Locating the best home cooked meal without cooking or being at home
BY Briana E. Heard
I may live alone, but this does not mean that I eat alone. When dining I am often flanked by attentive men and cheerful ladies catering to my every whim. This throng of helpful hands is not a gathering of family members who live close by and come by for Sunday dinners or friends for whom I throw elaborate dinner parties. They are the waiters, waitresses and busboys in any of the number of establishments I frequent. Living alone and being culinary challenged lends itself to a lot of eating out, or ordering in, as the case may be. Because of my extensive knowledge of eating in stark contrast to the lack of cooking know how I thought I would share some of my dining experiences with the public and tell the tales of a woman’s quest for the perfect maduro.
La Villita One Mexican Restaurant
1455 Saint Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10033-4042
(212) 928-8532
Being a California girl, I was excited to discover this Mexican spot when I moved Uptown several years ago. We all know the stereotype of there being no good Mexican food in New York City and this is largely based on the fact that it’s true. There are, however, some gems hidden throughout the boroughs, and in Washington Heights we have La Villita One, located on St. Nick and 182nd St. Don’t let this tiny, unassuming door be dwarfed by the neighboring La Casa Del Mofongo. What Villita lacks in luster, it makes up for in quality, authentic Mexican fare that tastes good and doesn’t break the bank. Enough with the gourmet Mexican spots downtown, claiming to have top-notch Mexican cuisine, when really they just have overpriced margaritas and appealing presentation. 
La Villita offers late night delivery, reasonable rates and the usage of frijoles instead of habichuleas – I might just be in love. I can attest to their burritos and tacos being excellent with shredded chicken and creamy black beans. Their salsa is fresh and spicy and served with a seemingly greaseless basket of tortilla chips to each patron when dining in their humble and dimly lit dining room. The jukebox plays merengues and bachatas while you sip Jarritos and sample the spice of Mexico. If you are in need of simple, tasty, Mexican food give La Villita One a try. It might be just the thing you’re looking for.
