Joe's Shanghai..a Chinatown hidden gem!

After countless miles and endless blocks of walking through the streets of New York, from Central Park all the way to ChinaTown, hunger was the only voice and direction all of us wanted to follow. My cousin Glenda suggested Joe's Shanghai ( in hind sight there is a second location off of 37th street), and it was truly worth the walk.

We started off with the steam dumplings and Shu Mai. One note to keep in mind is that each order is family size and should be shared within a group of 4 people. All together we decided in pan fried crispy noodles, the spicy General's Chicken, stir fried clams. Although there were plenty of soda options, the one thing I needed most was bottled water- If I dont trust the tap water at a 5 star hotel, there is no way I would really drink tap water in China Town, and unfortunately they didn't have any bottled water. Tip: may want to bring your own bottled water, but please inform the establishment ahead of seating..

Overall, the food was delicious and worth the trip into China Town..reminder, the street is a small side street so google or GPS the location ahead of time..

IchiUmi..Life is better with SUSHI

With two locations one in Menlo Park Mall, Edison, New Jersey and the other in 6 east 32nd St. New York City, IchiUmi is a sushi lover's heaven! But Sushi is not the only delight one can have, a plethora of seafood, beef, chicken, pork, and more all prepared in multiple ways can fulfill anyone's food cravings- did I mention it's an unlimited BUFFET.

I usually begin with one or two pieces of almost all the sushi and sashimi they have prepared, I favor the salmons and the octopus sushi. I will try anything at least once and that includes sea urchin sushi and other delicacies many people would abstain from, and trust me most of the unfamiliar foods turn out to be the tastiest and surprisingly most memorable.

After a round of sushi and sashimis, I like to follow up with a few more seafood choices- FRESH of course, like mussels prepared with spicys and dressings, as well as raw clams and oysters which I always dress in plenty of lemon and ground black pepper. Then, I always indulge in all things seafood, from crabs, mussels, grilled clams, giant shrimp, crawfish, salmon, and everything else consummable that comes from the sea- and yes that includes a seaweed salad which by the way is my favorite. Don't be fooled by the pictures, IchiUmi offers more selections than just seafood, but unfortunately I couldn't fit anymore; I wanted to save room for dessert!!!

From mango sorbet to tiramisu, IchiUmi offers an endless buffet of dessert choices, but nothing beats a freshly made crepe with numerous topping choices to satisfy any one's heart.

Though a bit pricey from an everyday buffet, the upscale nature of IchiUmi and the choices one can pick from makes the price well worth every penny!



The View Restaurant: 360 degrees of AMAZING!

Dessert Buffet

Elevator to the 48th Floor

View

View

View

Mango Muay Thai

Pina Colada

Chocolate Mousse w 24k gold edible leaf

Located on the 48th floor inside the Marriott Marquis hotel in the heart of Times Square New York, The View lounge and restaurant boasts the best panoramic view of the city with the entire restaurant rotating 360 degrees in the skyline.
Riding inside a glass elevator all the way to the 48th floor it takes a second before one can get use to looking out as the lift climbs floor after floor. The ambiance of the restaurant is fairly casual and with a touch of understated elegance, but the views catapult it to AMAZING!
Food-wise its centered on a light tappas like buffet, but definitely hearty. The dessert buffet on the other hand was out of this world. From the chocolate fountain, to the rich cheesecakes and choco mousse, and the delectable cookies- all to die for!
I was surprised to find out that one doesn't really need a reservation, but be warned that the restaurant fills quickly, and its best to arrive right before the 5pm opening.