Location | The Crooked Tree, East Village
Thoughts: The Crooked Tree is becoming comfort food. Want a sandwich? A deliciously satisfying salad? A savory or sweet crepes? You can find it all at the Crooked Tree. It’s even become the spot where a gal can spill her guts out over a homemade sangria. The price range is affordable, the staff is incredibly friendly and they almost NEVER miss the mark in terms of appetizing food.
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Location | Ninth Street Espresso, East Village
Thoughts: of teeny tiny hole in the walls, Ninth Street Espresso is misleading. The outside of their 10th street location suggests tiny, but walk inside and you’re confronted with enough room to comfortably break dance. Their menu is short and to the point. Espresso’s of various sizes and basic coffee/tea. They also have an incentive card, and they hole punch it with a heart. =)
The guys are good looking and nice, there’s room to breathe and it hasn’t been taken over by the masses. Check it out.
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Location: Santos Anne | Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
Thoughts: I’ve visited Santos Anne twice now, and it wasn’t until the second time around that Puebla, Mexico finally came to mind. The restaurant is part French, part Mexican— and for those who aren’t aware what 5 de Mayo celebrates; it’s the victory of the Poblanos against the French occupation. Suddenly, Santos Anne had a bit more connection to my Mexican roots (though I am not from Puebla).
The first time around, steak was savored. This time, I went for a more authentic Mexican experience with the chilaquiles (chee-lah-key-les). They were devine. They come with some chicken prepared in what I think is chipotle sauce, but the actual tortillas are kept crispy and drenched in salsa verde. I loved the block of queso fresco and the avocado thrown in the mix to cool the spices down. Go! <3
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Location: Dumont | Williamsburg Brooklyn
Thoughts: While searching for an experience at the recently trendy Gwynnette St in Williamsburg, we discovered we were too fashionably late for Sunday brunch there. So, we walked a block or two over, and found the small treasure that is Dumont. No longer brunch, and not quite dinner— I enjoyed a light, but substantial crab-cake salad. It was lightly seasoned and dressed.
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Location: North East Kingdom, Brooklyn, New York
Impressions: First thing I was told about the restaurant was; the tater tots are cooked in duck fat. Being a fan of tater tots, I was sold on the mention alone. The crispy on the outside, tender on the inside tots were splendid. The potato skins I ordered as a starter were also a palette opener. Though I didn’t try the pot roast; the consensus was that it was delicious. I myself had the burger— and at first glance considered it to be a small portion, until I reached the half-way point and realized I couldn’t have another bite (though I attempted it). The entire meal was delectable. Do expect to spend about $30 per peson with meal/tax & tip— no drinks included.
<3 Saki
Location: Undisclosed
Impressions: I’ve learned that in order to appreciate the scent of your whisky, you must sniff with your mouth open. Adding a drop of water to your Johnnie Walker can change the way you experience it per sip. Ginger ale with Johnnie Walker is a great combination, and my favorite Johnnie Walker is Gold— it’s got a honey aftertaste. Want more!
If you’re invited to a Johnnie Walker tasting, go— it’s a beneficial experience.
<3 Saki
Restaurant: The Grey Dog’s Coffee
Impressions: I love taking a risk and randomly walking by a restaurant and banking your faith and money that the food is going to be delicious. The Grey Dog lived up to this high hope. Not only was the food scrumptious, the portions were ginormous! Is that a word? The only downfall— my soy chai wasn’t that good. It was watered down and there really wasn’t a spicy kick to the chai. But, the combination of; turkey, granny apples, Brie and raspberry mustard was divine. I especially love that they were not greedy with the Brie. Huge chunks nestled between the rest of the awesome flavors.
Restaurant: Curry Ya
Impressions: Yum! I’ve publicly shared that I’ve never had curry before— and although I had the traditional Japanese curry at Curry Ya, if that’s what I’ve been missing then damn! The salad is simple, yet flavorful. The curry, had spectacular flavor, the; beef, potatoes, carrots all tender. I was so pleased with my first curry experience and have since ate it three times. I think I’m ready for some Indian curry dishes. =D
<3 Saki