Vivo Groupon

This Groupon sounded like a regular old Groupon.... But boy oh BOY did we get an amazing surprise.

As you can see I could Barely get the full photo of this without missing a few pieces of bread!! That dip was beyond belief... Sun dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and a whole bunch of herbs and spices according to the waiter.... I will try to recreate this soon as well!!!

Peach Sangria... We had two of these and after the night was over, we had to walk around the bloc to ensure we were sober enough to get home LOL

Vieiras

Seared scallops, cinnamon, aioli, paprika oil, potato comfit, romesco

This right here was really good.. I can make this at home, What shocked me was when My hubby ate all the onions... Hats off the the chef!

Salmon con Spinacas

Seared salmon with sautéed spinach, bechamel & white truffle oil

This Salmon was to die for... If this place wasn't so far, I'd go back for this and a glass of wine... the portion was good for sharing, but even better if you wanted it for yourself.... I would love to recreate this dish at home soon!

Paella Valenciana

Lobster tail, shrimp, clams, mussels, chicken, chorizo, sofrito, saffron rice

This is the Paella for two... We got the seafood one of course and I must say, In all my life eating Paella and not really enjoying it, this was by far the BEST paella I ever had.... The flavors and portions of everything was just phenomenal. . The rice was not too soggy, the sauce and seafood were cooked to perfection, not over cooked... I mean OMG was this great...

Crema CatalanaHomemade custard topped with crystallized sugar

Desert was beyond amazing!!! My hubby usually does not like creme brule but the waiter insisted that we try it and oh my was it worth out wild!!

I wish We could take the chef home with us!!

I would definetly recommend this place!! I am actually going to buy another Groupon TODAY!!!

http://www.ivivodoyou.com/restaurant/menu/

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Chart House dinner

 Peach-Bourbon Glazed Scallops & Shrimp 37

skillet fried corn with bacon, asparagus, red grape tomatoes, roasted red peppers

instead of what it comes with, He substituted it for Mango Sticky Rice

This was my Hubby's Dinner, it was delicious but  small in size... He was finished with his dish before I could take 3 bites of mine!!!

Kim Chee Calamari 14.5 

lightly fried with crisp vegetables

This was cool... I expected it to be a bit more spicy....

Chilean Sea Bass 39

Cabell 9 

lobster, lump crab, lemon shallot butter

My dinner was amazeballs!!! Of course I shared with hubby, but man oh man... I did the blackened Sea Bass with the cabell topping!!

http://www.chart-house.com/locations/weehawken/

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Malecon Lunch!

ARROZ AMARILLO

Yellow Rice

There were veggies in this rice and I loved it.... Anything with flavor makes me a happy camper!

LAMBI GUISADO 

Conch Meat Stew

What an amazing Dish... I've been used to eating this the Haitian way.. but boy oh boy did this Dominican version change my life!!!

I looked up the recipe and will revisit this place again to enjoy this amazing dish!!!

http://maleconrestaurants.com/menu/

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Havana in long island

Salmon Tropical – 27

Baked Salmon, Roasted Garlic, Lemon Sauce, Topped with Peppers & Onions, Balsamic Vinaigrette

This dish was hands down unbelievable!!! 

The salmon had so much flavor, the veggie noodles were well seasoned and the drinks (not shown) were to die for!!! I need to go back again

http://www.cafehavanali.com/menus/

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Houlihan solo

When you don't expect anything from a chain restaurant and they prove you wrong with this dish

Boy was I happy with myself when I stumbled across this place before going shopping for loved one... I had to take a picture of this beauty before the plate disappeared.... 

Seared Georges Bank Scallops*.......................$21.99

Half pound of over sized sea scallops served

over lemon-asparagus risotto with baby-greens and basil-infused olive oil

http://www.houlihans.com/eats-and-drinks/menu/dinner/paramus

do yourself a favor and stop byt this establishment!!!

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Harlem tavern

Jalepeno Mac n cheese was the bomb. com.... It looks small but it's plenty big.. the picture does not justify the awesomeness this dish has... I need to replicate this dish at home 

The calamari was okay... I could have done without it....

My friend had the mushroom Mac n cheese and she too loved it... 

I would go back for the drinks as well as try other dishes (and get my mac n cheese to go so I can indulge like the skinny fat girl that I am) LOL

http://harlemtavern.com/menus/

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Eats on Lex (bday dinner # ??)

After Sharing 24 oysters with my friend, We decided we needed MOE food

So we got: 

EATS Mac & Cheese  15

Four Cheese Blend · Chopped Shrimp · Breadcrumb Crust

This Mac n Cheese is AMAZING I went home wanting more and wishing I had a chance to order on to go!!! The bits of shrimp were really good and the sauce/ cheese oMg ugh I want more now 

Ahi Tuna and Shrimp Ceviche  14​

Citrus Marinade · Fresh Tomato Salsa · House Fried Chips

I'm not a tuna fan... So I don't really have much to say about this besides the flavors were there and the chips were hand made!

