Baked By Melissa

I had mini cupcakes from a small storefront in SoHo called Baked by Melissa last time we were visiting NYC. The cupcake craze is everywhere, but this concept was a little different so I thought I’d get in the massive line and try some. I can’t say they tasted that great though. The stuff my friend Krissy bakes is WAY better. Anyhoo, Melissa is making a killing – charging about $1 each for cupcakes the size of a quarter!

Baked By Melissa
529 Broadway
New York, NY 10012

Dunkin’ Donuts

The most delicious coffee in the world is Dunkin’ Donuts coffee. Something about the cream makes it addictive. So good. And good on your wallet.

Well, my favorite coffee place is letting US decide what the next Dunkin’ Donut will be! How cool is that? They’ve widled it down to 12 finalists and voters can cheer on their favorite creation once a day till May 27, 2009. I’m feeling the “Mexican Hot Chocolate.” VOTE!

Otafuku

I tried takoyaki for the first time while in NYC’s Japantown earlier this year. They were the perfect street food and I hope I’ll have the chance to try them in Japan sometime. Gloria loves takoyaki and they were just as good as she said they’d be.

Takoyaki: chopped octopus in hot savory wheat-flour balls

At Otafuku, a 6 piece order of octopus takoyaki is $5. Otafuku only has 3 items on their menu. Takoyaki, yakisoba, and okonomiyaki. There aren’t even tables in the place. You either stand inside at the “bar”, but only if there aren’t any other patrons inside or sit on the small bench in front of the restaurant to enjoy some yummy Japanese treats.

Lucky eaters of said takoyaki

Otafuku
236 East 9th Street
Between 2nd & 3rd Ave.
New York, NY

Obrycki’s

Fried clambits

Fresh oysters

Crabcakes – one broiled & one fried with a side of sour cream cucumbers and steamed veggies

The BF took me and Wonton to Baltimore a few weeks ago. The original plan was to go to the aquarium, but by the time we were done eating our crabcakes at Obrycki’s, tickets were sold out! Not to worry, I spent the day kicking BF’s butt in arcade hoops at ESPN Zone and sipping coffee on the balcony at the waterfront Barnes & Noble. It was a fun date. We took Wonton on a long walk and he enjoyed all the attention he was getting everywhere we went. 

We decided on Obrycki’s for lunch because we heard they’re known for their authentic Maryland crabcakes. We thought they were ok. Kinda small and for $30 you get 2 crabcakes and 2 sides. I was a little turned off because I chomped down on a couple of those pesky shells that separate the meat. We also ordered the fried clambits and oysters for appetizers. The best part of the meal were the oysters for me. They were very fresh and jumbo sized. BF ordered a Obrycki’s house beer too. Pretty tasty.

Obrycki’s
1727 E. Pratt St
Baltimore, MD

Jetty’s

When I go out to eat, I tend to gravitate towards the seafood section of the menu if they have one. Scallops are my favorite and shrimp is my little brother’s. Our grandma – Popo – always mixes it up and heaps a huge pile of scallops on my brother’s plate if we’re having them. I miss that lady, can’t wait to see her.

Jetty’s in West Palm Beach, FL is an awesome seafood restaurant right on the water. Our friend took us there while we were visiting and the seafood was super fresh. The view of the lighthouse at night was pretty spectacular. We dined under outdoor heaters in February and it was very comfortable and romantical. Thanks E!

Havana

My friend Eric took us for Cuban food at Havana in West Palm Beach. I think the pictures speak for themselves. Finishing off the meal with a cuban coffee was a great idea too. If you’re ever in WPB check this place out – there’s a 24 hr take-out window as well as indoor dining. Our waiter was friendly and the decor makes you feel like you took a trip down to Cuba. Very good food and affordable too. Average entree between $6-$11.

Havana
6803 S Dixie Hwy
West Palm Beach, FL 33405

Rio Grande/Uncle Julio’s

My favorite summer drink of all time is a frozen swirl margarita/sangria. And they are good at Rio Grande in Ballston. A couple of these during Friday happy hour and you’re good to go

The drink is good, but not the reason for this post. Behold. El Plato Gordo:

Serves 3-4. Ribs, steak, chicken, bacon wrapped shrimp, & fresh flour tortillas. Yummmmmmmm.

Rio Grande
Arlington/Ballston
4301 N. Fairfax Dr.
Arlington, VA 22203

Sonic Drive-In

These pictures are from our car ride from West Palm Beach to Miami for this year’s South Beach Food and Wine Festival. It hurts my heart I don’t live near a Sonic Drive-in, but you best believe we find the nearest Sonic is when we go on road trips!

Notice how deliciously greasy  the hash brown box is. Heaven. But my favorite menu item has to be the strawberry limeade. I love those babies. I couldn’t finish the huge breakfast burrito stuffed with sausage, cheese, egg, tomato, onion, and jalapenos, but I was satisfied with half. 

Sonic Drive-In
Various Locations

Bon Chon

Love fried chicken? Do the flavors of Korean cuisine make you mouth water? Go to Bon Chon in Annandale, VA for the best combination of these foodie favorites.

Bon Chon chicken is fried to perfection in a choice of spicy or soy garlic sauce with a side of pickled daikon radish. Their cooking process takes a really long time, (usually 30-45 min – so I call ahead) but it’s well worth the wait. It comes out hot and crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside. Unlike the fried chicken Americans are used to, Bon Chon chicken doesn’t have the flaky batter on the skin. This place is a must-try. Unlike any fried chicken you’ve had before. Guaranteed.

Bon Chon 
6653 Little River Tpke # H
Annandale, VA 22003
(703) 750-1424

Sushi Samba Dromo

While shopping on Lincoln Road in Miami we stopped for lunch at the Sushi Samba chain restaurant. Their cuisine is Peruvian and Japanese fusion. I’ve eaten at Sushi Samba Rio before in Chicago and liked it so we decided to take a table outside and people watch. Lincoln Road is great for that. We saw a lot of interesting looking people and the cutest dogs! 

Calamari Caesar Salad

Seabass Lunch Special

Sushi Samba Dromo
600 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139