Where To Eat: Anywhere The Infatuation Tells You

Get this: I’ve been living in San Francisco for less than a month and I am going to make a restaurant recommendation. What gives me the authority to do that, you ask? Because it was used as the backdrop of an event hosted by none other than the most legit guys in the restaurant review biz: The Infatuation. If you don’t know who they are, maybe you should question every food decision you’ve ever made. Like really, every single decision. You should also know them from the iconic “eeeeeats” hashtag they created. If you still don’t know, I give up. Go back under that rock.

I have had the pleasure of seeing The Infatuation grow into a cult favorite and a go-to trusted source. I have also had the pleasure of allowing them to help shape my dining experience in a new city. I’m concerned that I will gain a ton of weight based on how that’s going— good thing I am a fitness fanatic. When they say things like “there is going to be a long line,” believe them. I made the mistake of thinking they lightly made that statement or, typical me “maybe they didn’t really mean it.” They don’t do that. They really tell it like it is.

Last week, I joined this great event that they hosted with American Express Gold. I told you they had good taste—of course it would be with AMEX Gold. Together, they are doing a multi-city road show and celebrating 2X membership rewards when dining out and using your AMEX Gold.  Not too shabby.

The event was held at Tosca Café. I ate fried polenta, truffle cheese, some artichoke thing, home made focaccia, a market salad, bucatini, whole roasted chicken (not all of it, but not a little bit of it), crispy potatoes, asparagus, rainbow cakes and lots and lots of delicious booze selected by The Liquor Cabinet. I had to write it all out because I’m still shaming myself for all that I ate. Just kidding… sort of. I had no control and I was down with it.

I got to sit and hang with some super duper nice San Francisco foodies who have the most gorgeous instagram accounts. I honestly don’t know how they capture food the way they do, I just don’t. Also, you can’t be too hungry hanging with these talented gals or you’ll get hangry. They will starve for the perfect shot; they sacrifice themselves for the art form. Check out: @breadbunnie, @asideofsweet, @hollymatthews, @cyneats and @jennyeesf to see how it’s done SF style.

Lastly, I got to take home (besides some love handles) a bronze 4 in 1 bar tool designed by Izola.  This thing has more talents than J.Lo, it is a quadruple threat. I'll probably use it to break ice and as a self-defense weapon. I also got these gorgeous Oleg Cassini (I told you, very fancy) rocks glasses that will belong to my boyfriend when he drinks scotch. Heck, when we drink scotch. Come to think about it, I ate a ton and got presents. This kind of felt like Christmas without family.

Lastly, I pretty much hate it when someone calls or texts me for restaurant recos. I'm okay with deciding as a group where to go eat but I hate helping other people decide where they should go. You can personally ask me anything and everything about where to work out or where to shop but I am just not the person you go to for restaurant recos. I have writers who focus on food for a reason. I don't why but it simply annoys me. I feel like I am being put on the spot. I also feel lame when I don't have a good answer, makes me feel like I don't get out often (which is true). So stop asking me and ask these guys. They now have an on demand restaurant reco service via text message called Text Rex. A human actually gets back to you which I find very impressive. Based on everything I said, that would be my nightmare job and I would be fired pretty quickly. It's live in NYC and coming to Chicago, LA, and SF soon. If you are one of my personal friends, don't be mad. Honesty is key to every great relationship and now I have given you the gift of Text Rex. Love you, mean it.

These fantastic photos were generously shared by Becca Martin who lives in the Bay area and captured the event. Check out her cool website and insta: @bmartinphoto

Where To Eat: Westville NYC

This post was written by Contributor and Photographer: Elena Eshleman

Whether you are a vegan, vegetarian, or meat-eater, you can find something delicious to eat at Westville restaurants. Westville, four of which are scattered around Manhattan, provide costumers with fresh, feel-good food at a reasonable price. I visited Chelsea’s Westville location, and I was not let down. I left satisfyingly full without breaking the bank. The environment was welcoming and casual, with large windows drawing you in to the intimate setting with small tables and a talkative crowd. 

Although Westville caters to all diets, what the restaurant is most well known for is its extensive selection of fresh market vegetables. For fifteen dollars, you have a choice of 4 vegetables, all prepared differently and piled on a large platter. For once, you are going to want to save your vegetables for last.

After browsing through a long list of veggies, I decided on quinoa, sweet potato tots, artichokes, and brussel sprouts. The food came out quickly and piping hot, a platter of vegetables that almost looked too good to eat (but I seemed to manage). Everything was delicious, from the seasonings to the honey Sriracha sauce. It was enough to share, so I would recommend bringing a friend and feasting on a smorgasbord of beautifully prepared, fresh vegetables.

And if veggies aren’t your thing, Westville still has a variety of options. They add their own twist to traditional American dishes, which makes it easy for everyone to find something that they like. You can pop in early for a classic egg sandwich for Sunday brunch, or chow down on a burger and hot dog instead (there are even vegetarian and vegan alternatives for these as well)!  

Westville has mouth-watering food that everyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary preferences. Whether you are ordering a vegetable platter to be delivered to your doorstep or meeting with friends for lunch, Westville is an affordable option for delectable food.

WHERE TO EAT: LITTLE CHOC APOTHECARY; WILLIAMSBURG

This post, text and all accompanying images were created by Photographer and Contributor Elena Eshleman

Recently, I visited NYC’s first fully vegan creperie. As a non-vegan and lover of crepes, you can say I was a little skeptical. How can they make fluffy, delicious crepes without animal products? And what exactly are they going to fill it with? I might have been a skeptic walking into Little Choc Apothecary, but I walked out as a very happy customer.  

Let me start by saying Little Choc Apothecary in Williamsburg is one of the cutest, most relaxing places I had the pleasure of visiting. With it’s downstairs area flaunting welcoming window seating and friendly workers, it is clear why non-vegans and vegans alike are drawn to this place.

After a quick glance at the menu I knew I needed to try a crepe with their homemade “Newtella” and bananas. I paired that with some Assam tea (their tea selection was extensive) and found seating upstairs, which was decorated beautifully. Small plants sat at the windows and the walls were lined with jars of loose tea. They even promote local artists with a blackboard that rotates between different artwork every month.  

You could say I was starting to like this place. When I received my food, I was so happy with the presentation, I almost didn’t want to eat it (but I managed). Along with my crepe and teapot, they gave me a timer to help know how long to brew my tea. I thought this was a great idea, especially for us tea addicts, who simply don’t get the same attention that coffee addicts do!  

After shamelessly snapping a few pictures of the spread, I dug in. This crepe, which was not only vegan, but gluten free, using homemade and organic ingredients, was one of the best I have ever had. It was delicious, especially Little Choc’s homemade Newtella.

And what made the food taste even better? The fact that it was made from many locally sourced foods, free of chemicals, artificial flavors, and processed sugars.

The owner of the cozy apothecary comments on their website, “My goal is to make healthy, cruelty-free food delicious, and more readily available to an ever-growing community of conscious eaters, and anything-goes foodies alike.”  

Did this delicious crepe turn me into a vegan? Well, not exactly. However, I am happy to know I ate somewhere where the ingredients are local, organic, and cruelty-free. The combination of the wonderful food and cozy atmosphere made me thankful I choose NYC’s first fully vegan creperie.  

I guess you can have your crepe and eat it too!

Visit Little Choc Apothecary:

141 Havemeyer Street

Brooklyn, NY 11211