Bring on the Smoke n' Spice with Chipotle Salsa

In honor of a belated Cinco de Mayo party with my new co-workers, I decided to craft up a homemade chipotle salsa.  The only salsa I've ever made at home is a simple pico de gallo, so I was slightly unsure about the experience but didn't think it'd be too difficult.

Finding some simple recipes on Buzzfeed's 21 Incredibly Easy Salsa Recipes You Need to Try, this first one for Homemade Chipotle Salsa caught my eye.  The fact that it didn't consist of any funky or hard to find ingredients was a plus for me, and the smoky element from the chipotle is always welcome.  I love me some adobo sauce, so any excuse to use it was a plus in my book.

It created the above pictured chunky concoction, and I have to say it was mighty delicious.  Bringing it in for our partay, I got some nice compliments and luckily because I went easy on the jalapenos, it wasn't overly spicy.  Note - I used just half of the portion they recommend in the recipe and it was plenty.  However, those of you who have a more adventurous palate, by all means try some more.

Homemade Chipotle Salsa recipe, courtesy of What's Gaby Cooking Blog.

Festive Cinco de Mayo at Mojave

Today's Cinco de Mayo celebration went off with a bang in Astoria, especially for my friends, Kimberly, Michelle and me, as we spent it at Mojave.  Deciding to drop in on the earlier side, as they were featuring $5 Herradura margaritas at the bar and a live band, the place was packed to the gills.  

We decided to take a seat in the main dining room, and eat a proper dinner, which was the right way to go.  Not only was it boisterous and fun, as we still heard the music loud and clear (but not too loud to hear ourselves talk), we got got a more chill experience.  Here's what we feasted on...

I apologize in advance for the poor photos.  While I normally wouldn't share something of this quality, I still wanted you to have a visual prompter along with my descriptions.

Fish Tacos - Mojave's catch of the day tacos were a light way to go, as the fish was grilled not fried and then topped with a fresh pineapple, onion salsa.  While I can't say the tacos were overly flavorful, they were easy to put down, especially when embellished with Mojave's chunky guacamole.  Note that the portion is large and totally conducive to sharing with another person.

Short Rib Quesadilla - Kimberly ordered this hearty, and a little bit indulgent quesadilla, which I got a big piece of as well.  I enjoyed the smoky flavor of the short ribs which were generously distributed throughout the tortilla.  Although I love me some cheese, I thought there was a tad too much of it in this and would prefer them to be heavier handed with the roasted corn, sweet onions, tomatoes and other veggies.

Steak and Enchilada Combo - Michelle's main course was the most impressive and a clear winner, in my opinion.  The steak was cooked to a nice medium consistency and glazed with a deeply flavored mole sauce, which dressed the enchilada beautifully.  An impressive stack of fried onion rings and a heap of fresh cilantro helped to garnish this already decadent creation.

Margaritas - Washing all these goodies down with a refreshing fruit based margarita made this Cinco complete.  Michelle and I went with the mango while Kimberly chose the blood orange--both flavors getting high marks on flavor, mild sweetness and a beautiful vibrant color.

Service and Cost:
Given the very busy conditions that go along with Cinco de Mayo, it was impressive to see how efficient and organized Mojave's staff was.  Our waiter was totally on point, and did a good job of anticipating our needs.  We never felt we waited too long for anything and the staff was always up and about, so it was easy to get their attention.

Costs are very fair for the fantastic atmosphere and the good quality of food.  I'd definitely return again, and try a fancier dish such as the one Michelle got.  We paid a total of $43/person including tax and tip.

2.5 Mmmms

Mojave - 22-36 31st Street Astoria NY 11105
718.545.4100
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.mojaveny

Last Minute Cinco de Mayo Roundup

Since it's Cinco de Mayo tomorrow, and lucky for us it falls on a Sunday, there's no excuse to not celebrate.  It's a huge weekend in general actually, with the Kentucky Derby and Greek Easter happening as well, so whatever you're celebrating, here are some festive suggestions.

