After my 2-day stint in Lisle, Chicago, I was glad to break out of that small town. It was time for the BIG APPLE as some call it. I had visited NYC only once before for a short one day stopover, so I was ecstatic to visit once more even if it was for just 2 days this time. I had prepared a long list of places I wanted to visit and eat at, and of course, tour around. I knew I was being ambitious with that list (especially with the harsh jet lag I was dealing with), but at least I had more things to do, than not.
This post will include Cactus Cantina located in DC and Joe's Shanghai, Ippudo, Flatiron Lounge, and the Halal Cart located in NYC.
I've also been waiting forever to announce a certain new feature on my blog, so scroll down for a surprise! But first, an overnight stop in Washington DC!
Fresh, hot Pretzel Dog with Cheese at the Philly Airport before jumping on the plane to DC!
Cactus Catina in Washington DC!
Swirl Margarita!!! This is what they're known for.
Veggie Fajitas
Frozen Mojito. I expected so much more, but it was terrible.
Seafood Enchilada with Shrimp and Scallops. Very creamy and cheesy! So delicious with the avocado on top, too!
Vamoose Bus. 4 hour bus ride to the BIG APPLE.
Made it!!!
In the land of Taxicabs
You need this
FIRST meal in NYC! Joe's Shanghai for some Xiao Long Bao! First seen here on the blog here in Hawaii.
Two kinds on the menu- Pork and Crab or just Pork. The Pork and Crab was absolutely divine. Best I've ever tasted. So flavorful and lots of broth! The Pork was good, but not as good as the Pork and Crab combination.
They place the first one in your spoon and on your plate to start.
Trust me, one order is enough for one! I couldn't even finish the second order!
Vegetable Crispy Noodle
Second order of Pork Xiao Long Bao
How to? Poke hole, slurp up the soup in the spoon, and then eat the rest of the dumpling.
The Plaza!
Green Tea Mille Crêpes Cake in The Plaza's food court
Look at the layers on that thing! So exquisite.
Macarons in The Plaza's food court.
A slew of other Mille Crêpes Cakes! Mini and regular sized.
PS- I'm so excited to introduce some features on my blog!! After starting my blog almost 2 years ago with just pictures and composition, I'm thrilled to announce video! Check out the 2 videos I recorded on my first day in NYC where we caught a live street performance by The Breeze Team. You can catch them in bright yellow shirts with a "B" in the middle in Grand Army Plaza!
The first video is just straight-up sensational breakdancing! My favorite breakdancer starts at the 38 second mark. You won't be disappointed. And the second vid? The Breeze Team's finale. You must watch! Very, very cool!
View from my 36th floor hotel room. Loved waking up to this every morning.
Obama Bobble-heads!
Ready to bike through Central Park!
Refreshments after biking
IPPUDO!
Cucumber Appetizer
Hirata Buns- Pork pictured. Served with Ippudo's Spicy Mayo Buns Sauce.
Eggplant and Eringi Mushroom Vegetable Buns
Special Shrimp Stick Roll- Flash-fried Spring Roll filled with shrimp, edamame, Shiso leaf served with homemade sweet tomato sauce. This was mediocre and my least favorite dish.
Kaisen Garlic- Tiger Shrimp, Cuttlefish, Eringi Mushrooms sauteéd with a light garlic chili butter sauce. Served with finely cut potato fries.
Akamaru Modern Ramen- The original silky Tonkotsu (pork) soup noodles topped with Ippudo's secret "Umami Dama" miso paste, pork chashu, cabbage, sesame kikurage mushrooms, scallions and fragrant garlic oil. I added in Nitamago (seasoned soft boiled eggs), Menma (bamboo shoots), and Kakuni (braised pork belly).
Spicy Miso Ramen with fresh ginger ball
Shoyu Ramen
Overall, for what we paid at Ippudo, I didn't think it was worth it. VERY expensive and not worth the hype. This girl here still prefers Tenkaippin here at home. I think we each paid $70 per person. Three people. Ridiculous.
From The Top of the Rock- check out Central Park in the distance!
Times Square all lit up on the right!
At Flatiron Lounge after dinner for a nightcap! My pink cocktail was called "Holy Water" made with Gin, Lemon, Watermelon Syrup, and Herbsaint Rinse. Delectable.
My friend couldn't take his original drink because it was too strong, so a Maitai was made instead!
Our bartender was absolutely amazing!!!
Halal, after drink and before bed!
Lamb or chicken??
Sauces- spicy or ranch!
Halal- combo Lamb and Chicken over rice with cheese and pita!
I just wanted to introduce myself and let you know I enjoyed this post - especially the food!. My name is Dean N. and somehow found your blog and check it from time to time. I like your style!
To be fair, you can check my blog... www.courtsdawnpatrol.typepad.com. I like to surf, eat and do things with my family - so that's what you'll see.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to introduce myself and let you know I enjoyed this post - especially the food!. My name is Dean N. and somehow found your blog and check it from time to time. I like your style!
To be fair, you can check my blog... www.courtsdawnpatrol.typepad.com. I like to surf, eat and do things with my family - so that's what you'll see.
Keep posting!