Renaissance Time Square Hote, RLoungel: Free Food and Drinks? Where Do I Sign Up?!

A couple of weeks ago, my former boss Ana invited me and the rest of the crew to a free happy hour at R Lounge in Renaissance Hotel. Free? Food? Liquor? FREE?! I was totally in.

*just a note, I forgot to write down the prices and name descriptions, so all of these are just educated estimates. Their website isn't up yet with the menu.

Strawberry Alcoholic Concoction

Acai Martini

I got this... and boy was this filled with alcohol. If you really want to get hammered and crunk with Britney ( for those of you who know what I'm talkin about) then just 2 of these babies will do the trick. I couldn't even finish my one drink! 

Price: $10.00

Queso Dip

Nice, cheesy, gooey dip, freshly fried torilla chips hit the spot and pairs perfectly with beer.

Price: $ 8.00

Calamari

The marinara sauce was the kind that I would totally want to pour over pasta. Light, not too sweet and not too sour. The calamari were chewy, and a nice size.

Price: $10.00

Beef Sliders

Rock Shrimp

Okay, so 2 of us at the table ordered the shrimp. I only got 4 shrimp, and they got 5!! I totally felt ripped off. Granted, they did just open, so maybe they are working out the kinks in the kitchen. But still for the money, I hope everyone eventually get 5 shrimp. This came with a side of mayo and cocktail sauce. For what it's worth, the shrimp were huge.

Price: $10.00

Hummus Toast

A little too excited, someone already took a piece before I could take the picture

Pork Chips

This was deep fried and topped with cheese and spices. Like a rich mans pork rinds.

Price: $8.00

Pulled Pork Sliders

Chicken Wings

4 hole chicken wings. Too much breading, not enough meat! The breading was also tasteless, but the honey helped.

Price: $8.00

Pigging out, a girls other favorite hobby other then shopping.

Fried Peas

Tempura battered, with a side of mayo (??) Now eating vegetables can be yummy!

Price: $6.00

Chicken Burgers

My first touristy picture, ever. Not a bad view at all.

My former co-workers! Aww, I miss them.  From left: Aaron, Janelle, Me, Priscilla, Giselle, Ana, Donna, Carly, Cherry, and Kristina

The Lobby

Hanging testicles, and ass shaped pillars. I guess all the sexual innuendos are supposed to help you get laid ( with the help of that acai drink!) 

Verdict: I normally would never suggest voluntarily going to Times Square, but if you happen to be in the area and are in desperate need of a drink, snack, and hanging balls, this is the place to go. The view is amazing and not too crowded when I went on a Thursday night. There was a DJ there, but he kind of sucked so maybe they fired him, or hopefully he picks better songs. 

The R Lounge at Renaissance Hotel

714 Seventh Ave

New York, NY 10036

http://www.rloungetimessquare.com/

Faicco's Italian Meat Shoppe: A...Snack?

The other week I was in the West Village waiting for a friend to meet up for lunch. I was STARVING and had not eaten since 8 am. After waiting for her it turned out that her train was stuck. Well it was 2:30pm and I was ready to eat my own arm. Sooo....I decided to grab a snack.

 Proscuitto Stuffed Roll

I guess this is where the "your eyes are bigger than your stomach" comes into play. This roll was a little larger than the size of a giant New York bagel. The guy behind the counter warmed it up for me in the microwave, and boy am I ever glad he did. The roll was super airy, and chewy. It was a beautiful hybrid of chewy baguette and flaky pastry dough. Umm... and do you SEE the center?? Chopped proscuitto in every nook and cranny. Needless to say I finished the whole thing and ate lunch with my friend an hour later. I was going to have some really satisfying poops later that night.
Price: $3.00
Verdict: Skip Joe's Pizza and head over to Faicco's for a satisfying and savory snack. And don't forget to let them warm it up!

Faicco's Italian Meat Shoppe

260 Bleeker Street

New York, NY 10014

Radegast Biergarten: I'm the Loser That Goes for The Food

It was about 2 am in the morning when my friends and I decided to go to the beer hall. More hungry and drunk then desiring a beer, I immediately  headed to the grill section to get a delicious bratwurst.

Bratwurst

Mmmmm.... hot an fresh from the grill, the casing had a nice snap with every bite. Juicy, fatty and the perfect drunk food. The french fries however, took the horrid fate of being fried in very very old oil. They were like trying to eat a brittle finger nail. I longed for the moister of the sauerkraut to soften the fries a bit, but it didn't happen. Now granted, this was very late at night, right before the grill closed, but I should have opted for the bread option instead of the fries.

Price: $7.00

Verdict: It would have been a 5 yummy, but the nasty fries knocked it down 2 yummies. Sigh... next time I will go earlier I suppose. When everyone else is drinking, I will be that loser in the corner shoving a sausage down my throat (that's what she said). Anyway, then you aren't stuffing your face, the beers are great and you can even get a nice giant stein. Last time however, the stein shattered as we were toasting, but thats another story...