Mojave - In honor of Cinco de Mayo, they're featuring $4 shots of El Jimador tequila, $9 Herradura margaritas or 4 shots for $25.  Their outdoor garden will be open too so if it's warm enough, it'll be great to celebrate al fresco.   22-36 31st Street, Astoria.  718.545.4100

Pachanga Patterson - Even though their brunch and dinner menu will remain the same tomorrow, they'll feature their infused tequila shots in the spirit of Cinco de Mayo.  A few personal food recommendations include the steak tacos, chicken hot dogs and the veggie jenga.  33-17 31st Avenue, Astoria.  718.554.0525

Casa Enrique - I love this relatively new Mexican cafe in LIC that's clean, simple and serves some of the best mole I've had.  Featuring their regular menu tomorrow, it's definitely worth going in for a margarita or sangria and enjoying a fabulous sit down dinner with a group of friends or your significant other.  5-48 49th Avenue, LIC.  347.448.6040

5 Burro Cafe - Recently having the pleasure of trying this dive cafe in Forest Hills, it's a total must, if not tomorrow, just anytime.  Although the space is small and there's often a bit of a wait, the no frills, delightful Mexican food is totally worth it.  The guacamole with chunky red peppers serves as a yummy beginning, while the tacos Al Pastor send you right to heaven with tender marinated pork with a spicy pineapple salsa.  72-05 Austin Street, Forest Hills.  718.544.2984

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden - Get out your party outfit, for the beer garden's Cinco de Mayo Festival, which boasts live music, raffles (and prizes), as well as live entertainment.  Enjoy the beautiful weather by camping out in this awesome outdoor space.  I usually bring a set of games such as Apples to Apples, Cards Against Humanity, and Jenga to keep our group entertained.  29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria.  718.274.4925

Cinco de Mayo Mini Roundup

Before the big Cinco de Mayo fiesta this Saturday, I wanted to make sure you have at least a couple of fun suggestions to consider before going out that day (or evening!)  Being that it's on a weekend, people will be out and about all day, and you can certainly hop around and try a few different things.

Mojave - For something authentic and festive, pop over to Mojave starting at 6 p.m. and enjoy a live mariachi band, the Mamboblue Trio.  As is customary, they'll also be featuring a tequila tasting all night, and will of course have their signature margaritas and sangria available as you please.  22-36 31st Street, Astoria.  718.545.4100

MexiQ - Another great way to celebrate is to walk over to 30th Avenue and check out MexiQ.  The party will be kickin' from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. the next day with Happy Hour prices ($3 beers) and a live band too.  My favorite thing to munch on here is their flavored guacamole, and I especially love the one with crispy pork on top.  37-11 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.626.0333

Ditmars Station - The most convenient location in town, just under the N/Q train (Ditmars stop), they're hosting a big Cinco shin-dig which starts at 11 a.m.  You'll enjoy food and drinks specials, such as $5 Coronas, $5 Tecate/tequila combo, $4 PBRs, and a Grande Quesadilla special for just $10.  22-55 31st Street, Astoria.  718.777.1177

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden - Although it's far from Mexico, they sure throw a great party and will certainly be making hay for Cinco.  So much so that they're starting as early as Friday and celebrating into all day Saturday with a beer tasting, raffles, live entertainment and more.  There's no cover this weekend, so go on and see what it's all about.  29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria.  718.274.4925

El Ay Si - Doing things a little differently, stop in at El Ay Si to check out their Bottomless Brunch Bash (not pants but cocktails).  For just $25/person, you'll enjoy a brunch entree of your choice and a bottomless supply of fizzy brunch cocktails such as mimosas.  The party starts at 11:00 a.m. and goes until 3:30 p.m. and reservations are highly recommended.  47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC.  718.389.8781

Cinco de Mayo at Studio Square

With Cinco de Mayo fast approaching, and this year it being on a Saturday, everyone is surely looking for ways to celebrate.  There's going to be a lot of awesomeness in the nabe focused around this joyous holiday, and I was happy to see that Studio Square is going to be hosting a big shin-dig, in their customary fashion.  Here are the deets, and I hope you make it out that day!

