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| Another shot of Marianella's |
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| The inside of Marianella's |
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| Hofbrauhaus in Munich |
Showing posts with label Marianella's Taqueria. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marianella's Taqueria. Show all posts
Sunday, October 21, 2012
More on Beer Hall
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Marianella's Has Closed
Monday, April 25, 2011
Restaurant Revisits
I've returned to two of our neighborhood's new restaurants in the past several days to see how they are faring a few weeks after they opened:
- Agora Taverna: I ate here over the weekend, actually for the third time. This time I ordered the Greek Salad, the Branzini (grilled, whole fish) with a side order of lemon potatoes and a Greek coffee for dessert. This is the second time I have had the Greek Salad and the Branzini and really liked them once again. So I can report Agora is consistent when it comes to quality - both times these were excellent. The small Greek salad I ordered was actually large enough to have for a main course if I had ordered a little something else to go with it. All the ingredients are very fresh and there is a great blend of different flavors. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that I absolutely loved the lemon potatoes as a side dish. The other sides I have had at Agora - the rice and the Greek fries - were ok, but nothing to write home about. I really didn't think I had the appetite to eat the lemon potatoes but they were so good I ended up cleaning the plate. The Greek coffee, like the last time, was very good as well. The only issue I saw at Agora is that they have a tendency to rush the food a little bit. I ordered the Filet Mignon kabob last time and I had to return it to the kitchen to get it a little more well done. When it came back it was really good. My friend last night ordered the grilled salmon and when it first came out, the middle was pretty rare! When it came back again, he really enjoyed it. But come on guys, even I can cook a salmon! Agora, if you are reading this: I know you just opened and judging by the crowds, you have a lot of people waiting to try you out, but take things a little more slowly and make sure the dishes are cooked to order.
Revisit Grade: A
-Marianella's Taqueria: As I reported last week, this place was actually worse the second time I tried it. Not only did I notice at the counter crusty, old guacamole that apparently hadn't been touched or refreshed in hours, but the lettuce was also still looking old and brown, just like last time. They've had a few weeks to get the freshness issues right, but no progress on that front unfortunately. (By the way, why do they cover your plate with lettuce when you order tacos there? Sometimes restaurants do strange things. This is one of them. Did the manager instruct the workers: 'Oh, and when you give them their tacos, make sure you cover the plate in lettuce!' Uhhh, why?? Give me a salad, sure I might eat it. But a plate filled of dry, bland lettuce? Am I a cow? Am I supposed to graze on this?) The grilled chicken burrito I had this time actually had little if any flavor, and I even found a small bone in it to boot. Unfortunately, It seems I have set my last foot in Marianella's Taqueria. This is one of the bigger disappointments here in Forest Hills in a looong time. Because ever since Green Cactus closed up shop a few years ago on Restaurant Row (70th Road), I have really missed good Mexican takeout food here in Forest Hills!
Revisit Grade: D
- Agora Taverna: I ate here over the weekend, actually for the third time. This time I ordered the Greek Salad, the Branzini (grilled, whole fish) with a side order of lemon potatoes and a Greek coffee for dessert. This is the second time I have had the Greek Salad and the Branzini and really liked them once again. So I can report Agora is consistent when it comes to quality - both times these were excellent. The small Greek salad I ordered was actually large enough to have for a main course if I had ordered a little something else to go with it. All the ingredients are very fresh and there is a great blend of different flavors. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that I absolutely loved the lemon potatoes as a side dish. The other sides I have had at Agora - the rice and the Greek fries - were ok, but nothing to write home about. I really didn't think I had the appetite to eat the lemon potatoes but they were so good I ended up cleaning the plate. The Greek coffee, like the last time, was very good as well. The only issue I saw at Agora is that they have a tendency to rush the food a little bit. I ordered the Filet Mignon kabob last time and I had to return it to the kitchen to get it a little more well done. When it came back it was really good. My friend last night ordered the grilled salmon and when it first came out, the middle was pretty rare! When it came back again, he really enjoyed it. But come on guys, even I can cook a salmon! Agora, if you are reading this: I know you just opened and judging by the crowds, you have a lot of people waiting to try you out, but take things a little more slowly and make sure the dishes are cooked to order.
