Thursday, April 22, 2010

George's At The Cove - La Jolla, California


Recently, the Mr. and I took a little trip to California for some fun and relaxation. We encountered a lot of friendly folks, breathtaking scenery and yes, delicious food. This post could go on for miles, as we had many memorable meals and I even found a new favorite wine in the process. One of the standouts occurred on a day trip to La Jolla, where we discovered George's At The Cove. A sophisticated restaurant with the trademark California vibe, it did not disappoint and was a highlight of our trip.
We were fortunate enough to be seated on the balcony, which allowed for a stunning panoramic view of the Pacific. While staring out at the ocean and daydreaming about beach life, I ordered a floral California Viognier and perused the menu. George’s offers a selection guaranteed to please any appetite, from burgers to ahi tuna.

As we read the menu, we couldn’t help but inquire about the “George’s Famous Soup.” How famous was it? One word….Oprah. Like you’re gonna mess with her. So we ordered it. Out came a sizable bowl of thick soup, a unique blend of smoked chicken, broccoli and black beans. It tasted better than it looked, but all agreed it was worthy of fame. Yes Oprah…you told me so.

After the soup, I promptly decided on the fish tacos, a favorite food that is hard to come by in our area. I could eat them practically every day! The Mr. ordered a cod special (pictured) while our friends chose the Spaghetti with Clams and the Five Spiced Chicken Salad. While we waited for our entrees to arrive, there may have been a conversation about working indoors and the bitterness associated with it. I don’t remember.

Our food arrived and we dug in. The flavors of fish, jalapeno and lime accented with fresh crispy cabbage put me in fish taco euphoria. The Mr. and friends were clearly enjoying their dishes as well, all generous portions and wonderfully presented. Our waitress was very gracious, which enhanced an already perfect afternoon. After enjoying lunch at George’s, I could easily picture having a wonderful sunset dinner on the Terrace. I don’t think it gets much better than that.

George's At The Cove

Sunday, April 18, 2010

For the love of the grape

Fingers caress, a swirl of the glass
Close my eyes, savor each note
Another sip, the taste lingers
Wine and memory intertwine

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Good times Bad times you know I've had my share...


I came to a realization recently; if I had a cover band our opener would most definitely be "Good Times Bad Times". Some people daydream about unicorns, others about set lists for a band that does not exist. And then there's food....


On a recent field trip to the shore, we bought some fennel sausage from Mike's, a great little meat market (with killer sandwiches) in Old Saybrook. I wanted to make a dish that would really bring out the flavor, and decided to roast them with potatoes, peppers and onions. It will quickly become a favorite comfort dish once you try it! Combine the onions with shallots for added sweetness.


Roasted sausage, onions, peppers and potatoes


4-6 links fresh sausage
3 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
2 red peppers, sliced
1 large onion, sliced
1-2 shallots, sliced
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste


Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large baking dish, place potatoes on bottom. Next, add onions and peppers. Place sausage on top. Pour broth into dish. Sprinkle paprika over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake for an additional 45 minutes, until sausage is nicely browned. Serve with merlot or white Bordeaux.


Mike's Quality Meats & Deli
1522 Boston Post Rd.
Old Saybrook, CT

Saturday, April 10, 2010

I drank the Kool Aid

Hello! I hope you are all enjoying your weekend! Going to a pajama party later at a fabulous restaurant in the area; which should make for a fun post tomorrow!

-- Post From My iPad

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Take It Outside


In world of flesh eating aliens, only one thing stands between them and the renegades who are fighting for the good of all mankind….Grilled Flank Steak!

Wouldn’t you like to begin every conversation as a movie trailer? You could have lots of fun with that! Now back to the post….


Warmer weather has finally arrived, time to head outside for some grilling and backyard games! While standing in line at the meat counter on Friday, I ordered a flank steak and the guy next to me asked how I was preparing it. I shared with my favorite preparation method, which prompted him to buy a steak and try it out. Flank steak is very versatile and will hold any type of marinade.  It's simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet perfect for an outdoor dinner party. 


Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce


1 ½ - 2lbs. flank steak


1 cup fresh Italian parsley


1/2 cup olive oil


1/3 cup red wine vinegar


1/4 cup fresh cilantro


2 garlic cloves, chopped


3/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper


1 teaspoon ground cumin


1/2 teaspoon salt
Add ingredients to food processor and blend well. Transfer to a plastic storage bag or dish. Add flank steak and marinate for 2-6 hours. Grill on high heat approx. 3-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 135 F. Remove from grill and let sit for a few minutes. Slice steak against the grain, in long strips.
Serve with grilled vegetables and an Argentinean Malbec or California Cab.


Speaking of meat, our town is getting a butcher shop; someone is listening to my food prayers!  (HELLO Trader's Joes!!..) Check it out:  http://www.themeathouse.com/