The Firebird Cafe

I've been to The Firebird Cafe a few times - most recently last Saturday. They have a great selection of breakfast fare, paninis & wraps, salads, and daily specials. The prices are very reasonable and the food (and coffee!) is always good. I usually get the C.A.B. - a panini filled with juicy chicken, creamy avocado, bacon & garlic mayo -- it's the perfect size for lunch and it's always delicious. If you're looking for breakfast food, they always have a special burrito or omelette. On Saturday, I stepped out of my C.A.B. box and ordered the special omelette - a pesto and mozzarella omelette with fresh tomato salsa. It came with homefries and was especially satisfying. Just what I needed after a long workweek...

Here's my omelette (my mom's choice, "The Traditional," is in the background):
...and now the homefries join the party!

mini-bite :: Giuseppe Ricci

If you are in the mood for gelato or caffé, head over to Heladería Giuseppe Ricci. They have numerous gelatos (including cream and fruit flavors), coffee drinks, hot chocolate (a la taza y Cola Cao), crepes, muffins, donuts, pastries, and gofres (thick waffles with your choice of toppings). They also have mini desserts, called pecados (sins). Try the pecado tiramisú!

Bites in Sevilla

Last weekend, we went to Sevilla. I was looking forward to experiencing Andalucían food and culture, but to tell you the truth, we had some pretty bad food experiences (paella that barely resembled paella, for example) and had a hard time finding nightlife that didn't involve riot police...

However, two places shone through the smog:

At Café de Indias (one of their many locations), my friends enjoyed batidos de chocolate (chocolate milkshakes) and I had a marruccino (espresso, foamed cream, and cocoa) and a slice of delicious chocolate cake layered with cocoa mousse.

At Mario, an Italian restaurant, my friend had the gnocchi with salmon and I had a refreshing insalata caprese. Much better than that fake paella. =)

Pix from Café de Indias

mini-bite :: Cacao Sampaka

Visited Cacao Sampaka on calle Orellana, 4, today with a friend for some hot chocolate. She had the versión suizo (super smooth REAL hot chocolate with whipped cream), and I had the versión azteca (80% cacao with spices... super intense but delicious). They also serve a tradicional chocolate a la taza (70% cacao with cinnamon). Excellent...

Chocolatería San Ginés

We've visited Chocolatería San Ginés a few times now. They are famous for their chocolate a la taza (thick, delicious hot chocolate) and churros. They also have other drinks, like coffee and tea infusions, but the chocolate is to die for. As for food, they have porras (fried dough similar to churros) and a few different bizcochos (tea cakes). They're open some nights until 6am.

Cafe Manuela

For delicious coffee and pastries, try Café Manuela (calle San Vincente Ferrer 29, metro stop Tribunal). They have a great selection of coffee drinks (with or without spirits), pastries and sweets (tartas, croissants, etc.). I recommend the tarta de manzana -- a pastry similar to good old American deep dish apple pie. If you have time, you and your friends can even play a board game (they have a ton!).