Caseus - Cheesy Goodness in New Haven

I love local spots when I'm any city around the world. Meaning to say, I try to avoid global and national chains (e.g., Starbucks). I want to see and taste what the locals are doing.

In New Haven, one of these local spots is Caseus, a local cheese shop and bistro. It's local popularity has expanded to the trendy food truck, as well. Caseus is a cool, chill place to eat outdoors when the weather is warm and sunny, or indoors in a tavern-like atmosphere. If you're in the mood for some cheesy goodness, this is the place to go.

Place your cursor above "Notes" to read a little more about each picture.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album.

Alfajores - An Argentinian Treat

Every country has a variety of specialties when it comes to food. They range from appetizers to desserts and drinks.

One specialty of Argentina is their dessert cookies - alfajores. Alfajores are basically biscuit cookies sandwiching a layer of dulce de leche.

I recently discovered these cookies because my brother had a batch of homemade alfajores in his place - made by his Argentinian friend's mother. The biscuits were not overly sweet, so the dulce the leche could be the star. The biscuits were crumbly good, too.

Two weeks later, I came across alfajores again at a neighborhood market in New Haven, CT. I had to try it to compare. Also homemade, and this time they were coated with coconut. A bit on the drier and flakier side, and a bit sweeter. I preferred the first batch I tasted, but nonetheless still really enjoyed these Argentinian cookies.

It's always a treat to discover new foods, sweets, and drinks. And it's even better when you get to try various versions to compare the works of each baker and cook.

Place your cursor above "Notes" to read a little about each picture.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album.

Asian Burgers at Bachi Burger in Las Vegas

Asian fusion can totally be overused and overrated. But when it's done well, it's still a pretty awesome concept.

Bachi Burger, located off The Strip in Las Vegas, executes some awesome Asian fusion burgers. They combine a classic Asian staple into a burger. The flavors are authentic and, at the same time, you're also enjoying a quality burger.

The only critique I have is that the bun is too soft. The bottom bun gets so smashed from the weight of the burger. With only your first bite, the bun is already getting to be paper thin. Some people like that, but maybe they should also provide bun options for those that want wheat or heftier breads for their burgers.

Place your cursor above "Notes" to read a little more about each picture.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album.

KGB - Kerry's Gourmet Burgers in Las Vegas

When you're a celebrity chef there is extra pressure to really deliver a great all around product. So with Kerry Simon's name attached to this burger restaurant, I was anticipating a pretty tasty experience.

KGB - Kerry's Gourmet Burgers - Cool name.. but unfortunately the name can't carry the whole restaurant. The service wasn't attentive and the food was disappointing. There was creativity in the plating presentation of the appetizers and burgers. But that's where the celebrity chef factor ended. In the end, it just felt like we ate a mediocre meal at Harrah's. We could have spent the same amount of money at a cooler hotel on The Strip..

Place your cursor above "Notes" to read a little more about each picture.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album.

New York's Grimaldi's in Las Vegas

When I'm back in the states, I have specific cravings. Burritos, ramen, burgers, pizza, beers, bloody marys..My stomach just grumbled..

My pizza craving was totally satisfied. I enjoyed it in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and in New Haven. I love artisan and Neapolitan pizzas. The toppings are quality and the pie is chewy, yet fluffy, yet crispy and well baked. Just pure goodness.

In Las Vegas we visited the newly opened Grimaldi's Pizzeria. Yup, Grimaldi's from New York. The interior is very family oriented and welcoming. We went there twice. The food is hit and miss. The first time was a fantastic first impression. The pizzas were perfectly baked and delicious. The second time around, the wait for our pizzas was ridiculous and the pies came out overbaked and overly crisp. If you do go, hopefully you'll catch it on their better days.

Place your cursor above "Notes" to read a little more about each picture.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flick album.