Endo Edibles

March 31, 2021
11:25 AM
by: Uhockey

Bronze Café Summerlin Catering [8,] Las Vegas NV

Bronze Café

Chicken Tamale Pie

Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Soyrizo Zucchini Boats, Pico de Gallo, Cashew Crema

Chicken Fajitas, Peppers, Onions

Elote Corn Salad, Avocado

The Lemon Blueberry Scone

The Carrot Cake

The Banana Flax Cake

The Loving v Virginia

The Peanut Butter Snickerdoodle

The Chai Spice Cookie

The Sugar-free Cherry Turnover

The S’Mores Turnover

Always on the move, both the Restaurant’s physical location and their health-conscious Cuisine, it was for Catering that David Mozes and Peter Bastien were again called upon Wednesday, the owners of Bronze Café this time offering to prepare a special Mexican menu instead of the usual delicious Salads and Sandwiches.

Located near Desert Shores in Summerlin, the former home of Beau Monde Bakery providing turnkey access for a Restaurant eventually intended to offer Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, it was from Chef Bastien’s home recipes that Lunch consisted of five trays, Chicken Fajitas making fast fans thanks to familiarity while Vegan Zucchini “Boats” topped with fragrant Soy and tangy Cashew Crema was more slowly accepted but soon to gain raves.

Right in the wheelhouse of a majority-Hispanic staff, Street Corn Salad served with a jumbo bottle of Tajin showing David’s understanding of what the customer wants, Chicken Tamale “Pie,” think Casserole, may not be pretty as perfectly packed Corn Husks but both taste and texture were true.

Lucky to also receive two trays of Empanadas, Beef and Cheese resembling Dumplings lighter than one might expect, those seeking a sweeter stuffed-Pastry will find it in either the recently-debuted S’mores or Sugar-Free, Diabetic-friendly Cherry Turnover.

Happy to receive a glut of Desserts, all Vegan and The Peanut Butter Snickerdoodle still Las Vegas’ best Cookie despite mounting competition, those missing Beau Monde’s gluten-free offerings will be happy to know the Banana Flax Cake is made without any Wheat protein, as too is a fully loaded Carrot Cake that has only gotten better with time.

Continuing strong with the cleverly titled Loving v Virginia, a Brookie that sees both halves nicely textured, Chai Spice Cookies remain soft and almost Cake-like while the Lemon Blueberry Scone is delicate and “buttery” despite the lack of Butter, Milk or Eggs.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone, no matter where Chef Peter and David are set-up the quality has never declined, lunch on Wednesday continuing to show quality and creativity bound to please those with and without dietary restrictions, whether they want to be gluttonous or eat light.

RECOMMENDED: Chicken Tamale Pie, Elote Corn Salad, Beef & Cheese Empanada,, The Lemon Blueberry Scone, The Sugar Free Cherry Turnover, The Peanut Butter Snickerdoodle, The Carrot Cake, The Loving v. Virginia.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: 8a-8p daily at 2380 N Buffalo Drive, Suite 110. 702-852-2830. Online ordering via all the usual apps but catering best coordinated by contacting the Restaurant directly.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.bronzecafe.com

Posted in Bronze Cafe, Bronze Cafe Catering, Bronze Café Summerlin Catering, Catering, Dessert, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada Tagged #supportlocal, Avocado, Avocados, Banana, Banana Flax Cake, Bananas, Beef, Beef & Cheese Empanada, Beef & Cheese Empanadas, Bell Pepper, Bell Peppers, Blueberries, Blueberry, Bread, Breast, Breasts, Bronze Cafe, Bronze Cafe Catering, Bronze Café Summerlin, Bronze Café Summerlin Catering, Brownie, Brownies, Butter, Cake, Cakes, Carrot, Carrot Cake, Carrot Pineapple Cake, Carrots, Cashew, Cashew Crema, Cashews, Catering, Chai, Chai Spice, Chai Spice Cookie, Chai Spice Cookies, Chai Tea, Cheddar, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Cherries, Cherry, Cherry Turnover, Chicken, Chicken Fajita, Chicken Fajitas, CHICKEN TAMALE, Chicken Tamale Pie, CHICKEN TAMALES, Chip, Chocolate, Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Brownies, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Chips, Cilantro, Cinnamon, Clove, Clover, Clovers, Cloves, Coconut, Coconut Flake, Coconut Flakes, Coconuts, Cookie, Cookies, Corn Meal, Cornmeal, Cow, Cows, Cream, Crema, Crumble, Crumbles, Dark Chocolate, David Mozes, Dessert, Desserts, diced Avocado, Diced Avocados, Dressing, Elote Corn Salad, Elotes, Empanada, Empanadas, endoedibles, Fajita, Fajitas, Flake, Flakes, Flax, Flax Seed, Flax Seeds, Food, Foodie, Frosting, Gluten, Gluten Free, Herb, Icing, Las Vegas, Lemon, Lemon Blueberry Scone, Lemons, Lettuce, Loving v Virginia, LV, Marshmallow, Marshmallows, Masa, Mayo, Mayonnaise, Michael Uzmann, Nevada, NV, Onion, Onions, Pastries, Pastry, Peanut, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Snickerdoodle, Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles, Peanut Butter-Snickerdoodle Cookie, Peanut Butter-Snickerdoodle Cookies, Peanuts, Pepper, Peppers, Peter Bastien, Pico, Pico de Gallo, Pie, Pineapple, Pineapples, Puff Pastry, Raisin, Raisins, Red Bell Pepper, Red Bell Peppers, Red Onion, Red Onions, Rice, Roasted Chicken, S'mores, Salad, Salads, Sauce, Scone, Scones, Seed, Seeds, shredded Carrots, Sin City, Snickerdoodle, Snickerdoodle Cookie, Snickerdoodle Cookies, Snickerdoodles, Soy, Soy Protein, Soy Protein Crumble, Soy Protein Crumbles, Soyrizo, Soyrizo Zucchini Boats, Squash, Street Corn, Street Corn Salad, Sugar, Sugar Free, Sugar Free Cherry Turnover, Syrup, S’Mores Turnover, Tajin, Tamale, Tamales, Tea, The Banana Flax Cake, The Carrot Cake, The Carrot Pineapple Cake, The Chai Spice Cookie, The Chai Spice Cookies, The Cherry Turnover, The Lemon Blueberry Scone, The Loving v Virginia, The Peanut Butter Snickerdoodle, The Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles, The Sugar Free Cherry Turnover, The S’Mores Turnover, Tomato, Tomatoes, Turnover, Turnovers, Vanilla, Vegan, Vegan Cheese, Vegan Marshmallow, Vegan Marshmallows, Vegan Puff Pastry, Vegas, Zucchini, Zucchini Boats

March 29, 2021
11:25 AM
by: Uhockey

Naked City Pizza Catering [8,] Las Vegas NV

Naked City Pizza Catering

Chicken Wings – Medium, Blue Cheese, Ranch Dressing

Chop Salad – Spinach, Romaine, Tomato, Onion, Sweet Pepper, Olive, Mozzarella, Salami, Vinaigrette

Guinea Pie – White Garlic Sauce, Spinach, Grandma’s Meatballs, Mozzarella Cheese, Ricotta

Cheese Pizza – Naked City Red Sauce, Mozzarella, Rosemary, Basil

Pepperoni Pizza – Naked City Red Sauce, Mozzarella, Cup n Char Pepperoni

Custom Pizza – Naked City Red Sauce, Mozzarella, Cup n Char Pepperoni, Sausage, Olives, Onion

Lasagna – Ricotta, Basil, Naked City Red Sauce, Mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano

White Lasagna – Ricotta, Spinach, White Garlic Sauce, Mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano

Italian Beef Sub – Roast Beef, Italian Au Jus, House Hot Giardiniera

Chris’ Special Sub – Marinated Fresh Mozzarella, Provolone, Genoa Salami, Ham, Garlic, Hot Peppers, Tomato, Lettuce, Black Peppercorn Sauce, Toasted Bun

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Historically the first Restaurant ever tapped to #supportlocal with lunch at the office, and reprising their catering role several times since, it was on Monday that Naked City Pizza once again put on a show with classics and novelties alike.

Always happy to bring Christopher and Michael Palmeri’s Pizza Shop off-site, indoor dining at half of their locations currently off-limits amidst COVID-19 restrictions, it was precisely on time that a longtime employee arrived with eleven items, easily enough Food for twice the number of guests with plenty of leftovers.

Not exactly a short distance to travel, yet presenting everything temperature appropriate with PPE to assure customer safety, it was not long before first-shift lunchers called dibs on Slices, Cup n’ Char Pepperoni predictably proving popular atop melted Mozzarella and housemade Sauce with plenty of Herbs, as did Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives famous Guinea Pie featuring White Garlic Sauce and Grandma Palmeri’s Meatballs.

Slinging Sin City’s best Chicken Wings, a few dozen devoured in minutes, Pasta included two styles of Lasagna, both meatless with Tomatoes and Cheese proving to be the favorite of most, though White Sauce and Spinach layered between baked sheets of Pasta also found fans.

Lightening the load with a Chop Salad and housemade Dressing, Naked City’s Ranch predictably becoming dipping Sauce for the Crust of many, fans of Palmeri’s Subs will find Chris’ Special upgrading the traditional Italian Torpedo with Marinated Mozzarella and Black Peppercorn Sauce while Chicago-style Roast Beef is excellent with just Italian Au Jus but better topped in Housemade Hot Giardiniera.

Including two more half-sheets, plain Cheese plus one with Housemade Sausage, Olives and Onions added to crispy cups of Pepperoni, Dessert entailed sixteen fresh-baked Chocolate Chip Cookies, their time in a Pizza oven yielding a light char across the base but softness otherwise imbued with notes of Vanilla.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone there is a reason Naked City Pizza has been serving Sin City for over a decade, and so long as Christopher and Michael continue to work as hard as they always have there is little doubt that any order will delight a crowd whether at the Shop or delivered.

