Scroll straight down to PART II to read about the rest of my NY dining adventure!
Sooo sorry for the long delay!! I find that I can not bear to write a sentence unless I am wholly inspired by the culinary bits and pieces that enter my life. Fortunately a trip to New York revived me! Here is the long list of all the places I went to starting the Wednesday night I arrived, to Sunday evening. I must MUST credit my unbelievably dedicated and supportive eating companions, Steph and Charlie, without them I would not have been able to taste, laugh and enjoy NY as much as I did.
Pomme Frites http://www.pommesfrites.ws/: Crispy, thick cut Belgian fries made to order with a delicious assortment of over 20 sauces to drown and dunk them in. We tried the mango chutney mayo, parmesan peppercorn and the curry ketchup especial. The parma peppercorn turned out to be the group fav. Next time, I am trying them Poutine style with curds and gravy! Mmmmm.
Spot http://www.spotdessertbar.com/: Sadly we got here as they were closing, but happened to score on the 1/2 off cookies. A monstrous chocolate chip coconut cookie was the prize and although decadent, not the best I have ever had. The locals come for the seasonal dessert tapas and rightfully so, with choices like Steamed Passion Fruit Souffle with yuzu, citrus and coconut sorbet.
Mud Coffee http://mudnyc.com/spots.html/: A fantastic cup of their darkly delicious brew was almost outdone by their breakfast sandwich. Thick slices of chorizo sausage, ripe avocado and arugula with egg were nestled in a warm french bread roll. What a perfect start to a NYC morning!
Xi'an Famous Foods http://xianfoods.com/: Okay so Anthony Bourdain, Andrew Zimmern and even the annoying old host of Top Chef Masters, Kelly Choi, made it here before me, but it was still review worthy fantastic. The hand pulled rice noodles are masterful and nothing like I have ever tasted. The spicy lamb cumin noodles force you to take a moment and review your taste bud history. Nope, you have never had anything quite like it. I have to admit though I was especially partial to the other dish I tried, the "Spicy & Tingly Beef Hand-Ripped Noodles in Soup". Oh yah...the seasoning (lots of five spice) and broth were spot on with meltingly tender chunks of all day braised beef. The hand ripped noodles also soaked in the broth, but kept their lovingly chewy texture. I will be back for you spicy & tingly beef soup, mark my words.
BCD Tofu House http://www.bcdtofu.com/: Hands down one of my favorite meals of this trip. Sneak into Koreatown at any hour and this place is jumping (the restaurant is open 24 hours). Although they do have locations outside of NY (the original locations are in Korea) it is still a must stop if you are a Korean food fan. Sit down and a freshly and perfectly fried whole mackerel is put in front of you. The meat is succulent and juicy. Our group then gorged on perfectly spicy seafood and kimchee silken tofu soup, a mind altering scallion and shrimp pancake (i miss you! i still think about you!), and a fresh and bright salad with hauntingly tasty triangles of tofu. For many moments during this dinner we all just sat looking at each other and chewing. Ohh the dark jealousy I feel for the people that may venture here on a whim...
PART II IS HERE...
Eataly http://eatalyny.com/: I had such high expectations for this mammoth italian food mecca in downtown NY and I can sincerely say all of them were exceeded. If you come with an empty tummy you can easily spend hours here in the count them, 12 different food stations inside. Twelve. I sadly only tackled 3 of the 12, but I still think about that slice of pizza that i did not finish. Fantastic quality, a MUST go when you are in NY.
Buddakan http://www.buddakannyc.com/: The hardest part for me about eating in NY is the the wait time. Either you have to eat at 6pm or 9:45pm which basically means I am starving, ravenous when we sit down at 10 for dinner. You really can not go wrong with asian fusion. We partaked in lobster fried rice, multiple sumptuous dumplings and more tofu. The drinks are strong and the ambient lighting is so low it feels like you are eating in the dark. Trendy and beautiful, Buddakan does not disappoint.
Wall and Water http://www.hyatt.com/gallery/wall&water/ : We had brunch twice here at our hotel, the Andaz on Wall Street. Great boutique hotel with lots of room space, not in the thick of things but very comfortable. The part of our meal I still remember most is the coffee. Profoundly robust, rich and full of flavor without a hint of bitterness. It was fantastic and $6.00 a cup. Otherwise, many of the egg dishes were rich, but very small portions. If you are staying at the hotel, it is worth the stop.
People's Pops at the High Line http://peoplespops.com/peoples_pops.html
http://www.thehighline.org/: Okay new yorkers are obsessed with the high line (a public park that is built on an elevated freight rail line over Chelsea). It is nice, but when we finally walked the thing we were left wondering what really all the fuss was about. I did find a nice stand where I tried my first pineapple jalapeno popscicle which was a bit on the sweet side. A bit more tartness would have balanced it nicely. People's pops and the highline, a bit overrated for me.
Gahm Mi Oak http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/gahm-mi-oak/: Okay, I just don't get it. I am open to trying everything and our local friend swore that this was one of his favorite restaurants in the city. We tried modum bossam. Raw oysters, pork belly and kimchee and pickled cabbage leaves are presented on dishes so you can assemble the wraps yourself. I started out on the wrong foot by taking a small bite of a chili pepper that quickly turned me into an impromptu man vs food spice challenge. My mouth cried, my eyes became blurry and I became practically sick from the pain. We also saw a roach scurry across the floor right after that which had it not been confirmed by my other 2 dining companions I might have considered it as a heat hallucination. After all this I was willing to be enthusiastic about the unusual combo of ingredients, but nothing came together for me. At least we didn't waste all the food, our friend decided to bring it to lunch for work the next day. Trade for pudding cup anyone?
liquiteria http://liquiteria.com/: The closest I could get to Natalie Portman was coming here twice. There is a nice article and picture they have hanging up in the small juice stop proclaiming her love for the place. $11-$13 juice...welcome to New York. I am a big fan of green juice (much to the horror and disgust of my boyfriend) and my drink of choice was their pressed juice (even better than fresh squeezed so they say) of all greens and apple juice. It is a great pick me up while all day walking.
