Foodle

ANOTHER MONET

@theselvarosa

Beautiful from a distance… but once you get closer, the illusion starts to fade.

That was my experience at Selva Rosa.

There’s no denying the presentation. The food is beautiful, the restaurant is beautiful, and the ambiance sets expectations pretty high. But unfortunately, the flavors never quite caught up with the aesthetics.

The lobster flautas were generously stuffed, especially surprising at only $16. Unfortunately, the lobster had a noticeably fishy taste, which might explain that surprisingly low price point. Personally, I’d rather pay more and get a better-quality lobster. Generosity only matters when what you’re being generous with tastes good.

The steak was the standout and genuinely very good. I loved the flavor and texture of the fried leeks, but the dish felt like fat on fat with nothing acidic, fresh or bright enough to play the balancing role. A great steak that deserved better supporting actors.

Then came the salmon.

They somehow managed to kill the fish twice!!

It was so overcooked and hard that we actually sent it back. The salsa felt like something anyone could easily whip up at home, and surprisingly, the white rice was solid. Ironically, I ended up eating the white rice with the steak… and those two actually worked better together.

Selva Rosa is a great-looking restaurant with good decor, energy and ambiance, but for me, that experience simply didn’t translate onto the plate.

Sometimes a big menu gives you more options. Sometimes it spreads the kitchen too thin. I think a shorter, more focused menu here could allow them to execute fewer dishes at a much higher level.

There’s definitely potential. The steak proved that.

Don’t believe me. Go try it yourself and let me know what you think. 👇

#mexicanfood#peruvianfood#orlando#lobster#birria Less

People still talk about this Lakeview spot from its long run as Mondo (nevermind that it’s been three restaurants since).

The bar was a centerpoint back in the Mondo days.

Now it’s become the latest from @byblosrestaurants , now open, and that bar is primed to resume its role as neighborhood hang.

Byblos goes big on bourbon, and bigger on happy hours, with a daily deal and certain all-day drink specials that change through the week (wine Wednesdays, classic cocktail Thursdays, etc.)

Here’s a look around the new place, with hot pita from a new dome oven

The drunken halloumi is like a Caprese salad with a crispy edge

And it’s not on the menu but ask for the toum, the white garlic sauce, great with any of the kabobs or shawarma.

Link in my bio has the full read

#wherenolaeats #igersneworleans #nolaeats #nolafoodie #lakeviewnola Less

Houston Restaurant Weeks at @doughzoneusa now through Sept 7
$25 lunch (3 courses + drink)
$39 dinner (5 courses + drink)
Went for lunch, and it was delicious. Loved the options we were given. It’s a lot of food for lunch, so come hungry and get your dumpling and noodle fix, all while helping to support the @houstonfoodbank
📍: @doughzoneusa participating Houston locations: Midtown, Sugar Land, Westchase (Uptown not participating)

#houstonrestaurants #houstonrestaurantweeks #houstonfood #houstoneats #houston Less

@sampingsbbq is a welcome addition to the Financial District. If you’ve been craving Hong Kong-style roasted meats but don’t feel like waiting in a long line, check out Sam Ping.

This new neighborhood spot is serving up roast duck, char siu, crispy pork, rice plates, and dumplings that are perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. It’s always great to see restaurants like this open, especially in a part of the city that could use more casual dining options.

If you work nearby or find yourself in FiDi, consider stopping in and showing them some love. Opening a restaurant is never easy, and I’d love to see this place become part of the neighborhood.

Swipe through for a look at what I tried.

#chinesebbq #cantonesefood #roastedmeats #fidi #sampings

Triple meat combo over rice (roast duck, char siu, crispy pork)

Char siu over rice

BBQ chicken wings

Potstickers

BBQ pork ribs

HK style milk tea Less

A little Shore weekend with a very good excuse to start in Margate 🌊

Kicked things off with @ocfrealty and @phillystylemag for a first look inside 8807 Fulton Avenue, a stunning new bayfront home in Margate. 7,000+ square feet, sweeping water views, and the kind of sunset that makes your jaw drop 🤩

It was also extra special celebrating with Philly Style after being featured in the magazine’s newest issue. Definitely a full-circle moment getting to flip through the issue while spending the evening with their team.

From there, the weekend slowed down in the best way: staying with friends in Ventnor, eating very well thanks to @virginiasbakes, getting some beach time in, and making our way to Atlantic City for a stop at @oceancasino.

Luxury real estate, home-cooked meals, beach days, AC nights. A pretty perfect summer weekend down the Jersey Shore.

#MargateNJ #JerseyShore #AtlanticCityNJ Less

TRYING THE NEW CHOPPED BRISKET TORTA IN DENVER 🥪

📍 @riot.bbq has quickly become one of the most popular spots for barbecue in the city but this new torta might make them known for sandwiches too 👏

@riot.bbq blends barbecue with mexican cuisine and the result is a torta with melt in your mouth brisket, chimichurri made with cilantro and tallow, soft bolillo bread from @xiquitarestaurante and some other surprises too 😉

Have you tried @riot.bbq yet?

📍 @riot.bbq
2180 S Delaware St
Denver, CO 80223

#denver #denvercolorado Less

Two of our faves, go to @somedaysbakery this Friday at 1pm to get one of their excellent croissants stuffed with a @fillings.nyc ice cream bar. It’s satisfying breaking the ice cream bar in there, but don’t fight over it with your sister.
#[instagram]👶🏽🥐 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽
#foodbabylovessomedaysbakery #foodbabylovesfillings #somedaysbakery #fillingsnyc Less