El Nopalito Grill Tapas & Tequila Bar

Ohh finally! I’ve been looking forward to the day I can share this piece of heaven with you!

My first visit to El Nopalito Grill was back in 2010 for Mother’s Day and my return had been rattling around in my head since then, until finally I made it possible this past weekend. Despite the tornado warnings in the DC region, I was determined to have Friday dinner here and indeed the risk of being caught in the middle of the series of tornadoes that touched down in Montgomery County was all very much worth it.

Excited can’t even begin to describe my mood. It was all I remembered it to be and more.

Located on Bel Pre Road in Silver Spring, MD, El Nopalito offers both sides of Mexican Cuisine, authentic and modern. Thanks to the vision of Founder and Chef of El Nopalito, Ismar Reyes (MAHCC Mid Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chef of the Year award 2010)

My favorite–Authentic–thank you Mr. Reyes.

Appetizer: Patatas Bravas– Golden Fried Potatoes with spicy brava sauce. I don’t know why I misread this and expected something like scalloped potatoes but even still, I wasn’t disappointed after seeing my mistake. Fried to perfection in a delicious garlic and pepper blend then to be dipped in an even more delicious red homemade hot sauce, oh love it was.

Entree: Salmon Fillet with Yellow Mole & Sauteed Spinach- If you’re looking for a healthy tasty dish that will send your taste buds soaring, this is the dish for you. Even without the yellow mole, the well seasoned salmon had a great flavor to it, but it was the mouth watering yellow mole that gave your taste buds your money’s worth. I thought it was just me who had become a little hot and in need of water after a few extra bites, but apparently the mole really is that spicy.  Definitely my top recommendation.

Entree: Ribs Zacatecas– One cut into these ribs and the meat is almost instantly falling right off the phone, try a couple more and you won’t have to be concerned with getting BBQ sauce all over your mouth. I always love a deliciously marinated rack of ribs whose meat is just over so tender and moist, you won’t have to worry about looking like a little piggy among the other guests. And with this ancho and chipotle chiles marinated rack satisfaction and clean hands is a given.

Desert: Sopapillas– The sweetest of all. Oh. My. Yums. Deep fried Mexican flatbread drizzled with caramel and topped with powdered sugar, oh and don’t forget your ice cream. Amazing just amazing, a definite Mexican desert you must try.

I highly recommend paying a visit to El Nopalito, great food and great service all at a great price, you’re sure to leave with a nice little stomach full from all the food. Best part is that El Nopalito’s portions aren’t huge and unappealing but portioned just right leaving you with room to try a little of everything and full of flavor that it is true, big flavor does come in little portions!

Oh! Added bonus! Check in to Facebook and receive 20% off!

Buen Provecho!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Para Ti Mi Colombia

I love this place. When ever I’m hungry they come through and deliver. Better than chinese. $6 minimum delivery. Better quality food. Latin cuisine. Amazingness.

Para ti mi Colombia is like a hidden treasure located on Hillside Avenue I didn’t know about my freshman year. Not hidden as hole in the wall but under promoted. (Like I’m a PR major can I do your PR work please?)

Ok so I’m Salvadorean. I love and miss my grandma’s cooking. This place is heaven if I need Latin food.

From their white rice, to habichuelas, to chuletas fritas to pollo en salsa blanca. Oh the YUMS.

The first few times I’ve ordered from their I can’t lie, their rotaisserie chicken and pollo sudado turned me off but their white rice, beans and maduros made me come back for more. So I would just change around the meat option until I got what I needed.

Eventually I found what I needed: Chuleta Frita and Pechuga de Pollo en Salsa Blanca.

I love love chicken in white sauce and loved loved how this dish tasted.

I’ve never really been a fan of mushrooms but with this dish thats covered in mushrooms and such a tasty white sauce plus the taste of grilled chicken, the wine and chicken marinade overpowers any other tastes too much to really taste anything else.

Other dishes worth mentioning: Mini Bandeja, which gives you a taste of all tasty meats.

Pork BBQ Ribs: Smothered in bar-be-que and so tender it basically falls right off the bone.

Churrasco Colombia con Sabor: Shrimp and Steak covered in white sauce. Amazing.

