The Fox - April 15

The Fox

Price: $

 First off, I don't even know how we came across this place. I believe we were at the park and I just did a random search on my slow android phone and picked something with a cool name. So... here we are!

 Walking into the place, it's very small but really cozy. Definitely a neighborhood place to come to. 

 Some of the items on the menu you would definitely not expect to see at a little place like this but I was pleasantly surprised. 

 Just to let you know, a BLT is the greatest sandwich ever invented in my opinion. But I didn't want just a normal BLT. No! I ordered the BLFGT. Try to guess that! It has bacon, lettuce and a fried green tomato on it! WHAT??? I know! And it was delicioussss! Don't hate on it until you try it. Trust me.

 And my boyfriend just had to get the weirdest thing on the menu. It was called the Coyote Burger. It had onions, bacon, a spicy "Coyote" sauce and then a fried egg! He said he's never going back to a normal burger ever again. Guess that egg really cracked him...

Yea, I know. Lame.

 I do believe that I will be going back here very soon. Cute little place to go on a nice afternoon of walking around riverside and absolutely affordable for those college students out there. Go go go!

Mandaloun's

Mandaloun

Price: $$

 How my boyfriend and I came into contact with this place was by his aunt. She gave us some gift certificates to places to try out and this one of them. Thanks Howie!

 First off, I loveeeee Mediterranean food so I had high hopes for this place. Unfortunately, those hopes dropped. I was not fond of this place at all. The only thing I loved and could not stop eating was the pita bread and dip they brought out. SO YUMMY!

 For our appetizer we ordered these pastries filled with spinach and feta cheese. Sounds good, right? They were cold in the middle. Like they were microwaved. Eek.

 I don't remember the name of my dish but what it was basically was lamb meatballs and eggplant which sounded really good to me but it was super salty and just... not good.

 For dessert, I ordered the rice pudding which was pretty descent. It had crushed pistachios over the top which is super yummy. But the dish in itself was just okay.

Basically, all in all, I don't think I'll be going back here. Sorry...

Bagel Love - March 25

Bagel Love

Price: $ 

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bagel-Love/112173305536250?sk=wall

 I woke up kind of early this morning and decided to treat myself to a little sumin' sumin'. So while I was driving around aimlessly, I was contemplating on where to go and spend my money. I remembered that I had kept hearing about this place called Bagel Love and how it had only been open for about a month and was already getting a shining reputation. Trying this place out couldn't hurt, right? It definitely didn't.

 This cute little place is located on a corner off of St. Johns Avenue in Riverside and it certainly is unique. They have about twenty different types of bagels and ten or more different flavors of cream cheese. They also make sandwiches, breakfast and lunch bagels and even have things like hummus and flavored honeys to buy. Super cute!

 I didn't really want anything sweet so I ordered the Sun-Dried Tomato bagel with Herb and Spice cream cheese and it was so yummy!! 

 The bagels here are definitely not like something you buy in the store. They are thick, chewy and doughy and most definitely will fill you up. I usually toast my bagels to a crisp because I hate when the texture feels like just bread and cream cheese. It's gross. But these are so different. They toasted it, but barely, and it was perfect. And let me tell you something else, they do NOT skimp on the cream cheese!

Exhibit A:

 I have to ask for something to put the cream cheese in next time because I had so much left over. I almost cried when I had to throw it away! 

 I might be going in there to buy some of their chocolate honey. Yum! I would really recommend this place on a relaxing morning or even for a quick breakfast on the way to work. Go in and order a warm bagel, have a cup of hot coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice and read the paper or your favorite book. It was really nice going on a gorgeous day like it was today.

Pizza Rolls and Exciting News.

 Stuffed Pizza Rolls!

 Nothing special, but I made me some stuffed pizza rolls tonight for a quick dinner and they were soooo good!

 All I used was some Pillsbury Big and Flaky crescent rolls and rolled up provolone cheese, mozzarella cheese and pepperoni inside of them and BAM! Done. Well, I needed to bake them of course. Super easy and fast!

 I apologize for not having any restaurant posts lately. The day I decided to go, I drove all the way to the place and it was closed! I will have one coming up soon though, I promise.

 One more exciting thing I wanted to announce. I HIT 1,000 VIEWS TODAY! Thank you everyone so much for being interested in my blog and I hope to do this for quite a long time.

Picasso's - March 10

Picasso's

Price: $ (up to $15.00)

 Picasso was a groundbreaking artist, a visionary and a chef? Who knew? This little place in Mandarin is somewhat hard to find if you've never been but I think it may be a small gem that is worth finding. They have a vast menu with options for every person and every taste. The atmosphere is very laid back and friendly with bright green accent walls complemented by red-trimmed chalk boards listing some of there menu items. And what would an Italian restaurant called Picasso's be without abstract paintings hanging from every wall?