RECOMMENDED: Guinea Pie, Red Lasagna, White Lasagna, Italian Beef Sub, Wings, Cookies.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: www.nakedcitylv.com/catering for large parties, and follow @ncpslv for specials such as the bargain family packs.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.nakedcitylv.com

Posted in Catering, Dessert, Food, Italian, Las Vegas, Naked City, Naked City Catering, Naked City Pizza, Naked City Pizza Catering, Naked City Pizza on Paradise, Nevada, Pizza, Pork, The Naked City Pizza Shop Tagged #supportlocal, Au Jus, Basil, Beef, Beef and Pork Meatball, Beef and Pork Meatballs, Beef Meatball, Beef Meatballs, Bell Pepper, Bell Peppers, Black Pepper, Black Peppercorn Sauce, Black Peppers, Bleu, Bleu Cheese, Blue Cheese, Bread, Buffalo Chicken, Buffalo Wing, Buffalo Wings, Bun, Buns, Butter, Catering, Cheese, Cheese Pizza, Chicken, Chicken Leg, Chicken Legs, Chicken Wing, Chicken Wings, Chickens, Chip, Chips, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Chips, Chop Salad, Chris Palmeri, Chris' Special Sub, Christopher Palmeri, Cocoa, Cookie, Cookies, Cow, Cows, Cream, Crust, Cup n Char, Cup n’ Char Pepperoni, Custom Pizza, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Dill, Dressing, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Fresh Basil, Fresh Herb, Fresh Herbs, Fresh Mozzarella, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Fresh Tomatoes, Galbani, Galbani Mozzarella, Galbani Mozzarella Cheese, Garlic, Garlic Sauce, Genoa Salami, Giardiniera, Grandma Palmeri's Meatball, Grandma Palmeri's Meatballs, Grandma’s Meatball, Grandma’s Meatballs, Guinea Pie, Guinea Pie Pizza, Ham, Herb, Herbs, Hoagie, Hoagie Roll, Hoagie Rolls, Hoagies, Hot Giardiniera, Hot Italian Sausage, Hot Peppers, Hot Sausage, House Giardiniera, House Hot Giardiniera, House Italian Sausage, House Vinaigrette, Housemade Sausage, Iceburg Lettuce, Italian Au Jus, Italian Beef, Italian Beef Sub, Italian Sausage, Jus, Las Vegas, Lasagna, Leg, Legs, Lettuce, LV, Marinara, Marinated Fresh Mozzarella, Marinated Mozzarella, Marinated Mozzarella Cheese, Meatball, Meatballs, Michael Palmeri, Michael Uzmann, Mozzarella, Mozzarella Cheese, Naked City, Naked City Catering, Naked City Las Vegas, Naked City Marinara, Naked City Pizza, Naked City Pizza Catering, Naked City Red Sauce, Naked City Tomato Sauce, Nevada, NV, Olive, Olives, Onion, Onions, Palmeri, Parmesan, Parmesan Cheese, Parmesan Reggiano, Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pasta, Pastries, Pastry, Pecorino, Pecorino Cheese, Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Romano Cheese, Pepper, Peppercorn, Peppercorn Sauce, Pepperoni, Pepperoni Pizza, Peppers, Pig, Pizza, Pork, Pork Meatball, Pork Meatballs, Provolone, Provolone Cheese, Ranch, Ranch Dressing, Red Bell Pepper, Red Bell Peppers, Red Pepper, Red Peppers, Red Sauce, Red Wine, Red Wine Vinaigrette, Ricotta, Ricotta Cheese, Roast Beef, Roasted Garlic, Roll, Rolls, Romaine, Romaine Lettuce, Romano Cheese, Rosemary, Salad, Salads, Salami, Sandwich, Sandwiches, Sauce, Sausage, Sausages, Sicilian Olive, Sicilian Olives, Sin City, Spinach, Sub, Sub Sandwich, Submarine Sandwich, Sugar, Sweet Pepper, Sweet Peppers, The Naked City Pizza Shop, Toasted Bun, Toasted Buns, Tomato, Tomato Sauce, Tomatoes, Vanilla, Vegas, Vegetable, Vegetables, Vinaigrette, White Garlic, White Garlic Sauce, White Lasagna, White Sauce, Wine, Wing, Wings

March 27, 2021
6:00 PM
by: Uhockey

Bardot Brasserie [24,] Las Vegas NV

Bardot Brasserie

Iced Tea – Sweetener

Bardot Baguette – Butter

Oeufs Mimosa – Smoked Paprika, Cocktail Onion, Cornichon, Osetra Caviar

Country Pate with Foie Gras and Perigord Black Truffle – Mustard

Veal Rillettes – Country Bread

King Crab & Endive Caesar – Alaskan King Crab, Parmigiano Reggiano, Caper Aioli, Herbed Bread Crumbs

Steak Tartare – USDA Prime Filet Ground to Order, Egg Yolk, Sauce Verte, Potato Chips

Escargots en Croute – Burgundy Snails, Absinthe Butter, Paris Mushroom, Roasted Garlic

Fromage Blanc Agnolotti – Meyer Lemon Cream, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Perigord Black Truffle

Beef Wellington for Two – 12oz USDA Prime Filet, Prosciutto di Parma, Puff Pastry, Mushroom Duxelle, Foie Gras-Madeira Veloute, Perigord Black Truffles

Black Truffle Pommes Puree

French Toast – Brioche, Vanilla Mascarpone, Almond Brittle, Orgeat Syrup

Some say the best Restaurants are those that a guest wants to revisit even before leaving, and over the course of twenty-four meals served across six years Bardot Brasserie has redefined “the best,” not only in terms of Food but setting and service that all continue to shine under the direction of Chef Nick Dugan.

Back at 50% capacity as Las Vegas continues to recover, PPE and Social Distancing still advised with most guests adhering, it was at 6:00pm Saturday that Aria’s second floor was found busy, a familiar hostess and manager greeting two diners who were seated comfortably in a large booth just outside Bardot’s kitchen.

Now in its seventh year, no small feat in a city where turnover is constant, it was with confirmation of no allergies or intolerances that Carte Blanche was deferred to a team that has earned unwavering trust, The Strip’s best Baguette predictably arriving first – warm and crunchy with soft Salted Butter on the side.

Now settled into Chef Dugan’s style, time spent with Gavin Kaysen at Bellecour before joining Michael Mina seeing an almost seamless transition from Chef Josh Smith’s new-French menu, course one featured a trio of shared Appetizers, Nick’s Country Pate and Rillettes rustic and teaming with technique while Deviled Eggs found themselves upgraded by a dollop of Osetra Caviar.

Continuing with three classics, both reimagined Escargot and ground-to-order Tartare wowing diners since day one for good reason, if there is any dish that defined Josh’s ability to rethink tradition it is Bardot’s King Crab & Endive Caesar which remains both crisp and refreshing despite its decidedly luxurious Accouterments.

Debuting a nightly special next, handmade Pasta filled with Fromage Blanc in a Sauce of Meyer Lemon Cream and Perigord Black Truffle, savories concluded in Bardot Brasserie’s unparalleled Beef Wellington and truffled Mashed Potatoes before finishing up with pillow-soft French Toast specially requested for dinner.

FIVE STARS: Having repeatedly challenged fellow gourmands to name a better Bistro, Brasserie or Café in North America than Bardot none have yet stood up to the task, and while some may believe that a Restaurant doing big volume cannot possibly compete with a place that seats fifty I’ll simply say I’ve done the legwork and this one does.

RECOMMENDED: Country Pate, King Crab & Endive Caesar, Escargots en Croute, Beef Wellington, French Toat.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: Follow @nrdugan or @bardot_lv for daily specials.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.michaelmina.net/restaurants/las-vegas/bardot-brasserie/

Posted in Bardot, Bardot Brasserie, Bread Basket, Crab, Dessert, Foie, Foie Gras, Food, French Toast, Las Vegas, Michael Mina, Nevada, Pork, Tasting Menu, Truffle, Truffles Tagged 12oz USDA Prime Filet, Absinthe, Absinthe Butter, Agnolotti, Agnolotti Pasta, Aioli, Alaskan King Crab, Almond, Almond Brittle, Almonds, Aria, Aria Resort & Casino, Aria Resort and Casino, Bardot, Bardot Baguette, Bardot Brasserie, Bardot French Toast, Beef, Beef Filet, Beef Steak, Beef Tartare, Beef Wellington, Beef Wellington for Two, Belgian Endive, Belgian Endives, Black Truffle, Black Truffle Mashed Potatoes, Black Truffle Pommes Puree, Black Truffles, Bread, Bread Crumb, Bread Crumbs, Brioche, Brioche Bread, Brioche French Toast, Brioche Toast, Brittle, Burgundy Snail, Burgundy Snails, Butter, Caper, Caper Aioli, Capers, Caviar, Cheese, Chip, Chips, Chive, Chives, Cocktail Onion, Cocktail Onions, Cornichon, Cornichons, Country Bread, Country Pate, Country Pate with Foie Gras and Perigord Black Truffle, Country Toast, Cow, Cows, Crab, Crabs, Cream, Creme, Crumb, Crumbs, Desserts, Duck, Duck Liver, Duck Liver Mousse, Ducks, Duxelle, Duxelles, Egg, Egg Mimosa, Egg Yolk, Egg Yolks, Eggs, Eggs Mimosa, Endive, Endives, endoedibles, Escargot, Escargots, Escargots en Croute, Filet, Fish, Fish Egg, Fish Eggs, Foie, Foie Gras, Foie Gras-Madeira Veloute, Food, Foodie, French Toast, Fromage, Fromage Blanc, Fromage Blanc Agnolotti, Garlic, Herb, Herbed Bread Crumb, Herbed Bread Crumbs, Herbs, House Brioche Bread, House Brioche Toast, Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Ice, Iced Tea, Jus, Kaluga, Kaluga Caviar, King Crab, King Crab & Endive Caesar, King Crabs, Las Vegas, Lemon, Lemons, Lettuce, Liver, LV, Madeira, Madeira Wine, Mascarpone, Mascarpone Cheese, Mashed Potato, Mashed Potatoes, Meyer Lemon, Meyer Lemon Cream, Meyer Lemons, Michael Mina, Michael Uzmann, Mousse, Mushroom, Mushroom Duxelle, Mushroom Duxelles, Mushrooms, mustard, Nevada, Nick Dugan, NV, Oeufs Mimosa, Onions, Orange, Oranges, Orgeat, Orgeat Syrup, Osetra, Osetra Caviar, Paprika, Paris Mushroom, Paris Mushrooms, Parmigiano Reggiano, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, Pasta, Pastries, Pastry, Pate, Pepper, Peppers, Perigord Black Truffle, Perigord Black Truffles, Pickle, Pickles, Pig, Pommes, Pommes Puree, Pork, Pork Pate, Potato, Potato Chip, Potato Chips, Potatoes, Prime Beef, Prime Filet, Prosciutto, Prosciutto di Parma, Puff Pastry, Puree, Quail Egg, Quail Eggs, Rillette, Rillettes, Roasted Garlic, Salad, Salads, Salt, Sandwich, Sandwiches, Sauce, Sauce Verte, Sin City, Smoked Paprika, Snail, Snails, Steak, Steak Tartare, Sugar, Syrup, Tartare, Tea, Toast, Tomato, Tomatoes, Truffle, Truffles, USDA Prime Beef, USDA Prime Filet, USDA Prime Filet Ground to Order, Vanilla, Vanilla Mascarpone, Vanilla Mascarpone Cheese, Veal, Veal Rillette, Veal Rillettes, Vegas, Veloute, Wellington, Wine, Yolk, Yolks

March 27, 2021
12:55 PM
by: Uhockey

Funny Library Coffee Shop, Las Vegas NV

Funny Library Coffee Shop

Gruyere Danish

Lemon Crinkle Cookie

German Chocolate Cake

Salted Butterscotch Pudding

Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake

Although Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has chosen to embrace a sterile, anytown-USA aesthetic at prices akin to Wynn, Funny Library Coffee Shop offers guests an enjoyable atmosphere paired with Beverages, Sandwiches and Pastries from Executive Pastry Chef Mickey Harden.

