tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199605332024-03-12T20:33:50.160-07:00GourmetishAdj./ Noun [goor-may-ish, goor-met-ish] 1. used to describe an object that is somewhat high-quality, sophisticated, expensive, rare, or meticulously prepared. 2. a food object, idea, or activity that somebody is irrationally obsessed with or attached to.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-20359895418179074652011-07-23T10:48:00.000-07:002012-08-12T11:02:14.202-07:00My husband and I (before we were husband and wife) were visiting friends in LA and decided to try Korean BBQ. Even though I'm obsessed with all things Asian I had never actually been to a Korean BBQ restaurant. Genwa was very close to the theater where our friends' band was playing so we decided to give it a shot.<br />
<br />
The prices are supposedly higher than a lot of Korean BBQ restaurants in LA but the quality was fabulous as was the service and presentation. I'm pretty sure they give have the most side dishes, too. We opted for one of the smaller packages that included a bottle of soju.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXSyE5EO07M/UCftJ27LbnI/AAAAAAAAALM/2wc2vbh2u80/s1600/2011-07-23_19-32-05_669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXSyE5EO07M/UCftJ27LbnI/AAAAAAAAALM/2wc2vbh2u80/s640/2011-07-23_19-32-05_669.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My favorite thing was the bibimbap. I'm sure I made their eyes roll when they saw how much I like to cook my meat (they kept coming back and puting the meat on the sides so it wouldn't get over cooked even though that's how I like it). It was fun to try everything. My palate sways toward Sichuan, Thai and Japanese food and Korean food is totally different. It might take a while to get used to this cuisine but I would sure love to try. The experience was fun and really a tremendous value.<br />
<br />
They do offer a la carte options too but I don't think it would be quite as exciting. If you're going to LA and want to visit Genwa I recommend staying in a hotel with a mini fridge because there is no way you'll finish everything.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.genwakoreanbbq.com/" target="_blank">Genwa</a><br />
5115 Wilshire Blvd<br />
Los Angeles, CA <br />
(323) 549-0760<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-74051058241154983582010-12-16T10:45:00.000-08:002012-08-12T10:59:02.311-07:00Persimmon Bread<br />
In December and January you can find very good-looking persimmons at your local <a href="http://www.sbfarmersmarket.org/">Farmer's Market</a>. Not knowing which persimmons I should buy to make Persimmon Bread, I asked the farmer selling this fruit which type to buy.<br />
<br />
There are two kinds of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persimmon">persimmons</a> usually found in Santa Barbara farmer's markets: Fuyu and Hachiya.
<br />
The Fuyu Persimmons can be eaten right away in its crunchy form. Eat it like an apple or slice it and use in a salad. Speaking of Persimmon salad, I am determined to find the recipe used by the <a href="http://www.huntington.org/">Huntington Gardens'</a> <a href="http://www.huntington.org/huntingtonlibrary_02.aspx?id=310">Tea Room</a>. They make a divine persimmon salad in what I believe is a parmesean vinaigrette.<br />
<br />
The Hachiya persimmon is meant to be ripened until it looks extremely bruised and almost black in color. After at least a month of leaving the Hachiya on my kitchen counter I gave up and settled for a slightly soft, somewhat bruised persimmon. The food processor took care of the rest. I will warn you that you want to get them very ripe so you may want to put them in a paper bag with an apple for as long as it takes. After you puree the fruit (according to instructions) you are ready to make Persimmon Bread.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/archives/2005/11/persimmon_bread.html">JAMES BEARD PERSIMMON BREAD</a> on David Lebovitz's <a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/">blog</a>.<br />
<br />
Notes: I added Courvoisier Cognac and skipped the raisins all together. After tasting it I can't imagine using whiskey and that many raisins. The Cognac was strong and overwhelmed the persimmons (as would any liqueur) but it was delicious nonetheless.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-36781310513445073412009-12-30T17:17:00.000-08:002010-03-14T19:22:57.963-07:00Weekend in Montecito<p></p><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/S519MyI9hZI/AAAAAAAAAKs/oW7WAEDWTyM/s1600-h/view+from+hottub.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448648782759429522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/S519MyI9hZI/AAAAAAAAAKs/oW7WAEDWTyM/s320/view+from+hottub.jpg" border="2" /></a><br /><div>I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I think it took me most of the day to realize how amazing this place was; this house in Montecito. My ex-boyfriend from college texted me right before Christmas to see if I was in town (Santa Ynez Valley) and wanted to meet him at his brother's rental house. His brother and fiance were visiting from Texas and had rented this beautiful house in Montectio with a heated pool and hot tub. As gorgeous as the house was, the best part of my visit wasn't the house, it was the company and the food.</div><div></div><br /><div>Let me just tell you that these guys know how to eat and drink. Follow me through the day:</div><br /><div></div><div><strong>Noon</strong>-I arrived in Montecito</div><br /><div><strong>1pm</strong>-Head out to the harbor and stop by <a href="http://www.brophybros.com/">Brophy Brothers</a> for a dozen oysters, oyster shooters, and some beer/wine</div><br /><div><strong>2pm</strong>-Decided it was too crowded so we went to State Street for some window shopping</div><br /><div><strong>3pm</strong>-Hungry again, we went to the Neighborhood Bar where they have microbrews and satisfying pub food. Ordered the chicken and goat cheese panini and amber beer; 2 thumbs up.</div><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/3951253389_03c086cfcb.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 147px" alt="Liberty Cab Sauv" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/3951253389_03c086cfcb.jpg" border="1" /></a><br /><div><strong>4pm</strong>-Stuffed, we head back to the house to rest but not before stopping off at Trader Joe's where I picked up two bottles of wine. The first was a delicious <a href="http://www.lanetanner.com/wines.shtml">Lane Tanner</a> Pinot Noir (only recently available at TJ's and one of my favorite winemakers) and the second a very cheap bottle of Liberty 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) with an impressive label designed by <a href="http://www.proofwinemarketing.com/">a very talented guy</a> I know.</div><br /><br /><div><strong>4pm-7pm</strong>-Enjoyed Christmas cookies my mom and I had made along with the wine purchases. Friends opened up yet another bottle of wine they had and we finished with a fourth bottle of Aqua Pumpkin Pinot Noir. They were so impressed with the AP Pinot when they went out to eat that they called up <a href="http://www.volkwines.com/">Kenneth Volk Vineyards</a> and ordered 3 cases. I love the spontaneity of it all.</div><div></div><br /><div><strong>7:30/8pm-</strong>Realizing we better eat now before the restaurants close, we head over to nearby <a href="http://www.luckys-steakhouse.com/">Lucky's</a> on Coast Village Road in Montecito. (Note: my responsible friend B was the DD, no need to worry!)</div><br /><div></div><div><strong>8-10pm</strong>-Ordered a bottle of Aqua Pumpkin Pinot Noir (my new friends' favorite of the weekend) right away (not that we needed anymore wine, but we were celebrating the holidays with old and new friends). Going along with the theme of extravagence, our host, B's brother, ordered a dozen oysters that were definitely the BEST oysters I have ever had (ironically from the east coast). Sex on a plate, my friends. They were so good they made you feel almost high (or maybe that was just the massive amount of wine we had consumed?). </div><div></div><br /><div>B and I were so impressed with the oysters we decided to order another dozen. Our generous host ordered a salmon (perfectly cooked) and steak (melted like butter in my mouth) to share. I don't remeber what we ordered for dessert but I know it was throughly enjoyed.