NAME: Tacos EL Gordo
LOCATION: 3265 Palm Avenue

If you were to have a dream about tacos, it would probably be similar to Tacos El Gordo (The Fat Tacos). They don’t get their name for nothing, they give you your money’s worth of delicious meats and sides and at a variety that will keep you coming back to try new tacos.

NAME: TJ Oyster Bar
LOCATION: 4246 Bonita Rd

As soon as you walk into TJ Oyster Bar, you know you made a good choice. Literally, everything they make, from their small appetizers to their unbelievable tostadas will leave you satisfied. Their fresh shrimp and oysters are our personal favorites.

NAME: Las Cuatro Milpas
LOCATION: 1857 Logan Avenue

If you’re into authentic Mexican cuisine, Las Cuatro Milpas is a MUST. While they may not be quite as flashy as their competitors, they make up for it with their dishes. Everything we’ve had has been off the charts, but if we had to choose one thing it would be the chorizo con huevos. No matter what time you get there, it’s an appropriate meal – you won’t be disappointed. Though be aware, they close at 3 pm, so make it a priority!

NAME: Galaxy Taco
LOCATION: 2259 Avenida De La Playa La Jolla

In addition to their wonderfully gourmet Mexican cuisine, the ambiance of Galaxy Taco makes it that much more fun. It gives you a feel of an energetic atmosphere, but with the calming effect of a “chill out” afternoon.

NAME: Aqui Es Texcoco
LOCATION: 520 Broadway 5&6 Chula Vista

All of the locals know of Aqui Es Texcoco and for good reason! Featured in cooking shows, magazines, and blogs, it’s difficult for the buzz not to get out. We appreciate the spin they take on Mexican barbecue, incorporating lamb in a good portion of their dishes, all of which are delightful.

NAME: Oscars Mexican Seafood
LOCATION: 703 Turquoise Street

In our opinion, it doesn’t get a whole lot more San Diego than Oscars. Their fresh tacos, burritos and tortas are the perfect affordable outdoor lunch and how convenient – they deliver on the beach! The fish is caught locally and everything off the grill is wonderful – definitely get the beach delivery!

NAME: Ponce’s
LOCATION: 4050 Adams Ave

A relatively new spot, Ponce’s offers a cool balance between authentic Mexican with modern San Diego. Their menu seems like it never ends, they have so many combinations, especially with their specialty burritos. We’re in LOVE with their Baja shrimp burrito.

NAME: Lucha Libre Taco Shop
LOCATION: 1810 W.Washington Street

This lucha libre-inspired spot has as much personality as it has flavor. We’re big on their “full nelson enchiladas” and “knockout fries”. While this is more of a “takeout” place, we suggest paying it a visit, especially if you’re on your way to the beach.

NAME: La Puerta
LOCATION: 560 4th Avenue

Some of the places on this list are best for lunch or on the way to the beach, La Puerta is better for dinner at night. Their entrees are more on the gourmet side and their happy hour deals are solid.

NAME: Casa Guadalajara
LOCATION: 4105 Taylor Street

We can always appreciate a colorful, energetic plat like Case Guadalajara. If you want a plate, this might be the best and most authentic on the list. The spices and seasonings are unique and the flavors are very present.

The post 10 Mexican Restaurants to Visit in San Diego appeared first on Newton Search.

NAME: The Halal Guys
LOCATION: West 53rd St & 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019

So a known fact about us… we’re big halal people and the halal guys is considered to be something of a pioneer for the craft, at least in the New York City area. The cash-only food truck provides consistently delicious lamb/chicken combos and gyros (at amazing portions) to people every day. If you’re a fan of halal, you simply cannot pass up the opportunity (we don’t when we’re in the area).

NAME: Katz’ Deli
LOCATION: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Probably the most famous place on our list, Katz’ went mainstream after “When Harry Met Sally”, but this wasn’t by chance. Arguably the best place in THE WORLD to get a pastrami sandwich, Katz’ has sold millions of meals over the years. It’s like $20 but will be more than one meal for most. If you love HUGE sandwiches filled with juicy meat, this is your place (just prepare yourself for very, very long lines). We assure you, it’s worth it!