Located far from Casino games and smoke, the idea of a communal workspace brought about by plenty of space plus abundant electrical outlets, it is via variety of seating options that patrons are allowed room to relax, the overhead soundtrack differing from elsewhere in Virgin Hotel though the volume is several decibels higher than the “Library” theme suggests.

Rebranded from Fuel Café, a hidden gem at Hard Rock that also featured Chef Harden’s work, prepare to be enticed by everything from Viennoiserie to Cookies, Buns and Entremets, Virgin’s lip-shaped Chocolate Raspberry Mousse already something of a signature while the deconstructed “German Chocolate” bar is a masterwork of both texture and taste.

Less sold on a room-temperature Gruyere Danish, not to mention the fact that none of Funny Library’s Pastries are labeled with prices (and nor does the receipt itemize them,) do instead consider chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies or the same luscious Salted Butterscotch Pudding sold at The Kitchen at Commons Club, here in a jar.

THREE AND A HALF STARS: Not the sort of place one is likely to stumble upon en route from the Parking Garage, Funny Library is worth seeking out simply because it presents an opportunity to enjoy Pastries from Mickey Harden’s bakeshop.

RECOMMENDED: Lemon Crinkle Cookie, German Chocolate Cake, Salted Butterscotch Pudding.

AVOID: Gruyere Danish is probably better warmed.

TIP: As above, items are not priced and the receipt is not itemized, but the total here was slightly north of $30 with tip.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.virginhotelslv.com/dine-and-drink/funny-library-coffee-shop

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Food, Funny Library, Funny Library Coffee Shop, Las Vegas, Nevada, Virgin Hotels, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Tagged Bread, Butter, Butterscotch, Butterscotch Pudding, Cake, Cakes, Caramel, Caramel Sauce, Caramelia, Caramelia Chocolate, Cheese, Chocolate, Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake, Coconut, Coconuts, Confectioner's Sugar, Cookie, Cookie Butter, Cookie Butter Crunch, Cookies, Cream, Crunch, Danish, Danishes, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Funny Library, Funny Library Coffee Shop, Gelee, German Chocolate Cake, Gruyere, Gruyere Cheese, Gruyere Cheese Danish, Gruyere Danish, Las Vegas, Lemon, Lemon Crinkle, Lemon Crinkle Cookie, Lemon Crinkle Cookies, Lemons, LV, Michael Uzmann, Mickey Harden, Mousse, Mousse Cake, Nevada, NV, Pastries, Pastry, Pecan, Pecans, Powdered Sugar, Pudding, Raspberries, Raspberry, Raspberry Gelee, Salted Butterscotch Pudding, Salted Caramel, Salted Caramel Sauce, Salty Caramel, Sauce, Sin City, Sugar, Vanilla, Vanilla Cake, Vegas, Viennesoire, Viennesoires, Viennoiserie, Viennoiseries, Virgin Hotels, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Whip Cream, Whipped Cream

March 27, 2021
11:00 AM
by: Uhockey

The Kitchen at Commons Club, Las Vegas NV

The Kitchen at Commons Club

Coffee

Crazy Bliss Yogurt Parfait – Vanilla Bean Yogurt, Almond Granola, Local Honey, Strawberries, Blueberries

Dutch Baby Pancake for Two – Smoked Salmon, Salmon Roe, Avocado, Crème Fraiche, Capers, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Sunny Side Up Egg, Frisee

The Buttermilk Pancake – Powdered Sugar, Maple Syrup, Caramel & Pecan Cream

Dulce De Leche OMG! French Toast – Strawberries, Almond Crisp, Vanilla Cream, Maple Syrup

Bourbon Fried Chicken and Waffles – Crispy Smoked Bacon, Maple Bourbon Sauce

Choco Frenzy – Decadent Chocolate Cake, Dark Chocolate Mousse, Cookies & Cream Ice Cream, Chantilly Cream

Salted Butterscotch Pudding – Cookie Butter Crunch, Vanilla Cake, Caramelia Chocolate, Salted Caramel Sauce, Unicorn Cookies

Key Lime Cheesecake – Coconut Streusel, Vanilla Cream, Passion Crispy, Mango Sauce

Luscious Lemon Crème Brulee – Lemon Thyme Shortbread Cookies, Fresh Raspberries

Pretentiously described as “a contemporary American eatery with British Brasserie influences,” The Kitchen at Commons Club is actually Las Vegas most overpriced 24/7 Diner, the fact that Virgin Hotels is “new” somehow intended to excuse markups that would F&B executives on The Strip blush.

A replacement for Mr. Lucky’s, with Pottery Barn décor and cheeky flourishes a far cry from historic Rock memorabilia, it is from a team led by Executive Chef David Werly that menus cover Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Late Night and Brunch, $4 Coffee no better than Folgers at least bottomless albeit lukewarm.

Citing “British Roots,” a single “Wicked English Breakfast” found alongside little else one will find on a Hotel Breakfast in London, it was after turning down $9 each (as quoted by the waiter) Pastries that a five plate order was constructed, Virgin’s “Crazy Bliss Yogurt Parfait” a fine deal at $11 while six bites of Pancake tally an egregious $17.

Switching savory after nearly 40-minutes wait, the dining area less than 10% full, $22 for three Chicken Strips and a good Waffle is undeniably precious with or without forgotten Bacon, while a “Dutch Baby for Two” dressed in Smoked Salmon plus traditional accoutrements is both delicious and creative at a price of $28.

Going for shock value via “Dulce De Leche OMG! French Toast,” the $18 tab seven-dollars less than Bardot’s iconic version but not half as memorable, Virgin is fortunate to have retained Pastry Chef Mickey Harden’s considerable talent from Hard Rock as each of four Desserts are exquisite for just $10-12 apiece.

Keeping the Hard Rock Hotel soundtrack, The Rolling Stones as well as Alice in Chains heard over the course of 90-minutes, anyone familiar with Chef Harden will know flavors and presentation are peerless, an elongated slice of Chocolate Cake the most “simple” while Salted Butterscotch Pudding, Key Lime Cheesecake and shattering Crème Brulee are texturally masterful and more compelling with each bite.

TWO STARS: As generic as the hotel it occupies, The Kitchen at Commons Club is precisely what happens when a former Assistant Executive Chef is promoted only to follow orders, a “by committee” menu that cannot even follow the tenets it proposes while simultaneously gouging guests.

RECOMMENDED: Dutch Baby Pancake for two, Salted Butterscotch Pudding, Key Lime Cheesecake, Luscious Lemon Crème Brulee.

AVOID: The Buttermilk Pancake, Bourbon Fried Chicken and Waffles.

TIP: As one can clearly see, no Bacon came with the Chicken and Waffles, but discussion after the meal with staff suggests the $9 Pastry side is actually three items and not just one as the waiter stated.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.virginhotelslv.com/dine-and-drink/commons-club-kitchen

Posted in Breakfast, Coffee, Dessert, Food, French Toast, Ice Cream, Las Vegas, Nevada, pancake, Pancakes, The Kitchen at Commons Club, Virgin Hotels, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Waffle, Waffles Tagged 100% Maple Syrup, 100% Pure Maple Syrup, Almond, Almond Crisp, Almond Granola, Almonds, Avocado, Avocados, Blueberries, Blueberry, Bourbon, Bourbon Fried Chicken, Bourbon Fried Chicken and Waffles, Bread, Brioche, Brioche Bread, Brioche French Toast, Butter, Buttermilk, Buttermilk Pancake, Buttermilk Pancakes, Butterscotch, Butterscotch Pudding, Cake, Cakes, Caper, Capers, Caramel, Caramel & Pecan Cream, Caramel Sauce, Caramelia, Caramelia Chocolate, Chantilly, Chantilly Cream, Cheese, Cheese Cake, Cheesecake, Cherry Tomato, Cherry Tomatoes, Chicken, Chicken & Waffles, Chicken and Waffles, Chicken Strip, Chicken Strips, Chickens, Choco Frenzy, Chocolate, Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Mousse, Cinnamon, Coconut, Coconut Streusel, Coconuts, Confectioner's Sugar, Cookie, Cookie Butter, Cookie Butter Crunch, Cookies, Cookies & Cream, Cookies & Cream Ice Cream, Cookies and Cream, Crazy Bliss Yogurt Parfait, Cream, Cream Chantilly, Cream Cheese, Creme, Creme Brulee, Crème Fraiche, Crisp, Cucumber, Cucumbers, Custard, Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Mousse, David Werly, Decadent Chocolate Cake, Dessert, Desserts, Dulce de Leche, Dulce De Leche French Toast, Dulce De Leche OMG! French Toast, Dutch Baby, Dutch Baby Pancake, Dutch Baby Pancake for Two, Egg, Egg Yolk, Egg Yolks, Eggs, endoedibles, Fish, Fish Eggs, Food, Foodie, French Toast, Fried Chicken, Frisee, Granola, Honey, Ice Cream, Key Lime, Key Lime Cheesecake, Key Limes, Las Vegas, Lemon, Lemon Crème Brulee, Lemon Thyme Shortbread Cookies, Lemons, Lime, Limes, Local Honey, Luscious Lemon Crème Brulee, LV, Mango, Mango Sauce, Mangoes, Mangos, Maple, Maple Bourbon Sauce, Maple Syrup, Michael Uzmann, Mickey Harden, Mousse, Nevada, NV, Oat, Oatmeal, Oats, Onion, Onions, Oreo, Oreo Cookie, Oreo Cookies, Oreo Ice Cream, Oreos, Pancake, Pancakes, Parfait, Passion Crispy, Passion Fruit, Passionfruit, Passionfruit Crispy, Pastries, Pastry, Pecan, Pecans, Powdered Sugar, Pudding, Pure Maple Syrup, Raspberries, Raspberry, Roe, Salmon, Salmon Fish, Salmon Roe, Salted Butterscotch Pudding, Salted Caramel, Salted Caramel Sauce, Salty Caramel, Sauce, Short Bread, Shortbread, Shortbread Cookie, Shortbread Cookies, Sin City, Smoked Salmon, Strawberries, Strawberry, Streusel, Sugar, Sunny-side Up Egg, Sunny-side Up Eggs, Syrup, The Buttermilk Pancake, The Kitchen at Commons Club, Thyme, Toast, Tomato, Tomatoes, Unicorn Cookie, Unicorn Cookies, Vanilla, Vanilla Bean, Vanilla Bean Yogurt, Vanilla Beans, Vanilla Cake, Vanilla Cream, Vanilla Yogurt, Vegas, Virgin Hotels, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Waffle, Waffles, Whip Cream, Whipped Cream, Yogurt, Yogurt Parfait, Yolk, Yolks

March 25, 2021
11:30 AM
by: Uhockey

Metro Pizza Catering [10,] Las Vegas NV

Metro Pizza

Chopped Italian Salad with Ranch Dressing and Italian Dressing

Pepperoni Pizza – Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Pepperoni

Milano Pizza – Garlic Cream Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Ricotta Cheese, Garlic, Sausage

Zamboni Pizza – Sausage, Old School Pepperoni, Roasted Red Peppers, Mike’s Hot Honey, Mozzarella Cheese

Triple Play – Thin Crust, Mozzarella, Tomato Sauce, Triple-Portion Chicago Sausage

Old New York – Thick Sliced Mozzarella Cheese, Italian Tomato Sauce, Basil

86th Street Square Pie – Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Romano Cheese, Olive Oil, Old School Pepperoni

Brooklyn Jr – Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Romano Cheese, Olive Oil, Mushrooms

Mini Cannoli – Ricotta, Confectioner’s Sugar, Chocolate Chips

Serving Las Vegas for over forty years one might well assume Metro Pizza has the delivery game down to a science, and even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic John Arena and Sam Facchini’s Pizzeria remains irreproachable in terms of customer service.