</div><div></div><br /><div><strong>12am</strong>-Fat and happy, we went home and enjoyed a midnight dip in the hot tub (and I tried out the incredible heated pool). I honestly can not imagine living like that. It was a priceless experience.</div><br /><div></div><div>We all know that food and luxury are great but these things don't matter without good friends. The highlight of my weekend in Montecito was getting to spend time with my old friend and my two new friends from Texas. Such kind-hearted, generous, and fun-loving people that left quite an impression on me (one that I would have had even if we had dined on PB&J sandwiches). I'm looking forward to their return visit so I can show them around our wine country; it's sure to be a good time.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448656078131828354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/S52D1bhSFoI/AAAAAAAAAK0/2-UbJDH6tPk/s320/backyard+at+night.jpg" border="2" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-54108018567277316242008-11-21T23:28:00.001-08:002008-11-22T00:12:45.769-08:00Birthday Trip to LAJust a quick comment on my trip. It was entirely food. In twenty-four hours we managed to eat dim sum at Elite, shop at a nearby Asian market, eat tapas at Cobras y Matador, a midnight snack in Thai town at Ruen Pair, and a late breakfast/lunch at my old haunt, HOME in Los Feliz.<br /><br />A side note: I recently read an article in <em>Wired</em> saying that blogs are dead and that twitter-like sites are taking over. Perhaps there should be food twitters instead of blogs. Since I never have time to blog I'm thinking I should "twitter" my food thoughts.<br /><br />So here's a breakdown:<br /><br />1.)Dim Sum at Elite: long wait, everything was tasty, prices on the higher end, sweeter items (BBQ Pork Bao, Almond shrimp ball and Snow Bun with Almond Flavor) were satisfying but some of the dumplings didn't have enough flavor for me (ex: the shark's fin and red clam dumpling). They were also missing a few items I love. Overall I'd go back but I missed the carts. Didn't think I would but I did. It's not better than Pearl in San Diego but it's worth the wait.<br /><br />2.)Cobras y Matador: I've already been there but remembered it fondly and it was near the concert (The Black Keys!) we were attending. Service was a bit slow considering the place was nearly empty but the food was good. I think we had artichoke fritters and roasted mussels (oven dried tomatoes, saffron, wine). Now I know inflation has greatly affected restaurants but even though the food is good it's way too pricey.<br /><br />3.)I did a LOT of research before this trip on where to go for Thai food since I had to have good dim sum and good Thai. Well, Ruen Pair is the place and I'm so glad we went. They serve the best papaya salad I've ever had. Truly addictive. I even ate the leftovers for breakfast. We also had tasty shrimp cakes and chicken sate which was also pretty good. The papaya salad was so good (in my opinion) that I'm still thinking about it.<br /><br />4.)HOME: The neon sign (which has, sadly, changed a bit) says "There's No Place like HOME". It's true. This is still one of my favorite restaurants and it serves simple salads, sandwiches, etc. The prices are still affordable, the portions are large and easy to share, and they have great waffle fries and excellent bruchetta. I almost always get their chicken cesaer salad wrap but this time I got a different sandwich that was just as delicious. I'm sure plenty of people would say I'm exaggerating but, for me, this truly is home. Oh, they also renovated and the whole place is clean and cozy (in a good way, not a "cramped" way) instead of crumbling like it was when I first moved to LA.<br /><br />While I missed LA food, I did not miss the traffic. The weekend we went it was hazy and crowded and reminds me of why I live in wine country (Santa Barbara's). Being in close proximity to good wine has made it worth it to live without some of my favorite foods. I'm just going to have to improve upon my Asian home-cooking skills and learn how to make a mean papaya salad myself. Guess I'll be stocking up everytime I find an Asian market. Until I can afford to open up my own dim sum restaurant up here, that is. Would it be weird to have a small plates restaurant witih dim sum, tapas, and Thai appetizers?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-67463163825429795712008-08-22T23:25:00.000-07:002008-08-22T23:46:23.793-07:00Food vacationI haven't written in ages. My two jobs and 2-year old boy (and newly re-started singing) has kept me so busy that sometimes my head shakes in anticipation of an eruption, much like that of a volcano.<br /><br />One of the main reasons I don't post as much anymore is because I have moved to an extremely expensive area (Santa Barbara county) and I can rarely afford to go anywhere to eat and I'm so busy I don't cook as often. There are a few places I would like to post about once I have photos: American Flatbread (probably one of the best restaurants in SB county); Yanagi Sushi (new in Santa Maria), Chef Rick's (one of the best chefs in the county), Suvan's Kitchen in Lompoc, China Pavillion in Santa Barbara and Montecito, and a few others.<br /><br />Now, if you ask me about local wine I can tell you stories. Pretty much all I drink now is local wine. Working with winemakers is a fantastic job. Most of them have past lives unrelated to wine and they all followed their passion.<br /><br />The reason I'm currently online is that I was searching the corners of the web for dim sum reviews for LA. During the short time I lived in LA I didn't have any foodie friends (fortunately I have a ton of foodie friends now who truly understand) so I never went to dim sum. Then I moved to San Diego and dragged my husband to Pearl and a few others. Pearl had excellent dim sum and a great pond out back. We also made it to San Francisco and ate at a delicious all-Chinese dim sum restaurant where I sat next to two 100-year old Chinese men and the servers spoke little to no English (my kind of place...we speak a common language..food!).<br /><br />After several hours of research I have finally decided to try Elite dim sum in Monterey Park because other food bloggers took some great photos that have me salivating as I write.<br /><br />If anyone disagrees with my choice please speak up quickly! I leave Sunday early morning. If all goes as planned, we will go to dim sum, go to Ranch 99 to stock up, go to a concert that night, grab some Sichuan food (depending on when the concert is over) or go to a late-night Thai restaurant, and head to the Westin Bonaventure (gotta love Priceline) where I can think about Monday's meals.<br /><br />On Monday we'll have to choose between many of my favorites: Home (in Los Feliz right by where I used to live), Doughboys (near my friend's house not far from the Beverly Center), Porto's (for pastries in Glendale), and a few new places I've been wanting to try. No trips to Spago for me, thanks. I'm a working gal who eats at restaurants with working-class prices.<br /><br />I have been wanting to try that macroon place in Beverly Hills, I think it is. Is it still there? LA eateries seem to come and go so quickly. Another place on my list is Breadbar. Two of my favorite words.<br /><br />So, friends, if anyone in LA (or nearby) happens to fall upon this post in the next day, please send me your thoughts. Please, be nice. I know I'm a piggie and it might be a tad on the unhealthy side to eat my way through LA, but I know some of you understand.<br /><br />Hopefully I will remember to bring my camera. If not, I will try to post anyway.<br /><br />Wish me luck!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-1903580909090875952008-01-27T23:24:00.000-08:002008-01-27T23:30:07.094-08:00Sake from SpaceTonight I was researching restaurants online for a friend of mine who's living in Kochi-ken, Japan and I came across an interesting article titled <a href="http://www.truesake.com/newsletters/2006-04.php">"Space Sake -- Sake From Another World"</a> (scroll down to second article on page). If anyone happens to know of some restaurants in that area that she should try--please let me know! <br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />PS. I'm hoping to start up my blog again soon from the Santa Barbara area.