Caracas Arepas - Restaurant review

Let me preface this by saying you know something is good when you go for lunch then go back for dinner. Yeah, that's happened with Caracas Arepas. Jef and I had seen Caracas on an episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay and immediately knew that this was someplace that we would have to try.

Now for those that don't know (and I didn't till I saw this episode), arepas are flat cornmeal patties which can either be grilled, baked, or fried (yum!) and basically they stuff the arepas with all different kinds of meat and cheeses.

Located on the corner of 7th and 1st ave, Caracas fits into the delightful urban mix that is the East Village. Ethnic food is everywhere and the streets are lined with tiny eateries that are sure to be someone's favorite and Caracas is now mine.

I'll just start with dinner, because while Jef and I did go for lunch, it was a warm up, we did dinner the right way.

So to start off the night right we decided to get the Venezuelan interpretation of Sangria, a light wine and fruity mixture and get some appetizers:

• Yoyos - deep fried balls of sweet plantain stuffed with white cheese with a deliciously sweet honey dipping sauce


• Guasacaca & Chips - Venezuelan style guacamole with chips

The yoyos were so sweet Jef and I both stated that it could probably be a mild dessert but delicious none the less and who doesn't love guac and plantain chips? Everyone, duh!

Now we made the mistake at lunch by ordering only one arepas. As it turns out that will not fill you up, unless you don't like to eat and we do. Arepas are smaller, almost like a tiny pita, so basically you need to order two if that is all you're getting. Since we got two appetizers, I ordered one and Jef ordered two:

• De Pabello - shredded beef, black beans, sweet plantains and aged cheese (pictured right)


• La de Pernil - roasted pork shoulder with tomato slices and a spicy mango sauce

Basically what I am trying to communicate is arepas are a little piece of Venezuelan heaven in your mouth. The arepas itself is bread that is sweet, crunchy and yet soft. I don't know how it works and I don't care its beyond ridiculously good.

If you are interesting in trying a new cusine, I would highly suggest venturing into Venezuelan, its not a far departure from Mexican, but completely different techniques and flavor profiles.

I should also mention this place is a great value for all you're getting. For the two of us to eat it was $47 with drinks, 3 arepas, and 2 appetizers! Yeah, for us thats the cheapest dinner we've had...

In case you don't think I loved it, check out the pure bliss stretched across my face as I try and devour the arepas...amazing. Thanks to Jef and his amazing photo skills :)

Caracas Arepas Bar
93 1/2 East 7th
New York, NY 10009
http://www.caracasarepabar.com/

Check for hours of operations, the restaurant is open at 5, but they do have a smaller to-go place next door open all hours.

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Cafeteria - Restaurant Review

Ah Cafeteria...drunk, hungover, sober, it will accommodate all your needs and in any state of mind. Ladies you may be saying "where do I know that name from?" No, it is not a reference to your elementary school, it made an appearance in an episode of Sex and the City and for good reason -- its AMAZING.

Just ask Kara, one of my dear friends that came to visit. To set this up, this is one of those Saturdays where you just hate your life. I'll be the first to admit, I have calmed down a lot since college, and since Kara just got her Masters, so she brought college with her and I just couldn't keep up. Anyways, seeing my state Leah and Annie knew that we needed to head to Cafeteria.

Since its the summer Cafeteria has its windows, which look like glass garage doors up, and a lovely breeze swept through the bright white, clean Chelsea eatery. We were quickly seated and I decided that blackberry vodka lemonade is needed ASAP (this later proved to be fatal), but at the time it was perfection.

This time I did it right and so did the other girls, here's what we ordered:

• Grilled Cheese with bacon, tomato, served with homemade chips and tomato-basil soup


• Buttermilk waffles with cinnamon cream and fresh berries


• Mac Attack - tasting of all 3 macaroni and cheeses which include smoked gouda with bacon, truffle oil, and cheddar and fontina

Honestly I know Annie got something good (sorry Ann!), but I really can't remember because as I said earlier the blackberry lemonade turned on me quickly.

I've been to cafeteria drunk, sober, and hungover and each time have had the best experience. If you want comfort food with a avante garde twist, I highly, highly suggest Cafeteria.

