Rivera Del Rio Hotel

Nestled into the hills of Puerto Vallarta, this old mansion once the home of the socialite named "Silver" and her husband "Smoky", friends of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, has been since been converted into a stunning 8-suite hotel, full of old world charm and eclectic yet elegant character. The scene of many a famous movie scenes and fashion photo shoots, you can tell this place is something else from the moment you walk in. 

Each of the 8 rooms or suites in this hotel have a completely different decorative style and vibe. Pictured below, we stayed in the "Green Room", referred to as such for it's green walls. Filled with Botero-like paintings this room captured our hearts at first sight! Since the hotel was completely booked, I wasn't able to get pictures of any of the other rooms, but head over to their website to find more, and I can promise I'll be back to visit them again soon and hopefully get some more snaps of other rooms!

Perhaps the thing we enjoyed most about this spot was the fabulous service and delicious food. You could say it felt like staying at a bed & breakfast more than a hotel. Personal attention included fresh made margaritas to greet us, fresh squeezed OJ and fruit in the morning as we decided what to order for our main breakfast dish, and an "honor system" refrigerator by the pool fully stocked with Coronas, Tequila, Champagne, White Wine... just about anything you could want to compliment a day by the pool. 

If you are headed to Puerto Vallarta, and want to experience something truly special and unique, I highly suggest you head over to Rivera Del Rio for an unforgettable stay! We enjoyed the sweeping views by the pool so much, we didn't even miss the beach! 

Check out more photos below. What do you guys thinks? 
xx
feliz

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It's a snowy Tuesday, last day of January in NYC. We've had a mild winter, but today the brisk wind and piercing cold, combined with the snowfall is back to remind us nothing lasts forever. 

Perfect day to get out of the office and enjoy a delicious lunch to lift the spirits! As I'm headed on vacation soon, I opt for something on the healthier side, despite my raging desire for nothing more than a big double cheeseburger with spicy mayonnaise and french fries. Mae Mae Cafe is a perfect combination of healthy but delicious and satisfying. As you are about to see, I couldn't be too, too healthy. After all, it is snowing out. 

Located on the corner of Vandam Street and Hudson (map below), this quaint little farm-style cafe offers a light breakfast and lunch, using locally sourced ingredients. With a sort of living room/ home library vibe, it invites you in with open arms on a cold day. Although there isn't an actual fireplace, you could almost swear that there is, because of the cozy feeling the space evokes. Alas, time to eat!

Today I decided on the avocado toast, one of my favorite things to eat in general, and especially yummy here, served with a fried egg on top. And, the grilled cheese of the day: Gruyere, Roasted Tomatoes, and Pesto Grilled Cheese. Now I have to say, after getting the grilled cheese here many times, today it fell a little flat. They use a thick country-style bread that is usually perfectly toasted and buttered, and the cheese is usually overflowing out. Just the way a grilled cheese should be! But today, they seemed to have skimped out on the cheese, and under-grilled the bread, causing the sandwich to be a little soggy. Needless to say, the picture still came out beautiful, and I'll give them a hall pass this time, as I have been here several times before. Here's to hoping during my next visit, they don't fall flat again, and I fall out of love with this little cafe!

Pictures below! 
xx
​felizfoodie

Hey All!

So it's been a bit since I've posted. Life has been crazy, but I want to get back on track! That being said, thought I'd start off by sharing some of my favorite finds from my recent trip to the capital of Mexico - Mexico City!

As you may or may not know, Mexico City is currently one of the most innovative gastronomic capitals of the world. So no surprise, just about anywhere I went, whether it was quickly popping into a street cafe for a bite, or a planned meal, EVERYTHING was SO delicious! 

I spent most of my time in what is arguably the nicest "borough" of Mexico City, Polanco. Polanco is like the Rodeo Drive, or Fifth Avenue part of the city. So I was a little spoiled, and I can't wait to get back to Mexico City and check out the food in so many other places! But for now... here are a few of my HIGHLY recommended favorites. 

Dulcinea: Quick, easy but totally gourmet, inexpensive casual cafe. Sounds like an oxymoron right? Because it is... Located in Polanquito, I stopped by this place for lunch, and was blown away by the creative menu, full of unique combinations for even the simplest dish. Price for 2 appetizers, 2 cocktails, and 2 entrees? $50 USD
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Continuing on... even though I am drooling all over again thinking about the above... there is more drool to be had!

Condesa DF: Swanky hotel with gorgeous sunset rooftop views, located in the hip Condesa barrio. Perfect for grabbing evening drinks and a quick bite. From Grupo Habita, sister hotel to The Hotel Americano in NYC & Casa Fayette in Guadalajara, MX, to name a few. 