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-38331068121299022002007-09-01T17:15:00.000-07:002007-09-01T17:35:44.537-07:00SANTA BARBARA COUNTYSadly, it has been months since I have written. I have realized that it is very difficult to maintain a blog while taking care of a rambunctious [now] eight-month old boy.<br /><br />Currently I am listening to my inner dialogue (between myself and myself) and trying to decide whether or not I should continue to blog. If I do continue, should I narrow my focus? That will soon be determined, my friends.<br /><br />In addition to raising a child, I have had a lot of changes in my life lately. My husband and I are in the process of moving to Santa Barbara County (to the wine country, 40 minutes north of Santa Barbara) and I am studying viticulture/enology at Alan Hancock College (one cannot have too many degrees, I say). My goal is to get a degree in wine marketing and sales by the summer (with an internship this spring). I'll let you know how it goes.<br /><br />I am finding that life in Santa Barbara's wine country is not easy for a city-girl like me. It's one of the most beautiful places in the country but a big culture-shock to a girl who can't imagine life without dim sum and traditional (especially Sichuan) Chinese cuisine. Fortunately they have some Thai, sushi, and one good Chinese restaurant (that I'm aware of so-far) but it's not enough for an Asian-cuisine obsessed foodie such as myself. I'm hoping there is a Pho place up there somewhere. Recently my husband and I have frequented Mr. Pho in Oceanside and can't imagine not being able to get cheap flavorful Vietnamese eats on a regular basis (and at 9pm when we realize we've almost missed dinner!).<br /><br />Perhaps one day I can still write those posts about new restaurants I've found in the North County, San Diego area.<br /><br />Stay tuned for possible (as I have not decided if I want to re-commit myself to the food blog world) adventures in Santa Barbara's wine country.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-547378896589452082007-05-01T16:22:00.000-07:002007-05-01T16:26:14.126-07:00Travel: Southwest<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RjfMIkBD0gI/AAAAAAAAAEY/TS2QTMRdwo8/s1600-h/IMG_0919.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059737153853182466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Sedona landscape" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RjfMIkBD0gI/AAAAAAAAAEY/TS2QTMRdwo8/s320/IMG_0919.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Check out my post below about my recent travels (through food) in the Southwest. I had saved it as a draft a while ago so it posted on the day I saved it (oops!). It chronicles my stops in Williams, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Sedona.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-89119772516785278562007-04-25T22:00:00.000-07:002007-04-25T23:08:48.169-07:00Upcoming Food EventsSome upcoming food events in the San Diego area:<br /><br />April 28 & 29: <a href="http://www.encinitas101.com/specialfair.htm">Encinitas Street Fair</a><br />April 28 & 29: <a href="http://www.temeculawineandmusicfestival.com/">Temecula Wine and Music Festival</a><br />May 2: 31 cent scoop night at Baskin' Robbins (benefits Firefighters Fund), 5-10pm<br />May 5: <a href="http://entertainment.signonsandiego.com/features/221/index.html">Cinco de Mayo</a> (there's a festival everywhere in San Diego from <a href="http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/Datarelation.aspx?Content=108">Oceanside</a> to the <a href="http://entertainment.signonsandiego.com/profiles/events/286786">gaslamp</a>!)<br />May 5: <a href="http://www.ocparks.com/uploadgraphics/RANCHO_2007_FLYER(2).pdf">Rancho Days Fiesta</a><br />May 6: <a href="http://entertainment.signonsandiego.com/profiles/events/178696">Carlsbad Village Faire</a><br />May 11, 12, 13: <a href="http://www.sandiegofestival.com/">Gator by the Bay</a> (Zydeco and Crawfish)<br />May 12: <a href="http://www.karlstrauss.com/">Beach to Brewery Beer and Music Fest</a><br />May 12: <a href="http://www.qbgardens.org/events/items/05122007.shtml">Family Chocolate Festival at the Quail Botanical Gardens</a><br />May 19 & 20: <a href="http://www.temelink.com/oldtown/westerndays/index.html">Old Town Temecula Western Days</a><br />May 20: <a href="http://www.sicilianfesta.com">Festa Siciliana</a> in Little Italy<br />May 20: <a href="http://www.northparkmainstreet.com/fest/fest.2007.htm">North Park Festival of the Arts</a><br />May 25-28: <a href="http://www.strawberryfestival.org/">Strawberry Festival</a> in Garden Grove<br />May 27: <a href="http://entertainment.signonsandiego.com/profiles/events/248283">Ethnic Food Fair</a> at Balboa Park's International Cottages<br />June 1-3: <a href="http://www.tvbwf.com/">Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival</a><br />June 6-10: <a href="http://www.beaumont.ca.us/pdf/cherryfestival07.pdf">Cherry Valley's Cherry Festival</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-25515442144282023402007-04-16T15:48:00.000-07:002007-04-16T15:54:44.165-07:00Carlsbad Farmer's Market: Strawberry Fest<div>The Carlsbad Village Farmers' Market will hold its Annual Strawberry Festival on Wednesday, April 18, 1-5pm and Saturday, April 21, 9am-1pm. The markets are held weekly in Carlsbad Village at 2930 Roosevelt Street in the Public Parking Lot between Carlsbad Village Drive and Grand Avenue. The Strawberry Festival celebration will include lots of very special strawberry treats, live music and family fun!</div><br /><div><br />Come for our famous homemade Strawberry Shortcake with whip cream and look for many other strawberry delights including cool Strawberry Smoothies, decadent Chocolate-covered Strawberries, or smooth Strawberry Flan. Make sure you get your fresh local strawberries and, of course, you can also shop for an abundance of other fresh produce, flowers and many fabulous foods and crafts.<br /><br />The Carlsbad Garden Club will again attend the festival. These “green thumbed gals” will have plants and tools for sale and will be on hand to share their gardening tips. All proceeds from the Club's sales go to a scholarship for a Mira Costa College horticultural student. Call 760-434-2553 or 760-687-6453 for more information.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-14834336066676378022007-04-16T15:15:00.000-07:002007-05-01T16:21:33.459-07:00Travel: Southwest (AZ and NM)<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Williams, AZ (near Grand Canyon): Pine Country Restaurant</strong></span><br /><br />If you're going to the Grand Canyon then you know the main towns nearby are Williams or Flagstaff. We stayed in Williams on our way to the Canyon on our trip from California to New Mexico. The most appealing restaurant near our motel was the Pine Country Restaurant.<br /><br /><br />As you can tell from the recipes I cook, I'm not really into American food. Especially not country food. However, I know a lot of people love some good country cookin'. This restaurant is THE place to go for some American home-style food. The prices are incredible. My mom ordered a 2 pork chop meal for only $8.99 (including sides). She said the chops were cooked perfectly. They also specialize in pies. We took home a slice of apple pie for breakfast and it was still really good that next morning. The service was great in the restaurant as well. I didn't even mind the picnic-style tables because they were new-ish and clean. Just remember that you need to arrive early because there are a TON of tourists eating there who just came from or are headed to the Grand Canyon.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP6d7576MI/AAAAAAAAAEA/ERGGf7QZjEA/s1600-h/IMG_0786.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054158599043672258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="The Grand Canyon" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP6d7576MI/AAAAAAAAAEA/ERGGf7QZjEA/s320/IMG_0786.