Showing posts with label Latin food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Latin food. Show all posts
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Brunching at the New Fatty's Cafe
Today, Meg and I brunched at the new Fatty's Cafe, now situated on 45th Street and 28th Avenue. I've had my doubts about this neighborhood, and still do, as it lacks foot traffic and proximity to the subway, but our experience was enjoyable- and it'll certainly make me return again.
Atmosphere:
Much different than its original location on Ditmars, the new Fatty's is a lot larger and generally in better condition. The previous building from what I recall was pretty much falling apart from the outside in, but this locale is shiny, new and intriguing.
Stepping it up on design, Meg and I marveled at the interesting interior touches found in the space such as a wall of vintage speakers hugging an aquarium of all things; the reclaimed bar made of old record album covers; microphone beer taps and lots of local art. Parts of this was very reminiscent of the old Fatty's and the way things used to be yet with a fresher, cooler spin. Unfortunately the outdoor garden wasn't yet available to use, but this'll give us something to come back for.
Food:
Unlike the exciting new design, the menu at the new Fatty's is everything it used to be. Partly excited by the old and familiar, but also a little uninspired, I tried to choose something I haven't had before:
Dominican Sunrise - Not quite remembering this item on the old menu, it intrigued me. Consisting of 2 fried eggs (over easy) with Dominican queso blanco, salsichon and tostones, it was a pretty complete meal. After tasting each component, I couldn't decide what I liked best, as they were all well executed - especially that fried, salty cheese and the perfectly runny eggs. Creating a silky coating on all of these delicious ingredients, the egg added a little something special to each section of the plate.
Mofongo - One of my favorite menu items, Meg ordered it with a stuffing of cheese for protein. It looked like the gorgeous mound that I remember, except that it was drenched in queso blanco as opposed to a tomatoey sauce of the past. I didn't try it, but Meg praised its flavor and confirmed that it was incredibly hearty, which made her take most of it home for later.
Bloody Mary - Loving me a stiff bloody Mary, this one delivered on flavor, spice and potency. I liked that the tomato juice was super thick and that it was generously seasoned with ground black pepper and bejeweled with tangy olives and fresh lemon.
Service and Cost:
I found the service at the new Fatty's a lot more pleasing and responsive than at its Ditmars predecessor. Our waitress was kind and attentive, ensuring we got everything on time, from our first sip of water til the last signing of the check. Although we were in and out in about an hour, we didn't feel the need to hurry up and could've hung around as long as we liked.
Costs are affordable for brunch at $17 for your entree and morning cocktail. With tax and tip, we shelled out about $21 a piece, which was A-OK for such a solid experience. I'll definitely be back for more!
3 Mmmms
Fatty's Cafe - 45-17 28th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.267.7071
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue
fattysastoria.com
Monday, April 22, 2013
The Inkan Peruvian & Latin Cuisine Looks Awesome
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| Image by Diliana R |
I found myself in LIC last Saturday, enjoying the funny and provocative antics of Honey Badger Burlesque. It was quite a show, but more on that soon! During my evening, I ran into a yummy looking Peruvian restaurant called The Inkan, which really intrigued me. I noticed it, as I was on my way to the Chain Theater, and then lo and behold, there was a flyer for it at the theater as well. I perused the menu and really liked what I saw. Here's a sampling, in case you get an inkling for reasonable Latin food. I'd love to try it soon, and if I was in the nabe during lunch time, I'd totally hit them up. It looks so reasonable!