NAME: Bognan
LOCATION: 590 E 169th St Bronx, NY 10456

Togolese food might not be the most “mainstream” cuisine in the big city, but it’s such a wonderful way to mix it up, especially from Bognan. They have great platters that range from rice to curry-like bowls with eggs and we’re such big fans because you get your money’s worth, plus it’s very nutritious.

NAME: El Rancho Burritos
LOCATION: 359 W 45th St New York, NY 10001

I call El Rancho the Halal Guys of Mexican food. You get excellent portion sizes and the veggies always taste so fresh and go so well with their juicy meats (I always get chorizo and steak). We’re into El Rancho because of how rich their food is without giving you that “bloated” feeling that makes you regret what you ate… which we feel is far too common at Mexican places.

NAME: Bravo African Restaurant
LOCATION: 1473 Westchester Ave Bronx, NY 10472

Lesser-known fact in New York – African food is awesome, especially with a group of friends. The shareable foods are great, usually with a base of lamb curry with pita that you can dip with a variety of meats, spices, and veggies.

NAME: Cevabdzinica Sarajevo
LOCATION: 37-18 34th Ave Long Island City, NY 11101

If you’re in the mood for delicious sausages, we found the place for you (or anyone else). The restaurant was founded during the Bosnian War, adding to its interesting history. It’s known mostly for its red pepper paste and juicy meats that make for a sweet and savory combination.

NAME: Ciao Bella Napoli
LOCATION: 257 7th Ave New York, NY 10001

You can find carb heaven at Ciao Bella Napoli. Everything they prepare is delicious (our favorite being their penne ala vodka), but as we’ve said, you can’t really go wrong with anything. You can generous portion sizes (usually leftovers). Another note… their meatballs don’t have that weird aftertaste that many other places’ have, so that’s another really solid choice here.

NAME: Famous Fish Market
LOCATION: 684 St Nicholas Ave New York, NY 10030

We have two words, ladies and gentlemen – fish sandwiches! It’s the freshest fish in the city and as consistent as they come, in terms of quality. The variety of concoctions they make sure you’ll never get tired of anything. They’re also open until midnight, so this place is just a gem.

NAME: Butcher Block
LOCATION: 43-46 41st St Sunnyside, NY 11104

Oh the meats at this place! If you’re a fan of corned beef, this is the spot for you. Though to be honest, all of their sandwiches are amazing and they’re only like $7. The old fashion ambiance really does it for us too!

NAME: Bombay’s
LOCATION: 2455, 60 Pearl St New York, NY 10004

Right in New Amsterdam, you can enjoy some unique Dutch food that really gives you a taste for more. The food is really interesting with crazy combinations (all perfectly spiced) that will straight up make your mouth water.

NAME: Knish Nosh Knishes & Franks
LOCATION: 98-104 Queens Blvd Rego Park, NY 11374

Everybody loves a nice treat! This is a great Jewish bakery with some of the best, doughy knishes in the city and at a fair price. The lines can be long at certain times of day, but it’s worth it. You can also stop by for lunch and get one of their massive hot dogs made with special buns. I’m not a big hot dog person, but from here, I usually can’t resist.

NAME: La Cabana Salvadorena
LOCATION: 4384 Broadway New York, NY 10040

We’re all-in on La Cabana Salvadorena! Not only is the food delicious, but the ambiance of the scene is so genuine and makes you feel like you’re in Central America. You can never go wrong with ANY of their combo platters (we’re also big on their empanadas) and like everything else on the list, you can get it at a great value.

NAME: Cascade Jerk
LOCATION: 119-02 Sutphin Blvd Jamaica, NY 11434

For some of the best Carribean food in the big apple. Cascade jerk is your destination. The pork and chicken is to die for and you HAVE to get their mac and cheese! The establishment is pretty new and spacious, so pay it a visit.