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />The reason for our trip was to check out some property that my Grandpa owns near Albuquerque that he's never seen. Strange, I know. So my mom and I thought it would be an adventure to take a road trip to see exactly what my Grandpa got himself into. Before we checked out the property we had to pick up some paperwork in a nearby town called Belen. This is the biggest town in the area and it was soooo tiny. There was no where to eat in that area except for a few chains that I was not interested in trying. Apparently Blake's Lottaburger is a big chain in that part of New Mexico. They also had a Teriyaki Chicken in Foil. Needless to say, Belen was not my kind of town and I chose to wait until dinner to eat.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059729375667409394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RjfFD0BD0fI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/cto-arftgEk/s200/IMG_0817.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054158590453737650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Blake's Lotaburger" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP6db576LI/AAAAAAAAAD4/Hk87i844ARU/s320/IMG_0818.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Albuquerque, New Mexico: Flying Star Cafe<br /></strong></span><br />After at least an hour of roaming the city for a place to eat that didn't smell bad and wasn't touristy, my mom and I came across the college district. The best tip for travellers is to find the university area for cheap and often times, tasty eats. We debated between a pizza and Mexican place but decided to eat at the <a href="www.flyingstarcafe.com">Flying Star Cafe</a> where they had a diverse menu.<br /></div><br />In the front of the restaurant is a bakery with cake, pies, pastries, bagels, and the biggest cream puffs you've ever seen. We were tempted but only got 2 almond croissants and a cookie for the next day (the croissants were dried out the next day but the cookie was decent).<br /><br />Fortunately the meals were delicious. Everything is homemade and fresh. My mom ordered fish and chips that were surprisingly great. The fish was crisp but not dry, the fries tasty, and the coleslaw just right. My turkey panini-style sandwich came with green chiles (I had to get something with a southwest flair) and turkey cut straight off the roast. It was almost too rich, the turkey was that good. The potato salad on the side was also made just right (old fashioned, chunky, without too much mayo and it had a lot of fresh veggies in it). I loved the meals so much that I wish we had another day in Albuquerque just so I could go there. Everything was really affordable, too.<br /><br /><br /><br />I learned from our trip that when you have trouble finding good eats in an unfamiliar town, look for the college area and you're sure to find something good. If we hadn't found the Nob Hill area we might have been out of luck. Albuquerque is not exactly a foodie town. I actually found the city to be fairly dismal. To each his own, I suppose.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP4Vr576II/AAAAAAAAADg/mg_ravfqdno/s1600-h/IMG_0843.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054156258286495874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Southwest Turkey Sandwich with Potato Salad" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP4Vr576II/AAAAAAAAADg/mg_ravfqdno/s320/IMG_0843.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP4WL576JI/AAAAAAAAADo/E1vXXMrcURU/s1600-h/IMG_0844.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054156266876430482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Fish and Chips in Albequerque" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP4WL576JI/AAAAAAAAADo/E1vXXMrcURU/s320/IMG_0844.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP4Wr576KI/AAAAAAAAADw/zx_RQ_i6RZ8/s1600-h/IMG_0847.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054156275466365090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Killian at the Flying Star Cafe" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP4Wr576KI/AAAAAAAAADw/zx_RQ_i6RZ8/s320/IMG_0847.JPG" border="0" /></a> Baby Killian at Flying Star Cafe</p><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054156249696561266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Ho Ho Chinese Food" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP4VL576HI/AAAAAAAAADY/zw0_ZzCwrJo/s320/IMG_0842.JPG" border="0" />One of Albuquerque's eateries that we chose not to try.<br /></p><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Santa Fe, New Mexico: Blue Corn Cafe</strong></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Our experience in Santa Fe was similar to our experience in Albuquerque but for a different reason. Santa Fe is a wonderful town with beautiful architechture and a lot to do (and eat!). However, it appeared that many of the restaurants in the museum area were located upstairs or were too fancy. This is a problem when you have a four-month old. It's also a problem when it's snowing and you didn't pack for cold weather (so you look kind of disheveled).<br /><br /><br />Again we spent hours looking for a place to eat. Finally we managed to get the stroller upstairs (not as easy as it sounds with my chubby baby) so we could eat at the <a href="www.bluecorncafe.com">Blue Corn Cafe</a>. They seemed to have some local meals to sample which was my goal for our trip.<br /><br /><br />Our chips and guacamole appetizer was perfect. The blue corn chips were my favorite and it came with salsa (made exactly the way I like it). I love chips that are super thin, crispy, and made fresh. I hadn't had chips that good in a while. Usually when we go to a Mexican restaurant I don't like the chips or the salsa (one or the other).<br /><br /><br />I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich with a honey chipotle glaze and carmelized onions. Normally I'm hesitant about ordering chicken sandwiches because restaurants tend to dry out the chicken. This sandwich was fantastic. I'm determined to recreate their glaze at home.<br /><br /><br />My mom had one of their Mexican combos which was very good and perfect for the chilly day (it snowed while we ate). Her rootbeer was great, too. Apparently they make their own. It has a great home brewed flavor and was barely carbonated which we both liked better because it gave you more room to eat!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP3dr576EI/AAAAAAAAADA/FiEsI2r4OOo/s1600-h/IMG_0864.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054155296213821506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Blue and Yellow Corn chips with Guac and Salsa" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP3dr576EI/AAAAAAAAADA/FiEsI2r4OOo/s320/IMG_0864.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP3d7576FI/AAAAAAAAADI/E3XvYc5b024/s1600-h/IMG_0866.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054155300508788818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Chicken Honey Chipotle Sandwich with Carmelized Onions" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP3d7576FI/AAAAAAAAADI/E3XvYc5b024/s320/IMG_0866.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054156245401593954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Blue Corn Cafe in Santa Fe" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP4U7576GI/AAAAAAAAADQ/ZqCEmI2mAOE/s320/IMG_0867.JPG" border="0" /><br />On our way back to Albuquerque from Santa Fe we wanted to stop by the Whole Foods we saw but missed it so we stopped at a natural grocery store instead. It was one of the most impressive natural food stores I've been to. They had all sorts of nuts, grains, homeopathic supplies, etc. By the register they had some sweet empanadas that we bought for our trip. My mom had the cherry one and I had an apple. They were made by a bakery called <a href="http://www.chocolatemaven.com/">Chocolate Maven</a> that I will definitely go to if I ever return to Santa Fe. These sweet empanadas were some of the best pastries I've ever had. Not only that but they couldn't have been that fresh. It was evening when we bought them and we didn't eat them until the next day! </p><p>I just checked Chocolate Maven's website (see link above) and they have been featured on the food network by Giada De Laurentiis. I would love to check out their cafe as well during my next visit.