Welcome to THEJNSREPORT’S: CITY CAKES “DA COOKIES!!!!” Episode 1 Located at 251 West 18th St. Lower level
City interior is on the very small side but what they don’t have in size they more than make up for with the quality of their baked goods I assure all. By late afternoon I had a craving for a decadent desert and cookies were it.
Let’s see what’s inside the box…
Behold the shear magnanimity of them. These cookies are extra big. Pretty much the size of a Sumo Burger Pattie and I love it!
One by one these decadent delights made their way outside of the box to hit the runway before their sampling…Ladies & Gentleman I give you Triple Chocolate Spice (Say that 3 x s fast.), Oatmeal Raisin “UFO” and Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter. Triple Chocolate had an accident in the box and so her lower left corner had broken off.
I don’t know if your ready for what I’m about to show you Neo. Behold the Oatmeal Raisin UFO.
Reese’s Pieces baked into just about every bite of this amazing piece of sweet goodness!
Now then where’s my lactaid?
You just might need two hands to pick up this Cookie.
There was one cookie missing from this exhibition the City Cakes Signature Sugar Doodle Cookie, which has Cinnamon sprinkled on it. Good God it’s an outrageous out of this world great cookie!!!
As you can see they are big cookies but are firm on the outside yet soft in the middle. As for the taste…look here, City Cakes has become my new favorite backery for Cookies!!!! It’s official. I think it safe to say these are the best damn cookies in the city.
One bite into each of these incredible variants and feelings of uncontrollable happiness overwhelmed me as my tastebuds clapped in rawkus applause. Each round of applause increasingly louder with the sampling of each cookie. All I can say is let your inner “Cookie Monster” out and let have with these. City Cakes I’ll be back and I won’t be coming alone. 😉
Till next time this has been THEJNSREPORT’S: CITY CAKES “DA COOKIES!!!!” Episode I
Welcome to THEJNSREPORT’S: Lobster Smack Experience 2013 Episode I
Located at 90 West Houston St
So several months back a good friend of mine mentioned Lobster Smack as a great food spot to check out especially if you are a lover of Mac N Cheese. We all should know by now that I happen to love Mac N Cheese.
What sets this place apart however, is the fact that they do Lobster Mac N Cheese and various other creations using well, Lobster, & crab. Lobster Rolls are on the menu and come highly touted as a must try. On spur of the moment I decided along with a few friends to go and sample Lobster Smack’s offerings.
We approached the counter briefly looked over the menu and placed our orders. I make a point to mention that our arrival was within an hour and change of them closing.
Yep, He sure did check that money. LOL
Having heard my friend rave about their Lobster Mac N Cheese we all decided it was a must have for us all. I followed up with A BBQ sauced pulled chicken sandwich to go with the Lobster Mac n Cheese.
My friend informed me that usually theres way more lobster chunks in the Mac N Cheese and chalked it up to being close to closing time.
BBQ sauced pulled chicken sandwich. Uh…Yassum!!!
Put the hood back down.
The commencement of good things…
Behold the glory of Lobster Bisque. No soup Nazi’s here. 😉
Lobster Roll on a bun. They ran out of hot dog buns by the time we arrived.
Under the Hood.
The Interior
Crabs on the walls.
That there is one naughty lobster. SMH
The Lobster Bisque was a hit with my friend and let me tell you the BBQ Sauced Pulled Chicken Sandwich was everything! Liked the Lobster Mac N Cheese and would definitely have again but this only got me to thinking. What if WildWood BBQ added lobster to their Aged cheddar Mac N Cheese w/ breadcrumb topping? The omagoodamit of it! The best tasting Mac N Cheese I’ve had in NYC so far combined with lobster chunks… I shudder at the thought.
The lobster bisque was dealt with and no remnants were found as my other friend polished it off down to the last spoonful.
Bisque is finished son!!
All in all we left satisfied, placing a checkmark in Lobster Smack’s box as a return to spot.
Final verdict: Lobster Mac N Cheese is a must try (can’t wait to see what it looks like with even more lobster meat) for anyone who’s never been here.
Location: 56 West 14th Street (between 5th and 6th ave)
Several years ago I had my first FIVE GUYS burger during a road trip in VA. Back then Five Guys was a must have at least once a week. Having sworn off the likes of McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s prior to the documentary “Super Size Me”.
I wanted fresh high quality beef not that whatever mix I’d get from fastfood chains along with the runs. FIVE GUYS burgers are made from fresh 100% ground beef no preservatives or fillers per their advertising.
Their fries were hand cut as I recall and you’re given a heaping serving if you ever order one. Peanut oil is used to cooked the fries and they offered baskets of raw peanuts as an appetizer as you waited for your order to be made. 14th street happened to get a new location of this cool franchise and passing by I decided I hadn’t eaten yet why not see if their quality is still what I remembered it to be.
And so…
Strangely enough even though the name is Five Guys there were only 3 on duty when I arrived at the counter to order. Oh well so much for a name. It didn’t take long before one of the 3 guys came to take my order.
