Bite Me | A blog for all things tasty

Honoring the busy, the lazy, and the hungry: Thursday 3/31 is National Order-in Day

In a recent press release, Allmenus.com decided to declare March 31 National Order-in Day. Whether you buy the hype or not, on this declared holiday Allmenus.com will be offering its customer base a 50% discount on orders of $40 or less. 

This online food website has the upside of convenience, though the El Paso page is slowly getting populated. When I clicked on Thai food, Pei Wei was the only option. When I clicked on Vietnamese food, same thing. But I noticed the Little Diner in Canutillo was recently added, so it must just be a matter of time.

All in all, this website displays restaurant menus and ordering information. Some restaurants wil deliver, and others it seems only do take-out. 

Whether I'll use this service or not, I am not sure. I guess it will be a decision made in the moment. As a side note:  beyond this national holiday, have you noticed that it's tougher than ever to get into a restaurant for dinner on the weekend without a reservation? Do you use reservation apps on your phone? Are El Paso restaurants on there?

Will you order in?

La Jolla Kitchen: Nice little neighborhood jewel

I’ve loved chocolate truffles all my life, but my romance with the underground mushroom has been more recent. The truth is, despite the distinct flavor of this delicate fungus, it took me a while to be able to pinpoint the flavor. Now, I die for it. Despite its sophisticated flavor, truffle oil marries well with simple dishes: try truffle salt on oven roasted potatoes or a truffle oil grilled cheese sandwich.

Last night, I tried a combination that will probably have me wanting to go back to La Jolla Kitchen (on Resler almost at the corner with Belvidere) again and again. The seared sea scallops come with a vegetable herb risotto that combines smoked gouda and parmesan cheese. It helped that the scallops were so fresh that I could taste the sea (in a good way). But even beyond the scallops, I was swept off my feet by the smoked gouda and truffle flavors. Strong and delicate at the same time, this dish though familiar in some ways is a nice, creative iteration.

My mom’s sea bass was on point as well—one of the best “sides” of vegetables I’ve seen in the city as the textures and flavors were right on point. The vegetables were lightly seasoned yet rich in dimension.

And the guava cheesecake for dessert, to my pleasant surprise, is not a brick. If you absolutely must, have the choco-flan, but I strongly encourage you to try this mousse of a cheesecake instead. I also encourage you, if you’re having white wine, to try the chenin blanc. At $32 for the bottle, it goes great with the seafood dishes.

Did this place blow my mind for its innovation? Perhaps in some ways; maybe not in others. But remember, it wants nothing more than to be a nice little neighborhood restaurant. In my opinion, it’s just right, meeting us where we are as a culinary culture and pushing us just a tad forward. More than anything, it boasts fresh food, well-prepared, at a fair price point. I was satisfied, and I will return.

Downsides? Ok, one, which we talked to the manager about: the service was slow. It seemed like just for our table though. Other tables got their drinks, bread, butter, and bread plates. We sat there with our waters. We sat there waiting for dessert too. Next time, I hope will be better on that front.

By the way, the place is small and was packed, so reservations are encouraged: (915) 217-8157

 

New dessert at Crave: Orange creamsicle tres leches

I had lunch at Crave today and heard from Chef Rudy that he's been working on a new dessert which he's releasing tomorrow: orange creamsicle tres leches cake. He says it's the traditional cake but infused with orange. It's local, it's orange. And it's in the University area. Will it become a Miners' favorite?

BTW, look for a second Crave location at 11990 Rojas in early May. 

What place in town packs the most heat?

A few days ago I went to one of my old favorites, the L&J, and went through my usual drill. I ask for both red and green salsas and I dip my chips just a tad. If I catch too much of either salsa my mouth is on fire to the point that I can't handle the entree. I like heat, but I don't like to numb my taste buds. That's just me.

There are others out there though, who are competitive about heat. Heat seekers, where do you go to get your thrill? What place in town packs the most heat? What's the hottest food item in town?

 

Downtown Faves

Have you been to Los Colorines on the first floor of the Chase building downtown? If you work downtown, you probably have. But if you don’t, it is worth the visit.

 

 The tortilla soup is famous. It is hearty enough to have on its own yet the broth is light and each ingredient retains its own flavor and texture—a well-balanced combination. The Colorines torta is satisfies a big appetite—perfect bread layered with ham, bacon, avocado, and lettuce. It is very tasty. I highly recommend this lunch spot, right in the center of town yet off the beaten path.

 
What are your downtown (or about town) favorites?

Shake up your taste buds...at the gas station

Las Maracas (911 Talbot Ave. in Canutillo) shakes up our Latin food palate with Puerto Rican flare. It was written up in the EP Times in October 2010, but I heard about it from my in-the-know friend Richard P. Now that I know where it is, I have an excuse to ride my bike there and not feel the least bit guilty about indulging.

Owner Raymond has been serving breakfast, lunch, and (early) dinner at the Shorty’s gas station for a year and four months now. The Cuban Sandwich is his specialty—it is way yummy: pulled pork, ham, cheese, and pickles on French bread pressed with garlic butter. And the Sandwich de Pernil might be even yummier. It is also pulled pork, but paired with sautéed onions and mojo. The flavor is a little deeper. The Philly Cheese Steak and the Sandwich de Bistec are supposed to be equally as amazing—next on my list to try!

Oh, and if you absolutely must have French fries, do, but I highly recommend you go with the garlic hash browns. And on Fridays, Raymond serves homemade Puerto Rican fare like mofongo and tostones.

El Asador on the East side and Las Maracas in Canutillo are proof that in the oddest of places are the greatest of food finds. Any other gas station faves?