Anthony loves Tortilla Factory!

The other night, while looking up the business hours for the best taco joint in the neighborhood, I was totes stoked to find a video of one of my all time favorite boyfriends, Anthony Bourdain, at Tortilla Factory! If Anthony Bourdain is willing to trek out to Bushwick in the middle of Winter, these tacos have to be the best.

Tortilla Factory

I consider myself a bit of an authority, (loudmouth), on tacos, and yet I just last week experienced perhaps the most authentic taco spot in the city. Located in Bushwick, Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos, also known as "Tortilla Factory", is a bona fide tortilla factory serving delicious Mexican food from a small counter area off to the side.

It's the best taco spot I have found New York City. For starters, it's a freakin' tortilla factory with freshly made corn tortillas spewing out on conveyer belts! Secondly, it's goooood. Everything from the tacos, tacquitos, toastadas, and quesadillas are unbelievable. Nothing fancy, nothing gimicky, just solid Mexican food cooked properly. Thirdly, it's CHEAP. A tacquito is just $1.50. Buy two of those, and a Mandarin Jarrito, you will leave blissfully gordo and still have plenty of money in your wallet for more to take home for later. I've since gone back again...and again.

Call me factory girl.

Tacos at Midnight...and barf by sunrise.

I haven't tried these, but I'll bet a side of guacamole that the Late Night Tacos at Midnight Doritos taste less like tacos, and more like a frat house at Arizona state. Perfect for screenings of Half-Baked, I'm sure, but I shall pass.

Encore props

Ate at Papacitos last night. This time had the chips with fresh guac and a fish taco...ay dios mio. This fish taco was slammed with pickled cabbage and yummy horse radish. Enjoyed them while sitting in the taco garden and could not have been more delighted. Papacioto's is now my official summer jam. Get there!

Summahdaze

Grand and Berry Street, BK

Melts on the pavement, not in your hand.

San Loco

Bleck. This place is maybe half a step above Taco Bell. They refer to themselves as Gringo Mex, and they're right, there is no other way to describe such a lame impersonation of Mexican food. Super cheezy names like Guaco Loco made me want to mutilate my tongue as I ordered it. It was a hard shell taco wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. Total double decker steeze! Dorkfest. Overall, this place isn't the absolute worst, (Chipotle nabs that crown), but it's definitely forgettable. San No Bueno!

Barrio Chino

Located in Manhattan's Chinatown, Barrio Chino is a tucked away treasure of downtown. Everything I've ever had here from the tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and cocktails is pretty tasty. My favorites include the cactus and black bean taco and the citrus rubbed tilapia taco. Whoooooooa.

I consider their guacamole to be the prize of this place, it's some of the best you'll ever devour- unbelievable fresh and served with homemade chips. And the cocktails! If you visit, you MUST, MUST order a grapefruit margarita, sounds a little frilly, but it's sooo good.

The atmosphere is a kitchsy mix of Mexican and Chinese decor, and the service is always pretty solid. Only downside, (which often keeps me away), is the price, it's a bit steep. But for an occasional splurge in the city, this is the place to go. Plus, when you're ready for dessert, it's across the street from the bestest, cutest, most amazingest bakery in the world.

Say cheese!

I am geeking out for this necklace by Brookadelphia. Look good and pay homage to the irresistable protein that continues to prevent so many people from achieving full veganism. WANT!

one of these things is not like the other things...

We were inspired by Paula Deen.

Papacito's

Ay Papacito's! This is a pretty good taco spot tucked away in Greenpoint. Has a definite Cali vibe with plenty of veggie and vegan options. The meat in the beef taco I had was slightly greasy and reminiscent of Crack in the Box meat, BUT...that's not to say that it wasn't delicious. Super spicy and in a really good way. Chicken taco was even better, less spice, but plenty of flavor. The tortillas were a bit bland and fell apart, but other than making things a bit messy, they did the job.

