Dinner at The Usual in NYC

Dan and I had a double date at The Usual in the Bowery.  We've been wanting to go there for awhile since the Exec Chef is from Eggslut in Cali, plus he's Filipino and makes some excellet comfort food, especially burgers.  It definitely did not disappoint. All the food was delicious my fried chicken :)  Burgers were excellent as well.  They have a late night happy hour every night (10pm) for special burgers of the day.  Wish we lived closer so could take advantage of them.  Still want to head there some time for regular happy hour as they have food deals on burgers and chicken sammies.

Blooming Mushroom - maitake mushrooms, rice flour tempura, shoyu aioli, chives.  Everyone LOVED this and we def could've ordered more

Kung Pao Summer vegetables - szechuan peanuts, bell peppers, and chili oil.  Tasty but very spicy for me

Favorite Fried chicken - dark meat (duh), cajun herbs and spices, chicken rice and house made ranch.  Chicken was very moist and perfectly  fried.  Hint of lemon 

Lunch at Talula's in Asbury Park, NJ

Had a cousin date in Asbury Park, and we went to Talula's for lunch.  It's a cute farm-to-table joint with excellent pizzas and salads, among other things.  Kookie and I each got a breakfast-style pizza.  They were delicious - great crust and fresh tasting toppings.

Beugel & Laks - hash browns, smoked salmon, whipped cream, red onions, gerkins, everything spice

Both our pizzas

Green Eggs - cabot cheddar, chimichurri eggs, red potatoes, chives, mazi (super spicy local sauce) plus I added bacon

Slice of my green eggs.  Was super delicious and hearty but wowww was it spicy

Home-made vegan Mexican food

We picked up some Upton's bbq jackfruit, and I used that as the protein for a Mexican themed dinner.  The texture was a little firmer than normal pulled pork, but definitely was a very similar substitute.  I made black bean and yellow rices for a vegan friendly version of a typical HP dinner.

BBQ jackfruit but looks convincingly liked pulled pork

all the fixings

Black beans, rice and jackfruit

Brunch at Frankie in Jersey City, NJ

We had a small book club at Frankie in JC.  The place had a very fun, hipster-y vibe, although apparently it's an Australian restaurant.  The food itself was good, not great, but they had CBD infused cocktails which was cool and different in this area.  Glad I got to try it but don't know it will be a regular spot for me.

Nicole got the Lamb and Harissa Burger - w/feta cheese, harissa, slaw and fries

Full English - scrambled eggs, bangers, bacon, baked beans, roasted tomato, and toast

Lunch at Fried Dumpling in NYC

I went to this hole-in-the wall dumpling spot by court that Nicole recommended.  It was right before the rush so I got my dumplings quickly but I actually ordered half dumplings and half something else and instead got two portions of dumplings.  The woman in charge didn't seem to be giving people what they ordered exactly, and sometimes seemed to charge certain people more.  I left after not wanting to wait but just ate extra dumplings.  They were a bit greasy but cheap so couldn't really complain, but don't think I would wait on a long line despite the cheapness.

I think it was 10 for $3.  I ordered 5 and something else that was $1.50 and instead got 10 dumplings lol

Lunch from Obao in NYC

I had a good-bye intern lunch at Obao in Fidi.  Or rather, we picked up food to go and then ate outside because it was nice out.  I was impressed by my order - Chiang Mai noodles, which are basically Khao Sao.  Since I got it to go, the broth was separate from the noodles to keep them fresh.  Great spice and flavor, though not a super large portion.  Still it was delicious and glad I finally got to try the food there.

Chiang Mai Curry Noodle soup - northern Thai style curry noodle soup, chicken, pickled cabbage, red onion and crispy noodle 

Lunch at Village Roost Cafe & Marketplace in Wilmington, VT

While in VT, Dan and I tried a new spot on Main Street for lunch.  The inside was super cute and very Vermont - lots of wood, home-y, warm and games to play.  I wasn't super hungry so ordered wings with fries, while Dan got a delicious falafel.  For being in VT, I was impressed by the Korean fried wings.  Great flavor and perfectly fried.

Super crispy fries

Falafel wrap

Korean fried chicken wings