Bandeja Montanera: If you’re Colombian you’re def going to love this, its like a taste of home without leaving the USA. If you’re not I’m pretty sure you’ll still enjoy all the different options offered on this one dish.

This place is great for those who need a taste of Latin food. Mondays-Thursdays they offer great specials with different dishes from the menu. Between $5-8 you could get the same amount of food for a fractio of the price.

The portions are huge. Anytime I order or come in its a guarantee I go home with extra food for the next day, which as a college student is always wonderful.

While its not better than home or other places I’ve visited, it is a great option for those who enjoy a large meal that reminds them of mama. My suggestion its worth a try. Their regular dishes range all from $10-$20 depending on your taste, large portions and an extensive menu that you’re sure to find something that will satisfy you.

Casa Oxaca

Located in the famous neighborhood of Adams Morgan in Washington, D.C. Casa Oxaca is a little treasure spot located on the busy street.

With a high Latino population in the area, there are many different restaurants around the city that offer Mexican food, but none of them serve Authentic Mexican food or Oxacan food.

Even though my mom and I first visited this place on Father’s Day last year it wasn’t really full that we were seated almost immediately. Its two stories offers a charming Native feeling with bright colored walls and adorable artifacts as decoration.

If you’ve read my previous post on El Camion you would know that this is where my love for mole began at.

I ordered the Pollo Relleno Con Mole Blanco ($18) 

I loved this dish simply because it had everything I love in one. Spinach stuffed chicken breast served with yellow rice and black beans. Yummy.

Even though I was expecting spicy mole sauce and this is where I learned that no, not all moles are spicy it was actually very delicious. I ate almost everything off my plate even though I left some rice and beans because I really wanted to make sure I ate all my delicious chicken.

My mommy’s order was spicy though: Mole Verde con Costillas de Puerco ($17)

I know mole to be spicy because of this, green mole sauce. Now green mole with pork baby back pork ribs? THE Yums. She didn’t even know where to begin and when she picked one up to let me bite into one I was hit with everything delicious and spicy.

Even though I was incredibly full I couldn’t help but order the Churros con Cajeta for desert.

I took like three bites, realized I was too full and told them to wrap it up for me simply because it was way too good to leave behind.

My mom also ordered herself a couple margaritas. Which let me tell you being underage at the time and deciding to pick up the check wasn’t a good idea for my little sober self but it was very well worth it. I got my first experience at an “adults check” that day but for being raised by a then-single mother, that was my Father’s Day present to her.

So apparently because she kept ordering margaritas they must have been really good.

Whether you visit for Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, after work or for a night out with friends. Casa Oxaca is a definite great time and great food that will leave you satisfyingly full and a lover of Authentic Mexican Cuisine!

Cafe Habana

BY FAR MY FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN NEW YORK CITY!

Logistics: Place is very tiny, probably sits about 50ish people at a time, so because of the fame of this place waiting time is a bit lengthy but not as long as Serendipity 3 on Lexington. Service is amazing and if you go on Tuesdays and Saturdays, you might be lucky to have the oldest of their waitresses who is just super friendly and nice.

Now where to begin, where to begin.

Ah! The Corn!

So if you Google Cafe Habana, ask people about it, etc one of the first things you’ll learn is that they’re famous for their corn.

If you watch the movie Friends with Benefits with Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake one of the scenes includes the two enjoying some of this hole-in-the-wall but incredibly famous restaurant in NYC.

This appetizer is steamed corn on the cob smothered with cotija cheese, chili powder and lime served on a bed of lettuce leaves. Absolutely amazing!

Other people will tell you because its something like they’ve never had. Others love the spicy, cheesy goodness.

I love it because it reminds me of the corn at ACME restaurant that used to be on NYU’s campus, unfortunately I recently discovered it was closed. (Sad b/c I really wanted to write a review!)

And because it reminds me of our Elotes Locos or Crazy Corn as we call it in El Salvador.

Main Entrees.

My favorite? El Pollo Mirador. Second favorite? Chuleta De Puerco a La Pimienta. Both $13.50

El Pollo Mirador: Tender chicken breast sauteed in a delicious garlic & lemon sauce, served with white rice and spicy spinach (I’ve also had it with black beans instead of the spinach and love it more with the beans).

My mouth is watering just writing about this. OMG, you have never had Cuban like this. Unless of course you live in Miami, or have a Cuban mother who blesses you dearly. The garlic sauce is just incredible. And its not like its a stingy drop of sauce, No. Your plate is drained in sauce and even then there still isn’t enough by the time you’re left with the last bit of rice and beans/spinach. I hate when my food touches but in this case each bite must have all three components. A MUST TRY.

Chuleta De Puerco a la Pimienta: A big nice cut of pork chop grilled in like a pepper sauce served with rice, black beans and a slice of bread with the most delicious spread that I’m mad at myself I haven’t asked what it is exactly.

If you think just that sounds delish let me tell you there’s more. The key component of this dish is the mushroom chipotle”au poivre” sauce. Definitely gives the Garlic sauce competition. It is so so so GOOD! And the best part is that you get a side sauce bowl of this delicious peppery, chipotle mushroom sauce so you’re not left wanting more before entering a food coma.

I’m just sitting here shaking my head because I’m writing this review and not out eating it.

Other dishes I know people have loved and are left wanting more of are: Tacos Al Pastor ($9.95), Cuban Sandwich ($9.75), Enchilidas Suizas and Enchildas De Mole Poblano (both $ 12.50)

It seems like this little restaurant in NoLita is good for just about everything. Cuban and Mexican.

I can’t lie this is my little secret treasure in NYC and the prices are incredible!

If you can please do order an extra side of platanos fritos, or sweet plantains! It is definitely worth having with your meal! And if you can share with someone else GREAT!

If you so happen to sit at the bar, or don’t I have to tell you passing up a chance at their Frozen Margaritas, Margarita on the Rocks or Mojitos is not a good idea. They really do complete your meal and experience. Don’t drink? Order a Jarito, a Mexican Soda that is just delicious and will send you right back to summer memories because of the fruity sensation.

I just love everything about this place. I’m actually happy its not a big large scale restaurant because then their service wouldn’t be as great, the food wouldn’t come out as fast and yet be delicious and just make you so happy. The only negative is that its so small you can’t get up and start dancing Salsa, which they’re ALWAYS playing and ALWAYS make you want to dance.

Don’t have time to wait? You’re in luck. They have a carryout spot next door and they also deliver locally (if you’re lucky enough).

A must must go. Add it to your bucket list, harass your boyfriend, your friends, idc what you have to do to go But you MUST GO!

El Camion Cantina

Ok when I first started this blog my intentions was to list “cheap places” but I think this place is a must share! Usually when people think of Mexican they think Taco Bell and Chipotle. Chimichangas and Burritos. But no one ever really thinks Authentic Mexican Food. You know the stuff with really hot sauce thats NOT tabasco.

In DC, my favorite Authentic restaurant is Cafe Oxaca located in Adams Morgan. Here in New York, I found a new love tonight. El Camion Cantina in the East Village. Like Cafe Oxaca it is a bit pricey yes, but compared to a $6 meal at Taco Bell filled with fillers, its def worth the price.

After a night of aimless walking around because every Hookah bar was filled, all I wanted was tacos! Fresh handmade corn tortillas, grilled steak topped with cilantro, lime, onions and Hot Sauce. From a far I saw the big words “El Camion” and I automatically thought Spanish food.

Walking in the hosts were super friendly and even though it was like 12am on a Friday night and every other restaurant was packed, this one was surprisingly empty and were seated immediately. Their specials included duck tail and lamb chops. My friend and I decided to go for the Grilled Salmon and the Mole Poblano.

For a night that resulted in an Epic Fail this definitely made our night and the long ride into the city.

Grilled Salmon with cilantro rice, sauteed spinach and chipotle sauce: $18. I absolutely fell in love with this dish! My friend who ordered it left not so much as a grain of rice on her plate. The salmon was grilled just right and tasted absolutely amazing with the chipotle sauce.

The rice was so good too. When I read cilantro rice, I thought it was white rice garnished with cilantro but no this is literally green rice which tasted amazing in the chipotle sauce which compliments the portion of food by creating an island feel to it.

Mole Poblano; Chicken Breast in brown mole sauce, grilled cactus and red rice: $18. Although we’re not Mexican, my aunt knows how to make delicious green mole sauce. At Cafe Oxaca I learned that brown mole sauce is actually sweet and not spicy. So if you’re looking for spicy mole make sure to ask them to spice it up, they will gladly do it. And I am so glad I ordered this!

The proportions seemed to be very small. Enough to fill one person but the size of this chicken breast was Huge! Covered in brown mole and seeds from the chile peppers, I honestly felt bad leaving behind almost a half of a chicken because I couldn’t eat it all. The chicken was not dry and all. It was also very tender which makes cutting it easier. I don’t know what I loved most, the chicken or the cactus however. I have never tasted a more delicious cactus ever! It tasted almost like biting into a green mango, it was just delicious and juicy and went perfect with the rice and chicken.

The mole sauce itself was a perfect mix of sweet and spicy. Even though I prefer really spicy the taste combined with the taste of the cactus didn’t even make me miss the burning sensation after biting into a orange habanero pepper (which by the way do not try if you can’t handle the molten lava feeling)

For what its priced its def worth a visit. From the kindness of the staff to the presentation of the food to the taste, I am definitely going back to try the rest of the things on their menu which were just too appealing to miss!

Grilled SalmonMole Poblano

Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine

There it was. In bright yellow and red. Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine. 10am on a cold Tuesday morning in the Flat Iron District this felt like a piece of heaven so close yet so far.

After noticing the little restaurant I was intrigued but had to keep moving as I was heading to a volunteer session. Throughout the whole day thoughts of cuban cuisine were rattling in my head until the beautiful words “you guys can head to lunch whenever” were spoken, Sophie and I could finally meet.

Still though my first action before actually heading to Sophie’s was to do my usual research on Yelp. After reading a few reviews I learned that I had to try the breaded chicken platter as it was the most suggested dish on the site.

When first walking into Sophie’s customers are faced with the counter to the left where a buffet style bar was set up for quick carryout service as it was 1pm and very packed. At the back of the store was a small area of cramped tables filled with plenty of businessmen along with tourists, enjoying their meals.

After deciding my best bet was to just wait a bit for a table (which didn’t take longer than two minutes) since it was too cold to go sit outside at Madison Square Park, I was greeted by a smiling helpful waiter who was more than ready to answer my questions as well as take my order.

At first glance at the menu I learned that they offered big platters of food for $9 which included one entree and two sides. I was very tempted to try the breaded chicken but being away from home and missing Latin cuisine I was more interested in the Carne con papas (Beef Stew) they offer on Tuesdays than chicken with no sauce.

After the waiter brought my drink and was ready to take my order I still couldn’t actually make up my mind. I was stuck between the Beef Stew and el Sandwiche Cubano, which according to Sophie was the best in town.

Eventually I went with the Cuban. For $8.99 I could get a sandwich, rice and beans, and a soda. Not bad. Not bad at all.

The rice and beans were amazing. Oh! And they had a green sauce container at my table that I remembered from the Yelp reviews is a must! Perfection!

A lover of spicy food, I could not put down the green sauce despite the burning sensation in my mouth! I was almost tempted of putting it in my bag and taking it home. It was THAT good.

Less than 10mins later came my sandwich. Never had having a cuban before because I prefer saucy entrees over dry ones, I was not a big fan. The ham, cheese, pickles and bread was fine, it was just the Cubano pulled pork that wasn’t juicy enough for me. I ended up taking half of the pork off to make it less dry. Added some green sauce and we were in business!

Having heard such great things about Cuban sandwiches before I didn’t feel like this was what a Cuban needed to taste like. But I was not entirely dissatisfied with my meal.

Would I go back to Sophie’s again? Sure, why not? Cheap prices and decent amount of food. Would I get the Cuban again? Probably not. Would I recommend Sophie’s to a college student on a budget? Yes, definitely! The carryout portions of the food was hefty! Enough for leftovers.

Next time I pay Sophie a visit I will make sure to try the breaded chicken or the beef stew.

Oh, and try to convince the owner to let me bring home the bottle of green sauce, the perfect addition to rice and beans or almost any meal for that matter.