I took quick stock of the interior after placing my order to go.
I opted to forego french fries on this visit. From what I remember they’re good but still a bit too greasy for my liking.
Once I arrived home glory and satiation would be mine. I introduced my burger to the toaster oven for a few minutes as I wanted to bite into it piping hot…
The Burger is what I remember it to be great juicy fresh tasting beef and gooey gobs of American cheese melted all throughout this double cheeseburger they simply call a “Cheeseburger”. I said to myself at $7.19 a piece there had better be two patties of beef on them there buns.
Overall I have to say while I really like Five Guys Burgers. I think Five Guys is just a hair behind Blue 9 burgers and Jackson Hole as far as taste. Texture and thickness are spot on and the beef really only gets a hint of saltiness to it from the cheese its smothered in.
Either way it’s no big deal as you can always add salt and ketchup or whatever condiments you like on a burger. Five Guys tailor makes your burger to whatever specs you like. 😀 Well done please. 4 1/2 Dinner Plates out of 5 here folks. OOOO[ Five Napkin Burger could learn a lesson from Five Guys on how to make a burger if you ask me.
Definitely recommend having a burger from this place if you love fresh quality burgers that let you know where your money went after you’ve taken your first bite.
Welcome to THEJNSREPORT’S: Trader Joes Experience Shoctober 2013
Why should one’s shopping experience be so forced cramped and hurried? I know it’s great for buying quality with good prices but the whole shopping experience in Trader Joes is nothing short of high stress requiring a high patience threshold.
The aisles are so congested and narrow stopping to look at something on the shelf in order to determine whether or not you want to buy a product becomes very difficult with carts blocking the shelves and aisles and barely enough room to have foot traffic navigate the store in a coming and going orderly fashion.
The best piece of advice I can give anyone who shops there is to get there early. Plan out your course of attack for what you absolutely must leave the store with and go for those items first.
Try to find spots where you can tuck your cart away while grabbing all that your arms can carry back to the cart in order to minimize the likelihood of traffic jams with shopping carts.
Trader Joes, yes prices are awesome but the shopping experience leaves a great deal to be desired. Can you guys figure out how to either make your aisles wider and have traffic flow to where one doesn’t feel guilty or rushed while trying to pick products from the shelves?
Welcome to THEJNSREPORT’S: Cherry Osmosis: Drink Concoctions Episode 1
Not one to be a complete novice on the wonderful world of libations I decided several years ago to come up with a couple of “weird” or what I prefer to call different cocktails to try when out and about vs say the stereotypical , Vodka tonic, Cape Cop, Cosmo, Manhattan, or Whiskey Sour etc.
A friend of mine whose a pretty great bartender made me a rum punch one day and my mind opened up for the first time to giving rum based drinks more consideration as an alternative to vodka, whiskey, tequila, or gin.
Bacardi flavored rums are a favorite when I want something sweet that packs a punch. And so it happened during the summer a couple years ago that while playing around with basic ingredients I came up with one of my favorite concoctions. I call it “Cherry Osmosis”.
This is a great drink that’s light on the palate, sweet but balanced and the cherry flavor permeates throughout. It’s offset by a mix of lemonade, Sprite or 7up, a splash of sour mix and a healthy pour of Bacardi Torched Cherry Rum.
The correct proportion of each ingredient can’t be emphasized enough as too much sour ruins the balance, and too much lemonade will mask the cherry flavor.
Fill a pint glass full to the rim with ice. Pour in 2 1/2oz of Bacardi Torched Cherry rum, a splash of sour mix, 2oz of lemonade, 2 splashes of Sprite/7up. Utilizing a shaker, shake the glass twice and serve. Garnish with a Orange Wedge, and a Cherry.
The best thing about this drink is it can be had comfortably all year round. Ask your bartender to make this for you next time your out and want to try something new.
Welcome to THEJNSREPORT’S: The SEA Thai Restaurant Experience Fall 2013
My sister and I had been planning a trip to eat at this place for a few weeks but due to my being under the weather towards the end of last week that didn’t happen. It was finally tonight that we were able to get together and dine at this “sister” restaurant to Spice Thai Restaurant.
Located at 835 Washington St. directly across from the Standard Hotel sits SEA Thai Restaurant another example of great Thai food to be had in the city.
Initially we thought that sitting outside for dinner would be a good idea. That was until reality set in (with the not so subtle reminder from the evening chill) that it would behoove us to move inside to eat and enjoy SEA’s interior like everyone else dining inside.
While initially seated outside we looked over their menu’s and took our time making our selections. Sis went for a Lychee Mojito to start things off while I opted for a Mandarin & Sprite.
Nice presentation on the mojito no doubt. I wouldn’t want to be the bartender having to make mutliples of these throughout the night. According to my sister they are delicious . This was her first “Lychee” version mojito.