NAME: Jireh
LOCATION: 8715 18th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11214

Jireh is weird because the food culture is somewhere in between Mexican and Guatemalan and while confusing, does not hurt how delicious the food is. The dishes are unique and for $10 you can get a nice plate of something you may have never had before.

The post 14 Inexpensive Places to Get Great Food in New York City appeared first on Newton Search.

NAME: Chayo
LOCATION: 3535 Las Vegas Blvd, LINQ Hotel & Casino
CUSINE: Mexican

When it comes to sauces and seasoning, Chayo is one of the best Mexican places we’ve been to, period. They consistently have great happy hour deals and the atmosphere is always fun for locals and visitors.

NAME: Strip House
LOCATION: 3667 Las Vegas Blvd, Planet Hollywood & Casino
CUSINE: Steak House

Oh man. Nothing short of a delicious steak house with multiple locations across the country, but the Vegas Strip location is arguably the best. It’s obviously not a cheap place to eat, but you get fairly generous portion sizes with really good sides. and yes, their chocolate cake is really good!

NAME: El Gringo Loco
LOCATION: 3555 S Las Vegas Blvd, Flamingo Hotel & Casino
CUSINE: Mexican

On the move? El Gringo Loco has delicious food and a strong selection of beers that you can take with you along the strip, so you can stay fueled for your adventures. Or you can stay, they have some solid breakfast for cheap, same with lunch. The food is just as good no matter where you are.

NAME: Off The Strip
LOCATION: 3535 Las Vegas Blvd South LINQ Hotel & Casino
CUSINE: Italian

For a nice, but casual dining experience, you can’t really go wrong with Off The Strip. Located on the ground floor of The LINQ is an array of delicious Italian cuisine that will please any party. We’re big fans of their pasta dishes and even bigger fans of their desserts. Their cheesecake is especially good to the point you’d think you were in New York!

NAME: Carlos ‘N Charlie’s
LOCATION: 3555 Las Vegas Blvd South, Flamingo Hotel & Casino
CUSINE: Mexican

When you have a quality product and offer value, good things will always come and that’s exactly what you’ll get with a visit to Carlos N’ Charlie’s! Absolutely delicious food and generous portions will always keep us coming back. The big winner? Their nacho platter is amazing and they give competitive happy hour offers (and large glasses of beer).

NAME: The Still
LOCATION: 3400 Las Vegas Blvd, The Mirage Hotel & Casino
CUSINE: Sports Bar

This massive sports bar is filled with great drinks, delicious wings and tons of fun! They’re known for their super dynamic energy because there’s always something going on, whether it’s sports-related, or contest-related.

NAME: Diablo’s Cantina
LOCATION: 3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Luxor Hotel & Casino
CUSINE: Mexican

Diablo’s Cantina is where you go for savory meats (we come for the burritos). Overall, their Mexican cuisine consists of gourmet platters with fresh ingredients that only master chefs can gather and execute. Everything is custom and designed to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience. They would never disappoint.

NAME: Nacho Daddy
LOCATION: 3663 Las Vegas Blvd, Miracle Mile Shopping Mall
CUSINE: Mexican

We love restaurants where you can get breakfast, lunch and dinner without compromising a thing. Guess what? You can get just that over at Nacho Daddy! They also offer 2-for-1 drink deals during the week, so you can always get a good bang for your buck!

The post 8 Must Try Restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip appeared first on Newton Search.

Name: Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque
Date Established: 1908
Address: 1727 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City

The legendary barbecue joint has hosted presidents and celebrities for one main reason, and that’s their reputation for slow-cooked succulent meats! The meats are cooked with hickory and/or oak and are combined with their secret sauces that give you the legend you see today. There are a few locations now, but we recommend going to the original first.

Name: Gates Bar-B-Q
Date Established: 1946
Address: 1325 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd, Kansas City

For unbelievable seasoned meats at family-style portions, your best stop is Gates. Many of their meats have their special sauces rubbed in for a consistent (to the bone) taste that you expect from the masters. The atmosphere is unique in the sense that you know its a famous place, but it gives you a comfortable home-like feeling.