As I sipped on a delectable maracuya, or passionfruit cocktail, watching the sunset overlooking Benito Juarez Airport, watching the planes come in and depart, I of course, GOT HUNGRY. The menu at Condesa was mix of everything, but I was immediately intrigued by the combinations in the Sushi Rolls. 

A Sushi Roll with Spicy Tuna, Fresh Jalapeno, and Bleu Cheese Crumbles?! Is that even good? (I thought to myself). And boy, am I happy I decided to give it a try. I still dream of this Sushi Roll. I can't wait for the day that we meet again! 

I could go on and on. But I'll save that for future posts, and future trips back to this magical city! I hope you enjoyed, and I promise to keep the posts coming more frequently. 

Until next time fellow foodie and travel lovers!
xx
felizfoodie
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Kopi Ramen - tucked inside the Kopi Kopi cofeeshop on West 3rd Street in Greenwich Village. 

Just opened in December by young owner Grace Moon Lauren, Kopi Ramen is one of the most delicious Ramen restaurants I've ever been to. You can tell the food is made with love, and the menu is creative, setting it apart from the rest of the Ramen restaurant world!

Upon walking in you will notice a wall hand-painted by the owner Grace! She also is the mastermind behind the simple yet delicious and fun menu. Appetizers include Charred Edamame with Yuzu Salt, Chicken Wing Gyoza (yes, chicken WING), and my personal favorite, the Miso Marinated Pork Belly Seaweed Wraps. All pictured below. 

My mouth was already watering after shredding through the appetizers, and the main feature, the Ramen itself just took at all to the perfect next level. Pictured above, the Shio Ramen, was my favorite. This Ramen, based in Chicken Broth, comes with tender, juicy pieces of Chicken Breast, and most rewarding, Crackling Chicken Skin! We all know how delicious crispy chicken skin is, don't pretend it doesn't make you want jump into this bowl of ramen right now. 

Kopi Ramen will be open noon to midnight DAILY. That's right, no lunch to dinner dead hour where the kitchen closes, and a full menu straight until MIDNIGHT, regardless the day of the week. Definitely recommend this spot for a DELICIOUS winter meal. Say hi to Grace! Tell her feLIZfoodie sent you! :) 

xx
feLIZfoodie 

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Umami Burger. If you follow feLIZfoodie on instagram you will have noticed that burgers are a staple item in the feLIZfoodie diet. We can't go a few days without having one. 

That being said, it's surprising it took us so long to get to Umami Burger. This burger chain, originally from the West Coast opened in New York a few years back. It falls under the category of what I would consider fancy fast food. The burgers range from $9-$13 dollars, but boast gourmet-like toppings such as truffle and the above pictured thick-cut bacon. 

The most popular burgers here are the Sunnyside pictured above, the Truffle Burger pictured below and the classic Umami. Umami, pronounced oooooo-mami, is Japanese for a "pleasant savory taste". And I would say these burgers are just that. If you haven't checked it out, it's worth a try. I plan to head back to try other burger options. But out of the Sunnyside, Truffle and Umami - I say the Sunnyside is by far the best. Don't forget to add bacon! 

Ever yours,
feLIZfoodie

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feLIZ Holidays to everybody! End of year, regardless of your background or religious affiliation, proves to be a time of family and enjoying the simple things in life. Here in the USA, one of the most classic comfort dishes is Mac N' Cheese. And who doesn't love a good Mac N' Cheese?!

Knock your guests socks off with this quick and easy recipe! Promise to satisfy :) 

Ingredients: 
Macaroni Elbows (1 box)
1/2 block of Gruyere Cheese
1/2 block of Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 Pint of Light Cream
4 Tablespoons of Butter
Paprika
2 Tablespoons of Flour

Steps: 
Preheat Oven to 350 degrees... then begin the below

1. Cook Macaroni as usual, drain and set aside
2. In a saucepan melt 4 tablespoons of butter and add 1/2 pint of cream
3. Gradually add flour to the melted mixture, making a roux 
4. Gradually add cheese, waiting for cheese to melt, until it is all melted! You can have fun with this part. Mix and match your cheeses. Maybe you want more cheddar than gruyere, or vice versa. Maybe you want to throw in some parmesan! Stick with the proportions and do as you please. And really at the end of the day, you really can't have TOO MUCH cheese...
5. Lightly coat the bottom of a baking dish in butter. Pour the already cooked macaroni on top
6. Pour your cheese sauce over the macaroni. The cheese may clump - don't worry about that! Take out a spatula and evenly distribute the cheese mixture across the macaroni
7. You don't want your macaroni to dry out while you're baking, (more likely to happen than you may think it is), so this step is crucial! Take the extra 1/2 of light cream and pour it into the baking dish evenly across the macaroni. Use your judgement on this part, as to whether you add the full other 1/2 pint or not
8. Lastly! Sprinkle some Paprika and light salt (if desired) across the top! Here you could also grate some Parmesan Cheese to have a crispy, cheesy top
9. Pop your tray into the oven! Bake for around 30 minutes, and then ENJOY!!

