Salad, Pizza, Empanada and a Lot More Uniquely NY to try

Alright, we are back to the places to go to when hungry that are uniquely New York (or at least I think they are). Check them out below.

Mangia

I met up with my, wait for it, friend’s sister’s girlfriend Ate Lea during lunch. She is an accountant somewhere in Wall Street and she knew one of my old bosses. Anyway, she only had lunch to spare so she took us to Mangia which was located right at the bottom of one of the buildings in the area. The place was really busy and I was overwhelmed by a bunch of buffet tables that displayed hot food and cold food.

They are charging by the pound depending on which bar you get your food from. What I indulged in was a bunch of lettuce and arugula, a lot of olives (which I love), capers, farfalle pasta, cheese and topped it with vinaigrette as dressing. Of course it didn’t make it to even a pound so I paid less than $6. I believe rate per pound two years ago was around $7.99.

It’s a little steep for a self-service place, I realized but when I tasted what I placed into my plastic container, I was in salad heaven. I later then researched that their prices are a little bit more expensive than your ordinary salad bars because the ingredients they used are the best ones. I would gladly pay for that freshness given the taste those ingredients provided to my salad. Aside from the mentioned stuff I placed onto my plate, they also have cold pasta (I’m sure hot ones are available as well), carrots, cucumbers, zucchinis, and a lot more. Trust me, the choices are endless. Aside from the salad bar, they also serve sandwiches, pizzas and pastries.

The atmosphere is busy, a bit crowded, but cozy nonetheless. The people around you, of course, are those wearing a tie and who walked (and moved) rather speedy because time is of the essence. I realized I was on Manhattan’s Financial District after all.

If you are craving for a salad, or just want to grab a quick snack and you are in downtown, give this place a try.

40 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
212 425-4040

Famous Original Ray’s Pizza

One lunch time, I was with a friend and we were really hungry. I wanted to go around Central Park that day but then was scheduled to grab a quick bite for dinner and watch Les Miserables after that. It was around 2 in the afternoon and no food has gone through my throat yet.

What did we do? We grabbed slices of pizza from Ray’s, took the subway, and began our picnic at a spot in South Central Park. I had the slice with lots of olives in it while my friend had the pepperoni pizza. Prices per slice now range from $2.75 for the plain cheese to $4.75 for the fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil slice. I took a bite and it was delicious (I am biased, of course, anything with olives in them, I adore). But I liked their pepperoni pizza as well.

There is actually a lot of Ray’s Pizza scattered around New York and I never figured out which one is indeed “original”. What matters to me though is when I tasted theirs, I was more than satisfied with it. Usually, a slice of American Pizza is too much for me, but because what I had was really delicious, I was able to finish it off. Apart from pizza, they serve a lot: pasta, salads, sandwiches, calzones, burgers, soups, chicken wings and really, a lot more.

(49th St) 736 7th Avenue 49th street
New York, NY 10019

Ruben's Empanadas

I was on my way to South Street Seaport when I remember a branch of Ruben’s Empanadas was on the way. I happen to remember that this was recommended by a friend as I was running out of places to go to eat in NYC (can’t believe that, can you?).

Anyway, think of it as our version of Jamaican Patty, only theirs is a lot bigger and way more delicious. I’m not sure if it was the oil or the meat. The empanada was surely stuffed. I think I had cheese and beef. I had to split it with my brother as I only bought it as a snack and it felt like consuming an entire meal had I finished one by myself. They have a lot of varieties ranging from the ones that has cheese with the meat to those for vegetarians only. It should not be consumed often though as the pies are quite oily so I think those are hardly healthy.

If you are just looking for a snack that is quick and cheap (it was around $3-$4 per piece), I suggest you stop by any branch when you are in Manhattan.

64 Fulton St.
New York, NY 10038
(212) 962-5330

Despite the places that I have posted, there are still a lot of places I have been meaning to go to. They are as follows:

Dean and Deluca – I always see this at the bottom of Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Center and yet I have never managed to eat here. I sure will next time.

Magnolia Bakery – I like cakes an appropriate amount, I like cupcakes as well and missing on all the raves that I have been hearing about Magnolia is just a pain. I am forgetful like that. I’m going to stamp that on my forehead (better yet, on the back of my hand so I can see it) the next time I come back. I just have to make sure I have enough time because I heard that there is always a line.

H&H or Ess-a-bagel – I love bagels. It’s one of the things I always order from Starbucks. I do not know why I didn’t find the time to come here and have a taste.

Jean Georges – Say it with me again “Jean Georges”. Haha. I heard (and think) it is the ultimate fine dining restaurant to go to in NYC. When I manage to tag along a special someone with me to Manhattan, and I happen to be rich, I sure will give this one a try. It is a dream after all.

