With Onion Gravy

There’s a Baltimore club music song, that states. “French Fries and Onion Gravy”, I should note that its one of my favorite songs to dance to. Saturday, I went to the Meadows Festival in Queens, the highlight… I ate French Fries and Onion gravy! Since I’ve lived in New York, I haven’t frequented any eateries that serve it, so of course I had to order myself a batch! It was like eating a cloud, the french fries were not oily, but were fried to perfection. The gravy was the ‘icing’ that transported me back to my hometown. In my excitement I didn’t pay attention to the name of the restaurant, I got my ‘cloud’ from so wish me luck on my search for perfection.

SideNote: I’ve given up eating fried foods, but I allowed myself to cheat for the day.

Have you guys ever experienced the magic?

Tristan Jonez

Bourbon Street.

As an Obsessed lover of all things New Orleans, I’m not sure how real a restaurant can be if there are only two items on the menu that include Craw fish! Since I have yet to eat at this establishment I will try to hold all my judgement until then but I’m slightly judging. Furthermore I’m not sure that Cajun Quesadilla, and Craw fish added into the Mac & Cheese qualify as menu options. If I want to visit an authentic New Orleans restaurant, I want crawfish to be available in ALL my dishes.

SideNote: The fact that the restaurant is named “Bourbon Street” gets a side eye!

I’ll be visiting to partake soon enough, then I will update you about my visit.

Tristan Jonez

SideNote II: I just read the very mixed reviews on Yelp, definitely wasn’t that helpful.

The Sweet Spot

I’m always in need of a sweet snack, as I get older I try (Keyword) to look towards something on the healthier side. Gelato is usually my go to treat, especially when I’m traveling out of the country. While in Spain, during one of the hottest summers, gelato, was definitely the move.

Giolatto was within walking distance from my hotel, so the second I passed I knew I would be having a solo date there. Sure enough after a day of sun, fun and shopping, I made my way into the shoppe. There was such a selection of fresh gelato to choose from, I settled with Raspberry and Creme of Pistachio and I wasn’t disappointed! It was Delicious!

When you’re traveling what is one sweet snack that’s a must?

Jonez

Sleepy Time.

So as y’all know, for the past few weeks I couldn’t sleep to save my life. The insomnia was kicking my ass in the worst possible way. I had tried all my tips and tricks minus taking sleeping pills but nothing was working for me. My next course of action was going to be those trusty sleeping pills, which can eventually have some dangerous side effects. So imagine my surprise when my friend, Tika, gifted me with a mug and peppermint tea, which is my absolute favorite!

I’m always appreciative of folks who do the little things for me! Tika, I can’t thank you enough.

Tristan Jonez.

This Little Pig

So I am not really a fan of waffles, pancakes or syrup. I don’t really take the time I should to participate in Breakfast, I know I know, but when I do I usually have an egg (sunny Side up) on toast with cheese. When I do, brunch, I try to find something sweet and totally wrong for my diet. So When I arrived in Salt Lake City, I was on a mad hunt for food! Pig & A Jelly Jar was the top rated restaurant for Brunch so I figured, “Why not?”

I normally go for what the restaurant is known for, as it kind of ensures that the meal will be good, since they’ve perfected it. The meal was good, If I was to go back I would try something else but if you are a chicken and waffle lover, this would hit the spot for you. Unfortunately I didn’t care for the waffle or the syrup, but that’s cuz Im not a waffle fan. But the chicken was very well flavored, seasoned so good, juicy and a good coating of fried skin. I could have definitely go for a second helping; super delish! Once I was finished my meal, I saw there was an assortment of jelly flavors, NEXT TIME!

There’s nothing better than jelly on a butter biscuit.

Jonez

SweetShop

A trip, any destination, virtually means nothing without a trip to a cupcake shop. While in Salt Lake City, I just had to sample one of the Best Cupcake shop, which happened to be Sweet Cake Bake Shop located in Downtown Utah. The shop is nestled on a cute lil street next to a few eateries.

Of course being the person I am I arrive twenty minutes before closing time, so I kept it simple with three mini cupcakes, chocolate, hummingbird and carrot cake. (Sorry, No Red Velvet this time) Surprisingly the Carrot Cake was my absolute favorite, it was like biting into a sunny day the first day after rain. So super moist but not overly sweet. It was perfection. Chocolate would have to be second as it was almost too sweet but they somehow managed to add just the right mixture. Unfortunately hummingbird fell flat, it just had no umph, no kick.

I must say this was a “sweet” stop in my exploration of Utah. If ever in Utah, be sure to add Sweet Cake on your list of stops.

Sweet Cake Bake Shop

457 E 300th S

Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Tristan Jonez

Darius Cooks.

So about two years ago Instagram introduced me to DariusCooks! And I have been addicted to him ever since. If my memory serves me correctly, I saw a photo of a dish he has cook/created and being the food lover I am I could not resist. Weeks later, he posted he would be planning the ultimate dinner party for 20 people. I was so determined to go, that I asked all my friends to assist, in being one of the twenty to get a ticket, unfortunately, none of my friends helped so I wasn’t able to go to the VERY first dinner. Luckily for me, he did ONE more, and guess who got a ticket? ME!! Since that first initial dinner, he has added more cities, with more recipes!

