Crawfish Monica, Grilled Cheese and Duck Dog @GoogaMooga in #ProspectPark, #Brooklyn

The Whole Meal of Food team recently checked out The Great GoogaMusic Festival in Brooklyn. It was a hot day full of delicious food, great music and $8 beers. 

1. Crawfish Monica from Kajun Kettle Foods, Inc. - Crawfish doesn’t get enough play amongst its shellfish friends. It should. Crawfish is team shellfish’s 2012 Sixth Man of the Year. That shit craw?

2. Foie Gras and Horse Bologna Grilled Cheese from M.Wells - If M.Wells is anywhere then you should be there too. Simple as that. 

3. Duck Dog from Craft - There’s something about being around thousands of hipsters that just makes you want to eat some sort of offensive meat dish. What better than a hot dog, albeit duck. Whatever, it still looks like a Hebrew National and it’s what’s on the outside that matters most.

Cavatelli @FranksSpuntino in the #WestVillage, #NYC

Frankie’s Spuntino is a solid Italian spot in the West Village (and Brooklyn). With plenty of seating and fresh food, you won’t be waiting for three hours to be seated. Grab several bottles of house wine and some cured meats to start off the night. 

Pictured is Frankie’s house made cavatelli pasta with hot sausage in a browned sage butter sauce. It’s surprisingly filling so count on sharing it with your neighbor or stick a few bites in your pocket in case you get hungry at the club. 

Burger at Bareburger in the #UpperEastSide, #NYC

Bareburger, the Upper East Side thanks you for blessing its burger barren streets with your presence. 

The pictured Big Blue Bacon cheese burger is loaded with blue cheese, bourbon sauteed mushrooms, apple smoked onions, blackened maple bacon and apple chutney atop a perfected medium rare hunk of local beef. Bareburger is all about keeping it organic and keeping it local while maintaining a serious burger following. 

If beef isn’t your thing, Bareburger has several sandwich options, alternative burgers, and veggie choices too. And really good beer and wine. It’s a clean establishment. 

Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Fish at Joseph Leonard in the #WestVillage, #NYC

Joseph Leonard is just about as flawless as you can get. Studying the menu beforehand is probably a good idea otherwise you can bet on endless indecision while munching on complimentary gherkins.

Dine in absolute comfort in this dimly lit, intimate establishment. The wait staff is calm and never gives off a hint of impatience as you get lost in conversation over some red. Not pictured is the caramel pudding dessert. A light pudding that doesn’t leave you with post meal fatigue. 

Come here on an off night to avoid a long wait. Come here like we did, during a torrential downpour on an off night to avoid any wait at all. 

Joseph Leonard is the sister to Jeffrey’s Grocery, Fedora and Perla. 

Bloody Mary and Brisket & Pork Chili at Jeffrey’s Grocery in the #WestVillage, #NYC

Not only is Jeffrey’s bloody mary perfection in a mason jar, it’s healthy too. Sort of.

Jeffrey’s Grocery is a new favorite brunch destination. With its meat filled menu and strong cocktails, there’s no reason it shouldn’t be yours too.

The pictured chili dish is good all the way through. Soak up the extra egg and chili mixture with the cornbread for maximum efficiency.

If your crew rolls deep, expect a hefty wait. It’s worth it. Jeffrey’s Grocery is the sister to Joseph Leonard, Fedora and Perla.

Steak & Eggs from Masa in #Boston, MA

Boston is known for two things. One of those things is brunch. The other remains unclear. This lovely city has become the brunch capital of the world solely because of the pictured dish. We only make up facts here at Whole Meal.

For a very reasonable price, you’re getting hooked up with Masa’s steak and egg dish. The skirt steak is not your everyday sorry slab of brunch meat. It’s honest, it’s bloody, and it’s perfectly delivered in the middle of eggs and roasted potatoes. Not a bad way to start off your hungover Sunday. Not bad at all.

Grab a forkful and wash it down with a gulp of your bloody mary for good measure.

Whole Wheat Pasta at Harry Caray’s in #Chicago, #IL

If you find yourself at MDW for any reason at all, whether it be to pick up a mail order bride or to ride the baggage claim, stop by Harry Caray’s. Even though I never stepped out of the airport into the real Chi-Town, Harry Caray’s has an honest steak house feel to it that we can all find comfort in.

The pictured dish is clean and it’s real.

MDW has an amazing food court in case you’re in the mood for other cuisine.

Liver Pate and Mushroom Ravioli at Frank in the #EastVillage, #NYC

Frank does it right. From the dishes to the playlist, it’s all fresh. 

Frank is the sister (or brother) restaurant to Supper. 

Frank is cash only so you know he’s real. 

Shrimp Corndogs & Oysters at The Mermaid Inn in the #EastVillage, #NYC

Those shrimp look like they were once an item. Their legacy will live on.

The Mermaid Inn has the best happy hour, period. (redundant?)

We’re talking about $1 East Coast oysters, $5 Pork Slap and $7 glasses of wine. The interior is beautiful with floor to ceiling windows in the front and consistent oceanic decor. Whoever does the restaurant’s branding does it well. You’ll notice The Mermaid Inn’s logo just about everywhere. 

As you slurp down your 13th oyster and crack open another brew while Fake Plastic Trees plays in the background, you’ll pause and realize that it was totally worth ditching work early to make this happy hour. 

Not pictured are the delicious miniature fish tacos and fried calamari. 

Dumplings and BBQ Spare Ribs at Nancy Lee’s Pig Heaven in the #UpperEastSide, #NYC

After watching Nancy Lee’s Pig Heaven featured on the Travel Channel I was left with no choice but to walk two blocks for this pleasant experience. 

The pictured spare ribs are the go-to dish at Pig Heaven, and rightfully so. The glaze has a nice tang to it while the meat is tender and falls right off the bone with each bite. If you’re not big on pork, don’t fret; Nancy comes correct with all of your favorite classic Chinese dishes. 

Come here on a weeknight to expect an open table and quick service.