Featuring locations North, South, East and West, with another soon to come at the Convention Center, it was minutes prior to 11:30am that delivery arrived porting Food, utensils, plates and condiments, each carefully packaged such that Salad and Desserts were chilled with everything else piping-hot.

Suitable for almost any budget, though late-2019 changes have created a more concise menu, it was focused on old favorites that seven Pies plus Salad and Dessert were received for $10 per guest, the all-inclusive cost predictably yielding enough for all plus an assortment of leftovers.

Now the seventeenth time delivering to this office, in addition to a dozen or more visits to locations on Decatur, Horizon Ridge or Sky Pointe, it was beginning with Salad that many once again praised Metro’s duo of housemade Dressings, though those more concerned with eating while Food was still temperature appropriate predictably went straight for familiar Pepperoni or the “Zamboni” Pizza complete with two Meats, Roasted Peppers and a generous drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey.

Moving next to Old New York, a classic trio on voluptuous Crust, several staff took a chance on Metro’s “Milano” with added Sausage while the “Triple Play” beneath three-times the Meat stood no chance as crispy rectangular Slices were quickly devoured.
Not about to pass by 86th Street, the cold-fermented Sicilian remaining defiantly light despite its thickness even after traveling ten miles, the offering of “Brooklyn Jr.” allowed those who inexplicably “don’t like” Pepperoni to try America’s best Sicilian with Mushrooms while a traditional Pepperoni Pizza also disappeared within the hour.

Finishing with Metro Pizza’s Cannoli, a dozen filled-to-orde, suffice it to say that Metro remains Las Vegas’ best Pizzeria in 2021, and despite mounting competition the gap only seems to be widening.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone there is a reason John and Sam have been successfully serving Las Vegas for so long, a good part of it skill and doing things the right way, but also by focusing on the customer to deliver on their promises no matter how big or small the budget.

RECOMMENDED: 86th Street Square Pie, Zamboni, Milano, Triple Play, Chopped Salad, Cannoli.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: Catering Menu Available here – www.metropizza.com/catering/ and contact metro_catering@embarqmail.com or 702-256-3719 to order.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.metropizza.com

Posted in Catering, Dessert, Food, Italian, Las Vegas, Metro Pizza, Metro Pizza Catering, Metro Pizza on Decatur, Nevada, Pizza, Pork Tagged #supportlocal, 86th Street, 86th Street Pie, 86th Street Pizza, 86th Street Square Pie, 86th Street Square Pizza, 86th Street Square Sicilian, Basil, Beef, Bread, Brooklyn Jr, Brooklyn Jr Pizza, Butter, Cannoli, Cannolis, Cheese, Cheese Pizza, Chicago Sausage, Chip, Chips, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chips, Chopped Italian Salad, Chopped Salad, Chris Decker, Confectioner's Sugar, Cow, Cows, Cream Sauce, Crouton, Croutons, Crust, Cucumber, Cucumbers, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Dressing, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Garlic, Garlic Cream Sauce, Garlic Sauce, Honey, Hot Honey, Italian Dressing, Italian Salad, Italian Sausage, Italian Tomato Sauce, John Arena, Las Vegas, Lettuce, LV, Meat, Metro, Metro Pizza, Metro Pizza Catering, Metro Pizza Decatur, Metro Pizza on Decatur, Metro-style Square Pie, Michael Uzmann, Mike’s Hot Honey, Milano, Milano Pizza, Mini Cannoli, Mozzarella, Mozzarella Cheese, Mushroom, Mushrooms, Nevada, NV, Oil, Old New York, Old New York Pizza, Old School Pepperoni, Olive, Olive Oil, Olives, Onion, Onions, Pastries, Pastry, Pepper, Pepperoni, Pepperoni Pizza, Pepperoni Sicilian Pizza, Pepperoni Sicilian Slice, Peppers, Pie, Pies, Pig, Pizza, Pork, Pork Sausage, Powdered Sugar, Ranch, Ranch Dressing, Red Pepper, Red Peppers, Ricotta, Ricotta Cheese, Roasted Red Pepper, Roasted Red Peppers, Romano, Romano Cheese, Salad, Salads, Sam Facchini, Sauce, Sausage, Sicilian, Sicilian Cheese Pie with Pepperoni, Sicilian Cheese Pizza with Pepperoni, Sicilian Pie, Sicilian Pizza, Sicilian Slice, Sin City, Sugar, Thick Crust, Thick Sliced Mozzarella, Thick Sliced Mozzarella Cheese, Thin Crust, Tomato, Tomato Sauce, Tomatoes, Triple Play, Triple Play Pizza, Triple-Portion Chicago Sausage, Vanilla, Vegas, Zamboni, Zamboni Pie, Zamboni Pizza

March 24, 2021
11:29 AM
by: Uhockey

ShangHai Taste Catering [6,] Las Vegas NV

Shanghai Taste

House Fried Rice with Chinese Sausage

Shanghai Fried Rice Cake with Chicken

House Fried Fat Noodles with Beef

Kao Fu

Scallion Pancakes

Old Fashion Shanghai Style Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs

Sheng Jian

Red Bean Xiao Long Bao

Tucked inside Suite 104 of 4266 Spring Mountain Road, limited seating in the era of social distancing making take-out as good an option as dining in, it was via contacting ShangHai Taste directly that catering was coordinated, GM Joe Muscaglione arriving at 11:30am-sharp with eight items portioned large enough for sharing.

Still the top destination in Shanghai Plaza at the corner of Arville Street, family recipes handed down to Chef Jimmy Li comprising a concise menu of scratch-made plates, it was with all items carefully-packed and temperature appropriate that most got started with Fried Rice, a bit of tooth welcomed amidst Sausage, Egg and Soy while Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs remain a surprising staff-favorite thanks to tender Flesh easily stripped from the Bone.

Now the sixth time delivered, though Jimmy’s years at 3 Villages, 1900 Asian Cuisine and Niu Gu will find many locals familiar with his authentic brand of cooking, fans of Soup Dumplings, or XLB, will be happy to know ShangHai Taste’s set a high standard, and whether one prefers Pork, Crab or even Gluten Free the textures and flavors are great, as too are the fried version entitled Sheng Jian with Sesame Seeds.

Again impressing with House Fried Fat Noodles, each strand slick and slightly chewy tossed with Steak, Stir-fried Rice Cakes traditionally known as Chao Nian Gao remain a personal favorite thanks to sticky-soft pillows with Salt and a bit of sweetness.

Only offering two Desserts, neither “American” by any stretch, remaining stomach capacity was invested in Red Bean Dumplings on this Monday, while guests with a sense of adventure enjoyed steamed Wheat Gluten Kao Fu with Mushrooms, fermented Soy and Ginger.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone, Chef Jimmy Li and Joe Muscaglione face an uphill battle much like the rest of Las Vegas’ Restaurants following COVID-19, but for those seeking Chinatown’s best Shanghainese Cuisine there is simply none better when accounting for cost, quality and customer service.

RECOMMENDED: Sheng Jian, Shanghai Fried Rice Cake, House Fried Fat Noodles, Old Fashion Shanghai Style Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs, Kao Fu.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: Open daily from 11:00am until 9:00pm. Call 702-570-6363 or hop on Yelp! to make reservations.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.facebook.com/ShanghaiTasteLV

Posted in Dessert, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, pancake, Pancakes, Pork, Shanghai Plaza, ShangHai Taste Tagged #supportlocal, Bean, Bean Sprout, Bean Sprouts, Beans, Beef, Cake, Cakes, Catering, Chao Nian Gao, Chicken, Chickens, Chinese Sausage, Cloud Ear Mushroom, Cloud Ear Mushrooms, Cloud Mushroom, Cloud Mushrooms, Cow, Cows, Dumpling, Dumplings, Egg, Eggs, endoedibles, Fat Noodle, Fat Noodles, Flower, Flowers, Food, Foodie, Fried Dumpling, Fried Dumplings, Fried Fat Noodle, Fried Fat Noodles, Fried Rice, Fried Rice Cake, Fried Rice Cakes, Fried Soup Dumpling, Fried Soup Dumplings, Ginger, Gluten, House Fried Fat Noodle, House Fried Fat Noodles, House Fried Fat Noodles with Beef, House Fried Rice, House Fried Rice with Chinese Sausage, House Fried Rice with Shrimp, Housemade Scallion Oil, Jimmy Li, Joe Muscaglione, Kao Fu, Las Vegas, Lillies, Lily Flower, LV, Michael Uzmann, Nevada, Noodle, Noodles, NV, Oil, Old Fashion Shanghai Style Sweet & Sour Pork Rib, Old Fashion Shanghai Style Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs, Onion, Onions, Pancake, Pancakes, Pasta, Paste, Pepper, Peppers, Pig, Pork, Pork Rib, Pork Ribs, Pork Sausage, Pork Xiao Long Bao, Red Bean, Red Bean Paste, Red Bean Xiao Long Bao, Red Beans, Rib, Ribs, Rice, Rice Cake, Rice Cakes, Sauce, Sausage, Scallion, Scallion Oil, Scallion Pancake, Scallion Pancakes, Scallions, Seed, Seeds, Sesame, Sesame Seed, Sesame Seeds, Shanghai Fried Rice Cake, Shanghai Fried Rice Cakes, ShangHai Plaza, Shanghai Soy Sauce, Shanghai Style Sweet & Sour Pork Rib, Shanghai Style Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs, Shanghai Sweet & Sour Pork Rib, Shanghai Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs, ShangHai Taste, ShangHai Taste Catering, Shanghai Xiao Long Bao, Sheng Jian, Sin City, Soup, Soup Dumpling, Soup Dumplings, Soy, Soy Sauce, Spring Mountain, Sprout, sprouts, Steamed Gluten, Steamed Wheat Gluten, Sugar, Sweet & Sour Pork Rib, Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs, Vegan, Vegas, Wheat, Wheat Gluten, Xiao Long Bao, Xiao Long Bao with Pork and Soup, XLB, XLB Dumpling, XLB Dumplings, XLB Soup Dumpling, XLB Soup Dumplings

March 22, 2021
11:15 AM
by: Uhockey

CRAFTkitchen Catering [16,] Henderson NV

CRAFTkitchen Catering

Italian Sausage Gravy

Cheddar and Green Onion Biscuits

Silver Dollar Pancakes, Cherry & Cream Cheese Icing

Ciabatta Breakfast Sandwich – Roasted Garlic Aioli, Smoked Ham, Smoked Bacon, Egg, Cheddar Cheese

Short Rib Hash, Caramelized Onions, Roasted Red Peppers, Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Sticky Pecan Kouign Amann

Chocolate Nutella Kougin Amann

Chocolate Bread Pudding, Crème Anglaise

Always happy to #supportlocal with an office favorite, CRAFTkitchen once again catered on Monday, Chef Blinn predictably arriving early with all the necessary items and this time presenting attendees with “Breakfast for Lunch” for the fifth time.