Dumpling Man http://www.dumplingman.com/: If you do not like dumplings I may consider you not human. In this small narrow shop there are workers making fresh dumplings in front of you. We tried chicken, pork, veggie and shrimp and although they were all good, it would be nothing I would call my brother about (we food text and send food pics often). My favorite dumplings are still the steamed egg rolls I get at Great Wall in Phoenix, Az. Have you gone yet?? You should, they are amazing.
Janes Sticky Buns http://janessweetbuns.com/menu.html: Janes Buns is a quaint shop selling liqueur infused pastry goodness. Yum, yum, yum. I am a huge fan of rum raisin (haagen-dazs makes the best rum raisin ice cream hands down) so I had to try the rum runner sticky bun. Handmade with aged rum, brown sugar, galliano (sweet herbal liqueur), cinnamon, nutmeg and raisins I hummed while I tore off each fat sugary piece of drenched buttery bread from the bun. Do you ever do that? Do the head nod from side to side while humming in between scrumptious bites? That is always when I know the food has hit my happy place.
508 http://508nyc.com/: This is a place that we went to for dinner when we couldn't get into the 2 other places we went to first. Skipping to the chase, there are way to many great restaurants in NY to go here. Food was normal (ouch). Next please!
Chelsea Market http://chelseamarket.com/: Where Food Network lives! In the same building anyway. This is a must stop for foodies to new york (yes skip high line and come here). There is a plethora of fantastic high quality produce and almost anything that you might be craving is here. There is a lovely oil and vineager shop, specialty sweets, breads, cheese and more in a very modern meets vintage building of steel beams and brick walks. I was already so full when I got here, I just looked longingly in most of the windows.
Gorilla Grilled Cheese, Rickshaw Dumplings & Kimchee Taco Truck http://gorillacheesenyc.com/ http://rickshawdumplings.com/ http://kimchitacotruck.com/
We went to what we thought would be a gathering of food trucks at an antique market over the weekend. I tried the bbq pulled pork and carmelized onion grilled cheese, some chicken and chive dumplings and several kimchee tacos. I was dissapointed, nothing earth shattering. I should have stalked the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck instead. http://biggayicecream.com/about/
Milk Bar http://media1.milkbarstore.com/menu/nov-ev-menu-back-copy2.jpg: Everytime I bit into the ice cream I was still surprised. How does this taste exactly like cereal milk and why do I want so much more of it?? The compost cookie is fantastic (it has potato chips in it) as well as the truffles, but that ice cream is genius! With several locations I declare it is a must stop. David Chang is ridiculous and he has taken over the NY food world.
Zebb elee Thai http://zabbelee.com/contents/home.html: Super authentic thai, I mean I can barely pronouce the name so you know it's not like your neighborhood Thai Palace. We had some great appetizers including sauteed morning glory (green leafy veg) with fresh chili, a tasty egg and garlic omelette and a crisp papaya salad with preserved crab and pickled fish that Charlie declared tastes just like when he had it in Thailand.
Ippodu http://www.ippudony.com/ http://www.yelp.com/biz/ippudo-ny-new-york You are at home in your other respective neighborhood (not NY) and decide to yelp the restaurants in your area, see what has some great reviews nearby. What does a good place in Phoenix have, maybe 100, gosh maybe even 300?? When you Yelp Ippodu it has 3,219 reviews. WHAT? Okay 1. Why are people still reviewing this place, I mean what else can be said about a bowl of ramen, or are you not cool if you haven't yelped it? 2. When you got there, there was an official looking sign on the door from Yelp stating that Ippudo at that point in 2010 had the most reviews nationwide of any restaurant. This is serious. So we wait, come back around 9:30pm and get 2 bowls to share. I am a noodle maniac. Rice is alright, but noodles and pasta for me is so much more swoon worthy. Also isn't ramen everyone's guilty pleasure (2 bowls of Nongshim Spicy Kimchi flavor are usually hidden in the back of my pantry)? Anyway we had the original Tonkotsu ramen and the Shoyu ramen and they were both good. I'm not sure they were 3,219 reviews good, but it being my last night in the city maybe I was just tired of waiting until 10:00pm to eat dinner. If you like ramen you will like it. The bowls are medium sized and are $15-$17 with options for add-ins like poached eggs for extra.
And that my friends is it. I detailed every crumb, thought and morsel in my NY outing. Until we eat again!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Here Today. Gone Tomorrow.
Okay, so I know that I live in Arizona and I have for the most part lowered my expectations on having an innovative and passionate food culture like San Fran and NY. Recently however, a trend of pop up restaurants in the valley have given me a bit of a spring to my step, a little twinkle in my eye, and some hope in my heart. Common in big cities are the oh so mysterious and under the radar dining experiences like last minute supper clubs in an unknown until right before the event location or the pop up restaurants that are here today and gone tomorrow. Pop up restaurants are a great opportunity for a local chef to share a focused culinary point of view for a short period of time. In the case of the one I recently attended, our group concluded that it also was in part to market and promote the new hotel that the pop up restaurant was in. Every weekend or so a new chef will bring in their new ideas and cook for a set reservation of people Friday and Saturday evening.