Appetizers:
Salchipapas - French fries with frankfurters...$5.99
Papa rellena - Stuffed potato...$6.99
Empanadas Ecuatorianas de Viento - empanadas stuffed with cheese...$1.50
Rotisserie Chicken & Ribs:
Whole chicken...$10.99
Spare ribs...$4.99
Seafood:
Camaron al Ajillo - Sauteed shrimp with garlic sauce served with white rice...$14.99
Ceviche Mixto - Mixed seafood including mussels, clams, shrimp, squid & fresh fish marinated in lemon juice; served with sweet potato and corn...$15.99
Parihuela - Rich mixed seafood soup with mussels, clams, shrimp, squid, fish and Spanish spices...$13.99
Jalea - Fried mixed seafood with onions, tomatoes, cilantro & lemon sauce...$14.99 (personal), $28.99 (family)
Meat:
Bistek Encebollado - Sirloin steak sauteed with onions & tomatoes, served with white rice & French fries...$13.99
Chuletas de Cerdo con Arroz y Habichuelas - Pork chop with rice and beans...$12.99
Mini Bandeja - Sirloin steak with white rice, beans, fried egg, sweet plantains & pork rind...$9.99
Entrana a la Parilla con Arroz Amarillo y Maduros - Grilled skirt steak with yellow rice and sweet plantains...$17.99
Sides:
Sweet plantains...$3.99
Fried yucca...$3.99
Red beans...$3.99
Green plantains...$3.99
The Inkan - 45-02 23rd Street, LIC NY 11101
718.433.4171
7 Train to Court Square
www.theinkancuisine.com
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Casa Enrique Surprises and Delights
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the new cocktail offering at LIC Latin eatery, Casa Enrique. And recently, my We Heart Astoria friends, Meg & Mackenzi as well as Bradley from Amuse Bouche had the chance to try it out. I'll admit that I enjoyed the food a lot more than the drinks, which were pretty standard, but overall I liked my experience very much and would love to come back.
Atmosphere:
Classy, sleek and almost all white, Casa Enrique is full of modern touches that go so well with the nouveau neighborhood in which it's located. I like that it's super close to the subway, yet far enough from Vernon Blvd, where it feels private and nice and quiet.
The inside is laid out in an interesting fashion, with a large communal table up front (where we sat), and more traditional two and four top tables towards the back of the restaurant. I noticed the beautiful flower arrangements, which were supplied by LIC flower extraordinaire, Floresta--providing a much needed pop of color in the simple monochrome environment.
Food:
Even though the menu isn't huge, there are plenty of things to choose from, especially if you enjoy Latin classics such as enchiladas, mole, carne asada and the like. However, besides the simple dishes, there are some funky looking things on the menu as well such as cow tongue.
Guacamole - We started with a classic bowl of guac, which was simple and tasty. I loved the slightly chunky consistency and the side of totopos (aka fresh, crunchy tortilla chips). There was also a side of these wormy looking crackers that looked like cheese doodles but tasted anything but. Instead, they were light and airy and didn't leave you with nasty, orange fingers.
Enchiladas Moles - I adore mole and when I saw how meticulously it's prepared here (boasting many vibrant ingredients), I had to try it. First off, the sauce was a gorgeous chocolatey-brown color and the taste was just out of this world. Rich, earthy and a little spicy, the mole was a delicious sauce that coated the enchiladas from the outside and was just a wonderful thing to dip into once you broke the middle and got access to the tender chicken meat. The mole is made with a mix of dry peppers, almonds, raisins, plantain, sesame seeds and chocolate - ooh la la!
Dessert - Although I didn't go for the dessert myself, my friends really enjoyed the molten chocolate cake and the chocolate budino (or pudding), which came with fresh whipped cream and crunchy wafers. All was gone at the end of the meal so I think operation full, satisfied tummy fully accomplished.
Service and Cost:
The service was pretty relaxed, and although we sat a bit far from the rest of the diners in the other room, we were definitely noticed and served promptly. Although our waitress did a good job of asking us if we needed anything, she wasn't rushing us out to leave and I had the feeling that we could've lingered longer if we wanted to.
Costs are moderate and include:
Appetizers - $8-$12
Tacos - $8-$14
Entrees - $13-$22
3 Mmmms
Casa Enrique - 5-48 49th Avenue, LIC NY 11101
347.448.6040
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
Monday, January 28, 2013
Oficina Latina - A Delicious Stop off the Pan American Highway
Last week, I was invited to a fabulous tasting at Oficina Latina, one of my favorite Nolita haunts. This place is quite special, as I remember enjoying it on multiple occasions during the summertime - really loving their drinks and the anything but run-of-the-mill Pan Latin cuisine. I was joined by other foodie colleagues such as Daniel from The Daily Meal and Here's Park Slope, Elena from The Gotham Palate, Josh Beckerman the Foodie Magician, among others. Together, we embarked on a delicious Pan Latin food adventure that set our tastebuds aflutter.
