Nick's Travel & Food Blog

SOUVLAQUERIA – Union, NJ

This is my all time favorite local place to go to because it’s consistent and I know I’m always going to receive a good meal everytime. The unfortunate thing is that they don’t do Uber Eats or Door Dash so you must order from their app (for delivery) or pick up/eat in. Either way, just know that it will be good. Pictured above is the bowl with street rice, chickpeas, tomatoes, peppers, caramelized onions and chicken. When I tell you that this dish is on point, just know that it is. Their ingredients are fresh and you can tell they made it with love. The rice is made with a good amount of herbs and spices and the combination of everything else just come together really well. It’s not just the food that is great but the presentation. They have so many other great items on the menu which they constantly add to. So if you’re looking for a place that is healthy, I highly suggest to give them a try. The owner is great to mention, so if there is any issue, let him know and he’ll do what needs to be done to make it right.

Deli Board – San Francisco, California

Now I can say I don’t eat many cold cut sandwiches but this sandwich right here named Porky is well deserving. If you’re looking at the picture, you can see how much meat is put into this sandwich. The only other place that I can say comes close to putting this much meat into a sandwich is Our Hero’s in Jersey City and it’s less than half the cost. The Porky sandwich consists of Black Forest ham, bacon, American cheese, pickles, board sauce (don’t ask me what it is but it’s slamming), and mayo, all on a garlic french roll. I know it’s a lot of items for one sandwich but it’s needed for this sandwich to taste really good. I tried eating this sandwich with my hands and it started to get a little messy so I had broken it down into manageable pieces and it worked out better. The ham was cooked to perfection and the bacon on top added the nice subtle crunch. If you’re wondering about how salty it was, I can say it wasn’t as salty as you think. It did have salt but for some reason I didn’t find it to be overpowering or overwhelming to the point of me not eating it, so it was just right. Credit goes to the chef making this for sure. I would suggest to definitely order the waffle fries with mick sauce and do ask for more mick sauce because it was really good with the fries. Also the sandwich is pricey so if you can share with someone that would be ideal as I found it filling for one person to eat half the sandwich with fries. Enjoy it and don’t be fooled by where it’s located as for me it did seem further from other local restaurants.

Ellenos- Seattle, Washington

When you come to Pike Place, there are so many things to taste, smell, and see. However, there’s one place that you must stop by and it’s Ellenos. I can assure you that you haven’t tried yogurt in the way they make it and you will not see it anywhere else. Yes, the prices can be high but it’s worth it. The picture above is the Apple Pie Crisp. Just look at it. Tell me this isn’t something you would want to try. You see a little bit of cinnamon swirls surrounded by some pieces of apples mixed with almost graham cracker bits. I will say when you taste it, it is very delightful and it almost surprises you. Like wow that was really good. The best part about this place is that you can ask for a sample or a recommendation so that you can try the flavor that fits you. The Apple Pie Crisp tasted like a home style apple pie but with graham cracker crust mixed with yogurt. The yogurt isn’t your typical yogurt as it has a rich flavor but it’s not plain as the flavors mix in very well with it. This can be almost like a dessert and trust me, don’t leave without stopping by, you can’t miss it.

Le Chick – Miami, Florida

I think I can almost, but maybe not, say that I’ve tried numerous places in Miami and I’m more so not impressed with food places there except a few. Le Chick I can say is okay but I do think they have some interesting combinations of food. If the food isn’t something that you like, I can say that the area is nice and perfect for a night out or date. So let’s get to the food. Above is the fried chicken with fries. The fried chicken has been fried and served with maple syrup and house made ranch – interesting combo right. The fried chicken was done on point, but it was definitely missing something, maybe a few pickle slices to add some tanginess. The item that I wasn’t able to add is the street corn which was pretty much a corn on the cob but the presentation was done really well and the taste as well. I do like the restaurant as the decor was done really well and if you’re able to sit outside you can see the good vibes. I think if you’re in the area, it’s a try for sure.

Top Pot Doughnuts – Seattle, WA

If you haven’t guessed it by now, I really like donuts and I may have to stop eating them because they are not healthy. Anyway, this place is really nice from the outside and I like the seating at the top that overlooks the glass windows. The donuts are really good but the one I really liked is the raspberry bulls-eye which is pictured. The glaze was delightful and the donut was soft and the raspberry filling made the donut complete. It’s was interesting to see them put the filling on the outside instead but I think it’s okay because at least you can see what you are getting. When I do say the donut was moist, it most certainly was and I really enjoyed it. This place definitely knows what they are doing when it comes to donuts. They do have others so feel free to ask what others they recommend.

