New York Bites: Dos Caminos Brunch

Good Evening Nomsters,

Dos Caminos Rancheros @ Dos Cominos

I write to you today about a meal that is near and dear to my inner foodie and that was the focus of many of my best dining experiences in New York: Brunch!

After living in Georgetown for three years, brunch is without a doubt the favorite meal of students and the greater Georgetown community. The scrumptious pancakes, the eggtastic benedicts, the juicy burgers, the hangover hashes, brunch menus are endlessly filled with delectably decadent dishes ripe for your enjoyment. However, with such varied choices for culinary concoctions, the hardest decision is whether to go sweet or savory. Personally, I have a sweet tooth that typically leaves me at risk for bypassing the savory to indulge in griddle favorites, like french toast or pancakes. Regardless of sweet or savory, most brunch menus have options that are sure to please either tastes, which you'll see in the New York brunch spots highlighted in the coming posts.

While in New York I had the pleasure of brunching at several restaurants. In my next three posts Union Square Cafe, PS450, and Dos Caminos will be featured as highlights and are tops on my list of best brunches in New York City for taste, value, and experience. All three of these brunch spots serve up a classic brunch with a bit of a flare, each offering something slightly different based on the individual and group's social agenda. Dos Caminos is up first!

Dos Caminos was my first brunch upon arriving in the city. They have multiple locations in New York and are known for their extensive margarita list and weekend brunch special, which includes one complimentary drink selection with a brunch entree. Their Tex-Mex inspired menu boasts favorites like Breakfast Quesadillas (scrambled eggs, chihuahua cheese, bacon) and Dos Caminos Rancheros (fried eggs, pinto beans, ham, queso), but also offers some sweeter entrees such as the Lemon Blueberry Pancakes or Mexican French Toast.


Our table started out with the homemade guacamole. If you like guac, do not let the seemingly steep price tag of $24 for a 4-6 person serving dissuade you. The freshly made guacamole comfortably serves six, especially with the trio of salsas that accompanies the table.

Fresh Guacamole 

When the time came to order entrees, I succumbed to my sweet tooth and ordered the Lemon Blueberry Pancakes. The pancakes were thinner than I usually like, but the texture made up for the lack of fluffiness. A lemony sugar coated the outside the stack giving them a crisp exterior, which went perfectly with the melt in your mouth quality of the cakes. There weren't nearly enough blueberries, but the lemon glaze helped mask that fact.






Luckily I brunched with a group that agrees "caring is sharing," so I had the chance to sample other entrees. The Dos Caminos Rancheros was a great mixture of Tex-Mex flavors, the homemade tortillas at the bottom were nice and crispy. The Breakfast Quesadilla was also quite good and stuffed with fresh ingredients! With four overflowing quarters of a quesadilla, you'll be so overwhelmed by eggs and cheese you may forget about your drink, which is quite strong by the way.

Dos Caminos-Meatpacking

Overall, the three dishes offered more than enough food and with the complimentary drink, you really can't go wrong brunching here. Each location in New York offers a little something different. The ambiance of each individual restaurant is welcoming and very ornate. I dined at their Park Ave. location, which was indoors with high ceilings and decorative lighting fixtures. I also visited their Meatpacking district location, which has an outdoor patio and vibrant nightlife scene. So try out both if you have time!

Dos Caminos-Park Ave.

Look out for our next brunch post in the coming days!
-gf

Dos Caminos Menu

Dos Caminos-Park Ave.
373 Park Avenue South at 27th Street, 
New York, NY 10016

T: 212.294.1000

Dos Caminos-Meatpacking District

675 Hudson Street at 14th Street, 

New York, NY 10014

T: 212.699.2400

*photos borrowed from "http://www.missmenunyc.com/2009/03/dos-thumbs-up-for-dos-caminos.html"

Simply 7: Summer Pasta Salads, the best way to avoid eating ramen every night

Hey Nomsters!

If there's one thing you take away from this post, it's this: Pasta+Water+Whatever you want=some really tasty summer lunches and dinners.

With so many students staying away from home this summer, the Georgetown Foodie is going to reel out some new posts called "Simply 7."  Our goal is to give college students basic recipes that require 7 ingredients or less (excluding some basics like salt and pepper or olive oil)!




