Tag: Eat

Velvet Taco. Bravo!

by marcushall21, posted in Wine N' Dine

Velvet Taco likes to get funky with their tacos! They believe tacos don’t have to be associated with Tex-Mex. Let’s get into it:

Spicy Tikka Chicen + Chicken & Waffles
  • I was already curious of the several flavor combinations, and the worker encouraged me to go with my gut! I ordered the Spicy Tikka Chicken taco and Chicken & Waffles taco. If I felt like eating as much as Charles Barkley, I would’ve also ordered their falafel taco, flank steak taco, and shrimp & grits taco! They also carry margaritas, so they officially won me over.
  • The spicy tikka taco was absolutely delicious! The flavors were so consistent and rich. It felt like I was eating tikka masala from an Indian restaurant. The chicken and waffles taco was nuts! Not only a waffle as a taco, but a chicken strip laid there covered with bacon and maple syrup. If you guessed that I almost cried because I was so happy, then you were 100% correct. The tacos were good sizes, so I really was able to indulge with every bite. After finishing my tacos, I was so close from going back to the register and saying…

Chef’s Foodie Friday

by marcushall21, posted in Foodie Friday

Happy Friday ‘Chef’s Edition’! I hope your day is filed with happiness, gratitude, and food! Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo, because NOW I AM HUNGRY! If you want to be featured on the next Foodie Friday instead of drooling over someone else’s photos, please message me your photos on Instagram @marseatss or email me at marseats1@gmail.com. #CameraEatsFirst:

Submissions Instagrams:

  • Top Row
    • @Parphilli
    • @Katrinnnaa
    • @Food_Art_Fanatic
  • Bottom Row
    • @Ladifoodieguru
    • @Hottierie
    • @Chef_Zhenia

Bkk Cookshop! You read it right

by marcushall21, posted in Grab N' Go

BKK Cookshop is not your typical Thai noodle house. The creative cocktails, asian beers, and street-food-inspired appetizers made this a top Thai restaurant for me. Let’s get into it:

  • Bkk Cookshop is small, however they have turned their restaurant into an intimate and decorative space! I loved how this place felt and looked authentic. It was not one of those gentrified Thai places where you walk in and nobody there looks like they anything about Thai cuisine LOL.
  • The menu presented tons of nice options such as happy hour $3 appetizers, delicious cocktails, and vegan & gluten free alternatives! I am a fried rice enthusiast, so I bodied their spicy basil rice with chicken. I also ordered Thai gyoza, and these lasted on the table maybe 34 seconds before being devoured.
  • The flavors… were amazing! Fried rice is typically a dish that you will know how it will taste. This spicy basil rice gave me flavors I never knew I needed. The chili peppers, fresh basil, and marinated chicken made for a great combination! The gyoza were perfectly battered and paired impeccably with the soy ginger sauce. Everything was so tasty. This is my favorite Thai spot right now, and I WILL DEFEND IT..

Smith Commons is Not Common.

by marcushall21, posted in Wine N' Dine

Smith Commons is not your common Brunch place. They are open during the week only for dinner, but by the weekend they serving up bottomless mimosas. I had a great time visiting during DMV Black Restaurant Week. Let’s get into it:

Chicken and Waffles, Salmon Hash
  • Big windows, wooden tables, and eclectic music gave Smith Commons a unique vibe. They have tons of exposed brick and a huge chalkboard filled with designs. I wouldn’t be surprised if Becky with the good hair went viral taking a cool picture while there.
  • For starters, we decided to devour the salmon hash! I did not feel confident during the eye test, but this dish aced the taste test. The fresh salmon along with roasted peppers and onions paired so well. Also, the Smith Biscuits were fire. The biscuits covered in creamy grits, bacon, and sriracha sauce will definitely sit on my mind for days.
  • For my main course, I had the chicken and waffles. This was no ordinary chicken and waffles. The waffles were fluffy and topped with fruit. The chicken was roasted instead of fried, and it hit differently! I was in awe over the chicken falling right off the bone and filled with flavor. Pro tip: be a fat ass when you go out to eat, so you are not the only friend at the table with a kale salad.
Friend making fun of friend

Hip City Veg? Yes Please.

by marcushall21, posted in Grab N' Go

Hip City Veg opened 2012. A restaurant that not only introduced people to tasty food that good for their health, but also the planet! This all vegan restaurant presents dishes that debunk the myth that vegan food is just nuts and leaves. Let’s just get into it:

Ziggy Burger, Sweet Potato Fries, Chick’n Bites, Pumpkin Pie Shake
  • The sandwiches:
    • I chose the Ziggy burger, and it went dumb! This is their classic burger with special sauce (we love a good special sauce). The philly steak or crispy hipcity ranch chick’n sandwich also won gold medals from me. Great flavors + good portion size = happy me
  • The sides:
    • The side salads are a solid choice as expected..HOWEVER, the sweet potato fries are a game changer. Some sweet potato fries from places are fresh but not very flavorful. Not these.. They were made with love. Also, the sriracha aioli dipping sauce is 10/10 would recommend!
  • The shakes:
    • Each month they shake up their shakes by adding seasonal flavors. I ordered the pumpkin pie shake, but I was hesitant how this would come out. I took my first sip and there was no looking back! If you ask me to go back to Hip City Veg, this will be my only response..