To be willing and excited for these adventures require an open palate and mind as the menus choices are limited and usually very creative. To hand over your control to your chef of the moment is not something just anyone will do. Last Saturday I had the opportunity to try the pop up restaurant of the weekend at Cycle (thanks D & B for the invite) http://cyclephoenix.com/ (scroll down a bit to see the "Experience" menu we tasted). The space is fun, the walls are chalkboards and the staff is inviting. Starters included fried in duck fat fries and frog log lollies. Both were fine, but nothing to rave over. The star entree was the lamb sliders prepared 3 ways, which garnered some oohs and ahhs from the different flavor combinations that included a European and African style burger. The pig ear salad was a major disappointment with the ears fried so heavily, they were tooth cracking. The final entree offered was a smoked traditional pizza with mozz, tomato and basil. That was again perfectly fine, but nothing to daydream over. Lastly, for dessert we had a pizza cookie and probably the most unique course of the night; a deconstructed sundae. It included frozen dehydrated fruit pieces, a frozen egg shell of chocolate filled with cream and rich vanilla ice cream with caramel. It was playful, super creative and we all loved it.
The other recent destination was Welcome Diner in Phoenix where local chef (of Cafe Boa fame) Peyton Curry has set up shop for the next 3 months http://paytoncurry.com/welcome-diner/. You may have heard of this place or seen it driving by. It used to be an operating Diner, but they closed and now Chef Curry has the reigns on the place every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday night until the beginning of July. With an ever changing menu and locally farmed ingredients it was one of the more delightful dining experiences I have had in a while.
In a tiny space (I sort of felt like I was in a food cart) you were an arms length away from the chef and could see all of your dishes being made on a tiny grill top. For an appetizer we shared the rutabaga, beet and almond milk take on vichyssoise (a traditionally chilled potato and leek soup). It was pleasantly lightly sweet and was drizzled with a vibrant basil, parsley and lemon oil. We also had a mushroom tart that I was so excited for because of my love for all things mushroom that was quite disappointing. The mushrooms did not shine through at all and instead the vinegary greens that were in the tart were the most forward flavor. There was also spicy hummus on the plate that was good alone, but did not help to harmonize the dish in any way. The fettuccine with braised artichokes and white anchovy and capers was another dish we had. He used fresh pasta, but the anchovy taste was barely there and the pasta was a bit toothsome. I do give points for creativity though.
Butter basted Steak, chimichurri, and bleu cheese on top of braised celery and tomato magic (that is how he describes it on the menu) became the best dish we both had never tried before. This star of the show was taste volumes over all of the other dishes. We had it without the bleu cheese as my bf has a serious intense dislike for its assertive flavor. Without the bleu it was still faaantaaastic. You put the first piece in your mouth and we both looked at each other with the same look of have you ever had anything like this before? I talk about food all the time and this dish is somewhat indescribable. The flavor combination was so unique and yet it made all the sense in the world in your mouth. Chef Curry uses only organic grass fed beef so the texture, cut and marbling were wonderful and it was extremely juicy. The steak had this incredible crust on it that I could not believe he created just from a pan. It turns out he really does sit and baste the steak over and over with butter. He tilts the pan to the side and with a spoon he pours the melted herbed butter until it forms a succulent crust of greatness on the meat. All the elements work together perfectly, the fresh chimichurri sauce, braised celery and tomato magic are savory, slightly smoky and sweet. A bit of a fireworks show on your tongue. Later when you are out of the butter and meat flavor explosion daze you can't seem to even put your finger on all of the flavor profiles in that dish, but you know that your steak bar has been permanently raised.
This diner is such a find. I so encourage you to try it before his time there runs out, and if you can, see if that butter steak is still there. The chef, the small and attentive staff, and customers are just as excited about food as you are. It was really a lovely time and such a fun food experience right here in the valley.
To be willing and excited for these adventures require an open palate and mind as the menus choices are limited and usually very creative. To hand over your control to your chef of the moment is not something just anyone will do. Last Saturday I had the opportunity to try the pop up restaurant of the weekend at Cycle (thanks D & B for the invite) http://cyclephoenix.com/ (scroll down a bit to see the "Experience" menu we tasted). The space is fun, the walls are chalkboards and the staff is inviting. Starters included fried in duck fat fries and frog log lollies. Both were fine, but nothing to rave over. The star entree was the lamb sliders prepared 3 ways, which garnered some oohs and ahhs from the different flavor combinations that included a European and African style burger. The pig ear salad was a major disappointment with the ears fried so heavily, they were tooth cracking. The final entree offered was a smoked traditional pizza with mozz, tomato and basil. That was again perfectly fine, but nothing to daydream over. Lastly, for dessert we had a pizza cookie and probably the most unique course of the night; a deconstructed sundae. It included frozen dehydrated fruit pieces, a frozen egg shell of chocolate filled with cream and rich vanilla ice cream with caramel. It was playful, super creative and we all loved it.
The other recent destination was Welcome Diner in Phoenix where local chef (of Cafe Boa fame) Peyton Curry has set up shop for the next 3 months http://paytoncurry.com/welcome-diner/. You may have heard of this place or seen it driving by. It used to be an operating Diner, but they closed and now Chef Curry has the reigns on the place every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday night until the beginning of July. With an ever changing menu and locally farmed ingredients it was one of the more delightful dining experiences I have had in a while.
