Via Quadronno

I met a friend on the Upper East Side, which at times can be, yes, pricey. This gem of a cafe, however, is not!

It is narrow, though. Don't come in with a backpack or a large dog! We tucked ourselves into a tight corner and started with steaming lattes ($4.50). These were piping hot and expertly prepared, from the strong, powerful flavor to the pretty foam touches.

We each got an apricot-filled croissant($3.50)...mamma mia. They do NOT skimp on the lush, bright filling, and I love them for it.

My friend ordered the ham and cheese pressed sandwich ($5)--look at the oozy, cheesy goodness! I should have gotten this.

I ordered the prosciutto and cheese (also $5), and it was okay, but I so would get the ham next time. The prosciutto, obviously, was much drier than the ham, and I think I would have preferred the velvety texture of my friend's sandwich.

While I don't normally spend $4.50 for a latte, this splurge was worth it, and the rest of the meal was quite affordable/worth it to me. If you're in this area, definitely pop in. I'll have to come back to sample the eye-catching desserts.

Via Quadronno
25 E 73rd St
New York, NY
212) 650-9880

Birthday Dinner at Cabana

Happy Birthday, ABF! For my Awesome BoyFriend's birthday this year, I took him to one of our favorite restaurants. He really wanted their shrimp fritters and some chimichurri-slathered skirt steak. The Seaport location was closed for a private party (WHAT!?), so we trekked to the Upper East Side, the location where I first sampled their wonderful, wonderful food when I moved here 10 years ago (10!!? Already?!?)

Arriba, Arriba!

When I was working at the talk show (years ago now!), I would order about once a month from Arriba, Arriba on 9th Avenue. My go-to dish was always the enchiladas suizas (tomatillo sauce!), and the dish was huge and delicious and satisfying!

A bowl of chips and salsa came right away to our table. I'm an admitted salsa snob, but ABF & I both really liked this version. It's a bit thinner than what I usually make, but it tasted fresh, chock full of onions, and tangy--so good that I didn't even mind that it was mild!

Flash forward a few years later, and ABF and I found ourselves on the Upper East Side for a former coworker's birthday party. It didn't start til 8 or so, so we popped into the Third Avenue outpost of Arriba Arriba for a quick bite. It was a Friday night, and we didn't have a reservation, but we still got immediate seating! Woo hoo!

I got a house margarita on the rocks, and it was an affordable 6 bucks for happy hour! Me gusta! It was tart, slightly sweet, and puckery, just the way I love them.

ABF got the soft taco/enchilada combo. The red sauce was delicious and tomatoy and perfect with the tender beef. I even had a bite of the taco, and it was great. Fresh veggies, tender tortilla, and wonderful seasonings. It was a plateful of yum.
I went with my usual suizas, you know, to see how they'd stack up against the West Side version. These did not disappoint. Tender chicken, tangy tomatillo sauce, and delicious, delicious refried beans. I didn't really mess too much with the rice, but it was fine. I'm just not a rice fan. Both dishes came with a side salad that was really good--more than just an afterthought: crispy, crunchy ribbons of romaine lettuce, sprinkled with suprisingly fresh tomatoes and a bright, citrusy guacamole on top.

I was also happy to note they had fast and friendly service. The lighting is a little weird, mostly dark with strong, strong, interrogation-type mini spotlights glaring down in points, but overall it was a fun place. We were in and out without feeling rushed, and we both enjoyed our meals there very much! I wouldn't say make a special trip, but if you're in the neighborhood, definitely try Arriba Arriba! Yum!