Restaurant Review: Dagabi Cucina

For one of our celebratory dinners, we decided to go to Dagabi Cucina after a little debate about where we wanted to go. We’ve been eyeing this place for a while (and I can’t help but call it Dagobah), so we decided this was the night to go. To celebrate our promotions and hard work, this would be the perfect place. We went around 7:30 Friday night, not sure what to expect. It was a hybrid of Spanish (Spain Spanish) and Italian food.

Preview of what’s to come..

Right off the bat, we were pleased. The flamboyant host asked us whether we wanted to sit outside or not and we couldn’t decide. He then says, “Well most people fight each other to get outside” (I couldn’t place his accent, Chris thinks Barcelona) so we opted for that. They have a beautiful outside arrangement and we were lucky enough to sit next to a nice flower box. Stringed lights hang around us, making it very romantic and relaxing. There were a few other people around us, but nobody was loud or obnoxious. It was a nice summer night, no need for a jacket.

Beautiful night

Our waiter was excellent. She may have been slightly overworked, but she didn’t miss a thing. To start ourselves off, we got a caraffe of Tinto de Verano (summer red wine with sparkling lemonade). It was definitely worth it as we each got at least 3 glasses out of it. It was delicious, light, and refreshing–very glad we got that. Food-wise, we got Ensalada con Melocoton which was beautifully-made, very light and not overdone with flavor. And of course, we had to get the bread. On Yelp, people rave about their balsamic sauce and boy were they right. The bread came fresh out of the oven, actually too hot to touch at first. Once we could get our hands on it, we couldn’t stop. The sauce was absolutely wonderful, full of complex flavors, a true pleasure to eat. I can’t wait to go back during “happy hour” and just get bread. Our last appetizer was Antipasto Dagabi which sampled meats, cheeses, and olives. It was a good choice: all the cheeses had different flavors, there was some fruit too to pair with cheese, and I actually ate some olives! You can tell in our pictures that the night gets progressively darker…

Delicious drink next to a beautiful flower bed

Bread, oh man, I want some more!

Wonderful appetizers

By this point, I am already near full (what a surprise), but we still have our entrees yet. I ordered the special, which was wild boar meatballs with gnocchi (yep–I finally got to have some meat!) and Chris got Filetes Rusos which was kind of Spanish-styled hamburger with mashed potatoes and asparagus. We both agreed that the entrees were good, but they weren’t of the same caliber of the appetizers. I couldn’t finish mine, so I got had it wrapped ate it on Sunday. For dessert, we got a raspberry creme brulee (Chris pressured me into it, I swear!). Usually I like it plain, but it was very tasty. Chris, who normally doesn’t like creme brulee, shared it with me and enjoyed it as well.

Wild boar meatballs with gnocchi

Spain-styled hamburger

Creme brulee!

Overall, it was truly a wonderful experience: a beautiful setting, delicious food, and attentive wait staff made the night a success. We will definitely be coming back here at least for the appetizers and the atmosphere. Fit gives Dagabi Cucina a big thumbs up and can’t wait to get some more bread and balsamic–happy hour is every night, right?! This place is definitely a contender for best Spanish food in Boulder. Eat at Dagabi Cucina to stay hungry and fit!

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Oh hai, Nymeria

Apr192013

Hungry Reviews… Snarf’s (Boulder, CO)

It’s safe to say that I haven’t tried every sandwich in Boulder. We’ve only been here so long and there are lots of places to eat so it’s hard. I have had a fair share of sandwiches from Deli Zone, Cafe Food, and Snarf’s and only one place knows how to put together a sandwich.

Cubano sandwich (Snarf’s)

Cafe Food is oversimplified to the degree that I can’t distinguish the egg from the mayo in their egg salad, which the owner claims is the best in Boulder. He claims everything is the best there but after the tuna salad and egg salad a few times, I decided there’s no need to return… ever. Deli Zone offers the best bang for your buck as there are plenty of large sandwiches at very reasonable prices. However, they fail to execute on more complicated orders than your basic sandwiches. I’m not talking about gastronomical creations either, just basic stuff like the reuben. Still, it’s on par with Cafe Food food-wise but the customer service puts it slightly ahead.

Then there is Snarf’s. I frequent the one on Pearl, at least once a week. I’ve had it as many as four times a week… and I’m a sandwich snob from the melting pot of great heroes, subs, and hoagies. Sure, Snarf’s is the most expensive of the three but it’s well worth the extra that you pay.

Stack of awesome chips

They offer simple dishes and complicated pieces as well. I usually get the French Dip at least once a week because it is extremely filling and because the au jus is delicious. I recommend not getting many toppings on your order because it distorts the natural flavors of their creations. My typical trip involves a bag of Zappo’s Voodoo Style Potato Chips, a 12″ Pro French Dip with no topping on white bread, and a black and white milkshake.

Amazing milkshake

Zappo’s Voodoo chips

Snarf’s sandwich

It costs a bit but fills me up, makes me feel good, and tastes great. I rarely have been given anything bad there, especially for the amount of times I have been. You have to get used to the crew that works there, and some can get on your nerves, but most of them are great. Snarf’s on Pearl gets Hungry’s seal of approval. Go there and you can stay hungry and fit.

Alana’s choice…Tuna Melt with everything from tomatoes to lettuce to hot peppers

Another tuna melt from another time

Note from Alana (and shout out to Santa Monicans): If it were a competition, Snarf’s could rival my favorite sandwich place from home, Bay Cities. Different vibe, but delicious sandwiches.

Apr132013

Tony’s Italian Kitchen: Our Favorite Pizza

Watch out, it’s another stop on our New Jersey Easter Vacation! And of course, yes, it’s another food stop… And this time, it’s PIZZA! Who doesn’t love pizza? (Awkward for lactose intolerants…) So if you read our About section, you know I hail from California. Before I went to New York, I thought we Californians had pretty good pizza. Boy, was I wrong! Not that Californian pizza is horrible, but it just doesn’t compare to New York or New Jersey pizza. Especially, Tony’s Italian Kitchen.

Us driving around Chris’ hometown

It’s easy to pass up Tony’s, it’s in a tiny strip mall along with some other offices like Chris’ chiropractor and other little places. But once you discover it, it’s a gem! Luckily, Chris and his family had been getting Tony’s pizza for years, so all I had to do was tag along. The first bite I had, I was able to declare this the best pizza I’ve ever had, and trust me, I’ve had a lot of pizza. More specifically, it has the best cheese pizza. His family very often gets it to bring it home. And then I always eat too much.

So during this New Jersey Easter trip, it was our second food stop after having bagels for breakfast. We had two of our friends with us and split a large cheese pie between us. The wait was tantalizing. And then it came out to us, sizzling and hot. We always let it cool a little so the cheese can settle. And you should always have a Peach Snapple with it too. That first bite into that pizza was awesome. We hadn’t had it for six months or so, so it was that much better!

Drool-worthy

What really makes Tony’s the best is the amazing sauce. I don’t know what they do to it, but it is so fresh. It was really difficult not to scarf it down way completely fast. The crust is scrumptious and dusted to perfection. If you think you’ve had good pizza, come to Tony’s Italian Kitchen and see if you’ve really had the BEST. Cheers!

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