Not only is the food good here, but this place has the greatest happy hour I've ever encountered...$1.50 tacos from 11-4. If I was homeless, I'd totally eat here every day. Plus they have a pretty sweet patio, (or taco garden if you will!), with a full bar. Pass me a Modelo, por favor.

Rhubarb! Stalk it to me.

photo by Where's Walden

Anyone else as psyched as I am to see fresh rhubarb at the farmer's market again? Definitely one of my all time favorite ingredients to cook with. I can't wait to make rhubarb cobblers, rhubarb pies, rhubarb cookies, rhubarb chutney, rhubarb jam, rhubarb cornbread, rhubarb pudding, rhubarb ice cream, rhubarb cakes, rhubarb salads, rhubarb syrup, rhubarb cocktails, and maybe a crumble if there's any left.

I will not meet you at Bonita.

After 4 visits to Bonita (on Bedford), I have to give up and give them a mediocre review. The owners are the geniuses behind two of my favorite restaurants in NYC, Marlow and Sons and Diner: two places where I have had some of the most unforgettable meals, but unfortunately, Bonita is the black sheep in this family of restaurants.

The chicken tacos were completely dry and tasteless. I could see cilantro and yummy looking toppings, but the only flavor I got was in the tortilla. And although they offer a generous caddy of salsas to choose from, 2 are unbearably hot, while the third is bland and mealy. The fish tacos were a bit better, but the halibut was battered and fried, overpowering any taste the fish might have had. Plus there was some kind of ranchero cream sauce that gave it a cheap flavor, (even though the cost isn't, an order of two tacos is $10).

It's such a shame too, as the service, decor and atmosphere are great. But if you're in the area and want a sit down meal, I'd recommend going to Chulo, or Bonita's sister restaurants up the street.

P.S. Their margaritas are made with wine...Margaritas. With wine.

What about bob (and bangs)

I am a proud beholder of a solid bob haircut with bangs. It's a do that I've explored through countless variations over the past 10 years. The following are bobs that I've been compared to, I admire, and respect.

Louise Brooks
Incredibly important to the bob movement, regarded as a bob pioneer and the trendsetter.

Amelie
Don't we all want to be her?

Mia Wallace
"I said goddamn! Goddamn..."

Suri Cruise
Unfortunate family ties, but flawless bob nonetheless.

Yola's Cafe

When I first moved to NYC, locals told me that Yola's Cafe was the only place to find good Mexican. Without hesitation, I made a trip to the walk in closet sized restaurant and ordered a veggie burrito. Big mistake. It came with mushy broccoli, carrots and refried beans. I did not go back. Then, four years later I had made plans to meet a friend at the nearby El Diablo truck. Except when we when we got there, it was closed! Disappointed and desperate, we decided to go to Yola's as it was just down the street and could maybe halfway satisfy us.

It totally did. Not only do they have tinga, (something I've only found at 2 other places in NYC), but everything was really really good! The meats are spicy and flavorful, and the salsas are fresh and homemade. The space is very cramped and claustrophobic, but they're always playing Mexican soap operas and funny beauty pageants on the TV. It's definitely best to order to go, and definitely avoid the veggie stuff!

Hit me with your best shot

Stumptown Coffee has fully infiltrateded New York!!! For too long the Northwest had it all to themselves, but now that Stumptown is distributing its beans, more and more cafes are brewing up the best coffee you'll lips will ever sip. I hit up two cafes in the neighborhood today (including the recenlty opened Second Stop Cafe, my new favorite coffee spot), both were serving Stumptown and both were AH-mazing.

The Portland based company will soon be opening up a full Stumpies location and roasterie in Red Hook later this year. Of course there is a chance that over time Stumptown may lose a bit of it's glamor being so readily available, but I can definitely also see it creating some really healthy and friendly competition amongst the coffee shops in NYC. Cool beans, I say. Let the coffee wars begin!

Yesssssss!!!!

BRUNO!!!

Bruno Movie Trailer

Endless Summer Taco Truck

photo by Franimal

Oh Endless Summer Taco Truck. I'm not sure how to start. The first time I saw you parked on Bedford and N. 6th, staffed by tattooed rocker boys, I have to admit, I did a mental eye roll. It took me another 2 (wasted and forsaken) months before I actually gave you the proper chance.

