Estrellita Poblana V Restaurant

Estrellita Poblana V Restaurant

Allen's Enchiladas Suizas

It is not easy to find a Mexican restaurant that offers authentic Mexican cuisine in New York, but Estrellita Poblana in Riverdale (Bronx, NY) lives up to its claim. Before going to the restaurant, Allen and me ordered takeout and loved the food. Allen's cousin Rob was in town so Allen thought it would be a great restaurant to go dine in. We went to Estrellita Poblana V with Rob, his lovely daughter and her Mom.

Chips, Salsa and Guacamole

Estrellita Poblana is a small but cozy and inviting restaurant. The decor is nice and the restaurant was packed. Every single table was taken and there was a line waiting to be seated by the time we left. On Fridays, they have Mariachi Aguila de Plata performing from 7:00-9:00PM, which makes it a very festive and loud place. We ate there yesterday so we got to experience Mariachi and had to talk real loud to hear ourselves, but we had a great time. The menu is big and it took awhile for some of us (ahem, Robert) to decide what to order. There are also Daily Specials offered in addition to the fine menu selections.

Milanesa De Res

I ordered the Milanesa De Res (Breaded Steak) served with Frijoles Negros (Black Beans), Arroz (Mexican Rice) and Corn Tortillas. You get a generous serving and the food was some of the best tasting Mexican I have had aside from some Northern California restaurants I love. The seasoning on the Breaded Steak had bold flavors, but was not spicy and I ate it all. The Mexican Rice was seasoned perfectly and the Black Beans were superb. The Corn Tortillas were brought out in a Tortilla Warmer Basket. I rolled up some of my food in one of the Corn Tortillas and it was a perfect combination. Each table gets condiments Green Chile and Red Chile sauces, sliced pickled Jalapenos with Red Onions, sliced Cucumber and Lime to share and add to your food.

Green and Red Chile Sauce, Pickled Jalapeno and Onions, Cucumber, Lime

Allen ordered Enchiladas Suizas, Bistec (Steak) rolled in three soft Corn Tortillas in a creamy Chile Poblano Sauce, topped with sliced Red Onions, and Frijoles Negros (Black Beans) and Arroz (Mexican Rice). Allen loved the taste of the creamy Chile Poblano Sauce and the flavor of the authentic Mexican Rice. The Steak was finely chopped and seasoned well, but not spicy and the Black Beans were great.

We ordered Guacamole and it was one of the best we have eaten. The Guacamole was fresh and you could taste all the ingredients. The in-house Salsa served with the Corn Tortilla Chips was tangy and had a tinge of spice. Everyone enjoyed their food and it was real nice to spend time with family.

We recommend Estrellita Poblana V Restaurant if you want to experience great Mexican cuisine.

Estrellita Poblana V Restaurant
240 West 231st Street
Bronx, NY 10463

For directions, reservations and further information, go to: www.estrellitapoblanaV.com.

-Sophia and Allen/Two Frys

J&D's Bacon Gravy Country Style

J&D's Bacon Gravy Country Style

Potatoes with J&D's Bacon Gravy Country Style and Bacon

For brunch, the wife whipped up a quick skillet meal and I thought what a good time to try J&D's Bacon Gravy Country Style I recently purchased on my Potatoes. I have bought Bacon Salt from this company several times and love the product. For this gravy recipe, just follow the package instructions. This brunch was real quick, less than 15 minutes and easy too! Next time, I will use the Gravy on Biscuits! The Potatoes and Bacon were done in the same skillet and the Potatoes had a nice Bacon Buttery flavor profile. Bacon lovers will dig this dish.

J&D's Bacon Gravy Country Style

Ingredients
1 package J&D's Bacon Gravy Country Style

2 tablespoons Butter or Margarine

Bacon (we used Turkey Bacon)

1 28 oz can Whole White Potatoes

Kosher Salt

Instructions
Bacon Gravy
With a whisk, mix 1 cup Water with package mix in saucepan.

Over medium heat bring Gravy to a boil stirring frequently.

Remove from  heat when desired thickness is reached. Gravy will thicken on standing.

Check out that beautiful Gravy!

Potatoes and Bacon
Drain Potatoes.

Over medium heat add Butter to skillet.

Add strips of Bacon and Potatoes.

Lightly sprinkle Kosher Salt on Potatoes.

Let the Bacon crisp up nice.

Cook for about 10-13 minutes.

Place Bacon strips on a plate lined with paper towels to soak out some grease.

Serve and pour J&D's Bacon Gravy Country Style over the Potatoes.

