Tasty Pastries at ARTOPOLIS in Astoria, Queens

 
Artopolis is a sweet-treat heaven. Located in Astoria, Queens for the last two years, they have everything you need to turn that frown upside down. Their shelves are fully stocked with freshly baked cakes, cookies, pastries, tarts, bread and Greek specialties.

Let's talk cake people. This place has 13 different kinds; Praline Chocolate, Passion Fruit, White Chocolate Mouse and list goes on. Check out these works out art for yourself!

After the cakes, I saw the tarts. Yummy! The tarts at Artopolis looked too good to be true. They come large and small in flavors like mixed fruit, strawberry, blackberry and apple.

 

 The cakes looked divine and the tarts seemed fantastic but when I saw the case of pastries it was over. The mini cakes and tarts were just so cute that I wanted one of each. Luckily, neither my wallet or waistline could afford that so I had to decide on one.  

Chocolate Supreme for the win!

My friends and I had such a great time exploring this bakery and enjoying the delicious treats and I cannot wait to go back! For the full menu click here. Next time you are in Astoria take a trip to Artopolis at Agora Plaza 23-18 31st street Astoria, NY 11105.

Elaine and Brandon

Panavahn and Hungry White Girl

Alex and Jess

White Girl Gone Crazy at Boca Chica

It's been a long time my friends and I am really sorry about that. I have been going through some great changes and trying to get situated. Some of those really great changes include getting a promotion, turning 23 and moving into a fabulous two bedroom apartment with FIVE windows in the heart of Brooklyn. So now that we are all caught up, let get back to the magic at: Boca Chica.

Boca Chica is this small seven table restaurant that serves up dynamite Dominican food. My friend Elaine introduced me to Boca Chica and since I consider "Rice and Beans" it's own food group, I fell in love instantly.  Luckily Elaine has got the Spanish language down and she was able to guide us through the meal. My main phrase of the evening was "gracias!" and it got me everything I needed.

We indulged in some proper Dominican fare such as: fried pork chops, fried fish and you can't forget the rice and beans.

 Needless to say, after this meal we were stuffed. Check out Boca Chica at 96-20 37th Ave  Queens, NY 11368. Trust me, it is worth the long subway ride!

Tacos with Panavahn

 Panavahn is a name you are going to be hearing about quite frequently. This girl has now introduced me to four of my new foodie favorites and I cannot thank her enough!  

El Tenampa is the focus of today's discussion. It's half grocery store, half Mexican restaurant and all delicious. El Tenampa is family owned and operated and makes authentic tacos, burritos, tortas, soups and rice and beans. They also have an awesome salsa bar with homemade guacamole. Plus while you are enjoying the fantastic food, you can watch Spanish Soap Opera's on the main TV's in the restaurant.

The food is super cheap and super tasty. One taco is $1.75- you just can't beat it! It's real authentic Mexican food so if Chipotle is what you call Mexican, you'll be in for a rude awakening when you visit El Tenampa.

El Tenampa is located at 706 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY and the party's in the back!

Noodles and Dumplings at SUPER NOODLE

 I have been wanting to try this place for the longest time. With a name like Super Noodle I figured it had to be delicious and thankfully I wasn't disappointed. We entered the tiny West Village spot and got ourselves some noodles and dumplings. 

Shrimp Noodles

Beef and Cabbage Steamed Dumplings

Vegetable Pan-seared Dumplings

Everything was really good and stinkin' cheap. They have a large variety of soups, dumplings and noodles. Check out the full menu here.  Super Noodles is located 70 7th Ave S, New York, New York 10014. So, forget making your Chef Boyardee- tonight its time for some Super Noodles!

Thanks for reading! New posts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Don't forget to comment and subscribe!

Greenpoint / McCarren Park Greenmarket

     The Greenpoint/McCarren Greenmarket is exciting the Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY every Saturday year-round from 8:00 a.m-3:00 p.m. I discovered this market a few weeks ago after completing a Saturday morning run with the North Brooklyn Runners club. I was intrigued from afar when I saw the massive piles of fruits and veggies, and by the time I finally walked through the whole market I was a huge fan.

     This Greenmarket brings the Williamsburg and Greenpoint communities together to shop, mingle and enjoy the beauty of the park. Since opening in 1997, the market has been supplying patrons with fresh milk, yogurt and cheeses; as well as grass-fed beef, pork, chicken and rabbit. My favorite part of the market was the homegrown fruit and vegetables. Talk about freshness. I wanted to take some of everything home! The market also sells honey by the pound, fresh eggs and baked goods galore.

 

     So, the next Saturday you have open take a trip to this beautiful Greenmarket and support the local farmers at: Union Avenue between Driggs and North 12th street in Brooklyn, NY. And remember; bring your recyclable bags and stay green!

Dear Shake Shack, I Love You

 My love for Shake Shack will never end. Shake Shack has been a favorite among New Yorkers since they "sprouted from a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in Manhattan." Since successfully establishing themselves in 2004, Shake Shack has grown into much more than a hot dog cart. With locations in six states, their menu now consists of " burgers, hot dogs, frozen custard, shakes, beer, wine and more."

Check out the close up on that burger!

Some of my favorites on the menu are the cheeseburger, chocolate peanut butter milkshake and the cheese fries. My best friend Annie is all about the Chicken Dog and she makes in a priority to visit a Shake Shack every time she is in town. The menu is simple and delicious. Check out everything they offer here.

Cheese Fries

Hungry White Girl's Tray

Now, I think it's time for you to shake it on over to the shack, and remember when you are in such a state of happiness after the first bite of your burger...I told you so!

Hell's Kitchen Got So Good at VYNL

    This past Saturday was a jam packed day! It started off just right with a 9 AM run across the Williamsburg Bridge with the North Brooklyn Runners group. It was my first run with the group and it was awesome! After the run we all went to Urban Rustic for coffee and while we were there Alex and I came across the Greenpoint / McCarren Park Greenmarket, but I will tell you all about that in another post.

     The next part of our day consisted of taking a trip on the Staten Island Ferry, which is fantastic by the way because you can coast by the Statue of Liberty and not pay a dime. See for yourself how much fun we were having! 

This picture is funny on so many levels.

     Of all of these fun activities, the highlight of the day came at around 8 PM when we arrived to this famous-musician-fantasy-land known as VYNL for dinner. From the moment we walked in, I knew that this place was going to be fun!

     VYNL is located at 754 9th ave at 54th street, NYC and is completely music inspired. The walls are covered with artsy photos of musicians ranging  from "The Police" to "Rhianna" and everything in between. They have musician barbie dolls, like "Destiny's Child," in glass boxes hanging on the walls which is a fun touch to the whole atmosphere. To top it all off, while you are enjoying the fantastic Sesame Chicken, you can watch some of the greatest music videos of all time on the huge screen projector.

     It's not out of the ordinary for people to break into song and dance when their favorite video comes on, so be prepared to bust a move with the table next to you when Whitney Houston's "Dance With Somebody" comes on.

     VYNL's menu has such variety. With choices like Mac N Cheese, Pad Thai, Grilled Salmon, Chicken & Waffles and all day breakfast selections, there is something for everyone. Check out the good-lookers at our table of nine.

Mac N Cheese

Pad Thai

Sesame Chicken

Lemongrass Beef And Arugula

Chicken BLT

Parmesan Garlic Fries

Convinced yet? I hope so. I cannot wait to head back to VYNL and tell everyone I know how much fun it is!