Taco Hunt: Zona Rosa | Williamsburg, Brooklyn

The humid New York summer is upon us and we all know what that means: uncomfortable sweaty hot messes. Another side effect for me is a lack of appetite. For some reason I just don't get hungry when it's super hot. Thankfully, there are a few dishes that hit just the spot amidst the summer struggle – coctel de camaron being one of them. I usually tend to make this dish myself since it is super easy to prepare but now I think I've found just the spot to get this refreshing dish.

Taco Hunt: Empellon Al Pastor | East Village

You know when you find a certain street where you seem to love everything on that block? For me, that was Saint Marks Street in the East Village, particularly the block between Avenue A and First Ave. From bars, to food and even my favorite park – you’ll find it all there! A few months ago a new taco shop opened up, Empellon Al Pastor, and I hadn’t gotten a chance to check it out until now.

Taco Hunt: La Superior | Williamsburg, Brooklyn

After a six week hiatus, I am back at it! Though not intentional – and tacos were still eaten during that time – life got a little busy and I couldn't seem to find the time to blog. Between work, events, out of town guests, and a surprise trip home, well... you get the point. However, I'm back and with a lot of exciting ideas.

This post is a bit of a throwback and actually from around the time when things started to get busy. You know those weeks when by the time Friday rolls around all you want is your bed? Yup, it was one of those. Luckily, friends + tacos + parks = just the fix.

Taco Hunt: Reyes Deli | Gowanus, Brooklyn

Making plans in New York always seems to lead to completely different and unexpected adventures. This was exactly the case. After getting an invite to Brooklyn's Morbid Anatomy Museum from my friends Christine and Sophie and scratching my original plans, I proceeded to do what I do best: search the web for nearby tacos. Having been friends since we were teenagers and two of my closest friends in New York, I knew we were in for a day of exploring, laughing, and overall fun. I was correct!

Recipe: Tacos Dorados + Salsa Verde

As you may recall, a couple weekends ago I threw a Cinco de Mayo party for which I cooked one of my all time favorites: tacos dorados de pollo (crispy fried chicken tacos) with salsa verde and bunch of other toppings. I love making these for any occasion since they are pretty simple to make, nearly impossible to mess up and always a crowd-pleaser. I was expecting a handful of friends and drinks would be flowing so I cooked around 90 of these. Based on the fact they were all gone before the sun set, I think they were a huge hit! Cook these for your next gathering or for any day you feel like eating a good meal using my recipe below.

The Branding of Booze + Passion Projects

Last week my co-worker and friend, Emma, invited me to an event titled The Branding of Booze hosted at Brooklyn Winery by Vine Pair. My thought process was as follows: Branding? Booze? HECK YES! The event took place yesterday, May 6th, and though I had initial hesitations when 5pm rolled by – let's face it, after a long day of work sometimes you just want to go home – I was very glad I decided to go after all.

Full disclosure, I wasn't planning on writing about this event. However, early in the conversation an ongoing theme became apparent which I knew I had to write about: passion projects.

Cinco de Mayo a la Instagram: The Party Guide

How do you know if your party was a hit? People chatting, laughing, and having an overall good time are good indicators. But lets be real, it's really all about the number of Instagram posts it gets! This past weekend I decided to put a few party tricks to the test at my Cinco de Mayo celebration. The set up was pretty great: friends, food, drinks and sun… what more could we ask for?

Taco Hunt: Los Tacos No. 1 | Chelsea

After several different people recommended "the taco place inside Chelsea Market," I knew I had to give Los Tacos No. 1 a try. I must admit that although I have been in New York for a year now, this was the first time I visited Chelsea Market – and boy was I glad I did! For those of you who aren't familiar, Chelsea Market is a hybrid indoor shopping center meets foodie heaven slash rustic art installation. Basically, my new favorite place. 

Design Plus Tacos, eh?

What is DESIGNplusTACOS you may ask? Good question! If you've ever met me in person you'll know that I am obsessed with two things: design and tacos. Somehow I always end up talking about these topics and people really seem to enjoy it. Whether it's with friends, colleagues, or random networking acquaintances, these topics never fail to  get a good conversation going.

Having moved from San Francisco to New York last year I always get asked the same question, "How does the Mexican food here compare?" I usually complain – which has led to journey of endless tasty recommendations and acquaintances. (If any of you are reading this, hello!)

Taco Hunt: Chavela's | Crown Heights, Brooklyn

On Presidents Day my good friend Brittany and I decided we would go explore Brooklyn. After a few Google searches, we settled on visiting The Brooklyn Museum in Prospect Park. Two subway rides and a freezing walk later we finally arrived – only to discover the city-run museum was closed due to the national holiday. Well, shit. On to the next best thing: tacos, of course! Another Google search and a 15 minute walk led us to Chavela's, a traditional Mexican restaurant in Crown Heights.

Recipe: Coctel de Camaron

My mom grew up in Ensenada, Baja California so she is a huge seafood fan and even better cook. Every summer when the kitchen gets too hot to want to cook anything warm, my mom would whip up some delicious coctel de camaron: a savory shrimp cocktail – think virgin bloody mary meets pico de gallo but better. After my sister sent me a picture saying, "Look what we had for dinner," I couldn't resist but to make some of my own.

Tips for Surviving Your First East Coast Winter

It has been almost a year since I moved to New York and have experienced so many new things, including my first East Coast winter. Having been born and raised in California, winter meant a totally different thing to me. Snow, slush, and single-digit weather? Clearly I had no clue what I had signed up for. However, I've come to realize that its not all bad. With the right attire and a positive attitude winter can be a little more bearable.

Taco Hunt: Taqueria Lower East Side | LES

After a fun night of celebrating a friend's work promotion, the only thing that could cure my hangover was going to be a greasy dose of tacos. This time I kept it local and visited Taqueria Lower East Side on Orchard Street with my friends Christine and Suzanne. The LA themed restaurant says "keeping it real" is what they're all about – only authentic and nothing else. Their menu proudly boasts "Los Diez Mandamientos" stating that nachos, fajitas, and ultra fruity margaritas will not be served under their watch. Consider me sold!

Taco Hunt: Tacombi at Fonda Nolita | Nolita

For my first review I decided to check out Tacombi at Fonda Nolita after a friend (thanks, Steven!) recommended I give it a try. Having checked out their website and other online reviews, I must admit I was a bit skeptical… the "authentic" flavors meet the hip vibe? Sounded too good to be true. Regardless, after enduring a slightly painful (hint: 20 degree weather with crazy winds) walk from the East Village to Elizabeth Street in Nolita, it was time to see what all the fuss was about.