Nothing Old at Old Fields Restaurant

by marcushall21, posted in Wine N' Dine

Old Fields Restaurant is located in Long Island, NY. Their goal is to provide service and food so good that you’ll want to return to Long Island LOL. I had a great meal though, so let’s get into it:

  • Old Fields is a perfect date spot that is near the water, has a fire pit outside, and an intimate interior. The service was amongst the best, and it was so genuine. I showed up having no clue what to order, but they treated me like family and recommended some of their favorites!
  • The menu features a lot great options. I quickly was mesmerized with the three cheese mac n’ cheese, crab and avocado tacos, and the short rib risotto! Fried clams, little neck clams, and oysters were on my mind heavily too. Also they also took up the center of the menu with their steak options, so I had to see what they were talking about. *eyes emoji*
  • The steak came out, and I immediately requested to hug the chef. This steak was the size of my face and sweating with flavor. It was the perfect combination of tender and juicy! The mashed potatoes were the perfect pairing. Fresh potatoes, nice touch of pepper, and the garlic. After not knowing anything about this place, my friend and I pleasantly left the restaurant like..

Word of the Day: Smorgasburg

by marcushall21, posted in Grab N' Go

Smorgasburg was started 2011 in Brooklyn, NY as a food-centered flea market. Some of the most innovative food items are sold here, making it the perfect destination for all foodies. Smorgasburg has now expanded to Los Angeles and Washington D.C, and I went this past Saturday before they close it down for the fall. The food I had was FIRE, so let’s get into it:

Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Hot Lola’s combined Nashville hot chicken and Sichuan flavors to make one of the best chicken sandwiches I have had! The slaw, pickles, and sesame bun were solid role players! However, the chicken was the star player. I was in love with the juiciness, crunch, and amazing seasoning they used.

Volcano, Teriyaki, and Cheese Louise

The Urban Oyster actually made me mad at myself for not trying chargrilled oysters sooner! I tried their volcano, teriyaki, and cheese louise oysters. I was hesitant to try these exotic flavors on my oysters, but this was the best decision I made all day. I could eat those 3 oysters over and over and over.. This was without a doubt a 10/10 for me.

Old Bay Mac N’ Cheese

Old bay goes on a lot in the D.C and Maryland area, but does it goes on mac n’ cheese?? It’s a yes from me dawg *Randy Jackson voice*. Hal and Al’s BBQ is bold for this, but i’m so glad they did. The mac n’ cheese was rich with cheese, and the old bay added an excellent burst of flavor mixed in. It was not overpowering at all. I throughly enjoyed every bite!

Cinnamon Sugar donuts

Just when I was thinking to myself, “imma need something sweet”, Sweet Crimes presented me with these gluten free and vegan donuts! When you hear gluten free and vegan in the same sentence, you may raise an eyebrow but Sweet Crimes cinnamon sugar donuts went above my expectations! I devoured them in 2 bites easy. The vegan cream was light and a smooth compliment for the donuts!

Foodie Friday!

by marcushall21, posted in Foodie Friday

Happy Friday! I hope your day is filed with happiness, gratitude, and food! Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo, because NOW I AM HUNGRY! If you want to be featured on the next Foodie Friday instead of drooling over someone else’s photos, please message me your photos on Instagram @marseatss or email me at marseats1@gmail.com. #CameraEatsFirst:

  • Top Row:
    • Stix Sushi Bar (Barcalona, Spain)
    • Seasons 52 (Various Locations)
    • The U.S. Toast Office (Boston, MA)
  • Bottom Row:
    • DOCK Asian Eatery (Brooklyn, NY)
    • Lifting Noodles Ramen (Atlanta, GA)
    • Barcocina (Baltimore, MD)

Luke’s Lobster > Your Lobster

by marcushall21, posted in Wine N' Dine

Luke’s Lobster first opened in East Village and made it their goal to hand pick the best seafood. This was the freshest seafood I’ve had. Let’s get into it:

The Trio
  • What I expected:
    • I always have heard people say “you must try a lobster roll while in New England”. I expected it would be good since Boston was known for their seafood. Lobster roll seemed simple, but how could you not be excited for fresh lobster, butter, and bread??
  • What I received:
    • Luke’s Lobster changed my whole mindset about seafood. I ordered Luke’s trio, which included a lobster roll, shrimp roll, and crab roll. EVERYTHING was so fresh! Every bite got better and better. They did not have make it this tasty, but I am so glad they did! I’m in love..

Luke’s Lobster: 75 Exeter St. Boston, Massachusetts 02116. (Located multiple states)

Astro’s Donuts and Fried Chicken!

by marcushall21, posted in Grab N' Go

Astro’s doughnuts and fried chicken was started by Elliot Spaisman and professional hockey player, Jeff Halpern. They have used seasonal flavors and classic recipes to make great doughnuts and fried chicken. Let’s get into it:

Spicy Chicken Sandwich on Cheddar Biscuit and Sesame Bun
  • Astro’s is one block away from the White house, so expect it to be busy! They have a sit down portion of the restaurant and a “fast food” carry out side. It was a great environment to eat comfort food and hangout with friends.
  • The uniqueness of the menu definitely caught my attention. You can find a maple bacon donut, creme brûlée donut, or PB&J donut! I was so excited, then found out I can also order a spicy chicken sandwich on a cheddar biscuit or a chicken sandwich BLT between a savory donut.
  • I ordered the spicy chicken sandwich with a cheddar biscuit, and it was the perfect combonation of spiciness, ranch, and the biscuit tied it all together so well! It got a little messy, but it was well worth it. The tater tots were so fresh and tasty! I could eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Only thing that I would change is the number of pickles on the sandwich, because I was left looking like..