This time around, though, I had heard a lot about the trendy rooftop bars and restaurants in New York and was interested in giving them a try. After all, the famous New York skyline is something that no visitor should miss seeing. I eventually ended up at 230 Fifth – a restaurant, bar, and nightclub that catered to a range of different people.

The atmosphere of this establishment was very energetic, which was surprising since it wasn’t even a weekend. Aside from that, though, one of the first things I noticed was the size – it is much larger than most other clubs I’ve been to, and it had indoor and outdoor areas for eating, drinking, and general socializing.

Of course, 230 Fifth is famous for that outdoor, rooftop area, and they do everything they can to make sure it’s a nice, comfortable experience all year long. When I went there the weather was very pleasant, but when things turn cold the club breaks out its famous warm robes that have been described as something in between a Snuggie and the latest Jedi fashions. Still, they apparently get the job done.

The view from this vantage point is nothing less than spectacular. The skyline includes the Empire State Building and there really is no better place to relax and enjoy a good drink and a few items off the menu.

And how was the food? I only sampled a couple dishes, but on the whole I was impressed. The prices for the drinks and the food were about what you would expect for an upscale establishment like this – which is to say it was a little pricey, but it was consistent with the quality and the atmosphere of the club. Food is served every day of the week, all year long, from 4:00PM to 4:00AM. Only at restaurants in NYC will you be able to get chicken wings in Malaysian oyster barbecue sauce at three in the morning.

On my visit I started off with the Romli Sliders – spiced beef hamburger sliders that had some kind of chili sauce, pickled cucumbers, and a few other ingredients. According to the menu these were some popular dish from Kuala Lumpur, which didn’t actually mean a lot to me, but I did find that the little burgers were really quite good.

I followed that up with the Curried Smoked Salmon Salad, not because I’m watching my weight so much as I’m a sucker for anything curried (and, to be honest, because it was on the cheaper end of the menu). It was a little different from what I expected, but in a good way. It was definitely a unique flavor, but I would recommend it to others.

Between the atmosphere, the food, and the view, this is one of the clubs in NYC you really shouldn’t miss. Whether you are just going there for a quiet drink or a full meal, this is definitely an experience unlike any other.

230 Fifth Rooftop Garden Bar and Restaurant
Phone  (212) 725-4300 ‎
230 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10001

Ever have a desire for some authentic Mexican street tacos or a carne asada burrito but didn’t feel like driving all the way to Tijuana? Well, now’s your chance to experience a taste of TJ flair reminiscent of those partying days on the Avenida Revolución. Taco carts and shops with names like el Taco Bell have some of the tastiest tacos ever. Forget Roberto’s, this is the closest thing you’ll find to TJ with out having to deal with all the border crossing issues and the crazy TJ driving.

The San Diego Farmer’s Market located on Imperial Avenue exit off the freeway 5 (one exit north of Coronado bridge) is the solution to getting a full plate of some of best Mexican food ever.

Pictured above is a plate of carnitas and carne asada tacos with layers of cilantro, pico de gallo, avocado green sauce, red de arbol hot sauce and topped with an extra punch spicy salsa from Taqueria “el Guerro”. Warning: some of these dishes are not for the weak; You’ll have to have a iron stomach to handle some of these salsa additions.

What to expect? Well, this isn’t restaurant romantica, and unfortunately, there’s no beer or margaritas that I’ve seen, but do expect to speak a little Spanglish when ordering your food. There are several other spots to eat at this San Diego Farmer’s Market including a bakery, seafood mariscos (shellfish) and more. The large building also holds other Mexican themed stores such as travel, barber shop, and a pet store to name a few. It’s really not a traditional farmer’s market, so don’t expect to find all your market needs here. Check it out just to try something different.

Address Get Directions

San Diego Farmers Market
2100 Imperial Ave.
San Diego, CA 92102

Hours
Open seven days week

If you’re anywhere in 20 miles vicinity of Banana Leaf Malaysian restaurant make sure to stop by for a delicious bite to eat. Banana Leaf offers a unique blend of southern Asian foods from Malaysian, Indian, Hunan, to Thai.

For appetizers we decided on Roti Prata which is served as a multi-layered home made Indian bread dipped in lightly spiced curry sauce and Fresh Spring Rolls. The Roti Prata is a nice light appetizer for 2-3 people, but if you have more in your party, order more appetizers especially if you come hungry. The spring rolls come with shrimp, vermicelli, bean sprouts, basil & Chef’s peanut sauce but personally I think they are a little heavy on the vermicelli. The peanut sauce tastes great and is to die for if you like it semi spicy.

Other appetizers on the menu range from Gado-Gado, Chicken, Beef or Combo Satay, Green Papaya Salad, Lobak, Yu Sang,Sambal Anchovy, Roti Prata, Telur, Murtabak, Tofu Salad, to Penang Poh Piah.

For the main entrees, we ordered Indian Mee Goreng ($8.50) and Cumin Lamb ($12.95) with lemongrass, Thai chili & cilantro. The Mee Goreng is a spicy fried Indian noodle dish with prawns, squids, chicken, tofu, eggs, grounded peanuts & bean sprouts and has some resemblance to the taste of chow mein. On the other hand, the Cumin Lamb is quite a tasty dish. The chef does a wonderful job by adding layers of flavors and spices in this dish. Make sure someone in your party orders it so you can at least try some.

For main entrees, Banana Leaf also offers Poultry dishes such as Mango, Istimewa, Kapitan, Utama Basil, Rempah, Rendang, Green or Red Curry, Tai Pou, Malay Sizzling, Penang Sizzling or chicken.

Beef & Lamb dishes vary from Rendang, Green or Red Curry, Utama Basil, Malay Sizzling, Curry beef to Cumin Lamb.

The Seafood dishes range from Mango, Penang Sizzling, Asam, Siam, Singaporean Chili, and Utama Basil Prawns to Indian Red Curry Fish Heads to Salmon to Pomfrets and Crab.

They also have a decent vegetarian menu which includes a variety of noodle and rice dishes which you will also enjoy. View there vegetarian menu.

All the food at Banana Leaf is reasonably priced varying from $6.95 to $28.95. Because this restaurant is located in a shopping mall, it’s not the most elegant setting, but the food is worth tasting.

Expect a small wait if you don’t have reservations and especially if you’re dining on a Friday or Saturday evening. Parking is available via shared lot but usually packed. Stop into Banana Leaf Malaysian Restaurant next time your in the neighborhood of Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Los Altos, Cupertino, San Jose, or Fremont.

Banana Leaf Restaurant (map)

182 Ranch Dr
Milpitas, CA 95035
(408) 719-9811
www.bananaleaf-usa.com

Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Mon-Thu 5:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Fri 5:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sat 11:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

More reviews at Yelp.com