In a tiny space (I sort of felt like I was in a food cart) you were an arms length away from the chef and could see all of your dishes being made on a tiny grill top. For an appetizer we shared the rutabaga, beet and almond milk take on vichyssoise (a traditionally chilled potato and leek soup). It was pleasantly lightly sweet and was drizzled with a vibrant basil, parsley and lemon oil. We also had a mushroom tart that I was so excited for because of my love for all things mushroom that was quite disappointing. The mushrooms did not shine through at all and instead the vinegary greens that were in the tart were the most forward flavor. There was also spicy hummus on the plate that was good alone, but did not help to harmonize the dish in any way. The fettuccine with braised artichokes and white anchovy and capers was another dish we had. He used fresh pasta, but the anchovy taste was barely there and the pasta was a bit toothsome. I do give points for creativity though.
Butter basted Steak, chimichurri, and bleu cheese on top of braised celery and tomato magic (that is how he describes it on the menu) became the best dish we both had never tried before. This star of the show was taste volumes over all of the other dishes. We had it without the bleu cheese as my bf has a serious intense dislike for its assertive flavor. Without the bleu it was still faaantaaastic. You put the first piece in your mouth and we both looked at each other with the same look of have you ever had anything like this before? I talk about food all the time and this dish is somewhat indescribable. The flavor combination was so unique and yet it made all the sense in the world in your mouth. Chef Curry uses only organic grass fed beef so the texture, cut and marbling were wonderful and it was extremely juicy. The steak had this incredible crust on it that I could not believe he created just from a pan. It turns out he really does sit and baste the steak over and over with butter. He tilts the pan to the side and with a spoon he pours the melted herbed butter until it forms a succulent crust of greatness on the meat. All the elements work together perfectly, the fresh chimichurri sauce, braised celery and tomato magic are savory, slightly smoky and sweet. A bit of a fireworks show on your tongue. Later when you are out of the butter and meat flavor explosion daze you can't seem to even put your finger on all of the flavor profiles in that dish, but you know that your steak bar has been permanently raised.
This diner is such a find. I so encourage you to try it before his time there runs out, and if you can, see if that butter steak is still there. The chef, the small and attentive staff, and customers are just as excited about food as you are. It was really a lovely time and such a fun food experience right here in the valley.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
PATA what??
NEW DISH ALERT: Okay so I have pretty much heard it all, I mean I read a culinary dictionary for fun for foodsakes! Or at least I thought I had until a couple weekends ago when I came across the assertive yet delightful...
Patacon Sandwich dun dun dun.... Have you heard of it before? I had not and I had a great time deconstructing its contents and eating it. Let me take you down the path of exploring this very creative and downright likable sandwich. Of Venezuelan descent it is a local favorite for a late night or any time hunger pangs and is offered in numerous roadside stands. Luckily for me, I only had to drive to Mesa, Az to get my first taste. Instead of bread, large slices of freshly fried plantain slices are used to hold the luscious and juicy contents. At My Arepa http://www.myarepa.com/ we tried the patacon, a shredded pork arepa, fried sweet plantains and the short rib beef soup. By far the patacon was the star.
We got the "supreme version" which has succulent and moist mildly spicy but oh so flavorful shredded pork, crunchy coleslaw, a pink sauce (mayo with a little ketchup mixed in) and a very happy and healthy portion of thick sliced avocado. Some shredded chicken and fresh queso finishes the masterpiece. The plantain slices were perfect width and thickness so the sandwich did not fall apart when you bit into it, but not too thick to where it takes over the sandwich. When you bite it you taste the lightly sweet plantain flavor and then the richness of the pork. The coleslaw provides a nice contrast and coolness to the warm meat while the sauce, queso and buttery avocado finish and round out the the little party in your mouth. You wipe your mouth because the sauce is all over the place or if you are like me wait a couple bites so you don't use 100 napkins.
Because the plantains do not absorb that well, it can be a bit messy, but it is very much worth it. I mean look at the sandwich! Crazily enough, I did not personally order the patacon when we went so I was sneaking bites (and sideways glances) and harboring my food envy. What more can I say?? Go find your nearest Venezuelan gem! I would love to hear about your patacon experiences!
Patacon Sandwich dun dun dun.... Have you heard of it before? I had not and I had a great time deconstructing its contents and eating it. Let me take you down the path of exploring this very creative and downright likable sandwich. Of Venezuelan descent it is a local favorite for a late night or any time hunger pangs and is offered in numerous roadside stands. Luckily for me, I only had to drive to Mesa, Az to get my first taste. Instead of bread, large slices of freshly fried plantain slices are used to hold the luscious and juicy contents. At My Arepa http://www.myarepa.com/ we tried the patacon, a shredded pork arepa, fried sweet plantains and the short rib beef soup. By far the patacon was the star.
We got the "supreme version" which has succulent and moist mildly spicy but oh so flavorful shredded pork, crunchy coleslaw, a pink sauce (mayo with a little ketchup mixed in) and a very happy and healthy portion of thick sliced avocado. Some shredded chicken and fresh queso finishes the masterpiece. The plantain slices were perfect width and thickness so the sandwich did not fall apart when you bit into it, but not too thick to where it takes over the sandwich. When you bite it you taste the lightly sweet plantain flavor and then the richness of the pork. The coleslaw provides a nice contrast and coolness to the warm meat while the sauce, queso and buttery avocado finish and round out the the little party in your mouth. You wipe your mouth because the sauce is all over the place or if you are like me wait a couple bites so you don't use 100 napkins.