Revisit Grade: A
-Marianella's Taqueria: As I reported last week, this place was actually worse the second time I tried it. Not only did I notice at the counter crusty, old guacamole that apparently hadn't been touched or refreshed in hours, but the lettuce was also still looking old and brown, just like last time. They've had a few weeks to get the freshness issues right, but no progress on that front unfortunately. (By the way, why do they cover your plate with lettuce when you order tacos there? Sometimes restaurants do strange things. This is one of them. Did the manager instruct the workers: 'Oh, and when you give them their tacos, make sure you cover the plate in lettuce!' Uhhh, why?? Give me a salad, sure I might eat it. But a plate filled of dry, bland lettuce? Am I a cow? Am I supposed to graze on this?) The grilled chicken burrito I had this time actually had little if any flavor, and I even found a small bone in it to boot. Unfortunately, It seems I have set my last foot in Marianella's Taqueria. This is one of the bigger disappointments here in Forest Hills in a looong time. Because ever since Green Cactus closed up shop a few years ago on Restaurant Row (70th Road), I have really missed good Mexican takeout food here in Forest Hills!
Revisit Grade: D
Thursday, April 21, 2011
How Desperate Am I For A Burrito?
A prayer in four verses written by Drake after his second visit to Marianella's Taqueria, this afternoon, for lunch, for a grilled chicken burrito.
Oh, burrito Gods up in heaven, please hear my cry!
How desperate art I for a burrito, oh God??
Desperate enough to eat old, brown lettuce? Yes!
Desperate enough to observe crusted old guacamole at the counter while I wait an inordinately long time for a burrito made with old, brown lettuce? Yes!! YES!
Desperate enough to feel bizarrely out of place as I watch the crowd around the bar (Bar? In a takeout restaurant?) sipping margaritas in the middle of the work day as I wait for the old, brown lettuce containing burrito?? YES!
Oh Burrito Gods up above - why, why hast thou forsaken me and delivered unto me Marianella's Taqueria in my land of Forest Hills instead of the chosen one, blessed be he: Chipotle!!!
Yea! Yes, the grilled chicken burrito I had this day at Marianella's Taqueria was not terrible oh lord! Yes, it only had a small bone in it - not terribly unusual, oh lord. Yes, it barely had any taste come to think of it, oh lord! But, why, why couldn't you bless my village with a normal New York City Mexican take-out place? Are we here in Forest Hills oh so very different from the rest of New Yorkers? I think not Lord!
Oh, burrito Gods up in heaven, please hear my cry!
How desperate art I for a burrito, oh God??
Desperate enough to eat old, brown lettuce? Yes!
Desperate enough to observe crusted old guacamole at the counter while I wait an inordinately long time for a burrito made with old, brown lettuce? Yes!! YES!
Desperate enough to feel bizarrely out of place as I watch the crowd around the bar (Bar? In a takeout restaurant?) sipping margaritas in the middle of the work day as I wait for the old, brown lettuce containing burrito?? YES!
Oh Burrito Gods up above - why, why hast thou forsaken me and delivered unto me Marianella's Taqueria in my land of Forest Hills instead of the chosen one, blessed be he: Chipotle!!!
Yea! Yes, the grilled chicken burrito I had this day at Marianella's Taqueria was not terrible oh lord! Yes, it only had a small bone in it - not terribly unusual, oh lord. Yes, it barely had any taste come to think of it, oh lord! But, why, why couldn't you bless my village with a normal New York City Mexican take-out place? Are we here in Forest Hills oh so very different from the rest of New Yorkers? I think not Lord!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Edge of the City Early Review: Marianella's Taqueria
I just devoured two tacos and a burrito from the new Marianella's Taqueria, which opened today on 71st Continental. It was a decidedly mixed culinary experience.