Atmosphere:
Besides the carefully prepared Latin delicacies you can expect here, the decor is also well thought out and resembles anything but a typical Latin eatery. Inspired by the Pan American highway, the furnishings are really rustic and put together in a purposefully haphazard way. You'll find everything from an old barber's chair at the bar to refurbished light fixtures and personal artifacts in all nooks and crannies. I love that the seating is so varied - from high backed stools to comfy wide lounge chairs in the back of the dining area. There's a mantle towards the back with fun photos of adventurous trips taken along this very famous Pan American route.
The focal point though I'd say is the elaborate white tiled bar, where all the magic happens so to speak. Expertly crafted cocktails get made here, decked by a faint glow of fairy lights that just set the scene for all the yummy things about to happen.
Food and Drink:
We were in for a treat with a 6 course tasting menu of different dishes, which weren't meant for sharing - however in a typical setting, most of these would be served as tapas. I had a few stand-outs such as the blood sausage and the calamari ceviche, but in all honesty, everything was really tasty.
Calamari Ceviche - A seriously refreshing dish, I loved its boldness and zest, with the calamari dressed in a lime concoction. The fresh celery and cilantro added more pop to each bite, and the little delicate chunks of pineapple brought in a surprising element of sweetness. The whole thing was enveloped in a crunchy tortilla, which was a fun, playful way to eat this dish.
Grilled Octopus - I totally adore octopus, but have also had it cooked totally wrong, which is always a letdown. Happy to say that Oficina Latina did it justice and then some, the inside of the octopus just melted on your tongue, while the outside had a lovely charred, smokey flavor that made for a nice introduction to your tastebuds. The whole thing was served on a bed of potato and celery salad, which was non-traditional and made it a bit more hearty.
Grilled Tuna Skewers - Excited by how liberally seafood was used in this tasting, the tuna skewers also delivered. I loved that the tuna meat was plentiful and cooked to a nice medium. Further dressed with red bell peppers, onions and pears, I once again raised my brows in approval as the sweetness hit my tongue in a subtle way. If you look at the photo above, you'll notice the beautiful pink, pickled onions on top that in the words of Daniel "always make things better."
Fried Blood Sausage - While some can get squeamish around this very meaty medley, I absolutely loved it and would call it my culinary highlight of the evening. The sausage was fried and therefore the skin crispy, while the inside was soft and meaty and oh so rich. Pairing beautifully with the bite sized arepitas also on the plate, it reminded me of an extreme version of sausage and hash. And let me not forget the side of chorizo also on the plate, that added more smoke and a little punch of spice.
Braised Lamb Shank - This was the point in the meal when I began to slow down, but I couldn't possibly resist lamb - it's one of my favorite proteins. Braised lamb nonetheless. Although I appreciated the nice texture of the meat and its mild flavoring, the dish didn't do as much for me as some of the tapas I just described. What I did like about it though was the inventive use of sweet plantain puree instead of typical mashed potatoes - nice touch!
Tres Leches Cake - Ending things off on a sweet note was so much fun, as we each got a serving of incredibly moist tres leches cake, which was also prepared in-house. Looking really elegant and a lot more delicate than your typical thick tres leches, this was definitely a lighter and not as sweet version, which was appreciated. The healthy dollop of fresh whipped cream didn't go unnoticed, as well as the beautiful chocolate sauce design work that dressed the plate.
Drinks - The drinks program at Oficina Latina is just as exciting as its food. We enjoyed a unique cocktail or wine with each course and my favorites included the candied ginger orange margarita and the shots of rum we did at the end. The latter was most exciting, as the presentation was impeccably put together in tiny mason jars that were served on a mirror laced with lines of fresh espresso, cinnamon, brown sugar and an orange slice. Knock one back at your own risk.
