Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts

Deal or No Deal? Grilled Shrimp + Shark Empanadas, $23.70


Grilled Shrimp + Shark Empanadas, $23.70

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I was directed to this restaurant after arriving at Market 28, a tourist trap of a shopping center in downtown Cancun. I asked my cab driver where the best Mexican food was and he sent me to El Cejas, which literally means "The Eyebrows."

There, I was met by a straight-faced, burly man with bushy eyebrows standing behind a cash register. Apparently, he was the bean counter (no pun intended), the owner, and the inspiration behind the restaurant's peculiar name.

This marked the beginning of a culinary adventure that - although tasty - put a serious dent into my shopping budget...

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I was impressed by the main course, considering it was from a food stand at an open-air market with pictures on its menu...

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And the appetizer was tasty, too!
(Deep fried empanadas filled with shark meat -- tastes like chicken)


But, I dunno. Is $23.70 too much to pay for a meal from a place with pictures on its menu?

What do you think? Is this a DEAL or NO DEAL? Here are some details to help you decide:



Menu Item: Grilled Shrimp and Shark Empanadas for an appetizer.


Price: $23.70


Restaurant: El Cejas


Cuisine: Mexican


Neighborhood: Market 28, Cancun Centro, Mexico


What the menu tells you you'll get: Since this is a place with pictures on its menu, it was a "what you see is what you get" type of set up


What I actually got: Seven medium-sized shrimp (shell and eyes still attached topped with a garlic sauce, a cup-sized portion of Mexican rice and steamed vegetables.

The appetizer came with three small empanadas filled with shark meat.


So what's your opinion: Deal or no deal? Post your thoughts in the comments section.

xoxo,

Markette



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Deal or No Deal? Lobster at Labná


Lobster, $410 pesos ($32.80 in U.S. Dollars)

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During my recent trip to Cancun, Mexico - also known as the "Riviera Maya" for its rich history of Mayan culture - I heard the fruits of the sea calling my name, so I ordered the lobster. But for $410 pesos -- which equals out to about $32.80 -- I can't but help to wonder if I threw my money into the sea!

What do you think? Is this a deal or no deal?

Here are some details to help you decide:

Menu Item: The Lobster

Price: $410 pesos or $32.80

Restaurant: Labná

Cuisine: not your run-of-the-mill-Mexican food; the menu boasts delights specific to the Yucatan Peninsula.

Neighborhood: Cancun Centro (where the locals live, eat and play).

What the menu tells you you'll get: "lobster with black beans, guacamole and chips"

What I actually got: a one pound juicy lobster tail with the meat already taken out by the chef. It was drenched in a red butter and garlic sauce (not sure why it was red), but it was GOOD! It also came with a palm sized portion of black beans and guacamole, each adorned with three three crispy tortilla chips.

The lobster was succulent and flavorful, but $30 bucks?!?! Isn't Mexico supposed to be cheap?

What's your opinion: deal or no deal? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

xoxo,

Markette

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P.S. - Get more "DEAL OR NO DEAL?" by clicking here.

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Deal or No Deal? 2 Pound Pretzel, $20


The Victory Knot, as much as $20*

"TTS" was first introduced the $16 Victory Knot (also known as the 2 POUND PRETZEL) during an interview with Nationals Park Executive Chef Terry Louzon.

"We call that our 'Wow' item this year," said Chef Terry.

"Wow" is right. Made from 2 pounds of dough, the Victory Knot comes with three dipping sauces (vanilla & cinnamon crème, beer cheese and chipotle mustard).

A creation of Levy restaurants, the official food vendor of Washington's Nationals Park and other ball parks like L.A.'s Dodgers Stadium and Dallas' American Airlines Center, the pretzel can cost as much as $20 depending on where you buy it.

Because Chef Terry is a former military man (retired Master Sergeant of the U.S. Army), I know he's used to making manly meals for hungry soldiers, but a pretzel made from 2 pounds of dough?!?!

Indulgent or just plain ridiculous?
As Vanessa and I taste-tested the dipping sauces and pretzel, I began to ponder the thought of whether or not a pretzel is actually worth more than a ticket to a baseball game itself? (Tickets can be as cheap as $5 for seating in the Grandstand section of Nats Park.)

I dunno, what do you think? Here's some details to help you decide:

Menu Item: The Victory Knot

Price: $16 at Nationals Park, but can be as much as $20 (it varies from city to city; for example in Dallas you get the pretzel and 2 sodas for $20)

Restaurant: At Nats Park, you can order it at The Red Loft Bar above the Red Porch

Cuisine: All-American ballpark staples, plus a few gourmet items

Neighborhood: Southeast DC/Nationals Park

What the menu tells you you'll get: "Victory Knot"

What I actually got: served in a medium-sized pizza box, I got a massive salted pretzel and three generous portions of dipping sauces (vanilla & cinnamon crème, beer cheese and chipotle mustard). Can easily serve 4 people.


So what's your opinion: Deal or no deal? Post your thoughts in the comments section.

xoxo,

Markette

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Nats Park Food Fest!


Meet Nationals Park Executive Chef Terry Louzon...

Ball park food is not just peanuts and Cracker Jacks anymore... right Vanessa?