I ordered the Taco Twosome for $5.95. This was two hard-shelled tacos, one ground beef and one chicken. They were ok, not great. But I have to say that I brought them home and by the time I got them home they were a little cool. So I would reserve judgement on them. One thing I have to point out for certain though is they serve the tacos with a lot of lettuce. And the lettuce seemed a bit old. It was brown in some spots. A Big NO NO!
I also ordered the Grilled Chicken Burrito for $7.95. This was much better. It actually was pretty damn good. I had it with refried beans, some type of smoked salsa, cheese, and yellow rice. Quite tasty indeed! There were times I would have sworn it was a burrito from Chipotle or another higher-end fast food joint.
I washed it all down with a medium Pepsi for $1.85. It was slightly flat. Another big NO NO!!!
As for the atmosphere of our newest Mexican restaurant, all I can say is it is just plain odd. First of all, when you get up to order the menu sign is overhead and behind you so you have to remember what you want from a rather unique and even a bit complicated Mexican menu. So I found myself constantly straining my head and stepping back from the counter to remember what I wanted to order!
Also, the fact that there is a regular bar in the restaurant makes it a bit schizophrenic of an experience. What is it doing there? It is like two places in one - A mid-market Mexican take-out restaurant and a bar.
And one other observation. As I was picking out all the different toppings, I noticed some crusty
old looking offerings - I think it may have been hummus or something like it. Not appetizing! Please keep your food fresh!
Now, for my grades:
Taco Twosome: B (I am giving it the benefit of the doubt because as I said it was a bit of a while before I ate them at home. Hopefully they are better fresher. But the brown-looking salad is plain inexcusable!!)
Grilled Chicken Burrito: A
Beverage (Pepsi): C
Food Quality: C (Big No No's: Brown lettuce, and crusty old looking toppings at the counter. I am not giving them a lower grade because it is opening day and I am chalking it up to opening day growing pains. I will have to go back in a week or so and see how things are going.)
Atmosphere: B (Nothing really special. It's not really upscale though. I greatly preferred the look and feel of Green Cactus which used to be on Restaurant Row here in Forest Hills a few years ago.)
Overall Grade: B- (I am giving them the benefit of the doubt. I do hope indeed the next time I go I do not see wilted brown lettuce and crusty old toppings!!) I would place them above the Fresco Tortillas Chinese/Mexican combo restaurants that are all over the city (and that we have two of right here in FoHi), but below Chipotle in terms of overall upscale atmosphere and quality.
I also ordered the Grilled Chicken Burrito for $7.95. This was much better. It actually was pretty damn good. I had it with refried beans, some type of smoked salsa, cheese, and yellow rice. Quite tasty indeed! There were times I would have sworn it was a burrito from Chipotle or another higher-end fast food joint.I washed it all down with a medium Pepsi for $1.85. It was slightly flat. Another big NO NO!!!
As for the atmosphere of our newest Mexican restaurant, all I can say is it is just plain odd. First of all, when you get up to order the menu sign is overhead and behind you so you have to remember what you want from a rather unique and even a bit complicated Mexican menu. So I found myself constantly straining my head and stepping back from the counter to remember what I wanted to order!
Also, the fact that there is a regular bar in the restaurant makes it a bit schizophrenic of an experience. What is it doing there? It is like two places in one - A mid-market Mexican take-out restaurant and a bar.
And one other observation. As I was picking out all the different toppings, I noticed some crusty
old looking offerings - I think it may have been hummus or something like it. Not appetizing! Please keep your food fresh!
Now, for my grades:
Taco Twosome: B (I am giving it the benefit of the doubt because as I said it was a bit of a while before I ate them at home. Hopefully they are better fresher. But the brown-looking salad is plain inexcusable!!)