Service and Cost:
I loved the casual nature of this place that just feels like somewhere you can hang out on a daily basis with good friends. Our servers were knowledgeable and attentive but totally nonchalant, which was great. Chef Abraham came out too and downplayed his incredible skills he showcased throughout the evening, which was totally characteristic of how this place operates. It's understated yet anything but ordinary.
Costs are moderate and include:
Tapas: $8 - $15
Salads and Tortas (sandwiches): $10 - $16
Main Dishes: $20 - $23
Brunch: $12 or $15 (with a cocktail)
They also offer brunch each and every day til 4 p.m. How great is that?! It's next on my list...
3 Mmmms
Oficina Latina - 24 Prince Street, New York NY 10012
646.381.2555
N/R train to Prince Street
www.oficinalatinanyc.com
Monday, January 7, 2013
Latin Jazz Night at Astor Room
Now that the holidays are over, we're finding our calendars to be much more open to take advantage of new and interesting neighborhood doings. I recently heard about Latin Jazz night at Astor Room that really intrigued me, sounding a little old fashioned and sexy--definitely not your ordinary Wednesday. Here's what you can expect if you go this Wednesday, which you can do either for just drinks or a formal dinner:
A Night of Latin Jazz, featuring LowerEastSalsa band
Wednesday, January 9th at 7 p.m.
Enjoy an authentic Latin menu and drinks - $40/person for a 3-course prix-fixe
If you'd like to sit at the bar, there's a $15 cover and a 1 drink minimum
Bring your favorite person with you and enjoy a spicy evening of food and rhythm.
The Astor Room - 34-12 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106
718.255.1947
N/Q Train to Broadway or M/F Train to Steinway Street
www.astorroom.com
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Havana Hideout – Delicious Treasure Found
As we were vacationing in South Florida this past week, I always take the opportunity to try something new as far as restaurants are concerned. And even though Havana Hideout was on my list of places to try for quite a while, we never actually got there till now, since it’s a little bit of a trip from where we were staying. Well now after going, I’m happy to say that we’ll definitely be back to this fabulous and somehow yet still subdued hideaway.
Atmosphere:
Before I get into Havana’s relaxing atmosphere, I must caveat this review with the fact that this place has been featured on Guy Fieri’s popular, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives program on the Food Network, which Dan and I are big fans of. So we kind of knew that we were in for something good.
Walking up to its building (or more accurately described as a shack), Dan was a bit skeptical, but I had high hopes. We walked in, confronted by a really laid back vibe with some current alternative rock jams, a waitress at the bar and some casual stools to sit on. We ordered from the menu, and of course noticed that it had a special section citing the choices Guy tried when he came to visit.
After placing our orders, we headed outside to the picnic area that made you feel almost as if you were at the beach. There were picnic tables, casual metal chairs, beach umbrellas and even a sandy texture to the ground. The tunes we heard inside carried through and we immediately felt relaxed and happy to be there.
Food:
Since our eyes gravitated to Guy’s choices right away, I went with the spicy fish tacos and Dan chose the Triple D, which sounded fabulous, and I knew I’d have some of it to sample.
Grilled Achiote Rubbed Fish Tacos – I adore fish tacos and was hopeful for something yummy. It was great to see that Havana delivered, and then some, with their large fish tacos, dressed with a sweet fresh pineapple and red pepper salsa. Never seeing something like this on a fish taco, I welcomed their creativity and think it worked really well to balance out the spice used in the fish. I also liked the crunchy cole slaw at the bottom of the taco, which gave it yet another element of uniqueness - overall, a home run and something I’d highly recommend.
Triple D – Dan’s Triple D plate was gargantuan, and besides including one of the fish tacos identical to mine, it also had a half of a Cuban sandwich and a generous piece of pionono (a Puerto Rican layer dish with ground beef, sweet plantains, raisins and olives sealed in a hearty sauce). I had a few generous pieces of the latter two dishes and my favorite by far was the Cuban, which was beautifully toasted on the outside and had the most flavorful contents of tender roast pork, smokey ham, beautifully melted cheese, and a crunchy pickle. They also used a really creamy, spicy mayo, which we adored—serving as the binder for all the ingredients.