To purchase J&D's products or for further information, please visit:
www.BaconGravyApology.com

-Allen/Two Frys

Chicken Thighs With Tony Chachere's Spice N' Herbs Seasoning

Chicken Thighs With Tony Chachere's Spice N' Herbs Seasoning

Chicken Thighs w/Tony Chachere's, Rice, Black Beans

Allen and me received three spices from the fine people at Tony Chachere's. I have been using all their spices like crazy lately and they're so good. For this Chicken Thigh dish I used, Tony Chachere's Special Herb Blend Spice N' Herbs Seasoning.

When I come home from work tired and hungry, I try to make 20-30 minute dinners since I do not like eating late. This meal took 20 minutes and is super easy to put together.

Instructions

Rice
Season water with Kosher Salt. We use Carolina Long Grain Rice.

We have a Rice Cooker (Rival) and follow Water/Rice ratio directions for ours. You get perfect Rice texture every time in 20 minutes or less. If you do not have a rice cooker, cook Rice on stove top using directions on package. Instead of using water you can substitute with Less Sodium Chicken Stock for an added boost of flavor. If you do this, just add less Kosher Salt.

Close-up Chicken Thighs, Rice, Black Beans

Black Beans
Making Beans from scratch is my Mom's specialty. I go for the shortcut and buy Goya brand.

1 15 oz. can Goya Black Bean Soup

3-4 Sweet Mini Peppers (if you want a spicy kick to the Black Beans, add whatever spicy Peppers you'd like).

Spice Mixture for Black Beans:
1/8 teaspoon Cilantro Powder

1/8 teaspoon Ground Cumin

1/8 teaspoon Spanish Paprika

1/8 teaspoon Ground Chipotle

1/8 teaspoon Mexican Oregano

1/8 teaspoon Garlic Powder

1/8 teaspoon Onion Powder

Stir together in a small bowl.

Add Black Beans to pot then seasoning mixture of Cilantro Powder, Ground Cumin, Spanish Paprika, Ground Chipotle, Mexican Oregano, Garlic Powder and Onion Powder and whatever Peppers you prefer. Stir until combined. (You can add fresh Cilantro, chopped Onions and Garlic if you have more time and just omit from seasoning mixture).

Cover and heat on low for about 10 minutes.

Chicken Thighs w/Tony Chachere's, Rice, Black Beans

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

I used Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs because they were on sale at my local Shop & Shop. Use Chicken with skin or no skin, bone in or boneless.

Wash Chicken Thighs and pat dry with paper towel.

Season both sides with Kosher Salt and a generous amount of Tony Chachere's Special Herb Blend Spice N' Herbs Seasoning.

Coat skillet lightly with Vegetable or Grapeseed Oil.

Heat to medium and cook Chicken Thighs for about 15 minutes, and turn over after 7-8 minutes. (You can also add chopped Onions, Garlic and and sliced Peppers if you have more time).

Let Chicken Thighs rest for five minutes before serving.

Serve, add some Basil for garnish or any fresh Herb you have on hand.

Enjoy!

To purchase Tony Chacheres products and for further information, please go to:
http://www.tonychacheres.com
Facebook, facebook.com/tonychacheres
Twitter, twitter.com/tonychacheres

-Sophia/Two Frys

Two Frys is a Proud Sponsor of the NY Smoke and Fire Food Fest October 12 Pomona, NY.

NY SMOKE AND FIRE FOOD FEST 2013
Two Frys is a Proud Sponsor of the NY Smoke and Fire Food Fest 2013
October 12, 2013 in Pomona, NY.

One of  Many Amazing Sauce Vendors

Join the fun at this event to get your heat on folks. Hot Sauce vendors and eateries will have their goods available for you. Ever eat a Bhut Jolokia aka GHOST PEPPER? Here is your chance to eat some of the best and hottest NY Local goods.

The 2013 Smoke And Fire Food Fest brings together vendors and restaurants that produce smokey and spicy foods. Some of the best hot sauce and chocolate makers on the East Coast and other great treats being sampled all in one fun filled day of live music, great food and activities. Contests to include: Best in the Hudson Valley, Ghost Pepper Cookie Eating Contest, Ghost Pepper Pizza Eating Contest, Fire Jugglers.


For further information, go to: http://www.nyfoodfest.com/

Grilling Wild Game Meat and Veggies

Grilling Wild Game Meat and Veggies

Meat Grilling

When in California we the Two Frys, like to do some BBQing with the family as we cannot cook outdoors here in NYC. My Dad and his comrade Bob J. always hooks us up with some great game meats from their hunting trips. They have a secret frozen stash only the family have access to. On this recent trip to California we had Venison burgers, Venison steaks, and Elk Steaks available to BBQ. The Venison was the most recent Deer my Dad shot while hunting in Colorado. The Elk was a gift from the stash of the Bob J. family, my Dad's great friend and hunting buddy. 