</p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sedona, AZ: El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano and NY Bagels & Deli<br /></strong></span></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054155287623886898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Red Rocks of Sedona" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP3dL576DI/AAAAAAAAAC4/2ZrP9TS94yk/s320/IMG_0917.JPG" border="0" /><br />My visit to Sedona was way too short. We were there for dinner and briefly for breakfast (but we stayed in Cottonwood). It has to be one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to (even compared to Yosemite). No wonder it's a huge tourist spot.</p><p>As always, I was starved (my mom doesn't ever seem to "need" to eat) and desperate for some good southwest food. We settled on El Rincon restaurante because it was nearby and had good reviews. I'm not sure who reviewed this place, though. The chips and salsa were okay but not great. My mom's sweet tamale and beef taco were pretty good (she thought it was the lightest tamale she's ever had). I had half her taco and while it was good, I've had better in California. My shrimp taco was the grossest meal I've received at a restaurant in a long time. The shrimp looked like they had been boiled and the shredded cheddar didn't go at all. I've had a lot of good shrimp tacos and I really didn't think they could be butchered this badly. I was wrong. It was so gross I couldn't even eat it. Fortunately we had ordered a side of Navajo fry bread (I had only had it at a friends house and never at a restaurant so we had to try it before we got back to Cali). The bread was pretty good but I remembered it tasting better at my friend's house.</p><p>So if you stick to the tamales and tacos (and possibly Enchiladas which they seem to specialize in) then you'll be fine. However, if you're picky like me then don't even bother going there. Sedona has many other fine restaurants to choose from.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054155274738984978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Navajo Fry Bread" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP3cb576BI/AAAAAAAAACo/sGaPI1grEGk/s320/Navajo+Fry+Bread.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054155279033952290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Shrimp Taco" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RiP3cr576CI/AAAAAAAAACw/5HF8bL7TQJU/s320/Nasty+Shrimp+Taco.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p>The next morning we were supposed to get on the road back to CA but we had to drive through Sedona one last time for the view and to pick up breakfast. Since we didn't have time to stop at a restaurant we went to a NY deli and bakery (called New York Bagels & Deli) figuring it would do. It didn't just "do"...it rocked! The bagels were perfect, the hoagies divine, the Elephant Ears/Palmiers the best I've ever had, and the cookies were as well. I still wish I had ordered one of their eclairs. The best part is that it was all cheaper than a deli in NY (or LA for that matter). The prices didn't match the excellent taste.</p><p>I love it when you find a great NY deli in the desert. That happened to me once in Palm Springs. I guess it's because a lot of New Yorkers tend to retire where it's warm, like the southwest or Florida.</p><p>**</p><p>So if you happen to be driving across the Southwest I recommend you plan your stops ahead of time. There aren't a lot of places to eat along the 40 (unless you like chains). Usually I plan ahead and the one time I didn't made travelling difficult for me. Hopefully my experience can help at least one other person. If you're going to or through Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or Sedona you now have at least one place where you can eat!</p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-66426704351369291132007-04-05T23:51:00.000-07:002007-04-05T23:53:08.403-07:00New Mexico/ArizonaAnyone have any restaurants they recommend in New Mexico or Arizona? I think we're taking the 40 one way and the 10 back. We'll be staying in Albequerque for a few days and we're going to try and stop by the Grand Canyon on the way out there.<br /><br />If you have any tips for good eats alone the way please let me know asap (we leave early Monday).<br /><br />Thanks!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-32383347425446245392007-04-04T23:22:00.000-07:002007-04-04T23:40:36.087-07:00Lemon Cranberry Muffins<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RhSWVZkKqTI/AAAAAAAAACY/8rMGbG7YZ4g/s1600-h/Golden+Lemon+Cran+Muffin.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049826376573167922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Lemon Cran Muffins" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RhSWVZkKqTI/AAAAAAAAACY/8rMGbG7YZ4g/s320/Golden+Lemon+Cran+Muffin.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />There is nothing like a good muffin in the morning.<br /><br />My main muffin problem is that most of my recipes (at least the ones I haven't worn out) are either too rich, too healthy (a.k.a bland), or too savory for breakfast. I have a few muffins that I make regularly but I was looking for something new.<br /><br />Of course the first place I looked was on food blogs. I found a great <a href="http://www2.blogger.com/">recipe</a> on <a href="http://www.weeklydish.com">Weekly Dish</a> under Jennifer's muffin category. The recipe sounded simple and used buttermilk (truly the best baking ingredient besides chocolate). They were such a hit with my husband and mother-in-law that I made them again a week later. I wouldn't be surprised if I make them yet again when my parents come to visit this weekend. They're so easy yet so moist and divine. It's a very versatile recipe, too. This past time I added fresh blueberries and you could add practically any fruit (dried or fresh) that you like. Or skip the fruit and just add chocolate.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RhSWVpkKqUI/AAAAAAAAACg/V8kjPIQjfw8/s1600-h/Lemon+Cran+Muffin.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049826380868135234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Lemon Cranberry Muffins" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RhSWVpkKqUI/AAAAAAAAACg/V8kjPIQjfw8/s320/Lemon+Cran+Muffin.JPG" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-852750962076723662007-04-04T23:08:00.000-07:002007-04-04T23:21:25.728-07:00Flourless Chocolate Cake<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RhSSh5kKqSI/AAAAAAAAACQ/FuizmiBxTSY/s1600-h/Flourless+Choc+Cake.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049822193275021602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Flourless Chocolate Cake" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RhSSh5kKqSI/AAAAAAAAACQ/FuizmiBxTSY/s320/Flourless+Choc+Cake.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><p>I thought I would continue my chocolate obsession by posting about my husband's birthday cake. I knew he wasn't a huge fan of cake like me. We prefer tarts, pies, and pastries to regular cakes. So I decided to make a cake that doesn't taste like cake.</p></div><div></div><div></div><div>This flourless chocolate cake recipe comes from my trusty <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baking-Illustrated-Best-Recipe-Classic/dp/0936184752"><em>Baking Illustrated</em></a> cookbook and is very simple. When I told friends and family that I made this cake they were perplexed (although I'm not sure why, hasn't everyone heard of flourless cake?); what holds the cake together? Chocolate of course. 1 whole pound of it. Then there are the 8 eggs and stick of butter. It's baked like you would bake a cheesecake and they recommend to serve it the next day after chilling in the fridge.