Recently taking on Mexican and Asian themes, but this time squarely in the Henderson hot-spot’s wheelhouse, it was almost entirely from CRAFTkitchen’s current menu that eight items were presented, savories starting with all-new Cheddar and Green Onion Biscuits that are lovely on their own but even better topped with Italian Sausage Gravy.

Always well-portioned and fair-priced, a group of twenty-five getting their fill with plenty of leftovers packed to-go, it was alongside these that guests enjoyed Breakfast Sandwiches plus Pancakes, the former featuring housemade Ciabatta loaded with Pork, Eggs and Cheese while fluffy Buttermilk rounds received a serious upgrade from Cherry & Cream Cheese Icing.

Not about to forget CRAFTkitchen’s Short Rib Hash, a signature since the Restaurant opened five years ago, those seeking sweet instead of heat were left to choose from three options, rich Chocolate-Nutella Filling pitted against Sticky Pecan Kouign Amann plus a hefty tray of Chocolate Bread Pudding ready to be bathed in Crème Anglaise.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone CRAFTkitchen has always gone the extra mile to assure off-site dining is every bit as delicious as inside the Restaurant on South Eastern, and although it is fun to get creative sometimes this Breakfast-for-Lunch sampling was a generous reminder of what has made Jaret and Tami’s place great from day one.

RECOMMENDED: Every single dish.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: See the website for sample catering items, Family Meals and current menu, or contact the Restaurant directly with a budget and let them do what they do best.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.craftkitchenlv.com

Posted in Bread Basket, Bread Pudding, Breakfast, Catering, Craft Kitchen, CRAFTkitchen, CRAFTkitchen Catering, Dessert, Food, Henderson, Las Vegas, Nevada, pancake, Pancakes, Pork Tagged #supportlocal, Aioli, Bacon, Beef, Beef Short Rib, Beef Short Ribs, Biscuit, Biscuits, Braised Short Rib, Braised Short Ribs, Bread, Bread Pudding, Breakfast, Breakfast Sandwich, Butter, Buttermilk, Caramel, Cheddar, Cheddar and Green Onion Biscuit, Cheddar and Green Onion Biscuits, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Cherries, Cherry, Cherry & Cream Cheese Icing, Cherry Compote, Chili, Chili Pepper, Chili Peppers, Chilis, Chip, Chips, Chocolate, Chocolate Bread Pudding, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chips, Chocolate Nutella Kougin Amann, Chocolate-Hazelnut, Ciabatta, Ciabatta Bread, Ciabatta Breakfast Sandwich, Cocoa, Compote, Confectioner's Sugar, Cow, Cows, CRAFTKitchen, CRAFTkitchen Catering, Cream, Cream Cheese, Cream Cheese Icing, Creme, Creme Anglaise, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Egg, Egg Yolk, Egg Yolks, Eggs, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Garlic, Garlic Aioli, Gravy, Green Onion, Green Onions, Ham, Hash, Hatch Chile, Hatch Chiles, Hatch Chili, Hatch Chilis, Hazelnut, Hazelnuts, Henderson, Icing, Italian Sausage, Italian Sausage Gravy, Jaret Blinn, Kouign Amann, Las Vegas, LV, Maple, Maple Syrup, Michael Uzmann, Nevada, New Mexican Chile, New Mexican Chiles, New Mexican Chili, New Mexican Chilis, Nutella, NV, Onion, Onions, Pancake, Pancakes, Pastries, Pastry, Pecan, Pecans, Pepper, Peppers, Pork, Potato, Potatoes, Powdered Sugar, Pudding, Pure Maple Syrup, Ranch Dressing, Rib, Ribs, Roasted Garlic, Roasted Garlic Aioli, Roasted Onion, Roasted Onions, Roasted Sweet Onion, Roasted Sweet Onions, Salt, Sandwich, Sandwiches, Sauce, Sausage, Sausage Gravy, Short Rib, Short Rib Hash, Short Ribs, Silver Dollar Pancake, Silver Dollar Pancakes, Sin City, Smashed Potato, Smashed Potatoes, Smoked Bacon, Smoked Ham, Sticky Pecan Kouign Amann, Sugar, Sweet Onion, Sweet Onions, Syrup, Tami Blinn, Tomato, Tomatoes, Vanilla, Vanilla Bean, Vanilla Beans, Vegas, Viennesoire, Viennesoires, Viennoiserie, Viennoiseries, Yolk, Yolks

March 20, 2021
10:15 AM
by: Uhockey

Double Cake Baking Studio, San Juan PR

Double Cake Baking Studio

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Walnut Brownie

Oh My Guava Cupcake

Nutty Braid

Vegan Banana Mini Loaf

Magic Bread

Praline Quesito

Dulce de Leche Quesito

Established in 2011, with a storefront at Calle Loíza 1852 opened three years later, Double Cake started as a home business dedicated to making Cakes, Yaritza Lozano and husband Orlando Santiago moving from careers in education and graphic design to the world of sweets when government funding dried up for the former.

Dubbed Double Cake Baking Studio, and known for Puerto Rican specialties as well as traditional Baked Goods like Cookies or Brownies, it is beginning at 9:00am Monday through Saturday that guests will find several-dozen scratch-made products, all served by friendly staff in a space that is clean and cozy.

Well priced and happy to put a unique twist on classics, Quesitos topped in Dulce de Luche or Candied Pecans two shining examples, Lozano and team also make exquisite Cupcakes including “Oh My Guava” with a delicate Vanilla crumb beneath Cream Cheese Icing and Fruit Paste.

An impressive collection considering the lack of professional training, truly a hobby turned career, Double Cake’s Cookies and Brownies are fairly basic but nonetheless well-crafted, while the Vegan Banana Mini Loaf is by any other definition a Muffin with plenty of moisture and bold aromatics.

Finishing up with a Nutty Braid and “Magic Bread,” the former slightly overworked Brioche akin to a Sticky Bun, it would be best to look at its counterpart as a cousin of Mallorca thanks to the Powder Sugar dusting and yeasty notes within.

www.double-cake.com

Posted in cupcake, cupcakes, Dessert, Double Cake, Double Cake Baking Studio, Food, Puerto Rico, San Juan, Vacation Tagged Banana, Banana Muffin, Bananas, Bread, Brownie, Brownies, Bun, Buns, Butter, Cake, Cakes, Candied Pecan, Candied Pecans, Caramel, Cheese, Chip, Chips, Chocolate, Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Brownies, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Chips, Cinnamon, Confectioner's Sugar, Cookie, Cookies, Cream, Cream Cheese, Cream Cheese Frosting, Cream Cheese Icing, Cupcake, Cupcakes, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Double Cake, Double Cake Baking Studio, Dulce de Leche, Dulce de Leche Quesito, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Frosting, Fudge, Fudge Brownie, Fudge Brownies, Guava, Guava Cheese, Guava Cheese Cupcake, Icing, Magic Bread, Mallorca, Mallorca Bread, Michael Uzmann, Muffin, Muffins, Nutty Braid, Oh My Guava Cupcake, Orlando Santiago, Pastries, Pastry, Pecan, Pecans, Powdered Sugar, PR, Praline, Praline Quesito, Pralines, Puerto Rico, Quesito, Quesitos, San Juan, Sticky Bun, Sticky Buns, Sugar, Travel, Vacation, Vanilla, Vegan, Vegan Banana Mini Loaf, Vegan Banana Muffin, Walnut, Walnut Brownie, Walnuts, Yaritza Lozano

March 20, 2021
9:00 AM
by: Uhockey

Lote 23, San Juan PR

Lote 23

Pernileria Los Proceres

Bacon and Cheddar Empanada

Bayqan Sandwich – Pork, Lettuce, Tomato, Mayonnaise, Brioche Bun

Café Regina

Regina’s Cold Brew

Sourdough Toast, Almond Butter, Banana, Honey, Puffed Amaranth, Lemon Zest

Batata Canol – Raisins, Pepitas

Currently comprised of eleven Kiosks, Airstreams and Booths, Lote 23 is described as a “Gastronomic Park” in the heart of Santurce, the local focus and diversity of choices noteworthy while staff do a commendable job of enforcing safety protocols across various areas starting at 9am Tuesday through Sunday with Cafe Regina and Pernilería los Próceres.

Beginning with Café Regina, a sister to Kali Jean Solack’s Loiza Street flagship where servers would rather flirt with hipsters than serve waiting guests, it is from a small Kiosk that Baristas create drinks made from locally grown Beans, Regina’s Coldbrew dark and pure with mellow note of Cocoa that pair well to a variety of Toasts and Pastries.

Also offering more experimental drinks, including a Coffee + Ginger Beer “Café Stormy,” it was after ten minutes wait that Sourdough and Sweet Potato Cake were served, the former meticulously topped with Almond Butter and Banana plus complimentary flavors while the latter offered a nice spice profile lent texture and sweetness by Pumpkin Seeds plus Raisins.

Shifting next to an Airstream trailer across the way, picnic tables cooled by an enormous fan offering a space to wait as Chef Mario Juan was running thirty minutes behind, it was finally at 9:32 that Pernileria Los Proceres was ready to take orders, though this too took much longer than anticipated.