Game Meats on the grill!

The Meats were seasoned with Kosher Salt and Cracked Black Pepper and some amazing rub sent to us from Swamp Gourmet, a company we have covered on our blog reviewing their spicy Habanero BBQ Sauces. The rub was really great on the game meats and added some spice, as well as a slight sweetness to the Venison and Elk Steaks and Venison burgers. The rub also was nice on the Elk as it crusted a bit from the Brown sugar and was very tasty. 

Peppers and Zucchini

I also grilled fresh homegrown Zucchini from our long time family friend Barbara S. I quartered the zucchini and basted with gourmet Olive Oil and added a sprinkle of Kosher Salt. The Peppers pictured are from the Livermore Farmers Market that I purchased fresh the day before. To grill the Peppers, add Olive Oil, Kosher Salt and Pepper to taste. 

Zucchini and Venison Steaks on the grill

All the game meats cooked nicely on the grill. The Venison Burgers were a hit and actually all the meat and veggies were eaten by the family, so they must have been good. Too bad we cannot get much game meat here living in an urban area like NYC. This was a successful and fun BBQ in Livermore, and grilling with my Dad was as great if not better than the game meats we ate.

For further information, please visit:

Black Swamp Gourmet: http://www.blackswampgourmet.com/

Black Swamp Gourmet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackSwampGourmet

Livermore Farmers Market: https://www.facebook.com/LivermoreFarmersMarket

Hunting Game In Colorado: https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoParksandWildlife

-Allen/Two Frys 

Vacation Grub

Vacation Grub

In-N-Out Burger, the Double Double, French Fries

We were in Northern California to be with our family a few weeks ago and these are just some of the places we ate at. Each time we visit NorCal, there are two places Allen and me always go to: Country Waffles and In-N-Out Burger. We had dinner one evening at the In-N-Out Burger in Madera, CA on our road trip from Bass Lake to Livermore. I always come here on vacation because we do not have In-N-Out Burger on the east coast and they have one of my favorite burgers. Allen and me ordered the Double Double with everything and French Fries. It was so great and satisfying. This location also had pickled chiles and Allen had some on the side.

In-N-Out Burger, the Double Double, French Fries, ketchup?

In-N-Out Burger, another view of the Double Double, Pickled Chiles, French Fries

We had breakfast at Country Waffles in Livermore, CA one morning with our family and family friend, Bob. I love this place! I ordered the All American, two scrambled eggs served with country potatoes and biscuits (no gravy). Allen ordered a Pork Special-pork, sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns and biscuits with a side of gravy.

My All American

Allen's Pork Special

Close up of Allen's Pork Special

Allen and me both had Biscuits, so heavenly and soft

I had lunch with Allen and his parents at the Black Bear Diner in Merced, CA. We were on a road trip to Bass Lake. I ordered the Classic Burger with French Fries. You can see Allen's burger in the photo as well.

My Classic Burger with French Fries, ketchup!

When in Bass Lake, CA you must eat at Ducey's On the Lake at The Pines Resort. I love the decor and the warm homey feel of the place. The food is really great too! We had breakfast at Ducey's on our last day visiting Allen's sister in Bass Lake. My food usually involves ketchup as you can see from all the photos. I ordered country potatoes, scrambled eggs and sourdough toast. Allen ordered 2 eggs sunnyside up, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy. We enjoyed good old American food and most of all spending time with our family on our summer vacation. 

Country potatoes, scrambled eggs, sourdough toast, and ketchup

2 eggs sunnyside up, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy

For further information, please visit:

In-N-Out Burger - http://www.in-n-out.com/

Country Waffles - http://countrywaffles.com/

Black Bear Diner - http://blackbeardiner.com/

Ducey's On The Lake at The Pines Resort - http://www.basslake.com/index.cfm

-Sophia/Two Frys

Lemon Vanilla-Coconut Layer Cake

Lemon Vanilla-Coconut Layer Cake

Lemon Vanilla-Coconut Layer Cake

A few weeks ago, Allen and I went to Northern California to visit family and some friends. I baked this Lemon Vanilla-Coconut Layer Cake for a family gathering the day before we were set to head back home. It was the first cake I baked this summer because our apartment kitchen is so hot. I was happy to bake in an air conditioned kitchen and not have to sweat.

Lemon Cake layers just out of the oven!

