El Vez- Phila

Not long after I had that awesome meal at Cafe Habana in NY, I was craving some Mexican food again. So I decided to try out El Vez, located right in the center of Philadelphia on Sansom St and 13th. If a low-rider rotating in the middle of the bar and a whimsical and fully functioning photo booth can give you any idea of what this place is like, you would say that El Vez exudes fun and energy. From the comfy sofa-styled seating to the multi-colored paneled walls, I adore everything about the interiors of this place. But enough praise already because although I enjoyed the look and feel of this establishment, I am disappointed to say that the food is extremely average and that the price you pay just doesn't add up to the food they serve.

Grilled Corn with Lime Chipotle and Queso Fresco

once you've had the corn at cafe habana, this corn here just doesn't even begin to compare. first, the cob felt soggy, like the corn had been boiled as opposed to grilled. second, the spices just weren't right..it tasted pretty bland. also, the cheese was sort of just thrown on top, i would've liked it better had it been melted over the corn. overall, this was a disappointing starter and if anything, made me crave the corn from cafe habana even more.

Crispy Mahi-Mahi Tacos

El Vez went to Chili's, ordered these tacos to-go, and then served it to me for double the price. the tacos weren't exactly bad, but they weren't special or extremely delicious. i mean, the fish was crispy and the tortilla was soft, however, the tacos lacked a sauce, which would've tied it together.

we also ordered a pitcher of pineapple margarita to share. although the drink tasted nothing like what we had envisioned it to taste (from what was described to us by the menu), i will say that the amount is generous and each pitcher will provide 2-3 glasses/person (assuming you share between 3 people).

to conclude, this place is definitely a fun locale to grab a drink after work or to hangout and socialize but in terms of actual dining, i know philly has a lot better to offer than El Vez.

Cafe Habana- NY

Cafe Habana, which I think should more appropriately be named Diner Habana, is easily one of those places that I can't wait to re-visit the next time I'm back in New York. There is nothing fancy about this place but the food here is spectacular! Between the already tight spaces of this crowded establishment and the always present groups of people waiting their turn, this place is frenzy central. In fact, the staff have such a hard time moving around that when I went up to ask for a straw, I was rudely commanded to sit back down as my server would come to me. So although the staff here could definitely take a lesson or two in hospitality, the food (minus the awful soda, pictured below) is indeed awesome.

Ginger Jalapeño Soda (left)
this is what i get for trying to be adventurous... i ordered the soda because it sounded interesting so when i got this drink, i was more than disappointed with what looked and pretty much tasted like sewage water (not that i know what sewage water really tastes like). i'm obviously exaggerating as it wasn't thaaat bad but it certainly wasn't good. the soda wasn't sweet and i couldn't taste any ginger. honestly, all i could taste was plain seltzer water. so please do NOT order this wretched beverage at cafe habana. now that i'm done bashing my drink, lets move on to the delectable corn!!

Grilled Corn Mexican Style
where do i begin with this corn? it was so good that i got a separate order to-go (and although it was cold when i ate it the next day, it was still pretty bomb!!). the corn is grilled, then covered in cotija cheese (similar to feta but it's drier and not as soft as feta), lime juice and dusted with chili powder. there was definitely an ample amount of cheese, although i personally felt they could've used a little more chili powder (i love everything spicy!!). i will definitely be back for these babies.

Tlacoyo de Tres Marias
tlacoyo is a traditional mexican dish of corn dough "boats" if you will. the "boats" were stuffed with cheese, beans and tomatoes. the dough on the outside was super crispy, fresh, and wonderfully hot. the filling on the inside was cool due to the cheese, almost like it was sour cream. i also really liked the flavorful side of rice and black beans. i definitely had zero room for dessert after this heavy entrée.

Chuleta de Puerco a la Pimienta
ordered by my sister, this grilled pork chops dish was another winner. cooked in a creamy pepper sauce, the pork chops, which are hiding under all of that mushroom goodness, were slightly charred (good for me since i do not like my meats undercooked by any means, but bad for my sister who complained that it was too burnt). the toast with some sort of chives and cheese spread was delightful and this dish came with the same sides of rice and beans as mine.