 Now to the food. I don't know about you guys but I am a hardcore mushroom lover so what did I order? The stuffed mushrooms. The version I am used to having involves the mushrooms drowning in cheese but these were different. Strictly stuffing. And oh man were they good. Some of the best I've had which definitely says a lot considering that stuffed mushrooms are usually the first appetizers I look for on any menu. Slightly crisp on the outside, velvety smooth inside and sprinkled with Parmesan and fresh basil, served with marinara and pesto sauce. Yum!

 I chose the Roasted Chicken Manicotti for my entree. I've ordered manicotti many times before and this one was pretty good. Definitely a dish for cheese lovers. The soft shells had a smooth filling and the creaminess of all the cheese with the marinara and basil went together nicely. One thing they did with this dish that I didn't really find appetizing was that they minced up the chicken, pretty much pulverized it, to where the chicken and cheese were almost the same consistency. Maybe it's just me but I'd prefer chunks of chicken instead something in which I couldn't tell if it was the meat or the cheese. But all in all it was a pretty descent dish.

 These little food adventures are like dates for me and my boyfriend. We really enjoy exploring and trying new things so of course he came with me! He ordered a bacon cheeseburger. At an Italian restaurant. Go figure. Anyways, from what he told me, the cheeseburger wasn't really anything too special. It was supposed to have a special sauce but he couldn't taste it so that disappointed him a bit. One unique thing about it was that they didn't serve it with the typical sort of bacon you'd expect. It came with thick, diced chunks of seared bacon which looked really good. Something different from the norm, right?

 While the small restaurant is inviting and friendly, two important things that I believe Picasso's really needs to work on is its professional demeanor and its cleanliness. While we were waiting on our food, we could hear one of the employees talking to his co-workers about partying over the weekend and he mentioned a few things that no one really wants to hear while eating. There were also a few tables that were filthy from the time we got there until the time we left. Not one person came to clean them up which bothers a neat freak like me.

 But we did like it well enough to promise and come back to try the pizza because it honestly looked and smelled amazing! I see a future pizza pie date!

Update!

 Hey everyone! I just wanted to tell you guys some news about some upcoming places that I'll be going to. It was my boyfriend's grandmother's birthday this week and we went to Longhorn and I absolutely love that place! Anyways, my boyfriend's aunt gave me some coupons to two different places and gave me some money on top of that so that my boyfriend and I could go and then I could share it with all of you! Isn't she the sweetest? Stay tuned for more food! Yum yum!

Thank you!

 This is a non-restaurant related post but I just wanted to say thank you to all of my readers and followers. I reached over 500 views today! So exciting for me! I hope that I can continue to write every other week, maybe even weekly. That is if I don't go broke while eating out every week. And then my shopping obsession on top of that. Why does everything have to cost money?

Culhane's Irish Pub - March 3

Culhane's Irish Pub

Price: $$ ($8.00-$17.00)

Location: Atlantic Beach
Website: http://www.culhanesirishpub.com/

 Where to start? My boyfriend and I are both Irish and I have been wanting to go to a pub for quite some time now. Not for the pub part but for the food, of course. The atmosphere is exactly how I would picture a pub: low lighting, Guinness posters all over the walls and hanging from the ceilings, a stage for live music and a long bar with about fifteen different Irish Whiskeys to choose from. Unfortunately I am two months shy from trying a Guinness but the food made up for the loss. 

 We started out with an order of Blarney Lamb Sliders. I don't know the exact seasoning that they put into the meat but all I can say is that it is DELISH! The small patties were topped with thick slices of red onion and tomato, drizzled with a curry aioli sauce all between a crispy, toasted bun. The winner of the slider was, as Guy Fieri would say, "the mac daddy crust" on the burgers. Grilling burgers on a flat top is always a good decision.

 My boyfriend, Michael, ordered the Guinness Stew which I can only think of to describe as the ultimate Irish comfort food. The stew was thick and hardy with huge chunks of Guinness marinated beef and thick cut carrots and potatoes. Taking one bite makes you feel all warm and cozy inside. One warning. You may feel the urge to take a nap afterwards. 

 I ordered the best out of all three dishes as anyone would expect! The name is a little funny but it's called the Dingle Fish Pie. I am not the biggest seafood admirer but this was covered in cheese so I thought that I would make an exception this one time. I am so happy that I did. This has got to be one of the best seafood dishes I have ever had. Sorry dad. It included salmon, cod and shrimp with potatoes and peas thrown in the mix. I thought the potatoes to be out of place and a little unnecessary in this dish but the rest was absolutely mouth watering. The cod and salmon melt in your mouth while the shrimp provides the firmness to the meal and the peas give that little pop of sweetness. And the Parmesan cheese sauce, oh my god. It was divine. If you don't get this when you visit here you are seriously missing out.

