We're not talking about Apple Pie-NEW YORK CITY

This post will be the 1st of many "Big Apple" posts, however in these posts you probably won't find apple pie recommendation unless we suddenly find a place but I doubt it; but why would you come to NY for apple pie anyway? You come to NY for Pizza, falafel and Oddities and that is exactly what we are going to give you! First up Falafel.

Now many people will tell you that you should go to Mamoons Falafel in the Village for the true New York experience and yes this is very true.. however those Falafels are mostly good on a drunkin night at 2 am. If you want a Falafel in the day time then you should most definately go to "Taïm". Taïm means tasty in Hebrew and you can count on this 100%. They offer 3 flavors of Falafel;

Green traditional, with parsley, cilantro, and mint

Red with roasted red pepper

Harissa with tunisian spices (mildly spicy) Now you know I always order Harissa because of the spicy factor. I order it as a platter which includes hummus, tabouli, and israeli salad. You cannot go wrong!! So do it! Plus there are plenty of cute shops in the area. Go shopping and be sure to save $10 bucks for a delicious lunch! Taïm 222 Waverly Pl. near Perry Street

Cheese in a carriage?-HOBOKEN NJ

The home of Frank Sinatra, the birthplace of baseball and the launch of Augustinos Restaurant. We will preface this post by saying the waitresses are loud and proud and will get to know your name.. Oh! and they only take cash! If you can't handle this then you should probably not visit this place. Aside from the fun loving waitresses (that we love), the food is incredible! We used to frequent an Italian restaurant in Brooklyn because it was delicious and one of our first date spots, but sadly it went down hill. Then we found Augustinos and it's been our date spot ever since. Having said that, Michael and I have NEVER and I repeat NEVER sat at an actual table in the restaurant. We've always only sat at the bar and that's the way we'd like to keep it. Although the tables are nice, there are only 10 of them and it usually takes up to a month or so to get a reservation. We've been lucky enough to walk in, sit at the bar and enjoy the company of each other as well as the sassy bartender and waitresses.

We must say that they do have a regular menu, but they also have a "specials menu" which is always hidden with delicious things such as short rib fettuccini! Holy smokes it's delicious! If you are like Michael and judge a restaurant buy it's Chicken Parm and Mozz sticks then be sure to order just that. Their version of "mozzarella sticks" is actually called "fontina en carozza". This little puppy will knock your socks off. Fontina en carozza is italian for " Fontina in a carriage! It's basically a cross between a savory french toast and a grilled cheese. The bread is dipped in an egg and milk bath then topped with fontina and grilled to perfection on the flat top! Oh but wait folks... it doesn't stop there. Before this dish is brought to the table it is ladled with spicy marinara sauce and sprinkled with fresh parm! Holy smokes it's an evil evil dish. So before I call my husband to schedule our next Augustinos date I've gotta finish this post.

So do it! pack your antacid meds and get yourself to Augustinos for some good ol' home cooked Italian food like someones grandma used to make!

AUGUSTINOS
1104 Washington St

Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 420-0104

The land of Enchantment-New Mexico

Since Michael and I have been traveling together to NM for the past 5 years we have come across some excellent dishes, down home New Mexico cooking and some new takes on the traditional fare. While NM offers great American restaurants there are also amazing authentic New Mexican restaurants that you won't find any place else. This takes us to our first favorite.



Cafe Castro

2811 Cerrillos Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87507

(505) 473-5800

I fantasize about the green Chile they serve here. It's somehow always the best, it's the perfect slow burn in your mouth every time! Their sopaipillas are amazing, and no matter how stuffed full of green chile cheese enchiladas I am, I always have room for a sopailpilla + honey or three. I also highly recommend getting a plate of green chile cheese fries as an appetizer. Gotta start that green chile fix from the get go, people.

Bottom line: Nothing fancy here folks, just amazing food, efficient service, and the best green chile in Santa Fe.


Sophia's Place

6313 4th St NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107

(505) 345-3935
So we've only been here for breakfast so we can't tell you much about lunch or dinner. Since the breakfast is so delicious if we ever have the opportunity we will definitely be dining there for lunch and dinner. So first things first.. order some corn bread before it runs out! It's a big chunk of sweet, moist and delicious cake. You'll want to buy extra because you'll want one later. Secondly. Being from New Jersey, Michael can't ever pass up the opportunity to taste a good breakfast sandwich. So he ordered "Sofia's Breakfast Sandwich" and to his surprise was a very happy camper. I think he even said something to the point of "that was the best breakfast sandwich I've ever had." The Simply Names Breakfast Sandwich is on toasted sage bakehouse bread with a fried eggs, bacon, cheese and fresh Salsa. So simple yet so delicious. Do yourself a favor and order their breakfast Tacos too. Like the sandwich you will not be disappointed.


