Food Couture

Shall we call these "designer cupcakes"? ♥

So Kong Dong Restaurant

So Kong Dong Restaurant
130 Main St
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
(201) 242-0026

Korean Food 101:

"Sundubu jjigae is a hot and spicy jjigae (Korean stew) made with uncurdled dubu (tofu), seafood (oysters, clams and shrimp are common ingredients), vegetables, mushrooms, onion, scallions, and gochujang or gochu garu (chili powder) in Korean cuisine. A raw egg is put in the jjigae while it is still boiling. This dish is eaten with a bowl of cooked white rice and several banchan (side dishes)." ~Wiki

I've been going to this place ever since my family moved to NJ, and it is definitely one of the better Korean restaurants in Fort Lee. Unfortunately, their prices has gone up significantly in the last few years, but nevertheless, their business still remains as robust as ever.

Oyster Sundubu jjigae

The simplicity of their menu (a total of 10 items) makes ordering quick and easy. The only item on the menu that is not a tofu dish is the Korean BBQ ribs, a great dish to share as an appetizer (or for the carnivores: as an entrée). I always get their oyster tofu (medium hot) - the savory taste of the oysters and spicy tofu is like Korean comfort food - both hearty and gratifying.

Their side dishes are decent - just the general kimchi (spicy cabbage), bean sprouts, and other veggies to munch on. I particulary like their spicy cucumbers (hint: you can always ask for seconds).


Overall: 3/5

Kitchenette

Kitchenette Uptown
1272 Amsterdam Ave
New York, NY 10027
(212) 531-7600
http://www.kitchenetterestaurant.com/

Kitchenette definitely did their marketing homework because I was completely charmed by the decor of this place. This adorable little establishment, located near Columbia University, is everything a girl would love: cookies in a jar, pastries, cakes, pink, and polka-dots...aww!!

The food was mediocre. I would say I enjoyed my drink (peppermint hot chocolate) much more than my Smoked Mozzarella Omelet. The omelet, filled with artichoke hearts and roasted red pepper pesto, was decent but lacked flavor. I enjoyed their biscuit and strawberry butter - but again, it's nothing to write home about. Their blackberry cherry pancakes were good but the cake was a little bit on the dry side. ANDDDD..what's the whole hype about their cheese grits?!? They tasted very bland and reminded me of chinese congee...totally overrated!

Onto the service....While I understand it can get very crazy on a Sunday afternoon, the service was inconsistent and flaky - first, they forgot my friend's drink (peppermint macchiato - very yum, btw) and then messed up my side-order (but I was compensated so I'm not going to complain more lol)

Overall, a decent meal with HUGE portions (extra credit). I think I will be back again to try their desserts!


Overall: 3/5

A Gluttonous Morning

Clinton St. Baking Company
4 Clinton St
New York, NY 10002
(646) 602-6263

YES, CSBC is a GREAT place to be for breakfast lovers. Due to its popularity, I don't think it is necessary for me to rave about this place..BUT I do want to say that their blueberry pancakes are to DIE for. The fluffy and soft pancakes topped with blueberry jam and maple butter is simply divine! For the main course, I ordered the Southern Breakfast (comes with: scrambled eggs, sugar-cured bacon, cheese grits, fried green tomatoes) while my foodie partner got her Country Breakfast (comes with: scrambled eggs, ham steak, potatoes, and buttermilk biscuit). Both dishes were cooked perfectly, the sugar cured bacon was crispy and flavorful; and the cheese grits was soooo delicious! Their buttermilk biscuit paired with fresh strawberry jam was also a treat. I would go back here for their french toast w/ caramelized bananas...ooooohhh the indulgence : )

The service was average. Our waitress wasn't too friendly..she didn't even show a hint of enthusiasm when we asked her to take a photo of us. Oh well, I could care less about the service when their food is THIS delicious!

Note: February is Pancake Month, which means they feature a different special pancake flavor every Monday thru Friday...woohoo!!

Overall: 4/5

Waffles Galore!

Received a waffle maker from my cousin this Christmas..as you can see, I've been putting it into good use :)

Ingredients:

A handful of...
- fresh strawberries
- blueberries
- 1 whole banana
- 1 scoop of vanilla bean ice-cream

For delectable taste, drizzle maple syrup and chocolate syrup over waffle..enjoy!