Today, I have the honour of launching off our first OFFICIAL POST with delectable bites from the Big Apple! *Applause* I’ve been long searching for an adventurous start and nothing screamed adventure like blowing my entire summer savings for a short weekend trip to the fantabulous NYC! There’s just something about the city that lures you back whether it be the skyrocketing attractions, the rushing energy of thousands of people, or even the litter bits and the viscous traffic that somehow manages to flow through the city. Amidst the chaos, nonetheless, I have found myself a little slice of pleasure at Europa café, located right in the heart of Times Square .
At first glance, what REALLY caught my eyes were the “Steak and Cheese Pressata” (US$6.95), a perfectly priced sandwich for a traveler on a budget. What I also noticed was an evil tag protruding from the pressata showing me it had a whooping 680 calories!
What I find mindboggling about some of the menus in Manhattan are the calorie counts that are slapped across every single item a little TOO noticeably. It is also peculiar to observe how even the small menus for street hotdogs and ice creams have calorie counts! While I understand that it is rather informative, it’s hard to chew and indulge yourself in the taste of good food with the constant worry of calories circling in your mouth. It is relieving to note thatToronto
What I find mindboggling about some of the menus in Manhattan are the calorie counts that are slapped across every single item a little TOO noticeably. It is also peculiar to observe how even the small menus for street hotdogs and ice creams have calorie counts! While I understand that it is rather informative, it’s hard to chew and indulge yourself in the taste of good food with the constant worry of calories circling in your mouth. It is relieving to note that
Ignoring the evil tags, I ordered another tasty looking pressata called “Chicken Vera Cruz” (US$6.95……and 640 cal), and into the oven the two pressatas went to be warmed up.
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| Located in the center of Times Square, 42nd St and Broadway. My only regret is not taking enough pictures of the sensational "Chipotle Mayo Dip" |
Steak and Cheese Pressata (US$6.95, 680cal)
The mildly smooth and creamy Bel Paese cheese, and the chewy, well-cooked beef are something to notice, but the savory, grilled pita with a slight hint of chili is unquestionably paramount in this pressata. In fact, after a couple of bites, the marinated beef which is rather dry, becomes irritating to chew (despite my forceful bites), and what truly predominates is the chili-spiced flatbread. To compensate for the dry meat, the café offers a “Chipotle Mayo Dip”, which I must say is quite divine. Creamy, thick, spicy, and saporous, this dip has the potential to be the highlight of many entreés. Overall the dish was rather messy to eat despite the plastic knives and forks provided, but my new found love for their dip is something never to be forgotten. For those who are on a tight budget and schedule, pressatas at Europa Café will surely fill you up, and don’t forget to savour every last bit of the delightful “Chipotle Mayo Dip”.
Chicken Vera Cruz Pressata (US$6.95, 640cal)
This pressata is undoubtedly lighter and simpler in taste compared to the “Steak and Cheese Pressata”. The huge chunks and slices of avocado and tomato provide a different perspective, contrasting the cheesy steak pressata. Within the first couple of bites, the grilled chicken delicately dissolved in my mouth, and the rich taste of avocado and fresh, crunchy tomato slices continued to linger, which was further accentuated by the plain, thin pita. This too, was accompanied by the ever so wonderful “Chipotle Mayo Dip”, which tastes marvelous on its own I must again emphasize. All in all, the affordable pressatas were quite satisfactory and pleasant, and I would adequately recommend this café to all those who are seeking a little simplicity in the crazy Big Apple.
By Athos
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