Since then I've never looked back. Hands down my favorite taco in New York. And for a few reasons...

1) They're always there! From about 12 on, they're always parked right on Bedford and N. 6th. More reliable than your chances of waking up to construction noise in the neighborhood.
2) It's cheap and filling! $2.50 for the most perfectly braised beef, pork, or chicken, and just $3 for fish or seitan (hear that, veggies?!).
3) All tacos and burritos come with the most perfect ratio of toppings, no one flavor is ever able to overpower another. Fiesta in your boca.
4) They have mexican corn!
5) Their logo is an ode to Black Flag.
6) The boys who work there are all smokin' hot.

Fact: I am an Endless Summer groupie.

Want. Need.

I kind of really need this taco wallet in my life. Finally. My love for tacos and passion for carrying things form a perfect union. Buy it for me?

chiquita bonita

Damn it ModCloth, you have me by the balls! How sweet is this vestido? It'd been flirting with me for more than a week and I could no longer resist its charms. In less than one week we'll be together sipping on margs and making eyes at the taco truck boys.

Cross your heart... I mean cleavage?

Who and what garment would require a bra to have criss-crossed straps in the front? Got me, but if the situation should ever present itself, VS's new 7-way convertible bra has you covered. Riiiight.

Suit yourself

I'm in a swimsuit frenzy. It seems that this year everyone's summer collections include the most adorable retro swimsuits that would be fit for Ms. Betty Grable herself. It took me forevs to find the this polka dot one piece above from Esther Williams, and I do love it, (has tummy control!), but I can't stop peeping these other suits! Want!

Lilly Pulitzer

Modcloth

Urban Outfitters

Tit for Tat

Alston's new titty tat. Silly boy.

Lady's Brunch Burger

On the weekends, the best gals in my life get together for what we call Ladies Brunch. It's a time for cackling, gossiping, and the most important food group: brunch. So I was intrigued when I heard about Paula Deen's Lady's Brunch Burger, thinking, "Paula, now you're talking my business." But after seeing the ingredients, now I'm thinking, "Paula, now you're trying to kill us."

This is a not a joke. This recipe was on her show! It's a bacon burger with a fried egg AND a krispy kreme donut. Get serious, Paula Deen. Or a bypass. Whichever comes first.

Free tacos @ Union Pool tomorrow!

Fact! Tomorrow, Saturday afternoon, the El Diablo taco truck located at Union Pool in BK will be giving away tacos from 4 - 7 pm on the patio. I first heard about this truck from a very reliable Bay Area native who claimed that these tacos were the BEST in NYC. Skeptical but very curious, I of course made a tasting trip the next day. And...This truck is pretty damn good! The salsa is very flavorful, and the tortillas are just about perfect. I can't deem them my absolute favorite, but I will say that they're in my top 5, (on the East Coast). Try 'em yourself tomorrow. You'll probs see me lurking around in different disguises as I sneak back in line for seconds and thirds.

Crawfish Coma

I survived 3 days of non-stop excellence which included: a Colombian-themed dance party, Pimm's, bike rides through the quarter and bargain district, profusely sweating and loving it, Po Boys, El Camino cruising, intense rounds of limbo, strawberry beer, and an authentic crawfish boil. If you're not familiar with a crawfish boil, it's basically a huge cookout involving lots of beer, spices, and hot sun, culminating in a savage frenzy of hungry mouths hunched over newspaper.

Greatest.Experience.Ever.

Gone ta Nawlins

I'm off to New Orleans for a much needed mini-vay. The dearest of friends, crawfish boils, Pimm's Cups, bike karaoke, outdoor brunches and dance parties await! Hope your weekend is spectacular too!

You have my heart, Keyboard Cat

There is a new meme on the loose...It's name is Keyboard Cat and it can, (and will), play off just about anything...Take any one of your favorite "fail videos", mash it with a cat playing keyboard, and give up on trying to control your hysterics. This may just trump Rick Roll. Here are some of my favs...

