Cheeseburger Cheeseburger Pepsi!

Come Ride with Me to the Distant Shore

2011-09-15T20:55:00.000-04:00

Recently on a gorgeous Saturday night, I hosted a few ladies over for cocktails and dinner. My sister insisted we make “Ambrosia” burgers, which she enjoyed on a trip to Nepenthe in Big Sur, California. Judging from the photos, I am hard-pressed to find a more beautiful spot to enjoy anything, let alone the perfect burger. Yeah, you heard me. Perfect. She grilled them up, and was quick to point out that you must follow the recipe to the letter. Don’t get all fancy on yourself and start tinkering. (which, by the way, it irks me to read some people’s reviews of recipes. They trash the recipe and then follow with “so I added 3 cans of cheddar cheese soup and smothered it with crushed potato chips, THEN it was edible”; but I digress) And DO not ruin them by flattening with the spatula and flipping them 12 times. Don’t you have better things to do?

The folks at Nepenthe have posted the recipe and the instructions for their simple masterpiece in the link below. I encourage you to use the freshest ground beef possible, it is well worth it! Keeping with the California theme, the burgers were paired with Carmody McKnight “Motif” Cheval Rouge. I think we have a new desert island meal!

Nepenthe - Ambrosia Burger

Carmody McKnight

I'll stop the world and melt with you

2011-05-17T21:21:00.002-04:00

Have you ever been chatting with a friend about your hot new sandals, and three seconds later, you find out they don’t like ice cream? WHOA. DID NOT SEE THAT COMING. Then you spend the rest of the conversation wondering how you overlooked such an obvious character flaw?

Growing up in the Cheeseburger family, there was always a half gallon of something in the freezer, usually Dad’s favorite flavor that no one else liked. And what about the excitement of going to Grandma’s house; where she stocked EVERYONE’s favorite AND you had your choice of cones?

Sure, ice cream is okay during the winter. But as thoughts turn to summer, it’s time for the quintessential ice cream experience. You know what I am talking about. Maybe it starts out with a drive to a local farm. You read the chalkboard of the day’s offerings and stroll up to the tiny screened window, where a young person takes your order. A minute later, the little trap door opens and they hand out your cup or cone. You fork over $20 (after all, you only ordered the small cone) before grabbing 35 napkins from the dispenser. Then you start chowing before the ice cream starts melting all over your white linen shirt. Paradise!

The Cheeseburger’s tour o' ice cream has started for 2011, has yours? What’s your flavor?

The New England Emporium Eatery & Marketplace - Middletown, CT

2011-01-23T21:35:00.001-05:00

My brunch crew and I decided to brave the bitter cold today to check out The New England Emporium Eatery and Marketplace, located in the Main Street Market in Middletown. The space previously housed a natural foods market and last year underwent an extensive renovation. The owners did a wonderful job of creating a warm, inviting place using repurposed woods and fixtures. Local artwork adorns the walls; along with some unique touches, such as beautiful stained glass canopy. As we walked in, we couldn’t help browse the selection of New England made foods and products. Avery’s sodas, Fascia’s chocolates, Boxed Goodes spice blends, just to name a few. A perfect place to put together a gift basket for an out of town visitor! In the corner is a freezer stocked with prepared foods by well known Jordan Caterers.

The menu features a creative selection of soups, sandwiches, salads and crepes. In addition to the regular menu, you can create your own sandwiches and salads, just grab one of the little clipboards at the counter and use your imagination. Everything is available for eat-in or takeout, and breakfast is served all day. Hey, did I mention crepes? When do we eat? After making our choices, we stepped up to the counter to order. Our friendly server took our order and gave us a number. We grabbed our mugs of coffee and decided on a table in front of the window. Now, I have said this before, but coffee is an afterthought at a lot of restaurants. Not here. The French Roast was smooth and rich; I know this because I quickly consumed two cups. There were several types and flavors of coffee to choose from, roasted specially for them.

As we chatted, I noticed families with small children, students, groups of friends all enjoying a slow-paced Sunday morning. Our orders arrived, each with a side dish of baby hash browns. The Parisien, on the “savory crepe” menu, is a buckwheat crepe filled with ham and Swiss; with a sunny side-up egg on top. The hash browns were well-seasoned, golden and crispy. The egg was cooked just right, and the flavors of ham and nutty cheese were a compliment to the crepe. Got a sweet tooth? Try one of the “sweet crepes”; perhaps the Bellini, filled with peach preserves and brie.

Service is very attentive and welcoming. We were able to soak up the vibe and enjoy breakfast without being rushed. The Emporium seems to be a perfect fit for Main Street and a complement to the other businesses in that building. Area cities take note!

The New England Emporium

Chef's Dog House - Newington, CT

2011-01-15T22:55:00.003-05:00

Last weekend when most people were packing the gyms and clogging up the health food store aisles, I was thinking about hot dogs. So we headed straight to Chef's Dog House, located in the 7 Eleven Plaza on Willard Avenue. Judging by the amount of customers, it appears Chef's has a loyal following. The interior is sparse and clean, with plenty of tables and the state's largest condiment bar to dress up your dog. The menu also includes some interesting specialty dogs, as well as burgers, sandwiches and soups. We decided to try a couple dogs with kraut, a hamburger and onion rings. As we waited, a couple of guys near us dove into their Junkyard Dogs; wrapped in bacon, topped with chili, cheese and onions. Yes AND Please!

They called out our order and we headed over to the condiment bar. A simple dressing of kraut was all we needed for this trip, as the all-beef hot dog was the star of the show. I thought it was tasty, with the right amount of snap, but a little on the greasy side. HOWEVER, they serve them on grilled buttered buns and that is the ONLY way to properly enjoy a hot dog. The burger was perfectly cooked, served on a soft white bun. The onion rings were a standout, and some of the best I've had in the area. Nice thick slices of onion in a crunchy batter that held up nicely. I despise the mounds of shoestring onions that are so popular, and was pleased that someone still knows how to kick it old school.

Overall, Chef's serves up solid grub in a pleasant atmosphere. Check it out when you're looking for a little break from your New Year's resolutions.

Chef's Dog House
337 Willard Avenue
Newington, CT 06111

For No Mere Mortal Can Resist...

2010-10-31T22:22:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine, who is a very talented baker, told me I should try to make homemade donuts. Because I have made a career of avoiding baking and cooking with hot oil; I told her to just open a damn bakery and then we’ll discuss donuts. She muttered something under her breath and a fist fight ensued.

I decided that Halloween morning was the perfect time to try the donut experiment. Why not start AND end the day with treats? That’s what I’m talking about! I gathered my ingredients and necessary equipment, riddled with anxiety over having to deal with hot oil. Well, after all was said and done and I sat down to a plate of warm, chewy donuts; my fears vanished and a monster was born. An exuberant, sugary “when-we-can-do this-again” monster. Here's the recipe I used:

1 8-count package of Pillsbury biscuit dough

Vegetable Oil

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

Pour enough oil in saucepan to cover two inches; heat on medium-high. While oil is heating up, lay each biscuit on cookie sheet or large plate. Lightly flatten each one with your hand. Using a 1 inch round cookie cutter, cut a hole in each one. Add 3 or 4 donuts to the oil and cook each side for 1 minute, they will turn golden brown. Remove the donuts from the pan with a slotted spoon and lay on paper towels to absorb the oil. Repeat and cook the remaining donuts and holes. Add the cinnamon sugar to a large bowl or paper bag. Toss the donuts in the mixture and ENJOY. They’re just as fun to make as they are to eat.

Happy Halloween!

Me and Mario Down By The Schoolyard

2010-09-29T21:56:00.003-04:00

If you’ve spent any time on the Cheeseburger fan page, you know that I had been eagerly anticipating the opening of Eataly, the 50,000 square foot Italian food mecca in New York City. The first U.S. location, Eataly was brought to you courtesy of Bastianich & Co.

Eataly is broken up into various sections, each with its own market and restaurant. The front area starts with a Lavazza coffee bar and leads into a gelato bar. You can buy chocolates and various confections, sit and enjoy the people watching and an espresso. As you move toward the back, the Panini bar meets the cheese and cured meats area. This is the point you think you've just found heaven but you're only at heaven's summer home. There's something larger and even more grand awaiting you.

My eyes got huge while perusing the seafood, beef, pasta, vegetable and bakery areas. Oh my god, there’s even a wine bar. Having heard about their in-house vegetable butcher, we decided to have lunch at Le Verdure. The nice thing about dining in is that you have to check in at a kiosk and from there you are seated. After ordering a bottle of wine, we ordered the Zuppa di verdure, raw vegetable salad and a combination plate containing a rice salad, soup and caponata. All beautifully presented, colorful and what flavors! Oh, how far we've come, from eating grey canned green beans to perfectly cooked, bright vegetable soup! Or how about heirloom tomatoes, lightly dressed in a lemon citronette? Clearly, the vegetable butcher means business.

After lunch, we shopped each area; stopping for salumi, porchetta, fine Italian chocolates, pasta sauce and baby vegetables. Dried pasta for miles, beautiful packages of candies, aged vinegars, Italian beers. There's no end to the fun you could have and spend a pretty penny in the process. After chatting with a manager who told us about La Scuola, led by Dean Lidia Bastianich, plans were made to check out an upcoming cooking class. A rooftop beer garden is also in the works, making Eataly an all encompassing culinary mecca.