</div><p></p><div></div><div></div><p><div>I must say, this cake tasted better each day that passed. The cake is extremely rich and will last you a long time if you don't have many family members. It really is heaven for chocoholics. To sum up the cake in a few words: chocolate mousse in cake form. So good.</div><p></p><div></div><div></div><p><div>While I know it's a bit rich for spring and Easter/Passover, it's such a great dessert when you have company coming over. Or if you're really depressed. Or if you're really happy. Or angry. Okay, you get the picture. It's damn good.</div><p></p><div></div><div></div><p><div>As a side note, I used Trader Joe's pound chocolate bar. It's affordable, tasty, and easy (no measuring required).</div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-38295020720584842612007-04-04T02:19:00.000-07:002007-04-04T02:22:44.490-07:00Hippity Hoppity...Easter's on its way. So while I was planning some Easter menu items this evening I remembered the <a href="http://gourmetish.blogspot.com/2006/04/bunny-biscuits.html">Bunny Biscuits</a> I made last year for Easter. If I make anything else Easter<em>ish</em> that turns out I will post those recipes as well.<br /><br />Enjoy the <a href="http://gourmetish.blogspot.com/2006/04/bunny-biscuits.html">Bunny Biscuits</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-58394367589817076032007-04-01T18:04:00.000-07:002007-04-01T18:22:53.653-07:00Chocolate PB CookiesFor the first few months after having my son Killian, I was craving chocolate like mad. It was almost a serious addicition. So <em>of course</em> I had to do something about it. Besides the chocolate bundt cake and hot chocolate that I made recently, I also tried my hand at a few other chocolate recipes.<br /><br /><br />My favorite peanut butter cookie recipe is one my mom has made since I was little. This time I made the cookies with dark chocolate peanut butter from The Peanut Butter Company. They have this fantastic restaurant in New York City right by where I lived when I went to NYU. The place was tiny when I was living there (it has since expanded) but it has always had fun menu items (everything from peanutbutter and celery to Elvis' favorite sandwich to yummy ice cream with their peanut butter on top). They make their own peanut butter in house and now they have several flavors. It turns out that at some point they started putting it in jars and selling them at grocery stores around the country.<br /><br /><br /><br />Their spicy peanut butter isn't my favorite. I love spicy food but the spicy-ness that I like has to be flavorful and this one is just hot. However, they have a dark chocolate peanut butter that I discovered recently and it's divine. The PB is very subtle as well as its chocolate flavor. This works perfectly for peanut butter cookies. You can't quite tell their chocolate but there is a little more depth to the cookie. If you'd like you can place a chocolate kiss on top for some extra chocolate. I have one recipe where you put the kiss on after you bake it and one where you put it on towards the end of the baking process. I prefer the latter even though it does melt the kisses a bit.<br /><br /><br /><br />After a small batch with the kisses I opted for the cookies plain because the kisses were taking away from the simple taste of the PB cookies.<br /><br /><br /><br />If you would prefer a spicy cookie try a spicy Peanut Butter (they used to have a brand at Whole Foods that I loved but haven't found it there the last time I went). Just replace half of the PB with the spicy stuff. Also, I used to think you couldn't use all natural PB for the entire amount of PB but it turns out you can. The last brand I used was Smart Balance's natural PB which has no hydrogenated oils and it has Omega-3s which are great for you.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES</strong></span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><br /><br />1/2 cup butter<br />1/2 cup peanut butter, your favorite brand and flavor<br />1/2 cup sugar<br />1/2 cup packed brown sugar<br />1 egg<br />2 tablespoons milk<br />1 teaspoon vanilla<br />1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour<br />1 teaspoon baking powder<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />1/8 teaspoon baking soda<br />sugar, for coating cookies<br />chocolate kisses (optional)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />1. In a large mixer bowl beat butter or margarine and peanut butter with electric mixer on medium speed about 30 seconds. Add the 1/2 cup sugar and the brown sugar and beat 'til fluffy.<br /><br /><br />2. Add egg, milk, and vanilla. Beat well.<br /><br /><br />3. In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. With mixer on low speed gradually add flour mixture to peanut butter mixture, beating well. If necessary, cover and chill about 1 hour for easier handling (recommended).<br /><br /><br />4. Turn oven to 375 degrees. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in additional sugar. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.<br /><br /><br />5. Bake in the 375 oven 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are firm. If using, immediately press a chocolate kiss atop each cookies*. Place cookies onto cooling rack.<br /><br /><br /><br />*Or bake for about 8 minutes, add the kiss, and bake for an additional 2 minutes.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048634614642324946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Chocolate PB cookies" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RhBabuZ_NdI/AAAAAAAAACI/S7CfsHJ46NY/s320/IMG_0419.JPG" border="0" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-24656944074256024262007-03-28T23:06:00.000-07:002007-03-30T01:49:27.279-07:00Tirade about restaurantsLast week my husband and I had a very disappointing food week. First of all, I've stopped baking (at least during the week) in an attempt to lose weight, have been living off whatever is in the freezer, and had a horrible restaurant week.<br /><br />When my mother-in-law was in town we decided to take her to Balboa Park on the <a href="http://www.balboapark.org/calendar/detail.php?EventID=370">free museum day</a> (Tuesday). Whenever we visit that area of San Diego we like to hit up either <a href="http://www.balboapark.org/calendar/detail.php?EventID=370">the Garden Grill or Extraordinary Desserts</a>. Since we're on a tight budget we thought the Garden Grill would be ideal. When we pulled up our favorite meditteranean place was replaced by a NY Giant Pizza place (that looked like a chain) that was under construction. The husband and I were truly heartbroken. There aren't any reliable and super affordable Lebanese-type restaurants up in our neck of the woods (or beach?).<br /><br />So we hung our heads low and retreated home for whatever I could scrounge up. Then this past Saturday we were tired after running errands all day and decided to go to Big Jim's Barbeque. I never posted about my first trip there but I loved their sides, sweet tea, and spicy shrimp. I could take or leave the barbeque but the sides were true quality comfort food for Southerners. Even though the atmosphere was like eating on picnic tables in a run-down building, I didn't mind. My husband was thrilled to finally find some good sweet tea. We were excited to see if our first impression would hold true for the second visit.<br /><br />Since we were craving some down-home food at a great price, we drove down the PCH towards Big Jim's. When we got to Encinitas we looked at each other and wondered how we missed the restaurant. On the drive back we realized that Big Jim's has been replaced with another restaurant.<br /><br />We ended up going to <a href="www.leucadiapizza.com">Leucadia Pizza</a> since we were starved but it wasn't very good that night (a lot of restaurants have an off night every now and then). Actually, it was pretty bad. So we're truly considering staying in for a long time just in case we're cursed.<br /><br />Does anyone know of any good and authentic Lebanese/Meditteranean restaurants in San Diego?<br /><br />We're actually looking into moving to Silicon Valley/the bay area this fall and I'm starting to get excited because we've just had a hard time finding restaurants here (with the exception of our favorite..Ba Ren) that taste great and are priced well. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are lots of great restaurants in San Deigo but up in Oceanside there aren't as many options as I would like. We mostly choose between pizza, Thai, pizza, sushi, pizza.<br /><br />If anyone's reading this from North County (or should I say North Northwest County) and has some good restaurant options, please let me know.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-11367892988252186762007-03-25T18:10:00.000-07:002007-03-30T01:49:57.370-07:00Chocolatier<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046034632115718210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/Rgcdw0uTiEI/AAAAAAAAAB0/sLLZUvoFNkk/s320/Choc+Bundt+Cake+with+Chocolatier.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />About a month ago, I received an email from a woman who offered me a chance to try Nestle's new baking chocolate and review it on my blog.* She works for an internet marketing agency called <a href="www.m80im.com">M80</a> that is promoting <a href="http://nestle.m80im.com/epk/epk.html">Chocolatier</a> by Nestle. I was hesitant because in the past when I have done that I wasn't impressed with the product. However, she insisted that I could be honest and why would I pass up a chance for free chocolate? I mean, <em>really</em>!<br /><br />So I picked up some baking bars and chips and headed home to decide what to make with this new baking chocolate. While I don't like Nestle's chocolate for eating, I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt and use their baking chocolate for one of my favorite recipes.<br /><br />The best chocolate bundt cake I've ever made was from an issue of <a href="www.cooksillustrated.com"><em>Cook's Illustrated</em></a>. The cake is moist, always comes out of the pan nicely, and is chocolate-y without being too rich. This would be the perfect <a href="http://www.cooksillustrated.com/login.asp?did=1540&LoginForm=recipe&iseason=">recipe</a> to see if the chocolate could pass the test.<br /><br />Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised. It tasted the same as I remembered it. The other time I had made this cake I used Scharffen Berger and Ghiradelli. Unless my memory fails me, this tasted the same as when I had made it with the other reputable brands.<br /><br />Perhaps this recipe** is so good that you can use any chocolate? I decided to put Chocolatier to the test and see how it tastes in a slightly more "pure" form. See my post below for the results.<br /><br /><br />*In case you're wondering, I didn't get paid for reviewing the chocolate. So if anyone else has any free chocolate they want me to review. Please, contact me. (g<em>rin)</em><br /><br />**I found the recipe already posted as a comment <a href="http://monkeyfilter.com/link.php/8185">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046034623525783602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RgcdwUuTiDI/AAAAAAAAABs/iPQIXq8RwwE/s320/Choc+Bundt+Cake.JPG" border="0" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-48418500850470809642007-03-25T17:49:00.000-07:002007-03-30T02:21:51.876-07:00Chocolatier Part 2<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RgcZykuTiBI/AAAAAAAAABc/q_5ZRxtJQ38/s1600-h/IMG_0563.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046030264133978130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RgcZykuTiBI/AAAAAAAAABc/q_5ZRxtJQ38/s320/IMG_0563.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />There's nothing like a warm mug of hot chocolate on the beach. That's what my husband and I drank last week as we sat on a private section of a public beach one late night while my mother-in-law babysat. We savored each drop and each moment alone together sans baby. We both agreed that this recipe is perfect for any cold night (beach or no beach).<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>SPICE UP YOUR NIGHT HOT CHOCOLATE</strong></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br />(Inspired by a recipe from Cost Plus' HOT CHOCOLATE cookbook, a gift from my sister-in-law)<br /><br />7 oz. chopped chocolate (I used Nestle's Chocolatier, 53% dark chocolate)<br />4 cups 2% milk (I used Lactaid)<br />1 tsp. paprika<br />1/2 tsp. or to taste, ground toasted Sichuan peppercorns<br /><br />1. Put milk in a heavy saucepan with paprika and Sichuan peppercorn (I sprinkled the peppercorns so that it covered the top and then stirred it all together). Heat milk until it almost reaches a boil.<br />2. Turn down heat, add chopped chocolate and stir until smooth. Make sure chocolate is well incorporated. Serve immediately or put in a thermos and take to the beach!*<br /><br />*I tried the leftover hot chocolate the next day and it didn't taste as good so I think the hot chocolate tastes better the night you make it. We drank ours a few hours after I made it and it was still hot from being in the thermos.<br /><br />Note: I decided to use the Nestle Chocolatier to see if it could pass the hot chocolate taste test. It worked fine in the bundt cake but I wasn't sure if it was good enough for hot chocolate. I honestly thought it was quite tasty and since 50-some percent chocolate works best for this recipe, I would recommend the chocolate to anyone. Even the occasional chocolate snob. While I will still vary which chocolates I use according to the recipe, I would use this chocolate again.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RgcZzEuTiCI/AAAAAAAAABk/CTOlRZEb5SQ/s1600-h/IMG_0565.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046030272723912738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RgcZzEuTiCI/AAAAAAAAABk/CTOlRZEb5SQ/s320/IMG_0565.JPG" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-85763473702724150912007-03-07T00:15:00.000-08:002007-03-30T01:52:14.152-07:00Festivals<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/Re51FKMQkkI/AAAAAAAAABM/nT4OG_hhSc4/s1600-h/Plate+of+Festivals.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039093764569731650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Plate of Festivals" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/Re51FKMQkkI/AAAAAAAAABM/nT4OG_hhSc4/s320/Plate+of+Festivals.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />You thought I was going to write a post about local festivals, didn't you? Well, I'm actually referring to the Jamaican fry bread called festivals. What a great name. I can definitely see this "bread" at a street fair or festival. These fried delights are light, crispy, and the perfect snack. I made them alongside jerk chicken and tostones for dinner. They would be great for a party or as an appetizer.<br /><br />The recipe I used is from Steve Raichlen's <a href="http://www.barbecuebible.com/"><u>The Barbecue Bible</u></a>. Even though I accidently forgot the sugar in the recipe (3 T.) they turned out great. I suppose I would describe these as being similar to a churro. If you dust them with sugar and cinnamon they would make a nice dessert.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039093768864698962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Close up on Festivals" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/Re51FaMQklI/AAAAAAAAABU/8J3in5wrxbQ/s320/Upclose+on+festivals.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />They look a bit like chicken nuggets but I promise you there is no chicken inside. Just a lot of fried goodness.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-65500790784902427502007-02-22T12:10:00.000-08:002007-03-30T01:53:37.970-07:00Baked Dates in Cheddar-Rosemary Pastry<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/Rd35ZQj37TI/AAAAAAAAAAk/Vm5SGYzo81c/s1600-h/IMG_0276.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034454170807561522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/Rd35ZQj37TI/AAAAAAAAAAk/Vm5SGYzo81c/s320/IMG_0276.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Perhaps one of the most exiciting aspects of this recipe is how much they look like pigs in a blanket. We all know how the appeal and simplicity of pigs in a blanket works great for appetizers. While the recipe below for Baked Dates in Cheddar-Rosemary Pastry (from <a href="www.epicurious.com">Gourmet</a> magazine) takes a little more effort, the results are delicious. These date delights are like a savory dessert and make the perfect snack or party nibbler.