Kocina De Raphael

610 Legion Dr
Las Vegas, NM 87701

(505) 454-1667

Tasty food, good guacamole, friendly service and huge sopaipillas! Servings provide plenty for sharing. So when I think of home and the food that comes with the territory i think about this place. Enchilada's are exactly like my mom makes and the Chili is just as good too. Slow simmered with a slight kick. Each entree comes with your choice of beans, rice or Posole. Now my family will tell you that I'm crazy because I do not like posole so i always opt for the beans and rice. You may love it so ask for all three! Now.. when you get to a New Mexican restaurant and you ask for a dish that has chili you will always be asked the famous questions..."RED OR GREEN" Now if you are from the town or know the restaurant most of the time you'll know what you like better. But if you are not then you can always ask for the option "christmas style" which means Half red and half Green. You can never go wrong with that option.

Now the plates are HUGE so make sure you save room for their giant sopaipillas with honey. Enjoy your food, company and full tummy's! If you need a nap just stroll on down to Bridge street and rent yourself a room at the Historic Plaza Hotel. Enjoy the Bed and Breakfast atmosphere and drift off into sweet dreams.

99 bottles of beer on the wall-ATLANTA

With a good destination always comes long travel times and lots of car games! Take our trip to Atlanta for example; after a 14 hour drive down the east coast (886 Miles) what we needed most was a good nights sleep and a delicious breakfast. First thing in the morning we made our way to "Ria's Blue Bird". This super cute hipster hangout is a perfect place to lay low, enjoy a large cup of coffee and talk about the day ahead. When I see a menu that has biscuits and gravy, I immediately flag down the waitress and beg her to take my order immediately. When Michael sees brisket for breakfast he does the same! Now let us tell you that our entire meal was only $14.00! Michael's dish was a 14 hour slow roasted Angus beef shredded in a spicy tomato broth with 2 poached eggs and a toasted baguette. My Dish doesn't really need a big explanation other than it was 2 biscuits with peppery white gravy. (pictured) You better believe it was the best biscuits and gravy I've ever tasted. So if these two meals don't sound appetizing to you, and you are more of a healthy breakfast type of person, then don't be alarmed... They have plenty of delicious treats for you too. We suggest to arrive early if you are dining on the weekend. It is a small place and with no reservations.


If you haven't had enough meat with your breakfast then we suggest you head on over to "Fat Matts Rib Shack". Order yourself some ribs, a chopped pork sandwich, and some Brunswick stew. Now... I was a little shaky about the brunswick stew but I heard everyone in line ordering it so in true fashion I took their suggestion and followed suit. It looks like a thick vegetable stew with shredded meat. What it really is, is a tomato based stew containing butter beans, corn, okra, and pulled pork. It has a slight smoky taste and let me tell you I'm glad I followed the leader on this one! It was delicious! In true rib shack manner forget the napkins... you'll want to lick the sauce right off of your fingers!

Since most of this food was on the "unhealthy" side (Michael begs to differ) we suggest a great eatery called "South City Kitchen". Here you can get everything from fish and grits to trout and Brussels sprouts. Which is exactly what I got. The only way to explain this dish is by calling it "Thanksgiving with Fish". The trout sat on top of sweet potatoes, shaved Brussels sprouts, and drizzled with a bourbon-almond brown butter. WHOA! Ok not so healthy either but it's vacation right? Plus there is a gym in the hotel!! I shared a Cesar salad which was just "so so", however.... the croutons put it on another level. They are "grit" croutons. Crunchy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. Delicious!! Michael; once again went for the Brisket. This time it was accompanied by braised carrots, red potatoes, horseradish cream. This restaurant has something special for everyone. They offer classic southern dishes with a contemporary twist such as the fried green tomatoes with goat cheese, and red pepper coulis.

If your taking a trip down to Atlanta do yourself a favor... Fly, rent a car.. and eat at these restaurants. They won't disappoint you.

No shoes, No sox, No service-BOSTON

Boston; what a lovely town filled with every person you can imagine and with that comes a variety of tasty treats! We'll start with the late night snacks since this is usually the type of food you need when visiting Boston. Let us tell you about "T Anthony's". Do not expect a fancy restaurant with any of the following... candles, privacy, or even real plates. What you can expect is paper plates, loud people, long; but fast lines, and delicious fresh pizza! Michael and I both share the love of pizza with one another and thankfully he had many nights here or else we might not have found it. It's just that simple PIZZA. They have plenty of other things on the menu but why bother when we're telling you to get the pizza! Manga!

Secondly; let us tell you about "The Beehive". Here you will not only enjoy a delicious grilled cheese sandwich, but you will more than likely enjoy some great Jazz Music. So we suggest that you order the "short rib grilled cheese" This amazing sandwich is filled with slow cooked pulled short rib and on either side of the bread you will find Farmhouse Cheddar and Fontina Cheeses. Grilled cheese really doesn't get much better than this!

