Dinner at The Cannibal in NYC

Dan and I had a very meaty dinner at the Cannibal before we went to a comedy show.  The Cannibal seems to be one of the few places in the area where you can get a legit charcuterie plate.  Despite not getting a traditional entree, we were both stuffed afterwards.

Animal Fat Fries

Crispy Pigs Ear Salad - chicory, pickled shallots, herbs, soft egg, dijon vinaigrette

Salad mixed up.  Very refreshing!

The Grand Tour.  Aggressive but we ate it all.  And by we, I mean mostly Dan

Dinner at White Star Bar in Jersey City, NJ

Had dinner with my cousins and their SO's at White Star.  I was still full from lunch and was trying to be healthy, so I got one of their salads, which was still delicious because the grilled chicken has tons of flavor, and there salad itself was very refreshing.  Besides burgers, their salads are a great option if you want something lighter.

Lemon Walnut Quinoa Salad - walnuts, shaved sprouts, tomato, radish, feta, mint, arugula, lemon vinaigrette with grilled chicken added

Dinner at Wurstbar in Jersey City, NJ

Dan and I went to Wurstbar and I was soooo happy to discover they had thanksgiving specials!  Everything we had was incredible.  My plan was to come back again that month but I never made it :(  They always have awesome specials and it's one of the cheaper meals in the area because they have great, inexpensive ciders so don't have to get a $15 drink.  One of my top 5 spots for a reason!

Monthly specials

Love their cider options

The Leftovers - duck sausage, gravy, stuffing, cranberry, walnuts and sage.  You could actually taste everything and it was perfectly balanced, and the duck sausage was so unique and tasty

Chicken Pot Pie Poutine - Haus cut fries, cheese curds, chicken pot pie gravy, peas and carrots, shredded chicken and baked puff pastry.  INSANELY GOOD  

It's hard to say which was better.  If push came to shove, I'd say I would order the Leftovers again as it's more manageable and tasted more complex, but the pot pie poutine is also a must-order

Looking at this now makes me sad because I just want this whole meal all over again

Dinner from Chikarashi in NYC

I picked up dinner from Chikarashi in chinatown.  I ordered two different types of fish collar bowls, and they were both delicious.  Very meaty, great sauce marinades, and health and light while still feeling fulfilled.  Definitely would come back for these.  For a fast casual meal, it's not cheap, but it's definitely worth it since they're not very few places to get fish collar.  It did take a little while to prepare but that's good, because they cooked it fresh for me.

back sides of both bowls

front sides of both bowls

Salmon kama

Hamachi kama

close up.  Sooo much good stuff in this bowl

Lunch from Fuku in NYC

I picked up the Thanksgiving croissant at Fuku.  I was really excited because I love croissants and I love thanksgiving food, so what could be better?  Unfortunately it was a bit of a letdown.  I couldn't taste many of the flavors in the croissant, it mostly tasted like a turkey croissant, and was a little dry.  Will just have to wait on thanksgiving leftovers for a proper Thanksgiving sandwich.

Inside has turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce

Really just seemed like turkey

Couldn't taste the gravy or cranberry flavors

Home-made tofu and vegetables

I attempted to make honey miso baked tofu with vegetables, in my quest to be healthier and eat less meat.  I still haven't been able to get my tofu charred, just seems soft and marinated.  Good flavor but after a few cubes, it was too much to keep eating.  I'm going to still keep trying to get it charred but broiling it in the oven didn't work womp womp.

Veggies, tofu and dumplings

Stir fried peapods and mushrooms

Honey miso baked tofu

Dinner at Hudson Hall in Jersey City, NJ

Tracy, Dan and I went to Hudson Hall for some late night eats.  The wings were great as usual but the chicken tenders we tried were just ehhh, although I was able to re-purpose them the next day in a different meal.

Smoked wings, fries with smoked meat on top

chicken tenders

Lunch from Lioni Hero Shoppe in Brooklyn, NY

I finally got to try Lioni, an italian sandwich shop in DeKalb Market.  The sandwich was expensive (like $14-$15) but was HUGE.  Both long and incredibly heavy.  It lasted for 3 meals.  Delicious cutlets and great mozz.  A giant sandwich that would be great to share, and they have over 100 different combinations.  Fortunately when I ordered it was early so I was able to peruse the menu at leisure.

the menu is cray

supremely long

#66 Marco Polo - Chicken cutlet, broccoli rabe, LIONI FRESH MOZZARELLA, olive oil, salt & pepper

Lunch from Dulcinea in Brooklyn, NY

Dulcinea is known for their churros and pastries, but they also have empanadas so I picked some up to supplement lunch one day.  The texture was great - baked Argentinian style.  Fillings were great too, though the empanadas themselves are kind of small and so it would take quite a few to fill you up.  The empandas are stamped so you know what's inside, which is helpful.

Inside of the pork belly

Inside of the corn and mushroom

Brunch at La Flaca in NYC

Went to La Flaca for bottomless brunch.  The place was packed with somewhat annoying peeps, but the food was good and the drinks plentiful.  Solid bottomless brunch spot.

Tacos de La Flaca - Steak, fried egg & guacamole, served with beans 

Dinner at Ivan Ramen in NYC

Dan and I finally made it to Ivan Ramen.  We got seated at the counter area so got to see into the kitchen.  Service was great and the food came out quickly.  The ramen itself was delicious and possibly the best in the city.  The japanese fried chicken was just okay and made us pretty full, but we pulled together and managed to finish it.  But it made us pretty full, which was fine because then we just had leftover ramen, which was still delicious the next day.

Japanese fried chicken - toasted garlic caramel, togarashi, shiso ranch.  It was just okay.  

Chicken Paitan - rich chicken broth, minced chicken, egg yolk, shio kombu, rye noodles. Really tasty and so much flavor

Tokyo Shio Ramen - sea salts, dashi + chicken broth, pork belly, soft egg, roasted tomato, rye noodles.  What he's known for.  BOMB

Ramen mixed up

Dinner at Emmy Squared in NYC

Finally made it to Emmy Squared in the East Village.  I've been really into Detroit-style pizza and this place is supposed to be the best in the city.  Really great buttery crust and loved the toppings options.  It's a little pricey but a good treat.  If you just want some cheap and fast and tasty, I'd go Lions and Tigers, but Emmy Squared is a great sit-down spot for a nicer and super delicious dinner.

Margarita pizza with buffalo mozzarella and basil

Broccoli Bob - white pizza with cheddar, broccoli and Benton's bacon.  Both were great but this tasted extra cheesy and the bacon was nice and thick.  Soooo tasty

Semi-homemade gnocchi and meatballs

I bought some frozen gnocchi from Trader Joe's. I can't remember exactly what kind it was but it included a frozen sauce.  That along with their meatballs was an easy, tasty italian dinner.  I couldn't find the cauliflower gnocchi in store but this one had a great texture.