A fun highlight of the trip was seeing Mr. "4 stars" Batali in the store when we arrived. He spotted me across the room, complimented me on the new leggings and insisted on cooking a private lunch. If you ask him about it, you get a completely different version of the story. Whatever Mario.

Eataly NYC

The Coffee Trade - Avon, CT

2010-09-10T17:00:00.002-04:00

It’s official, school has started and everyone is “back”. The changing weather and increased traffic can only mean one thing…a return to hot beverages. I’d like to dedicate this post to the unsung hero of my food world, coffee. And where does the Cheeseburger get her coffee? At the Coffee Trade of course! Always trying to support local businesses, they are a little slice of heaven in the hurried world we live in.

The Coffee Trade is one of those places that comes to mind when you hear someone say they would love to open a coffee shop. The husband and wife owners have created a cozy and interesting place, he the roaster and she responsible for the antiques that fill each space in the old farmhouse. Don’t worry, you can get your frou-frou drinks here, but the focus is on the coffee. They offer an interesting variety daily, ranging from the perfect morning brew “Olde Trade Blend” to my new favorite “Brazilian Dark Roast”. No matter the blend; they are smooth, rich with flavor and unique.

Order in and linger at one of the outdoor spaces or find your way to one of the tables inside. I dare you to walk in and not browse the selection of tea, vintage jewelry and other eye-catching items in the front room. It’s nearly impossible and somewhere in that room you will find the perfect gift for yourself or a friend.

Next time you are in the Avon area, stop by and savor a cup of coffee. Don’t you deserve it? If you can’t make it to the shop, check out the website for coffees that can be shipped to you. I am a big fan of their dark roasts for the French Press!

The Coffee Trade

It wasn’t a rock, it was a rock lobster!

2010-09-01T19:10:00.000-04:00

Man, do I have some major writer’s block this week! It’s officially the Cheeseburger blog’s 1st birthday and I have nothing to say! Super!

I decided a fitting tribute would be to highlight a New England summertime favorite and the topic of many a heated discussion…the lobster roll. On a recent trip to the Cape (a requirement of every New England resident); I feasted on a wonderful lobster roll at PJ’s on Rt. 6 in Wellfleet. Now, I am not of those seafood nuts who eats them every day, screaming about who has the best one and “don’t go there, they use celery” or “they use potato rolls, what the fu*k”. All I know is we were simply enjoying vacation and a meal of simple elegance. Sweet lobster dressed oh so lightly with mayo on a toasted roll. I was always a hot buttered lobster girl, but I’ve changed my tune! It was so good that we went back a few days later. Apparently, the dude from “Ace of Cakes” declared them his favorite lobster roll on a Food Network show. Hey, if a cake expert tells me to eat lobster, I’m there.

PJ’s is a no-nonsense family place, offering seafood, fried chicken, ice cream, to name a few things. We also tried the clam chowder, and although I prefer mine thicker, it did have a buttery rich flavor and CLAMS. I know, weird concept. If you want no-frills seafood done right, give it a try next time you venture up to the Cape!

Jam On It

2010-08-26T20:23:00.000-04:00

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia! You will be cursing me by the end of this post, because that commercial will be stuck in your head for all eternity. Who hasn’t been blessed with a Chia Pet, purchased lovingly at a local Walgreens or Big Lots just for you? Well, my friends, the joke is on the gift giver! Chia seeds are actually an edible superfood; full of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, to name a few. I’ve been using them as an alternative to flaxseed and have discovered they are a perfect thickener in certain recipes. I decided to try them in homemade jam and loved the results. You can adjust the maple syrup depending on your taste preference. I bet a pinch of cinnamon would taste great too! Use the jam as a spread on scones; try spooning it into your yogurt or oatmeal.

Fresh Mixed Berry Jam

3 cups fresh berries (I used strawberries, raspberries and blueberries)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons real maple syrup (you may want to add more if you prefer a sweeter jam)

½ cup apple or any type of fruit juice

2 tablespoons chia seeds

Mix chia seeds into fruit juice and let soak until juice thickens, at least 30 minutes. It should be gelatinous; you can add more seeds if necessary. In a blender or food processer, combine the seed mixture, berries, lemon juice and syrup. Pulse a couple of time or until you achieve your desired consistency. Pour into a bowl and chill. Makes approx. 3 cups

I want my baby back, baby back, baby back ribs….

You like tomato, I like tomahto

2010-08-24T19:42:00.003-04:00

Have you ever considered yourself to be lycopene deficient? The only way to combat such a problem is to attend an heirloom tomato tasting, which I did over the weekend. One of my two “must do” food events of the year, Tomato To-mah-to is a local event sponsored by the Connecticut Slow Food chapter. Located on the Upper Forty Farm in Cromwell and featuring over 100 varieties of tomatoes, it’s a fitting way to celebrate summer. As if that isn’t quite enough, there are several area chefs creating dishes featuring tomatoes along with Connecticut food artisans. Dill Cheesecake from the Pond House, Green Tomato Pie at Bloodroot, Beltane Farms cheese, were some of the standouts this year.

If you’ve never tried an heirloom tomato, you are missing out. Forget about your usual supermarket tomato; heirloom varieties come in a rainbow of colors, an incredible range of flavors, name and sizes. How about a tiny version in a husk that tastes like a pineapple? Or a vibrant green tomato called "Green Chile" with a crisp, almost apple-like flavor? Leave the dress at home, all you need is a dash of olive oil for your "Nebraska Wedding". It’s not too late to enjoy them either, check out your local farm market. As we left the festival, bags full of bread, cheese and vegetables, we looked forward to the annual "post festival" supper....a glorious tribute to the carefree days of summer.

Green Tomato Pie - served at Bloodroot - this dish is incredible!!

A savory dish that appears to be Pennsylvania Dutch in origin. Proportions are hard to be specific about in this recipe since it depends on how big your pan is and how many green tomatoes you have. From Roberta (Sage) of A Woman's Place, Athol, NY

1) Make pie crust (see recipe index) using 9 c. white flour, 2 1/4 t. salt, 1 lb. plus 1/2 stick sweet butter, 2/3 c. vegetable shortening, and 1 1/2 c. ice water.

2) Using a large pan, for example, one 11" x 17", roll out enough pie crust to fit and line pan.

3) Thickly slice 8-10 very hard green tomatoes, removing stem end.

4) Slice 2 very large onions and sauté in fry pan in 1/2 stick sweet butter
5) Slice 1 lb. Swiss cheese and 1 lb. Muenster cheese.

6) Sprinkle pie crust lined pan with bread crumbs. Layer tomato slices, cheeses and sautéed onions in pan. Sprinkle with coarse salt and lots of fresh ground pepper. AIso sprinkle over about 2Tb. brown sugar. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up. Top with more bread crumbs and a sprinkle of wine vinegar.

7) Roll out crust to top pie. Crimp edges and slash. Bake at 375° until brown. When it begins to brown, the top crust can be brushed with milk to glaze it. Leftover portions can be reheated in an oven or toaster oven.

Serves 10-12

Who Can It Be Now?

2010-08-02T19:18:00.000-04:00

Ding Dong! What? There’s no one at the door? That’s because your neighbor just dropped a bag of zucchini on your doorstep and ran like hell! Now what are you going to do? You are going to bake, that’s what! Not your usual zucchini bread, how about Chocolate Zucchini Cake? Oh yeah. I make this every summer, just like my grandmother did. It’s a cross between cake and a brownie, rich and moist. I don’t frost it, preferring to eat plain or with vanilla ice cream. There are few ingredients and after whipping up a few batches, you might want to invite your neighbor in for coffee and cake next time.

Ingredients

1/2 cup applesauce
1 1/4 cups white sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded zucchini

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan; then lightly “flour” the pan with cocoa.

In a large bowl, mix together the applesauce, sugar and vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl; stir into the sugar mixture. Fold in the zucchini and spread evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for about 25 minutes, brownies will spring back when touched.
Cut into squares and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! They also freeze very well.

Connecticut Valley Winery - New Hartford, CT

2010-07-25T16:00:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we were pleasantly surprised with a call from Grandma, SHE had decided to take Jr. for the day. We found ourselves with an entire afternoon alone, so we headed to the most obvious place...Target. On the way home we decided to finally visit Connecticut Valley Winery. I had been driving by it for the last couple of years, admiring it's rustic beauty.

The winery is family owned, and the grapes are all grown in the state. Wine making is not easy and takes several years to come to fruition when growing your own grapes. I think a lot of people easily dismiss their local wineries, but let me tell you....there is a lot of heart and soul in that tasting glass. Don't discount them!

The tasting room is very spacious and airy, which lends to browsing their selections or savoring a glass at the nearby tables. The son of the owner, a very knowledgable young man, led us through their current selections, both red and white. A standout white was the "Chardonel", a late growing grape that produces a full bodied wine with a tinge of fruit. My favorite red was the "Black Tie Cabernet Franc", a dry, complex wine. I personally love Cabernet Francs, and this was one of the best I have tried in recent memory. I thought all of the wines were excellent quality, and it's clear the family takes the business seriously.

As enjoyed our glass of Chardonel out on the patio, we relaxed while others enjoyed picnic feasts and soaked up the gorgeous view. A little slice of heaven in our corner of the world.

