Battle Of The Best: Maharlika vs. Empellon

Everyday, we scour Manhattan looking for the best food it has to offer.  During our search, and after multiple dinners, Battle of the Best was born.  How it works:  We order, taste and then throw 'em in the rink to battle it out.  Our first battle; Adventurous eating in the East Village.

Battle: Adventurous eating in the East Village

Competitors:  Maharlika 111 1st Avenue nr. 7th St.  vs. Empellon Cocina 105 1st Avenue nr. 6th St.

Competitor 1:  Maharlika

Tito's vodka, honey, lemon & a splash of seltzer

Outcome: A true knockout.  This drink is refreshing, tasty and makes you want to ask for a pitcher all to yourself.

Lumpiang Barquillos: Crispy, tightly rolled rice paper filled with beef, pork, water chestnuts and carrots.

Outcome:  This Filipino finger food is cheap and tasty.  Especially when dipped in their house made pickled vinegar.  Perfect balance of savory and sweet!

BBQ Chicken:  Banana ketchup, honey, coconut vinegar marinade.

Outcome:  A huge blow to the competitor.  This chicken is moist, saucy and delicious! 

Tocino: Pork marinated in 7up.

Outcome:  Strike 1, Strike 2...almost a winner!
Marinating pork or any type of meat in 7up is a new one to me, but it more than works.  The tocino is perfectly marinated to create a sweet and delicious marinade.

 Competitor 2:  Empellon Cocina

Roasted carrots with mole poblano, mole and watercress

Outcome: Starting off strong, this dish highlights seasonal ingredients and flavors and the hint of dollop of yogurt on the bottom is the perfect touch.

Summer squash with arugula leaves and squash blossom buttermilk

Outcome:  It's certainly refreshing, and tasty.  However the squash blossom buttermilk's texture fails to impress.

Shrimp with crispy masa, sea urchin mousse and lettuces

Outcome:  The sea urchin takes the show.  The perfect texture; crispy, creamy and hearty pieces of shrimp.

Halibut with cape gooseberry, chipotle and masa cracker

Outcome:  Strike 1, Strike 2, Strike 3....

You so badly will want the gooseberries to be cherry tomatoes, but they just aren't! Their sweet and tart flavor brings this champion crashing down to the floor and it's over!

And the winner is...

wEE recommend Maharlika for a casual, fun dinner in the East Village with friends.  It's also a great spot for birthdays.  The food is great, and the price is right!