Because the plantains do not absorb that well, it can be a bit messy, but it is very much worth it. I mean look at the sandwich! Crazily enough, I did not personally order the patacon when we went so I was sneaking bites (and sideways glances) and harboring my food envy. What more can I say?? Go find your nearest Venezuelan gem! I would love to hear about your patacon experiences!
Monday, March 14, 2011
In the Kitchen with Kim
My romance with Roasting vegetables started with the help of one person... Ina Garten. You may know her better as the Barefoot Contessa, but she truly opened my eyes to the convenience and ease of cooking in your oven. Little known fact, baking and roasting is doing the exact same thing, the culinary world just assigned different terms to cooking sweet and savory items. You can go ahead and say you are "roasting a cake" and you would not be incorrect.
An easy way to go is to just pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees. Chop your preferred vegetable into similar size pieces and then throw them onto a lighlty oiled sheet with salt, pepper and more oil. Throw it in for 15-20 minutes to start and then taste one. Add or subtract time to your preferred taste and density of veg. If you usually do not like a certain vegetable try it roasted, its usually much sweeter with a more tender texture. It's like me on my best days, brushed, showered and properly dressed! The best version of myself.
What is also fantastic is its cooking without any extra attention from you. Focus on the stove top or just sit in front of the TV while your roasting away.
Once you get the hang of it, go crazy add parmesan cheese, herbs, spices and feel free to finish with more cheese, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs and lemon juice...
I have roasted and suggest the following:
Eggplant
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Cauliflower (totally different taste, great with melted cheese)
Onions
Potatoes (White & Sweet)
Kale
Carrots
Asparagus
Zucchini
Butternut Squash
Tomatoes (this one is especially awesome, the sweetness is incredible)
Super Easy & Fast Dinner Ideas:
Greek Pizza
From Fresh & Easy or Trader Joes Pick up
1 refrigerated whole wheat pizza dough
1 pkg of your favorite hummus (I used Jalepeno)
1 pkg of broccolini (baby broccoli)
1 pkg of baby carrots (use a handful chopped)
1 can of chunk white tuna
Other great add ons: olives, feta
Spread out pizza dough on sheet pan or pizza sheet. Top with your favorite hummus, chopped broccolini, chopped carrots and tuna. Bake according to directions then finish it off with some red pepper and fresh lemon juice.
Honey Dijon Roasted Salmon & Parmesan Asparagus
2 salmon filets
bunch of asparagus (woody stems removed)
fresh lemon
grated parmesan (the real stuff not from green can) pre-finely shredded is fine (you can find in any grocery store)
couple tablespoons of dijion mustard
couple squeezes of honey
handful of breadcrumbs or panko
Pre-heat over to 400 degrees. On a lighlty oiled baking sheet put aspargus on one side and salmon filets on other. Mix the honey and diijon mustard, then spread on top of salmon filets. Sprinkle filets with breadcrumbs. On asparagus toss with a little bit of oil and and parmesan. Put in oven and roast for 15 minutes or so. When you take it out sqeeze fresh lemon juice on the salmon and the asparagus. Top asparagus with a little more fresh parmesan. Plate and Enjoy!!
An easy way to go is to just pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees. Chop your preferred vegetable into similar size pieces and then throw them onto a lighlty oiled sheet with salt, pepper and more oil. Throw it in for 15-20 minutes to start and then taste one. Add or subtract time to your preferred taste and density of veg. If you usually do not like a certain vegetable try it roasted, its usually much sweeter with a more tender texture. It's like me on my best days, brushed, showered and properly dressed! The best version of myself.
What is also fantastic is its cooking without any extra attention from you. Focus on the stove top or just sit in front of the TV while your roasting away.
Once you get the hang of it, go crazy add parmesan cheese, herbs, spices and feel free to finish with more cheese, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs and lemon juice...
I have roasted and suggest the following:
Eggplant
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Cauliflower (totally different taste, great with melted cheese)
Onions
Potatoes (White & Sweet)
Kale
Carrots
Asparagus
Zucchini
Butternut Squash
Tomatoes (this one is especially awesome, the sweetness is incredible)
Super Easy & Fast Dinner Ideas:
Greek Pizza
From Fresh & Easy or Trader Joes Pick up
1 refrigerated whole wheat pizza dough
1 pkg of your favorite hummus (I used Jalepeno)
1 pkg of broccolini (baby broccoli)
1 pkg of baby carrots (use a handful chopped)
1 can of chunk white tuna
Other great add ons: olives, feta
Spread out pizza dough on sheet pan or pizza sheet. Top with your favorite hummus, chopped broccolini, chopped carrots and tuna. Bake according to directions then finish it off with some red pepper and fresh lemon juice.
Honey Dijon Roasted Salmon & Parmesan Asparagus
2 salmon filets
bunch of asparagus (woody stems removed)
fresh lemon
grated parmesan (the real stuff not from green can) pre-finely shredded is fine (you can find in any grocery store)
couple tablespoons of dijion mustard
couple squeezes of honey
handful of breadcrumbs or panko
Pre-heat over to 400 degrees. On a lighlty oiled baking sheet put aspargus on one side and salmon filets on other. Mix the honey and diijon mustard, then spread on top of salmon filets. Sprinkle filets with breadcrumbs. On asparagus toss with a little bit of oil and and parmesan. Put in oven and roast for 15 minutes or so. When you take it out sqeeze fresh lemon juice on the salmon and the asparagus. Top asparagus with a little more fresh parmesan. Plate and Enjoy!!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Already in Love
Some places I just can't imagine what my life would be like without and others are just the staples of my food pantry of life. Here are some of those and my regular favorites.