Studio Square Cinco de Mayo Celebration - starts at noon

Featuring:
A bonnet/sombrero contest (get creative Astorians!)
Mint julep and margarita specials all day
Door prizes & giveaways
A live DJ all day and night

Let's hope the weather cooperates, as this could be a great venue to spend the entire day at.  Just bring a bunch of friends, some portable drinking games and let the fiesta begin.

Studio Square - 35-33 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106
718.383.1001
N/Q Train to 36th Avenue or R/M Train to Steinway Street
studiosquarenyc.com

Astoria Cinco de Mayo Mini Round-Up

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone.  What a fun excuse to go out and enjoy festive drinks, food and time with friends.  Astoria and LIC promises to be bumpin' tomorrow, and here's my mini round-up of cool happs you can partake in.

MexiQ - Festivities will start as soon as they open their doors at 5 p.m. with dedicated food specials (i.e. seafood and short rib empanadas), $5 Mexican beer on tap and a live Mariachi band that will make an appearance later in the night.  37-11 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.626.0333

Mojave - This Southwestern eatery always has something fun and boisterous going on for Cinco.  This year, it'll be a special drinks promotion from Herradura and  Tiki tequila.  Shots incorporating both tequila brands will be complimentary, and there will also be a live band later on in the night to enjoy.  22-36 31st Street Astoria NY 11105.  718.545.4100

El Ay Si - Kicking it off at 8 p.m., El Ay Si's Cinco party will include enticing drinks specials, new menu items as well as lively entertainment.  Featuring guest DJ Monk One, you'll be able to groove to some hip Latin beats from Cuban Sol to Cali Salsa, Nuyorican Boogaloo and more.  The party will last all night, so you don't have to worry about showing up early.  47-38 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101.  718.389.8781

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden - Even though it's far from a Latin establishment, the Beer Garden will be celebrating full-force with a special Mexican menu.  Instead of the typical dumplings, potato pancakes and pierogies, you can get $5 burritos, $2 tacos and $20 buckets of Corona and Corona Light.  29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102.  718.274.4925

Pachanga Patterson - The newest Mexican eatery in town will be doing something really special tomorrow. Get this...from 7 - 8 p.m. they'll have free drinks. Yep...FREE (I was astounded too).  You can also order 2 new tacos that they're adding to the menu especially for tomorrow.  Ole!  33-17 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 718.554.0525

Happy Cinco With My Homemade Guacamole

Hope everyone is having a happy and safe Cinco de Mayo.  Whether you're out partying or staying in and making your own fiesta, I wanted to provide you with a fun recipe for something simple and quintessentially Mexican - Guacamole. 

I've made the below recipe on so many occasions that I've lost count.  It's always well received and people comment on how flavorful it is.  I have to say, the secret to making really good guacamole is to not skimp on salt.  There are so many mediocre guacs out there that would be oh so fabulous with just a pinch of salt.  You can make the version below chunky or smooth, that's up to you.  Enjoy it with good homemade tortilla chips.  See recipe for that below as well.

Foodista's Homemade Guacamole (serves 6)

Ingredients:
3 large, ripe avocados

The juice of 1/2 lemon or lime

1/4 cup or less (eyeball it) of chopped red onion
Small handful of golden raisins

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Cut the avocado in half and take out the pit.  Scoop out all the avocado flesh and place it in a medium bowl.  Add the onions and the lemon/lime juice and mash with a fork or a pestle.  Mash to the consistency that you prefer (I like it slightly chunky).  Add golden raisins at the end and mix roughly with a fork.  Season with salt and pepper.

I like to save the pit and serve it in the guacamole for a fancier presentation.

Homemade Tortilla Chips (serves 6)

Ingredients:
10-12 rounds of soft flour tortillas
Vegetable oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
In a large deep pot (I like to use my Les Creuset), pour enough oil to cover about 1/3 of its depth.  Put the heat on medium - high to make sure the oil is super hot.

Cut the tortillas into eights and separate the pieces with your fingers.  When the oil is very hot, submerge the tortilla pieces into the oil.  Let them fry for about 2 - 3 minutes or until they look crispy and golden and float to the surface. 

Remove with a spider and drain.  Season with salt and pepper.