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The Bomboloni (What Is A Bomboloni You Ask?)

What is the first word that comes to mind when you hear Bomboloni? The first word that came to my mind was amazing!! What is a Bomboloni you ask? It is an Italian light pastry filled to capacity with fresh creme or fruit. There are more than 20 flavors to choose from creme brûlée to blood orange, and even nutella. I tried the vanilla cream and espresso. They are all natural and no preservatives.

At just $2 each you will want to try a variety of flavors so they have 4 for $7 or 6 for $10.
They also sell natural Italian gelato and sorbetti. The flavors change daily but when I went they had watermelon and a few other flavors available. I will try the gelato the next time.

I also had an iced coffee which they sell along with espresso’s and lattes.
I first heard about Bomboloni from the Cooking Channel and wanted to see what it was all about and I’m glad I did. These are great for picnics, bbq’s, to bring to work, whatever occasion. I know I’ve walked past this place a million times and never knew what I was missing.

They are located at 187 Columbus Avenue between 68th & 69th street NY, NY 10023 (212) 877-3080
Check their website for hours http://www.bomboloni.com/cafe.html
These opinions are 100% my own. I was not compensated for this post.
Enjoy the pics!!

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Categories Food, Food Reviews, Reviews, What's Going On?

FROZEN YOGURT THAT IS OFF THE WALL!! @OTWyogurt

11 Jul

Want to know where to get 16 different flavors of frozen yogurt with 40 rotating toppings? Well look no further because New York has it and it’s called “Off The Wall Yogurt”. There are 3 locations currently and another one coming soon to Times Square. There is also one location in Long Island where it all started.

I had the pleasure of being invited to the 4 west 14th street location for a bloggers networking event where I got to sample some amazing flavors and toppings and meet other bloggers.
The first thing I noticed when I walked into this location is how incredibly big it is. I’ve never seen any yogurt shop this big before. This is a great spot for teens to meet up, to have meetings, or rent for a party. Another thing I liked were the awesome colors. Very bright with the slogan “Today Is A Good Day” on one of the walls where a lot of pictures have been taken and will continue on. There is also a screen on the wall when you tweet it will pop up on the wall when it is retweeted, so we all were waiting for our tweets to appear. That was fun!!

So now I will tell you what my favorite yogurt flavors were. My top 3 flavors were the Macadamia Cookie, Cake Batter, and Belgian Chocolate. They are to die for. If I worked in this place I would be in trouble because I would constantly be sampling. I mixed all 3 and topped it with chocolate sprinkles, walnuts, and chocolate syrup.

Everything is self served so you get to go crazy and pile it on or make it sweet and simple. The yogurts are either low fat or non fat and I even saw a high protein Greek Pomberry yogurt. There’s also a Watermelon Splash and Valencia Orange that you should try as well. The toppings range from different types of cereals for the kids, to fresh fruits, granola, and a variety of nuts, and chocolates. There is a wall with toppings built in and a handle you pull down to add the toppings onto your yogurt. Kids will love this!

The cups are one size and there is also a waffle cone in a cup if you choose that. Everything is weighed and that tells you what your price will be. They also sell cold drinks, s’mores, and coffee hot or iced.

I want to thank Phil Velez for the invite into his amazing frozen yogurt shop and I will be returning with my kids.
I encourage those who love yogurt and want to try these amazing flavors and toppings to get down to Off The Wall yogurt as soon as you can. You can find all the locations on their website http://www.offthewallyogurt.com
Theses opinions are my very own and I was compensated with free yogurt and refreshments for the duration of the event.
Enjoy the pictures!!

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Categories Blogger Event, Food, Food Reviews, What's Going On?

International Franchise Expo/ Javits Center NY

23 Jun

The International Franchise Expo made it’s way to The Javits Center June 20-22nd and I wanted to see what it was all about. There were over 400 franchises in attendance so I had a lot of networking to do. It was great seeing familiar businesses that I frequently visit and knowing they are looking for people to join their team and open up a franchise of their own. I talked to a few of my favorites and a few I never heard of and found out a lot about the franchise business. I was extremely impressed with 7 Eleven and Chester’s Chicken franchises. I got to sample some delicious food as well. The frozen yogurt samples were in every aisle. There were also pizza, pretzels, subs, lobster bisque soup, cake, cookies, french fries, drinks, Japanese noodles and donuts. By the time I left I was stuffed. The bundt cake by “Nothing Bundt Cakes” melted in my mouth it was so moist and delicious. I also had my eyebrows threaded free courtesy of the Walmart booth. They offered free eyelash extensions or having your eyebrows threaded.

I’m glad I was able to attend and take home a lot of information. If I ever decide to open up a franchise I know who to contact. I took pictures of the expo below.

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Categories Expos, Food, Travel, What's Going On?

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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Categories Food, Food Reviews, What's Going On?

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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Categories Food, Food Reviews, Invitational Event, Restaurant Openings, What's Going On?

Taste Buds Kitchen Open House Tuesday, May 7 NYC

7 May

The Taste Buds Kitchen, which offers creative & unique cooking events for kids and their families will hold its Summer Camp Open House. Drop by meet the staff, and sample a yummy culinary creation. 5-7 p.m. 109 W. 27th St., 10A. (212) 242-2248. RSVP: tastebudskitchen.com

Questions about our Summer Camps? Come to our free Summer Open House/Cookie Decorating tomorrow from 5-6pm! http://tastebudskitchen.com/event/summer-camp-open-house/ …

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Categories Cooking, Family, Food, Kids, What's Going On?