Ferry Market Plaza San Francisco, CA: This is my happy place. Ya I am going to say it (sorry Ethan), I would rather go here than Disneyland. Just leave me. Here everyone and everything is at their finest. If it is mushrooms, cheese, or salumi they sell, they know where they got it from, how it was made and of course how to turn it into the best you ever tasted. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays the farmers market is open and you get high end restaurant quality food set up under white tents, all full of equally passionate people. Last time I was there I had a made that morning donut with fresh and rich custard cream inside that I swooned over and spoonfuls of salty cashew ice cream, I still think about. I have been to markets all over the world and this is the one I am always coming back to.
Little Saigon. Ca: Okay, okay I know this is a suburb, not a specific restaurant, but if you are on a quest to find the best, the most authentic and freshest Vietnamese cuisine, look no further than Little Saigon in Westminster Orange County in CA. Although many have no idea of its existence, it is the home of the oldest and largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam. And it is here you will find your Pho paradise. Take your pick of all of the more popular dishes from Pho, Banh Mi, Com Tam and here you will find a multitude of places that claim their expertise in the dish. If you are a coffee lover, you must not leave without trying a freshly brewed iced espresso with condensed milk (Cafe Sua Da). It is the perfect compliment of bitterness and sweetness and will have you running all day long. My aunt who lives there knows 5 places alone for the best loaf of french bread and the times that it is served hot by heart. If you want a food adventure go here, go now.
Volare Downtown Chicago, IL: Yes that's right, you had me at hand cut pappardelle pasta. If you want authentic Italian then Chicago is a great place for that and of course so much more. Many will have other suggestions, but I have yet to have a negative experience here. Usually busy until the wee hours, get there and just relax with a glass of wine and a great friend to people watch. My last dish of choice was the hand made fresh pasta with lots of tangy sweet sauce and fresh clams. Ahhh pasta coma.
ACME Oyster House & Cafe Du Monde New Orleans, LA: Sometimes I can be a bit nervous when it comes to raw seafood, but here you can start out slow with their melt in your mouth chargrilled oysters with melted garlic butter. Ohhhh, try not to have like 2 plates of those and then move on to the succulent raw oysters. Briny, fresh and well really just perfect little bites. Have a beer and enjoy being in the liveliness and soul of New Orleans. In the morning head over to yes very touristy, but a must do Cafe Du Monde because who can say no to fragant chicory roast coffee and sizzling powdered sugar covered beignets? If you are reading this, you can not resist!
Local AZ favorites:
AZ Pizza: Pizzeria Bianco, Cibo (have a dessert crepe please), Crust (crust sauce is drinkable- I have actually tried to just eat it like soup)
Cafe Boa, Tempe: Romantic, great ambiance and a sentimental pick. Plus its really close to the light rail if you just want to pop on over and make a night of it....
Dim Sum: Great Wall on Camelback Rd, Phoenix: weekends are the time to go, the steamed egg rolls are fantastic and I have had them just about everywhere and this is my favorite.
Vietnamese: Da Vang, Little Saigon in Tucson, my moms house. Try mi kho at the 1st two places, don't come to my moms house.
Korean, Takamatsu on Dunlap: Best bulgogi and recently fell in love with their spicy beef and vegetable soup. Filling and sinus clearing at its best. Add a green onion salad and enjoy! A good pick every time.
Cornish Pasty Co in Tempe, When I have my chicken pot pie craving I get the pasty, even comes with gravy on the side, Their curry chicken pasty is also a winner.
Lunch: Berthas (chicken thai wrap and those lovely chocolate cookies that come with your meal), Thats a Wrap, Wildflower!!! Be still my forest mushroom soup heart.
BBQ: Big fan of Joes BBQ in Gilbert, the restaurant has such great ambiance and the bbq is fantastic. Also have had Big Daddy's BBQ in Scottsdale and I have to tell you sides are a big part of the bbq game with me and their Mac & Cheese is the best I have had in a long time. Super rich and cheesy with a great crust. They use big fat shells that hold up under the baking so they aren't mushy. Dense and they hold lots of the cheesy goodness inside each. Its an eye closer!
Definitely more I need to add to the list that I will remember as my food cravings hit... check back!
Ferry Market Plaza San Francisco, CA: This is my happy place. Ya I am going to say it (sorry Ethan), I would rather go here than Disneyland. Just leave me. Here everyone and everything is at their finest. If it is mushrooms, cheese, or salumi they sell, they know where they got it from, how it was made and of course how to turn it into the best you ever tasted. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays the farmers market is open and you get high end restaurant quality food set up under white tents, all full of equally passionate people. Last time I was there I had a made that morning donut with fresh and rich custard cream inside that I swooned over and spoonfuls of salty cashew ice cream, I still think about. I have been to markets all over the world and this is the one I am always coming back to.