Burrito, Smoothie and Yogurt

The following are not New York exclusive, however, I tasted them all in Manhattan and want to share the experience with you just the same.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

I’d like to think that this is America’s version of Mexicali... but I tell you, it is way, WAY better. This place is known for serving Mexican dishes, fast-food style. The burritos here are just amazing. They are huge and very tasty! You also get to choose what goes in your burrito. I think it really is what their sales pitch is... customized burrito.

So what’s inside your burrito? It is all up to you. You can choose among chicken, pork and steak. The chicken meat is said to be marinated overnight so it is guaranteed to be really taste-y. This is what I always get when I order a burrito. For the carnivore at heart, they have a medium rare steak marinated beef and barbacoa which is the spicy shredded kind. If you prefer pork, they have carnitas which is shredded and is guaranteed to be really tender.

When it comes to the other stuff that goes in your burrito, they have a list here. For me, it is a must to have salsa (pick among light, medium, medium hot and hot), sour cream, lettuce and cheese. For others, they want guacamole, beans and rice to go in it as well.

Aside from burrito, they serve nachos. I always have those to go and grab myself an extra serving of salsa. And you know what is even more amazing? MARGARITA! You can have it any time of the day (I won’t judge, hihi).

Now I can’t remember how much the burritos were exactly but it was between US$6-8. And since a serving is too many for me, I would have them slice my burrito in half... eating half for lunch and saving the other half for dinner. They have a branch right beside Bryant Park (42nd and 5th) in Manhattan and I have never seen the counter without a line. That is not to say that their service is slow, it’s quite the opposite. It’s just that there are a lot of people lining up during lunch and dinner time.


Jamba Juice

Think of it as their version of Big Chill. They however have a large range of products that are more than just fruit shakes. They have freshly squeezed juices, food to-go (mostly salads and wraps), iced fruit tea, low calorie fruit shakes and a lot more. See the complete list here.

It is pretty expensive for just fruit shakes (anywhere from US$3-5) when you compare the prices with the ones we have here. I would recommend getting Strawberry Whirl which has apple-strawberry juice, frozen strawberries and frozen banana. The quality is excellent. You would not feel that they are scrimping on the ingredients. As for the taste, I would say Jonah’s Shakes are still better (and I haven’t tasted anything better, except probably for Cibo’s grape shake, but I still prefer Jonah’s consistency). However, I liked that the sweetness of the shakes of Jamba Juice comes from the natural sugars of the fruits.

I went to the branch right beside the Chipotle on 42nd and 5th (Bryant Park). Drop by if you need a smoothie fix.

Pinkberry

I was never a fan of yogurts. I didn’t have the palette to appreciate it until I tasted Pinkberry's. Yes, the frozen kind is still in fact sour. Honestly though, I will still not be caught eating frozen yogurt alone, except when I am getting Dave’s Froyo in Dutch Chocolate (which is intense, dark, and is hard to believe to be a yogurt). I still prefer mine to consumed with fruits and chocolate chips. I like it that way because it balances out the sourness of the yogurt.

Pinkberry’s frozen yogurt comes in three varieties: original, green tea and coffee. You can eat it with choices of fresh fruits, dry and liquid toppings. I tasted the original yogurt with strawberries and chocolate chips. Go here for the complete list. Aside from yogurts, they serve smoothies and parfaits. Click on the photo below for prices. I went to that branch in Chelsea just in case you are wondering (8th Ave. Between 18th & 19th St.).

In lieu of attending the 2009 Philippine Blog Awards...

I have been invited to attend two completely different events in one day. I am not familiar with both venues. But of course, friendship rules. I just wish I can split my body into two because I was not expecting this.

Thank you so much to the Philippine Blog Awards committee for making me one of the finalists. I was a bit astounded when I learned about it. It surely made my day. :)

Please click here to see the finalists under different categories. And if you want to attend, please register here.

I want to congratulate my fellow finalists especially to the two Ed's whom I know from my previous work. :) Woot! Rooting for you guys (Ed Arevalo and Ed Ongaigui).

Please visit the other finalists under travel category:
A Pinay in Europe
BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!
eskapo
Explore Iloilo
Just Wandering
lagal[og]
Langyaw – Sojourns and Off-the-Beaten Path Travels
Nomadic Experiences
sagada tourism guide

Don't forget:
9 October 2009
PETA Theatre, Quezon City
Metro Manila

Something to Smile About

I couldn't sleep last night. I saw this picture and it made me smile.

Give Mark a shout-out here. He makes amazing designs. :)

EDIT: Watch out for the shirts. Ondoy/Pepeng victims need your support. Click here.