Muy Bueno Cookbook Book Signing @MuyBuenoCooking @LaCasaAzulBooks

14 Apr

I took my kids to a book signing @LaCasaAzulBooks bookstore located in East Harlem to hear about and get the fabulous cookbook Muy Bueno Three Generations Of Authentic Mexican Flavor. First let me start by saying this is the best looking bookstore ever!!! I would live there if I could. Lol. The owner is beautiful and sweet and they have so many events and cooking classes.They’ve only been around 10 months so they have a 1 year anniversary coming up in June. It is so neat and quiet, set up is amazing, gorgeous stove that I wanted to take home, and my daughter immediately ran to the kids section where I purchased 2 books and stickers for her, a Spanish/English dictionary for my son, and for me the cookbook that was featured.

A family that cooks and eats together stays together and this amazing cookbook proves that. Three generations giving their audience delicious recipes through their grandmother’s eyes for her Mexican cuisine, their mother’s South of the border home style dishes, and the Latin fusion from the 3rd generation authors and sisters Veronica Gonzalez Smith, and Yvette Marquez Sharpnack.

I come from a mixed family so I grew up learning the Spanish recipes from my father whose parents are from Spain, Comfort foods from my grandmother who was from North Carolina, and my mother whose not too much of a cook I paid attention but taught her a lot as I got older. To this day she prefers my cooking over her own. I cannot stress enough how much I absolutely love cooking, baking, and enjoy having my kids in the kitchen with me learning and getting dirty, also paying attention, and asking questions. Kids grow up so fast and they need to know how to cook and not depend on anyone or fast food restaurants. I’m not saying they should ever turn down a meal if someone wants to cook for them or if they want to go to a restaurant but it’s very important to have this skill.

What made me want to attend this book signing was I wanted to try some new recipes that were authentic and any recipe that you can remember or still have on paper from your grandmother you know it’s gonna be good. I also love the fact that it is created by three generations who will also pass it down to their kids. The pictures are beautiful and makes you want to dive right in. I always wanted to write a cookbook but never knew where to start. Maybe one day.

Veronica and Yvette had a dish prepared for the audience to sample. It was their amazing Mushroom, Jalapeño, and Cilantro Salsa. I’m not a fan of mushrooms but when I tasted it you couldn’t even tell they were in there because the other ingredients were so good as well I forgot about them.

I want to make the Cilantro Lime Rice and the Coconut Flan because my father used to always give my sister and I flan. All the recipes are simple and I can’t wait to try them. I will post pictures when I do. I urge you to purchase this warm and inviting book for your collection and visit La Casa Azulejo Bookstore located at 143 E. 103rd Street between Lexington and Park in East Harlem NY.

Enjoy the pictures!!

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Categories Book Signing, Cooking, Family, Food, Free Events

KIDS FOOD FESTIVAL IN BRYANT PARK PART 2 @KidsFoodFestNYC

3 Mar

Continuation of pictures from Cricket Azima Salsa Class and raffle goodies I won and some of the toys I purchased for my daughter at the Festival.

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Categories Cooking, Family, Food, Free Events, Fun things to do in NY with Family, Kids, What's Going On?

KIDS FOOD FESTiVAL IN BRYANT PARK PART 3 @KidsFoodFestNYC

3 Mar

Okay last post of pictures from Festival. I live the shopping cart for my daughter.

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Categories Cooking, Family, Food, Free Events, Fun things to do in NY with Family, Kids, What's Going On?

COOKING UP A STORM!!!!

22 Jan

I’ve been cooking up a storm and wanted to share a few of my dishes I cooked thanks to some fabulous recipes I came across and might have kicked up a notch with a few extra spices of my own.

The first dish I made was Onions and Pepper Smothered Round Steak. Can I just say this was beyond deliciousness. This was a recipe from none other than Emeril Lagasse. I found it on Food Network.com. I would write out the recipe but it’s so much so just go on website and type out the title. Prep time is 15 minutes and Cook time is 1 hr and 30 minutes. Serves 6. Pictures are below.

Before and after shots.

My next dish was Chicken Chili also found on Food Network.com by Barefoot Contessa. Another fabulous dish. This dish is spicy and we loved it. It’s good to always keep spices handy in the pantry because I find myself using them over and over in recipes so I recommend Costcos for bulk and Whole Foods for hard to find spices. I also told you I’m on a mission to find even hotter spices from different countries.

This was another easy recipe with 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hr and 45 minutes of cooking time. Pictures below.

I added peeled cherry tomatoes instead of whole peeled plum tomatoes which worked just as well. I also added cherry tomato topping with basil which was very delicious. I won those items from a Barilla Twitter party. They are from Academia Barilla specialty products. I don’t think you can find these in the supermarkets but I will ask them. Then I decided to make corn muffins to go with the chili.

My last dish I will post is a breakfast dish. French Toast. This recipe is by Robert Irvine of Food Network of course. There were so many but this was simple with a prep time of 20 minutes and 10 minute cook time. It says 4 servings but I got 6 servings from it.

At first I had to brain storm about what bakeries I thought had Challah bread and I began surfing the web and making calls. I found one on east 86th street called Hot and Crusty. They have a small loaf for about $4.00 and the big loaf for about $5.00. With a large family I took the big loaf.

My kids and I devoured that’s how good it was. I also let my kids put powdered sugar on top of theirs.