celebrates; it's the victory of the Poblanos against the French occupation. Suddenly, Santos Anne had a bit more connection to my Mexican roots (though I am not from Puebla). 

The first time around, steak was savored. This time, I went for a more authentic Mexican experience with the chilaquiles (chee-lah-key-les). They were devine. They come with some chicken prepared in what I think is chipotle sauce, but the actual tortillas are kept crispy and drenched in salsa verde. I loved the block of queso fresco and the avocado thrown in the mix to cool the spices down. Go! <3 

-S

[thefoodiesreport]

Location: Dumont | Williamsburg Brooklyn

Thoughts: While searching for an experience at the recently trendy Gwynnette St in Williamsburg, we discovered we were too fashionably late for Sunday brunch there. So, we walked a block or two over, and found the small treasure that is Dumont. No longer brunch, and not quite dinner-- I enjoyed a light, but substantial crab-cake salad. It was lightly seasoned and dressed. 

-S

[thefoodiesreport]

Location: North East Kingdom, Brooklyn, New York

Impressions: First thing I was told about the restaurant was; the tater tots are cooked in duck fat. Being a fan of tater tots, I was sold on the mention alone. The crispy on the outside, tender on the inside tots were splendid. The potato skins I ordered as a starter were also a palette opener. Though I didn't try the pot roast; the consensus was that it was delicious. I myself had the burger-- and at first glance considered it to be a small portion, until I reached the half-way point and realized I couldn't have another bite (though I attempted it). The entire meal was delectable. Do expect to spend about $30 per peson with meal/tax & tip-- no drinks included. 

<3 Saki

[thefoodiesreport]

Location: Undisclosed

Impressions: I've learned that in order to appreciate the scent of your whisky, you must sniff with your mouth open. Adding a drop of water to your Johnnie Walker can change the way you experience it per sip. Ginger ale with Johnnie Walker is a great combination, and my favorite Johnnie Walker is Gold-- it's got a honey aftertaste. Want more! 

If you're invited to a Johnnie Walker tasting, go-- it's a beneficial experience. 

<3 Saki

[thefoodiesreport]

Location: B Cup, East Village

Impressions: Though we sipped to our heart's content, it was massively overpriced. Ten dollars for two drinks! Eeep! On the upside, loved the glass my Iced Chai came in. 

<3 Saki

[thefoodiesreport]

Location: Fette Sau, Brooklyn NY

Impressions: Deliciousness! You purchase by the pound. I recommend passing on the roll, it isn't homemade, and if it is, it isn't impressive. The coleslaw is not a traditional NY one, but it is good. Those beans however, to die for!

<3 Saki

[thefoodiesreport]

Restaurant: The Grey Dog's Coffee

Impressions: I love taking a risk and randomly walking by a restaurant and banking your faith and money that the food is going to be delicious. The Grey Dog lived up to this high hope. Not only was the food scrumptious, the portions were ginormous! Is that a word? The only downfall-- my soy chai wasn't that good. It was watered down and there really wasn't a spicy kick to the chai. But, the combination of; turkey, granny apples, Brie and raspberry mustard was divine. I especially love that they were not greedy with the Brie. Huge chunks nestled between the rest of the awesome flavors. 

[thefoodiesreport]

Restaurant: Curry Ya

Impressions: Yum! I've publicly shared that I've never had curry before-- and although I had the traditional Japanese curry at Curry Ya, if that's what I've been missing then damn! The salad is simple, yet flavorful. The curry, had  spectacular flavor, the; beef, potatoes, carrots all tender. I was so pleased with my first curry experience and have since ate it three times. I think I'm ready for some Indian curry dishes. =D 

<3 Saki

[thefoodiesreport]

Restaurant: The Meatball Shop

Impressions: Yummy! Looking back through my photos right now, I want to get dressed, walk over to Stanton and have a delicious lunch there right now. I dove into a spicy pork hero topped with spicy meatsauce and a light, yet hearty and refreshing arugula with apples salad. So delicious. The chefs here, make these meatballs with love, and I was delighted to have a consistently savory bite throughout the entire meal. 

When we finished, a cookie sandwich was had. Espresso for the win! Look to spend about $14 per person, this is including dessert.

<3 Saki

[thefoodiesreport]

Restaurant: Nicky's Vietnamese Sandwiches 

Impressions: I've been wanting to take a bite out of these infamous sandwiches for quite some time, and then I spotted a report of the shop again on Food Network so-- I finally decided that I was going to go. I got my friend to agree to go with me and classic vietnamese sandwich was had. And for only $5 a pop, you get more for your buck. 

[thefoodiesreport]

Restaurant: Schnipper's Quality Kitchen

Impressions! OMG! Although it's been weeks since we went to Schnipper's, I remember having guacamole in my ciabatta bread chicken sandwich. It is quite delicious and it was a mistake to add an additional side since the sandwich and fries filled me up enough. The price-range is about $16 per person, but definitely worth it. Your taste-buds will thank you. 

[thefoodiesreport]

Restaurant: City Bakery [One of the many sister bakeries]

What we've had:

Oatmeal Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Coconut Cookies

Since trying the delicious oatmeal cookies, this has been the default spot to ever buy any Oatmeal cookie. Lots of self-control has been displayed whenever we walk by here. Their coffee is quite delicious too, not to sweet and organic. =D

[thefoodiesreport]

Restaurant: Boca Chica

Guava Margarita (Frozen)

Arroz Con Camarones (shrimp w/ yellow rice)

Three words: must. go. there.

[thefoodiesreport]

Although I never actually asked the name of the restaurant, it is located in Koreatown in NYC. Though we were having a goodbye dinner for a friend, I was excited to finally dive into a Korean BBQ experience.

Typically, you order various dishes (meats are to be cooked by you using the burners positioned in the middle of the table) and its a communal share with the rest of your party. I tried at least one of everything, and mostly only liked the beef and octopus. I suck. ^___^

<3 Saki