Connecticut Valley Winery

Ferme at Avon Old Farms Hotel - Avon, CT

2010-07-15T21:17:00.000-04:00

Always in search of good eats for lunch, my co-worker and I decided to check out Ferme, located in a beautiful space at the Avon Old Farms Hotel. I read some positive reviews of it by my fellow Chowhounders, enough to pique our interest. We arrived on a recent weekday at prime lunch hour to find an empty restaurant. I have no idea how any restaurant in our area could be completely empty at lunch, as it’s happened to us on several occasions at various places. To those non-diners, I ask…are you patronizing your local businesses??

Ferme bills itself as a true farm to table restaurant, the menu reads like one long mouth watering description of local bounty. Cato Corner Cheese, Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Nodine’s bacon, among others. You can order half or full portions of most appetizers and entrées; we’ll discuss this later. The menu begs you to play nice and share with others, perfect for a group of friends or a quiet dinner for two. Me, you and warm duck pâté…ooo la la

After obsessing about what to order, we decided on a cheese plate, roasted mussels, and meatballs. Yeah, I said meatballs! While waiting, we relaxed over two mason jars of chamomile coolers; a refreshing blend of chamomile tea, honey and lemon verbena. The drink list contains some interesting and classic cocktails, along with a thoughtful wine selection. An olive-rosemary martini, anyone?

Our cheese plate arrived, a generously sized assortment of Cato Corner Bridgid’s Abbey, Champlain Triple Cream and Point Reyes Original Blue. Complimenting each were apricots, honeycomb, marcona almonds and a fig jam. Every lunch should start out that way! As we wondered if we could finish our cheese fiesta, the mussels and meatballs arrived. As our server set the mussels on the table, our mouths gaped open. A half portion was set before us; a huge bowl, overflowing with mussels in a fragrant broth. Four large meatballs arrived in a small cast iron skillet, the size of tennis balls. There was nothing left to do but dig in! The meatballs were amazing, a rich mixture of meat and foie gras with hints of tarragon, Dijon in a cognac sauce. The mussels were a delicious mess, the roasting brought out their sweet flavor which was complimented by the saffron broth and sauce that was drizzled over the entire dish. A side of hand cut fries rounded out our lunch, and we were already making plans for our return. I snapped a quick photo of the mussels, but it doesn't do the dish any justice.

Now, about the prices and portions; you are getting some serious bang for your buck at Ferme. In the land of the $12 lunch sandwich, our mussels set us back $9 while the meatballs were a wallet-friendly $8. I will definitely return, hopefully soon to try it out for dinner. I haven’t seen much advertising from them, and I hope people will give them a try. Don’t let the fact that they are a hotel restaurant dissuade you; Ferme is a gem and an incredible value.

Ferme

Little City Pizza - Simsbury, CT

2010-06-25T15:53:00.002-04:00

Sometimes a girl just wants pizza. This is was the case recently when Jr. and I met up with friends to check out Little City Pizza in Simsbury. I’ve read some good things about it, and we decided a field trip was in order.
The storefront is in a plaza on Rt. 10, and easy to miss (ask “oh she who drove by it twice”), just look for Starbucks and TURN! Once I got inside, I was instantly at ease with the casual décor and vibe. Folks of all ages were smiling and boy, did the place smell great! The walls are decorated with comic book art, as are the tables. We had fun picking out our favorite superheroes.

The menu has a little something for everyone. Salads, burgers, paninis and yes…pizza. We decided to start with: chopped salad, Caesar salad and curly fries. I wanted a nice simple pie, so I went with one cheese pizza and one pepperoni. One in particular that I WILL be returning to try is the Mashed Potato pizza, it was calling my name!
Salads and fries arrived quickly and well presented. The chopped salad was a generous mound of lettuce, apples, cucumbers, carrots and almonds in a creamy dressing. I thought it was very tasty and the vegetables were nice and crisp. My friend declared the Caesar salad delicious, especially the dressing, which did not overpower. Curly fries were your standard variety…curly and a little spicy.

Pizzas arrived and we dug in. The pepperoni pie was exactly what I was hoping for; thin crunch crust with a little sauce, a gooey layer of cheese and a whole lot of hand cut pepperoni. I was most impressed with the crust: perfectly cooked, not soggy and held the ingredients well. Jr. can be picky about cheese pizza and she ate two slices without a complaint. Good enough for me! And for you health conscious folks, I do believe they make wheat crust, but I would call ahead to confirm.

Part of the reason we visited Little City is that I read a recommendation on Chowhound that their cupcakes were worth trying. On the day we were there, they were offering three flavors: vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Each is served with your choice of frosting: chocolate or vanilla bean butter cream. We all ordered different flavors to try: vanilla with vanilla frosting, chocolate with vanilla frosting and strawberry with vanilla frosting. They arrived, each generous sized cupcake with a little chocolate star on top and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. The cakes themselves were perfect, not too sweet. However, the table was in agreement that the frosting was a bit too sweet; but that will not deter us from enjoying them again.

Another plus about our visit that evening was the outstanding service we received. Our waitress was so friendly, and it was fun to hear the conversations she had with Jr. about the food. Unfortunately, I didn’t get her name, but she really made for a great experience!

Next time you’re in Simsbury and have a hankering for some solid pizza, you know where to go.

Little City Pizza

When Daddy let me drive

2010-06-20T14:11:00.005-04:00

Father's Day card shopping, always an interesting experience. The card companies have pigeonholed our dads into three activities: golf, grilling and remote control olympics. I need cards about Nascar and classic cars, where are they??

Here is our menu for today; I will be playing the part of the grill mistress, stand back boys!

Father's Day Menu

Pork Burgers with Saffron Aioli

1 lb. Ground pork
1 Tbl smoked Spanish paprika - key ingredient!
Pinch of salt and black pepper
1 Tbl minced garlic
1 onion, sliced
Olive oil
4 slices Monterey Jack cheese
4 hamburger rolls

Combine pork, paprika, salt, pepper and garlic in bowl, do not over mix. Shape into 4 patties. Grill until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, approx. 10-12 minutes. Add cheese and cook until it melts. Brush onion slices with olive oil and grill until tender, remove with burgers. Add burgers to each bun, top with onions and aioli.

Saffron Aioli

1/4 cup mayonnaise
Pinch of saffron
1 Tbl lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest

Combine ingredients in small bowl, can be made ahead of time.

Grilled Corn on the Cob
Old School Potato Salad
Brownie Sundaes

I am pouring a chilled Rose of Malbec and "People's Pint Blonde Ale"!

Happy Father's Day!

-- Post From My iPad

Meadow Asian Cuisine - Simsbury, CT

2010-06-16T22:28:00.002-04:00

After a busy day celebrating Cheeseburger Jr's graduation and feasting on a ton of junk food, we decided that a sushi dinner was in order. Meadow has been on my list of places to return after enjoying a nice dinner there shortly after they opened. Located along busy Rt. 10, it can be easy to miss but you'll be glad you found it. The vibe hits you as soon as you enter; the sleek and restrained decor gives an air of sophistication and relaxation. No need to rush through your meal here.

A bit of laziness hit us as the day progressed, so we opted for take-out. Spicy tuna maki, Dragon maki, Alaska maki and "French Cake" completed our order. (I ignored the fact that French cake was really raw fish). The menu isn't your run of the mill sushi selection...no way. They also offer several entrees and noodle dishes. Rack of Lamb, stir fried noodles are just a couple of things you may be tempted to try.

I returned home with our goodies, and we dug in. The rolls were outstanding. The Dragon Maki boasted a colorful display of generous sliced fish; The Spicy Tuna had just enough heat and the Alaska Maki was a straightforward combination of salmon, avocado and cucumber. The standout was the French Cake roll. Salmon and yellowtail topped the roll containing a spicy tuna mixture and avocado. Covering the entire thing was a sweet sauce (eel, perhaps?) and a layer of crunchy panko. Ooo la la. The flavors melded together perfectly. Sometimes sushi rolls can be too "busy", but I am always impressed when so many ingredients come together harmoniously.

The seafood is extremely fresh and the rolls are generous. Although we were very pleased with our take-out, I recommend that you experience Meadow by dining in. The large front windows open in warm weather, which makes for a pleasant open air dining experience. Do try it!

Meadow Asian Cuisine

-- Post From My iPad

Jack's at Harbor One Marina - Old Saybrook, CT

2010-06-02T18:00:00.002-04:00

I hope you all enjoyed Memorial Day weekend! We were blessed with perfect weather and after enjoying some time with friends at a party, we hightailed it to the beach.

Last summer, we were delighted to find a “hidden” gem down at the marina in Old Saybrook, serving the greatest hot dogs around. (The Mr. fell for the mini-burgers) We snuck over there for snacks in between sand time, devouring dogs on butter grilled buns. Did I mention they also make a mean egg sandwich? *sigh*

SOOOO….with memories of last summer fresh on our minds, we headed over on Monday to check out the place. Rumor has it that someone in the car may have whooped with glee when the “OPEN” sign was spotted. We walked in, checked out the chalkboard menu and couldn’t believe our eyes…NO HOT DOGS. Mostly a selection of breakfast and lunch sandwiches (a $17 lobster roll if you want to splurge). After a quick regroup in the corner, we decided to order egg sandwiches and some delicious Ashlawn Farm coffee. While waiting, we felt bad for the young man working as he had to repeatedly tell people they weren’t serving hot dogs. In the owner’s defense, I would like point out that he does have a place, Jack Rabbit’s on Main Street in Old Saybrook, which DOES serve his famous “Dragon” dogs and creative burgers. But not nearly as fun as sneaking off to the little place in the marina! We sat outside, enjoying our breakfast and savoring the coffee. The egg sandwich is very straightforward…fried egg and cheese on a soft roll. Simple and perfect.

