Life and Everything In Between

Surprise coffee bar linked back to SF

Cece — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 02:19:33 +0000

We stumbled upon a tiny coffee shop, Abraco, after the tender porchetta treat. The like was long, and the barista looks quite professional. A tea drinker like me even got a latte to test it out – amazing!

Then I searched for the cafe review on NY Magazine, and of course, I liked it because the barista was from Blue Bottle Co. from San Francisco, my favorite! I got to talk to Jamie next time.

Line at the Abraco

[Can you find Ken standing in line?]

I love PORK!

Cece — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 01:12:41 +0000

As many of my friends know, pork is my ultimate comfort food, from chinese style BBQ pork, pork bun, ribs, wienerschnitzel, to chili verde. Now, my newest love, porchetta, i.e. roast suckling pig, Italian style.

I never had porchetta in the west coast; pork belly was just getting popular. It seems to be quite a regular dish in Italian restaurants (see “Gottino”).

This weekend, we decided to try Porchetta in the East Village. Was it the best decision I have ever made!!! Juicy, tender, and melt in your mouth.

Porky I love you!

Porchetta counter

Porchetta, whole!

Fido waiting outside patiently

It’s just the hype and tons of sugar…. [Updated 3.29.09]

Cece — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:43:40 +0000

I decided to give Magnolia another try. There were so many tourists; I had to wait in line for 15min. before I could be in the bakery to choose what I like. Tourists were dancing and screaming and laughing while waiting in line, camera flashes everywhere.

The taste of these cupcakes are very consistent, tons of sugar. BUT, the Pumpkin cheese cake is very tasty!

I will just get cupcakes from my neighborhood bakery Billy’s, just as good.

Magnolia Bakery cupcakes

UPDATE: During this week’s excursion in the East Village, we ran into Butter Lane. And this, is the REALY CUPCAKE! These are semi-sweet super moist cupcakes with delicious flavorful icing, and lots of cupcake-icing combo to choose from. And best of all, local and organic ingredients!

Italian snacks

Cece — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 01:11:56 +0000

Tapas is one of my favorite, you can have a taste of many culinary creations within one menu. And now, Italian style.

I found Gottino on New York Magazine review. I was attracted by the photo on the site, warming and traditional.

There are only a few tables behind the bar, no reservation in advance. WE were not sure at first, but as soon as there were seats available, the friendly bartenders/waiters waived at us to sit down right away.

It was such an experience: marble counter, friendly and knowledgable waiters/bartenders, amazing food, good small portions, & great wine! I will go back again!

Cheese with marmalade

Scrambled eggs and tuna flakes crostini

Shaved brussel Sprout with slivered almonds

Daily mixture - chunks of cheese, chorizo, pepper, olives, mixed with virgin oil

Porchetta

Affogato

quail and chicken pate

Paella anyone?

Cece — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:10:25 +0000

Small and narrow restaurant Socarrat Paella Bar, with a communal table that extends into the back of the store, and turns into the bar. Homey with a modern twist. Very flavorful, with many paella combos to choose from. but the paella was a bit salty. I would go again and give the paella another chance. The 2 dishes, sucking pig and fried pepper are part of the daily special. The dessert, spanish style creme brulee, has a texture like a flan. Delish!

Communal table

Suckling pig over a bed of greens

Fried pepper

Paella - Pork rib and rabbit

Spanish creme brulee

Bite size joy

Cece — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:27:10 +0000

Another sweet spot to look forward to when strolling down Soho. Baked by Melissa, a cupcake “hole-in-the-wall,”(3′x5′?) has been very popular since day one. There are 7 flavors, and each one is just about the size of a quarter, so you can enjoy multiple flavors and not feeling overwhelmed with sugar.

A sales from a retail store visits this tiny gem everyday with a list of orders from her co-worker.

I also overhead the owner (?) told her friends that she doesn’t even have to pay for the rent. No rent at this killer location? What?! Is this even possible?

Amazing location

Owner?

Crooked cupcakes after whole day of shopping

Fido in action

Cece — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 05:32:13 +0000

Check the crazy guy out:

Bone chewing with help from sofa

Tug of War

Mexico 090219

Cece — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 04:30:08 +0000

Dinner on the plane, Delta

Dry beef…..

Bimbo truck

Taxi in Mexico - classic Bug!

Mexico 090218

Cece — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 04:22:29 +0000

Paxia – Tasting menu

Paxia interior

Chef's complimentary - fried tortilla dumplings filled with cheese, quacamole on the side

Bread - mole and cheese

Course # 1 - Bite-size chicken with avacado on tortilla discs

Course # 2 - Chile Verde over raw shrimps, served with toasted tortilla chips

Course # 3 - Mexican cheese and candied pear over arugula

Course # 4 - Served as dry shooter glass with sliced potato chip and peach with spices; soup is pour at table

Course # 5 - lemon sorbet

Course # 6 - baked crackling pig over tortilla, covered with cheese and red sauce

Course # 7 - Beef steak over green sauce with cheese, rice on the side

Course # 8 Apple tart with ice cream

Complimentary Macaroon

Mexico 090217

Cece — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:13:20 +0000

Mexico City

"Fifth Avenue" of Mexico city

University of Mexico stadium

Lunch, salad - Mexican cheese and candied pear over arugula

Lunch, appetizers - shrimp taco with fried cilantro, pork + mexican cheese over tortilla

Steak stuffed with crackling pork, on a bed of chile verde