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ROCK CENTER CAFE REVIEW

7 Jun

Recently I sat down for lunch at the Rock Center Cafe located in Rockefeller Center where everyone comes to Ice Skate or see the enormous Christmas Tree.

Sometimes I forget what I have in my wallet and came across a $50 gift card to Rock Center Cafe. I was in the area and it was a hot day out so I decided to give it a try. I knew by the looks of the restaurant I might have to add to my bill but was going to try and not go over. The see-through elevator takes you downstairs. You have the option of sitting outdoors under the umbrellas or indoors under the air conditioner. Well I already told you it was a hot day so you should know where I sat.

They served me water immediately but after that it took a little longer for a waiter. It wasn’t crowded, the menu wasn’t complicated so I don’t know why they were so slow. Finally a waiter came and took my order. I asked for an appetizer to start which was a wedge salad which was good. My lunch came a few minutes after. I ordered a well done cheese urged which came with frites. It had too many pickles which I immediately removed. The sauce was a thousand island type of dressing served in the side. The burger and fries were good. They cooked it just right but you have to chew slow because it is thick.

I also took a chance and ordered dessert. I had the key lime pie with blueberry compote and sweet whipped cream. All I have to say is when they sat that plate down my eyes bugged out. The menu said “desserts to share”, and now I see why. That was the biggest piece of pie even for me and I eat a lot, Lol. I tried my best to finish it all but it wasn’t happening. I did manage to eat all the whipped cream which is my favorite. I love making fresh whipped cream.

The restaurant itself is very beautiful inside and outside and is family friendly. I think if I had to spend my own money I would skip the restaurant and go straight to the ice skating rink. The prices aren’t that bad but I can make the same wedge salad at home much cheaper and feed my entire family. The bill wasn’t bad. I went over by $1 and some change plus had to add a tip.

I also had to mention to the hostess that the women’s restroom had to be stocked with toilet tissue. The bathroom attendant left rolls on the sink not in the stalls. I had to pass a few rolls to some of the women inside.

I took pictures of the food and the restaurant.

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HARLEM SHAKE SOFT OPENING @HarlemShake

14 May

The day had finally come for my daughter and I to sink our teeth into a @HarlemShake burger, fries, and milkshake of course. Today was the soft opening and we were glad to be on the list. We had a 12:00 RSVP and got there about 10 minutes early where I was able to take pictures of the outside which looked very inviting. Once inside I realized this wasn’t your typical manufactured fast food joint. This is that diner that you want to come back to with your family, friends, and co-workers. There are plenty of stools at the counter, or at the window if you want an outside view. There are booths and tables and I also found out that there will be even more tables when they open up the gigantic doors and have sidewalk dining. That will be great for the summer!!

I ordered a mini cheeseburger for my daughter with fries of course and a vanilla shake. I had a cheeseburger with everything and shared fries with my daughter. Can I just say our plates were completely empty. My daughter said “I want more burgers and fries”. Everything was fresh. The fries seasoned just right, the milkshake not too thick or sugary which was perfect for my daughter. Juicy burgers from fresh ground delivered everyday. No frozen patties ever!! Prices are reasonable and worth every penny.

There is music and I was singing every song that came on because it was old school. My daughter said “you know that song mommy?” I smiled and said yes, then continued jamming.

The staff was very friendly and welcoming and made sure we were happy and satisfied with our food and that we would be returning. You don’t have to ask me twice. My family and I will return.

There was still work being done but despite all of that we enjoyed ourselves and we were very happy when we found out we were the first customers in Harlem Shake to walk through the door, order food, and eat. We felt like celebrities. Maybe our picture will be on the wall next to the celebrities. Hint, hint. 🙂

Harlem Shake is here to stay and I’m glad they aren’t too far from me. The neighborhood needed this and I encourage everyone to go visit and get your shake on and tell them I sent you!! 🙂 Enjoy the pictures!!

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Crazy about Cupcakes / My favorite Cupcake Shops

6 Nov

I am a cupcake fanatic and maybe that’s the reason why I enjoy baking them with my kids. Growing up I used to watch my grandmother bake all types of desserts and believe it or not she never made cupcakes or cookies but she sure could throw down on some sweet potato pies, pecan pies, 3 layer cakes, banana pudding, you name it! 

As I got older and had kids I knew one day they was going to ask for some sweets so I decided cupcakes couldn’t be so hard to whip up and I was right. I also found a few cupcake stores if I didn’t feel like baking that would please our taste buds.

I narrowed it down to a few and here is my list in no particular order :

*Sprinkles Cupcakes – 780 Lexington Avenue
Love red velvet, any vanilla or chocolate, and banana.  They have tons of delicious flavors and they are very moist and the frosting melts in your mouth.

*Baked by Melissa – variety of locations
Love red velvet,  cookies and cream,  tie dye, and, cinnamon. Then there is a flavor of the month that you can pick as well.  Bite size mini cupcakes that you will wind up eating the whole box. Delicioso!

*Crumbs Bake Shop – variety of locations Love red velvet,  squiggle,  devil’s food, and, white hot chocolate (flavor of the month). These can be eaten with a fork because they are huge but if you think one signature size cupcake is big wait till you see the colossal cupcake which is 6 1/2 inches high that feeds 6-8 people. These are very good!

*Magnolia Bakery – 5 locations in NY
Love red velvet,  devil’s food,  banana, snickerdoodle,  carrot,  vanilla, and, chocolate. The taste is amazing.

*Cupcake Cafe – 545 9th Ave btwn 40th & 41st
The cake flavors I love are vanilla, lemon,  bohemian walnut, and, carrot. The buttercream flavors I absolutely love are vanilla,  maple,  cream cheese frosting,  and lemon. The filling I get is maple,  vanilla,  mocha, and cream cheese frosting. These cupcakes and cakes are the most beautiful creations you have ever seen. These make a great gift. They make gorgeous wedding cakes and their butter cream flowers on the cupcakes looks like it took hours to do. These cupcakes are worth making a visit to. Truly delicious and out of this world!!!

I might not have a cupcake shop or mobile cupcake truck but my kids and my family still love my cupcakes as well and I will continue to bake and hopefully one day I will serve you and someone will be blogging about my shop.

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Photo above is from Cupcake Cafe

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Photo above and below is Sprinkles Cupcakes

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Costco/ Chicken and Cilantro Mini Wonton Review

4 Nov

I love Costco so much if I could live there I would. They have everything!!  Bulk is the word. I recently went there to stock up when Sandy was over and found these amazing fully cooked bibigo Chicken and Cilantro Mini Wontons by Korean Food Company CJ. They are delicious and cook in about 5- 10 minutes by pan frying, or 1 -2 minutes by boiling, or microwave which can be used in soups. I prefer mine pan fried. These are great for a dinner party or a snack. I am addicted and every time I go into Costco I buy a bag. They have a variety of flavors but so far my store only carries the Chicken and Cilantro. Run to your local Costco to stock up and let me know if they have any of the other varieties below and how you like them.

Chicken & Vegetables

Chicken, cabbage and spice in a light and delicate wrapper

Chicken & Cilantro

Chicken, cabbage and cilantro in a light and delicate wrapper

Pork & Ginger

Pork, ginger and vegetables in a light and delicate wrapper.