Drink Pictures that didn't make to the blog post but were really good!:

Take Me Home Martini

Mango Nectar, Fresh Lime, Citron Vodka, Tequila​

Fresh Cucumber Martini

Fresh Cucumber Puree, Lemon Juice, Citron Vodka

I would recommend going here.. it's nice and small and very friendly

http://www.eatsonlex.com/#!dinner-menu/c1h6k

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Vesta pizza

This was one of the Best lunches I ever had in Jersey!!!

I started off with a flight of their local beers. What I could remember, I had a local Pumpkin, a Pilsner, Don't remember or care for the Stout and the Chimay

Of the 4 I loved the pumpkin and the Chimay 

Obviously I liked the Pumpkin a bit more!!!

 

Now for the food!!!

Here we have the Thursday special, and the main reason I walked into the place!! ( I held off eating lunch in the office to just get down here for this) I was not disappointed!! 

Ciabatta of the Day $13

Thursday

Blackened Flounder- blackened flounder, arugula, cherry tomato, chipotle mayo

The Description alone should explain how awesome this was!!! The bread was fresh, the fish was seasoned well and the Fried OMG the fries were soo freaking awesome... I had to save half and share with My hubby, and also So I could savor another bite later LOL

They are known for their Pizza... So I got the Margarita 

It was good... but I think the sandwich blew it out of the water... It was goo though... just not better than the sandwich LOL

http://www.vestapizzeria.com/lunch/

I would def recommend going here for a lunch or happy our! very good food and people

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Market Cafe

These Truffle fries were really good!!

Went here with a few people whom never tried the stuff and they all bough their own order of this crack!!

I told them that it would be good and they didn't believe me! 

These Crabcake sliders were beyond belief

OMG 

I shared this order but best believe I ordered another one to go!

I also will admit this little tidbit... If you park in the garage next door, they will give you a voucher for it! how cool is that!!

I would def go back here, the vibe was good, the Drinks were cool and everything else was awesome!

http://www.marketcafenyc.com/

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The Oceanaire

Dinner with my future step mother in-law , Oh how nice

Instead of doing happy hour, we opted to sit at a table and have a nice bottle of wine.

This bottle was really nice, glad It caught a flick because I will be hunting this down and purchasing it very soon!!

ALASKA COHO SALMON 34

with the DYNAMITE 7 Enhancement

This was my meal.... hold up now hold up... I know there are no flicks of appetizers and such, but believe you me, we could not fit any more food before these decadent entrees.

This salmon, is by far one of  THE BEST salmon dishes I ever had in a restaurant hands down. 

I am doing back flips right now anticipating the next time I'm going to have the chance to go here once again!

Fist off you get to choose your style of cooking

Then you can add up upgrades and I was advised that the best one was the Dynamite because it;s a succulent sauce with crab meat on top.

YES it was by far the BEST choice ever... Sorry for the dark pics. I will go again and retake in another post :)

STUFFED AUSTRALIAN BARRAMUNDI FLORENTINE 32 Spinach, Crabmeat & Shrimp Stuffing Tomato-Chive Butte

My Fiance had this dish, I tried a sample and all I could say was Veggie heaven. Even though it was a full Fish dish, Every bite had veggies on the fork. 

CANADA SWORDFISH 32

This was Future Mother In-Law's dish,  I never had Sward fish, and at first I wanted to ask where the rest of her dish was. 

They treat the fish like a piece of Steak which is cool. I had the honor of tasting a piece and Understood why I was alone on the plate. It was cooked tot he perfect temperature and wow, I might have a reason now to try and cook it at home soon too!

With a meal like that... We had to get desert! and what better than Bread pudding!

Again so sorry for the dark pictures... Next visit will be better. 

All I can say was that that too was an AMAzing bread pudding I ever had..... had chocolate chuncks in there

I say take your butt here for happy hour and test the waters before you go on and have dinner! either way I will Def go back again!

http://www.theoceanaire.com/pdf/menus/Hackensack/Hackensack_Dinner_Menu.pdf

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Taj Tandoor

 Sea Food Presentation 14 Tilapia, salmon, & jumbo shrimp

This dish is enough for two people or one hungry person. It was so good!!!

All of the Curries were beyond delicious

I had shared this with my love and we both concluded that we would def order this again when we went back!

http://www.taj-tandoorrestaurant.com/

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Happy Hour with Shameka!

Tatar Totes with a cheesy sauce YUMM

Interesting bread and olive mix...

Crazy mac n cheese ( it has panchetta) But I ordered mine with out and it was to die for!!!

Amazing Muscles

Cheese Fries

Really Nice Cheese Sauce with a hint of what I believe to be paprika 

http://www.yelp.com/menu/winebar-new-york/dinner-menu

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Barrique Kitchen and Wine Bar

Nice Sunday Brunch !

