New York | Dos Caminos

I think global warming is real - it was insanely cold when I visited New York City in January, and the snow was just ridiculous! At times like this, I think the best way to cope with this depressing weather is to have some spicy Mexican food to heat things up. I decided to meet up with an elementary school friend for dinner at Dos Caminos in Soho.

Dos Caminos is a very hip Mexican restaurant with modern finish and (very) dimmed lights. Many people dine here for great food and drinks, as well as for people watching. The place is usually packed - you have to make reservations if you don't want to wait, but the bar seems great. I wouldn't mind getting a drink and wait while I catch up with my friend or meet someone new.

The restaurant is famous for their guacamole - made fresh to order. It was flavorful and deliciously prepared. I could taste the generous amount of avocado mixed with fresh tomatoes, cilantro leaves, and white onion. must order!!

Guacamole made fresh to order

comes with tortilla chips too!

For my main course, I ordered ribeye steak alambre. Since I am not a big fan of Mexican food (except for Chipotle), I wasn't expecting too much for my entree. Turned out I was wrong. The premium ribeye was tender and juicy, and surprisingly, the apple wood smoked bacon wrapped around the ribeye multiplied the taste of the meat and made the steak even better!

Ribeye Steak Alambre

brochetta of ribeye steak, apple wood smoked bacon, cipollini onions, poblano chiles, arroz con crema and chimichurri sauce

The check turned out to be around $75. The meal was great, and the server was very nice to us. I had a good time with my friend who I haven't met for a while. The only downside is that the restaurant is too packed; the small spaces between tables are a bit uncomfortable.

Dos Caminos

475 West Broadway

New York, NY 10013

http://www.doscaminos.com

Recommendation: 4 Stars

Hip and relaxing Mexican restaurant, great for after work drink and dinner.

Don't forget to try their guacamole!

Los Angeles | Bouchon Bistro

I knew I had to visit Bouchon Bistro when my favorite food network show host, Giada, recommended this restaurant back in 2009. The elegant restaurant is one of Thomas Keller's more casual creation - the same chef who brought us the high profile Per Se in New York City and The French Laundry near Napa Valley. Thanks to Restaurant Week in Los Angles, I finally get to have a taste of it!

Bouchon serves casual French cuisine but promises high quality food and atmosphere. You can find food like steak frites, quiches, corque madame, and oysters on their menu as well as an extensive wine list. While the dining room is architected as a quaint and grand cafe, we decided to sit at the patio, where we can enjoy the soothing California sun.

The DineLA menu featured an appetizer, an entree, and a desert for $28.00. The food was fresh and delicately prepared. Most importantly, the portion was generous, and I was really full after the meal.

Despite the interesting shape, the French bread they serve was delicious. The spread is the perfect mixture of butter and cream - smooth and tasty.

French Bread with Salted Cream Butter

The best of all is the Corque Madame, which was recommended by Giada. It is basically grilled ham & cheese sandwich on brioche, topped with a fried egg & mornay sauce.

Croque Madame

The sandwich was probably the best I have ever tasted in my life. Not to mention, the fries was pretty awesome too!

Tarte du Jour - Smoked Salmon Tart

Overall, the restaurant attracts a good crowd of people and serves excellent food. The waiter was attentive and very knowledgeable of the menu. I will definitely visit again if I'm craving for something simple and comforting.

Bouchon Bistro
235 North Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
http://www.bouchonbistro.com

My Recommendation: 5 Stars
Awesome place for some delicate comfort food and experience the Beverly Hills casual.