Kitschy in terms of decoration, and firmly focused on Pork, it was after being informed that several items including Cheesecake were unavailable that an Appetizer and Sandwich were purchased, Pernileria Los Proceres’ Empanada proving perfectly fried around Bacon and Cheddar while the Bayqan Sandwich offers plenty of tender Pork Shoulder with Vegetables and Mayo on fluffy Brioche.

www.lote23.com

Posted in Breakfast, Café Regina, Coffee, Dessert, Food, La Pernileria Los Proceres, Lote 23, Pernileria Los Proceres, Pork, Puerto Rico, San Juan, Vacation Tagged Almond, Almond Butter, Almonds, Amaranth, Bacon, Bacon and Cheddar Empanada, Banana, Bananas, Batata Canol, Bayqan Sandwich, Bread, Brioche, Brioche Bread, Brioche Bun, Bun, Buns, Butter, Café Regina, Cake, Cakes, Cheddar, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Cinnamon, Coffee, Cold Brew, Cold Brew Coffee, Coldbrew, Coldbrew Coffee, Cream, Dessert, Desserts, Empanada, Empanadas, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Honey, Ice, Iced Coffee, Kali Jean Solack, Kali Solack, La Pernileria Los Proceres, Lemon, Lemon Peel, Lemon Zest, Lemons, Lettuce, Lote 23, Mario Juan, Mayo, Mayonnaise, Michael Uzmann, Pastries, Pastry, Peel, Pepita, Pepitas, Pernileria Los Proceres, Pig, Pork, Pork Shoulder, Potato, Potatoes, PR, Puerto Rico, Puffed Amaranth, Pumpkin, Pumpkin Seed, Pumpkin Seeds, Pumpkins, Raisin, Raisins, Regina’s Cold Brew, San Juan, Sandwich, Sandwiches, Seed, Seeds, Shoulder, Sourdough, Sourdough Bread, Sourdough Toast, Sugar, Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato Bread, Sweet Potato Cake, Sweet Potatoes, Toast, Tomato, Tomatoes, Travel, Vacation, Zest

March 20, 2021
7:15 AM
by: Uhockey

Pinky’s (Condado,) San Juan PR

Pinky’s

Coffee

High pH Smoothie – Spinach, Mango, Cucumber, Honey

Mango Pancakes – Buttermilk Pancakes, Fresh Mango, Powdered Sugar

Pinky’s Breakfast Sandwich – Baguette, Fried Eggs, Sharp Cheddar, Ham, Garlic Pesto Mayo

Recently re-opened under original ownership on Ashford Avenue, several relocations over the years also finding a sister on Calle Loiza, Pinky’s is arguably one of San Juan’s most popular eateries – the debate largely because extremely limited seating makes it difficult for all but early risers and those with a lot of patience to dine there.

Known for All Day Breakfast and substantial portions, queues forming shortly after Pinky’s 7:00am opening lasting until 4:00pm, it was early Saturday that a two-top was scored next to the register, a sizable menu augmented by specials posing tough choices including Wraps, Sandwiches, Pancakes, Smoothies and more.

Offering both healthy and gluttonous options, a “High pH” Batida arriving along with extra in the blender quite refreshing while Coffee proves acrid as Folgers’, it was after being informed that no Mallorca were available that decisions were made – the next ten minutes spent watching a lone line-cook prepare several tables’ Food with great dexterity.

Playful in terms of décor, two servers in “Eat Me!” t-shirts whizzing by nonstop, expect eyes to widen when plates arrive, Pinky’s Breakfast Sandwich occupying a half-Loaf of Bread with Eggs, Cheddar, Ham and aromatic Mayo while the triple-stack of Mango Pancakes for just $7.50 in an undeniable bargain provided one does not mind “Fake Maple Syrup.”

www.facebook.com/Pinkys-112452892183010/

Posted in Breakfast, Coffee, Condado, Food, pancake, Pancakes, Pinky’s, Pinky’s Condado, Pork, Puerto Rico, San Juan, Vacation Tagged Baguette, Baguettes, Batida, Bread, Breakfast, Breakfast Sandwich, Butter, Buttermilk, Buttermilk Pancake, Buttermilk Pancakes, Cheddar, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Condado, Confectioner's Sugar, Cucumber, Cucumbers, Egg, Egg Yolk, Egg Yolks, Eggs, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Fresh Mango, Fresh Mangoes, Fresh Mangos, Fried Egg, Fried Eggs, Garlic, Garlic Pesto Mayo, Garlic Pesto Mayonnaise, Ham, High pH, High pH Batida, High pH Smoothie, Honey, Lemon, Lemons, Mango, Mango Pancake, Mango Pancakes, Mangoes, Mangos, Mayo, Mayonnaise, Michael Uzmann, Pancake, Pancakes, Pesto, Pig, Pinky’s, Pinky’s Breakfast Sandwich, Pinky’s Condado, Pork, Powdered Sugar, PR, Puerto Rico, San Juan, Sandwich, Sandwiches, Sharp Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Smoothie, Spinach, Sugar, Travel, Vacation, Yolk, Yolks

March 19, 2021
6:30 PM
by: Uhockey

1919 Restaurant, San Juan PR

1919 Restaurant

Cucumber Coconut Gazpacho

House Focaccia Rolls, Butter

Croquestas de Bacalao, Aioli

Lobster Salad, Pasta, Uni Emulsion, Organic Tomato-Clam Vinaigrette

Chayote Salad, Local Citrus, Grains, Avocado, Crispy Kale, Thai Flavors, Goat Cheese, Pickled Aji Dulce, Cilantro

Wild Shrimps, Organic Polenta, Parmesan Cheese, Natural Jus

Parmentier-Truffle Soup, Potato, Leeks, Ricotta Gnocchi

Secreto Iberico, Bok Choy, Tomatoes, Young Onions

Roasted Duck Breast, Roasted Fideos, Mushrooms, Sofrito, Olives

Arroz Coco, Coconut Crumble, Yuzu Gel, Almonds, Mango Passion Sorbet

Guava and Lemon, Almond Frangipane, Pineapple, Lemon Caramel, Guava Sorbet

Macaron, Macaroon, Fudge, Madeline

Located just off the lobby of Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, 1919 may just be Puerto Rico’s most luxurious Restaurant, Chef Juan José Cuevas bringing his Michelin starred resume to a menu that features contemporary continental Cuisine built from locally-sourced Ingredients.

Known for seaside views and posh fabrics, plus the sort of service that calls guests by name or professional title rather than “Sir” or “Ma’am,” it was at precisely 6:30pm that a table for two was arranged room’s length from windows, a slight apologized for in advance and attributed to every seat otherwise taken by Vanderbilt Hotel guests.

Prone to seasonal change across a four-course Prix Fixe, $89 plus Supplements a fine deal for complex plates and large portions, it was with a $30 glass of Taittinger Rose that dinner got started, an Amuse of cooling Gazpacho quickly followed by complimentary housemade Rolls and creamy bites of fried Baccala that cost about $3.50 each.

Relaxed in terms of pacing, twenty-to-thirty minute intervals between plates filled by conversation, course one consisted of dueling Salads, her Lobster with Pasta and briny Vinaigrette enjoyable but entirely outclassed by Squash, Fruit, Cheese and Pickles brightened by Thai seasonings across a multitude of textures.

Suggesting “Smart casual” dress, though jeans and short sleeves are not out-of-place, course two consisted of lightly cooked Shrimp and “Grits” versus Soup poured tableside, Truffle-scented Cheese and Potatoes forming a velvety Potage that led nicely to meaty Entrees of grilled Pork with Vegetables and pan-seared Duck atop Rice Noodles.

Undoubtedly a meticulous kitchen, plating reliably photogenic from beginning to end, dinner concluded with Mignardises and Dessert, waiter-recommended “Guava and Lemon” akin to Clafoutis with textural Pineapples while Coconut Rice Pudding found brightness in exotic Fruits.

www.condadovanderbilt.com/condado-1919-restaurant

Posted in 1919, 1919 Restaurant, Bread Basket, Condado, Dessert, Food, Gnocchi, Ice Cream, Lobster, Macaron, Macaroon, Madeline, Madelines, Pork, Puerto Rico, San Juan, Truffle, Truffles, Vacation Tagged 1919, 1919 Restaurant, Aioli, Aji, Aji Pepper, Aji Peppers, Ajis, Almond, Almond Frangipane, Almonds, Arroz, Arroz Coco, Avocado, Avocados, Bacalao, Bacalao Croqueta, Bacalao Croquetas, Baccala, Baccala Croquetta, Baccala Croquettas, Baccala Fritter, Baccala Fritters, Bok Choy, Bread, Breast, Breasts, Butter, Cake, Cakes, Caramel, Chayote, Chayote Salad, Chayote Squash, Cheese, Chevre, Chevre Cheese, Chocolate, Chocolate Fudge, Cilantro, Citrus, Clam, Clams, Coconut, Coconut Crumble, Coconut Rice Pudding, Coconuts, Cod, Cod Fish, Condado, Cookie, Cookies, Corn Meal, Cornmeal, Cream, Crispy Kale, Croquestas, Croquestas de Bacalao, Croquetta, Croquettas, Croquette, Croquettes, Crumble, Cucumber, Cucumber Coconut Gazpacho, Cucumbers, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Duck, Duck Breast, Dumpling, Dumplings, Emulsion, endoedibles, Fideo, Fish, Focaccia, Focaccia Bread, Focaccia Roll, Focaccia Rolls, Food, Foodie, Frangipane, Fritter, Fritters, Fudge, Garlic, Gazpacho, Gel, Gnocchi, Goat Cheese, Grain, Grains, Guava, Guava and Lemon, Guava Sorbet, House Focaccia Roll, House Focaccia Rolls, Iberico, Iberico Pork, Jus, Kale, Leek, Leeks, Lemon, Lemon Caramel, Lemon Grass, Lemongrass, Lemons, Lobster, Lobster Salad, Lobsters, Local Citrus, Macaron, Macarons, Macaroon, Macaroons, Madeline, Madelines, Mango, Mango Passion Sorbet, Mangoes, Mangos, Michael Uzmann, Mushroom, Mushrooms, Natural Jus, Noodle, Noodles, Olive, Olives, Onion, Onions, Organic Polenta, Organic Tomato-Clam Vinaigrette, Parmentier Potato, Parmentier Potatoes, Parmentier-Truffle Soup, Parmesan, Parmesan Cheese, Passion Fruit, Passionfruit, Pasta, Pastries, Pastry, Peppers, Pickle, Pickled Aji Dulce, Pickled Aji Pepper, Pickled Aji Peppers, Pickles, Pig, Pineapple, Pineapples, Polenta, Pork, Potato, Potatoes, PR, Pudding, Puerto Rico, Rice, Rice Noodle, Rice Noodles, Rice Pudding, Ricotta, Ricotta Cheese, Ricotta Gnocchi, Roasted Duck, Roasted Duck Breast, Roasted Fideo, Roasted Fideos, Roll, Rolls, Salad, Salads, Salt, Salt Cod, Salt Cod Brandade, Salt Cod Brandade Fritter, Salt Cod Brandade Fritters, Salt Cod Fritter, Salt Cod Fritters, San Juan, Sauce, Sea Urchin, Secreto Iberico, Shrimp, Shrimps, sofrito, Sorbet, Soup, Squash, Sugar, Tomato, Tomato-Clam Vinaigrette, Tomatoes, Travel, Truffle, Truffles, Uni, Uni Emulsion, Vacation, Vanilla, Vinaigrette, Wild Shrimp, Wild Shrimps, Young Onion, Young Onions, Yuzu, Yuzu Gel

March 19, 2021
1:00 PM
by: Uhockey

Ropa Vieja Grill, San Juan PR

Ropa Vieja Grill

Mofonguitos de Ropa Veja

Garlic Shrimp

Masitas de Cerdo, Maduros, Tostones

Tres Leches Cake

Carrot Cake

Attached to Condado Palm Inn, at the intersection with Ashford Avenue and the epicenter of Spring Break revelry, Ropa Vieja Grill has done big business ever since opening its doors in May of 2002.