Square Pie Guys – San Francisco, California

For this Detroit Style Pizza to be in San Fran, I must say I would go back to. I haven’t even been to Detroit but it’s on the list to go to soon though. Anyway, this pizza is called the 6×8. Interesting name for it but it really just signifies how many pepperonis are on the pizza (48). There’s really nothing special to the pizza but I do like the thick cut pepperoni and there’s plenty of cheese and red sauce that comes together to make it look and taste good. I will say that the pizza is quite expensive compared to NY but if you’re in the area and not sure what to eat, this will definitely help.

The Yard – Newark, NJ

One of the places that I miss because I’m unable to go often is the Yard in Military Park. Hopefully this place is able to stay but I think it will because their sister store is doing well. Pictured above is the fried breast and their famous sweet tots. The tots are really good since they are sweet potato and they have a pillowy inside. Once you have one, you’ll have to have another which turns into one too many. The sauce that they serve with this is really good too, so don’t forget to add it. The fried breast is served on a potato bun (I do wish it was martins though) lettuce, sweet pickles, and their walla sauce which I think everyone should like. It’s kind of sweet like bbq sauce but it has a little tang to it as well. Im not sure if they are doing inside dining but when they do it will be great because they have plenty of space inside for tables and chairs.

The 5 Point Cafe – Seattle, WA

Happy New Year. I know. I know what you’re thinking, not another diner but I have to say that I was fooled as well. After I was here now I can see why they have over 4K reviews on Google Maps. Yes I do mean 4k and that is not a typo. Now look when you go, do not be fooled by the outside because it was deceive you. If you’re looking at it and asking if I went to the write place, yes I can assure you that I did. Anyway, above is the Philly Cheesesteak with Tots. I can admit it’s not as good as Geno’s in Philly but it’s worth a double take like ok that’s good. Of course in their version they add mushrooms and jalapeños (not as hot as you think) and added with the cheese I can say it’s quite good. I do wish they added a sauce and it would throw it over the top but it was still good. The bread was fresh and I’m so glad they cooked it to order because you could tell. The service was also on point as well. Look if you’re in the area, this is a must try. They have tons of other options as well on their menu.

The Doughnut Project – New York, NY

This right here is really the kind of donut that I like. It has the chewiness, freshness and it’s not overly sugary. So far, this place is on my favorite list of places that serves pretty good donuts. The picture above is their Lemon Love Letter donut which is good. You can taste the lemon glaze but it’s not too overpowering with a hint of sea salt. I like it a lot. They do have other donuts but this was the one that I wanted to try. I do hear that their maple cruller is good though so if you’re able to try it then go for it. The place is quite small without really no indoor seating spot so if you see a line it’s because of that. Enjoy.

Seattle Biscuit Company – Seattle, WA

First time in Seattle and I was so looking forward to this trip. Sorry it took so long Seattle but I kind of miss it already. Okay, to the food. Look, I had this and I can’t even remember what this is because I can’t find it anywhere. But hey if you show them this picture I’m sure they will figure it out for you. I must say, to describe it, it’s a fried chicken with a biscuit and gravy. The gravy is with little bits of sausages. Look I’m not a gravy fan but this was amazing. This gravy was on point okay. It’s their special kind of in house gravy but the it’s the best combination for the fried chicken. The fried chicken was fried to perfection and it was seasoned just right even without the gravy. I don’t like chicken that you have to add so much to to make it taste good. That shouldn’t be chicken, let alone fried chicken. I like the spices and it had a good amount of heat but not too hot. I would say this in my top five of chicken that I’ve tasted outside of places in New York. Now the biscuit. The biscuit was huge and I forgot to add that there was plenty of pieces of chicken as well. I don’t think the picture does this enough Justice. This could easily be shared between two people as it was quite filling. The biscuit isn’t your normal biscuit. This might be exaggerating but I really think the biscuit was as big as my hand. That’s how thick and big it was. I would’ve liked the outside of the biscuit to be softer but I think it was still okay. I think if you’re in Seattle you have to go even though it may be out of the way to visit. Oh a few particulars. The place doesn’t have much seating since it’s small and they only serve half and half if you’re getting coffee which I wouldn’t suggest. If you are getting coffee, there is a place next to it which serves coffee. Lastly, it can take a bit to get the chicken since I believe they fix it once you get it which is good so that it can hot…Enjoy the holiday. Hope you spend it with those that you hold dear to your heart. Talk soon.