Let’s consider this my open letter to Jack, PLEASE bring back the Dragon dogs.

Jack Rabbit's

Ashlawn Farm Coffee

Hit that sand and play some rock n' roll

2010-05-28T13:03:00.000-04:00

Sun’s out, the grill calls! You know what I'm talking about...hot dogs, burgers, 3,000 tons of potato salad and slaw. The Cheeseburgers will be enjoying every moment of it, going to a few parties, maybe the beach. In the meantime, if you're going through a little withdrawal, check out the NEW Cooking Channel lineup! Catch ya next week!

Cooking Channel Marathon Lineup

Spicy Green Bean - Glastonbury, CT

2010-05-26T18:46:00.002-04:00

So far, 2010 is shaping up to be one mother of a year. When I say mother, I am referring to Joan Crawford “are those metal hangers?”; not Heidi Klum “the hot mom at school”. Yeah, it pretty much sums up the way the year is going. One of the bright spots is a monthly brunch outing with friends. We try to change it up and last weekend found ourselves at the Spicy Green Bean in Glastonbury. Their daily Facebook menu posts are so tantalizing; a visit was most definitely in order.

Located in a small storefront next to a dry cleaner, it’s easy to miss, but worth searching for. The place is intimate, with eclectic art that decorates the cozy dining area. We started out with a cup of delicious coffee, offered by a very hospitable waitress. The perfect playlist of acoustic music filled the room on our visit. The breakfast menu is a well chosen selection of pretty much anything you might want to eat in the morning and then some. Although the sweet potato pancakes were calling out for me, I opted for the Ropa Vieja burrito, after hearing it was made with pork instead of chicken. My friends ordered the Chicken in a Biscuit and The Krabby Omelet. To complement our dishes, we were offered a choice of a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary. The Bloody Mary was served in a fun retro glass with a spicy green bean garnish. Crunchy with kick, we could have eaten an entire bowl of them.

Our entrees arrived to a collective “WHOA!” from our table. The portions were very generous and each was served with a side of home fries, which contained several varieties of potatoes, making for an appealing presentation. I loved the burrito, chock full of tender pork, eggs, beans AND rice. You needed a game plan to attack the chicken dish; fried chicken breast on a biscuit topped with a rich sausage gravy and two eggs. Biscuits and gravy are one of the most delicious combinations on earth. My friend raved about her crab omelet, only wishing it contained a bit more of the chive cream cheese, but that’s only because it was so damn good.

The Spicy Green Bean has a nice laid-back vibe; I would love to try it out for dinner, which is BYOB. As far as breakfast goes, we will definitely return!

Spicy Green Bean Deli & Catering

George's At The Cove - La Jolla, California

2010-04-22T21:58:00.001-04:00

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

For the love of the grape

2010-04-18T00:07:00.002-04:00

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

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

2010-04-11T21:10:00.001-04:00

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

I drank the Kool Aid

2010-04-10T10:46:00.002-04:00

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

Take It Outside

2010-04-04T19:25:00.002-04:00

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/

You're the Inspiration

2010-03-31T19:33:00.000-04:00

Passing though the Chicago airport recently, we stopped to have a quick bite at the Billy Goat Tavern outpost. As I was ordering, I looked up at the sign near me and annoyed the server by taking a photo! The name of the tavern didn't come out very well, it's pretty obvious from the photo where the inspiration for this blog came from....

Hopefully, I will get some time to post soon, I have eaten some wonderful meals recently and can't wait to share them with you.

The Long and Winding Road

2010-03-22T20:15:00.001-04:00

I promised myself that when I started this blog, it wouldn’t get too serious or personal. Recently, a family event occurred that has really struck a chord with me, and I think the overall theme is worth sharing. When I was a little girl, my father’s younger brother disappeared, never to be heard from again. Over the years, questions arose as to his whereabouts. Did he have a family? What did he do for work? Did he know that his parents had passed away years earlier? As the internet entered our lives, the occasional online search was attempted with no success.
Recently we learned the unfortunate news; he had passed away after losing a long battle with cancer. Suddenly, details emerged about his life. The picture of an incredibly generous and selfless man appeared. He moderated a website and built computers for people in need. I reached out to his online community, and was touched to hear stories of their personal experiences. For the past week, I have been reviewing over 5 years of correspondence and gathering information about this uncle I barely knew. As the portrait started to breathe life, I discovered that he and I were eerily similar; we shared a favorite book, a TV show, Freecycle, sharing information and embracing all things technology. I couldn’t help but feel tremendous sadness and at the same time, joy in finding each new detail. The story continues to unfold and in the process, faith in human kindness has been restored. But let me get to the point….

After 33 years of no communication, it was revealed that he was days away from making contact with his family. Sadly, he passed away before it happened.

Don’t wait.

“Live Like You Were Dying” – Tim McGraw

He said: "I was in my early forties,
"With a lot of life before me,
"An' a moment came that stopped me on a dime.
"I spent most of the next days,
"Looking at the x-rays,"
"An' talking 'bout the options an' talkin’ ‘bout sweet time."
I asked him when it sank in,
That this might really be the real end?
How’s it hit you when you get that kind of news?
Man whatcha do?
An' he said: "I went sky diving, I went rocky mountain climbing,
"I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu.
"And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter,
"And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying."
An' he said: "Some day, I hope you get the chance,
"To live like you were dyin'."
He said "I was finally the husband,
"That most the time I wasn’t.
"An' I became a friend a friend would like to have.
"And all of a sudden goin' fishin’,
"Wasn’t such an imposition,
"And I went three times that year I lost my Dad.
"Well, I finally read the Good Book,
"And I took a good long hard look,
"At what I'd do if I could do it all again,
"And then:

"I went sky diving, I went rocky mountain climbing,
"I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu.
"And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter,
"And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying."
An' he said: "Some day, I hope you get the chance,"
"To live like you were dyin'."
Like tomorrow was a gift,
And you got eternity,
To think about what you’d do with it.
An' what did you do with it?
An' what can I do with it?
An' what would I do with it?
"Sky diving, I went rocky mountain climbing,"
"I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu."
"And then I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter,"
"And I watched Blue Eagle as it was flyin'."
An' he said: "Some day, I hope you get the chance."
"To live like you were dyin'."

Gra, Dilseacht, Cairdeas

2010-03-15T21:01:00.005-04:00

Hey kids, break out your “Kiss Me I’m Irish” button and that green shirt you-only-wear-once-a-year-because-green-makes-you-look washed-out. March 17th is almost here! Even though I am 0% Irish, I feel a deep connection to the culture, music, art and food of the Emerald Isle. St. Patrick’s Day is almost here, and if you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional corned beef and cabbage then I’ve got your recipe! It’s a tried and true favorite from Emeril Lagasse (yes, it contains his Essence, does he cook without it?). It’s a rich dish, so might want to keep it light on the side with a simple sautéed cabbage. Serve with Guinness, Smithwick’s or O’Hara’s Irish Red. As always, I’ve included a playlist of traditional Irish music, some of the finest music in the world.

BAKED CODFISH WITH IRISH CHEESE CRUST

• 4 (6-ounce) codfish fillets, skins removed

• Emeril’s Essence

• 1/2 cup fine bread crumbs

• 2 tablespoons melted Irish butter

• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

• 2 teaspoons Lakeshore Strong Irish Mustard or Colman's English mustard

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic, or spring onions

• 6 ounces Irish cheese such as Dubliner, Coolea, or Carrigaline, or Irish cheddar such as Kerrygold Vintage, grated

• 1 cup heavy Irish cream

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a casserole dish and set aside.

Lightly season the codfish on both sides with Essence and place in the prepared dish, skin side down.

In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, butter, parsley, mustard, and garlic, and mix well. Add the cheese and mix well. Place on the fish, patting down to make a crust. Pour the cream over the fish and bake until the fish is cooked through, golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven and serve. Serves 4.

St. Patrick’s Day Playlist

Shenandoah – Van Morrison & The Chieftains (one of the greatest musical pairings ever)

Lafferty’s/Crock of Gold/Lady Birr/Abbey Reel – Lunasa

The Samurai Set – Gaelic Storm

To the beggin’ I will go – Old Blind Dogs

Strathspey/Con McGingley’s – Altan

Carolan’s Favorite Jig – Cherish the Ladies

Nil Na La – Solas

Pastures of Plenty – Solas

Miss Casey Medley – The Cottars

Toss the Feathers – The Coors

Morning Nightcap – Lunasa

Irish Heartbeat – Van Morrison

Another Pleasant Valley Sunday

2010-03-14T16:04:00.001-04:00

Woke up on this rainy day thinking about two things; hightailing my ass to Target to check out the Liberty of London collection before it sold out AND meatballs. Those ads just scream “Spring!” don’t they? After scoring some designer duds for cheap, I made my way home and got to work in the kitchen.
Fewer things are comforting than a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, especially on a chilly, damp Sunday. I put out the call to the rest of the family, and Sunday dinner was in the works. My recipe for meatballs is very simple and can also be used as a base recipe for meatloaf. They can be baked and later added to the tomato sauce, which is what I prefer. Leftovers make excellent meatball grinders with provolone cheese and roasted peppers. Feed your man, feed your family, feed a stranger; they will all love you while slurping on your saucy spaghetti and meatballs.

