Cafe Habana

Cafe Habana is famous for its grilled corn and cuban sandwiches. T and I decided to pop in for a quick lunch before my classes and I really enjoyed the meal! T was really excited for the cuban sandwich and ended up not really liking it but I actually thought it was quite delicious. The corn was very tasty but I think there are other places that serve corn that is similarly scrumptious. This may be a *bit* better, but I wouldn't specially come here if there was a huge wait. We went on a weekday therefore there was no wait at all. I definitely do want to return but I think I will do the same thing and come on a weekday and avoid any wait time.

Grilled Corn - Mexican Style
The corn was grilled to perfection and the cheese and spices were just heavenly. A must order! 

Fish Tacos
The fish was really crispy on the outside and flakey and hot on the inside. I think it would have been even better if there was some guacamole or if the slaw was a bit creamier. I think it was just missing that creamy aspect to set off the crispness of the fish and the crunch of the slaw.

Signature Cuban Sandwich
The meat was tender, juicy, and full of flavor. I usually don't like pickles but I felt that the addition of the pickle was the perfect tangy kick to the sandwich. I really enjoyed the few bites I had of this but T surprisingly was not too impressed. I would return and order this next time! 

Cafe Habana

17 Prince St

Between Mott St and Elizabeth St

Nolita

New York
NY10012
USA

Balthazar

Balthazar has been a favorite of mine since my college days (which is not too long ago...) and is known to have one of the best steak tartars in New York. Since T has a obsession with steak tartar I definitely wanted to bring him here to taste it. I have actually never dined at Balthazar at night and I actually prefer visiting in the daytime. It is a little bit too dark for my tastes in the evening and it is much more bright and lively for lunch. T thought the steak tartar was quite good but it did not seem to blow his mind. My steak was overcooked initially but once I told our server they instantly offered to change it and was extremely polite and apologetic. They also made sure to ask if the replacement was acceptable therefore it was not a big deal apart from the fact that I had to wait a little longer for the replacement.

Steak Tartare
This was a decent rendition of T's favorite dish but I don't think it is the best steak tartare we've ever had. It was seasoned well but perhaps a bit too oversauced.

French Onion Soup
This was very rich and the perfect indulgence. The layer of bread and cheese was very thick and the soup was full of oniony flavor.

Steak Au Poivre
This steak was recommended by the waitress and the sauce was very robust and bold. The steak as I mentioned earlier was overcooked but was fixed swiftly. The fries were perfect but I doubt I would order this again as this was not a preparation of steak that I favor but this is a personal preference. 

Oops I actually forgot what this was... but T really enjoyed this! 

Balthazar

80 Spring Street

New York

NY 10012

USA

Benjamins

Peter Luger's is the most famous steakhouse in NYC and while I must agree that it is good, I wouldn't say it was the BEST and totally life-changing. I know some loyal fans will think this is blasphemy but I honestly don't think it's all its hyped up to be. Yes the steak was delicious but I think many quality steakhouses are able to deliver an equally delicious piece of meat without the hassle of frenzied reservations, traveling to Brooklyn, and cash only policy. However I do think that you should give Peter Luger a visit if you are in New York because it is a establishment and for the old school charm. Yet if you have already given it a try I think there are many other place in NYC that can satisfy that steak craving. A recommended Benjamin's and said that her father loves this place. T and I came here and LOVED it. The atmosphere was tasteful and welcoming, service was very friendly and helpful, and the food was delicious! We have already booked Benjamin's for the upcoming Valentine's Day and I am looking forward to another great night. Word has it that Benjamin's is opened by a former chef of Peter Luger's and therefore many of the items on the menu are similar if not identical. Another steakhouse we want to try is Wolfgang Zwiener's, who was formerly a head waiter at Peter Luger's.

Porterhouse for Two - Medium Rare
Oh my this was delicious. The char was just perfect and the meat was so juicy and flavorful. Excellent excellent steak. I think you could also order it rare because the hot plate will cook the remaining pieces later but the first few pieces were to die for.

Carrot Cake
T does not like desserts much but he munched away on this cake. This was one of the most delicious pieces of carrot cake I've had. It was the perfect ending to a lovely meal.

We also ordered sides such a asparagus and onion rings. The onion rings are a MUST ORDER. They are not like your usual onion rings but are much thinner and delicate. They are delicious.

Benjamin's Steakhouse

52 East 41st Street (Between Madison and Park)

New York
NY10017

More Turntable Mad for Chicken

I have posted about Turntable before and here are some more photos! I am back in NYC now and am ready to eat more chicken wings but Mexico is in two weeks so I will probably try and control a little (but who am I kidding I will probably eat the same as before hehe).

Sushi Take

Sushi Take is one of my favorite places in Hong Kong for sushi lunch. The seafood is always incredibly fresh and their 3 color don is my favorite thing to order. They are also very accommodating and allow you to change the scallop to minced toro. The atmosphere is comfortable and service is polite and efficient. The sushi chef who served T his sushi set was also very friendly and humorous. Definitely give Take a try if you are in the mood for some delicious sushi!

Sushi Take

12/F

Cubus

1 Hoi Ping Road

Causeway Bay

Hong Kong

Rozan

T's family treated me to a sushi feast at Rozan for T's dad's birthday. Rozan is the sister restaurant of Ginsai and is an intimate 12 seater sushi bar. The sushi was very fresh and you could tell that Chef Masa is highly skilled and takes pride in serving expertly prepared sushi. While everything was of high quality, I would not say that it is the best sushi I've had in Hong Kong but the toro and the uni was exceptionally memorable. Service was attentive and polite and we were all quite impressed with the local Hong Kong waiter's japanese skills. The sake selection is also very good and I think Rozan is a good choice for a intimate and serene dinner.

Rozan

Shop 2

The Oakhill

18 Wood Street 

Wanchai

Hong Kong

Phuket Feasting

My friends and I decided to escape to Phuket for a tropical getaway during the winter months and to celebrate the multiple Dec/Jan birthdays. I've already been shoving my face like mad since being back in Hong Kong over break but this trip was just pigging out to the next level. I ate like there was no tomorrow everyday and the food was DAMN GOOD. We went to a few restaurants and also enjoyed the delicious food prepared by the staff at our villa. Thank god it was only for the weekend or else I would return to HK 5000 pounds heavier. It was such a fun trip and I can't wait to travel more! Enjoy the thai food porn!