Valencia Luncheria-Food Truck

Soooo I’ve gone to the Valencia food truck in Vet’s Park in Stamford twice in one week because it was just that good!

Last Friday I took a chance and ordered the Cuban sandwich & a Cheeseburger empanada.  I say ‘took a chance’ because there was no description under the Cuban sandwich, but I figured it had to be good for two reasons. 1 being that it was the only sandwich offered, and 2 because I assumed it would be a combo of a meat and a cheese…and I love most meats and most cheeses..soo I mean it couldn’t be terrible….. and MAN was I right in my assumption!

Let’s start with Last Friday’s lunch…

Valencia's Cuban Sandwich & Cheeseburger Empanada

Valencia’s Cuban Sandwich & Cheeseburger Empanada

 

Would you LOOK at that crispy, toasted bun!? The Cuban sandwich consists of roasted pork, tavern ham, proscuitto, swiss cheese, and pickles.  If you’re thinking ‘wow, that’s so much meat’, you’re right. And it’s awesome. It’s a big sandwich for sure – I gave the other half to my Colombian co-worker and she LOVED it.  I originally asked for the beef picadillo empanada, but they were sold out and the (very smart) man suggested I get the cheeseburger empanada – which is the same as the beef picadillo but with mozzarella cheese.  I wasn’t upset with that information and I agreed.  It was just a delicious meat & cheese party in my mouth. The sandwich and empanada hit the spot for sure! I would absolutely get them both again….and I did.

As I said, I went twice in 1 week, so here was today’s choice…

 

Empanada Combo Platter! Cheeseburger & Beef Picadillo Empanada with Rice, Beans, Avocados, and Plantains

Empanada Combo! Cheeseburger & Beef Picadillo Empanada with Rice, Beans, Avocados, & Plantains

 

Ok, so I mean I don’t have to tell you that this was awesome right? I had to get the cheeseburger empanada again and I wanted to compare it with the beef picadillo one, and shockingly (insert sarcasm here) the cheeseburger one was better.  I mean cheese makes ANYTHING better.  The beef one was good too – but I prefer mozz to no mozz, feel me? This combo platter has everything you need, sweet & salty.  Those plantains were done RIGHT. The rice & beans were very good as well, although I couldn’t finish them because I was so full!

Verdict when it comes to the Valencia food truck….DO IT.   I’ve been to their restaurant as well and there’s so much to choose from!

Check their facebook page for their food truck schedule or go to their main spot in Norwalk!

 

Valencia Luncheria – FACEBOOK

Valencia Luncheria – WEBSITE  

Valencia Luncheria, 164 Main Street, Norwalk, CT

The Capital Grille (Restaurant Week – Lunch)

230 Tresser Blvd  Stamford, CT 06901 – (203) 967-0000

I’ve been to The Capital Grille numerous times for restaurant week in the past, but only for dinner (recommendations below).  I decided to go for lunch because I saw that they had a cheeseburger on the menu and I’m always up for trying a new burger!  For their lunch special, $20.13 gets you a salad, an entree, and a dessert.  Anyone who is familiar with Capital Grille’s prices knows that $20.13 is a steal for lunch.  See their Restaurant Week Menu HERE!

Capital Grille Signature Cheeseburger: A blend of Chopped Sirloin, Smoked Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Sweet Onion with Truffle Fries

Capital Grille Signature Cheeseburger: A blend of Chopped Sirloin, Smoked Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles & Sweet Onion with Parmesan Truffle Fries

While I do think that the cheeseburger was very good, it’s not the best I’ve had.  I think I expected it to be a bit different and maybe more original – but I suppose bacon, lettuce, and tomato appeals to most of the population.  Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE the BLT combo, but it’s been better at other restaurants.  The meat was deliciously tender & seasoned and the truffle fries were AMAZING.  A good burger – but I would rather have had another dish.  I had their caesar salad & their chocolate ice cream as well – both were satisfying.  The WOW factor for me was the parmesan truffle fries – definitely the star of the meal.

I’ve been dying to try their Wagyu Cheeseburger, which is supposed to be phenomenal! I did not see it on the regular menu online or restaurant week menu and was a little disappointed.  Perhaps it’s a special? Or maybe they only offer it at specific locations? The Wagyu burger is served on a Brioche roll with Havarti cheese and a sunny side up egg & crispy onions.  Now THAT sounds like a burger!  Their signature burger is definitely worth a taste though!

If you’re going to the Capital Grille in Stamford for restaurant week (dinner), I absolutely recommend their Bone-In Dried Aged Sirloin & Filet Mignon for an entree.  Both are ridiculously good and I often have trouble deciding which one to choose.  I do enjoy their Creme Brulee for dessert as well.  I’ll be going back to CG for dinner next week so I’ll be updating this article with some pictures. Oh, and their Lobster Mac & Cheese is to die for – probably the best I’ve had 🙂

What do you recommend from The Capital Grille?

Saturday Sandwich from Rye Ridge Deli

http://www.ryeridgedeli.com

High Ridge Center, 1087 High Ridge Rd, Stamford, CT

Rye Rigde Shopping Center, 126 S. Ridge St, Rye Brook, NY

The Eastchester: Turkey, Pastrami, Cole Slaw & Russian dressing - Stamford, CT

The Eastchester: Turkey, Pastrami, Cole Slaw & Russian dressing – Stamford, CT