All of you in a high heat/humidity climate for the summer know the sluggish feeling of not wanting to do anything but sit on a stoop sipping iced tea or go out for happy hour. And for those of you staying in DC for internships, jobs, and the usual debauchery, I bet you're not enjoying the combination of heat, the need to cook (so you don't go broke), and the fleeting feeling of nausea when you think "I don't have anything edible in my kitchen for lunch except oatmeal?" I mean, college students are definitely equipped to handle the pressures of 4am study sessions, 10pm meetings, and the random late night draw of solo cups and flashing lights; but when it comes to cooking, we can be sort of clueless. So here we are at The Georgetown Foodie/Nightly Noms trying to satisfy your late night munchies and give you a mini education in the world of culinary creativity!




Ask almost any college kid what the go to meal is when you 1. don't have time, 2. need something fast, and 3. just don't give a flying... uh fish? The response: Pasta. I mean any kid with common sense can boil water (if you can't, click here immediately)

For all of you out there that go to the same Kraft Mac'n'Cheese, Ramen noodles, and Barilla Whole Wheat Penne.... PAUSE for a minute. You can still pick up that box of inexpensive, tasty pasta, but we're going to give you some alternatives to that package of "cheese" you find with your Scooby Doo shaped mac. Pasta salads are a quick fix for hunger and a fast and easy way to make a lot of food that'll last you a a few good meals. The basic equation for pasta salad is simple. There's so much room for creativity, you'll never risk boredom with a week straight of mac'n'cheese. So here's one recipe and pictures* that use 7 ingredients for a string of meals that'll last you through a summer as a solo cook! Click the links for some of the specific ingredients, many that can be used for both this pasta salad and pizzas.

Basic Pasta Salad Equation: Pasta+Protein (meat/cheese)+Veggies+Seasoning

Mediterranean Summer Pasta Salad

7 Ingredients (measurements are approximations, so use as much or as little as you want!)

-Pasta, anything from Tortellini  to Penne (cooked, just follow the instructions on the box for al dente and add a dash of salt)
-Sun Dried or Cherry Tomatoes (chopped, use a bit of oil from sun dried tomatoes instead of regular)
-Feta Cheese (small cubes, approx 1/2 cup), or any cheese you have on hand
-Canned Chicken

Some Feta!

-Kalamata Olives (chopped)
-Red Bell Pepper (diced)
-Cucumber (diced)
-Seasonings (olive oil, salt, pepper, etc)


Method
1. Place cooked pasta in large container, add a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking and dryness
2. Chop up or cube your other ingredients
3. Add a protein
4. Mix in seasonings
5. Taste/edit to perfection


Some other fun additions:
-Celery
-Carrots
-Chopped Walnuts or Sliced Almonds (Trader Joe's)
-Dried Cranberries
-Lemon/Lime Zest
-Cayenne pepper
-Curry Powder


One of the best things about pasta salads is that they're versatile and can be tweaked as you go. If you aren't in love with the taste starting off, try adding a little something else, like a squeeze of lemon, or a tablespoon of salad dressing to get to the desired flavor! Most pasta salads can be stored up to a week depending on the ingredients, so you'll have some go to meals for a while. Also, you can always opt to heat up your pasta in the microwave for a different taste, or bake it with some cheese on top!

*note-pictures shown depict a pasta salad with more than 7 ingredients, but I've listed the basic 7 in the recipe.


Happy Nomming,



-Georgetown Foodie

Summer Recipe: Splash into Summer with some Refreshing Coleslaw

Hey Nomsters,

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer weather! With the unpredictable weather that's been plaguing Chicago, we were a bit unsure of what to expect on Memorial Day. Luckily we were graced with a ferociously hot 90 degrees, meaning that bbq, 'slaw, and some sort of refreshing drink were a must. I've outlined a really simple coleslaw recipe, that's not only perfect for the summer due to its refreshing taste, but also a great alternative to the mayonnaise-laden traditional version. You'll be reaching for the bowl to eat more of this fresh mixture of cabbage salad and Asian flavor inspired dressing, and why not, it's healthy, refreshing, and definitely the perfect side to any entree.

