Nick's Travel & Food Blog

Shake Shack – Multiple Locations

I still have yet to this day tried the Popeyes chicken sandwich but this right here from Shake Shack is it. Their fried chicken sandwich comes topped with lettuce, pickles and buttermilk herb mayo. When you lay all of that in a toasted martin bun, you have yourself an awesome chicken sandwich. I know someone who asked for two fried chicken breast on one sandwich. Let me say, you may not want to do that unless you’re really hungry but it will be joyous. That sandwich was huge too. Anyway, this chicken sandwich is really good and the pickles make this sandwich even better. The chicken is crispy but also tender and juicy wrapped up in one. Shake Shack has other items on their menu but this is the most notable since they came up with adding it to their menu. Hop to it and hopefully by then I’ll try the Popeyes sandwich.

Broad Street Dough Co. – Oakhurst, New Jersey

I wouldn’t be telling you the truth if I didn’t say this picture looks so much better then what I actually thought about these donuts. This is #DoubleTakeTuesday so let’s begin. I guess my opinion is like that because if you know where this is in New Jersey, you know it’s far. Additionally, the day I went, I totally didn’t know it was National Donut Day and so they were giving away one free donut with a purchase and the line was out of the door into the street. Yes, all for one free donut. You got to be kidding me. Anyway, the picture of the donuts are the boardwalk (top two), Fair Haven (next to it), Jelly (bottom row to the left), followed by cinnamon sugar and mulberry street respectively. Look, the donuts look great but it kind of fell short of my expectations and being in line for at least an hour I guess didn’t help. Some of the donuts like the Boardwalk (vanilla, rainbow sprinkles and Mulberry Street (cannoli filling, powdered sugar) were good but it wasn’t overly exciting. What I also noticed that these donuts were quite small compared to a usual size for a donut. However, I thought the concept of these donuts was thoughtful and they make it right there before your eyes which is nice so they are fresh in their ingredients. They are soft and light so if you’re up to trying them, please do so.

Joe’s Stone Crab – Miami, Florida

This place is Miami is one of those places where you possibly may see a celebrity eating there too. When I went, I saw some people from Real Housewives. Don’t ask me who they were because I don’t even know but they literally sat right next to us. The picture above is their Ginger Salmon and Brussels Sprouts. First, the ginger Salmon is with ginger teriyaki glaze and caramelized shallots. The Brussels sprouts on the other hand are oven roasted with brown sugar, bacon, red onions and balsamic reduction. I have to admit, the brussels sprouts were quite good. The added flavor from the brown sugar and balsamic reduction reduced or may I say eliminated the after taste that you usually get when eating brussels sprouts. The salmon was also good as well. The other item that we had was the Lobster Mac and Cheese. The texture was good and cheesy but it wasn’t quite as what I thought it would be like unfortunately. Other items on the menu that they are known for are their stone crabs. The item is seasonal so make sure you check their website menu before going if you want to try it. Since it’s seafood and a well known place in Miami, it can get quite expensive here, so preview the menu before heading there since they have the prices. Wouldn’t want anyone to be surprised at the cost when you get the bill. The other unfortunate thing about this place is they accept no reservations and it’s always crowded especially on the weekend, I remember waiting 2 hours so do prepare in advance.

Mahony’s Po-boys & Seafood – New Orleans, Louisiana

I’m not really a fan of Po-boys because of the amount of bread but for this place I’ll make an exception. Po-boys are a standard sandwich served on submarine sandwiches which mostly contain shrimp but this place also has short rib. Anyway, the one in the picture is called the Peacemaker. In it, there is fried jumbo gulf shrimp, cheddar cheese, bacon and of course we had it dressed. The first time I heard the word dressed and undressed on a sandwich was in Nola. Pretty much dressed is with lettuce, tomatoe, mayo and pickles. This sandwich was pretty good and it was definitely huge with lots of shrimp so I can’t even imagine getting the full sandwich. We did see someone get the full sandwich and it was bigger then his head with shrimp pieces coming out everywhere because of how much they stuff it. The bread is very good as well, it has a nice crunch to it but I think they put butter on the bread to make it even better. This is the kind of bread that doesn’t get stuck in your teeth like most submarine sandwiches. The bread is also soft. I must say, they know exactly how to put together a good Po-boy sandwich. In addition to the sandwiches they have onion rings that are thin cut. Yes, thin cut onion rings. All you need is some bbq sauce, ketchup or leave it plain and it’s so good. If you’re up for it try their short rib. The short rib is cooked just right and I think you’ll enjoy it for sure. Mahony’s is a nice small place and our server had us laughing the entire time.

Chart House – Weehawken, New Jersey

I have to admit the view of the New York City skyline at Chart House can’t get any better especially if you get a booth seat. However, this is #DoubleTakeTuesday so I have to give an honest review about the food. Disclaimer: I don’t get paid for doing any of these reviews, just thought I would say that. Now, I’m going to leave that right there. The picture is their coconut crunchy shrimp appetizer. It was good but I don’t think for the price is was worth it. Some other notable items that we had on their menu was the Herb Grilled Chicken, Lemon Herb Crusted Salmon, and their highly recommended Hot Chocolate Lava Cake. I know you want pictures but the pictures didn’t come out the best because it was a while ago. Anyway, yes that cake legitimately takes 30 minutes to prepare lol. The cake was good but a little small though for two to share. The entrees were also good and the presentation was really good. However, after the night was finished, I kept questioning was the cost comprable to the food. I don’t think it was but with the view it was. Some may say you pay solely for the view, which they do have a point. If you go, it’s definitely a nice date night for two and you’ll enjoy it but it’s something, in my opinion, that you try one time for the experience. The service is great and they make sure you get the full package. It may be better to come during lunch or their infamous brunch which is also an option if you want to try the restaurant. Whenever you go, do bring your wallet on this one and some cash for vallet parking. Hope you enjoy it.