Mama Michelle’s Meatballs

1 lb. ground beef/pork/veal mixture

1 egg

¾ cup bread crumbs

¼ cup finely chopped shallots

2 teaspoons Italian herb blend (or basil/oregano)

¼ cup grated Parmesan Cheese

2 Tablespoons Fresh or Dried Parsley

¼ teaspoon salt

Chicken Stock

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine the egg, bread crumbs, shallots, herbs, Parmesan Cheese, parsley and salt. Add meat mixture and mix well. Add a splash of chicken stock, just enough to moisten. Shape mixture into approximately 16-20 meatballs. Arrange them in baking dish and add enough chicken stock to cover bottom of pan. (optional, but it makes for a very moist meatball!) Bake for 15-20 minutes. Drain the pan and either add them to the already simmering tomato sauce or serve alongside the pasta.

Enjoy with a glass of Monte Antico Toscana. (A reasonably priced full bodied red)

Esca Restaurant & Wine Bar - Middletown, CT

2010-03-06T18:35:00.003-05:00

Once a month I get together with a couple of good friends for happy hour and for our last gathering we decided to try Esca, located off Main Street in Middletown. I had been looking forward to trying Esca for some time; that area has a great dining scene worth exploring.

The façade is unassuming, blending right in with the rest of the surrounding buildings. However, upon entering the restaurant, we were immediately struck by the lush and elegant Italian décor, from the impressive chandelier in the front dining area to the expansive cave in the wall above the bar. We sat at the bar and marveled at the Italian murals and upper level dining room that looks out onto the restaurant; as if you were sitting on a balcony in the Italian countryside. After reading the menu, it was decided that we would have to return to Esca, perhaps for dinner. Since it was happy hour, we decided to choose a couple of appetizers and wine. Sarah, our outgoing bartender, took our orders for the olive bowl, cheese plate and calamari.

Let’s chat about the wine list! It’s well balanced, broken out by style. It’s easy to choose based on preference, and not confining. I think too often we pigeon-hole ourselves into one type of grape and where’s the fun in that?? And now back to the food.

Our plates arrived and happy hour was well under way. The olive bowl was a colorful assortment of marinated olives accompanied by parmesan twists. Personally, I could live on olives and thought the bowl would be a perfect way to start out any meal! The cheese plate contained several artisan varieties; unfortunately I didn’t get the names of each. We were not complaining as we savored each slice with a dip of organic honey. Included with the cheese plate was a fun “fruit shooter”, a tiny cocktail of raspberries and Prosecco. Calamari was served hot and fresh with a snappy red pepper aioli. During our evening, we observed dishes coming out of the kitchen….pan seared scallops, mussels, and gnocchi to name a few. Everything looked delicious (duck confit flatbread and Cioppino are calling my name!) and the servers seemed to genuinely care about their customers.

To finish the evening, we rewarded ourselves for making it to Friday with a dessert. A little coffee and biscotti with chocolate sauce was the perfect thing to enjoy while we chatted our troubles away.

Refreshed from our Friday-cation, we parted ways and decided to put Esca on the short list of places to return.

http://escact.com/

And so today, my world it smiles

2010-03-04T19:16:00.004-05:00

Hey there Burgers!

Recently I've received some very nice compliments from some readers, and I just wanted to say THANK YOU! This year has been a challenge to say the least; it makes my day to hear that reading this blog makes you want to get out and try the recipes, foods and restaurants I chat about. But don't stop here...step outside of your comfort zone when you're eating out or trying to decide between your usual merlot or cabernet. Pick a new recipe from a cookbook and go for it!

At the very least, you tried it and expanded the horizons a little. Fun, isn't it?

How I Became A Foodie

2010-02-22T19:45:00.007-05:00

COME TO THE TABLE it’s SUPPERTIME

Shepherd’s Pie again,

Beef, corn and potatoes so sublime

We’re having Chipped Beef with White Sauce tomorrow tonight?

Meat out of jar is DYNO-MITE!

On Wednesday it’s La Choy Chop Suey,

With authentic crunchy noodles and suey go gooey

It’s Sunday, that can only mean one thing

New England Boiled Dinner our palates will sing!

A fitting ending to each glorious dish

Is Jell-o mold with fruit cocktail, what more could you wish?

Bar Americain - Mohegan Sun Casino

2010-02-19T23:02:00.009-05:00

Last weekend before taking in the Kid Rock show at Mohegan Sun (stop snickering) we decided to have a proper dinner at Bar Americain. Having never dined at the original location in New York City, I was really looking forward to trying it out and possibly catching a glimpse of Mr. Flay laying the smackdown in the kitchen. I looked, but the only thing staring back at me was the red snapper from the seafood display.

Mohegan Sun has done an excellent job of attracting a variety of big names in the restaurant business, and the latest addition is no exception.
For starters, the restaurant is a welcoming space with high ceilings, marble flooring and amber lighting. It’s airy and comfortable. Several glassed in areas displaying wines flanked the walls. A bar to the right of the entrance looked like a great place to wait for a table and do some people watching.

Upon being seated, we decided on a couple glasses of wine while perusing the menu. The wine list contains a well chosen selection, with something for every budget. I loved that we didn’t recognize many names, and proceeded to choose poorly with a glass of Malbec! On the flip side, my friend enjoyed an outstanding Tempranillo, which I also ordered with dinner. I think it was one of the best wines by the glass I’ve tried recently. Wine in hand, we faced the daunting task of narrowing down our dinner choices, not as easy as we thought. Every single item on the menu piqued our interest, which doesn’t happen very often. The Bobby Flay influence was in every dish, his signature bold style enhanced by complex flavors.

As we nibbled on warm and spicy cornbread sticks, we chose the Tuna Tartar and Gulf Shrimp with Grits from the appetizer menu. If they had given us ladles for the grits, we would have used them. Creamy with a spicy kick, it was something that would be perfect with a pork dish, shrimp or with eggs for breakfast. The one complaint was that the shrimp in the dish were on the small side; we would have preferred four medium shrimp as opposed to five tiny ones. We also enjoyed the Tuna; it was fresh and provided a refreshing accompaniment to the grits. If that was a taste of things to come, we were in for a treat. Our friends ordered the Mussels & Fries American and the Red Snapper. The Mr. also ordered the Red Snapper and I chose the Duck with Dirty Wild Rice. Apparently, we were worried about leaving hungry, so Brooklyn Hash Browns and Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Gratin were added as side dishes. When the dishes were brought to our table, the shark feeding frenzy began. The Mussels arrived, smothered in a wonderful green chile sauce with a side of addictive fries. My duck was perfectly cooked, so tender and moist on a bed of wild rice with bourbon sauce. Quack. I think the prettiest and most complex dish was the Red Snapper Florida Style. A generous portion of fish, dressed with a thin plantain crust and mango salsa. Tropical and spicy, a taste explosion indeed.

Can you believe we left room for dessert? Oh yeah. Our plates were cleared to make room for Sweet Potato Pie and Pistachio Crème Brulee. Both were outstanding and the ideal ending to our dinner adventure.

The service was spot on, friendly and relaxed. Given we were there on a Saturday night, we would have easily been rushed through dinner, but that was not the case. Bar Americain adds yet another destination restaurant to the already stellar lineup at Mohegan Sun. Thanks Bobby!!

Tigers, Fast Cars and Cupid

2010-02-13T13:57:00.007-05:00

As we all know, February 14th marks the beginning of the Year of the Tiger. And oh yeah, that other holiday. (you pick, Daytona 500 or Valentine’s Day) Not sure how to celebrate? I’ve taken out the guesswork for you and prepared a simple Chinese menu along with a soundtrack of tunes to set the mood. Get your beloved involved in the cooking and let the sparks fly!

Appetizer - Pork Dumplings - get takeout and save yourself some time!

Main Dish - Spicy Orange Beef (oranges represent good health and long life)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound round steak, cut into thin strips on the diagonal
• 1/4 cup orange peel, cut into slivers
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sherry
• 1/4 cup orange marmalade
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions
1. In a wok or skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef strips 1/3 at a time. Stir-fry for 3 minutes or until browned, removing the done pieces to a plate lined with paper towels.
2. Return all the beef to the wok. Stir in orange peel, garlic, and ginger; stir-fry 1 minute.
3. In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, broth, soy sauce, sherry, marmalade, and red pepper. Pour this mixture into the beef, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 1 minute. Serve hot. Serves 4
4. Serve noodles (uncut – they represent longevity)

Cocktail - Golden Champagne Cocktail

• 3 parts sparkling wine
• 2 parts tangerine juice
• 1 splash grenadine

Pour sparkling wine into a champagne flute, and then add tangerine juice. Top with grenadine. Enjoy!

Dessert – Almond Cookies, Sorbet

February 14th Playlist

“Fool in the Rain” – Led Zeppelin
“She” – Elvis Costello
“Wild Horses” – U2
“Say Goodbye” – Dave Matthews
“Angels” – Robbie Williams
“Wonderwall” – Noel Gallagher (live version)
“Air that I Breathe” – Simply Red
“Heat of the Moment” – Asia (live acoustic version - amazing)
“Diamonds and Pearls” – Prince
“Steamroller Blues” – James Taylor
“Save Room” – John Legend
“Bubbly” – Colbie Caillat
“Collide” – Howie Day
"Someone Like You" - Van Morrison
"I Belong to You" - Lenny Kravitz

Pappacelle - Avon, CT

2010-02-11T18:55:00.004-05:00

In a town loaded to the gills with Italian restaurants, I think the hands down favorite for the Mr. and I is Papacelle. A family-owned place located in a quiet section of a shopping/commercial plaza, it offers a relaxed vibe with a beautiful view of nearby Talcott Mountain. Having said that, I must also tell you that I have a love-hate relationship with the place.

