Captivating Cupcake Craziness!



"Stressed spelled backwards is desserts.  Coincidence?  I think not! "


For a while, it seems like every week, there's been an occasion to eat cupcakes.

Whether it's because my roomie is trying out a new baking recipe  (SOMEONE has to eat them since she won't!), it's to celebrate a birthday, or just because it's been a long day and I need a small treat to make the day a little sweeter, I've been eating lots of cupcakes!

Most of the time, I'm not much of a dessert person.

I'd rather eat more of an entree or appetizer than dessert: I don't usually "save room for dessert" so I'd just get really fat if I ate as much food as I usually do ALONG with dessert!

However, if I do get dessert, it'll usually be a fruit tart or creme brulee (my fav!)

Even though I don't usually eat a lot of dessert, I love cupcakes.

They're delicious, cute, and convenient (small and portable)!

Cupcakes have become really popular in the past few years (Cupcake shops are popping up all over, people have them instead of cake at weddings, etc)

Here are my favorite cupcake shops in the bi-state (NY/NJ.... sorry Connecticut~ you don't make the cut) area:

*~ Glorious Grapefruit ~*

There is a very limited variety of fruits I eat on a regular basis....
I basically only eat fruits that you can just wash and eat.
(I can't cut fruit... idk why it's so difficult.... I've tried learning... but alas one cannot be good at everything....right?)

One of my favorite fruits is Grapefruit.

Happy National Grapefruit Month!!! (yes~ apparently it exists....)

My mom always used to cut me grapefruit with a sprinkle of sugar on it: I'd eat it with my little fruit shaped beveled spoons~ Delicious!
Now that I'm older, I usually eat grapefruit by peeling it, opening the clear skin, and eating it slice by slice. (It can be a little messy, but I like it).

However you may eat it, Grapefruit is a delicious, healthy, ball of sweet and sour goodness!
Here is an article about this fabulous fruit from Bergen Health and Life :

You can find the fruit in three main varieties, categorized by the color of their flesh:
White, Pink/Red, and Star Ruby/Rio Red

What's Cookin: The Epicurean Cutting Board

Lately, I've been cooking a lot more.

I usually don't cook too often because I find that it actually costs more and takes more time than it does to just eat out or order in.
( I end up spending sooo much money on groceries that I throw away. It also takes me foreeeeeever to peel garlic~ and I use LOTS of garlic.  Any tips for peeling garlic quickly without leaving my fingers all stinky?)

One product that makes my cooking experiences pleasureable is the Epicurean Cutting Board.
It looks almost like ceramic, but is made from an environment-friendly wood fiber.

Flirt.... Sushi Lounge

 

Have you ever had a MENAGE A TROIS?  How about a LATIN LOVER?  Do you need some FOREPLAY in your life? Try going BOTH WAYS with some VIAGRA and ending with a nice CLIMAX!

Is my mind totally in the gutter?!??!  No, I'm not talking S.E.X.  you dirty minded people, you!
I'm talking about the rolls you can find at Flirt Sushi Lounge!

I went here with my girl Rita at Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ.
The main location's in Allendale, NJ and there's also one in Boston, MA.

We didn't know what to expect, but Rita had heard good things about the place in Allendale, so we decided to check it out.  At the very least, ordering some of the names of the sushi rolls would give us a laugh.

We decided on the Big Balls appetizer, the Viagra, and the Hot Mexican.
* The Big Balls were big balls of Tuna in a Panko type breading   (I think.... it's been about a month....).
* The Viagra are 2 hand rolls w/ Uni, Ikura, Salmon, Tuna, and a Quail Egg.  It had a lot of interesting things going on... lots of different flavors and textures, but I enjoyed it.
* The Hot Mexican is a Tuna, Yellowtail, Avacado, and Jalapeno.  It was really spicy, but really good.

I was surprised at the quality of the sushi.  It's not the most amazing sushi I've ever had, but it was good, fresh, and I really liked the creativity they had.  And the sauces are sooo good!

The prices aren't cheap, but the portions are fairly large and the roll combinations they have are ones that I don't usually see in restaurants.

So, if you're in Jersey (or Boston) and are looking for a new sushi experience, check out Flirt Sushi Lounge.
Come on... where else can you get Swingers in Climax in a Bed for Two.  
Actually.... you probably can find them around... but I'd stay away from those places!  ;)
Oh man... you've gotten Mi-So Horny....... (Soup).  OK.. Enough of the word play.

 

*~ Have a Hot Valentines Day! ~*

3 Cheers for Restaurant Week!

It's time for my favorite time in NYC~ Restaurant Week!   Oh how many delicious meals I've had over the years.