I think lemon, vanilla and coconut are a perfect trifecta and ideal for a summer gathering. This Lemon Vanilla-Coconut Layer Cake is moist and has a rich lemony taste. The Whipped Vanilla Frosting is creamy and the coconut flakes coating are a perfect combination.

I just sliced the first piece of this beauty!

I came across a Lemon Cake recipe in one of my Saveur issues: http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Lemon-Layer-Cake.  I made this cake for my husband's birthday last year and he loved it. Thus far, this is the best Lemon Cake I have baked. You can view my results here: http://twofrys.blogspot.com/2012/06/lemon-layer-cake.html.

My piece of cake

The Whipped Vanilla Frosting is from: http://www.askchefdennis.com/2011/12/im-dreaming-of-a-white-christmas-cake-with-sweet-peony/. I have made this frosting twice for Ina Garten's Coconut Cake and Red Velvet Cake.

To bake this cake, buy 1 package of Sweetened Coconut Flakes and go to the links above for the rest of the ingredients and directions. I baked the cake portion following the recipe from Saveur. To make the Whipped Vanilla Frosting see link above. The frosting is simple to make, but follow the instructions and measure accordingly. It will make a big difference.

A thing of beauty

When the cake layers have cooled completely, place the top layer face down and spread the Whipped Vanilla Frosting and sprinkle Coconut Flakes all around. Place the second layer with the top facing up and frost the entire cake and decorate as you wish. Coat the cake with the remaining Coconut Flakes. Refrigerate overnight if possible. Enjoy with Vanilla Bean or French Vanilla ice cream!

-Sophia/Two Frys

Louie's Dale Diner

Louie's Dale Diner

Louie's Dale Diner

Louie's Dale Diner are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week so you can go whenever you desire. If you live in Riverdale, Louie's Dale Diner have free delivery and an extensive menu to choose from. When Allen and me do not feel like cooking or I need a burger fix, we go there or order takeout and have never been disappointed.

Big Dale Classic Burger with Cheddar Cheese

On this recent trip to Louie's Dale Diner, I ordered the Big Dale Classic Burger with cheddar cheese, onions, lettuce and tomatoes with french fries, and pickles and coleslaw on the side. As if the 7 oz. burger wasn't big enough, this Big Dale burger was huge! It was so juicy and cooked a perfect medium, which is how I wanted it! The french fries are really good too!

Allen and his little friend, Tabasco!

Our waiter was very friendly and helpful and that is important for us. She told us all the specials and answered all our questions. If the service sucks anywhere we eat, we won't be back. The service here surpasses other diners in the area, and the food is genuinely good and hearty. The menu is large, so there is an abundance to choose from and portion sizes are great!

Pacific Omelet and Home Fries

Allen ordered the Pacific Omelet, which is fresh roasted turkey breast, avocado, mushrooms, broccoli and cheese with home fries and rye toast. You can choose hash browns or grits as well. Allen thought the Pacific Omelet was great, and the roasted turkey breast was tender and flavorful and complimented the avocado and other ingredients. Allen used Tabasco on the Pacific Omelet and home fries for extra kick and boost of flavor.

Desserts

Like most standard diners, you pay on the way out and this was where my eyes feasted upon desserts galore. I was so full but next time I come, I must try a slice of cake or a piece of pie! If you order dessert from the takeout menu, they will let you know which selections are available for the day as they are baked fresh daily. If you happen to be visiting Riverdale, you gotta check out Louie's Dale Diner. If you already live in the area, you should know all about them. If not, please give Louie's Dale Diner a try - you will not be disappointed!

Louie's Dale Diner
189 West 231st Street (Broadway)
Bronx, NY 10463
718-549-4445

For further information, go to: http://www.dalediner.com/

-Sophia/Two Frys

Horrell FIRE Hot Sauce

Horrell Fire Original It's Smokin'

Horrell FIRE Hot Sauce made with only super fresh ingredients is from Greenville, South Carolina. Chili-head Chris Horrell is the brain child of this hot sauce, and I love the hot sauces he sent us for the blog. The Original Sauce is a great smokey hot sauce that uses mesquite for smoke and nice Tabasco peppers for heat. The base is a nice gentle mix of garlicky good tomato based goodness. I also like the vinegary taste that is a must in most southern style hot sauces. This sauce is hot, but will not kill your more heat intolerant friends as the smoke flavor smooths out the heat and all around flavor. As many hot sauces as I have had, I know it is hard to get the smoke on point. It looks like Horrell FIRE has nailed this method well. It is nice to see that Chris Horrell and Horrell FIRE Hot Sauce have been able to add a nice smokey flavor to Tabasco Peppers instead of the standard smoked Jalapeno Chipotle method. This is the first well smoked sauce I have had that uses Tabasco Peppers with a tomato and vinegar base.

