Lucky Buns / Choza / Open Air Cafe - The Best Part of Jury Duty

Open Air Cafe - Lucky Buns / Choza
http://www.openaircafenyc.com
http://luckybunsnyc.com
http://chozanyc.com
1 Centre Street
New York, NY

THE CONQUEST
It's a sensation you feel deep within your stomach. You're checking the mail when you reach in and see it. Suddenly your nerves swell up, your muscles twist into knots and your heart skips a beat. You know exactly what its going to say on the inside once you tear away the perforated tabs. The bright red (or purple) strip reveals your dark future: "Important: Jury Summons Enclosed."

Jury Duty. 2 words combined that spell out you're darkened feature. You scramble to book a trip out of state, a doctor's appointment, a meeting with your boss...anything to get out of doing it. Eventually, you'll end up in my situation; 7 postponements and a sentence of mandatory service. Unless you have a major obsession with "CSI" or 'The People's Court," no one looks forward to serving Jury Duty. Blah, blah, blah, civic duty, yeah, yeah. I hear you. But other than serving my duty to the great city of New York, there is nothing to look forward to with Jury Duty. As I was prepping for possible 10 days out of the office and shut off from society. There was literally nothing I was looking forward to about it other than getting it done.

Then I got an email from my burger eatin' buddy, Buckshot, which read; "My wife's place where she works owns this new burger place. They wanted to see if you would be interested in doing a Burger Conquest with them. Its a pretty good burger. http://luckybunsnyc.com/" I clicked the link which revealed a new outdoor cafe that served gourmet burgers. It's part of a group of outdoor restaurants grouped together under the named "Open Air Cafe." They have a taco spot, "Choza", a sandwich shop, "The Pantry," a pizza and pasta eatery "Sauced," and of course, a burger joined named "Lucky Buns."

The 4 restaurants recently opened this summer under the able the talented knife and fork of Dominic Giuliano, Executive Chef from South Hospitality. Broken up into 2 plazas, for at total of 35,000 square feet of outdoor dining; one on the North side and one on the South side of the NYC Municipal Building. Which is where in the city? Right down the block from the New York Criminal Court. If I could just survive the process of Jury Duty, at least I had tasty burgers to look forward to.

After several non-eventful hours in the Juror's lounge, we were excused for lunch. I hit up my buddy Paul and asked if he wanted to meet me for a burger to celebrate his birthday. He said yes and few minutes later met me on the North Side of the Open Air Cafe. We met up with Matthew Wagman, Dominic's partner in the Open Air Cafe. Matthew sat us down at an open table and ran off to the kitchen after asking only one simple question; "brown or pink?" We both said "pink," and Matthew disappeared into Lucky Buns. He returned a few minutes later with a massive bag over flowing with food. "I want you to try as many menu items as you have room for!"

THE BURGERS
Matthew brought out 5 sandwiches as two sides, french fries and a Dominic special, Tempura Green Beans. Once Paul and I were able to pop our eyeballs back into their sockets, we began to dig in.

"The Works Burger" - Served with Lettuce, tomato, American cheese, sauteed onions, special sauce. The patty on each burger is a made to be the gourmet version of fast-food style burger. It's a little thicker than your standard fast-food patty making it just the right size for the burger. They all come with a backyard BBQ flavor about them, with a good juicy, grilled-cooked flavor. Add in the rest of the toppings and served inside of a fresh brioche bun. The special sauce has a tangy kick to it but spread very sparingly so as to not out flavor the meat.



"The Dominator" - Don't let the warnings fool you, this burger is only intimidating in name. Double meat, double cheddar cheese, double bacon & BBQ sauce. The contents meld together in greasy (a good way), melty party of flavors. Again, the burger toppings, which are very fresh and delicious, never get in the way of the beef. The thick and just cooked right bacon adds a smoky taste and a chewy texture, just the way I like it. What separates "The Dominator" from other burgers served with BBQ sauce, is the UNBELIEVABLE strawberry chipotle ingredients. It's sweet, tangy, spicy and very unique.



Pulled Pork Sandwich - With our excitement over the BBQ sauce, we put the Pulled Pork Sandwich next in the pecking order. It was on this 3rd sandwich that we took note of Dominic's style; tasty fresh toppings that never outshines the taste of the beef. The meat had a really natural and savory pork flavor. The homemade BBQ sauce gives it a matching peppery and sweet taste. DEELISH.



