Restaurant Review: Sarita's Macaroni and Cheese

345 East 12th Street,
New York, NY 10003
(212) 358 - 7912

American, Mac and Cheese
Price: $1.50 - $47.00
Dine In, Take Out, Delivery

Sarita's Macaroni & Cheese or better known as "S'MAC" is a nice little eatery located in Manhattan's East Village. It open its door on June 24, 2006.

So I went to the place with a friend before we headed to another friend's party. This place sure stands out from its neighborhood with Orange and Yellow-Greenish front walls with glass pane surrounded by black outline. Once you are inside, the place is of typical NYC eateries - small but cozy with a combination of high and low tables and chairs. The high chairs are cushioned while the regular chairs are plastics. There is also sitting with the window view even though their isn't really a view. The interiors is surrounded by brick wall and the lighting made the whole place look - well, mac and cheese.

Sure was hard to choose which one to order while reading each description of their recommendation but I ended up getting the Nosh Napoletana with regular elbow served with breadcrumbs.

The waiting time wasn't long, I would say it took about 10 minutes from the time I ordered to the time my mac and cheese arrived. And it sure smell good when it did, the mac and cheese was in a cast iron skillet serve over a wooden serving plate. It sure looks tempting.

After taking this image on the left, I started munching away on my mac and cheese. The fresh mozzarella was delicious while I could easily taste the roasted tomatoes and garlic with the aroma of the fresh basil. I tell you though, even for a small size, it can make you feel full.

My buddy told me he has tried the other varieties that Sarita's have and like it. Guess I have to do the same thing as well.


Sarita's Mac & Cheese website

Restaurant Review: Craftsteak

MGM Grand Hotel and Casino
3799 Las Vegas Boulevard
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 - 4319
(702) 891 - 7318

Steakhouse, American
Price: $4 - $285
Dine In
Reservation Highly Recommended

It took me awhile to write this review and I should have done it as soon as I got back home from Las Vegas. I guess it's better late than never.

Craftsteak is Chef Tom Colicchio's steakhouse located inside MGM Grand Las Vegas.  I had a chance to visit the restaurant with my friends during our vacation in March and was really impressed by not only the decor and service but also the sumptuous meal that we had.

When you enter the Craftsteak, you are greeted by a couple of two seated table with a bar on the left that is well-stocked and dimly lit. I asked the bartender for a wine list and he basically handed me a binder which was pretty impressive. The wine list was pretty extensive from Proseccos to Rieslings to Merlots and Cabernets.

Once we got seated, we were greeted by our pleasant server who gave us suggestions on what to order. He suggested that we should order the Tasting Menu selections which is basically a three course meal composed of appetizers, entrees and desserts. So we decided to go for the Domestic Waygu Beef which cost $130 per person. A little bit pricey but it was truly worth it.

After making our orders, they brought out the dinner rolls which were to die for. They are so tasty and soft that we finished sixth rolls in a matter of seconds. And of course, the waiter brought us more which we didn't mind but we had to stop to make sure we will still have enough room for our three course dinner.

Our first course arrived which at first look like it was the main course. The Caesar Salad and Marinated Anchovy which was very good and tasted fresh, the dressing nor the anchovies weren't too empowering. The Grilled Pacific Prawns which was crunchy and tasty especially the sauce. The Warm Frisee Salad tasted fresh. And the Hand-Cut Wagyu Beef Tartare was just out of this world.

The second course arrived along with the side dishes. I could say that the amount of food that they came out can feed more than the six of us combine. They brought out Kobe Style Wagyu Beef is different varieties - Filet Mignon, Strip, Rib Eye, Skirt Steak and Flat Iron Steak. I would say that the Skirt Steak was favored by most of the group because of its tenderness but the Rib Eye and Filet Mignon was also excellent. Once the beef was on the table, everyone became quiet as we just enjoy the sensation in our palates.  The side dishes were also tasty. The Asparagus and Onions was crunchy and cooked right. The Mushroom assortment was amazing and fresh and the Yukon Gold Puree just slides down the throat.

By the time, we were all filling up. And our server came and asked how we are feeling. We told him that we were about to be full and he basically told us that its not over. And suddenly, the desserts starts popping into our table. Our dessert were composed of Cinnamon Monkey Bread, Vanilla Bean Cheesecake, Butterscotch Mousse, and an assortment of Home made ice cream and sorbet.  We were all in heaven as we gobbled up the desserts especially the Monkey Bread which was the best dessert among the choices.

I would say, if you are in Vegas next time and don't mind spending a bit then you should definitely check this place out. And hey, you only live once, you might as well give it a try.

Craftsteak's website
MGM's website