Summer 'Slaw


Ingredients
-1 head of green cabbage
-3-4 Tbsp of Tamari (soy sauce) or to taste
-1 Tbsp of sesame oil
-1 Tbsp of sesame seeds (optional)
-Salt & pepper to taste (around a dash of each)
-1/2 cup dried cranberries
-1/2 cup sliced almonds

Method
1. Chop the head of cabbage in half and then finely chop head of cabbage into bite-sized/coleslaw like pieces

2. Add your Tamari (soy sauce), sesame oil, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper,

3. Add sliced almonds and dried cranberries

4. Mix well and add more seasoning to satisfy your tastebuds


You can mix the dressing ahead of time in a separate bowl, or you can mix it directly in with the cabbage. If you choose the latter option, I would suggest setting aside some of the plain cabbage in case you feel the dressing is too strong and you want to mix in more cabbage.

Enjoy and let us know how it goes!

xo,

Georgetown Foodie

Summer Restaurant Feature: m.henry, brunch! (Chicago/Loyola University)

Hey Chicagoans, Summer visitors, and Loyola Students,
If you haven’t heard already, the Windy City has been taken over by Tranformers and Decepticons. For the past two weeks our downtown area has been the proud home to parachuters, car-flipping explosions, and some major sighting of Transformers 3 cast including Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese, Josh Duhamel, Michael Bay, and that new mystery girl, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Since I’ve been downtown for the past week peeking through the Corner Bakery windows to catch the action of one of my favorite action movies, I thought I’d let you in on some of the action while highlighting one of the best Breakfast/Brunch places in Chicago: m.henry.

*Cast/Crew of TF3, if you’re reading, we know you’re in the city until mid-August, so make your way to m.henry if you’re looking for some of the tastiest pancakes, French toast, and omelets on the northside of Chicago!

Located in Andersonville, m.henry is a cute breakfast/lunch restaurant boasting some of the best griddle selections in town. Always filled with people, m.henry’s daily specials and ever-changing seasonal menu draw a crowd from every corner of the city. Although I’ve eaten at m.henry at least 3 times, m.henry is still my “go-to” place for brunch with friends, family, and whomever I can convince to go. When grazing, I can never seem to bring myself to order anything but the Blackberry Bliss Cakes. These 1-inch thick pancakes seem to be specifically made to melt in your mouth and the warm blackberries, creamy mascarpone, and crunchy oat crust are enough to send you straight to brunch food bliss. As you make your way through each bite of bliss, the fresh blackberries bleed into the fluffy pancakes soaking up the sweet and tart berry flavors, and the warm oat crust mixes with the mascarpone, creating a plate of pure scrumptiousness. Definitely make an effort to get bites that include each of the components that make these pancakes irresistible.

Sweet:
m.henry’s menu goes far beyond pancakes too. This restaurant’s dishes always incorporate the freshest, most flavorful ingredients. Other Sweet options range from Dulce Banana Rumba French Toast (made with thick-cut brioche bead, layered bananas, and drizzled caramel/pecan topping), to Mango-Sour Cherry Bliss Cakes (same blissfulness as its Blackberry-based companion, but with a sweet/sour component).


Savory:
Although I’ve not had the willpower to order anything but the Bliss Cakes, I’ve tasted the one of their “Special Omelets,” which included 3 fluffy eggs mixed with smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado, and onions; and I know from experience that their daily quiche packs a flavorful punch also if you’re looking for a more savory option.


Misc.
While orgasmic pancakes and moan-worthy omelets may make your morning meal ten times better, sometimes a nice bowl of oatmeal or a simple plate of eggs with toast is all you need. m.henry provides diners with fresh eggs and homemade bread, and their oatmeal is available with a variety of fresh fruit and grain toppings.
Furthermore, if you’re just looking for a quick bite, stop by the café counter in the front and pick up a freshly made blueberry muffin, or slice of focaccia paired with a cup of coffee or espresso-based drink.


Well readers, after all that describing, I’m headed there for brunch tomorrow, but if you decide to drop in for the deliciousness, make sure to let me know what you think!

As m.henry would say, Chow for Now!

Name: m.henry
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch (Brunch)
Location: Andersonville, Chicago
Favorite Sweet (so far): Blackberry Bliss Cakes w/ Mascarpone, oat crust, & blackberry compote
Favorite Savory (so far): Rustic Peasant Quiche and Mixed Field Greens
Location: 5707 N. Clark Chicago IL 60660
Price: $7-$14 for a really good meal + coffee

Rating: Five Noms!