Name: Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue
Date Established: 1974
Address: 101 West 22nd Street #300, Kansas City

There’s a lot of competition, but when it comes to a barbecue sandwich, we probably have to go with Fiorella’s. The burnt-end ribs are among one of the best things you can get in Kansas City and the brisket sandwiches are right up there as well. Like many older establishments, the rustic aesthetic at the Freight House will only improve your experience.

Name: Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Date Established: 1996
Address: 3002 W 47th Ave Kansas City

Joe’s is a local favorite and is actually… a gas station. Obviously, it’s known more for its competition-level barbecue and now they ship this delicious food. Above all else, you must try the Z-Man, which is brisket, onion rings and their signature barbecue sauce on toasted buns.

Name: Scott’s Kitchen and Catering at Hangar 29
Date Established: 2009
Address: 11920 N Ambassador Drive, Kansas City

Located right off Highway 29, Scott’s Kitchen has become a tourist and a traveler’s destination for the past 10 years. They do a wide variety of cuisines from classic barbecue to burritos and even breakfast! While this might not be the typical “bucket list” spot, it’s become a staple and is a must-try!

Name: Q39
Date Established: 2014
Address: 1000 W 39th St, Kansas City

Acting as a perfect hybrid of classic barbecue and wood-fire grilling, Q39 captures the vintage taste of midwest grilling with a touch of modernism. It’s equipped with a full bar and drink specials with music to complete the trifecta of fun energy.

Name: Plowboys Barbecue
Date Established: 2001
Address: 1111 Main St. Suite 120 Kansas City

The home of grand grilling champions and many fun nights, Plowboys gives midwest barbecue a refreshing spin! They’re most known for their BBQ nachos, which is a long-time local favorite. We’re particularly fans of their ribs and moink, but your favorites are for you to decide.

Name: Char Bar
Date Established: 1995
Address: 4050 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City

Char Bar gives you the best of both worlds, great barbecue and an atmosphere to match… also a great beer selection! That’s three worlds! The atmosphere includes fun outdoor activities like cornhole which molds it into more of a hangout spot for an afternoon, rather than a quick dive. Quick tip: their burnt ends are insanely good!

Name: Kobi-Q
Date Established: 2018
Address: 1531 Grand Blvd, Kansas City

This is our dark horse. The Korean BBQ and sushi bar might be the odd man out on our list, but in terms of quality and excellence, it fits right in. While the ingredients might be unique, the flavor is something anyone can appreciate!

Name: Slap’s BBQ
Date Established: 2014
Address: 533 Central Ave, Kansas City

If you’re a fan of smokey, you’ll have to visit Slap’s! Their smokey and spicy foods are among some of the best around, ranging from classic to southern cuisine, and Mexican! Their custom sauces and spices are top of the game too, which they conveniently sell on the side.

Name: Hawg Jaw Que & Brew
Date Established: 2008
Address: 900 Swift St, North Kansas City

Hawg Jaw is home to some of the best BBQ, sandwiches and hot dogs you’ll find. They also have the best beer selection available, when it comes to craft beers. It’s a small, mellow establishment with an inviting atmosphere and food that will make you never want to leave.

The post The 11 Best Barbecue Spots In Kansas City appeared first on Newton Search.

Resurgence of the Veggie Burger

As a 13-year vegan (back in the ‘70s and 80s) this author has been amazed at the reappearance of the veggie burgers both on menus at fine dining establishments as well as at the drive-thru. Apparently, everything old is new again and eschewing animal products is now mainstream. This trend was first seen in the frozen food aisle wherein this author was dazzled by the selection which included tempeth, tahini, mushroom, and bean veggie burgers.There are vegan-only fast food chains, and McDonalds as well as White Castle feature at least one plant-based burger on their menus. Zut alor! How the world has changed!
CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is slowly and insistently working its way into the fabric of our lives. It has a stigma to overcome. That being too many of us remember the 1960s. Derived from hemp or cannabis plants, CBD, for the record, cannot get one high. Not even if you smoke it. Instead, it is used to reduce pain, help you sleep, and to reduce jittery nerves and anxiousness. Where the product is turning up is truly amazing. CBD is being used as an additive in coffee and other beverages, as well as where one would expect to find it in the pharmacy, as gummy bears!

