Tag Archives: dips

Miguel’s Cocina

Posted on by

0

IMG_5844

I was just in San Diego for the first time, which was an amazing break from the NYC frigid temperatures. I was only there for a bit over a day, but still found time to stop for some Mexican food at Miguel’s Cocina in Carlsbad. 

IMG_5843

For over thirty years, Miguel’s Cocina has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine, including their handmade tortillas, fresh salsas, and colorful crispy chips made daily right in their kitchen. And speaking of these chips and salsas, a full basket of Chips, Salsa and Queso are dropped off at your table upon sitting. Yeah, free queso, when does that happen? At Miguel’s, learn about it. The chips are warm, crisp, and addicting. The salsa is fresh and has a really nice heat to it, which you can cool down with the smooth and creaminess of the queso. 

IMG_5845

I started with a beverage, and chose their Hibiscus Margarita (Bracero Blanco, Monin hibiscus, lime juice, cinnamon). I really enjoyed this, it was sweet, but not overly sweet or floral. It’s a really pleasant and light cocktail that actually carries a bit more potency than you’d suspect from the smooth taste. 

IMG_5846

For my entree, I ordered the Sesame-Seared Tuna Salad (Pink grapefruit salsita and ginger-habanero vinaigrette). I loved this salad. The ingredients are fresh and abundant, and dressed with a spicy ginger-habanero vinaigrette. Caution, it is definitely on the spicier side, so, if spice isn’t your thing, take the dressing on the side. The tuna was perfectly seared, just giving it a kiss on the outside and rare in the center.

The Shorts:
Name: Miguel’s Cocina
Location: 5980 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, San Diego
The Long and Short: Would I go back? Yes, the atmosphere is bright and airy, the service is great and the food is super tasty.
Would I recommend it? For sure, all the food looked amazing, and it’s right by the beach. So, stop by for a drink, a meal, a snack, whatever, and walk it off with a stroll in the sand. 

Advertisement

General Assembly

Posted on by

1

image

Sad news, I just recently read that General Assembly, in Flatiron, would be closing after just a short six months of being open. Well, there are always some reasons why places close up shop so soon, but I will say, it certainly wasn’t because of the food or service, which were both amazing. 

image_1

Since it won’t be open too much longer, I’ll save the details of the image and get straight to what I ate. First, you’re served a skillet with an olive oil and salt brushed fresh bread. It’s beyond delicious, warm, light and doughy and slightly crisp on the top from the oven. 

image_2

Next, as an appetizer, we had their Crudite and Dips: Smoked Tomato-White Bean, Housemade Ricotta-Local Honey-Chili Oil, Red Quinoa, Fava and Avocado (Served with seasonal vegetables and freshly grilled flatbread). These were a really great starter, and more than enough for a group of four to share. Each dip is different and dynamic. The Smoked Tomato-White Bean had a great flavor, almost like sun dried tomato, and texture, like a guac consistency. Which, is really what the Fava and Avocado reminded me of. The Ricotta was really interesting, maybe my least favorite of the group, it was thick and rich, but when paired with the flatbread (which actually tasted like matzoh to me), was a nice combination. I really liked the Red Quinoa, which really wasn’t much of a dip, so much as a tapioca consistency. It was a little sweet, with golden raisins, and went really well with the flatbread as well. 

image_4

I also ordered a side of their Charred Broccoli. This was incredible, I could probably eat this everyday and not get tired of it. The florets of the broccoli are charred, but don’t have any sort of burnt taste, just a lightness of crunch and crispness. They have peppers mixed in, and a sauce at the bottom that’s savory and delicious. 

photo (18)

Then, for my entree, I ordered the Grilled Branzino (Summer Squashes, Eggplant). Another amazing dish. The fish was light and tender, and served in the perfectly generous portion. The vegetables complimented the dish very nicely, fresh, flavorful and delicious. 

The Shorts:
Name: General Assembly
Location: 360 Park Ave South, NYC
The Long and Short: Would I go back? If it weren’t closing, for sure. Tear. 
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Now, I’m not 100% sure when the doors will finally be closing, but, if you can beat the clock and make it there, you won’t regret it.