Beloved by foodies, hated by people who work at the restaurants... RESTAURANT WEEK is AWESOME!

Restaurant Week runs from 1/25/10 to 2/7/10 (excluding Saturday and Sunday in most places)
When else can you get 3 course meals at fabulous restaurants for $24 at lunch and $35 at dinner?!?!  SUCH a good deal.

My first foray into Restaurant Week was Smith and Wollenskys. Wasn't the best experience, but whatever... I was getting my feet wet.
Over the years, I have been to some amazing places during Restaurant Week.  Here are my picks for the places that are available this year. (Unfortunately, there are a lot less restaurants participating... or many have closed down)

Bar Boulud- My friend Joe is a sous chef here and he's an AMAZING chef.  Bar Boulud is a good alternative if you want to try Daniel Boulud's restaurant, but can't afford Daniel's.  They are known for their charcuterie. 
BondSt-  I never used to eat sea bass until I ate it here ( I thought it was a really heavy fish... like swordfish. it's not)  the food, ambiance, everything is great. One of my favorites
(BTW- It's pronounced Bond Street. Not Bonst... like I though it was... haha)
Fig and Olive- I haven't been here before, but I hear it's good and the menu looks delicious. I think I may be going here this year
Isabella's- I've eaten here a good number of times and it has yet to disappoint.  The portions are big and food is delicioso.
Japonais- I've always wanted to go here. They do the prixe throughout the year so I haven't gone... but I will be going at some point.
Le Cirque- My favorite Restaurant Week place yet.  I went in the fall with the boys in 23J and I think we stuck out like sore thumbs amidst the money old folks (and our inappropriate conversations), but the service and food was impeccable.  5 Stars all the way
Megu- I haven't gone yet, but I will be next week. I'm sure it'll be fabulous
Nobu Next Door- I went here last time and the food was sooo good.  There's also Nobu (right....next door. haha).  Highly recommended.
Norma's- I ate here on Christmas Day (they're known for their brunch).  OMG... It took me over an hour to eat my Bagel and Lox w/ Caviar (haha.. sorry London Susan). It was delish.  I want to try the James Beard Award Winning Potato Pancakes (I may have been a Jewish girl in a former life)
Shula's Steak House- I haven't been here before, but I hear the steak is off the hook. For all you Meatitarians (like me)


Ok, now I'm starving and it's lunch time.  Somehow KFC Hot Wings don't seem to be cutting it right now... Oh well.. I'm saving for next week.  Happy Eating Everyone!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Ancient Korean Secret- The Korean Tequila Shot

One Tequila, Two Tequila, Three Tequila, Floor.

-George Carlin

Sometimes you meet people for a certain reason.  There was one person in my life who came into my life, brought me lots of fun times, happiness, and then lots of misery.  This person was there at a very key point in my life... and although he brought a lot of craziness and stress into my life, I'll always remember him fondly for one thing.  Korean Tequila Shots.

For some reason, whenever my friends and I would do shots, 95% of the time it would be shots of Patron Silver.  I am not one to turn down a free drink, so of course I would drink it... but I wouldn't really enjoy it.  Alcohol tasting Alcohol + Lime + Salt = Yuck.  I prefer my drinks to be fruity and delicious.  Shots of Patron are neither.

Now I wasn't planning on telling the whole world my Korean Tequila secret...but after a night of tequila shots and Christmas right around the corner, I am feeling generous.  To all my Tequila drinking/ Tequila hating readers.... Here is my gift to you.  The Korean Tequila Shot.

What You Need:

* Tequila- My go-to is usually Patron, but more recession friendly is Jose Cuervo.  With the Korean Tequila Shot, quality liquor is not necessary. I recently tried Milagro and that may actually become my favorite~

* Lemon Wedge- No Lime. Lemon.

* Sugar- Enough sugar to dip a lemon in

* Instant Coffee-  Not a lot of Coffee.  Just a touch to add with the sugar.  If you add equal parts coffee to sugar, it will be bitter.

What To Do:

* Pour yourself (and a friend, hopefully. It's no fun to drink alone!) a shot of tequila of choice

* Grab a lemon wedge and dip into the sugar and coffee (I like to put both on one plate next to each other... but it might be easier to mix it).  REMEMBER~ More sugar than coffee!

* Take a shot and slam down the shot glass (for dramatic effect)

* Suck on the lemon with sugar and coffee

* Enjoy

* Repeat as necessary

* Take a Zantac if you have an upset stomach the next morning

* Eat really greasy food for breakfast and regret having had too many tequila shots the night before  =)

Like I said, I used to hate taking Tequila shots.  I am now a convert and I think you will be too.  You may not love tequila, but it will definitely be easier next time you have to do a shot!

