Follow Me Caffe is most definitely a diamond in the rough, and the rough is really, really rough. Sitting right in the middle of Upper East Side restaurant wasteland, Follow Me Caffe is the only establishment in the neighborhood not serving up mediocre food at astronomical prices, and therefore does not attract rich old crazy ladies. It is a very small place – only a handful of tables and one server taking care of the whole operation on most days, and there are a few great tables outside on a beautiful block. The menu is small and sports some superstar sandwiches and salads, along with a simple and very good breakfast and brunch menu. It’s a great takeout and delivery option if you live in the neighborhood, and if you’re hanging in central park and need an option for lunch that won’t set you back fifty dollars, this is your place. The only downside to Follow Me Caffe is that it seems to be inexplicably closed every once in a while, even on a recent Sunday morning. Call ahead before you trek it uptown.
Do you want to know my favorite thing about Caracas Arepas Bar besides the food? I’ll assume the answer is yes since you’re reading this review. It’s not the tall, funky looking waiter who’s got crazy hair and wears sunglasses inside … though, that guy is indeed the man. It’s the fact that once you get inside this tiny eatery, the table you’ve been awarded is yours until you want to leave. Unlike most small restaurants where people vie for seats, Caracas doesn’t rush you. They actually encourage you to order little by little and keep eating until you’re happily bloated and full. Caracas is literally a zoo – people crowd outside the glass and watch as the hungry animals inside inhale food to their heart’s content. There is a 30 to 45 minute wait all day, everyday. Even when you try going at off hours, it’s packed. Luckily Caracas “To Go” is next door, so you can get your fix for the road if you don’t have the patience to wait. Caracas takes pride in being one of the most authentic Venezuelan restaurants in the city. Who am I to disagree? This is by far and away the best Venezuelan food I’ve eaten here. So what if it’s also the only Venezuelan place I’ve ever been to.
Finally. After multiple failed attempts at getting a table here, we got lucky … and during prime time no less. Literally ten minutes after sitting down at the communal table, a mob of people gathered outside to wait for a table. Bottom line, this place is great but it’s almost always a pain in the ass to get a table. Good thing there are plenty of other options on the same block. Welcome to “Beldel” (below Delancy), one of the coolest up and coming hoods in downtown Manhattan. With the LES quickly becoming the second coming of Murray Hill, the realness factor of Broome between Orchard and Ludlow is quite refreshing.
Based on the fact that they had new records from Infatuation approved Empire Of The Sun and Phoenix on random, it’s very likely that next time we go in there they’ll have the Miike Snow disc in rotation. I mention this because Miike Snow’s show at Mercury Lounge just so happened to be what brought us to Barrio Chino in the first place. If you haven’t heard their single “Animal” yet, you’re missing out on a serious summer jam.
The restaurant itself is tiny. There are only a couple of tables, the rest of the seating is either at the bar or communal table. Prepare yourself to be elbow to elbow with the stranger next to you and don’t come with a group of more than four. The vibe, drinks, and food make up for the fact that the service is seriously lacking. Two waiters for 48 people? (I counted). Not good. At least they have amazing mustaches. Be careful, although the menu doesn’t appear to be pricey, after a couple margaritas, an appetizer, and a main, you’re dropping $50-60 a head. A little expensive but it’s worth it.
Feature: Infatuation TV: P.O.S.