The Staten Island Ninja is BACK!

Remember the Staten Island ninja burglar from last year? No? Well, basically there was a ninja terrorizing Staten Island. Fact! He'd break into homes wielding nunchucks and escape using fancy ninja moves and rolls. During one robbery, a homeowner actually stabbed him in the chest with a 6-inch butcher knife. The ninja didn't even make so much as a peep or yelp! He just got up, blade still in his chest, and ran out. Not even Chuck Norris can demonstrate that kind of self-control!

Anyhow, NYPD closed the case last year thinking they had caught the suspect, but the ninja has struck again! Russ and Delores Irarey were awoken late at night when Snickers, their Yorkshire terrier, alerted them of the intruder. When Russ came face to mask with the ninja, he totally got all turtle power and jumped off the second floor balcony and into the foyer!

"It was amazing...he just jumped...flew in the air...did a little roll at the end," Irady said.

Who do you think would win in an epic street battle? The SI ninja or the Williamsburg Machete Gang?

'Sraining

It's been rainy all week out here. But although the weather is a bit gloomy and cold, I really don't mind it much. After all, I get to wear my favorite white go-go rain boots (from Sperry), and yellow rain slicker from Tulle, (which I'll admit, I bought because I wanted to look like the Morton Salt girl, and now I do)!

Now all I need is this blue sky umbrella from Moma, and then I'll be fit to splash in every puddle that dares me. Why not have a sunny disposition when the forecast is crappy?

roebling and metropolitan

"I don't want to achieve immortality through my work. I want to achieve it through not dying."
-Woody Allen

meet me at the pupusa stand

The Brooklyn Flea has been opened 2 weekends so far, and I've already managed to go 3 times. And although the antiques and vintage selection is always incredible, I'm finding myself more and more amped about the FOOD! Look at this pupusa! Adorable pupusa ladies make them by hand right as you order them. I'd never had one before, but now I'm hooked. And between the pupusas, mini cupcakes, and fresh lemonade and iced coffee, it's difficult not to sacrifice shopping time for food line time. Thank you to Lisa and Caroline for standing in line for me, it'll be my turn next time!

And let's not forget Mr. Softee. A sunny day in Brooklyn would not be right without an ice cream truck.
Then it was a quick bike cruise to East River park for afternoon libations and shoeless lazying.

My new routine. All. Summer.

Holy Batman shoes!!!

When I was 15-years-old my friend Ashley found a pair of Batman Cons at a thrift store. From the moment I saw her skip into the school yard with them, I vowed that I would hunt down a pair of my own. Unfortunately, finding these shoes is harder than pinning down The Penguin in the icy Gotham underground. These were a limited edition pair of Cons released in 1989, and apparently the only surviving pairs are either men's size 12, or kid's size 4.

Well, it's been 11 daunting years, but FINALLY, I scored this pair on ebay this week, and they're just my size!

Foes, beware! Or it'll be "ZIP! POW! BIFF!" for you!

Cherry Blossom Watch

Every April the city explodes with the vibrant colors and sounds of Spring. And each year I seem to completely miss the much anticipated bloom of cherry blossoms at the Botanical Garden. I either get there too early, or just a bit too late to catch the spectacular show. But not this year! I just discovered that the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens site has a cherry tree watch! It's basically a garden map that is updated daily to chronicle the garden's bloom status. Genius.

I will no doubt be checking the page daily until the exact moment that I can stroll down the Cherry Esplanade and shuffle through the petals like the kid in the photo above.

dress me up in your love

And so it begins. In the last week I've already splurged on two new spring and summer dresses, marking what will be a 5-month battle of trying to control myself from spending all my extra funds on warm weather wear. My defense? First off, one of these was on sale. Secondly, I mean c'mon-- these were practically made for me. The first is from my latest favorite label, Tulle, and the second is from Urbs. Both are perfect for flea market shopping and park lazying. Can't wait to test them out!