Ugly Food Seeks Home Delivery

We’ve all perused the reduced for clearance shelves at our local stores, seeking bargains. Now we can order imperfect fruits and vegetables and have them delivered, thereby saving money and these nutritionally-sound products from the dumpster or compost heap. Several startups collect and send boxes of misshapen produce direct to you including, Imperfect Produce, Hungry Harvest, and Misfits Market. Now Kroger, the legendary mid-Western supermarket chain, is getting in on the action offering their Pickuliar Picks service. Finally, bruised, battered, or just downright twisted produce has a voice and a home- Yours!

New Way to Get Your Fiber

Non-dairy milk sales have soared over the past decade. We are not talking soy or almond milk either. The latest contender to lighten your morning coffee is Oat milk. First seen in indie coffee shops, oat milk has made it into the bigtime, and is featured at most grocery chains. Yes, it is an acquired taste, but think of it as another way to get your fiber!

Healthy Fats

Still sounds like an oxymoron to some of us, but the fact is, non-animal fats in moderation are very good for you. The current Keto craze (remember Paleo?) is credited with making consumers more aware of the nutritional benefits of nuts, eggs, salmon, olive oil, and everyone’s favorite- avocado.

Middle Eastern Spice

In our never-ending quest for food that tastes good, many of us turn to spice mixes and rubs. Za’atar is popular in the Middle East and contains salt, sesame seeds, sumac (if you don’t already, get to know sumac!) thyme and that spice mix perennial, oregano. Stateside it is available ground in jars, as seasoning mix packets, and even in crackers! Get you some!

Snacks That Are Good for You

Again seeking novelty as well as variety and nutrition, more of us are turning away from that 3 PM bag of chips in favor of kelp jerky (great with cheese), dried toasted salmon skins (you heard it here first) and lotus seeds (taste like sunflower seeds). These are not-quite-yet available in your snack food aisles, but give them time. Most are sold through Amazon, but hey, what isn’t?

Eco-Friendly Plastic

Given the justifiable outcry over plastic waste, manufacturers are seeking to limit the amount of synthetics used in the manufacture of fast food packaging and utensils. Expect to see an increase in the amount of plant-based cellulose and a decline in the structural integrity of beverage holders. In other words, bring your own glass food containers and transfer fast food contents or budget more for (green) dry cleaning! The environment will thank you!

Milk Beer

That isn’t what they’re calling it, but that, essentially, is what it is. Milkshake IPAs are brewed with lactose which beefs up the beverage considerably. What no one figured on is how easy the concoction is to drink, therefore it is gaining traction nationwide. Purists will scoff, but kaChing is something that its brewers can take to the bank. Time will tell if Milkshake IPAs prove to be a trend or merely a fad.

Cabbage

The rise in plant-based meals is not limited to vegans and vegetarians. Many are finding that veggies can step out of the shadows as a side dish and into the spotlight as the main event. Not only is this a very nutritious way to eat, but also a most economical one! Add a star if your vegetable meal is homegrown! The last few years kale has earned top billing, prior to that we found new uses for cauliflower. Now it is cabbage’s turn to shine. Cabbage lasagne may have you forgetting the original version, and this veg also fries well. Think cabbage chips. The leaves are versatile, stand up to cooking without nutrition loss, and make a damn fine coleslaw, too!

We hope we’ve given you some pointers in your never-ending quest to indulge your jaded palates and eat nutritious yet tasty meals. If your local grocer does not stock any of these paradigms, try shopping online for them. Should these items trend, you’ll soon be seeing them at your local supermarket and eating better will have gotten just that much easier. Bon appetit!

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