The food was amazingly amazing! I was hooked! Fortunately for me I went a second time, brought along my gay best friend, and my then boyfriend. On this Thursday, May 18th, I will be attending for the third and final time! I will be bringing along my coworker turned friend Tika, so she can experience this ‘family reunion’ style dinner party. To watch this gentleman grow as a brand, has been such a pleasure!

Tristan Jonez

PS, Yes that is certainly me in the photo. I had to unbutton my damn pants and shirt, as I was literally bursting at the seems.

Speculoos, I love you.

Speculoos Cookie Butter is officially my Drug. I am so addicted!

If you’ve never been to Trader Joe’s, I would recommend that you run there fast! It’s a creamy, sometimes crunchy, blend of cinnamon cookie spread that tastes like God himself created it for our enjoyment. I usually enjoy my cookie butter with Granny Smith apples, there are a host of other food/fruits you can spread it on but apples are the best. It creates this super sweet but tart (sour) taste that sets my taste buds on fire.

Trust me, you NEED this in your Life.

T. Jonez

What We Eating… Series?

Although I’ve been doing this for a while now, I think I’m going to make it a bit official. So I’m still working out the details in my own head as to what I would like it to be, for now, its “What we Eating.” By no means is that proper English, but I’m here to make words as fun as they can possibly be. So for the past few weeks, I take myself out on a date, sometimes I have friends who join me but for the most part It’s a solo date.

I have been staying in Manhattan for the past two weeks but I think It’s time I stop playing it so safe. So Today, I am heading to Queens! Can you guess what we’ll be eating? Hint Hint: This Culture takes pride in its food options, and they aren’t scared to experiment!

Tristan Jonez.

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, TristanJonez, keep up with all my shenanigans.

The Gumbo Shop

I will forever love New Orleans!

The cuisine and attention to detail regarding food makes visiting the city, always an experience. In the times that I’ve been to Nola, I can’t remember trying out a restaurant that didn’t serve mind blowing food. Right from the first bite. I want to believe that its a journey, from the moment I sit down, to the first taste, to the final bite of whatever amazingness I am eating.

The Gumbo Shop is one of those places that makes you feel like your home. I’ve been a handful of times, and I’ve had the gumbo damn there every time I go. Its just an amazing blend of chicken, sausage and okra. And the bread! So good.

Make sure you make your way to the French quarter, and stop at The Gumbo Shop. Its definitely very worth it!

Angel Of Harlem

I’m all about food.

If you follow me on Instagram then you know I love Angel of Harlem. I try my best not to frequent it as often as I do but I love it. They have one of the best sangria’s Ive tasted as of late, the white sangria. It has the perfect blend of fruit and wine. I first experienced Angel of Harlem as my sistergirl was celebrating her birthday, with a dinner party. A good time was had by all! Angel of Harlem is one of those places, where grabbing a drink turns into a full fledge party. The Dj is always on point, the next time I go, I will make it my business to find out who is on the turn tables.

The main attraction, according to me is the Salmon. As per the menu it is a pecan crusted salmon on top of roasted Brussels sprouts, rum cranberries with a ginger thyme aioli, basically heaven on your plate then in your mouth. Literally perfection. Angel of Harlem’s Salmon is in my top three. I’m not sure if I would recommend it as a first date night restaurant, only because its super loud but its a fourth date kinda gig.

The vibe is crazy. Its the perfect place to either vibe out or get turnt. Angel of Harlem is a host to plenty of themed nights, so be sure to check their instagram page before you make plans. I partial went to two of their events, one was game night, and the other was a singles mixer. Single Ladies, the men were looking very dapper, very put together. I was impressed with the selection of chocolate that was around, men in suits just coming from work, and men in street wear coming from the gym. Men, the women was there looking very sexy, and well put together. There’s something for everyone. Come Meet me in Harlem soon.

Angel of Harlem, 2272 Frederick Douglass Blvd NY NY 10029
Tristan.

Thanksgiving Blues.

Listen, I’m trying to spend thanksgiving in some other country, where they are not sitting around with a group of folks they are related to by blood who they would not otherwise be with. The spirit of Thanksgiving has been long lost amongst most families I know personally. I would’ve participated in Friendsgiving but my friends have fell off in their friend duties as of recent.

I’m beyond grateful for the blessings that I have in my life. I just don’t feel like I need to sit around a table with folks who I dont really like, telling them what’s going on in my life, when they dont really care to know. As I get older I realize I’m not putting on any fronts for anyone. I no longer see reasons to pretend, I’m not going to masquerade that we are so happy with one another for this one day. I most definitely choose to love them from a long, long distance. I used to be jealous of friends who had family gatherings, that were genuinely love filled, because I did not experience that with my own family. Once my mother died, I wasn’t with it anymore. I have the kind of family folk who only hit you up when they need something. Even if I had it, I would be broke that day. Work on calling me because you want to know how I’ve been doing then continue with that pattern, eventually I’ll believe you when you say you love or miss me.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Tristan.