 Radegast Biergarten

113 N 3rd Street

Brooklyn, NY 11211

http://www.radegasthall.com

Quick Bite: Turks Head Festival

Yet again, Buddy's band (The National Rifle) led me to another interesting venue, West Chester PAs annual Turks Head Festival. They were headlining the show, but we still had to get there pretty early which means plenty of time to explore.  I had no idea what to expect, but when we got there I got an intense whiff of incense, saw a moon bounce and a crap load of hippies. Well... this should be.... different?

Being a fat pig, I headed straight to the food section to see what they had to offer. It was essentially what you would find in one of New Yorks street fairs. Except...less awesome ( not like the street fairs are that awesome to begin with). They didn't have crepes, or bubble tea; but I was in PA after all.

Cupcakes Gourmet Stand

I had gotten cupcakes from them before, and was not impressed. They freeze their cupcakes and when you bite into them, they crumble into little pieces. I didn't feel like spending $3.50 on crumbs, so I passed on these sweets.  

Price: $3.50 per cupcake

Nearing the end of my food grazing, I stumbled upon this. Giant turkey leg anyone? I was tempted to steal it, but the thought of burning my hands on a hot piece of meat stopped me. (Thats what she said)

D'Ascenzo Gelato Stand

It was so hot and muggy out that this stand, and the smoothie stand had the most people in line. Being a lover of gelato, and since I was dripping in sweat,  I hopped in the line. Joining the other people who were desperately trying to relieve themselves of the heat.

Kiwi Sorbet and Chocolate Gelato

Both were inconsistent in texture, ranging from icy to lumpy. The flavors were also artificial tasting. The kiwi was too sweet, and the chocolate was bland. The only good part that came out of eating this was that it lowered my body temperature.

Price: $4.00 for a small

 I really wanted to ask him how much he would pay me not to trip him....

The only stand not in the food section, but right smack dab in the middle of the stage field where the bands play. And of course its a funnel cake stand. After having to be there for 6 hours, myself control left me for air conditioning as I found myself walking towards it.

Funnel Cake with Bavarian Creme

This hit the spot, I mean how much can you really mess up fried dough buried in powered sugar anyway? The bavarian creme however, was like a big unwanted pile of diarrhea invading the plate. This was 3rd time ever eating a funnel cake, (I was hesitant ever since purchasing my first one and being attacked by a flock of sea gulls that pecked my face in get to get my funnel cake... I have been scarred emotionally ever since) This time however, I was in the safe confines of a tent.

Price: $4.00

On another non food related note... this place was hippy central!!! Tye-dye, hemp, psychics, holistic oils... I felt like I should have dreaded my hair and put on a pair of birkenstocks. I'm not hating, it just surprised me since so much of the food was meat based.. you would think they would have "alternative" food stands as well.

Verdict: This is the 28th annual event, though it was fun, I'm not sure if its worth driving down for. Maybe if you have nothing else to do on a Sunday.

Turks Head Festival

Everhart Park

West Chester , PA 19382

http://www.turksheadfestival.com/

Quick Bite: The Lobster Place at Chelsea Market

Right off of the 8th Ave exit on the L, Chelsea Market (also home of the Food Network, and formerly the Nabisco Factory) is just a hop, skip, and jump away! Known for its collection of artisan foods all in one place, you can get everything from crepes, regional Italian groceries, to specialty ice pops, and fresh seafood.  Though today I had one thing in mind...the famous LOBSTER ROLL.

Outside entrance...you cant miss it!

The place inside has and industrial art feel to it and this frame was hanging by the entrance...perfect photo op!

After passing Amy's Bread, the Milk Bar, and Jacques Torres I finally arrived at my destination. As I walked in, it smelled like seafood, but not like the nauseating kind...the fresh, light fragrance that reminds you of being at the beach ( and NOT New Jersey beach...you know a really really nice beach, preferably Fiji?). All around were piles of fresh fish, crustaceans and sushi ready for consumption.  

The Lobster Roll

This came with a side of chips and coleslaw. The roll itself was small (compared to the 16oz beer)...about 5-6, inches long. However, it was PACKED with chunks of lobster claw, tail, and smaller bits mixed with a garlic mayonnaise and topped with chives. It tasted....beautiful. The bread was an ultra soft, thick piece of white bread and just melted into the lobster, forming one unity of creamy and rich bliss. The garlic in the mayonnaise was just enough without disturbing the lobsters natural sweetness. Sigh..if only I had another one right now...

Price: $18.00 (Market Price varies however, but its usually around this price)

Verdict: This was worth every penny, and the coleslaw was actually quite tasty (considering I'm not a huge fan of coleslaw to begin with) the roll was also surprisingly filling. For the quality and freshness, I will definitely be back to try their other fish sandwiches or sushi, and of course to once and again, splurge on a lobster roll.