After a perusal of their entire menu I zeroed in on my go to appetizers for Thai food which were the curry chicken puffs, curry duck puffs, and spring rolls. Sis settled on sampling some of my curry puffs and spring rolls while selecting wings and ribs for us to try.
Now that’s what you call a spread.
Behold those golden springrolls.
Golden soft pastry shell curried chicken and duck puffs were just the perfect option to have pre main course. Use of the knife and fork are definitely required if you want to take the time to slice and cut to adequate bite size portions, multiple mouthfuls of this excellent appetizer.
It’s not heavy on the palate and has a great blend of sweet with curry flavor permeating throughout. I opted to try both the chicken curry and duck curry because I wanted to see if I could distinguish which was which. Sis said grace to give thanks and bless our meal then it was on.
Yeah yeah we want dem Ribs!!!! Yessum!!!
Wings?…Sho you right!!!
Once the appetizers were destroyed and no evidence remained out came our main courses.
The Pad Thai Fried Rice…
Drunk Man Noodles Spicy w/chicken. Hawhaat?!!!!
So here’s our overall impression of our “Experience @ SEA” 😉
The overall atmosphere while we ate was great because it wasn’t too busy at the time we were seated. The music playing in the background was audible but not so loud we couldn’t have a conversation.
The wait staff were cordial and attentive but not overly so, which was good because I hate to be kept waiting needlessly nor do I like to be interrupted incessantly during a meal. The best service experience I find to have is the one in which the staff is friendly, gives good accurate & prompt service but is for the most part invisible unless really needed for something. SEA managed to do this near seemlessly.
Appetizer Rating
On our “Dinner Plate” scale from 1 – 5 here are our ratings for each appetizer.
Wings = A perfect score of 5 out of 5 “Dinner plates” OOOOO
Curry Chicken/Duck Puffs = A perfect score of 5 out of 5 “Dinner plates” OOOOO
Ribs = 3 1/4 “Dinner plates” OOO[ The ribs were ok but we’ve both had better and so while the presentation was spot on size and taste were about average.
Main Course Rating
Pad Thai Fried Rice = 4 out of 5 “Dinner plates” OOOO This was mostly due to it being a little bland according to my sister. I had no room left to sample it so I take her word for it.
Drunk Man Noodles (Spicy w/Chicken) 5 out of 5 “Dinner plates”OOOOO This was just a pleasure to eat fork by forkfull. The heat from the pepper added to the experience and had a perfect balance of hot but not intolerable runny nose hot. The shredded pieces of chicken throughout the noodle dish is also spot on in terms of there being enough chicken in the dish that you can have some noodles and chicken in every bite.
Service
Attentive, cordial, and seemless execution. 5 out of 5 for service quality.
Price
The final tally came it at well see for yourself…we included a 20% gratuity and called it a night.
SEA is what you would expect to pay for dining out in Meatpacking. Combined with great service and excellent food it is worth it’s price of admission. Would we have preferred a smaller bill? Absolutely, who wouldn’t? Even so SEA Thai Experience we will be back!!!
Welcome to THEJNSREPORT’S: The Pounds & Ounces Experience 2013
Written by guest reviewer Ron Ron.
Location: 160 8th ave south east side of 18th street in Chelsea, Manhattan.
Feeling hungry, thought I’d stop for a quick bite and brew at this trendy Chelsea bar restaurant. It’s an attractive bar with impressive carved wood back bar. I was all set for a beer or two and a quick bite, but uh oh a little trouble getting the bartender’s attention. Afterall this is Chelsea…more interested in fraternizing with co-workers and texting than being attentive to patrons.
I stay patient being cool knowing that sending a bad vibe could result in a longer wait time! Bartender finally gets to me and I order a Blue Moon bottle and a glass. Decided on the calamari w chilli sauce and another Blue Moon.
The calamari came out quickly enough but the portion was on the small side. Despite this they were crispy and tasty with a good presentation. I liked the lemon slices arrangement with the calamari. Finished the calamari but still hungry…wait…the bartender is still texting. May I see the menu again? Bartender stops texting long enough to give me a second look. Thank you.
I order $12 Sliders but no sides. Ask for it cooked medium well and substitute cheddar for the blue cheese. Not a fan of blue cheese. When my sliders came, once again, trendy presentation. Surprisingly, the sliders underwhelmed. You would think for a place called “Pounds & Ounces” they would have quality meat. Instead the beef was grissly.
Time to get out of here and head to my wed night sports spot. There I get my bartender who knows how to take care of patrons. Still waiting for the bartender here to finish texting. Uh yeah check please?
When the check arrives I leave over a 20% cash tip while I pay the bill on my card. I get barely a thanks from the bartender as I exit. Overall impression is food is hit or miss. Calamari was good but poor quality meat used in their sliders means they’re definitely not up to par. The interior design is very nice but service is lacking. Overall was ok but nothing to write home about.
City interior is on the very small side but what they don’t have in size they more than make up for with the quality of their baked goods I assure all. By late afternoon I had a craving for a decadent desert and cookies were it. 
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