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Baked Dates in Cheddar-Rosemary Pastry</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br />1/2 cup butter, chilled and cut into small pieces<br />3/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese<br />1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves<br />1 1/3 cups flour<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />1/4 teaspoon cayenne<br />2 teaspoons cider vinegar<br />48 pitted Medjool dates (I used another kind)<br /><br /><br />1. Pulse butter, cheddar, rosemary, flour, salt, and cayenne in a food processor until mixture resembles cornmeal. Add vinegar and 2 T. very cold water and pulse just until mixture holds together. Lay a piece of plastic wrap on your counter and turn dough out onto it. Form dough into a 6-inch square, cover with more plastic wrap, and chill at least 1 hour.<br /><br />2. Preheat oven to 400. Put chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and roll out into a 12" square. Cut square into 48 1x3" strips. Wrap each date with a strip, then arrange on 2 baking sheets. Bake until pastry is light golden about 15 minutes. Serve hot.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/Rd35Zgj37UI/AAAAAAAAAAs/VaplFuN7LXA/s1600-h/IMG_0279.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034454175102528834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/Rd35Zgj37UI/AAAAAAAAAAs/VaplFuN7LXA/s320/IMG_0279.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-30334696072360566872007-01-23T11:17:00.000-08:002007-09-06T18:15:54.810-07:00Spiced Shrimp and Clementine Salsa<p><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RbZf5WV6oXI/AAAAAAAAAAU/_p0oPFoFGOc/s1600-h/shrimp+clem+salsa.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023307873233052018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RbZf5WV6oXI/AAAAAAAAAAU/_p0oPFoFGOc/s320/shrimp+clem+salsa.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><p>Now is the time to buy a box of clementines before they go out of season and before the price of citrus sky-rockets. If your clementines are getting old and you need to use them up, why not make a meal out of them? <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=398577">This recipe</a> for spiced shrimp and clementine salsa is light and satisfying. It's a great way to get use out of all of those spices in your spice rack that you haven't touched in a while.</p><p>I added some olive oil to my bag of spiced shrimp before grilling them. Also, I didn't follow the salsa amounts exactly since I was only making enough for my husband and I. So I eyeballed the measurements. As far as I could tell from the recipe they wanted you to have whole sections of the clementines in the salsa. That would make the salsa too dry and chunky in my opinion so I essentially supremed my clementines. Instead of using a knife I just used my hands to peel off the skin and I separated the flesh with my fingers. When I tasted the final salsa it was a little sour for my taste so I added a little sugar. The final product was delicious and the shrimp would work well with many salsas, sauces, and side dishes. I served the meal with an orzo salad but couscous would go really well with the shrimp. </p><p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023307864643117410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_AuvUcESWrh8/RbZf42V6oWI/AAAAAAAAAAM/JvGXsruB3kk/s320/overview+shrimp+clem+salsa.JPG" border="0" /> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-1169496475577845912007-01-22T11:57:00.000-08:002007-03-30T01:54:30.665-07:00Southern Biscuits<u></u><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6108/1986/1600/485505/IMG_0533.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6108/1986/320/149076/IMG_0533.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Biscuits are my favorite easy-to-make breakfast item. Recently I've been trying new recipes and found 2 that I really like. The first one is the Buttermilk Biscuit recipe from <u>Baking Illustrated</u> (recipes from the magazine <a href="www.cooksillustrated.com"><u>Cook's Illustrated</u></a>). The second recipe also uses buttermilk and is from my mom's huge pile of family recipes. These biscuits are light, fluffy, and flaky.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">SOUTHERN BISCUITS</span></strong><br /><br />2 cups flour*<br />2 t. sugar<br />2 t. baking powder<br />1 t. salt<br />1/2 t. baking soda<br />1/3 c. shortening (or butter)<br />2/3 c. buttermilk<br /><br />1. Preheat oven to 450.<br />2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda into a bowl. Cut in shortening thoroughly until mixture looks like meal.<br />3. Stir in almost all the buttermilk. If dough is not pliable, add just enough milk to make a soft, puffy, easy-to-roll dough.<br />4. Round up dough on a lightly floured board. Knead lightly 20-25 times, about 1/2 minute. Roll a little less than 1/2" thick. Cut with floured biscuit cutter. Place on ungreased baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.<br /><br />*note: if you're using self-rising flour omit the baking powder and salt.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6108/1986/1600/353166/IMG_0535.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6108/1986/320/418547/IMG_0535.jpg" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-1169495802241284832007-01-22T11:45:00.000-08:002007-03-30T01:54:56.492-07:00Turtle BarsIn the mood for something sweet? You can't get much sweeter than these Turtle Bars...<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6108/1986/320/794505/IMG_0077.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">TURTLE BARS</span></strong></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">2 cups flour</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">2 cups oats</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">1/2 t. salt</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">1 t. baking soda</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">1 1/2 cups brown sugar</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">1 1/2 cups melted butter</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">1 1/2 cups chopped pecans</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">1/2-3/4 tub of caramel dip</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Preheat oven to 350. Set aside an ungreased cookie/jelly pan sheet (with sides). I used a 13x9x2 pyrex baking dish which makes thicker bars.</span></p><p>Mix together the flour, oats, salt, brown sugar, and melted butter. Pat half of the mixture into the pan an bake 10 minutes. While the base is baking begin to melt the caramel (I took off the foil and microwaved it for a few seconds at a time until it was pourable). Remove the base from the oven and sprinkle with the chocolate chips and pecans. Pour caramel over chips and nuts and spread the remaining half of the cookie mixture over the top.</p><p>Bake 15-20 minutes more. Let cool completely before cutting into squares. The bars last for a while in an airtight container but I prefered to heat up the bars before eating.</p><p></p><p></p><p><br /><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19960533.post-1166166879314406672006-12-14T23:05:00.000-08:002007-03-30T01:55:23.520-07:00The reason I've been behind on posts....Announcing the Birth of...<br /><br />KILLIAN JAMES<br />Born: Dec. 8, 2006<br />Weight: 7 pounds 6 ounces<br />Height: 19 inches<br /><br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Killian's profile" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6108/1986/320/98878/Killian%20Profile.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Sleeping" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6108/1986/320/149927/Killian%20James%20Denton.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Killian in Daddy's Arms" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6108/1986/320/227267/In%20Daddy%27s%20Arms.jpg" border="0" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11