  

 I will definitely be visiting here again. I just wish I could celebrate the "green beer drinking holiday", St. Patty's, here...

13 Gypsies - February 25

13 Gypsies

Price: $ ($2.00-$11.00)

Location: Historic Riverside District

Website: http://www.13gypsies.com/default.htm

 I have been wanting to go to this place for months now and I finally was able to go tonight and I am so glad that I did. This little neighborhood restaurant is so different and unique. They serve mainly Tapas which basically means small entrees. The inside looks exactly like what a traditional Mediterranean restaurant should look like. They have daily specials and dessert menus but have a pretty solid menu full of delicious options. And what I did not know and wish I had known is that it is probably necessary to make a reservation because they get busy quickly. 

 My mom and I went and ordered three things to split between each other. First was the Roman Gnocchi that is made from semolina which is course, purified wheat middling used in making pasta. If you like cheese you will absolutely love this dish. The gnocchi is mixed with Parmesan cheese, cut into rectangles and seared on both sides then served with a peppery mushroom sauce topped with more cheese. The gnocchi was so creamy but a little crispy on the outside and it soaks up the mushroom sauce which is good enough to lick off of the plate. 

 Second was the Fresh Chorizo and Pears which was unexpected yet unforgettable. They give you two chorizo patties which is handmade, spicy sausage that is seared to give it a light crust on each side. The pears are also seared, in honey I believe, and I don't know what else but they are firm yet soft and have just the right amount of sweetness. It is also served with dates and those were good as well; very sweet. I had never had dates before this but they were pretty good I must admit.

 The third dish we ordered was the Escargot and Basil which I was not too fond of. I have had it a few times and I loved it but this dish really didn't impress me. I may just have high expectations when it comes to escargot but these seemed too chewy for me. The seasoning of the basil and garlic was good but I personally was not a fan. 

I went a little overboard thinking about how all of the dishes were so affordable and decided to get dessert. We shared the Tres Leches cake, a sponge cake soaked in evaporated milk, condensed milk and heavy cream, and it was so good. It was delectably moist and swimming in a pool of sweet milk and cream. If any of you decide to visit here, and if you're lucky enough that they have this on their menu that day, I would definitely recommend it. And I am sorry about the picture, we dove into and I forgot to take the untouched photo.

"Domo Arigato" - February 12

Domo Crepes Etc.

Price: $ ($3.00-$9.00) Lunch Menu

Location: 813 Lomax Street

Website: http://www.domocrepesetc.com/

 This just happened to be a last minute place me and my boyfriend went to. Originally we planned on going somewhere else and it was closed. We drove around looking for other places and decided on a sushi place but as we were walking to it, I saw this little cafe across the street and immediately changed direction. I've never noticed this place before but I won't forget it now. As soon as we walked in we were greeted and asked to sit wherever we liked. The interior layout was small but the atmosphere was very relaxing and laid back. And I apologize for the low camera quality on all of these pictures. I forgot my camera and had to use my phone.

 They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts and serve all kinds of coffee; including imported, and even Cafe Royale which is alcohol based coffee. They serve all fresh ingredients and their vegetables are farm fresh. Nothing comes pre-packaged and they make everything from scratch, including the dough they use to make their flats and crepes. I ordered their organic raspberry tea for my drink and I usually don't like raspberry tea because most places make it way too sweet but this one was exceptionally good. 

 I tried something today that I have never had before: prosciutto. I had what was called the Tomato Basil and Prosciutto Flat. They served their freshly baked whole wheat flat, baked in a stone-hearth oven, and topped it with juicy tomatoes, sliced olives, garlic, salty prosciutto and creamy mozzarella cheese. You could immediately tell that the dough was homemade. It was crunchy but gooey at the same time. The juiciness and warmth of the tomatoes combined together wonderfully with the salty strips of prosciutto. The olives provided a little extra earthiness to the whole dish which was delicious. 

 I also ordered one of their specials for the day: the potato and bacon soup. It had big chunks of soft potatoes and huge pieces of bacon mixed together with onions and heavy cream and topped it with a dollop of sour cream, which I supposed to be organic being that it's texture was slightly different. I've never seen pieces of bacon that big in a soup before which made me happy because who doesn't like extra bacon? And they brought it to our table with a little bowl of their whole wheat flats. 