When you're in a pinch, Lemon + Sugar will do.... but it's just not the same.

For an easier alternative, drink Cafe Patron.  Same taste... Less work.

So, may you have many fun nights filled with Lemony Sweet Coffee Goodness.

Eat, DRINK, and be Merry!  Happy Holidays everyone!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day ~*

Where to Eat in Jersey

What do Whitney Houston, Brooke Shields, Frank Sinatra, Tom Cruise, Shaquille O'Neal, Kelly Ripa, Bruce Springsteen, John Travolta, and Derek Jeter all have in common? They are all from New Jersey!!!

Yes, I am a born and bred Jersey Girl.  I've been told that I say that I'm from NJ with such pride... haha.. I don't know about that... but Yes, I love having grown up in NJ. I grew up in a very nice part of NJ in Bergen County.  I went to a Blue-Ribbon School which we liked to call "Happy Valley".  It was great growing up here, because I got the solid suburban childhood, and NYC was right across the bridge!

Now I know what they say about us~ We're the armpit of America... NJ smells... People have accents.. blah blah blah.  Well, all I have to say is that it's not NJ that smells... it's actually Staten Island~ and I've never met anyone that has a JOISEY accent!

Jersey has it all: Beaches, Skiing, Casinos, Great Education (Hellooo Princeton!), Six Flags Great Adventure, We have TONS of malls, No tax on clothing and shoes (F#$& NY and it's 8.875% sales tax!) and most importantly... We have GRRRRREAT food !!! =)

As a self-proclaimed expert of Bergen County, here is my list of recommendations for places to get fat and/or drunk! Here are my favorite places to fulfill all your gluttonous desires:

Koreans know that to get the best Korean food on the East Coast, you have to go to Palisades Park (aka Pal Park) or Fort Lee.  Pal Park is basically a mini Korea. You will find more signs in Korean than in English.
BBQ and Korean: Deh Gee Koom, Pal Gak Jung, Dong Bang Grill (Haha. My Caucasian friends call it Bang Dong Grill),  Moo Goong Hwa- No info.. but it's by the clock in Closter  Te Min Quan- I never liked Chinese/Korean noodles til I ate the spicy ones here  Pho 32 -This isn't korean... but whatever. Good Pho and Spring Rolls

Korean Bars (This is the Korean equivalent to an American's Irish Pub~ we get drunk and fat here): Ja Yu In, Baden Baden (Best rotisserie chicken), Triple  ~  Now if you make it to the bars, you must have a tequila shot Korean style~ I can't tell you what it is here, but ask and I will tell.  And even if you hate tequila, it tastes Mmm Mmm Good! Sik Gaek- Great seafood~ Drink Korean "sake" aka Soju (Drink Baekseju for one that doesn't taste like pure alcohol)
American: Chakra (Great ambiance and food) Old Man Raffertys (One of my fav's... I never had a bad meal here) Cheesecake Factory (I know it's a chain, but the Salmon, Pasta Da Vinci, and Red Velvet Cheesecake are AWESOME), Cubbys- Best fall off the bone ribs~ Not fancy at all Houstons- Delicious spinach dip and ribs
French/Spanish/Italian : Madeline's Petit Paris (My FAVORITE restaurant.  Not cheap, but the food is delicious, and the white hat-wearing chef and his wife are sooo cute!) Meson Madrid- Excellent paella and raw seafood  Big Red Tomato- The Big Red Tomato is delish and the never-ending garlic knots are dangerous. Big portions for a small price
Japanese/Chinese: Mitsuwa- Japan in NJ- the place immediately to your left from entrance has the best Curry Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet)  P.F.Chang's- Another chain... but the lettuce wraps are off the hook

Take Out/ Sandwiches:  Picnic Cafe (Known for gyros, but I love the fried chicken and rice~ Great people and price) Bartolomeos (AMAZING sandwiches and food. Good portions)  Hansel and Griddle  (great food  for Rutgers students) Tospia (New, Filling, Cheap Sandwiches) Tenafly Hot Bagels- Best breakfast and bagels in Jersey! Fish On The Fly- Amazing lunch specials from 12-2.  Huge lunch for less than $8
Pizza: I like Jersey pizza better than NY (Gasp!)... YEAH~ I SAID IT!  Rudy's is preferred by girls, while the boys seem to like Ray's
Diners: Northvale/Tenafly- Owned by the same people.... Best diner food I've had.  I grew up on the CBC (Chicken Bacon Cheddar Sandwich) with curly fries....
Dessert: Yogomango/ Fruits Gelateria, Paris Baguette/ Gateaux (If you haven't experienced a Korean bakery, you are missing out!!!) Cafe Angelique- in an old train station. very cute  Archetypus- This is the cave cafe... it's cool for a new experience~
Free Food: Any Han Ah Reum/H-Mart (haha.. have fun trying to read Korean) on a Saturday or Sunday.  They give away so much free food (haha.. my best friend and I would eat lunch there every Sunday after church... whatever... I buy everything I eat!)