Cafeteria
119 7th Ave
New York, NY 10011
(212) 414-1717
http://www.cafeteriagroup.com/

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BLT Prime

BLT Prime

Let me start this off by saying this meal was conducted with a method I like to call “eating by observation.” I was feeling a little under the weather at a dinner celebration for Annie’s birthday at BLT Prime, but came to say goodbye (SAD!) and again Happy Birthday.

I did eat some appetizers and saw the entrees so I feel that this gives me the power to review. Plus its my blog, get over it.

BLT (which stands for Bistro Laurent Tourondel) Prime is nestled on a side street off of Park Avenue and when you walk in there is a butchery right there. Literally racks of meat just hanging behind glass. This should give any diner confidence that their meat is top of the line. You don’t put your product out for everyone to see if it’s not up to par.

We sit comfortably at a table for 5 and as I look to my left I realize that in the midst of this nice restaurant there is the menu right on the wall, like calling foodies back to the mothership.

A true foodie, Leah takes the reins of this dining experience and starts to order some appetizers. In the meantime, our server brings us some bread. Oh and when I say bread I mean steaming hot “puffs” that looks like they should be in some sort of trippy book from the 60s (imagine the mushrooms from Alice in Wonderland, slender at the bottom but overflowing at the top.) Not kidding these things are HUGE. You break open the bread and a cloud of steam just rising from the clearly fresh baked puff. Butter is melting so fast over the rough terrain of the bread; it’s all I can do to stop the melting from getting all over me. This was one of those experiences where I had to mentally tell myself to slow down. I couldn’t get the bread in my mouth fast enough. Amazing. They give you the recipe. Trouble.

Then the appetizers come

• Tuna tartar with avocado
• Lobster cobb salad
• Crab cakes
  

This is one of those time when nothing was my favorite. How could I pick when everything was DELICIOUS. Seriously, if I didn’t exert some sort of self-control, my face would have been buried in the dishes and I would only come up for air.

Well since I wasn’t feeling good before I came, the fact that I have very little self control and continued to eat definitely didn’t make me feel better so I left shortly after that, but the good news is I was around for the entrees. Leah and Annie both got the filets and they come with sauces, so they got the bearnaise, chimichurri, and 3 mustard.

Although I didn't eat I can safely say that diners will not be disappointed. Everything from the service to the incredible bread, was magnificent.

BLT Prime
111 E 22nd St
New York, NY 10010
(212) 995-8500
www.bltprime.com/

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Craft

Good news foodies, I have been extremely well fed over the past week, which means lots of reviews for you!

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting up with some good friends to celebrate a birthday for Miss Annie. A foodie herself she had picked Tom Collichio’s (yes the Top Chef judge’s) Craft. Craft is the flagship of the Craft brand which extends to include Craftbar, Craft Steak, and Wichcraft (an extraordinary sandwich restaurant that specializes in being awesome)

Annie and her family are my favorite kind of diners, sharers. They believe in ordering what you want, but be prepared to share, and do not order the same as someone else – duh, you’re sharing!
So that is what we did, and basically set the tone of go big or go home.

• Japanese Wagyu Carpaccio




• Hamachi tartar




• Yellowfin tartar




• Frisée & Coppa (my order, by far the weakest. I know, I know.)




• Sweetbreads




• Pork belly ravioli
  

So let’s talk about my favorite, the Wagyu Carpaccio. Um, I never thought I would say that a piece of meat would melt in my mouth, but that is in fact what this delectable little teaser did, simple melted in my mouth and left me wanting more (the sign of a incredible dish, or a fatty, I don t know). There was some sort of salt/cheese mixture on the bottom that just enhanced every ounce of this rare treat. Nice job Scott!