The pionono was really amazing as well, the sweet plantains being really soft and almost dessert like. I loved taking a huge forkful of the meat and the plantains together, enjoying this expertly sweet and savory marriage.
Service and Cost:
Although Havana Hideout has only one waitress and another person who cooks the food, they do an absolutely bang-up job. Our waitress couldn’t be friendlier and made sure we were taken care of to the T. She was warm and welcoming but not imposing, as some of our waitstaff at other restaurants that week.
Costs are really wallet friendly and for the above mentioned food we ordered (at huge portions), as well as two 8 oz. craft beers, we paid about $34 total. You did well Guy – thanks for the awesome find!
3 Mmmms
Havana Hideout – 509 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth, FL 33460
561.585.8444
www.havanahideout.com
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Lena Grill - Quality, Fresh Food with Latin Flava
Lena Grill - 34 West 35th Street, New York NY 10001
212.274.1995
N/Q/B/V/F/D Train to 34th Street Herald Square
www.lenanyc.com
A few weeks ago, I was invited to explore a Latin restaurant during lunchtime called Lena Grill. It seemed casual enough to just pop in during my lunch break, and I took Bo with me. As you might know from reading my posts, she's always happy and willing to join me in my food escapades and when I mentioned Latin food, she didn't hesitate for a second.
Atmosphere:
Located close to the very busy Herald Square, but on a side street where pedestrians can move with ease and actually see the sidewalk, Lena is approachable and accessible to office workers as well as to Murray Hill residents. A cross between a Chipotle and Cosi, it looks like an inviting cafe with clean, simple decor and some modern touches such as wooden furniture accessories and funky industrial lighting. There's plenty of seating for small and larger parties, which you can casually claim before or after you order your food.
Bo and I got there on the early side of lunch (around 12:15) and the place had many seats. However that all changed after a short half hour where almost every table at Lena was taken - so word to the wise, get there early if you want a good spot.
Food:
Lena's menu is simple and conveniently organized into categories such as wraps, salads and plates. You choose a category and add the sauces, additions and sides of your liking. Additionally to the food, Lena also features fresh fruit juices, which they alternate daily.
Fried Chicken with Coconut Rice and Beans - Bo is a fried chicken enthusiast and without giving the menu another glance, she chose this as her main dish along with coconut rice and black beans. She enjoyed it very much and I could see why - the chicken was nice and thin and so crispy around the edges that it made a lovely crunch sound when biting into it. Bo wasn't crazy about the rice because it had an intense coconut flavor but since I adore anything with coconut, I was really into it. The beans were simple, flavorful and delicious, further filling our bellies to perfect roundness.
Tilapia Wrap with Fried Yuca and Tostones - This was my dish and similar to Bo's, it was also very fresh, zesty and delicious. A warm, toasty whole wheat tortilla wrap was stuffed with a light tilapia and mix of veggies such as tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, cilantro and other Latin accouterments. I loved the fish especially since it tasted wonderful and light, not having any trace of a weird fishiness that sometimes inflicts fish tacos. The yuca fries were crunchy and soft and their flavor was elevated further when dipped into garlicky blue cheese sauce. Same went for the tostones that were the right amount of crispy, salty and chewy on the inside - pure yumminess!
Fresh Juices - We couldn't resist Lena's offering of freshly made juices. I went for the mango and Bo chose the watermelon. Both were smooth and pure and not overly sweetened, which was great. Although we loved them, we thought they would've been better enjoyed in the summertime.
Service and Cost:
The service seemed efficient and relatively quick during slower times, but as soon as the restaurant got busy, it got a little hectic. Not to say there was something wrong, we just felt that overall, the service could've been more consistent throughout our experience.
Prices are moderate to a little expensive for lunch, but definitely still doable, especially if you want a quality meal with a health conscious skew.