Over the course of a year, I have eaten there approximately 8 times for lunch and dinner. Although it hardly makes me a regular, I did experience lackluster service on three occasions and an odd customer service snafu by one of the owners. I am not alone in my observation, having heard similar stories from co-workers. But, I am not one to write off a restaurant too easily, so let’s keep an open mind…

One mistake Papacelle does NOT make is with their food. It is consistently excellent and is what keeps us coming back. Their menu is not your typical “red sauce” Italian and features a well chosen selection of meats, seafood and pasta. On my last lunch visit, I was tempted by a rabbit ravioli lunch special and was rewarded with a delicious plate of rustic pasta. The filling was tender, savory but not overly rich. The Mr. ordered his usual Carbonara, which has the distinction of being his favorite in the area. On previous visits, the Beef crepes and “Study of Meatballs” were standouts on the appetizer menu.

One my favorite things on their menu is also the simplest. You must try the Grilled Romaine. Practically a meal, the grill lends a sweet smoky flavor to the lettuce which is then dressed with olives, peppers, zucchini and a garlic dressing.

The wine menu aims to please, you’ll see some familiar names but the prices are reasonable enough to be adventurous and try new ones. Two of my favorites: Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay and a super Tuscan from Villa Antinori.

Inside and out, Papacelle offers one of the best most beautiful dining spots in town. It’s one of the few places around where you can escape from the pressures of office life for an hour or enjoy a relaxing dinner out. The dining room and bar are very spacious; even when it’s busy you never feel like you’re sitting on top of your neighbor. In the warmer months, it’s a treat to sit on the patio with its beautiful fountain and lush green surroundings.

They are also very proactive at engaging diners through wine dinners and dinner specials. I am perplexed as to why service lags at times, but the obvious attention to detail in the cooking will keep me going back. Do try it, and I would be interested to hear your thoughts.
http://www.papacelle.com/

3/13/10: Returned to have lunch recently and decided to post a photo of another dish I enjoyed; the venison ravioli. It was outstanding!

Hello! Is it me you're looking for?

2010-02-08T21:29:00.003-05:00

How's life, my fellow burgers?? After a little self-imposed break from my computer, I am refreshed and ready to get down to business. I've got some familiar favorites to chat about, a few new places for you to try and a little cooking humor.

As far as the bucket list goes, the ricotta operation is going well and my French press is getting some regular use. (why, in god's name, did I pack it away??)

I'll be back!

CrazySexyCheese

2010-01-12T18:57:00.002-05:00

We were 8 days into the New Year and I decided it was high time to tackle the bucket list. I had whole milk and lemons in the house, so it was shaping up to be a cheesemaker’s weekend. Thanks to a simple recipe from Bon Appétit (January 2009), I decided to tackle ricotta. Let me tell you, it is worth seeking out the good stuff (In the supermarket, I like Sam Malucci’s) or making at home. You will be so rewarded! Use it on pizza, in pasta (simpler, the better) or add honey and spread on fruit for dessert. Luscious and milky with a slightly sweet taste…stop me when I get to the bad part.

Fresh Ricotta Cheese
Makes 1 1/2 cups
By Andrew Carmellini

Ingredients
8 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Preparation
Line colander with 4 layers of cheesecloth; set in sink. Bring milk and salt to simmer in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in lemon juice. Let simmer until curds form, 1 to 2 minutes.
Using finely slotted spoon or skimmer, scoop curds from pan and transfer to cheesecloth-lined colander. Let drain 1 minute (curds will still be a little wet). Transfer curds to medium bowl. Cover and chill until cold, about 3 hours. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.

Fleming's Steakhouse and Wine Bar - West Hartford, CT - A Shout Out!

2010-01-11T18:00:00.002-05:00

I surprised the Mr. with dinner at Fleming’s Steakhouse on Saturday; he is celebrating a milestone birthday this week and I knew Fleming’s would deliver. We had a hankering for a solid steakhouse meal and were not disappointed. So, I just wanted take the time to thank our server, William. Not only was he extremely knowledgable but was very enthusiastic and personable. We had a lot of fun discussing wines and his recommendations really enhanced our meal. He also assisted us with the age old quandary, “what wine pairs well with cheesecake?” (just for the record, I decided on my favorite sparkling wine from Gloria Ferrer)

After our dinner on Saturday, we decided that Fleming’s offers the best service we’ve had at any restaurant in a long time.

Thank you William!

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end...

2009-12-31T22:13:00.002-05:00

Where the heck have I been lately?? After enduring another frantic holiday season and a computer crash, I emerge ready to start 2010!

Ten years ago, I was at a friend’s house drinking champagne in a tiara and pajamas; anxiously wondering if we would survive “Y2K”. Oh, what a difference a decade makes! I can honestly say the last ten years have been the best of my life so far, for many reasons. The explosion of our love of cooking and eating, being one of them. Chefs are now rock stars, the home cook has access to tools and foods like never before and kids are growing up on the Food Network. It’s an exciting time for a foodie.

As we all know and wish to forget; the last year has been a rough one for many people, including those in the restaurant business. Many restaurants have closed (RIP Restaurant Du Village) but there were those brave enough to start up new ones or even expand existing favorites (Cavey’s – new and improved with Andre still in the house!).

Now, I am not a resolution kind of girl. But I did have a chance to make a little bucket list for 2010:

Conquer the fear of baking (so many measurements! So scientific!)
Learn Thai cooking (above and beyond Pad Thai)
Make cheese (starting with ricotta)
Ditch the coffeemaker and dust off the French Press
Start a cookbook swap

I think that’s doable!

Goodbye 2009. Another year begins. May it be full of new journeys, mouthwatering adventures and gastronomic explorations!

Won’t you come along for the ride?

Arugula - West Hartford, CT

2009-12-16T21:59:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday the Mr. decided to surprise his favorite Cheeseburger with dinner reservations at Arugula, a Mediterranean bistro located in West Hartford Center. Having been a longtime fan of the place, I was looking forward to our experience!

The thing that sets them apart from other places in the area is the intimate setting and cozy feel. I know some people may be put off by the cramped space, especially when it gets busy. I find Arugula to be very charming, a nice change of place from the “see to be seen” places nearby. Oh, and the food….

After placing our order for wine, we decided to start with the escargot. Served in a crock bathed in a garlic sauce with chunks of tomatoes, they were perfect. Not too chewy with a nice texture. We were served mini baguettes of delicious bread; which we immediately used to soak up the liquid. Euphoria quickly turned to depression when the last snail was consumed. *sigh*

The entrees change seasonally, although I am always pleased to see my favorite mushroom rosemary lasagna on the menu. On this particular night, I ordered the duck leg confit. It arrived with a side of crispy truffled potatoes. Other than garlic, I can’t think of a better way to dress up a potato. The duck had a wonderful crispy skin and tender meat underneath. The portion was perfect, and after polishing off my plate like a good girl, I was ready for dessert.

Desserts at Arugula are always a treat; and worth saving room for. I was feeling festive, and broke my self-imposed rule about NOT ordering flavored crème brulee. They were featuring peppermint white chocolate, which intrigued me. It arrived a tad too cold for my liking, with a nicely browned sugar crust. The peppermint and white chocolate complemented each other well, and added some holiday flair to our meal. The Mr. had a very generous portion of Buck’s vanilla ice cream and an espresso, both of which he enjoyed.

We never had a long wait for anything and our meal flowed along nicely. I have found the service to be consistently casual over the years, but it is in keeping with the relaxed vibe. Arugula continues to be a “hidden” gem, it reminds me of a place you might find in Greenwich Village. Try it sometime when you want a change of pace. or when you want to eat snails.

Gonna ramble on, sing my song..

2009-12-09T22:10:00.002-05:00

So, apparently it’s en vogue to eat pasta and bread in public again! Italian restaurants are opening up all over the place in our area and boy; was I excited to see that my favorite bakery has re-opened! Now located in Pine Meadow, Collinsville Baking Company offers some of the best baked goods around. But isn’t it always about the bread? They offer several varieties, my personal favorites being the olive ciabatta and the 6-grain. Warm, crusty, chewy…They need no accompaniment, but a little butter or olive oil never hurts! (BUTTER I SAID, back off with the margarine!) Seeing their ad reminded me of a funny story…

I was pregnant with Jr. and every morning I would stop at the bakery for a lemon-ginger scone and coffee. Christmas was approaching, so I placed my holiday order for blueberry pie (if you ever see it offered, try one!!). Well, Jr. decided to make her appearance a month early. When we got home from the hospital there was a message from the owner asking me if I had my baby because I hadn’t shown up to pick up my pie or partake in my daily scone-fest. Apparently, I had a bit of an addiction to baked goods and it was affecting the bottom line….

If you’re driving through New Hartford, do check them out. Bread is fantastic, as are the pastries. I am looking forward to visiting their new location and falling back into some old habits!

http://www.collinsvillebaking.com/index.htm

In other random news:

- looks like Wasa-bi in Simsbury is closed; the full dumpster in the parking lot being the obvious clue.

- stopped by Simsbury Deli for a sandwich. New friendly owners, sandwich was skimpy, but the potato salad was the best prepared stuff I’ve had in recent memory!