On to the main course…I don’t know why I brought my C game to dinner, but I did and had a craving for bass, going against my better judgment of ordering something unique. Everyone else was on point

• Bass




• Tai Snapper




• Cod




• Aged steak




• Short rib

Basically everyone’s was a winner except for mine. It was by no means bad, but just a little bland (Tom Collichio, I know). The snapper had some berries with that provided the right pop just as you placed the fish in your mouth. The short ribs were so tender and flavorful I could have eaten the whole thing. The steak, oh the steak, talk about melt in your mouth. Aged for days, that sucker was ready to be cooked and devoured. The cod was fantastic as well.
Honoring Annie’s birthday we had the tart and chocolate soufflé with a special “Happy Birthday Annie” decorated across the top :)

Overall, a true dining experience with everything from the wine to the company. Thanks to Annie and her family!!

Craft

http://www.craftrestaurant.com/
900 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
(212) 461-4300

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Restaurant Review - Blackbird's Chicago

I know its been a while. Dear Foodies, please accept my sincerest of apologies. I've done some traveling in our time apart and one of my trips was to the Second City, (honestly its kinda becoming first to me...) Chicago.

Having only been once in my life on a high school art history trip, I knew that Chicago would be a whole new experience. I was correct. I was basically visiting the city for the first time.

The whole trip was amazing, but I think what stood out the most was the incredibly dining experience I had at Blackbird.

This restaurant is definitely not for the faint of heart. You walk in, and enter this railroad style restaurant where you can see everything; the kitchen, bar and basically the whole dining room (I would say a 50 person capacity). Minimalism is definitely a theme. The walls are stark white as are the tables, the servers are dressed up much like the patrons, you can barely detect them in the crowd. Its a little crammed but having lived in New York for this long, I barely even notice anymore.

The Food. Oh the food. I can honestly say that out of the 20 or so items on the menu there was one component in each dish where I had no clue what it was. We started out with Endive Salad (endives, crispy potatoes, basil, dijon, pancetta and poached egg), which was really beautifully presented, wrapped in the crispy potato, then the server came table side and like a surgeon carefully dissected the salad and chopped and tossed together. After this I knew coming here was the right decision, who goes through all this trouble for a salad. People who are on the top of their game, that's who.

Here is what we order for the rest of the meal:

• Crispy confit of swan creek farm suckling pig with local soybeans, baby artichokes, preserved lemon and pork rinds


• Slow-roasted alaskan halibut with grilled cipollini onions, royal trumpets, cripsy pancetta, asparagus and miso


• Braised rack of lamb with fresh chickpeas, spring radishes, pickled feta and lovage

Overall, this could be one of the better restaurants I've eaten at in my life. There is just something you have to respect about every component that is on the plate. Each dish was thoughtful, creative and most importantly DELICIOUS!

Be aware though, go with a hefty wallet, such fine dining does not run cheap, but it was completely worth every penny.

Blackbird
619 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 715-0708
www.blackbirdrestaurant.com

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Restaurant Review - Pipa

Pipa

With so many places to pick from its hard picking a favorite. I can't help it I LOVE TAPAS. I just like having a little sample of everything, and if you are looking for true spanish influenced tapas in great atmosphere Pipa in Union Square is the ultimate choice. I'm so happy that Jef, the wonderful restaurant finder he is, took me here.

From the second you walk in you know this is going to be interesting. There are almost 100 chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, their crystals sparkling in the dim light. Each chandelier is for purchase and you can see that some have already been sold.

To start off you have to get a pitcher of Sangria, no one does it better than the Spaniards and Pipa does it the best. Strong but not over-powering, just the way I like it :)

While everything is good, here are some things that I've ordered and never been disappointed in. I recommend 3-4 dishes per 2 people, its ok to order some and if you are still hungry order some more.

• Crispy Calamari - thinly sliced, lightly breaded and served with a smoked paprika aioli (My personal favorite -- best calamari EVER)
• Mushroom Coca - wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, and figs, topped with serrano ham and toasted almonds and then drizzled with truffle oil - YUM
• Tuna Pequena - pan seared tuna slices with sauteed spinach and wasabi ginger aioli
• Spanish Potatoes - sliced potatoes with a spicy cheese sauce, order two, they are so good
• Blue Cheese plate - sample of different types of blue cheese, served with bread and crackers

I've been back to Pipa many times and never been disappointed!