Wraps - $7.25 - $9.25
212.274.1995
N/Q/B/V/F/D Train to 34th Street Herald Square
www.lenanyc.com
A few weeks ago, I was invited to explore a Latin restaurant during lunchtime called Lena Grill. It seemed casual enough to just pop in during my lunch break, and I took Bo with me. As you might know from reading my posts, she's always happy and willing to join me in my food escapades and when I mentioned Latin food, she didn't hesitate for a second.
Atmosphere:
Located close to the very busy Herald Square, but on a side street where pedestrians can move with ease and actually see the sidewalk, Lena is approachable and accessible to office workers as well as to Murray Hill residents. A cross between a Chipotle and Cosi, it looks like an inviting cafe with clean, simple decor and some modern touches such as wooden furniture accessories and funky industrial lighting. There's plenty of seating for small and larger parties, which you can casually claim before or after you order your food.
Bo and I got there on the early side of lunch (around 12:15) and the place had many seats. However that all changed after a short half hour where almost every table at Lena was taken - so word to the wise, get there early if you want a good spot.
Food:
Lena's menu is simple and conveniently organized into categories such as wraps, salads and plates. You choose a category and add the sauces, additions and sides of your liking. Additionally to the food, Lena also features fresh fruit juices, which they alternate daily.
Fried Chicken with Coconut Rice and Beans - Bo is a fried chicken enthusiast and without giving the menu another glance, she chose this as her main dish along with coconut rice and black beans. She enjoyed it very much and I could see why - the chicken was nice and thin and so crispy around the edges that it made a lovely crunch sound when biting into it. Bo wasn't crazy about the rice because it had an intense coconut flavor but since I adore anything with coconut, I was really into it. The beans were simple, flavorful and delicious, further filling our bellies to perfect roundness.
Tilapia Wrap with Fried Yuca and Tostones - This was my dish and similar to Bo's, it was also very fresh, zesty and delicious. A warm, toasty whole wheat tortilla wrap was stuffed with a light tilapia and mix of veggies such as tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, cilantro and other Latin accouterments. I loved the fish especially since it tasted wonderful and light, not having any trace of a weird fishiness that sometimes inflicts fish tacos. The yuca fries were crunchy and soft and their flavor was elevated further when dipped into garlicky blue cheese sauce. Same went for the tostones that were the right amount of crispy, salty and chewy on the inside - pure yumminess!
Fresh Juices - We couldn't resist Lena's offering of freshly made juices. I went for the mango and Bo chose the watermelon. Both were smooth and pure and not overly sweetened, which was great. Although we loved them, we thought they would've been better enjoyed in the summertime.
Service and Cost:
The service seemed efficient and relatively quick during slower times, but as soon as the restaurant got busy, it got a little hectic. Not to say there was something wrong, we just felt that overall, the service could've been more consistent throughout our experience.
Prices are moderate to a little expensive for lunch, but definitely still doable, especially if you want a quality meal with a health conscious skew.
Wraps - $7.25 - $9.25
Salads - $7.50 - $9.50
Plates - $8.95 - $12.25
Sides - $2.25 - $3.50
Plates - $8.95 - $12.25
Sides - $2.25 - $3.50
Drinks - $1.50 - $3.95
2.5 Mmmms
2.5 Mmmms
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Sandro's - New Latin Food Place Opening Soon
The old Lava Cafe is no longer, I noticed last week and will now be called Sandro's Latin Food. Meg told me about it last week and I took notice of it too when I was in the neighborhood. Not sure yet when it's going to open but a Latin food restaurant will be welcome on 23rd Avenue, which is heavily populated with Greek tavernas and Italian restaurants. I hope it's an authentic Latin food joint, serving some interesting homemade concotions. I don't know more at this point, but please holler if you do.
I'll report back with more details soon.
Sandros Latin Food - 27-03 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
I'll report back with more details soon.
Sandros Latin Food - 27-03 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Holiday Specials at Blend
Blend is one of my favorite Latin eateries in LIC and I had the pleasure of dining there this weekend. I'll reveal the deets of my delicious experience later this week, but in the meantime, I wanted to let you know about the holiday specials they're featuring.