Grilled cheese - This one is an all American classic done up right, with just the right ratio of bread to cheese. The sourdough style bun has 3 delicious and melted slices of cheese inside: Cheddar, Swiss and Jack. It's made with the same TLC as the other sandwiches and every bit just as good.


8 out of 10 ounces

The french fries are long-cut, crispy, golden and delicious. They're good but if you're only getting one side item at Lucky Buns, go for the Tempura Green Beans! They're fresh, crispy and with only a little bit of breading. Most restaurants over fry or focus on the breading, not Lucky Buns! The fresh green bean itself is the major player in this tasty snack. With a happy stomach, I thanked Matthew and headed back to the court building.







Day 2 of Jury Duty came and with the same lack of activity and hum-drum silence. I sat in the Juror's Room with happy thoughts of the delicious food memories of Lucky Buns. When the Bailiff excused us for lunch, there was only one thing on my mind; the Open Air Cafe. This time I marched myself over the South Plaza, right at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge and got in line for Choza. It's a very simple concept with a very simple menu; a taqueria that serves 4 fillings in your choice of tacos, burritos or bowls. They also offer salads and a variety of Mexican inspired sides. While I stood in line licking my lips, Matthew walked up and said "you're back!" I told him "while I love burgers there is also a very special place in my heart for tacos."

THE TACOS
An order of tacos comes with 3 of them filled with Carne Asada, Carnitas, Pollo Colorado or combination of fresh seasonal vegetables. I asked for one of each kinds of meat and side of corn on the cob. A few minutes later I was seated at an outdoor chess table opening to go boxes with the smell of fresh Mexican food wafting into my nose. Each taco is served traditional style, wrapped in 2 warm, corn tortillas and garnished with chopped onions and cilantro.

Pollo Colorado - The marinated chicken is tangy and with just the hint of spicy heat. The meat is juicy and not over cooked, which is really easy to do with chicken.



Carne Asada - MMM, MMMM, MMMMMM!! The beef is juicy and tender. It has the tastes of deliciously charred steak marinated in spices and peppers, no doubt a result of dry rubbing the meat before grilling. The sweetness of the red onion makes a nice balance of flavors. This one is spicier than chicken but without being too hot.



Carnitas - Made from braised pork is covered in salsa verde has and a real citrus-like tang to it as well as a little bite. The pork is simmered over night in citrus, chilis, and seasonings. Subtleties of pork shine through. Juiciest one of the bunch.



Elote (Corn) - Sadly, this one needs work. Its soggy and needs spicing up to keep it being bland. The cheese has a subtle flavor at best. To be fair, when I told Matthew I had ordered it, he said "the corn is 100% yet," and while he was right, I wouldn't let it keep you from eating at any of the 4 Open Air Cafe options. Finally, we have a reason to look forward to serving Jury Duty.


8 out of 10 ounces
-Rev

Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort - Poolside Nuptuals

Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort
http://www.dreamsresorts.com/drerc/index.html
Carretera Federal 307
Chetumal–Puerto Juárez
Benito Juárez, Puerto Morelos
77580 Quintana Roo
Mexico

THE CONQUEST
My wife and I recently traveled to our favorite vacation spot, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, this time for our the wedding of our friends Karl and Julie. While in the Rivieria Maya, we stayed at the beautiful and relaxing Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort. It's an all inclusive resort located just off the highway between Cancun and downtown Playa Del Carmen. While there are dozens of resorts to choose from, Dreams is widely recognized as having the best of the best. With several fine dining restaurants, pools, swim-up bar, beach side swing bar and extremely friendly and accommodating staff along with many other fine attributes, is one of the best resorts in the area.

We spent nearly the entire time we were there in the pool, sipping boat drinks and enjoying the Mayan sunshine. Karl and Julie had an absolutely beautiful ceremony right on the beach, followed by a gorgeous and elegant reception right off the sand. The wedding was complete with Mariachi band, delicious food options and a fun-filled dance floor! It was one of the most fun weddings I've ever been a part of. Yes you read that right, I conducted the wedding ceremony. For those that don't know "Rev" has grown into my nickname due to the fact that I was ordained as a Reverend on January 22, 1997 in the Universal Life Church of Modesto, CA.



