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!