I swear this will be a hit!! Let me know if you try it out!! AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
xx
feLIZfoodie!
:)

NYC during Christmas time is possibly one of the most magical places to be... If you can never mind the influx of tourists, and let the Holiday spirit take you! 

So, where to go for a fully immersive experience? We all know the typical destinations, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park Holiday pop-up etc. But where can you go to feel like you're eating inside of a Christmas Tree, or drinking in Santa's workshop? We rounded up our favorites below! 

My all-time favorite? If you can manage to remember to make a reservation before December, or have the patience to wait in a long line/are lucky enough to sneak into the bar on an off-night, hands down it is Rolf's on 18th and 3rd Avenue!

Pictured above is the French Onion Soup amidst the Rolf's decor! I also ate the Jaeger Schnitzel, in Paprika Mushroom Sauce, Vegetable & Spätzle, which I would also recommend! While Rolf's probably has the most extensive decorations, all of my recommendations below feature Seasonal Holiday inspired cocktails, (think egg nog, mulled wines, candy cane concoctions etc.) and enough feLIZ holiday decor to put a smile even on The Grinch's face! :) 

Check them out! Let me know what you think!
feLIZ Holidays!!!
​xx
feLIZfoodie

Rolf's German Restaurant, 281 Third Avenue, rolfsnyc.com
Lillie's Union Square, 13 East 17th Street, unionsquare.lilliesnyc.com
Miracle on Ninth Street/Mace, 649 East Ninth St, macenewyork.com
Sippin' Santa's Surf Shack, 13 First Avenue (at First Street), boilermakernyc.com

Hola, hola! 

Today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite foodie discoveries and scenic pictures from my most recent trip down to Miami, Florida!

I get to escape the Concrete Jungle (NYC) and slip down to Miami for some tropical sunshine and beachside eats once every couple months. My last trip I chose to concentrate my foodie escapades on some of the newest restaurant openings, including: Tom Colicchio's BeachCraft at the new 1 Hotel & Residences South Beach, Jean-George's Matador Room at the Edition Hotel South Beach, & the new casual Mexican hotspot/speakeasy Coyo Taco in the Wynwood Arts District. 

BeachCraft:

I loved everything about this spot! With both in and outdoor seating, a fresh seafood centric savory menu, and a friendly and attentive waitstaff, they checked off all my boxes. The outdoor seating is beside their stunning pool, with beach sand and airy white couches by the bar area, or traditional seating with umbrellas a few feet away. I chose to lounge on the comfy couch, sip rose, and enjoy one of the most delicious Seafood Ceviche's I have ever had! Even the chips for the ceviche were individually seasoned and made in-house. I can't wait to get back to this spot. 

Matador Room:

Similar to BeachCraft, a restaurant from a prestigious chef, but a totally different feel. Matador Room features both in and outdoor seating (overlooking the hotel's pool), and a menu mostly Spanish-based with dashes of other Latin influence. Here I absolutely died for their Grilled Octopus appetizer. It was perfectly spicy and crispy, and beautifully presented. I also highly recommend the Hanger Steak, and you can never go wrong with the house-cured Charcuterie. Definitely worth repeating!

Coyo Taco:

If you follow my Instagram account, you know I can't go long without digging into some authentic Mexican food. Coyo Taco certainly did not disappoint! Not only was the food a treat, but a fun destination as it is located in the Wynwood Art District of Miami. Spend some time taking a look at some of the famous Graffiti walls, then pop in here for a Pacifico and mouthwatering tacos. One of my favorite things about this spot was the variety of tacos that they offered. Here you can find all of your traditional Mexican tacos: Carnitas, Al Pastor, Cochinita etc.. BUT, you can also find some fun original ideas of theirs, such as: Pastor de Pollo, Pulpo, Quinoa, & Carnitas de Pato! What's more? Come on the later end, and sneak through the kitchen to find a hidden bar! Bon appetit & salud! 

Please enjoy all of my pictures below! I love to hear from my readers, so please feel free to comment or reach out to me via email!

xx!
feLIZfoodie 

Pulperia: A Spanish American grocery store or bodega, often also functioning as a neighborhood drinking establishment for locals to gather. 

La Pulperia in NYC opened last year in 2 locations - Upper East Side & Hell's Kitchen. This past week I had the pleasure of visiting the UES location, and, I must say, the name is quite humble compared to the beauty of the space! Upon walking in and being quickly greeted by the welcoming Maitre D', it was apparent the name is synonomous to the type of atmosphere the restaurant is looking to create: your welcoming neighborhood spot, to relax and enjoy some good food and drinks. The decor, however, is much more than just your neighborhood bodega. 