Thirdly; You will more than likely be hungover and hungry or just plain hungry for breakfast and if you are then you should definitely hook yourself up with breakfast at "The Friendly Toast". I'm all about spice and this place will give you plenty of it. To start you must order some of their Cayenne Cheddar bread! If this is all you can stomach then that's OK it'll be just perfect. But don't forget to order an ENTIRE loaf to take home! If you are a grown up and can eat like a champ then order the Mexican Mashed Meal. This baby is fit for a king with a belly the size of Texas. If you are not this king I speak of; then make sure you share this one because it's LARGE! It is spicy mashed potatoes topped with chorizo & 2 fried eggs, served with chipotle sauce & homemade toast. Down it all of this will loads of coffee. If this doesn't cure your hang over I don't know what will.

So do yourself the favor. Visit Boston, see some shows, eat some bad delicious food and enjoy life!

Fun in the great outdoors-Blakeslee, Pennsylvania

When traveling to any lodge or cabin for a weekend getaway it is always important to find a great breakfast place! Our friends Kev & Tiff did the dirty work for us!! After river rafting, hiking or just plain lounging around we suggest you head over to the "Terra Cottage" . It is at Terra cottage where the inner little girl in you can fall in love with all things cute and pretty. For the men... well the food will be perfectly fine for you. As you stroll in you will notice that you are walking into an antique doll house where everything is ready to be purchased. Keep in mind you are here for breakfast and you better hope it comes quick before you spot something you like or else you'll be begging the husband for his wallet. Anyway.. on to the food...You want to order a short stack and ask for their vanilla syrup. This sugary syrup will be sure to leave you wanting more. If your not a sweet type of person in the morning then we highly suggest that you scroll down the menu to the "Ocean Bay Eggs Benedict" or the "Trout and Eggs." Both selections are delicious and highly recommended. So head to the Poconos, enjoy the fresh air and relax in a doll house with a hearty breakfast.

Oh Baltimore...

Baltimore… oh Baltimore. A beautiful up and coming foodie town filled with delectable tasty treats. If breakfast is your must have before a day of sightseeing, then you should start it out right by visiting my personal favorite breakfast place…. “Miss Shirley’s”. Miss Shirley’s pays homage to the tasty food of the Chesapeake region. On their menu you are guaranteed to see such items as fried green tomatoes, Salmon and collard greens, grits and lots and lots of crab. While any choice you make at Miss Shirley’s is delicious and tasty, what I go for is the Benne Seed Chicken ‘N Waffles. Benne Seed is another name for sesame in southern cooking so don’t be alarmed that you’ll be tasting weird seeds. This dish is –Two Benne Seed Boneless Breast of Chicken tenders & a Honey-Mustard Drizzle on White Cheddar-Green Onion Waffles with Peppadew-Jalapeno Butter. Now.. I know that sounds like a lot of flavors, but they are oh so perfect!! The green onion and cheddar waffles are just savory and sweet and tangy and delicious. We’ve been known to drive into Baltimore during a road trip to DC just for the breakfast. It’s that good. Check it out for yourself. Michael's favorite dish is similar to the chicken and waffles however it is a chicken, Waffle, Ham and egg sandwich (pictured). You can do it and you SHOULD do it!

Dinner.. or Lunch.. or Breakfast “Woodburry Kitchen” is the place to be. Woodberry Kitchen features the seasonal best from local growers and emphasizes organic meats and sustainable agriculture. Their menu guarantees comfort classics such as their Chicken and biscuits which are accompanied by Kale, carrots, & a roasted garlic pan sauce. But save room for dessert and hope that peanuts are in season during your trip to Baltimore because you don’t want to miss out on the C.M.P. In fact, you should plan your trip around peanut season. The C.M.P has Malt ice cream, chocolate sauce, marshmallow fluff, wet peanuts (they’re wet from being coated in honey!), but it’s so much more than that description. On top of the Glass the chef places a round piece of crystallized sugar and torches it until it melts to the glass. When it arrives at your table it is then your job to break through the “glass” like structure to get to your dessert. These little shards of crystallized sugar add a bit of crunchy goodness to the already peanuty, marshmallow dessert. It is a must order regardless if you want it, need it, or can’t afford the calories. You won’t regret it.

If nothing else entices you on their menu then head over to their bar and grab yourself a great cocktail, because these too are perfect creations such as the “headless Horseman”. Maker's Mark bourbon, spiced pumpkin syrup, citrus, and it all gets served in a cute copper mug. (you don’t get to keep it L)

Two great placed for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Do yourself this favor and dine at these delicious places.