Mitsuwa Time

Mini roadtrip to Edgewater, NJ to visit Mitsuwa, the Japanese grocery store/food court. It was packed...and I mean, we circled the parking lot for like half an hour scouring for a parking spot. But, it was all worth the wait. As per my bro's girlfriend, we immediately got in line at the Ramen station which was a 45 min for your food! So an expert as she is at this...she instructed us to now grocery shop as our food was prepared. Which we did...and I ended up with a boat load of groceries...all types of Japanese munchies which I neglected to photograph...boo. After we got our Ramen we then had to search for a table to eat at which I hustled for...stalking an innocent family as they finished up their meal. We also got more food at another food vendor, this time more comfort food types with Egg Rice, a hamburger patty and chilli sauce, and seafood in chilli sauce...all good, and amazeballs on a cold winter day. I had to be rolled out of there I was so full...the food and journey out to Jersey was definitely a fun weekend outing. Til next time, xo, B

Egg Rice and Sausage

Seafood with chilli sauce and rice

Hamburge with chilli sauce and rice...totally reminded me of my grandma's meatloaf.

The Pan American

Lunch with my work peeps at the newly opened restaurant, The Pan American. American food with a spanish flair...but I was more excited for the option of drinks at happy hour prices during the day! Our waitress even let us taste the frozen mojito and frozen lemon drop...the frozen mojito was good with a nice taste of mint, but there was no way I was ordering a frozen drink in 20 degree weather! I have already returned to this spot for guac and drinks...yum! So for lunch, I had the churrasco steak sandwich...I give a 5 out of 10...the steak was good but the bread was so thick and hard it threw off the overall sandwich. Nice new spot, with good basics for a group of peeps to agree on. I'll be back...xo, B

My not so amazing sandwhich...but I took the steak and smothered it with guac...which was brillz on my part! lol

Fly like a G6

To read this post properly, you should listen to the song "Like a G6" from my previous post and scroll through the these pic. I took a bunch of pics on my blackberry that are worthy of sharing...my fave is this first one of little Coops riding E.T. style on our flight home to NYC. The sweetest flight attendant let us have him on the seat, but gave us a blanket to hide him just in case her boss walked by. He acted like he was totally in on his secret mission!

Of course, I couldn't go to California without hitting up In-N-Out...Cheeseburger animal style.

San Souci Beach in Hawaii

Matsumoto Shave Ice...totes not as good as Waiola, but presentation is pretty! lol

My fave day in Hawaii

My neon orange volcom hat is a necessity...obvi

Funniest thing...this dog was just roaming the beach visiting the different people...and as soon as I opened up my sandwich he darted straight for me and took a seat. I saved a piece of chicken from my sandwich which I gave to him at the end, and as soon as he took the bite he bounced. LOL...he totally worked me! ha

Papaya...my trip is never complete without eating one at my grandparents house. And, according to my Grandma, you're supposed to eat the edges of the papaya first because it's the sweetest part.

My Costco trip in Hawaii, local beer, kimchi, Hurricane popcorn, mochi & seaweed salad.

Hilarious

View from the top of the dormant volcano, Diamond Head.

Tofu Mousse...wha? I was amazed it was all whipped and tasted like cream cheese...until I read the ingredients and there is cream cheese in it! boo

The real deal...Waiola Shave Ice

Another San Souci beach sunset.

Preparty Hawaiian style

Back in Cali, Cooper running through the grass...which normally you wouldn't think is a big deal...but he's a city dog...so he's not used to it! haha

Ahmed kickin it with my 18 year old childhood dog Sammy by my mom's house.

Aloha, B

Tacombi

Hit up the Tacombi VW Bus at Fonda Nolita tonight for an after dinner taco. I had walked by this new spot the other morning, which as of last week was only serving coffee and breakfast tacos. One of these days I do want to make it for breakfast, because the tacos were delish. I split the chicken and steak tacos with my brother, and Ahmed had the fish which were served out of the VW Bus...they were well seasoned, the tortilla a little soggy (seemed like it had been out too long, but it was midnight and they're new...so I couldn't judge too much). And to top it off, they had a home made hot sauce that had enough kick to surprise my bro and me...which is a semi big deal, lol. My bro started speaking to one of the guys working there, who is from a town close to where my fam is in Mexico...and he was saying that they will be brewing four types of beer soon...once they get their liquor license of course.

The best part about this place is it's chill environment...reminds me of the Mexi places in Cali...metal tables and chairs set up in an open space on Elizabeth St. Once they have beer, this will def be a spot to hang out at. Great new find...xo, B

Just thought this was cute!

Mercadito

Had a little Mexi for dinner last night at Mercadito in the East Village...it was a small bday gathering for my older bro, the real shindig is next weekend. We ordered a bunch of stuff, but my hands down fave was the carne asada tacos. We started with the mahi mahi avocado ceviche, it was not that tasty which I was surprised by, because the website calls itself a cevicheria...hmm...but, it's pretty lol. Definitely stick to the basics here, they're worth it! I will for sure stop by this little joint again, and now know what to order. xo, B

Traditional guacamole, I don't like sweet takes on this dish...they had a couple fruity versions like mango, but that's a hellz no to that one.

Queso fundido with chorizo...bomb! The cheese was crisp and toasty on bottom which stuck to the plate...but the disappointment was finding out when the busboy took away the dish, that there were hidden tortillas to accompany it. Oops...but who doesn't like cheese all by itself.

Fried plantians

Carne tacos...so good!

Carnitas tacos...No way man! There were peanuts and cabbage on top...it was one hot mess...it was like having thai food on a tortilla. I overheard the cute little gay couple next to me raving about them, but they probs just weren't in the know, lol...but to each their own! haha

Chicken mole tacos...the texture of the chicken was good, crisp edges, and the mole was so so...after I dumped the hot sauce on it, the flavors were more appealing. Probably wouldn't do this one again, but would to the basic chicken tacos next time.

Of course the Bday boy didn't want any deserts, but his gf and I did...Tres Leches cake.

And carmelized plantains...just extra sweet plaintains, but good.

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

Went down South to hang with my Aunt in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina...just a little photo recap of the beach and food. xo, B

Perfection