The Lobster Place

75 9th Ave

New York NY, 10011

http://chelseamarket.com/thelobsterplace/

Quick Bite: The Hester Street Fair

Usually I would post my yummy and money signs at the top, but since I was at the Hester Street fair, there were a number of different vendors to review, so I will post them before each one. 
I love going to street fairs, you never know what you are going to find (or eat!) Usually I go to these things to dig for unique and interesting jewelry and clothing, but sometimes my tummy finds more things than I do.

Entrance at Hester street.

Sweet Jewel Cake Balls

This was the first thing I saw entering in the fair, and as soon as I saw "red velvet cake ball"" I had to get one since I am such a sucker for red velvet. I went with Buddy, and he insisted we try both flavors, I wasn't going to complain. :)

Both flavors were coated with chocolate and coconut shavings and were a hybrid between a cake and truffle( which was also how big they were)

Vietnamese Coffee Cake Ball

This one was the more successful out of the two. There was a definite strong coffee flavor (though I'm not sure how "Vietnamese" it was). The coconut and chocolate coating cut through the sharp flavor of the coffee nicely and the cake itself was dense and very moist.

Red Velvet Cake Ball

I was kind of disappointed in this one, it seemed to lack the flavor I was looking for in a red velvet. I wished the center had a cream cheese filling of some sort and the coconut flavor kind of threw me off. Buddy really enjoyed this one because it seemed more moist than the vietnamese.

These were cute and fun to eat, but next time I'm looking for a cakey treat, I might just settle for a mini cupcake.

Price: 1 for $3.00 or 2 for $5.00

Sweet Jewels Cake Balls

www.sweetjewelsnyc.com

www.etsy.com/shop/sweetjewelsnyc 

Kumquat Cupcakery

Coincidentally after walking past some vintage jewelry vendors I found a stand whos bakery is devoted purely to miniature gourmet cupcakes. They had flavors ranging from chocolate lavender, to peanut butter and jelly. Considering I just ate two cake balls, I decided to go with just one. My staple red velvet.

It was about the size of large gum ball and surprisingly packed a flavorful punch in such a small bite! Extremely moist with the perfect hint of cocoa, the cream cheese frosting was silky and not overly sweet. I wished I had gotten more for later to pop in my mouth! 

Hopefully they will be at the fair again next weekend, but if not then you can always order them online.

Price: $1.00

www.kumquatcupcakery.com

La Newyorkina

Since the weather had been getting nicer, a lot of  specialty popsicle shops have been "popping" up, from Popbar to Peoples Pops. La Newyorkina seemed to be a new name in the biz, and their menu looked interesting, making me weak to resist their modern Mexican twist on popsicles.

Guayaba (guava)

This was a little bigger than the size of a business card and boldly tart, this was Buddy's favorite out if the two. It tasted like papaya with lemon juice, and was very refreshing. The texture was smoothly blended and equally juicy.

Price: $1.00 for a mini

Horchata Cinnamon Rice Milk

I loved the flavors in this, but it seems that they still need a little more time perfecting the technical aspects of making it. The texture and flavors were very inconsistent. Some bites I got a dense almost powdery texture that tasted sour, and other bites I got very sweet icy bits. The overall underlying flavor that was kept consistent was the milk and cinnamon.

Perhaps I got a faulty popsicle, but thats not going to stop be from wanting to try their avocado flavor next time which looked creamy and delicious.

Price: $4.00

www.lanewyorkina.com

Sigmund Pretzel Shop

Okay so after eating 2 cake balls, 2 popsicles and a mini cupcake, you would think I would have enough self control say "no" to this pretzel stand right? Umm... have you looked at this display? What human being could say no to melted cheese on a pretzel??

Bleu Cheese and Walnut with a side of Beet Relish and Honey Mustard

I was first drawn to this because of the bleu cheese, it looked bubbly and plentiful and was about 5x4 in size.They toast the pretzels in a portable oven, but only toast them for the length of time it takes to squirt you your mustard ( which was literally 10 seconds). 

I have to say, this was disappointing. It looked SO good, but the pretzel tasted day old. The bleu cheese flavor was barely there and was dry and crumbly. The walnuts were untoasted chopped bits mixed in the dough,added nothing to this pretzel.  There was not much textural diversification and was dense, tough, and like of bland. The winner was the honey mustard; spicy, tangy, gooey and sticky. The beet relish tasted like blended beets with horseradish mixed in. Not worth the money.

Price: $4.00

Gruyère and Paprika with Mustard Seed Dip

The cheese flavor was more prominent in this one, however I couldn't taste the paprika (though I saw specks powered on top). Again, its good looks deceived me and tasted day old. The mustard seed dip was fantastic however, bold and spicy.

Price: $4.00

I really wanted to love these pretzels but they failed to impress. I might try their store to see if I have a change of heart (they also have more flavors)

Sigmund Pretzel Shop

29 Avenue B
New York, NY 10009

www.sigmundnyc.com

This fair was a lot smaller than I had expected, maybe only 10-15 vendors but its fun to walk around on a nice sunny weekend day. 

Hester Street Fair

Hester & Essex Street

New York NY 10002

April- December Sat-Sun 10am-6pm

www.hesterstreetfair.com