Bagelsmith – Brooklyn, New York

There is nothing like a fresh bagel especially on a Monday. This place has tons of different bagels with different spreads (like peanut butter and jelly, walnut raisin, apple cinnamon, honey, hummus, tuna salad, and bacon scallion). Some of the other notable bagels were blueberry, sourdough, egg poppy, and cinnamon raisin. I know you all are expecting an actual picture of the specific bagel that I brought from here and it’s right there in the picture except I actually ate it. It was really good. When I go again, I’ll take the actual picture though but I didn’t because it was raining when I went and no seats left indoors. Anyway, the picture is a everything wheat bagel and that’s exactly what I got. I know you’re like that is so original and I would say you’re right. However, the spread made this bagel. This is the first bagel place that I’ve been to that does raspberry spread with butter. When I tell you, it was good, it most certainly was. The bagel was toasted and soft with a nice fluff to it. It was also toasted just right and not hard which sometimes happens. The spread made this bagel even better though because it was on point. Don’t get bothered by the long line in this place as the actual place is quite small but the line goes really quick. They also are open 24 hours and no minimum for credit card purchases which is a plus. I think you’ll like this place and they also serve coffee, tea, and hot breakfast.

The Public Kitchen & Bar – Savannah, Georgia

Let’s take it back down to the south on this one. I know you see peas in that dish and if you’re like me, you don’t like them. However, these are sweet peas in shrimp and grits so I really do have to give it a pass. A pass meaning I’ll eat it with this dish but not alone though. Could you imagine someone giving you a plate of sweet peas? Lol. That would be a no for me. Anyway, shrimp and grits is one of many staple dishes in some southern tradition. This dish is quite good. I really like the broth that they make it with though. It’s a little spice but it’s really good and the flavor is on point. It’s a sherry cream and don’t ask me what’s in it because I don’t know. All I know is whoever made it was definitely thinking of how shrimp and grits should taste. The grits are a combination of cheddar bacon along with shrimp, chorizo, and tomatoes. I know it may not look like it can be good or filling but it actually is. I think you’ll enjoy it. It’s a nice date scene as well and not too many people since their space isn’t too large. If you’re in town, definitely stop here. I can’t speak for the other items on the menu but the shrimp and grits is a must.

Cafe Du Monde – New Orleans, Louisiana

I guess it’s a custom that when you go to NOLA, you have to try the beignets. You can find beignets anywhere but they say you have to try it at Cafe Du Monde. Beignets are pretty much a square looking piece of dough that is fried. Additionally, they are covered or should I say smothered with powdered sugar. Look, I can admit, the beignets were okay but it was a nice, tasty snack. I find it to be kind of doughy but what really made it come together was the powdered sugar. I know some from Louisiana may not like what I have to say next but I’m going to say it anyway. Lol. I find it to be similar to a zeppoli, just squared. Again, I think the beignets are okay but you should try them for the experience but it’s not a place where you’re like hurrying to get to because of how good it is. They do have it where you can either sit down or order it to go. I would prefer to grab it and go and then sit right on the steps towards Jackson Square as the scenery is nice. Oh, this place is also 24 hours and for three beignets it’s about $4, which is quite reasonable and they only accept cash.

Kith Treats – Multiple Locations

When you think of Kith, I know you think of their popular shoe store but let me tell you, their treats are even better. This is #DoubleTakeTuesday and this treat is called The Groot. It’s named after of course, you guessed it, Groot from the Guardians of the Galaxy. All of their special ice creams are named after someone which is cool. The Groot contains Cinnamon Toast Crunch, French Toast Crunch, Chocolate Cake Crunch, and Graham Cracker Crumbs. You know by the sound of that it’s good because it’s literally cereal mixed with ice cream. What other mixture would you want besides cookie dough, which they have. For me, it brings so many childhood memories with cereal from French Toast Crunch to Reese’s Puffs and Cookie Crisp. They have all the cereals that you can think of besides Raisin Bran lol. Nothing against Raisin Bran because that’s the best cereal. In addition to the cereal, they also have different milk selections such as almond or skim since they mix that in there as well. The mixture is sweet but it’s to be expected when you add cereal and ice cream. It’s also thick which is nice and it taste amazing. This is quite an experience and don’t be surprised when it’s busy but it’s worth the wait. The hype is very real and you won’t be let down even though initially, it can be overwhelming to decide what you want.

Jane G’s – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Friday it is. I know you’re excited. A way, this place serves some good Sichuan Chinese food. Above is the General Tso’s Chicken and Pad Thai with Chicken (lower picture). As you can see, the portions are quite big for the price and the presentation is on point. I enjoyed the taste mixed in with the different flavors of the general tso’s chicken. It wasn’t too hot as well which was great for me since I don’t enjoy spicy food. The place is also nice to have dinner because it is a quiet atmosphere when you arrive. If you’re looking for something different and want to try it, give it a try because it’s quite good.