Straight up, if you and I don’t see eye to eye on Westville then we need to end this relationship immediately. Like, now. And I don’t think we can “just be friends” either. My go to of all go tos, I literally eat here or get delivery three times a week. It’s permanently entrenched in my weekly routine and I don’t know what I’d do without it. It’s worth the 15 minute wait during prime time and they usually deliver within 20 minutes (granted, I live around the corner … but still). Westville is the ultimate utility spot that delivers the goods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and does it in affordable fashion. It’s not necessarily cheap, but it won’t break the bank and you get top quality plus respectable quantity that’s sure to fill you up. Let’s talk food, shall we? I’ve pretty much eaten everything on this menu twice, so this could be long …
For the money, Max is the best Italian in all of New York City. A long-standing Infatuation favorite, Max has been in heavy rotation for years. It’s the kind of place that seriously cares about customer satisfaction and it’s apparent through their food as well as their service. Don’t love a dish? They’ll happily bring you something else. If they recognize you as a regular, don’t be surprised if dessert is on the house. The vibe is low key and homey; it feels like eating in your Italian friend’s grandma’s dining room. In the back of the restaurant, the huge outdoor patio area is key for warm weather hangin’ and grubbin’. Portions are generous and for an average of eleven dollars per entree, you can’t go wrong.
Oh Cafe Cortadito, how I love thee. You hit me right in my sweet spot with your Cuban flavored goodness. Honestly, if you like Cuban or Latin flavored food it’s pretty much impossible not to love this joint. Granted, when I went there for the first time, it was before they got their liquor license, so we went with a big group and took down like 6 bottles of wine while stuffing ourselves to the max on yuca frita, beef turnovers, skirt steak, and plantains. If we went now, we’d have to pay more for the wine obviously but that first time around left such a great taste in my mouth that I really don’t care. Plus, the wine is well priced. Make sure you get a table in the relatively small back room if you can. If you ever have a big party (like real big … twenty or so), you can rent the whole back room out and it’s a great place to have an intimate, fun dinner party. This is a great little restaurant that does Cuban food right. The price is right, the service is great and the food is very solid. I can’t wait to go back.
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.
If the day ever comes when I leave this city – voluntarily, by court order, or otherwise – my last meal in town might very well be a few margaritas, an order of plantains, and 1/4 kilo of pork tacos at Mercadito Cantina. The newest outpost of the Mercadito NY restaurants is all about tacos, and though the fish tacos have been the main focus of raves and praise for Mercadito Cantina, the pork offerings are not to be missed. Most everything on the menu is simple, well executed, and gives you that special kind of gratification you get from eating street food, yet the dishes are anything but pedestrian. The space has the feel of the Momofuku dining room … wood paneled, lively, and has a very similar seating layout. I have always had good luck getting a table on busy nights, and the staff is welcoming. Bring friends and come hungry … ordering the tacos by weight is definitely the way to go.
Giveaway: Dinner On Us
