In the Garden #5: Friendly Style at Yellow Rose

Spooky salsa, fun dive bar vibes, a meal in review

Happy Friday friends! Fall in NYC has shown its incredible face which means I’m donning on my knit sweaters, shamelessly binging every UWS-themed romcom, and thinking about how I can warm my spirits through soup.

For October, I’m really excited to announce our Friendly Style dinners will be taking place at Yellow Rose. So many friends and industry peeps have raved about this wonderful TexMex eatery holding it down in the East Village. We have two openings and limited spots on the October 18th and October 25th at 8pm for both. Come dig into unlimited queso, tacos, and dessert. Stay for the amazing drinks.

The dualtiy of TexMex in America. I’m sticking with the classic option. Or is Taco Bell even considered Tex Mex.

I am actually finishing up this issue from the bar just to get a sense of the vibes and give y’all a first hand taste of what we will be eating. The decor is reminiscent of the hometown dive bar that you visit on those trips homes minus the awkward run ins with weird crushes past. This is the place where you want to be remembered for your taco and drink order no doubt. 

As a true Northerner (that’s code for Canadian), I ought to be careful but how I critique Southern cuisine. If you’re curious about how the yeehaw agenda translates into food, Yellow Rose is most definitely a good place to start. 

I kicked things off with the Lonestar queso, a melty, creamy concoction made from cheddar and Queso Oaxaca cooked down with signature Texas beer. Topped with pickled jalapeños and just the perfect smidge of chili oil.

Upon seeing me wolf down this queso, Team Yellow Rose was gracious to offer a sample of the vegan queso as well. Made from cashew and potatoes, I enjoyed the nutty undertones in still creamy and decadent cheese wonderland.

Ending things off with the salsa roja was the perfect spice balance to round it out. Cannot wait to share this with friends, family, and future Friendly Style patrons. 

Now to the heart of the lunch: the taco trifecta I selected for myself. There are 5 tacos to choose and with generous selection for non-meat eaters as well. Their flour tortillas have been the talk of the town and have been raved about by all the food people I trust. While I’m more a corn tortilla fan when picking between the two, these are worth making a main stay.  

The bean  and cheese, a sweet combination of pinto beans and cheddar cheese, are much more filling than anticipated. Dipped into salsa roja, two of these can settle a hunger craving. The tacos are generously filled and the tortillas are really holding it all in with no soggy bottom energy here. I also tried the carne gusada, slow roasted beef in a dry chili sauce, and doggone that was delicious. Bottle up that jus and put it on everything. Loved in Mexico and Texas, the shredded chicken taco truly is a perfect testament to this fusion cuisine? The chicken? Perfect! The salsa? Spicy with the right kick like the 3rd level spice on Hot Ones. My eyes as I bite into one? Closed because I feel like I’m eating a dream.

In the eternal reward for finishing my lunch, I dig into the cake of the day. A spiced upside down layered with pears and apples. This is the perfect fall cake and those hints of clove and perhaps allspice are making me not dread the cold front that is about to enter. Topped with sweetened and softly whipped cream, it is perfect for my strong sweet tooth. 

Love that Cevallo Bros posters are front and center!

I hope that this preview was enchanting enough for you join Eden for our two Friendly Style dinners here. Lasso a spot onto your wild wild calendar by getting a ticket for either October 18th or October 25th. 

Cannot wait to dive into all the queso and tortillas with y’all. I’ll probably wear a fit perfect for a rodeo.

Eat well and be well!

Your friend in food

Abena Anim-Somuah