Happy Hour Sangrias

These were nice and refreshing to drink and pared well with anything as per the waiter we had suggested

Shrimp Oreganato

The pizza I think we both fought one another for the last two slices

It was flavorful, delicious and so welcoming

I will most lightly try and recreate this at home one day 

Lobster Sliders

These were cool but It had more filler than Lobster and could have been better 

I would highly recommend this place to any one who is in the area!

http://www.barriquekitchenandwinebar.com/

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Don Coqui ( Bday Dinner)

This was a cool experience 

What I liked the most is that they print a birthday menu for your table 

Each meal is all one price and you share a big platter of appetizers

Seafood Over Linguini 

Chicken Parm

Stuffed Snapper

This was my dish!

It was heaven in your mouth... Snapper is by far my favorite fish in the world 

Warm Bread 

Stuffed Calamari

These were excellent, I might try and make these at home one day :) 

http://www.doncoqui.tv/

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Blue Fin

What a great Brunch Date with my Fiance. Couldn't have asked for a better day!

• BELGIAN WAFFLE$14.00meyer lemon ricotta, candied orange

Nice and Light and fluffy Pancakes! OMG this was delicious... The candied oranges weren't too sweet and left a nice tangy taste to the maple syrup. I loved this dish a lot 

I am making waffles this weekend I need to make this on my own and enjoy!!

Complimentary Belini!

The Belini was delicious, it was a peach one, but the juices tasted like grapefruit... I was not complaining, it was free and it kept coming! 

• CALIFORNICATION$13.00crab, shrimp, cucumber, avocado, mango sauce

Normally I would not write about a California roll, but these had REAL crab chunks in there. I mean Holy molly Really Crab in a California roll! I was in heaven... and we should have gotten another order! 

More Drink Pics 

• MAINE LOBSTER & SHRIMP ROLL$26.00herb mayonnaise, crispy bacon, celery, waffle fries

Without the Bacon

This was a great Lobster roll. Extremely Big and I was really happy with the seasoning. Enough to share or big enough if your really hungry! 

This picture doesn't justify the size of the roll!

I would Highly suggest going here and enjoying the heart of Times Square!

http://www.bluefinnyc.com/menus-and-food/635206/brunch

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Pampano (Coupon)

Romance is in the air! Did somebody say Coupon and a great deal at that?? Well Here is one of the best Groupon Dates I've been on and most affordable one at that. 

What you get for 

• $59 for a three-course, upscale prix fixe Mexican dinner for two ($110 value)
• Includes Two apps, Two Entree's and Two Deserts
• Drinks not included....

SANGRIAS

MANGO PEACH 

vino blanco / peach schnapps / mango / peach

So this wasn't included, but we didn't care and ordered a pitcher. It wasn't strong but it was really tasty. I will try and make this at home for a party or something. So summery or Spring like.

 Small Pitcher 30

ENSALADA MIXTA 

mixed greens / jicama / avocado / mango / serrano pepper vinaigrette 13

This was one of the appetizers/ salads. I wonder what the real size is because of the price on the regular menu versus the groupon deal. Any who.... It was a tangy and appetizing salad. The jicama and the avocado was a really nice combo in this salad. I would def try this once again.

CAMARON 

shrimp / habanero sauce / cilantro / red onion 15

This is the second best Ceviche I've had being that it's my second time only having it. Really well flavored, I tasted like a passion fruit background with that awesome lime kick at the end. Very light and fresh flavors. I really enjoyed the big pieces, but not overly big. You could enjoy every ingredient in one bite. Very romantic!

ROBALO PLACIDO 

pan seared black sea bass / roasted tomato-chipotle enchilada / black bean tru e purée / plantain chutney 30

My entree was delicious. Very artsy and different. I never had something like this before. The Sea bass was nicly seasoned, and the veggies were all cooked well. What blew my mind was the drizzle of truffle oil and the enchilada woah! Amazing dish all together.

MARISCADA 

bay scallops / calamari / shrimp / octopus / cilantro rice / achiote coconut sauce / grilled pineapple 30

My boo's dish was equally as amazing. The RICE was out of this world. We need to try and recreate this at home at some point. All the seafood was cooked to perfection, and then the sauce, Omg I had to stop picking at his plate in order to finish mine, and when I was done with mine I wanted to eat more of his!

Helados 

y Nieves assorted gelato & sorbets

Caramel Gelato and Coconut Gelato

His desert was cool... Not much to elaborate on but that one was coconut and the other was caramel. 

CHOCOFLAN

dark chocolate / caramel flan / candied pecans / 10

This Flan was decadent to say the least. I had a really good time eating this. Very different, Only thing I wanted though was it to taste a little more that dulce de leche... but beggers can't be choosers. 

I feel as though another groupon here will do, regular price would be pushing it. From the looks of it, it's a date night place or an office happy hour spot. Either way, there needs to be an incentive like a cheaper meal to go back, with out that I wouldn't really press it. 

http://www.richardsandoval.com/pampano/

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