The title of this post should be “Remnants”

First off, I apologize for forgetting to take pics before I ate. I didn’t have a breakfast (unless you count one Linden’s chocolate chipper cookie) so when I settled in around noon, I had an urge for some good ol’ Jamaican food straight outta Flatbush (buck! buck!). Since I haven’t had oxtail stew for quite some time, I made that my meal of choice–complete with rice and peas and steamed cabbage. The cabbage was eaten pretty quickly so you won’t see any in the pics.

Shout outs to Jerk City!

Carne guisada (beef stew) is a staple in Latin cuisine and is one of my favorite dishes. I have yet to truly master the art of making it myself, but I’m almost there. Until I finally make the perfect guisado, I stick to making purchases at local Spanish-American restaurants. The above meal was purchased at the El Castillo de Jagua in Flatbush, Brooklyn. A filling dish and perfect for that mid-afternoon hunger (especially on those days you forget what time it is while working), I must admit I am more partial to the El Castillo de Jagua located on the Lower East Side (Rivington and Essex). Both are roughly the same price, but there’s something about late night bar hopping adventures that end at the LES location that make me lean towards going to that one more so than the Brooklyn one. Nonetheless if you do find your stomach calling for affordable and authentic Latin food, make sure to check out either location.

Hit the jump to check out more pics and for restaurant locations…

El Castillo de Jagua

Lower East Side

113 Rivington St
(between Essex St & Ludlow St)
New York, NY 10002

Brooklyn

785 Flatbush Ave
Brooklyn, NY

The title of this post appeared as a blurb once. I snapped this pic the same night as I snapped the pic of the cho jang. Since I never got a chance to post it, I wanted to post it now and share an image of the ever-so-popular world of Korean BBQ. In Flushing, the number of Korean BBQ’s is rather extensive, each with their own unique characteristic. At BBQ Village, the BBQ is all you can eat so you can be sure that your stomach will be full by the end of the night.

A staple in the dim sum cuisine, this turnip-based dish is usually accompanied by a side of houyou (oyster sauce). It’s usually best when the skin is a little crispy. Should you be interested, check out one of the places listed in this previous blog entry to try.

I was out in Chinatown the other night with the homey @jaekicho once again partaking in a food gathering. Dude, if you’re reading this, tweet the name of the restaurant because I can’t quite remember the location (I know it was somewhere around Mott Street and Canal Street). This dish is perfect if you’re looking to transition into a South Asian or Caribbean diet.

Tuesday evening I had buss up shot roti with curried goat and forgot to take pictures . As I left for work I realized I didn’t have any lunch to bring with me, and decided I would get doubles (another Trinidadian specialty) at the nearest roti shop. Well, as luck would have it, they had no more doubles, but they offered roti (non-buss up shot) with curried potatoes and chickpeas, which I accepted.

Roti is originally from South Asia, but made its way to the Caribbean due to slavery and trade. If you try roti from India or Malaysia it’s done a bit differently, but they are pretty tasty and uniquely made no matter which country. The roti skin alone can satisfy the hungry stomach but the curried accoutrement makes it even more worthwhile. For those that enjoy starch foods (and don’t mind straying away from that salad diet), the curried potatoes & chickpeas roti is a filling, moderately seasoned lunch that will truly give you a feel for West Indian cuisine.

(I believe the term is provision *sorry inside joke*)

When on Church Avenue in Flatbush, Brooklyn, make sure to check out these locations for some great Trinidadian food:

Bake & Things

184 E 35th St.

Brooklyn, NY 11203

Ram’s Roti Shop

1919 Church Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11226

Trinidad Roti Shop

2702 Church Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11226

Still one of my favorite drinks on the Asian market. My mom would pick one up for me whenever we would go to the Chinese market. In my later years I would buy one while eating at the Chinese buffet in Elmhurst (3 sides over white rice + soup for $5!). My body double actually appeared in an ad for them in Hong Kong…

If you’re ever at a Chinese market and are looking for an alternative to Brisk or Nestea, check out Vita, in particular the Chyrsanthemum flavor. Although it may seem like an odd choice for flavor, it’s a surprisingly refreshing.

Ok so I know it’s just one empanada, but it was a DAMN good one at that! The golden baked snack was purchased at the small chain know as Mama’s Empanadas–a favorite amongst the Latin (and some Asian) denizens of Corona, Sunnyside, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, Queens. Once again, it was a late night run with members of the crew who enjoy Latin cuisine.

Mama’s Empanadas

85-05 Northern Boulevard

Jackson Heights, NY 11372

When I was growing up bubble tea was associated with FOBs and Flushing-ass Asians that hung out in front of Koryodang. Being 3rd generation, this wasn’t exactly my thing, but after opening my mind up I’m a fan. It offers a nice alternative to going to Starbucks when you’re out late at night looking for something to do that doesn’t involve eating and getting wasted.

If you’re ever around Flushing, Queens check out one of these 3 places located on or around the strip…

Sunway Cafe Restaurant
3907 Prince Street
Flushing, NY

Quickly
13649 Roosevelt Avenue
Flushing NY

Sago Tea Cafe
39-02 Main Street
Corner of Main & 39th Avenue
Flushing, NY

… Jones Beach (Illmatic Track #7)

Headed out to Long Island to the world famous Jones Beach yesterday for a little R&R. Caught some waves and sun rays while I was at it.

The food was eh, but I don’t expect beach food to be mind blowing. Had a standard meal of friend chicken and french fries (complete with deathly levels of sodium).

(I’m sure the left side of your chest feels tight just by looking at this)

What I do miss is the spicy waffle fries that they used to sell at the concession area. They were your standard waffle fries, which you can probably find at your local grocery, but the way Jones Beach cooked them always made them a favorite amongst my family every time we went. Sadly they don’t serve them anymore.

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