Little Saigon. Ca: Okay, okay I know this is a suburb, not a specific restaurant, but if you are on a quest to find the best, the most authentic and freshest Vietnamese cuisine, look no further than Little Saigon in Westminster Orange County in CA. Although many have no idea of its existence, it is the home of the oldest and largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam. And it is here you will find your Pho paradise. Take your pick of all of the more popular dishes from Pho, Banh Mi, Com Tam and here you will find a multitude of places that claim their expertise in the dish. If you are a coffee lover, you must not leave without trying a freshly brewed iced espresso with condensed milk (Cafe Sua Da). It is the perfect compliment of bitterness and sweetness and will have you running all day long. My aunt who lives there knows 5 places alone for the best loaf of french bread and the times that it is served hot by heart. If you want a food adventure go here, go now.
Volare Downtown Chicago, IL: Yes that's right, you had me at hand cut pappardelle pasta. If you want authentic Italian then Chicago is a great place for that and of course so much more. Many will have other suggestions, but I have yet to have a negative experience here. Usually busy until the wee hours, get there and just relax with a glass of wine and a great friend to people watch. My last dish of choice was the hand made fresh pasta with lots of tangy sweet sauce and fresh clams. Ahhh pasta coma.
ACME Oyster House & Cafe Du Monde New Orleans, LA: Sometimes I can be a bit nervous when it comes to raw seafood, but here you can start out slow with their melt in your mouth chargrilled oysters with melted garlic butter. Ohhhh, try not to have like 2 plates of those and then move on to the succulent raw oysters. Briny, fresh and well really just perfect little bites. Have a beer and enjoy being in the liveliness and soul of New Orleans. In the morning head over to yes very touristy, but a must do Cafe Du Monde because who can say no to fragant chicory roast coffee and sizzling powdered sugar covered beignets? If you are reading this, you can not resist!
Local AZ favorites:
AZ Pizza: Pizzeria Bianco, Cibo (have a dessert crepe please), Crust (crust sauce is drinkable- I have actually tried to just eat it like soup)
Cafe Boa, Tempe: Romantic, great ambiance and a sentimental pick. Plus its really close to the light rail if you just want to pop on over and make a night of it....
Dim Sum: Great Wall on Camelback Rd, Phoenix: weekends are the time to go, the steamed egg rolls are fantastic and I have had them just about everywhere and this is my favorite.
Vietnamese: Da Vang, Little Saigon in Tucson, my moms house. Try mi kho at the 1st two places, don't come to my moms house.
Korean, Takamatsu on Dunlap: Best bulgogi and recently fell in love with their spicy beef and vegetable soup. Filling and sinus clearing at its best. Add a green onion salad and enjoy! A good pick every time.
Cornish Pasty Co in Tempe, When I have my chicken pot pie craving I get the pasty, even comes with gravy on the side, Their curry chicken pasty is also a winner.
Lunch: Berthas (chicken thai wrap and those lovely chocolate cookies that come with your meal), Thats a Wrap, Wildflower!!! Be still my forest mushroom soup heart.
BBQ: Big fan of Joes BBQ in Gilbert, the restaurant has such great ambiance and the bbq is fantastic. Also have had Big Daddy's BBQ in Scottsdale and I have to tell you sides are a big part of the bbq game with me and their Mac & Cheese is the best I have had in a long time. Super rich and cheesy with a great crust. They use big fat shells that hold up under the baking so they aren't mushy. Dense and they hold lots of the cheesy goodness inside each. Its an eye closer!
Definitely more I need to add to the list that I will remember as my food cravings hit... check back!
The first time... restaurants of 2010
Ahhh it has definitely been a long time coming. It has been something I have been wanting to do for awhile and with the gentle last prodding of my best friend at our "2011 Goals Meeting" I have finally just jumped in. This particular post does the quick year in review of my 2010 highlights (places I went to for the 1st time). Great morsels of foodtastic yumminess all made easy by my boyfriend extraordinaire who has documented our culinary hi jinks for the last year. Thank you honey!
Mi Comida (Formerly Mi Cocina, Mi Pais) Phoenix, AZ: An Ecuadorian jewel in the desert. This is absolutely the boy's find. He's no stranger to this hole in the wall find and proudly proclaims the Shrimp Curry on the menu as his pick for his last meal. Enough said right? I love the cozy ambiance, warm family service and distinctly creative menu.
Original Pancake House in Old Town Scottsdale: Dutch apple pancake as big as your head, fast cash only service and quality food. Yummy!
Haus Murphys Glendale, Az: My best friend gets the credit for this one and if someone I know can be an expert of meat and potatoes its her. I was pleasantly surprised by this adorable restaurant in Old Town Glendale specifically because I am not personally a huge fan of German food. The servers here are dressed up in traditional dress, but it does not come off cheesy, but more adds to the charm of the place. Every dish I have had here is simple, but remarkably tasty and executed perfectly. May it be the crispness of the schnitzel to the tanginess of their homemade sauerkraut. Also with all of their entrees comes with a free cup of soup which is always really flavorful and comforting. With their open beer garden with lovely twinkle lights, it's the place to take a group of friends on a warm afternoon or night.
Posh Scottsdale, Az: The closest I have come to a culinary destination experience ala San Francisco, New York in our very own Scottsdale, AZ. Yes one day I will have my 20 course, 5 hour dining nirvana at French Laundry but we all have to start somewhere. I wasn't disappointed, although I don't have notes to all of our courses, highlights include the beef cheek, short rib and whimsical watermelon caviar. Come prepared to try pretty much anything as they are free to sit any type of dish in front of you. You pick the number of courses and what you won't eat and they do the rest. Come with a free night ahead and an open mind.