 Whenever my boyfriend sees steak on the menu, he automatically goes towards that. He had the Firecracker Steak Crepe comprised of sliced steak, mushrooms, peppers, garlic, onions, chili sauce and mozzarella cheese with mushroom bechamel and sriracha hot chili sauce drizzled over it all. It looked good but I could smell the hot sauce from across the table and decided not to mix that with my awesome meal. 

  Even though I was full after eating all of this, I couldn't resist. I ordered a dessert crepe. The Berry and Creme Crepe. They set it in front of me and my eyes widened. I'm exaggerating slightly but it looked so good. They had their own flat press to make the crepes, which they made fresh with every order. This one was a sweet and creamy combination that had strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries in it with a scoop of ice cream on the side drizzled with raspberry syrup. I was so full but I couldn't stop eating it. The tartness of the raspberries and blackberries along with the sweetness of the strawberries and blueberries was divine. The warmth from the crepe melted the ice cream a bit and the crepe soaked up the creamy melted ice cream and it all went together perfectly. My day was made from this dish.

Bakery Moderne - January 28

Bakery Moderne

Price: $ ($2.00-$10.00)

Location: Historic Riverside off of Stockton Street

Website: http://bakerymoderne.com/

 This afternoon I visited Bakery Moderne with my boyfriend. It is a cute little bakery on the corner that sells coffee, hot tea, different types of bread and baguettes, cakes, desserts, pastries and serves daily lunch specials. We planned on going somewhere else that I've been wanting to visit for quite some time but as soon as we walked in they said the kitchen was closed... what? But it turned out to be a great afternoon full of awesome food.

 Like I said, Bakery Moderne serves daily lunch specials and you can check on their website each day to see what they are making; I attached the link at the bottom of the post. Today they offered a Cuban sandwich, a Chicken Salad sandwich and Spicy Black Bean soup. But I was pleasantly surprised when I got there to see that they serve Bruschetta every day. Sold! 

 To start off, I ordered the Bruschetta as you probably already guessed. They made it by dicing up tomatoes, mixing in sweet basil and shallots and marinating it all in Balsamic vinegar and olive oil and they served it with slices of toasted baguette with melted mozzarella cheese on top. Now, I have never had Bruschetta with cheese on the bread, but I've tasted it and I'm never going back. I never really liked Balsamic vinegar before but it was not strong at all in this dish. You could definitely tell that the firm tomatoes and pungent basil were fresh. All of the flavors combined together was just delicious. I don't really know how else to describe it. The bread was nice and crispy but also chewy because of the melted cheese and the warmth of the bread along with the coolness of the tomatoes went together perfectly. A+!

 My boyfriend, Michael, ordered the Cuban sandwich. I had never tasted a Cuban before but he's had a few and he described it as authentic. It has mojo seasoned pork, ham, swiss cheese, mustard and pickles. In case you're wondering what mojo seasoning is, which I didn't know either to be honest, is a mixture of olive oil, orange or lime juice, garlic, cumin and ground black pepper. In my opinion, all of these components put together between two pieces of bread just does not sound enticing to me but it was amazing, to say the least. The zestiness of the mustard and the sour tinge from the pickle really brought the whole sandwich together. To get another take on it, Michael Strileckis is going to share his input:


  "Following suit with an ongoing stereotype of having lived in Miami, I've come across a multitude of takes on the traditional Cuban sandwich, most of which have been lackluster. However, this was nothing like the sloppily constructed ham and cheese with pickles I've endured as of late. This small shop's rendition relied heavily on a hefty portion of tastefully seasoned pork. For me it was a deal-breaker. Not only did it tie in the necessary flavor of a traditional Cuban, but it provided great substance and a sense of fulfillment after finishing. Easily the best Cuban I've had north of Miami."

 After looking at the pastries and mini desserts, I couldn't help myself. What I ordered was the mango creme brulee and if you have ever experienced the pure bliss of creme brulee, you will absolutely love this one. Seeing the word mango in it may throw you off a bit but it had just the right amount of sweetness. It was creamy and not too crunchy on top; heavenly. I also ordered two shots of espresso because we had never had straight espresso before and he loved it, of course, because he is a "coffee-holic". As for me, I hated it. I took a couple sips and was finished. It was extremely bitter and way too strong for me. But if you like coffee then you'll probably love it. It wasn't that instant espresso that some places make. They had an original espresso machine behind the register and I watched as she made it quite skillfully. It just wasn't my cup of tea, or coffee I should say.

 As I went to pay, she told us that we both got complimentary cookies! I mean, come on. A free cookie with every order? What's better than that? Michael got the peanut butter cookie and I chose the Italian wedding cookie which is a light crispy almond cookie covered in powdered sugar. Yum!

 I would definitely recommend this place on a gorgeous day to sit outside and enjoy great food or maybe a rainy day and enjoy a hot cup of French press coffee.