Monday - 50% off any bottle of wine
Monday - 50% off any bottle of wine
Tuesday - Complimentary glass of wine or champagne with the purchase of an entree
Wednesday - Unlimited sangria (red or white) all night long for $14.95, with a purchase of an entree
Specials apply for dinner only. And even if you decide to go on Thursday - Sunday, the prices are still very competitive and the portions generous.
Blend - 47-04 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101
718.729.2800
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
Blend - 47-04 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101
718.729.2800
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
Friday, October 2, 2009
Salud - Organic Latin Eats Worth the Adventure



Salud - 1308 Avenue H, Midwood Brooklyn 11213347.295.1191
Q Train to Avenue H
www.saludnyc.com
Meg and I went on quite the excursion to Midwood, Brooklyn this week. Although it was a hike, it was so worth it because we ate at a delicious, organic Latin juice bar & eatery called Salud. If you're looking for adventure or if you live in the area, I wouldn't miss it.
Atmosphere:
Bright, uplifting and cheery come to mind when thinking about Salud. I simply loved its colorful decor, which clearly says life, adventure and healthy living. There's plenty of lush greenery around in the form of potted plants, giving off a slightly tropical feel. The seating is eclectic with a couple of small tables up front, a long bench in back and even a juice bar with high stools in the middle.
My favorite element of Salud was the beautiful Latin music and local art on display. It all feels very personal and we found out that it is--the owners mentioned that some of the artwork comes from their family collection from Mexico. It was a mix of modern/abstract and traditional paintings - just lovely.
Food and Drink:
Salud specializes in healthy, organic food with a Latin twist. I was very impressed with their homemade products, such as the legendary Mexican hot chocolate, which they also outsource to specialty food stores.
Sweet Potato and Kale Soup - Meg and I started with this soup, which was a special of the day. With the sudden drop in the temperature outside, it was a nice way to warm up. The broth was thick and slightly sweet, with a nice hint of cinnamon. If you're intimidated by kale, don't be - it was interlaced so seamlessly and subtly in the soup, that it was really pleasant. Plus, it's a super vegetable, packed with 19 vitamins and minerals - what could be better for you?
Chicken Torta - This gorgeous sandwich came highly recommended by Salud. The thin, slightly toasted ciabatta roll was packed with flavorful and fresh ingredients such as avocados, tomatoes, quesillo (Mexican cheese), beans and the piece-de-resistance, lightly breaded chicken. Both Meg and I loved how thin and delicate the chicken was - even though it was fried, it wasn't greasy or heavy. The avocado and beans rounded out the dish and gave it that wonderful Latin flavor- it was like a burrito but in sandwich form. I'd love to replicate it at home and think I just might. By the way, this sandwich was pretty huge and was a perfect item to split with another person.
Drinks - Meg ordered a You are Berry Nice smoothie and I got the Mexican hot chocolate. I was stunned by the sheer size of the smoothie - it was 20 oz! 20 oz of heaven that is, with fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, banana and oat milk. Again, plenty of vitamins and minerals to fulfill your quota for the week. The drink tasted fresh and tangy but not overly sweet, which was a good thing.
My Mexican hot chocolate was out of this world! It's impressive that it's truly homemade, ground with spices and a couple of secret family ingredients. I loved how frothy it was on top and once I took a gulp, I began to relax. The taste was rich and smooth and slightly spicy from the cinnamon - however, it didn't have the adverse effect that rich whole-fat milk usually has on me. The oat milk was a nice touch and a great alternative for people who can't tolerate dairy.
Service and Cost:
I already mentioned the incredibly personal vibe here and that extends to the service. The staff, who are also Salud's owners are friendly, low-key and super knowledgeable about food. I very much enjoyed speaking with Mayra, who was our server that night - listening to her stories about family and traditions made me feel so good about this place. These people really enjoy what they do, putting love into every crevice of this establishment, and it shows.
Costs could not be more wallet friendly - nothing on the menu exceeds $6.95. Here's the run-down:
Soups - $3.95
Sandwiches and Wraps - $2.95-$6.95
Organic coffee and hot chocolate - $1.50-$2.25
Juices and Smoothies- $2.95-$5.95
3 Mmmms
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