Category: food review

Japanese Fast Food – Kobeyaki

There are not many ramen places in New York City. Correction: There are not many ramen places that do not require a two hour wait. The other part of your criteria is that it is authentic ramen and not the Maruchan freeze-dried kind.


Kobeyaki seems to satisfy this desire. It is fast food for people who don’t want a typical burger and fries with some Japanese fusion thrown in for good measure.  They have everything from sushi to Kobe burgers to ramen. The selection is small, but it makes up in taste.

The ramen was good and filling, despite the small size.  It satisfies your “I’m craving ramen” desires. I even started drinking the broth, which I never do.

It’s a bit pricey for your typical meal – calculate drink and food and you’ve got a little more than $10 to spend. Factor in that all there food is sustainable and locally grown (which they mention on their website), Kobeyaki is alright for a midterm study break or, in my case, just dinner since you’re not familiar with the Chelsea area.

It’s too bad there’s only one location (right now).

Kobeyaki
293 7th Ave
New York NY 10001
212-242-5500

Sunday Brunch: Eataly + Birreria

This is not your typical Italian food with pasta and pizza (which is not really Italian). If you’ve never heard of Eataly before, and you love artisanal food, then this is your heavan. Or at least your mall.

From chocolate, to cheese, to seafood, to vegetables and gelato, Eataly is your level of gluttonly at its finest. Besides shopping you can also dine and the various stations/sections. Be prepared for a long wait for any of them (especially during weekends and dinner hours), but that’s when you begin roaming around this part supermarket, part restaurant, part food court.

If you aren’t in the mood to stare at the various kinds of brie Eataly offers, then head up to Birreria, Eataly’s own rooftop beer garden/restaurant.

Wine and Bread wrapped in parchment paper.

I can only attest to a late lunch, but it was still exquisite, especially when paired with a rosé wine. The waiters are also very attentive when it comes to asking for recommendations.

Cavolo Nero Con Salsa – Chopped mixed kale, grapefruit, poppy seed frico with anchovy vinaigrette

The price is a bit average for New York, but worth it to try once. Although Birreria is open all year round (winter time, they have heatlamps) the best time to dine would be preferably during fall and spring when the weather is just right.

Eataly
200 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10010
212-229-2560

Willkommen to Cafe Marlene

Ode to Marlene Dietrich 

As much as I enjoy being a foodie in Manhattan, Queens should get some love too.

Cafe Marlene is a cozy little cafe that reminds you of Old World Berlin. Inspired and named after And its no wonder, the owners were inspired to open this little spot after Marlene Dietrich, film noir Hollywood actress and singer.

Excuse the poor cellphone quality

Tiny hole in the walls like Cafe Marlene can be intimidating in size, but they make up in great decor and food that brings you back to try the rest of the menu. Two friends came over for the weekend a couple of weeks ago, and I decided it would be a perfect opportunity to sit down and check it out.

Marlene specializes in crepes and sandwiches, a perfect light lunch for a hot day.

Reminds me of a pizza. A sweet pizza

Although I had just an apricot jam crepe (considering I just had some dental work done), it was still cute and tastes great for a place just around the corner. (Course everything seems to always taste better when its within reasonable walking distance from your bed.)

While you wait for your order being made, you’re never bored with the decor. I couldn’t help but stare at the ceiling’s woodwork, making you feel like you are in a Manhattan speakeasy (and not in Queens).

Their website mentions that there is a performance space downstairs for private events and the occasional poetry slam.

My friends were quite amazed by the food, especially for the price – very reasonable and slightly less than a meal and a subway ride into Manhattan. Whether it was the company, the incredible woodwork decor, the baristas or the food you should go check out Cafe Marlene.

Beret and snapping fingers are optional

Cafe Marlene
41-11 49th Street
Sunnyside, NY 11104

Sunday Brunch: Sip Sak

New York City is a very convenient place for anyone who is hungry anytime, anywhere because there is always a slew of restaurants to choose from.

What people may not know is that if you step off the main streets like Broadway, you arrive in the New Yorker’s area of the city: a quieter, residential but still have that urban feel.

With so many restaurants in the area is best to choose based on a roulette method: walk along the street until one strikes your fancy.

It’s a method that’s especially useful when you are unsure of what do about brunch on a late Sunday morning after one last skate around The Pond at Bryant Park.

If you’re wanting brunch, but want something different, Sip Sak should be on your list. Their sage green doors and mirror-framed menus outside will entice you to try their food on impulse.

And it won’t disappoint.

It’s a Turkish restaurant located on the upper part of Midtown along 2nd Avenue.

The menu was pretty simple and explanatory for those unfamiliar with Turkish cuisine. With items like Sahanda Sucuklu Yumurta (eggs with spiced lamb) or Kasarli, Sucuklu Tost (panini with cheese and spiced lamb sausage) you really can’t go wrong. Or if you’re a burger person and want to be a just a little adventurous, try a Lamb Burger.

The Turkish tea was certainly a refresher after being quite comfortable with the taste of English Breakfast or Earl Grey. It was perfectly hot to the touch (just the way I like) and in a cute tulip-shaped cup. The light smoky flavor lifted my tastebuds to imagine drinking in a teahouse at the side of a bazaar.

If you are more of a coffee person, Turkish coffee is very much like a shot of espresso, except much stronger.

The waiters were attentive, and the food arrived as soon as our side of hummus and bread were nothing but crumbs. Although I had an omelette with mushrooms, peppers and onions, it came with home fries and a salad. The price is average for a Manhattan restaurant, but considering it was my first time at Sip Sak, I’ll be sure to be coming back with friends.

(Note: While Turkish cuisine highly favors meat-lovers, Sip Sak does have vegetarian options.)

Sip Sak
928 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10017
Neighborhood: Midtown East
(212) 583-1900