Over and out.

It's time for play, It's a whipped cream day...

2009-12-07T21:39:00.005-05:00

It’s Monday and what better way to celebrate than to indulge in a little dessert? That’s exactly what I was thinking tonight before I made dinner. Jr. and I decided to whip up an easy chocolate mousse, made with tofu. Try it sometime when you’re craving a little guilt-free pleasure!

12 oz. silken tofu, drained
¾ cup dark chocolate (pieces, chips, whatever is on hand)
½ cup warmed milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Add chocolate and splash of milk to bowl, melt in microwave. Stir until chocolate is smooth. (I melt it in 30 second increments, stirring after each time to ensure it doesn’t burn)

Add tofu, warmed milk, vanilla and chocolate to blender. Blend on medium or high until mousse is creamy. Pour into bowls, chill and serve. For an elegant dessert presentation, garnish with fresh raspberries/strawberries and sprig of mint.

ooo la la!

She gets too hungry for dinner at eight....

2009-12-06T22:01:00.002-05:00

After spending the afternoon putting up the Christmas decorations, we sat down to a hearty meal of short ribs that had been in the slow cooker all afternoon. It was the perfect way to spend a snowy evening!

Slow Cooker Short Ribs

3 lbs beef short ribs
1 large onion, sliced
¾ cup flour
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup vegetable or olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
3 cups red wine
2 cups beef broth
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Creamy Polenta

1 cup cornmeal
2 ½ cups chicken broth
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup whipping cream

Combine flour, salt and pepper in shallow dish. Dredge ribs in the mixture, coating them on all sides.

Heat oil in large skillet on medium-high; add ribs and brown on all sides. (Approx. 4 minutes for each side)

Remove ribs from pan and put them in the slow cooker. Drain fat from skillet. Add wine and deglaze, scraping up any bits from the pan.

Pour wine over short ribs. Add beef broth, thyme, rosemary and garlic to slow cooker. Set on medium or high and cook until ribs are tender. (4-6 hours)

Once ribs are cooked, remove from slow cooker and keep warm. Skim fat from surface of broth mixture. In a small saucepan on high, add 3-4 cups along with corn starch. Cook until thickened, season if necessary. Remove from heat.

Bring chicken broth to a boil. Add polenta in small quantities, stirring frequently to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, continuing to stir. Remove from heat; stir in cheese and cream until melted.

Add polenta to each plate, place 2-3 ribs over it and pour enough sauce to coat ribs.

Enjoy!!

Johnny Ad's - Old Saybrook, CT

2009-12-02T22:15:00.004-05:00

Thanksgiving is over, the holiday rush is underway! Yippeeeee! My enthusiasm is convincing, yes? The onslaught of Christmas songs and chilly weather brings to mind one thing, the BEACH. I am reminded of the last warm summer weekend while driving through Old Saybrook. We decided to have lunch at a favorite spot, Johnny Ad’s. New Englanders take their seafood pretty seriously and everyone has an opinion about who makes the finest fried clams or lobster rolls. Me, I like a good scallop roll and Johnny Ad’s consistently delivers. (Although their lobster roll is legendary)

Johnny Ad’s is very casual. You place your order at the window; find a spot in the inside or outside dining area and wait for your number to be called. Once your tray of seafood goodness is placed before you, go back to your spot and dig in. Isn’t that the quintessential seafood shack experience?

The scallop roll is served on a toasted buttered roll. (everything should be served on buttered rolls; it is the equivalent of bacon) Generously sized with a light crispy coating, the scallops are bursting with sweetness. Squeeze a little lemon and a dollop of tartar sauce and YOU ARE IN HEAVEN. The roll is served with French fries and a side of slaw. Both are worthy accompaniments. (I’ve said this before…fries and slaw can be a deal breaker)

If you’re not into seafood, try their delicious hot dogs! Eat them there or head over to the waterfront and enjoy the scenery.

http://johnnyads.com/

Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewery - North Conway, NH

2009-11-29T21:33:00.004-05:00

Once the Thanksgiving dishes were done and turkey sandwiches consumed (are they the best or what??) we headed up north to New Hampshire. No visit to North Conway would be complete without a trip to Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewery. After a particularly blustery and snowy day at Santa’s Village (have you ever been on a ferris wheel or roller coaster in your ski clothes?), we stopped for dinner.

Located in a historic building, Moat Mountain caters to everyone. Families are welcome, the bar is usually full of folks catching a game and the charming sunroom is a more intimate area for couples. It has a rustic, yet kitschy atmosphere.

Beer at Moat Mountain is brewed on-site and worth trying. As with any brewery, a sampler is the way to go. If beer is not your thing, there is a small wine list of recognizable favorites and a cocktail list as well.

Being chilled to the bone is no fun, so to take the edge off I immediately ordered the brisket and andouille chili. (pictured) I could eat a vat of the stuff! A hearty chili, loaded with cubes of smoked brisket, andouille sausage and beans. (You can order without beans, if you wish) It’s spicy and very flavorful. The cup I ordered came with a tasty sweet potato and jalapeno cornbread. We also tried a cup of curried corn and crab bisque. It was nice and thick with a delicate curry flavor. I did enjoy it, but thought the chili was better.

Yes, we did leave room for dinner! The Mr. ordered the smoked salmon, Jr. had the Mac-n-cheese, and I had the smoked pork sandwich on a Kaiser roll (you can also have it on raisin bread). The salmon dish was a generous portion of rum and sugar brined fish on a bed of beans and rice, topped with a mango pineapple salsa. I thought the salmon was too sweet for my taste, but the Mr. enjoyed the flavors that reminded him of a tropical island, forgetting the howling winds outside.

My pork sandwich was delicious; a pile of tender, shredded pork topped with cole slaw, red onion and a house made barbeque sauce on a fresh roll. It also came with a side of hand cut fries. I usually order sweet potato, but I think I prefer the regular ones. Perfectly salted with a pronounced flavor of…Potato! Having eaten at Moat Mountain many times over the years, I have to say the pork sandwich continues to be a consistent favorite. Others include the Carolina Pulled Pork and the burgers.

Service at Moat Mountain is very friendly; the waitstaff has the patience of saints, considering the number of families with small children at any given time. It seems to be a popular pit stop on the way back from Story Land. (you can spot those families immediately, dad has a glassy look in his eye and wants nothing more than a cold beer) Check it out next time you find yourself in New Hampshire!

http://moatmountain.com/

Turkey Lurkey Doo

2009-11-25T13:27:00.003-05:00

As soon as I receive a magazine in the mail, I turn to the most obvious page; the last one. It sets the tone for the rest of the issue. (you read magazines from the beginning?)

One my favorite sections of Bon Appetit magazine is the back page where they interview a celebrity. Sadly, a couple of years ago they eliminated my favorite question: “If you could invite anyone to your dream dinner party, who would you ask?”

So I thought I would devote this post to creating my fantasy Thanksgiving dinner guest list.

Drumroll please....

Elvis Costello – I suppose he could bring his wife
Sig Hansen – he would make crab dip
Betty Grable - hands off Elvis, you've got your own bombshell!
Little Edie Bouvier Beale – when things get dull she could perform cabaret
Frederick Law Olmsted – maybe he could give me landscaping advice
Paul McCartney – he would bring the side dishes
Louisa May Alcott – someone has to perform the post-dinner reading of “Little Women”

I think that’s a well-rounded group, don’t you think? I’d be interested to hear your choices!

Looking forward to turkey sandwiches and football tomorrow,

Enjoy!!

Feng Asian Bistro - Canton, CT

2009-11-22T16:53:00.004-05:00

One of the perks of having a blog is that it eliminates the need for water cooler discussions at work. Never again will anyone pretend to act interested while you discuss at length your trip to the wallpaper store or how you foraged for mushrooms all weekend. They will have already read about it!

Last night we had a craving for sushi. Luckily for us, Feng recently opened a place in Canton so we had to check it out. Ginza has long been my favorite sushi place and Feng in Hartford rarely disappoints.

We arrived at 7:30 without a reservation to learn we were in for a 45 minute wait. No problem; it would give us time to grab a cocktail. The bar area is very small, with a 6 (or 8 seats?) seats. After a short wait, we ordered drinks…a Spellbound Petite Syrah for the Mr. and a Zen Green Tea Martini for me. I thought I was over the whole “frou-frou” martini thing until I had a sip. It had a nice mellow flavor of green tea liqueur and citrus, infused with real tea. A touch of sweetness, but not overpowering. There were a couple of interesting cocktails on the list, a nice way to start the evening.

The restaurant itself is very stylish, with a clubby feel. Be prepared, the noise level is very high, but I personally think it adds to the atmosphere. There is a separate room for the hibachi tables. One thing I love when eating out is the feeling that you've been completely transported to another place. Feng does exactly that, which really enhances the overall dining experience.

Once we were seated, we ordered sake for our meal. I tried the Ozeki Nigori and Mr. went with the Nagasaki. His was very clean with a slight hint of raspberry. Mine was crisp, with citrus notes. If you’ve never tried premium sake before, it is really worth exploring. You’ll never drink hot sake (you know, the stuff that smells like Mr. Clean) again. After perusing the menu we decided on a couple of rolls; the “Irene’s paradise”, “Angry Dragon” and a regular salmon roll.