I don't conduct a lot of weddings but when Karl and Julie asked me I was practically flabbergasted with honor. They're 2 of my fave people on Earth and a great all around couple. I was more than happy to oblige. Truth be told, their wedding was so important to me that I was pretty nervous going into the ceremony but their smiles and the love in their eyes gave me the confidence to hold it together.

THE BURGER
While all the food at the restaurant resorts was top notch, as was the food served at the wedding, that's not what we're here to talk about. While chilling out with Dan and Marie before the ceremony in their room's private plunge pool, we decided to order from the 24 hour available room service. Me, of course, went for a burger. Now let's be honest, I wasn't expecting anything great as the room service at these places is often made from easy to prepare, mass-produced frozen selections. But, I needed a reason to talk about the resort and the event! The burger was exactly as I expected, made from a frozen beef patty and served on normal white bun with sesame seeds and a slice of processed cheese food. They delivered it right at poolside along with several buckets of Coronitas. It made for a great afternoon snack and wasn't all that bad.

We had an absolute blast with major thanks to Marie and Dan for hosting the party. Even more so, a big congratulations to the newly weds, Karl and Julie!


6 out of 10 ounces
-Rev

Wicky's - La Hamburguesa de Sus Sueños

Wicky's
http://wickysplayadelcarmen.com
Calle 10 Nte. Mza 21 Lt. 1 Col Centro
10th Street & The Beach, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Thanks to my pals at A Hamburger Today for posting the original story...in English.


LA CONQUISTA
Un viaje a México no parece ser el tiempo adecuado para estar buscando amburgesas deliciosas, pero he escuchado maravillas acerca de Wicky’s así que estaba dispuesto a romper mi dieta a base de tacos, seguida por el plan de seguir comiendo tacos. Localizado al lado de la carretera de el Encanto Resorts, no es difícil de encontrar, está localizado en medio de el centro de la Playa Del Carmen. No es difícil de encontrar; cuando llegas a la calle 10 norte, mientras sigues la avenida 5, voltéa hacia la playa y camina hasta llegar a la arena. Wicky’s se encontrará a tú derecha.

Para empezar, ¿Qué estaba haciéndo en Playa Del Carmen? Mí esposa y yo volamos hacia allá para unirnos a la boda de nuestros amigos Karl y Julie. La playa es un lugar perfecto para vacacionar si disfrutas de las actividades de el resort. Es un precio razonable, el clima es grandioso, la arena es suave, las personas son extremadamente amigables y serviciales, y sobre todo, hay un montón de buena comida. La mayoría de las personas no dejan sus balniarios y se pirden de las interesantes excursiones a las ruinas Mayas, cenote (sumideros), aventuras en la selva, parques de la vida salvaje, todo tipo de depotes acuáticos y de playa, y la belleza que se encuentra en la parte baja de Playa Del Carmen. Nosotros nos hospédamos en Dreams Riviera Cancún y lo adoramos, pero definitivamente hasegúrate de pasar una tarde en el centro de la playa.

Tomando un taxi desde nustro balniario, el taxi nos dejó justo alfrente de Wicky’s; y un restaurante de alta categoria conocido por sus filetes de res y sus hambuerguesas. En tan solo un año, Wicky’s sirve carne sertificada de res Angus, que importa fresca procedente de Los Estados Unidos. Las opciones de pescados y mariscos de Wicky's son capturadas en las aguas del caribe local. Al llegar nos encontramos con Damon Gehrke quién nos contó la historia de como él y un grupo de amigos decídieron abrir un restaurante especializado en carnes a la Del Frisco’s, en playa de el Carmen, mientras que aún vivía en Colorado.

LA HAMBURGUESA
A pesar de las críticas positivas que me llevaron a Wicky, mis expectativas eran bastante bajas. Simplemente no podía creer que había una hamburguesa impresionante situada en Playa Del Carmen. Asegúrate cuando ordenes, de preguntar por el menú de la barra, ya que contiene una gran variedad de hamburguesas, para ordenar que no están enlistadas en el menú regular del desayuno o el de la cena.

¡Me equívoque!