Known for Cuban-Puerto Rican favorites, and moreso a lively outdoor patio from open to close, it was midday after a morning on the beach that two guests settled in for a light lunch, service stretched across tables of drunk twenty-somethings but nonetheless doing an admirable job of keeping up.

Featuring an accessible menu, but oddly sold out of Bacalaitos even though most tables seemed to be ordering Calamari, Burgers and Don Tito, Appetizer consisted of Garlic Shrimp and mini-Mofongo topped with fragrant shredded Beef, a follow-up of fried Pork easily outperforming both while dueling styles of Plantain were each well-prepared.

Reportedly making Dessert on-site, likely in the same kitchen as Palm Inn’s Cookie House, Carrot Cake needs work in both its aromatics and haphazard plating, while Tres Leches fares far better thanks to a soft Crumb more than capable of standing up to creamy Frosting and a heavy pour of sweetened Condensed Milk.

www.ropaviejagrill.com

Posted in Condado, Condado Palm Inn, Dessert, Food, Pork, Puerto Rico, Ropa Vieja Grill, San Juan, Vacation Tagged 3 Milks, 3 Milks Cake, Beef, Butter, Cake, Cakes, Carrot, Carrot Cake, Carrots, Cheese, Cinnamon, Clove, Cloves, Condado, Condado Palm Inn, Condensed Milk, Cow, Cows, Cream, Cream Cheese, Cream Cheese Frosting, Cream Cheese Icing, Dessert, Desserts, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Fried Plantain Tostone, Fried Plantain Tostones, Fried Pork, Frosting, Garlic, Garlic Shrimp, Icing, Lemon, Lemons, Maduros, Mashed Plantain, Mashed Plantains, Masitas de Cerdo, Michael Uzmann, Milk, Mofonguito, Mofonguitos, Mofonguitos de Ropa Veja, Nutmeg. Cake, Onion, Onions, Pastries, Pastry, Pepper, Peppers, Pig, Pork, Pork Chunk, Pork Chunks, PR, Puerto Rico, Ropa Veja, Ropa Vieja Grill, San Juan, Sauce, Shrimp, Shrimps, Sugar, Sweet Plantain, Sweet Plantain Maduros, Sweet Plantains, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Three Milks, Three Milks Cake, Tostone, Tostones, Travel, Tres Leches, Tres Leches Cake, Vacation, Vanilla, Walnut, Walnuts, Whip Cream, Whipped Cream

March 19, 2021
10:15 AM
by: Uhockey

Musa, San Juan PR

Musa

Cocktail

Mamposteao Fritters, Avocado Aioli, Bechamel Sauce

Churrasco Dumplings, Dried Peppers, Soy, Sesame Seeds, Sweet Plantains

Pastrami Monte Cristo, Swiss Cheese, Mustard, Maple Syrup, French Fries, Ketchup

Tres Leches French Toast, Bruleed Cream, Bananas, Strawberries, Blueberries, Maple Syrup

Open day and night from Tuesday through Sunday, but best known for a lively Brunch that goes from 10:00am until 3:00pm, Musa occupies an artistic block of Santurce with Food and Beverage to match.

Part of the San Juan dining scene since 2017, Chef Hector Escobar setting up shop with co-owner Yamil Rojas amidst murals lining Cerra Street, it is inside the upscale gastro-pub that guests are invited to dine and imbibe, the already whimsical menu further enhanced by a handful of daily specials.

Better-priced than like concepts on Ashford Avenue, with better service than the likes of Wicked Lily, it is after placing an order that eyes are freed to peruse everything from chic paintings to neon, though once plates start to arrive it is difficult to take attention off items such as Arancini made with Puerto Rican Mamposteao or Beef Dumplings marrying Maduros to Asian flavors.

Regularly reinventing the menu, though Tres Leches French Toast seems to be a constant for good reason, choosing an Entrée will prove difficult considering the number of unique options, but for this writer’s $16 it seems hard to imagine any were more delicious than a Monte Cristo Sandwich loaded with good Pastrami and Swiss Cheese plus a liberal pour of Maple Syrup.

www.facebook.com/musapuertorico

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Food, French Toast, Musa, Puerto Rico, San Juan, Vacation Tagged 100% Maple Syrup, 100% Pure Maple Syrup, 3 Milks, Aioli, Arancini, Avocado, Avocado Aioli, Avocados, Banana, Bananas, Bechamel, Béchamel Sauce, Beef, Beef Dumpling, Beef Dumplings, Beef Steak, Blueberries, Blueberry, Bread, Brioche, Brioche Bread, Brioche French Toast, Bruleed Cream, Butter, Cake, Cakes, Cheese, Churrasco, Churrasco Dumpling, Churrasco Dumplings, Churrasco Steak, Cinnamon, Cocktail, Cocktails, Condensed Milk, Cow, Cows, Cream, Dessert, Desserts, Dried Pepper, Dried Peppers, Dumpling, Dumplings, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, French Fries, French Fry, French Toast, Fries, Fritter, Fritters, Fry, Hector Escobar, Ketchup, Maduros, Mamposteao, Mamposteao Fritter, Mamposteao Fritters, Mamposteao Rice, Maple, Maple Syrup, Michael Uzmann, Milk, Monte Cristo, Monte Cristo Sandwich, Musa, mustard, Onion, Onions, Pastrami, Pastrami Monte Cristo, Pepper, Peppers, Plantain, Plantains, Potato, Potatoes, PR, Puerto Rico, Pure Maple Syrup, Rice, Rice Fritter, Rice Fritters, San Juan, Sandwich, Sandwiches, Sauce, Sauce Bechamel, Seed, Seeds, Sesame, Sesame Seed, Sesame Seeds, Soy, Soy Sauce, Steak, Steak Dumpling, Steak Dumplings, Strawberries, Strawberry, Sugar, Sweet Plantain, Sweet Plantains, Swiss Cheese, Syrup, Three Milks, Tomato, Tomatoes, Travel, Tres Leches, Tres Leches French Toast, Vacation, Vanilla, Yamil Rojas

March 19, 2021
7:05 AM
by: Uhockey

Barista Squared (Condado,) San Juan PR

Barista Squared

Espresso

Carrot Cake

Quesito

Nutella Quesito

Guava Cheese Cake

Located just steps from the Ashford strip in Condado, its only real “competition” at 7:00am Starbucks, Barista Squared gives guests an opportunity to support local business and drink good Coffee without straying too far from San Juan’s tourist corridor.

Part of the local scene since 2014, a second location further out also offering Pastries, Breakfast and Coffee, it is from the hands of skilled Baristas that shots are rapidly pulled, the Beans local but not roasted on-site featuring light acidity atop mellow Caramel undertones.

Also serving Pancakes and Sandwiches, plus a small glass case of Baked Goods, it may surprise many that Barista Squared serves a top notch Quesito, the better between Original and Nutella a toss-up while both frosted Carrot Cake and the Guava Cheese Coffee Cake are far better than those at Hacienda San Pedro.

www.baristasquared.com

Posted in Barista Squared, Barista Squared Condado, Breakfast, Coffee, Condado, cupcake, cupcakes, Dessert, Food, Puerto Rico, San Juan, Vacation Tagged Barista Squared, Barista Squared Condado, Bread, Butter, Cake, Cakes, Carrot, Carrot Cake, Carrot CupCake, Carrots, Cheese, Chocolate, Chocolate Hazelnut Spread, Chocolate-Hazelnut, Cinnamon, Clove, Cloves, Coffee Cake, Condado, Confectioner's Sugar, Cream, Cream Cheese, Cream Cheese Frosting, Cream Cheese Icing, Cupcake, Cupcakes, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, endoedibles, Espresso, Food, Foodie, Frosting, Guava, Guava Cheese, Guava Cheese Cake, Hazelnut, Hazelnuts, Icing, Michael Uzmann, Nutella, Nutella Quesito, Nutmeg, Pastries, Pastry, Powdered Sugar, PR, Puerto Rico, Quesito, Quesitos, San Juan, Sugar, Travel, Vacation, Vanilla, Walnut, Walnuts

March 18, 2021
6:30 PM
by: Uhockey

José Enrique Restaurant, San Juan PR

José Enrique Restaurant

Morcilla

Bacalaito

Swordfish Schnitzel

Pollo Chupa Plato

Mofongo with Sauce Creole

Formerly part of in Santurce, and now occupying an unmarked white building on Ashford Avenue, José Enrique Restaurant self-defines as a Latin-Caribbean Brasserie, its Chef finding fame for his use of local Ingredients and classic technique to highlight traditional Puerto Rican fare.

Open from noon to 11.00pm Wednesday through Sunday, social distancing guidelines limiting capacity and making reservations a must, it is amidst largely unadorned walls that guests are seated swiftly, servers pleasant and quick to describe the relatively brief menu.

Awarded “Best New Chefs” accolades in 2013 by Food & Wine, the JBF offering a Finalist spot for “Best Chef South” two years later, José Enrique in 2021 carries a price tag somewhere between gourmet and casual, $12 housemade Morcilla enjoyable but not 3x so much as La Alcapurria Quemá though the $5 Bacalaito made like a Chinese Scallion Pancake is admittedly exquisite.

Ranging $21 to $44 for Main courses, a side of Mofongo with roasted Tomato Sauce featuring crisp edges around a succulent center, do be sure to order “Lick Your Plate Chicken” if the roasted Bird and Rice are available, but perhaps reconsider $23 “Schnitzel” that on this night featured perhaps 3oz of flavorless Fish pounded thin and fried with Panko.

www.joseenriquepr.com

Posted in Food, José Enrique, José Enrique Restaurant, Pork, Puerto Rico, San Juan, Vacation Tagged Bacalaito, Bacalaitos, Baccala, Blood, Blood Sausage, Brandade, Bread, Bread Crumb, Bread Crumbs, Breadcrumb, Chicken, Chickens, Cod, Cod Fish, Cream, Creole Sauce, Crumb, Crumbs, endoedibles, Fish, Food, Foodie, Gravy, José Enrique, José Enrique Restaurant, Lemon, Lemons, Lick Your Plate Chicken, Mashed Plantain, Mashed Plantains, Mofongo, Mofongo with Sauce Creole, Morcilla, Morcilla Sausage, Onion, Onions, Panko, Panko Bread crumb, Panko Bread crumbs, Panko Breadcrumb, Panko Breadcrumbs, Pepper, Peppers, Pig, Plantain, Plantains, Pollo Chupa Plato, Pork, PR, Puerto Rico, Rice, Roast Chicken, Roasted Chicken, Salt Cod, San Juan, Sauce, Sauce Creole, Sausage, Scallion, Scallions, Schnitzel, Swordfish, Swordfish Schnitzel, Tomato, Tomato Sauce, Tomatoes, Travel, Vacation

March 18, 2021
1:00 PM
by: Uhockey

La Alcapurria Quemá, San Juan PR

La Alcapurria Quemá

Goat Stew, White Rice, Beans, Avocado

Morcilla Pastelillo + Rabbit Pastelillo

Beef Alcapurria + Chicken Alcapurria + Crab Alcapurria + Cod Alcapurria

Tostones

Mofongo, Chicken Broth

Coconut Arepas

Hidden inside La Placita de Santurce, minimal signage tucked behind a small patio easily overlooked by those passing by, La Alcapurria Quemá is nothing short of a destination for those seeking one of San Juan’s most outstanding casual eateries.

