Lefteris [Greek restaurant]

I haven’t blogged about any restaurants in awhile, but I ate at Lefteris today in Tarrytown, and what better day to blog about a Greek restaurant than on National Gyro Day! Thanks to John for keeping me updated on the national food holidays, as per usual.

I’ve been dying to go to Lefteris for quite some time now (probably a few years to be honest), especially since I live in Rockland, right across the river from Westchester (where the restaurant is located). I’ve always heard great things about this place and I finally tried it for myself today and I’m glad I did because my gyro was delicious! See below for a picture. No complaints about the food. I’d definitely go back to try some other items on their menu because it all sounded great.

The service was freakishly speedy. I think my friend and I were waiting for two minutes (maybe less) until our gyros were sitting in front of us. We chose to sit outside, which was nice, but the tables were way too close together. Still not sure what the inside looks like, but I’m sure it’s nice… I’d probably opt to sit indoors next time to scope it out.

I give Lefteris 4/5 stars. If you’re a fan of Greek food (or curious to try it), give this place a go for sure!

You can also check out my review, along with other restaurant reviews, on my Yelp profile.

Ever Eat a Hot Dog With Soul?

Last weekend, I went up to Marist for spring alumni weekend — every time I go up there with my friends, it’s always a process to pick where we want to eat because there are so many great places to choose from. There’s one restaurant, though, that always seems to make the cut. That restaurant is Soul Dog. Special thanks to my friend Emma, hot dog connoisseur, for introducing me to this soulful hot dog joint during my senior year at Marist. It’s a shame I didn’t know about it earlier in my college career.

Soul Dog is known for their hot dogs… go figure, right? It’s not particularly the hot dogs that make this place so great… it’s all the sides you get to choose from! My personal favorite toppings are guacamole, sour cream, and Soul Sauce (the restaurant’s special, spicy sauce). Along with my usual hotdog, I also order a side, whether it’s: jalapeno hush puppies, fried pickles, a bowl of soup, or Soul/BBQ/Jerk/Cajun fries (among many others). In addition to hot dogs and a variety of sides, Soul Dog also serves sandwiches, pizza, baked goods, and much more! Check out the full menu here.

Another great thing about Soul Dog is their vegetarian and Gluten-free options. This doesn’t necessarily affect me, but I think it’s great that they’re so accommodating.

I give Soul Dog 5/5 stars without a doubt! Not only is the food out of this world, but the staff is very friendly, the prices are affordable, and the atmosphere is laidback. The space is very small (see picture below), but there always seems to be a table available. Plus, when it gets warmer, there’s outdoor seating, which is really nice. You’re also provided with crayons and board games to keep you busy while you’re waiting for your food, which is great for my impatience (especially when it comes to food). If you’re ever in Poughkeepsie or the surrounding area, Soul Dog is an absolute must!

Casa del Sol [Mexican restaurant]

I ate dinner at Casa del Sol for the first time tonight… It’s a really nice Mexican place right on Main Street (104) in Nyack. I loved it right as I walked through the door and saw the vibrant lighting and decorations (as shown below).

The food was really good too. I had a chicken and cheese quesadilla… Nothing spectacular compared to other Mexican food I’ve had, but certainly no complaints either. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their meals too.

I only had a Corona with dinner, but they had quite a selection of drinks on their menu. Seems like a nice place to grab drinks with friends… Definitely something to keep in mind next time I’m in Nyack. They also have live music some nights (not sure about the specifics), but I bet it’s a good time. I give Casa del Sol 4/5 stars.

No Pants Subway Ride 2011

As some of you may have heard (or saw), today marked the 10th annual “No Pants Subway Ride” (facilitated by Improv Everywhere).

This event takes place every January and it’s basically exactly what you’re thinking… People ride the subway with no pants (acting as if it’s completely normal). I participated in the event from New York City, but it was also being held in 50 other cities in 24 countries! This was my first time participating and I thought it was absolutely hysterical. There were numerous meeting places throughout New York City… My friends and I began in Foley Square. We were split up into teams of ten, then we were briefed on what we were supposed to do.

On the subway, different groups of people start taking their pants off at different stops. After you take your pants off and the subway comes to a stop, you get off, wait on the platform (still pantless), and wait for the next subway (same line) to come. When the next subway comes, you get on and join other participants (along with the confused subway goers who have no clue what’s going on). You could only imagine the looks and laughs this event procured. Eventually, everyone meets at Union Square to create a sea of cheering, pantless people. Quite a sight.

Here’s a picture of my friends and I at the Union Square subway stop:

Now, this isn’t something I would normally do, but I’m very glad I did it! I didn’t feel as uncomfortable as I thought I would… There were plenty of other people doing it right along with me (including my friends). It was so much fun… My friends and I are already talking about doing it again next year. The only downside to this was the freezing cold weather in the middle of January, but it made it that much funnier to see people walking around the city in their underwear with big coats, hats, and gloves on.

For those of you who have never participated, I highly recommend this! I had a great time with my friends. Although I didn’t do this, there were a bunch of bars in the area that celebrated the occasion and welcomed the pantless participants to their after parties. Something to think about for next year.

“Burritos Brought to Life”

Tonight, for my friend’s Birthday, we went to Blockheads, a Mexican restaurant in Manhattan. The menu features quesadillas, burritos, tacos, salads, rice bowls, etc. Although this sounds like any other Mexican restaurant you may have been to, Blockheads’ menu features dishes that are made with fresh ingredients, which is something you can’t always find. I find that fresh ingredients always make your meal much more enjoyable (and healthier). Not only is the food delicious and freshly made, but the prices are fair as well. Shown below is my customized quesadilla with chicken, cheese, salsa, and guacamole (of course). Yum!

In addition to the delectable food, the menu also features some unique, mouthwatering drinks. For example, the Bulldog Margarita, which is a margarita with a Coronita placed upside into it (as shown in the picture above). Absolutely delicious. Definitely one of my new, favorite drinks.

Blockheads has a relaxing atmosphere with dim lighting and great music, which is perfect for meeting up with friends after a long day of work. The restaurant also features outdoor seating when weather permits. I went to the Blockheads on 50th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue, but there are six other locations throughout Manhattan. For more information, check out their Web site: http://blockheads.com/

Photo of the Day

Times Square: Manhattan, New York [taken 10/09/10]