Grilled Chicken Burrito: A
Beverage (Pepsi): C
Food Quality: C (Big No No's: Brown lettuce, and crusty old looking toppings at the counter. I am not giving them a lower grade because it is opening day and I am chalking it up to opening day growing pains. I will have to go back in a week or so and see how things are going.)
Atmosphere: B (Nothing really special. It's not really upscale though. I greatly preferred the look and feel of Green Cactus which used to be on Restaurant Row here in Forest Hills a few years ago.)
Overall Grade: B- (I am giving them the benefit of the doubt. I do hope indeed the next time I go I do not see wilted brown lettuce and crusty old toppings!!) I would place them above the Fresco Tortillas Chinese/Mexican combo restaurants that are all over the city (and that we have two of right here in FoHi), but below Chipotle in terms of overall upscale atmosphere and quality.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Inside Marianella's Taqueria
Here's a look inside the new Mexican restaurant, Marianella's Taqueria, on 71st Continental, which opens this Wednesday. Note the bar way up front, near the counter, to the left. Click on the pics for a better view, especially the second one.
- Filing date
- January 20, 2011
- Premises name
- Marianella's Taqueria LLC
- License number
- 1251199
- License status
- Active
- License type
- On-premises liquorLicense allowing on-premises consumption of liquor, wine and beer and sale of beer for off-premises consumption. Food, such as soups and sandwiches, must be served.
- Effective date
- February 28, 2011
- Expiration date
- January 31, 2013
Friday, February 25, 2011
Marianella's New Sign
The sign/awning is up for the new Mexican restaurant, Marianella's Taqueria, at 106-11 71st Avenue.
A reader snapped this pic with his cell phone and sent it in to me...
Thursday, February 24, 2011
New Mexican Restaurant's Website Is Up
The Website for Marianella's Taqueria, the new Mexican restaurant opening on 71st/Continental Ave. next to McDonald's (exact address is 106-11 71st Avenue) is now live.
Here is the link to the site, which includes its menu:
http://marianellas.com/
Thanks to Mike for posting the link on the new Edge of the City Facebook Page
Saturday, December 4, 2010
And... it has a name!
The next Mexican-restaurant-to-be, next to the McDonald's on 71st/Continental, is called (drum roll please)...
Thursday, November 18, 2010
More Details About New Mexican Restaurant
From Craigslist:
RESTAURANT MANAGER FOR MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN QUEENS.
Looking for a Restaurant Manager for a new 50 seater Mexican Restaurant which is about to open in Forest Hills, New York. The ideal candidate should be excellent in analyzing the neighborhood, should be experienced in creating a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu for the restaurant. The ideal candidate should be highly experienced and should be capable of hiring and firing staff, creating specials, etc. This opportunity offers a salary plus commission and is an ideal opportunity for a manager who is interested in establishing a chain of restaurants with the investor. Experience in working with fast food restaurants preffered. Please e-mail resume to Gurhan@gehilaw.com
http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/bus/2066867553.html
RESTAURANT MANAGER FOR MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN QUEENS.
Looking for a Restaurant Manager for a new 50 seater Mexican Restaurant which is about to open in Forest Hills, New York. The ideal candidate should be excellent in analyzing the neighborhood, should be experienced in creating a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu for the restaurant. The ideal candidate should be highly experienced and should be capable of hiring and firing staff, creating specials, etc. This opportunity offers a salary plus commission and is an ideal opportunity for a manager who is interested in establishing a chain of restaurants with the investor. Experience in working with fast food restaurants preffered. Please e-mail resume to Gurhan@gehilaw.com
http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/bus/2066867553.html
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
A Peek Inside the New Mexican Restaurant
My top-notch roving reporter just snapped this shot of the interior of the new Mexican take-out place they are building near the McDonald's on 71st/Continental. The workmen said they "did not know the name" of the place so that remains one of the best kept secrets in Forest Hills! Click on the image for a closer look...
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