Superbowl Sunday

(Coming Soon)

Fig and Olive

APPETIZER
FIG GORGONZOLA TARTLET - $14
melted gorgonzola, prosciutto, fig, walnut,
arugula, tomato, on a fine puff pastry

This appetizer was pretty good, but it was kind of hard to split with the prosciutto. I usually like appetizers that are already portioned out for you rather than having everyone just dive into it. I thought it was good, but didn't get to finish it thanks to our waiter's eagerness to get us our check and go home.

Main Course
FIG & OLIVE MEDITERRANEAN TASTING -$ 28
grilled free range chicken with rosemary & garlic, porcini puree - Porcini Olive Oil
grilled lamb on rosemary skewers, bell peppers, Greek yogurt & honey, couscous salad with figs
grilled shrimp & tomato skewer on a saffron rice - Oregano Olive Oil


This meal allowed me to taste a little of everything. The chicken was delicious as it was both crispy and juicy. the puree that accompanied the chicken was also delicious. The lamb skewers were also good. I really liked the yogurt sauce that came with the skewers. I don't usually eat lamb, but it was a nice change of pace. The grilled shrimp had good flavor, but it was a bit overcooked. The saffron rice was tasty and added to the dish.

I've heard nothing but great things about the Fig and Olive from friends and classmates, but I think the service ruined it for me. The hostess was extremely friendly, but our waiter was awful. I think he wanted to get out of work early, so he definitely rushed us. Not only did he take the appetizer away from us before we were done, but would also grab for my beer before it was finished. Its frustrating when you're trying to have a good meal and the service ruins it for you. O well, maybe the Fig and Olive in the meatpacking will convert me.

Class Trip to Public and Double Crown

(Coming soon)

Mole'

Mole'
Mole' is a small mexican joint on the lower east side that we stumbled upon when looking for a decent happy hour. This restaurant was pretty tight on space, but I guess that's common in New York. The place reminded me of a more romantic Blockheads. The lighting was dim especially when our candle blew out!A blue light from the bar gave the place character. Overall, the service was alright although I was disappointed with the server not telling me how small my meal was. I ordered the mexican quesadillas which definitely disappointed me. I couldn't tell if the size, taste, or price of the dish disappointed me the most. I was going to get tacos, but the quesadillas were suppose to be $5 because of happy hour. Luckily I had a few Blue Moons and good company otherwise this trip would have bombed.

Margaritas- pretty good
Stef's Mole'- not a fan
Stef's tortilla soup- decent
chips and salsa- always a fan!

Philly's Finest

On our day off the dynamic duo went to Philly for a little road trip. We set out not really knowing what to do, but knowing of 3 stops we HAD to make. I've been to Philadelphia as a kid, but that was just class trips to all the history sites such as The Liberty Bell or The Franklin Institute. I think at one time in my life I loved history, but now I'm concentrated on the future.


Our first stop to Pat's and Geno's was the main reason we took the hour and a half trip to the City of Brotherly Love. Talk about rivalries, these cheese steak joints are across the street from one another. We went to Geno's first as we recognized the name right off the bat. I don't know if it's because its more famous or its just a more unique name than Pat (sorry Pat).

To my surprise Geno's and Pat's are both geared for pick-up. If only I knew I had to eat outside on the metal picnic tables, I probably would have delayed my trip till summer. I guess one good thing about going in the winter was that we got our food real fast. I also thought the small menu was interesting. Both places offer fries and a few additional items but cheese steaks definitely fuel both Geno's and Pat's popularity. Cheese steaks are offered with provolone, American, or cheese whiz and with or without onions.

Geno's vs Pat's
I thought Geno's had the better cheese steak. My decision to go with Geno's was solely based on taste. Geno's steak and onions had better flavor than Pat's. Although Pat's cheese steak was bigger; I have to go with taste and award Geno's as victor. Then again maybe if we went to Pat's first the outcome would be different... probably not.


Reading Terminal Market
Our next stop was to the Reading Terminal Market, a historic farmers market in the heart of Philadelphia. As we entered the market, my senses were on overload. The smell of fresh chocolate chips and ice cream made my mouth water. The multitude of diverse vendors caught my eyes as the hustle and bustle of the market kept my head spinning. The market has a variety of vendors selling fresh meats, seafood, and poultry as well an extensive selection of baked goods and desserts. Ethnic food vendors line the rows of these huge marketplace.

DiNic's
Although we probably didn't need to eat anymore, Stef and I felt the need to get another sandwich. We stopped at the home of the famous roast pork sandwich, DiNic's. DiNic's also offers beef and veal, but we had to go with the roast pork and boy was that a good choice. The sandwich came with tender, succulent roast pork; green peppers; and provolone. Loaded with meat and cheese, this sandwich is then dunked in the juices to create sandwich euphoria. This sandwich was so good I forgot how much I hate Philadelphia sporting teams like the Eagles. I also forgot how full I was as I crushed my half of the sandwich. A nice, tall cup of Cherry Coke made our trip to Philly well worth it.


Maybe it's because I live in New York, but people are always hating on Philadelphia. Granted I'm not a fully-converted fan of Philly, but I might go back there for some more cheese steaks and definitely a roast pork sandwich.