Tortaria on University

Despite not having many vegetarian-friendly menu options (I eat meat, but not at every meal), I thought Tortaria had potential. And I still think that.  But I went in hoping to have a new favorite lunch spot (though I can't afford to eat there every day), and that's not quite how I feel about it.  After finishing my lunch I'm underwhelmed, yet hoping to try again and, perhaps, like it more.

The Mexican grilled cheese sandwich I was served had good flavors.  It simply, and seriously, needed to be grilled longer.  The bread (why challah, by the way?) was too soft and the whole thing fell apart.  But the chicken chicharrones added for crunch tasted great in there.  My good-sized side order of platanos (sweet plantains) weren't hot enough, and I wasn't a fan of the "piloncillo cascabel and tequila pepper sauce" served alongside, but I thought the tomatillo sauce available near the front counter was pretty good on them.  My horchata was fine, but perhaps watered down?  It seemed thinner than some I've enjoyed at other restaurants.  I was also mildly alarmed when the person serving drinks behind the counter (not the bartender at the bar) didn't know what horchata was.  I guess they call it "agua fresca" there.

I'll return, but cautiously.

Tortaria
94 University Pl
(between 12th St & 11th St)
Manhattan, NY 10003

The Green Dragon: Even More Edibles

Pickles. So many pickles.  I bought pickled garlic, and was disappointed to find the brine was sweet.




Peanut brittle.  This stuff was special. 




Peanut-butter filled pretzels.  Subtle in a swell way.



[What is The Green Dragon?] 

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I got tricked.

These are gross. Take my word for it. I'm happy to take questions from the gallery, if you have anything to ask, but otherwise I'll leave it at that.

Disappointment, thy name is Spicy Chipotle Sun Chips.

Did that blog title seem harsh? It's just that I was really looking forward to this new flavor, having read about its existence on some blog or other. When I spotted it at Subway last week, I knew I had to try it.

My verdict? Not spicy enough. Also, not zippy or exciting. Where's the zazz?! ("Zing! Zork! Kapowza! Call it what you want, in any language it spells mazuma in the bank!")

Don't worry, Garden Salsa Sun Chips, my love for thee remains true.

I went to your legally-mandated disaster training and all I got was this Deputy Fire Warden armband.

Look. Here's what I think. If there's a law that says we have to be there, you should be required to serve us snacks.

Where were the snacks?

Accidental Video of a Disappointing Pickle

Oops. Thought I was taking a still photo at local BBQ joint, Fette Sau.

WHY do they insist on serving these bland garlic pickles? Even the baby dipped hers in BBQ sauce to try to make it more appealing. And WHY won't they serve BBQ chicken and/or better sides (though, to be honest, the potato salad was better than usual this time)? I remain an unhappy camper at the Sau.

Except for those rolls.

Clif's Edge

Today's mini Chocolate Brownie Clif Bar was brought to me by Transportation Alternatives. These were given out to bicyclists on a recent Bike to Work Day.

The flavor and scent are sweetly plastic and the texture is dense, moist, and grainy, like partially chewed brownie stuffed with uncooked rolled oats. Throughout the lengthy chewing of this tiny brick of "nutrition for sustained energy," my tongue burns slightly and my jaw grows weary. Still, I like Clif Bars so much better than other energy bars I've tried.

There are other Clif Bar flavors I prefer, but I actually would eat this again if there were only worse options and I had to choose something (is that faint praise, or what?). It's reasonably filling and compact without much of that artificial, "diet" sugar substitute taste.

To make a general comment that is not meant to be brand-specific, I have been repeatedly reminded that while chocolate covers up a wealth of sins, it usually doesn't hide all of an energy bar's warts.




By the way, I broke this warty baby out of Snack Jail, where Dan had left it on the 14th. I should have earned my own that day, but I don't like biking in NYC. Drivers are really aggressive around here and I don't own a helmet (yet; I'm working on it). I barely ride in my neighborhood, and I definitely don't bike to work. All that said, I support the initiative, respect bicycle commuters, and thank TA for the freebie.

Voting

Going to Ryan and Melanie's House - I vote yes!

Friendly Cats - I vote yes!

Internet Connection - Yes!

Barley Tea - Yes! Yes! Yes!



Breyers Fried Ice Cream Overload - NO!
On this item, I also vote "Tostada pieces not crunchy enough" and "Too sweet."

p.s. Watching Klute - Yes! Jane Fonda's hair in Klute - No! Watching Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom - Yes but only for 20 minutes, then No! on account of accumulation of goofy acting, sexy-after-school-special-style writing, and pencil-thin mustaches.