Largely populated by locals, the Calle Duffaut 251 address and variable hours doing little to diminish lines present from opening until COVID-19 curfew, it was after a thirty minute wait that two guests were seated along the bar, two servers pleasant and constantly moving to keep up with an open kitchen where two women could be seen creating plate after plate of delicious Food.

Known largely for fried Food, in particular eponymous Puerto Rican Fritters made with Mashed Plantains and stuffed with Meat, it was with cold Beverages that four Alcapurria got things started, Beef, Chicken and Baccala all greaseless and enjoyable, though the real star was a crunchy elongated stick filled with Crab.

Well priced considering portions and quality, each Fritter $3.50 and Pastelillos filled with Blood Sausage or Rabbit the same, it was with good fortune that Cabrito en Fricase was the daily special, Goat perfumed with a variety of Herbs succulent and tender along with three Sides.

Not passing on Mofongo, $5 with Broth an unequivocal bargain, Tostones at La Alcapurria Quemá are lighter and crispier than many while Coconut Arepas offer a delicate and flaky way to end an otherwise weighty meal.

www.facebook.com/laalcapurriaquema

Posted in Crab, Dessert, Food, La Alcapurria Quemá, Puerto Rico, San Juan, Vacation Tagged Alcapurria, Alcapurrias, Arepa, Arepas, Avocado, Avocados, Baccala, Baccala Alcapurria, Bean, Beans, Beef, Beef Alcapurria, Blood, Blood Sausage, Broth, Cabrito en Fricase, Chicken, Chicken Alcapurria, Chicken Broth, Coconut, Coconut Arepa, Coconut Arepas, Coconuts, Cod, Cod Alcapurria, Cod Fish, Cod Fish Alcapurria, Cow, Cows, Crab, Crab Alcapurria, Crabs, Dessert, Desserts, endoedibles, Fish, Food, Foodie, Fried Plantain, Fried Plantain Tostone, Fried Plantain Tostones, Fried Plantains, Fritter, Fritters, Goat, Goat Stew, La Alcapurria Quemá, Mashed Plantain, Mashed Plantains, Michael Uzmann, Mofongo, Morcilla, Morcilla Pastelillo, Onion, Onions, Pastelillo, Pastelillos, Pastries, Pastry, Pepper, Peppers, Plantain, Plantains, PR, Puerto Rico, Rabbit, Rabbit Pastelillo, Rice, San Juan, Sauce, Sausage, Stew, Sugar, Tostone, Tostones, Travel, Vacation, White Rice

March 18, 2021
10:05 AM
by: Uhockey

Kudough’s Donuts & Coffee Bar, San Juan PR

Kudough’s Donuts & Coffee Bar

Glazed Donut

Oreo Donut

Nutella Donut

S’mores Donut

Strawberry Guava Donut

Established in 2017, and still San Juan’s only artisan Donut Shop, Kudough’s is currently operating under limited hours, though offerings seem largely unchanged throughout the pandemic save for a few daily specials.

Now opening at 10am Tuesday through Sunday, strangely late for Breakfast Pastries considering the central location on Calle Loiza, guests visiting will find several styles if Coffee along with just five varieties of Donuts, Kudough’s idea of “Cold Brew” in reality tepid Coffee poured over Ice and immediately watered down.

Cute in terms of decoration, the lone clerk a friendly young woman happy to explain Kudough’s “variety,” it is at about $4 each that Donuts all feature a similar raised base, good size and lightness most evident in a simple glazed ring while others featured what tastes like commercial Frosting, the Guava Gel in particular cloyingly sweet while S’mores at least found some balance from toasted Marshmallows.

www.kudoughsdonutscoffeebar.business.site

Posted in Breakfast, Coffee, Dessert, Food, Kudough’s, Kudough’s Donuts, Kudough’s Donuts & Coffee Bar, Puerto Rico, San Juan, Vacation Tagged Bread, Butter, Chocolate, Chocolate Frosting, Chocolate Hazelnut Spread, Chocolate Icing, Chocolate-Hazelnut, Cinnamon, Confectioner's Sugar, Cookie, Cookies, Cracker, Crackers, Cream, Crumb, Crumbs, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Donut, Donuts, Doughnut, Doughnuts, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Frosting, Glaze, Glazed Donut, Glazed Doughnut, Graham, Graham Cracker, Graham Cracker Crumb, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Graham Crackers, Grahams, Guava, Hazelnut, Hazelnuts, Honey, Icing, Kudough’s, Kudough’s Donuts, Kudough’s Donuts & Coffee Bar, Marshmallow, Marshmallows, Michael Uzmann, Nutella, Nutella Donut, Nutella Doughnut, Oreo, Oreo Cookie, Oreo Cookies, Oreo Donut, Oreo Doughnut, Oreos, Pastries, Pastry, Powdered Sugar, PR, Puerto Rico, Raised Donut, Raised Donuts, Raised Doughnut, Raised Doughnuts, S'mores, San Juan, Strawberries, Strawberry, Strawberry Guava Donut, Strawberry Guava Doughnut, Sugar, S’mores Donut, S’mores Doughnut, Travel, Vacation, Vanilla, Vanilla Frosting, Vanilla Icing, Whip Cream, Whipped Cream, Yeast, Yeast Donut, Yeast Donuts, Yeast Doughnut, Yeast Doughnuts

March 18, 2021
7:50 AM
by: Uhockey

Hacienda San Pedro, San Juan PR

Hacienda San Pedro

Vanilla Iced Latte

Guava Cake

Quesito

Corn Muffin

Carrot Cake

Pecan Pie

Brownie

Apparently quite popular before COVID-19, though an entirely empty outdoor seating area and no other customers at 8:00am would suggest much has changed, Hacienda San Pedro is an independent Coffee shop in the Santurce neighborhood that offers a limited Food menu in addition to Beverages made from their own Beans.

Serving the San Juan Metro for over ten years, a Latte made with commercial Syrup the lady’s choice while this writer opted for a double shot of Espresso that was decent but a touch over-roasted, Pastries prove hit and miss with Guava Cake an unequivocal yes thanks to a buttery crumb while San Pedro’s Quesito is a disaster attributable to Pastry that might as well come from Pillsbury.

Questionable in terms of freshness, the Corn Muffin expectedly toothsome while Carrot Cake lacks herbs or sweetness, it seems impossible that Pecan Pie can be so dry as to crumble and fall apart but this one certainly did, and the Brownie wasn’t much better.

www.cafehsp.com

Posted in Breakfast, Coffee, Cornbread, Dessert, Food, Hacienda San Pedro, Puerto Rico, San Juan, Vacation Tagged Bread, Brownie, Butter, Cake, Cakes, Carrot, Carrot Cake, Carrots, Cheese, Chocolate, Chocolate Brownie, Cinnamon, Clove, Cloves, Coffee, Confectioner's Sugar, Corn, Corn Bread, Corn Muffin, Cornbread, Cream, Cream Cheese, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, endoedibles, Espresso, Food, Foodie, Fudge, Fudge Brownie, Guava, Guava Cake, Hacienda San Pedro, Ice, Iced Coffee, Iced Latte, Latte, Michael Uzmann, Muffin, Muffins, Nutmeg, Pastries, Pastry, Pecan, Pecan Pie, Pecans, Pie, Pies, Powdered Sugar, PR, Puerto Rico, Quesito, Quesitos, San Juan, Sugar, Travel, Vacation, Vanilla, Vanilla Iced Latte, Walnut, Walnuts

March 17, 2021
4:35 PM
by: Uhockey

Restaurant El Jibarito, San Juan PR

Restaurant El Jibarito

Surullitos

Bacalaítos

Sandwich Jibarito

Pastel de Cerdo, Tostones

Although Puerto Rican Cuisine has a long and storied history the Jibarito Sandwich is a relatively new idea, its first sighting somewhere around 1996 at Restaurant Borinquen in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood, though the name translated as “little hillbilly” in Spanish is nonetheless shared by one of Old San Juan’s most popular eateries which opened nearly two decades prior.

Known for Comida Criolla, the combination of friendly servers and reasonable prices enticing locals and tourists alike, it is amidst bright murals that guests sit at long tables, the menu containing everything from Beef with Onions to Mofongo and Goat Stew.

Often found with a waitlist, moreso during the era of socially distanced seating, it was forty minutes after arrival that orders were received, her Juice made with Fruit from the courtyard paired to an oversized Pork Pastel and fried Corn Sticks without the slightest hint of Oil.

Casual but not rushed, both guests and servers taking their time as music plays overhead, one bite of El Jibarito’s Bacalaítos will help to explain why so many feel the need to indulge slowly, both taste and texture far better than even San Juan’s most upscale Restaurants though the “Sandwich Jibarito” is a far cry from that in the Windy City, and essentially just Beef with Onions between Tostones.

www.eljibarito.business.site

Posted in El Jibarito, Food, Old San Juan, Pork, Puerto Rico, Restaurant El Jibarito, San Juan, Vacation Tagged Bacalaito, Bacalaitos, Beef, Cod, Cod Fish, Corn, Corn Stick, Corn Sticks, Cow, Cows, El Jibarito, endoedibles, Fish, Food, Foodie, Fried Corn Stick, Fried Corn Sticks, Fried Plantain Tostone, Fried Plantain Tostones, Jibarito, Jibarito de Bistec, Jibarito Sandwich, Lettuce, Michael Uzmann, Old San Juan, Onion, Onions, Pastel, Pastel de Cerdo, Pig, Plantain, Plantains, Pork, PR, Puerto Rico, Restaurant El Jibarito, Salt, Salt Cod, San Juan, Sandwich, Sandwich Jibarito, Sandwiches, Surullito, Surullitos, Tomato, Tomatoes, Tostone, Tostones, Travel, Vacation, Yuca, Yucca

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Pinky’s (Condado,) San Juan PR

Ropa Vieja Grill, San Juan PR

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Barista Squared (Condado,) San Juan PR

La Alcapurria Quemá, San Juan PR

Hacienda San Pedro, San Juan PR

Restaurant El Jibarito, San Juan PR

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