* So... that's about it.. All you Bergen Folk.. Let me know if I've missed anything!
* For those that aren't from Jersey, hope you are lucky enough to eat all this deliciousness that I've been able to experience.
OMG... I'm so hungry now...         =T**     (that's me drooling)

Bon Appetit! Buen provecho!
Mah sheet gae muh geu seh yoh (Eat well in Korean)!

Amazing Arepas- CARACAS Review

"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating"  -Luciano Pavarotti

There are girls that pick at salads... and then there are girls that know the joy of eating.  I am one of the latter.  Of my many passions, food is an extremely important part of my life.  Growing up, I was the pickiest eater (my family still makes fun of me for only eating fried chicken) and meals were a chore to me.

At some point during my high school years, I became a foodie. I have tried food from all over the world, I love watching cooking shows, and I love finding new places to try and recommend.

The other day I went to Caracas- a Venezuelan Homemade Arepas restaurant.
First sign that it was good was there was a waiting list and we were on it~ (It is almost always a good sign when there is a line for food. The only time it's not a good sign is when it is a line of tourists... that's when you stay away).  After about a 10-15 min. wait, we were seated at our tables.

Caracas is definitely a hole-in-the-wall ~ people that go there go back and bring their friends.  It's not a fancy restaurant.  It is small, loud, and dark... jam-packed with people eating good food.  It's great.

They start by bringing you guacamole with Terra Chips (instead of the standard tortilla chips).  I  liked the guacamole because they don't put in a lot of cilantro (which i haaaaaaaaate) like most other places. 

Caracas is known for their Arepas- which is a bread made from corn (similar to a thick tortilla) and filled with lots of delicious goodness.  Now I LOOOOOOVE sandwiches (Crystal calls me "Joey" ... from Friends).  This isn't the typical sandwich...but they are sandwichesque nonetheless and they're FANTASTIC!

We started out with the Tequenos- fried white cheese sticks wrapped in wheat flour dough ($8.75).  These are not your mother's mozzarella sticks.  The bread, the cheese they use... combined with the sauce and it's pure cheesy goodness.  The portion is also surprisingly big...

We then ordered the Curiaras (a combo of 3 split arepas on a platter) ($22).  Angie and I ordered the La Popular set, which has the most traditional arepas.
* La de Pabellon has shredded beef, black beans, white salty cheese, and sweet plantains.  It's a great mixture of salty and sweet
* La Reina Pepiada is a chunky chicken and avacado mix salad.  This one is cold and tastes like chicken salad with a punch.  It was nice to have something cold mixed with the warm arepas
* La Mulata has grilled white cheese with jalapenos, sauteed red peppers, fried sweet plantains, and black beans.  The spiciness combined with sweet is muy delicioso.

Oh, Most Importantly... the sauce they use is AWESOME!  Now, I am all about the sauce/condiments.  I like to say that I like food with my condiments.  When I asked Lance if they had Chimichurri sauce, he said the sauce here was a million times better... Now I don't know about that... but it comes pretty close if not equal...  There were times we had to wait for each other to finish using the sauce.  You can apparently buy the sauce... but don't quote me on that.

I also drank the Tinto de Verano ($7)- a drink that's similar to Sangria, but not as sweet.  Everyone else drank beer~ I don't drink beer, but I'm sure beer complements the arepas very well.  I thought the Tinto de Verano was very good... but then again... I'll drink almost anything with alcohol

They are all delicious and complement each other very well.. but my favorite was probably the La de Pabellon (Tracy and Lance also ordered this one too, so I think it's a good one to start with).  The arepas may look small... but it's like the little sandwich that could.  After the tequenos and 1.5 arepas... I was stuffed. But I ate it ALLL... which is quite a feat for me because I usually can't eat a lot at one meal.  Best part... Ang didn't finish one of her arepas so I was able to bring it home ( I live for leftovers!)

So, if you're looking for a low-key place with ambiance to eat lots of food for a good price... Check out Caracas at 91 East 7th Street (btwn 1st Avenue and Avenue A) and at 291 Grand Street (Between Havemeyer Street and Roebling Street) in Brooklyn.

Caracas has been mentioned in The New York Times, NYMAG,  and a number of times in Time Out Magazine.

Click here for more info


"All sorrows are less with bread " -Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote