Ferrara Bakery & Cafe

I am IN Love. Like seriously in LOVE.

This is the perfect place to take a person with a sweet tooth like mine. O-M-G

Ok ok, so Ferrera is located in Little Italy just like 3 doors down from Novella. So of course its going to be Italian pastries. And Lord Jesus bless those little Italians hearts!

I didn’t know what to expect when I was told I was going to be taken here. I was in awe. Like a little kid in a big candy store. Actually worst. I’ve been inside Dylan’s Candy Bar plenty of times and not even kids react the way I react.

Tiramisu, cannolis, cheesecake, rasbery mousse cake, cream puffs, chocolate eclairs, napolean cake, dacquoise, cheminee, diplomat, half moon cookies, biscotti gelato…… THE LIST CAN CONTINUE FOREVER

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There were so many great options to choose from. I am so happy that I was quickly able to decide on the Tres Berry Torte which let me tell you was exceptional!

I have never had a more fresher tart. The blueberries were so crispy and juicy as if they had just been picked from a bush. The raspberries and strawberries were just as fresh and delicious. Usually strawberries on the tarts I get are usually sweet but the blueberries just did it for me on this one.

The custard was sweet enough to not be too sweet and the torte itself was just perfection despite the fact it was hard. Still, I don’t care I was in heaven as soon as I took my first bite.

The lovely person who introduced me to the place told me that they had “one of the best Tiramisu” he’s ever tasted and I can co-sign it was some of the best Tiramisu I’ve ever tasted.

So delicious and creamy and coffeety and moist and yummyyyy.

Every bite I took made me want more and more. To the point that when there was no more I had the biggest sad face ever.

I honestly can say I don’t remember when was the last time I had Tiramisu that tasted this delicious. If you love cake this is def the place for you to visit. If I were you I’d be running to Little Italy right now.

I am definitely going to be a frequent customer here. I look forward to trying everything they have to offer. I can only imagine how creamy their raspberry mousse is and how delicious their lemon gelato must be!

Novella Ristorante

I know most of my posts include suggestions for “ideal first dates” but this lovely restaurant in Little Italy is def the place for a perfect date. Period.

Call me a hopeless romantic but sometimes I just find places and think “awe couples would love this place here” but I guess I just love food. This place would be considered a splurge but I can guarantee its worth it.

The decor of this Novella is just beautiful and so simple yet complex. Giving it such an elegant and relaxed vibe, it makes you just want to sit back, relax, talk and enjoy. And of course wine and dine.

Unfortunately though I wasn’t very hungry so my choices were limited but like every other place I’ve tried, a sample is just enough to have me coming back.

Sangria: I don’t know exactly when my love for this amazing drink began but its a must have when having a delicious meal. Ordering a pitcher is a just a must. Even though it tastes like juice it gets it job down and just allows it to go down smoother.

Calamari: You can never go wrong with fried calamari. Especially when they’re large chunks of calamari and you can actually get some meat and not just the crispy skin.

Pizza quattro formaggi: I went through a phase where I didn’t eat any type of pizza unless it was neopolitan, then I got to college and realized I was “broke” college student. Unfortunately however this pizza didn’t live up to the name. I say it was the basil, my friend says it was the cheese.

The bread of the pizza however was very delicious. and so was the sauce. So I guess it was just the cheese or the basil. Maybe I should’ve asked or actually read what type of cheeses were on the pizza. I love cheese but sometimes not everything goes.

So minus my bad pizza experience, I will be returning. There’s no way I cannot. It was just too cute and adorable to let one bad choice turn you around.

Besides the service was great. The staff all very friendly and attentive. And it seems as if they offer a really good lunch special, I say a must go.

Baked By Melissa

They’re tiny. They’re easy to eat. And they’re delicious.

Yep Baked by Melissa takes the concept of original cake turned mini cake-cupcake to even TINIER bite sized treats of Love.

With standard flavors such as Red Velvet, Cinnamon, Chocolate Chip Cupcake and Tie Dye just to name a few, you now don’t have to choose between flavors.

 

Depending on your order total, your mini cupcake can cost you $1 or less.

This makes it great to pick and choose and not having to feel guilty about eating too many normal sized cupcakes or even regretting no to try that flavor you were originally going for but decided to go back to your normal safety zone flavor.

Even though the cupcakes are smaller and about 1/10th of a size of a regular cupcake, that doesn’t mean it lacks any type of flavor. In fact its like a big ol’ POP in your mouth.

My personal favorites are the Red Velvet, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Chip Pancake and Smores.

The best part of Melissa’s is that the flavor names are pretty much self explanatory and you don’t have to be asking the staff whats in the cupcake.

So why not indulge a little? Melissa makes grabbing cupcakes a quick and painful one stop trip! And you don’t even have to worry about getting crumbs all over your self! The quick one or two bites you take eliminates the mess!

With many shops located around Manhattan, Baked by Melissa is a great choice for personal cravings, parties and even fashion shows!

Just ask fashion designer Betsey Johnson who during the month of February collaborated with Melissa to create really cool pink cupcakes for her Fall/Winter line show at New York City’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Show!

If models can eat them, why can’t you?

Not lucky enough to be living in the great city of New York? No worries! Melissa offers nation wide shipping so you can have your little bites delivered right to the comfort of your own home!

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.

Acquista Trattoria

The pros and cons of going to school at St. John’s is that the beautiful city of New York is your backyard but sometimes that ride into the city can seem like too far, and if you don’t have your car then you can’t even go to Long Island or Astoria for good food without having to hop on the train.

Union Turnpike located just outside of St. John’s gates attempts to provide students with many options for food but still lacks what school’s like University of Maryland and Georgetown have to offer.

Still though there are some treasures offered here. Acquista Trattoria is one of those. I’ve passed this place so many times and never looked at the menu, until finally I decided to pay it a visit.

Compared to the other spots on Union, the design of the restaurant really makes visitors want to stay and dine in opposed to just ordering and leaving.

The fun part: The menu.

Acquista has a VERY extensive menu. I would probably say over fifty meal options plus three specials that vary from night to night, this is both a positive and a negative.

Positive because you’re not just limited to a few number or meals but negative because there is just so much you want to try everything.

I was torn between the Prosciutto Di Parma and the Cheese Ravioli.

Even though there were many other great options I would’ve loved to have had, it was late and I wasn’t try to eat a lot. But of course my indesicive self ended up choosing something completely different, and I’m happy I did.

I order the special of the night. Chicken breast sauteed in wine sauce with corn, eggplant and cherry potatoes served over mashed potatoes. 

The Yums. I was very pleased with my choice because the wine sauce was delicious especially with the mashed potatoes. There were so many different flavors going in on one bite that it made the meal quite enjoyable.

The sweetness of the eggplant, the chicken, the wine sauce, buttery mashed potatoes, sour tomatoes and sweet corn kernels. Again The Yums.

The proportions were very generous that I ended up eating a good majority of it because it was so delicious and was still able to bring some home.

Another dish I know was very good was the Lobster Ravioli. 

Stuffed with lobster meat and served with pink sauce, for only $14.95, the plate quickly disappeared once one bite was taken. But then again I was also very intrigued in my own plate.

Unfortunately we got there just a little before the closed and didn’t really get to try their desert but apperently their Tiramisu is very delicious.

With that being said I know during my next visit I will be trying their Prosciutto and Tiramisu. With so many different options and so far two seeming to be very promising I don’t see why I can’t.

So now you know, if you’re a St. John’s students looking for some delicious pasta and a cute sit down place perhaps for a date, just walk outside of gate four and head onto Union for your italian needs!

Boyd’s Thai

So Monday I get a follow from an @Urbanfoodjunky on twitter and I’m thinking ok, just another spamming blog. But long behold, its a trusted food guru who got me to try Halal from a cart on Hillside Ave in Queens one day.

So being that our circle of friends loop in here and there, it was no doubt we would follow his first suggestion on a Tuesday afternoon as we finished shopping.

Following his suggestion of Boyd Thai located in the Village in NYC, the fifteen minute walk from Union Square Park was quite pleasent seeing as it had amazing scenery and really got our appetite going.

Located right in the middle of bunch of many little cute and hippiesh shops on Thompson Street (near Bleecker) the glass windows and ultra modern restaurant definitely gives ambiance making it as perfect for a first date as it does for a night out with friends.

Offering lunch specials that start around $9.00 depending on choice of meat, Boyd’s also offers an early bird special from 4-7 that includes and entree, soup or salad and rolls all starting at about $12.

Here are three things off the menu that is a must try and one that I would definitely never be ordering again.

Crispy Calamari: $6.00

I love fried calamari and usually its always the Asian restaurants I visit that do it best, and this is no exception.

My reason for loving fried calamari is that it allows you to eat a type of seafood you probably would never eat because if its not fried, don’t bother on getting me to try squid. If you can fry squid and not get it to fall apart and take away most of the seafood taste then you’ve already done it for me.

Crispy is def what would this explain this appetizer and will def be something I look forward to ordering again.

Pineapple Fried Rice w Chicken: $9.00 w.o meat (add $1-3) depending on choice of meat.

This right here ladies and gentle man is what you may just call DELICIOUS. If there’s a dish at Boyd’s that will have me coming back its definitely this one.

The pineapple and chicken compliment each other so well that you’re almost left at a cross between a pina colada and a thanksgiving ham. The rice was also very delicious seeing as it wasn’t too oily or hard, cooked to perfection.

Also, if you’re a fan of nuts then you’ll get a crunchy sweet addition of cashew nuts which tastes almost like the roasted almonds sold throughout New York City nuts stands.

Grilled Beef Salad:

I actually didn’t get a chance to try this but according to my friend who did order it, it was really good. With that being said if I ever feel like grabbing a salad one day while I’m out shopping, Boyd’s will be one of the places I visit if I want a nice sit down & serve spot.

I can say though that it did look very good and seemed to have actual pieces of meat not little portions of meat and the rest just greens or noodles depending on what it comes with.

What looked like tomatoes, red onion, cucumber and greens dressed in a vinagertte, I would hope it was kind of sour. Giving it a Latin Carne Asada with pico de gallo taste.

Now the dish I would never ever order again, which quite ironically is the most ordered dish of the restaurant: The Pad Thai Noodles

I took a single noodle strand and almost felt like I was chewing slimy rubber. Since the proportioins are very large it made sense that I’d share this with someone else, and niether of us even so much took more than 3 bites.

I actually did try to take more but the taste and the feel of it just wasn’t working so we just ended up picking out the chicken chunks and munching on that.

Another note worth mentioning: If you arrive after 4pm Monday-Thursday you should try their unlimited Sangria special for $10. I guarantee you it puts in work and its really great tasting, good quality Sangria.

and I mean $10 for unlimited Sangria pitchers? How can you not?

Crepe’n’tearia

Mixed berries, ice cream and whipped cream. Fresh strawberries and Nutella. Apple cinnamon, cheesecake & whipped cream.

Is your mouth watering yet? Now just imagine walking into Crepe’n’tearia on Union Turnpike in Queens, NY just a few blocks away from St. John’s University’s campus.

With its sleek modern design and interesting paintings on the wall, Crepe’n’tearia is a different approach to reaching hungry college kids in need of a quick delicious fix me up.

The best part is that for give or take $9 you could get a combo meal that includes a crepe and small bubble tea, depending on which you choose from the combo selection.

For $9 you can be sinking your teeth into a fluffy, warm crepe, topped with layers of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, the works. Umm doesn’t that sound yummy?

Or how about a delicious forkful of crepe and sweet peaches, its warmness mixed with the cold icy vanilla cream? Yum times a million.

Your experience at Crepe’n’tearia will definitely be an enjoyable one. The cool laid back setting allows students, residents, and anyone else catch a break especially those students from St. John’s where peace and quiet seem to be rare on campus.

Sweet tooth not as crazy, well not only do they offer sweet and tasty crepes but also a variety of savory crepes such as tuna, grilled chicken, Mexican and ham & mozzarella. Even though they cost a bit more than the sweet crepes without the drink.

Crepes aren’t the only things offered in this small restaurant that’s been around for seven years. A former chef for Giorgio Armani’s restaurants, the owner Connie also loves to bake delicious pastries that are available all day long at a cheap price. Cupcakes, tapioca, cookies and flan are only a few of the sweets Crepe’n’tearia has to offer.

Their bubble teas are also very delicious and offer quite a large variety of combinations so you could try a different kind every time you visit.

Next time you’re in need of a sugar fix and can go for some fresh fruit, Crepe’n’tearia is the place to be!

The Counter

Where to start, where to start. Maybe by saying that there is something about The Counter that always has me asking this question.

I’m not a huge fan of burgers or American chicken sandwiches but The Counter by far has the best chicken sandwiches in NYC.

Located in the middle of Times Square, The Counter makes for an ideal first date or guys or girls night out or even family time. The concept of the store is to offer over 300,000 different combinations; their idea is to let the customers make their sandwich/burger to their liking. How sweet 🙂

The Counter not only offers amazing food but it’s also an experience. The ability to build your own burger gives the guests the liberty of choosing what they want without substituting too much and completely changing an order.

When you first walk in you’re greeted by a waitress who sits you down and at the table your menus are pieces of paper on a clipboard to check off your tummy’s desire of choices along with a more traditional laminated one page menu that offers starters, sandwiches, bun less burgers, kids menu and their signature burger combinations.

I’ve done both options during my visits to The Counter and I must say both times have been a joy.

The first time I visited I was overwhelmed by the different options so I just ordered a signature grilled chicken sandwich from the menu and was in LOVE. A 1/3lb chicken patty topped with Gruyere, Organic Mixed Greens, Scallions, Tomatoes & Honey Mustard on rustic ciabatta bread. Oh man, best chicken sandwich ever.

Or so I thought until I had to go again and this time make my own and I must say, I have pretty good taste in toppings.

I started off with a 1/3lb grilled chicken patty and sharp provolone cheese. For my four toppings I chose hard boiled eggs, scallions, organic greens and tomatoes as well as a premium topping of avocados for $1.50 more. Finally I topped it off with honey mustard sauce all on the rustic ciabatta.

Ah, my mouth is watering just thinking about this. For about $16 I managed to have a big tasty sandwich, soft drink and shared an order of onion rings and fries with my friend since it’s a large amount. What a satisfying meal, my goodness.

Unfortunately I’m not always able to finish my burger if I get fries and haven’t gotten the chance to try their deserts but hopefully one day I can challenge my stomach to not eat so much before desert.

Although it is quite hard to resist taking one more bite of your delicious creation.

The Counter has definitely become one of my favorite places for sandwiches or turkey burgers. And knowing that the chance of someone else having the same exact meal as me in only one in over 300,000 makes it just that much better!

April is National Grilled Cheese Month so if you like Grilled Cheese stopping by should be on your monthly things to do list! Enjoy.

Potbelly Sandwich Shops

When I first moved to New York from Washington, DC I was stoked to be surrounded by hundreds of places to grab food from, whether it was a quick bite or a sit down. DC isn’t too far behind in options from NYC but there was one thing DC had that NYC didn’t have when I first moved: Potbelly.

But then in the summer of 2011, just a little under a year that I came my prayers were answered. The Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan was finally being blessed with the creations of the original Chicago couple who started shop that was eventually bought and expanded by a young entrepreneur.

I always find myself arguing with people that Subway isn’t better than Potbelly and I still stand strong next to my argument. Not only do I feel like the quality of the food is better, the atmosphere and decor of the restaurants are definitely worth a visit.

Perhaps the reason why people like Subway to Potbelly is because of their $5 foot longs, but this is not to say that Potbelly is expensive. Even though they don’t offer foot longs, $5.80 for an 8 inch sandwich is not bad.

Also, they don’t offer vast options of ingredients making you feel like you need to pile on more than what you need, instead Potbelly workers are instructed to memorize their eight toppings after you’ve chosen your meat and bread.

“Lettuce, Onion, Tomato, Mayo, Mustard, Hot peppers, pickles, oil & Italian seasoning”

Short and simple yet oh so very tasty.

With options such as “The Wreck” which has four diff meats, the Italian, pizza sandwich and the roast beef, your options are never bland.

I must say my favorite is the clubby. But becareful because as my friends like to tease me: This clubby may just make you chubby (ha-ha). Even though the chicken salad sandwich is also very delicious.

The basics of a clubby are: Choice of bread (White or Multigrain and for less calories a 1/3 cut option)

The bread is then topped with turkey, ham, bacon and provolone cheese. Then they go through this cute little toasting machine where your next server lists out the seven toppings which are also conveniently placed behind their head and you proceed to take your choosing. I always get everything except for the onions just because I’m not too much of a fan of onions.

The end result: a delicious warm and toasty sandwich.

Ok I know you’re thinking, “what?! I can get that at my local deli and/or Subway” But Potbelly perhaps holds the best thing that all these other places probably don’t (I know Subway doesn’t): THEIR HOT PEPPERS.

Oh My Flippin’ Gosh. Spice lovers rejoice because not only do they offer this on your sandwiches but you can also purchase a jar for about $4.

Now THAT ladies and gentleman is what makes for a delicious sandwich. I’ve tried to have my sandwiches topped with just jalapeños and nope no bueno.

Still however, their poppin’ hot peppers on delicious sandwiches isn’t the only thing that makes Potbelly amazing, they also serve delicious house salads, soups, shakes, smoothies, malts and cookies. Oh! And Hand Dipped Ice Creammmmmm!

I can testify I’ve tried at least one choice of all these options and I am never dissatisfied.

Their cookies are to die for, their ice cream is incredibly tasty and creamy making their smoothies and such a must even if you don’t have their sandwiches.

Oh I could go on for days but my recommendation is a must visit at least once in your lifetime.

The stores are decorated with adorable antique pieces and has a very unique decoration to it making your meal very enjoyable.

Warning though: It does get packed, especially around lunch time but Potbelly conveniently offers an online ordering service where you could just walk right up to the cash register and enjoy your meal J

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!