Paradiso 37 Downtown Disney Orlando, FL: A funny pick merely because when I was there I had the toothache of a lifetime (which later I had a root canal on), but when I look back I still really enjoyed this meal through all the pain, so I know it was good. Authentic well done green chili enchiladas, fantastic skirt steak with grilled corn and a scrumptious lightly sweet fresh arepa.
Frenchy's Clearwater, FL: Come in your flip flops its right on the beach, the picturesque place for a Florida beach restaurant, simple grilled fish sandwiches and a pina colada= guaranteed happiness.
Wente Vineyards Restaurant, Livermore, CA: At one of the loveliest weddings I have been to I also had one of my favorite meals of the year. Smoked double cut pork chop...sounds intriguing yes? I bet you have never had it either. Get it here for your 1st time, perfectly smokey, succulent and delicious. Sides of polenta and sweet and tart braised greens were wonderful, as well, but that chop is the definitive star.
The Market Downtown Denver, CO: You see it from the street and assume its a small coffee shop. We ducked in here to find a bfast bite and were surprised to step into a bit of a rabbit hole of a world of food. Separate coffee bar, lunch station, gelato and dessert area. If there was any free space it was filled with little aisles of homemade jams, jellies, dressings and anything else you could want. Some sitting space allowed for great people watching as every walk of life had seemed to find this downtown staple. You can tell they own and operate it with a lot of love. Go eat anything there!
The Gibson Washington DC: Okay I had no food here. There is this little bar behind a non descript black door next to Marvins in DC. It's not labeled and there are not people milling outside to help you pick it out. Behind the door is a person on a stool with a list. A door is right next to him. He knocks on the door and they check inside. If you are lucky you get a space at the bar to watch the real show. Classic hand made drinks are their specialty. Everything added to the liquor is fresh and they usually have a bowl right at the bar filled with fresh fruits, herbs and peel. The type of place you can spend hours in and lose track of time just figuring out what you want to try next.
I probably forgot a couple so check back later for updates~!
Mi Comida (Formerly Mi Cocina, Mi Pais) Phoenix, AZ: An Ecuadorian jewel in the desert. This is absolutely the boy's find. He's no stranger to this hole in the wall find and proudly proclaims the Shrimp Curry on the menu as his pick for his last meal. Enough said right? I love the cozy ambiance, warm family service and distinctly creative menu.
Original Pancake House in Old Town Scottsdale: Dutch apple pancake as big as your head, fast cash only service and quality food. Yummy!
Haus Murphys Glendale, Az: My best friend gets the credit for this one and if someone I know can be an expert of meat and potatoes its her. I was pleasantly surprised by this adorable restaurant in Old Town Glendale specifically because I am not personally a huge fan of German food. The servers here are dressed up in traditional dress, but it does not come off cheesy, but more adds to the charm of the place. Every dish I have had here is simple, but remarkably tasty and executed perfectly. May it be the crispness of the schnitzel to the tanginess of their homemade sauerkraut. Also with all of their entrees comes with a free cup of soup which is always really flavorful and comforting. With their open beer garden with lovely twinkle lights, it's the place to take a group of friends on a warm afternoon or night.
Posh Scottsdale, Az: The closest I have come to a culinary destination experience ala San Francisco, New York in our very own Scottsdale, AZ. Yes one day I will have my 20 course, 5 hour dining nirvana at French Laundry but we all have to start somewhere. I wasn't disappointed, although I don't have notes to all of our courses, highlights include the beef cheek, short rib and whimsical watermelon caviar. Come prepared to try pretty much anything as they are free to sit any type of dish in front of you. You pick the number of courses and what you won't eat and they do the rest. Come with a free night ahead and an open mind.
Paradiso 37 Downtown Disney Orlando, FL: A funny pick merely because when I was there I had the toothache of a lifetime (which later I had a root canal on), but when I look back I still really enjoyed this meal through all the pain, so I know it was good. Authentic well done green chili enchiladas, fantastic skirt steak with grilled corn and a scrumptious lightly sweet fresh arepa.
Frenchy's Clearwater, FL: Come in your flip flops its right on the beach, the picturesque place for a Florida beach restaurant, simple grilled fish sandwiches and a pina colada= guaranteed happiness.
Wente Vineyards Restaurant, Livermore, CA: At one of the loveliest weddings I have been to I also had one of my favorite meals of the year. Smoked double cut pork chop...sounds intriguing yes? I bet you have never had it either. Get it here for your 1st time, perfectly smokey, succulent and delicious. Sides of polenta and sweet and tart braised greens were wonderful, as well, but that chop is the definitive star.
The Market Downtown Denver, CO: You see it from the street and assume its a small coffee shop. We ducked in here to find a bfast bite and were surprised to step into a bit of a rabbit hole of a world of food. Separate coffee bar, lunch station, gelato and dessert area. If there was any free space it was filled with little aisles of homemade jams, jellies, dressings and anything else you could want. Some sitting space allowed for great people watching as every walk of life had seemed to find this downtown staple. You can tell they own and operate it with a lot of love. Go eat anything there!
The Gibson Washington DC: Okay I had no food here. There is this little bar behind a non descript black door next to Marvins in DC. It's not labeled and there are not people milling outside to help you pick it out. Behind the door is a person on a stool with a list. A door is right next to him. He knocks on the door and they check inside. If you are lucky you get a space at the bar to watch the real show. Classic hand made drinks are their specialty. Everything added to the liquor is fresh and they usually have a bowl right at the bar filled with fresh fruits, herbs and peel. The type of place you can spend hours in and lose track of time just figuring out what you want to try next.
I probably forgot a couple so check back later for updates~!
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