Monthly Archives: April 2016

iDessert

Posted on by

0

IMG_1458

Before I was in San Diego, I did some searching through Instagram and I saw this image of these hanging meringues, that looked like stunning ornaments. After clicking through to see what they actually were, I found that they belonged to a new dessert spot called iDessert in Little Italy.

IMG_1456

Now, I was plenty excited about the meringues, but, it turns out, the meringues, or “Crusts”, are mainly the vessel to create your own dessert concoction. You create your dessert by iPad, choosing a number of flavors and combinations that go in the order of: Crust, Gelato, Cake, Cream/Sauce/Fruit. It’s an extremely visual and fun sounding/looking dessert. So, I’m pretty bummed I didn’t get the whole shebang, but, I just wrapped up a farmer’s market, sampling lots of goods, and then a full lunch, so, my stomach just couldn’t do the full experience (since, you need to eat it upon creation, since, you know, it’s perishable and meltable). However, I wasn’t walking out empty handed.

IMG_1459

I ordered one of their Crusts/Meringues, and got the Oreo. Visually, it’s so unique and fun. One way, it looks like a little dome, and flip it upside down and you have a little cup for snacks, candy, a scoop of ice cream at home, I mean, lots of possibilities. For me, I just ate it au natural. The meringue itself is crisp, but melts in your mouth. This flavor was delicately chocolate flavored, topped with crumbled Oreo cookies and drizzled with an icing of sorts. It makes for a great little light, sweet treat, without leaving you full. I mean, unless you get the full dessert, which, could be a different story. 

The Shorts:
Name: iDessert
Location: 1608 India Street, San Diego
The Long and Short: Would I go back? Yes, and next time I’ll 100% get the full dessert, even if I’m stuffed to the max.
Would I recommend it? For sure. It’s a very cool experience, where you can create your own unique dessert with lots of different components and textures. The customer service was great and the staff was very friendly, and can walk you through all the steps, since it can be a little overwhelming at first. 

Advertisement

Speedy Romeo

Posted on by

0

IMG_1334

NYC and pizza. It’s either an over saturated market, or, just fulfilling demand. And, NYC is known, aside from Italy, of course, from doing it best (sorry, Chicago, keep your deep-dish, we’re focusing on NYC for now). So, it was time for me to check out Speedy Romeo on the Lower East Side, to see what they were turning out. 

IMG_1335

The LES location just opened this week, as their second. The first location is in Brooklyn, and named after the co-owner’s family’s prize race horse (he’s got a picture hung up on the wall and everything, and, yes, he’s very adorable). All the pizza is made in a hardwood fired Italian pizza oven. But before all that, had to start with a beverage. I had their Hot Trot (sparkling rose, aperol, smoked jalapeño rhubarb, lemon juice, soda, fresh basil). Now, aside from this pink beauty looking lovely, the taste was awesome. Upon first sips, it is a bit on the sweet side, but then you get the heat from the jalapeño, balancing it out for a nice sweet and spicy combination. 

IMG_1336

As an appetizer, I had the Grilled Octopus (Almond Romesco, Crispy Potato, Celery). Now, if you’re a regular here to SOF, you well know that I L-O-V-E grilled octopus. And, yeah, I’ve had some pretty awful dishes before. But, luckily for these guys, they absolutely pass the test here. This was so delicious. The octopus was perfectly done, nice and tender, but still maintaining that slight char on the outside, lending a smokiness. Potatoes, on point. Crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. But, let’s talk about this almond romesco real quick. Dear Speedy Romeo, Can you please bottle this up and send a vat of it to me so that I can pour it over everything? Thanks. The pepper and almond sauce is so savory and flavorful, with a really great texture, pairing wonderfully with the octopus, the potatoes, my fork…yeah. 

FullSizeRender (55)

For my entree, I ordered The Marinara (Tomato Sauce, Anchovy, Basil, Oregano, Sea Salt) and added Olives. Ok, so, I don’t know if it’s supposed to be a personal pizza or meant to share, but, I personally ordered it, so, it was all mine. However, I only got through a few slices, and boxed the rest up, which, only lasted until I got back home (it’s science, your stomach needs about an hour to make a new space available for left-over pizza). The pizza is thin, and a bit delicate, so, it could totally be the type you fork-and-knife. However, I went in and ate with my hands (I’m a beast). The ingredients and flavors are really fresh, I enjoyed the sweet and tanginess of the tomato sauce, and the added saltiness from the anchovy and added olives. The crust is really nice as well, with just enough chew from the delicately flavored dough, with just the right about of char along the dough’s baked air bubbles. 

The Shorts:
Name: Speedy Romeo
Location: 63 Clinton Street, NYC
The Long and Short: Would I go back? For sure. The service was excellent, and the food was super tasty. And, their brunch menu will be rolling out, including a smoked salmon pizza, that has my name all over it. 
Would I recommend it? Yes. It’s the perfect spot for a really low-key meal with great flavors and enough options for everyone.