Summer Feature-University of Illinois: Champaign-Urbana

As a college student, living life on the cheap is just one of our many talents. However, living life on the cheap while maintaining a balanced diet is another story; but then again, what’s life without a little grease? I spent this past weekend down at University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) with a friend. After being home for Georgetown for over a month, I had already forgotten what a typical college diet looked like, and what I encountered at UofI was ten times crazier since I was staying in an apartment full of gymnasts. Chicken fingers for lunch, pepperoni pizza for dinner, and for a snack? How about a few handfuls of Costco size Pub Mix! Well, it was no wonder so many people get the freshmen fifteen if their eating like that! I lived on a freshmen floor that tried to eat somewhat healthful… except for the Nightly Noms baking, and the random late-night pizza and ice cream binges, we were pretty tame.

So, on my second day, I decided to venture out onto Green St. (for all you Gtowners, it’s the equivalent of M. Street, and to my readers, just imagine a packed street with little restaurants, shops, etc). I’d decided if I was going to eat like a college student for the weekend, I might as well do it right, meaning sans frozen food. Of course UoI has the typical Chipotle, Noodles & Co., and greasy pizza joints, but I was looking for something “original.” So, I bring you two reviews of restaurants in the heart of the UofI campus: Mia’za’s and Cravings!

Mia’za’s: Italian, pizza, pasta, Panini, soups, and salads!

Like Flattop Grill or Chopt, Mia’za’s attempts to take “DIY” to a whole new level. They offer a basic menu for the above categories, but then also offer a “make your own.” So whether you’re feeling a pepperoni pizza with mac’n’cheese, bacon, and hamburger meat, or you want a salad with tomatoes, chicken, mushrooms, and peppers, Mia’za’s has you covered, and generally for $8 or less.

I decided to order of the regular menu this time around, doing a Salad+Panini combo (another great thing about the place is you can mix and match almost anything!). Ordering a Buffalo Chicken Panani (Buffalo Chicken, ranch, and mozzarella) and Mia'za's garden salad, I was prepared to sit down to consume a somewhat well-balanced a meal. The salad was subpar, your typical romaine, iceberg, tomato, pepper mix, but the Panini was a winner. Although the Panini was more of an open-face sandwich or flatbread on half of a hoagie, the creaminess of the ranch had soaked into the bread and the chicken had just enough spice! The toaster-oven seemed to know exactly how to make the bread crispy, but soft. The soups looked delicious too and same with the make your own pizzas.

3 Noms: if you’re with a crowd and have no idea what you want, go to Mia’za’s, chances are you’ll be able to create something delicious with their wide-range of offerings.

Miaza's

Cravings: Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, Japanese… basically something from each country in East Asia.

This place was amazing. I have to say for small town Chinese food, Cravings knew what they were doing, which was especially apparent after seeing the amount of native Chinese eating their fare. I was a bit skeptical when my friend said we had to eat at this Chinese restaurant, but as soon as I walked in I had a feeling that I wouldn’t be disappointed. Honestly, I’m sad to say that Cravings was better than any Chinese food I’ve had in DC, and while Chicago has some great places, I wish there were more like Cravings. The menu board boasted too many dishes to decide from, ranging from curries to udon noodles, to mixed vegetable dishes. As a result, I decided to order what my friend suggested: Indonesian Fried Rice. Best decision ever! The native Chinese owners brought me a steaming plate of moist, freshly fried rice mixed with onions, chilies, tender chicken, shrimp, and a lovely fried egg to top it off. As soon as I took my first bite I was hooked. The dish had just the right amount of spiciness for the average eater, and the portions were huge! I definitely have leftovers for lunch, which for less than $7 is a great deal. The dish lacked vegetables, but that’s generally how fried rice goes, and the flavors made up for the amount of calories I was consuming. My friend’s Sesame Chicken was very tasty also, and luckily not smothered in bread like most dishes of the same name.

4 Noms: Cravings is the place to go if you’re looking for a wide range of traditional “Asian” food for a good price. The menu is made of up American favorites like Sesame Chicken and Sweet and Sour Pork, but the offerings also include more traditional dishes such as Chinese Broccoli with brown sauce, Indonesian Fried Rice, and Scallions with Chicken.

Cravings