WHERE TO EAT: NYC Favorites

Last weekend, I went to one of my favorite local Cuban spot in Nolita and to round out the week I had some cupcake and lemonade love.

Restaurant Name: Cafe Habana Location: 17 Prince St (Btwn Elizabeth & Mott St) Price Range: $-$$ Rating (out of 5): 4 stars

My Experience: They have a take out post as well as a small restaurant at this location. I’ve only been there for dinner once but I always love to stop by on the run for their corn on the cob ($2). Perfectly cooked, sprinkled generously with cotija cheese, chili powder and a slice of lime for taste. It must be eaten right off the grill, it’s best that way! This time around I decided to try their cuban sandwich, and WOW, what a sandwich! For $7.50, it’s a pretty big sandwich, I shared it with my P.I.C. and it was more than enough. With roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles with french fries, it was deeeelicious. So if you’re in the neighborhood, definitely drop in for a taste of Cuba!

Restaurant Name: Westville Location: 210 W 10th Street  (at Bleecker St) Price Range: $-$$ Rating (out of 5): 3.5 stars

My Experience: Another small spot that seats about 15 people, but it’s worth the try. Do get there before 6:30pm, I went with a few girlfriends at 6pm and it got really crowded and lines started to form until we left an hour or so later. I discovered a new LOVE there – the Mint Lemonade is light and refreshing, almost like a virgin mojito! The veggie burger I had was pretty good – topped with mushrooms and in a spicy tartar sauce. It’s not the best I’ve had but it had a nice kick with the spice. My friends thoroughly enjoyed their dishes (grilled pork chop with onions & mushrooms, cod-fish po-boy, grilled salmon, and the lemon herb marinated chicken) and we all agreed it was a place to come back to in the future. We all ordered lemonades and the total bill came out to around $25/person. P.S. Sorry no photos of the food, we were starving!

Dessert Spot Name: Grom Location: 233 Bleecker St (at Carmine St) Price Range: $ Rating (out of 5): 4 stars

My Experience: Enough room to sit down and enjoy your gelato. One of the few places in the city that remind me of Italy. It’s probably because they’re actually an Italian owned chain. Oh, gelatos, how I ❤ you! My absolute hands down, can’t compare to anything else, favorite gelato flavor that I LOVE is the Nocciola (made with Tonda Gentile hazelnuts). I promise you, it’s sooo good! Think the wafer inside of a Rocher chocolate – that’s how it tastes, pure heaven I tell ya! It was a great way to end the night with my girls. And I only gave it four stars because I can’t speak for the other flavors.  At $5.25 a small cup, it’s a bit pricey but worth every penny.

Bakery Name: Billy’s Bakery Location: 184 Ninth Avenue (Btwn W21st & 22nd St) Price Range: $ Rating (out of 5): 4 stars

My Experience: I’ve only had their red velvet cupcakes and they are by far my FAVORITE spot to get them (yes even above Magnolia’s, Buttercup and Sugar Sweet Sunshine). The cream cheese frosting is not overwhelmingly sweet or thick, just the right amount for the cupcake size. The cake is soft and fluffy, not too moist or dry which makes it a perfect pairing with the frosting on top. I hadn’t had one from Billy’s since probably 2 years now and it was good to walk in again and indulge in one of my LOVEs. Until my next food adventure – enjoy the weekend everyone!