And hot dogs have gotten a lot fancier since we were all kids.

For example, the Philly Dog at the Taste of the Majors food stand at Nats Parks comes complete with melted cheese, red & green bell peppers and big kick in the taste buds.

Ooh! The hometown favorite: The Nats Dog is a spicy take on the half smoke with onions and mustard.

The Mets dog came with sauerkraut, chili, mustard... it's like a party in your mouth!

Hot dogs and hot guys! Now that's what I call a HOME RUN!!!

Back to the food: Chef Terry with the 2 pound pretzel and 3 dipping sauces! Ridiculous!

Markette! Now that's what I call finger lickin' good!

On the lighter side, Nationals Park has parfaits for the health conscious...

And veggie wraps, too!

Racing prez "Tom" Jefferson steals a smooch from Vanessa.


Don't get it twisted: This pretzel connoisseur is a retired Master Sergeant of the U.S. Army who says D.C. sports fans are a tougher crowd than the U.S. Military!

Check back soon for the full on-camera interview with Chef Terry about what's new in food at Nats Park! Find it only on DC 50, home of the CW!

xoxo,

Markette & Vanessa



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Deal or No Deal? Uncle Bill's Potatoes Del Riego


Potatoes Del Riego, $8


To you, it may look like a heart attack on a plate. But for me, it was breakfast!

Uncle Bill's Pancake House is my favorite neighborhood dive and I make it a point to go every time I go back to my hometown in Southern California.

While I usually get pancakes because (1) they are delicious, (2) they are reasonably priced and (3) that's what they're famous for, on this visit I decided to change it up when I saw everybody eating this mountain of cheese, potatoes, bacon and avocados instead of the house special.

But is a dish of potatoes and cheese, and a couple of slices of avocado, really worth almost $10 bucks?

Here are some details to help you decide if this a deal or no deal:

Menu Item: Potatoes Del Riego

Price: $8

Restaurant: Uncle Bill's Pancake House

Cuisine: Traditional American Fare

Neighborhood: Manhattan Beach, Calif./Manhattan Beach Pier

What the menu tells you you'll get: "Hash browns sauteed with crumbled bacon and melted cheese, topped with sour cream. Add in bell peppers, onions and avocado. For those with a BIGGER appetite"

What I actually got: nearly of pound of diced potatoes, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, bell peppers, onions and avocado slices piled high into a stroganoff-like dish.


So what's your opinion: Deal or no deal? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.


--Markette

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DC Dining, Dance-off, Shoelicious pick



FOOD=LOVE @ Mini Bar:
You don't have to be a hardcore foodie to appreciate the culinary capabilities and outstanding adventures that the chefs from famed local restaurant MINIBAR take you on. Anyone on the DC food scene knows that reservations at this six- seater bar can take up to several months to reserve. You have to be patient and persistent and if you are well the reward is truly like no other. The anticipation begins months in advance before you even sit down and tempt your tastebuds with the likes of 29 courses. Sure they are only small bites but each course is so different from the next and leaves you wanting more and more. Not to mention the wines that you are able to pair up with each mouthwatering bite. Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema wrote about the Minibar experience he encountered, “There's no other restaurant in the country quite like Jose Andres's six-seat, avant-garde ode to edible innovation.” -- Tom Sietsema

I couldn't agree with old Tommy boy more. MINIBAR is incredibly innovative, interactive, and avant-garde. Chef Brad Rice and his sous chef and the entire wait staff pay copious amounts of attention to each individual sitting down at that bar and the laborious and painstaking detail that goes into each and every plate is incomprehensible. So what's on the menu? Just to name a few: Sea Urchin "Ceviche" with Hibiscus, Tomatoe Crisp with Anchovy "Caviar" Cotton Candy Eel, Parmesan Egg with Migas, Philly Cheesesteak, and for dessert Kumquats and Pumpkin Seeds. I think a picture says a thousand words (so see below) , but the actual experience says EVERYTHING times infinity. It is a must-see and a must-taste experience well worth every penny spent.








HAPPY CAMPER RIGHT HERE =)


IMPROMPTU DANCE:
Normally it's time for my Dancing with the D-Listers segment, where I bring you up top date on all the d-list celebs and how they are making it out on the dance floor--fox trotting their way to the finals, and taking home the title (and the bacon--since the winner sees some serious cash) but not this week. No this week we had some booty shaking right in our very own backyard on the streets of Georgetown.Caught anybody in action shaking their bon bon send us your pics or vids at thetravelingtalkshow@gmail.com






SHOELICIOUS PICK OF THE WEEK:


$64.00

About Promiscuous

Promiscuous

Sexy, seductive, and sassy shoes and lingerie is what Promiscuous strives for. Every woman has a sensual side to her and Promiscuous encourages every woman to show it. Every woman has a practical side too - the desire for footwear that's comfortable and that fits. Each style is tested for everyday wear and includes a shock absorbing gel insert at the heel. From dancing all night with your girlfriends at a swanky club, to arousing your significant other, Promiscuous fulfills a need in your life.



At $64 dollars these sexy shoes are a steal. Go to Zappo's for free shipping both ways!


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