Reservé un boleto de regreso, porque ésta hamburguesa vale la pena; ¡costo de el vuelo, hoteles, taxis y el tiempo! Servida con la presentación mas original, la hamburguesa, una vez elaborada, alcanza hasta las 4 pulgadas de alto, el tocino está malditamente cerca de ser la mezcla perfecta entre crujiente y salado; es robusta y ahumada sin ser quemada, la frescura y cremosidad de las rebanadas de aguacate resaltan la intensidad de el queso (pepper jack) y la mayonesa de chipotle. Es una pequeña pero agradable batalla arbitrada por el tocino. La carne bien sazonada tiene el sabor exacto de cómo una hamburguesa de carne debe tener un sabor gourmet. La hamburguesa es jugosa, sabrosa, picosa, cremosa y sin embargo, la hambuerguesa es absolutamente ¡deliciosa!

¡Santo wow! Esta es una de las mejores, mas cuidadas y mas sabrosas hamburguesas que he tenido el placer de poner frente a mi cara.

La cara de mi esposa Cara me miro con la mitad de la misma y dijo “!esta hamburgesa save como se ve, celestial!”





9 out of 10 ounces
-Rev






REV'S GUIDE TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Playa Del Carmen is rapidly growing and although it’s no longer a cute little strip with local eateries and handmade crafts stores. With the influx of tourists tired of the 24/7 Spring Break that is Cancun, the little city is not so little anymore. Park yourself at one end of Avenida 5, also loving known as “5th Avenue,” and walk along the cobble stone streets for all forms of shopping, eating, drinking and other things. While relaxing at the Dreams Riviera Cancun resort, Cara and I made a plan to head downtown. Here are some of our favorite spots.


Pez Vela
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g150812-d1032791-Reviews-Pez_Vela-Playa_del_Carmen_Yucatan_Peninsula.html
This place is more commonly known as “the Swing Bar.” Have a seat, which has been replaced by a roped swing, at the bar! Enjoy the open air environment and the rock roll while having your choice of beverages. My suggestion: A bottle of Sol with a lime.


La Farmacia
You’ll see them all over the place and they are drug stores that sell generic versions of popular meds and pills. If you’re looking for cheap Viagra or penicillin, this is your place. Often times you can also find these “drugas” in souvenir shops.

Souvenirs
Every third business on Avenida 5 sells souvenirs and gifts, many of which are homemade. If you’re looking for a sombrero, tequila, Mayan artwork, painted ceramics, Lucha Libre Masks or a Cuban Cigar, you’re in luck..THEY’RE EVERYWHERE.


Carboncitos
http://www.playa.info/playa-deals-80.html
While you can have your pick of cuisines at any price in downtown Playa, after you’ve had the burger at Wicky’s, be sure to try the tacos at Carboncitas. If you entered them in an arm wrestling contest, they would play the part of Sly Stallone. With several choices of fillings, toppings and sauces, I triple dog dare you to try and find a combo you don’t love. Cactus and Chorizo with tomatillo and cilantro here I come! It's located at 4th Street between 5th and 10th Avenue.


The Tequila Barrel
http://www.tequilabarrel.com
A very famous bar located on the northern end of Avenida 5 offering pages and pages of, you guessed it, tequila! No matter what your like or hate is, there is a tequila here for you. I suggest Tres Genaraciones Resposado served as a chilled shot and washed down with a cold Pacifico Cerveza. MMMMM AGED TEQUILA WINS!


The Tequila Museum
Found a tequila you love at the Tequila barrel and want to take it home? Check out the Tequila Museum where you can learn about the process of making it. They also boast the world’s largest Tequila Collection, many of which are available in their gigantic souvenir store.


Alux (pronounced Ah-loosh)
http://www.aluxlounge.net/
On the west side of Playa, in the neighborhood section, underground, they found a gigantic cenote and turned it into the most romantic and unique bar in Playa Del Carmen. Make it your last stop in the evening and get a cab there; it’s not walking distance from 5th Avenue but more than worth the trip. All the cabbies know where it’s located but it’s located on Revolution Ave about 5 blocks up from the 307. Be sure to explore all the caves and paths as it’s surprisingly big. The food is passable but the atmosphere is very unique. Stop in for a couple drinks with your boyfriend / girlfriend / husband / wife / life partner / best friend / travel buddy or fellow spelunker.


Mayan Ruins
You can either take the short 60-90 minute ride to Tulum, which is absolutely beautiful. It’s not the biggest ruins in Mexico but what makes it special is its location on the water. Be sure to keep a sharp eye on the ancient paintings, due to inbreeding, some of the Mayans had 6 fingers. You can see paintings where there is an extra finger. Want to see bigger? That requires a well-worth-it 4 hour ride to Chichen Itza.

TULUM


CHICHEN ITZA