Pipa
38 E 19th St
New York, NY 10003
(212) 677-2233
http://www.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?neighborhoodid=0&restaurantid=2978

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Restaurant Review - Nikko's, Charlotte

Nikko's

As some of you may know, I tend to jet set from time to time (probably more than I should and/or can afford). This past weekend was one of my many adventures in Charlotte, NC. Jef took me to a great Japanese restaurant, renown for its ostentatious owner and her sake bomb songs.

We arrived at Nikko's around 10:30 and I was shocked to find this place was still packed. Honestly, I felt as if it had been plucked from New York and placed in Charlotte. There was loud music, contemporary decor, trendy dressers (I was definitely not one of them...) and big booths filled with parties.

Our server greets us immediately and we order cocktails, I decided to try their Pomegrante Martini. It was pretty good, heavy on the pomegranate, light on the vodka, which was fine by me.

To start we ordered Edamame, which I normally don't like (its just bland to me), but was pretty good here. We then decided to go with two sushi rolls. I love anything involving crunch, and tuna so the obvious choice was the Tuna Crunchy Roll, and then TNT seemed intriguing so we went with it.

When they came out, I knew that there would be no left overs. The Tuna Crunchy Roll was lightly breaded in panko crumbs and then deep fried and filled with red tuna (NOT minced like they do here in NYC), crab, cucumber and topped with a ponzu sauce. That sauce was incredible, it lended the right amount of sweetness to mesh well with the crab and tuna, and the cucumber (which again, I normally don't care for) was just the right amount of crunch.

The TNT roll didn't disappoint either. It was filled with White Tuna, Cream Cheese, Cuke and topped with Red Tuna and Avocado.

After a Pink Martini (which was not pink, but as Jef pointed out was made with Pink vodka) we headed back.

Overall, Nikko's was a great experience and definitely a New York atmosphere in a far more charming southern town.

Nikko's
http://www.nikkosushibar.net/
1300 South Blvd # F
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 370-0100

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Restaurant Review - Alta

Before I started the Frugal Foodies I used to send out weekly emails to my girlfriends to describing the restaurants I would eat at. This was my first email review and since having eaten at Alta I've gone back with my Dad and Jef.

Here's the email in its original form so you can see why I needed a blog to write about food :)

Anyways Friday night we went to this little restaurant in the West Village called Alta and seriously it we had some of the finest culinary masterpieces that have every grazed my expanding palate. They are all really small portions (its not actually a restaurant its more of a tapas places...) so we ended up ordering 4 things and with the guidance of our sever we really knocked this one out of the park. I sipped on a lavender martini and Tracy on a floridirita (a grapefruit and white grape juice vodka drink) and then the food...WOW here's a brief overview:

• Fried Goat Cheese with lavender infused honey
• Smoked Mozzarella in shredded filo, tomato and red onion salad, caramelized balsamic
• Skirt Steak chimichurri, shoe string potatoes and rosemary butter truffle cheese with a stewed jersey tomato
• Pork epinadas with a chipotle lime dipping sauce
• Chocolate fondue with orange biscotti (I LOVE FONDUE)
• Strawberry tart

I swear the people next to us probably thought that we were food critics because after every bit there was a discussion about the contrasting textures and the flavors...it was a sight to see!

Since having been back with my Dad and Jef, there are some additional things that we tried that definitely should be noted

• Coca (Catalonian Flatbread) oven roasted mushrooms, fresh ricotta, truffled boschetto, herbs
• Crispy Duck Confit Tatsoi Salad with frisee, whole grain mustard & Forum Vinegar
• Brussel sprouts roasted with apples
• Venison with an apple chutney
• Lamb Meatballs spiced butternut squash foam, toasted sesame seeds and lebne

Overall Alta is one my absolute favorite places in Manhattan and for good reason. All the plates are reasonable priced between 6.50 - 15 dollars. Everything is made to order and comes out as its ready, oh and the food is amazing!!

If you are ever in Manhattan this would be my suggestion for a light dinner (or heavier dinner depending on how much you order) and if you get a big group together (I'd say 8+ people) I would definitely suggest doing the "whole shebang" for $350 and sampling EVERYTHING on the menu!!

Alta
64 W. 10 (at 6th ave)
NY, NY 10011
(212) 505-7777

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