The restaurant, designed by Andres Gomez, (Red Rooster, Whitehall, SoCo), is decorated with hand-painted tiles imported from Mexico and Brazilian beach wood, giving it a beachy yet refined look and feel. An ample bar surrounded by tables fills the front space, while the back room is flooded with natural sunlight from a large skylight. As I am a huge fan of skylights, especially in a city like New York where finding restaurants with natural sunlight can be somewhat challenging, I sat in the back space. 

The menu from Chef/Owners Carlos Barros & Victor Medina, is a mix of staple Latin American dishes infused with Italian & Spanish influences. Some very original looking dishes immediately popped off the menu, such as "El Salmon Brulee". This dish was one of my favorites. A Verlassa Salmon Tartar, topped with a Cream Cheese topping Brulee'd to a crisp, finished with ginger leche de tigre and fresh strawberries. If that hasn't already peaked your interest, I'll let this picture do the talking...

Where to go from there? The robust menu can satisfy almost anything you may be craving with a particular focus on seafood. From ceviches to a full raw bar and staple South American fish dishes like Moqueta Mixta (Brazilian Seafood Stew). That being said, I also enjoyed one of the most delicious Hanger Steaks I have ever had in the city here! Like I said, this place has it all! 

Don't just take my word for it, check it out yourself! Below some more pictures of the wonderful food and drinks I enjoyed, as well as maps detailing where to find each of the restaurants. Heading in to check it out? Let them know feLIZfoodie sent you, and I would love to hear what you thought of it! 

feLIZ eating! 
xx
feLIZfoodie 

PS - Just click on any of the pictures below to enlarge 

As mentioned in my "About" section, my roots are in the beautiful country of Chile. 

In this post, I thought I would share a few pictures from my most recent trip to Santiago, the capital of Chile, this past October. 

If you are ever presented with the opportunity to visit, I urge you to do it! The city is rapidly evolving and growing more vibrant everyday. The food is exceptional, as you will get a taste for through my pictures below. 

Please enjoy! And any questions, feel free to reach out to me via felizfoodie@gmail.com!

xx,
feLIZfoodie

Everything about Vic's atmosphere makes for a beautiful and inviting dining space. 

This weekend I had the opportunity to check this spot out during the day, which despite missing out on what I hear is one delicious dinner menu, allowed me to revel in the serenity of the space flooded by natural sunlight, bouncing off it's exposed brick walls, clean white and wood-themed interior decoration. 

Simply walking into this space is a treat!

The latest by restauranteur Vicki Freeman (co-owner of sister restaurants Hundred Acres & Cookshop), in the former Five Points space, is as delicious as it is aesthetically pleasing. Generous portion sizes are an added treat here, and brunch menu staples we all loved from the former Five Points restaurant, such as the Baked Eggs dishes, reappear and infuse the Vic's menu! 

I will be sure to get back for dinner, but until then, let your mouth water over these delicious brunch dishes pictured below. 

feLIZfoodie thumbs up!
xx
feLIZfoodie


Pictured below:
Poached Eggs with Crispy Pork & Braised Short Rib over Polenta with Pecorino
Baked Eggs with Roasted Tomatoes, Spicy Red Chillies & Creamy Ricotta

Eating at home doesn't have to be boring or complicated! 

Here are a few pictures and ideas for having fun with one of the simplest and quickest on the go foods to prepare: TOAST!

Whether you lather it up with peanut butter, almond butter, jam, nuts and berries... or stack on avocado, egg, cheese and veggies... make your toast your own! And spend no more than 5 minutes making this delicious snack!

Keep it simple but creative, and enjoy! Share some of your toasty ideas with me! feLIZfoodie@gmail.com!

xx
feLIZfoodie

El Rey NYC! 







Located at 100 Stanton Street on the LES, this 15-seat little cafe and luncheonette has all the key elements for a perfect light meal and caffeine pick-me-up. 

• Trendy yet clean and sleek vibe...
• Healthy yet flavorful menu of vegetable-centered eats...
• Delicious coffee bar with perks like almond milk & brownie batter hot chocolate... 
• &... Now serving select craft beers and creative spirits such as their cucumber "green" sangria!

 
I recently stopped in to see what the hype was all about, and it did not fail to impress! Below are some shots of the delicious treats I ordered... 

The Kale Salad was perfectly seasoned with a delicious yet light almond vinaigrette, and the beet plum pound cake was perfectly moist and fruit-packed. 

What's more? They are now serving a dinner menu! Highly recommended spot to check-out, be it for a snack and coffee, lunch or dinner!

xx
feLIZfoodie