Horrell Fire Original on my white rice, Heavenly Hot! 

Horrell FIRE Hot Sauce also sent a much hotter sauce called Damnation, and this sauce really packs the punch. Damnation also has the similar recipe method as in Horrell Fire Original It's Smokin', but uses a lot of Habanero. This sauce is a must try for Chili Pepper fanatics. Damnation delivers the heat and flavor big time! Damnation sauce by Horrell FIRE Hot Sauce is not for the heat intolerant folks out there. The Damnation sauce is also mesquite smoked like the Original. There is also a mid heat (I guess you would call it), blue label Habanero sauce from Horrell FIRE Hot Sauce that I have yet to taste. Go on over to Horrell FIRE Hot Sauce website today and order some hot sauce. Help support fresh Hot Sauces with nice smoked flavors. I have had a great experience with these two sauces, and look forward to more great tasting spicy hot sauces from Horrell FIRE Hot Sauce in the future.

For further information, go to:
Web: http://horrellfire.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HorrellFire

-Allen/Two Frys

Out And About in Riverdale

Out And About in Riverdale

Plank-Baked Steelhead Trout

On Sunday, June 30, we went to the Riverdale Riverfest (please see our coverage from last year,
http://twofrys.blogspot.com/2012/07/riverdale-riverfest-2012.html) to check out the food vendors. Featured below are vendors we tried. Sadly, Riverdale Riverfest was not the grandiose event it was last year which drew about 5,000 people. This year, there were just hundreds of people, less vendors and the location was moved to another lawn close to the waterway in the College of Mount Saint Vincent. It started raining around 3pm, so we left after a few hours.

Plank-Baked Steelhead Trout

Plank-Baked Steelhead Trout

As soon as we got off the shuttle bus, we saw some beautiful Plank-Baked Steelhead Trout cooking on hundred year old oak planks. Free samples were given out by the Hudson River Foundation. Allen had a sample and said it tasted great. The Steelhead Trout had a nice smoky flavor from the oak planks and the charcoal.

Liebman's Deli

Liebman's Deli
We both got a Hot Dog from Liebman's, a Riverdale staple providing the community with a great selection of Kosher foods. I hear the Pastrami sandwich is amazing and will need to go eat there soon and try it. The Hot Dog had a nice, crisp pop when we bit into them. Liebman's has a great menu selection to eat in or take out and offer free delivery in Riverdale and catering as well.

Liebman's Deli

Liebman's Deli

Liebman’s Deli
552 W. 235th Street
(Johnson Avenue)
Bronx, NY 10463
718-548-4534
http://www.liebmansdeli.com

VSPOT

VSPOT
I was curious to try an Empanada from VSPOT featuring Vegan, Latin and Kosher cuisine. I ordered a Columbian Empanada and Allen a Philly Cheese Empanada. The Columbian Empanada was made with potato, carrot, onion, corn, cilantro and Latin seasoned seitan. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I tasted all the ingredients and they went so well together with the seitan. I almost ordered a second one but had to leave room for dessert. Allen was very happy with the taste of the Philly Cheese Empanada made with homemade seitan, vegan Mozzarella and Cheddar cheese, mushrooms, onions and green peppers. Like my Empanada, Allen said he tasted each ingredient and said it was satisfying, fresh and packed with flavor.

VSPOT

VSPOT

VSPOT
156 5th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-928-8778
http://spreadvegan.com

Lloyd's Carrot Cake

Lloyd's Carrot Cake
I was full after eating my Columbian Empanada from VSPOT, but I bought a slice of Red Velvet Cake from Lloyd's Carrot Cake. I should have tried something different since I got the same cake last year, but I couldn't resist the Red Velvet, which is my favorite. I enjoyed every bite of this rich and moist cake. It was wonderful and satisfying. Lloyd's Carrot Cake make a vast selection of cakes like their famous Carrot Cake, German Chocolate and Red Velvet Cake, pies and cupcakes. Lloyd's Carrot Cake are one of Riverdale's prized location for all things sweet.

Lloyd's Carrot Cake

Lloyd's Carrot Cake

Lloyd's Carrot Cake
6087 Broadway
Bronx, New York, 10471
718-548-9020
http://www.lloydscarrotcake.com/

Riverdale Riverfest is held to promote the Hudson River Greenway Link, which would include a walking and biking trail that will connect the existing Hudson River Greenway in Manhattan to the Westchester Greenway in Yonkers. Hopefully this will happen in the near future.

For further information, go to: http://www.RiverdaleRiverFest.org.

-Sophia and Allen/Two Frys