While waiting for our rolls, I observed other dishes coming out of the kitchen. The plates were beautifully presented; the Jasmine Tea Smoked Filet Mignon seemed to be very popular. Our rolls were artfully prepared, and incredibly delicious. The “Angry Dragon” was a wonderful combination of spicy tuna, king crab, shrimp tempura and papaya. “Irene’s Paradise” was another delight, set off by a honey wasabi sauce. Both were excellent and after the first bite, we were already planning our next visit. The salmon was also some of the freshest I've ever tasted. I think we have a winner folks! Hibachi, anyone?

http://www.ginzacorp.com/fengcanton/

Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

2009-11-15T09:16:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was faced with that age old dilemma…it was a rainy, dreary Saturday; we were about to watch the “Anvil - The Story of Anvil” documentary. What would be a fitting meal for such an anticipated event? Why Spaghetti Alla Carbonara, of course! DUH. Carbonara is a dish that is incredibly simple to make, yet so many restaurants seem to miss the mark on it. Easy enough for a weeknight meal or elegant pasta dish for a party, it’s delicious anytime. Don’t skimp on the fresh pasta, it makes all the difference. I used a combination of egg and cracked pepper fettuccine (thanks to New England Pasta Company!).

Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

¼ lb. pancetta - chopped
1 lb. fresh pasta
3 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano
Black pepper
Parsley

In a heavy pan over medium-high heat, add the chopped pancetta and fry until browned.

Remove pancetta from pan, strain grease on paper towels. Remove pan from heat.

In a small bowl, beat eggs with ½ cup of Pecorino.

Meanwhile, cook pasta al dente in boiling salted water. Drain well.

Add pasta to the pan; stir in eggs, cheese and pancetta. Mix thoroughly until eggs are set. If you’re using egg pasta, add pepper to taste.

Garnish with ¼ cup Pecorino and parsley.

Serves 3-4

Back to the “Anvil” documentary…it was an incredible story of perseverance and eternal optimism. I was moved by the band’s lifelong quest for fame that seemed to elude them at every turn. Dreams never die people!!!

http://newenglandpastaco.com/

Joe Pizza - Canton, CT

2009-11-14T08:22:00.001-05:00

Tucked away in a small plaza on Rt. 44 in Canton is one of the finest pizza joints in the area…Joe Pizza. It’s a small family owned place with a good reputation and at the top of our take-out menu file. We were there recently grabbing food for a last minute gathering at home, no one left hungry. Here's the lowdown:

Let’s start with our favorite appetizer: you MUST try the eggplant fries. Strips of eggplant lightly breaded, fried and sprinkled with grated parmesan. Oh, did I mention that it could probably feed a family of 4? They’re so addictive; you may not want to share! The Backyard Wings went over very well with our friends, in fact they were gone within minutes. Substantial pieces of chicken bathed in buffalo wing sauce, I thought they were better than most places in town.

If you haven’t caught on yet, I am a girl who loves her burgers. Joe Pizza has the distinction of being my FAVORITE burger within a 25 mile radius. (after that, they’re encroaching on some legendary territory) The beef is ground twice a day, formed into half-pound size patties and cooked medium. The meat itself is so doggone tasty, you barely need condiments. *sigh* It is worth driving there JUST for the burger. Do it today.

Another crowd-pleaser on Sunday was the meatball grinder. It came loaded with homemade meatballs, tomato sauce, cheese and peppers on a crusty grinder roll. The meatballs were substantial and full of flavor. The grinders are huge; you need a game plan before you dig in!

Prices are reasonable and the portions are generous; if you’re in Canton it’s definitely worth checking out Joe Pizza.

http://joepizzacanton.com/

Thanksgiving Porn - the Poem

2009-11-12T22:21:00.000-05:00

Move over Maxim, SI and GQ;
The Thanksgiving issue has arrived for you.
Showing a little leg, so what if it’s cooked?
Deep fried or in brine, now you’re hooked.
Cranberries glisten so scarlet and bright,
Buttery Mashed Potato looking just right.
Page after page of stuffing you see,
Wild Rice or cornbread, what will it be?
The Williams family from Maine is featured this year,
All in matching sweaters, you jealously sneer.
Open the centerfold, your hopes are so high!
For decadent Pecan Tart or that stalwart Pumpkin Pie.
Glossy photos they tempt and tease,
For the Thanksgiving issue never fails to please.

DISH n' Dat Redux

2009-11-11T21:20:00.001-05:00

First, let me state the obvious. Argentinian Malbec and Aged White Cheddar popcorn are NOT an ideal pairing for an evening snack.

Last night we decided to pack up Cheeseburger Jr. and head out for dinner on a school night. We chose “DISH n’ Dat” because we had been there just after it opened and thought it a good idea to check it out again. I’ve been looking forward to one thing since the last visit…chicken and waffles.
SOOO, we arrived and after a short wait, we were seated in a comfortable booth. There were people of all ages enjoying dinner…older couples, teenagers, and young families.

Breakfast was calling our name, but nothing could get in the way of my chicken and waffles. The Mr. ordered fish tacos and Jr. ordered macaroni and cheese. Our food arrived and we were ready to dig in. I would have been ready, if I had a chainsaw. The chicken appeared to be over-fried, as it was covered in a dark brown crust. I reached into my purse for some optimism and decided to try it. The chicken itself was very moist, but the coating was very bland and lacked flavor. The waffle seemed a bit overcooked also; although I did like the light drizzle of molasses (?) based syrup.

On the flip side, the Mr. enjoyed his fish tacos. Two generously sized tortillas were served with mahi-mahi, cabbage, salsa and lime, with just the right amount of spice. He opted for the potato salad, which was pretty tasty and a side I will consider for future visits.

I think my expectations were pretty high for the second visit, and unfortunately, they fell short. I consider myself to be a fair critic when dining out, and understand they may still be ironing out kinks in the kitchen. I would definitely give them another chance as they offer the perfect atmosphere for family dining. They’ve got a winning formula for our area, let’s hope they continue to improve.

Oh, and by the way…try Argentinian Malbec and dark chocolate for your next evening snack. Wow.

Willimantic Brewing Company - Willimantic, CT

2009-11-08T09:23:00.000-05:00

Last night we paid a visit to Willimantic Brewing Company/Main Street Café for a little birthday celebration. Located in a former post office on Main Street, they provide a unique venue for enjoying pub grub and of course, BEER.

The building itself is an architectural beauty. Traces of the former post office still remain; from the detailed woodwork to the old customer counter now serving as the bar. It’s worth taking a moment to take a tour the space and appreciate the historical significance of an era gone by.

Thirsty yet? They have one of the finest selections around, from their own handcrafted beer to a “guest” list of over 20 microbrews. Beer lovers, unite! We stuck with Willimantic Brewing selections and were not disappointed. I’ll list them out in order of preference:

Junk Mail IPA – India Pale Ale – hands down the crowd favorite
Three Cents – Pale Ale
Certified Gold – Golden Ale (this one would be perfect on a warm summer day)
Postmark Porter – one of the more complex beers I have ever tried; my personal favorite

If you pay them a visit, try a sampler. It’s the best way (at any brew pub!) to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating quality beer.

If you’re going to be drinking beer, you will definitely need to eat. I’ve been eating at Main Street Café since they opened and I will say that their food has been consistently good over the years. For starters, I recommend the nachos. The nachos will make your eyes pop when you see the huge mound of chips smothered with cheese, jalapenos, tomatoes and scallions. A meal in itself and a perfect way to build a thirst for…MORE BEER. Air Mail Wings are also worth ordering, in varying degrees of spiciness.

The entrée menu offers a wide selection, guaranteed to please any palate. DO NOT ignore the multigrain bread that is placed before you. Served warm with sweet (maple?) butter, it’s extremely addictive. I think overall, my favorite menu items are the build your own burgers. Similar to a steak and Cabernet, burgers and beer are the perfect match. I’ll take mine with smoked bacon and cheese, please. You’ll notice the post office theme throughout the menu (you can test your zip code prowess).

Willimantic Brewing is one of the finest brew pubs in the state, well worth the drive down Rt. 6. If you are a beer lover, it might become your new home. For the rest of you, a fun place to hang with friends, watch a UCONN game or have lunch with family in a cool setting.

http://www.willibrew.com/

I'd Love to Write Another Song...

2009-10-31T15:46:00.000-04:00

“I’m searching everywhere, though I look for inspiration, sometimes it’s just not there” – Van Morrison

I’ve been humming that song all week in my search for something interesting to write about! The week was so crazy I didn’t even have time to stop and smell the garlic.

However, I DID have time to finish a book, “Save The Deli” by David Sax. It’s an interesting and often poignant history of Jewish deli, in the United States and around the world. The stories of the Deli Men tugged at my heartstrings as I read about their struggles to keep their businesses and culture alive. Quite frankly, I was unaware how difficult it is to run a deli and I have a newfound respect for those business owners. I spent most of my time reading and salivating for a pastrami sandwich.

The book also highlighted another sad topic: how traditional recipes are becoming lost with each generation. Are we becoming so used to dinner from a box that we are losing our identities? I thought about two treasured food memories from my childhood: my grandmother serving “ployes” with molasses or jam in lieu of bread and my grandfather’s special soup. Never made the same way twice, he would often appear at our home unannounced and before you realized he was there, a large pot of hearty soup would be boiling on the stove. It contained any combination of the following ingredients: pasta, tomatoes, spinach, chicken broth and potatoes. It was always perfect and sadly, can never be replicated.

I urge you to take the time and do one of two things: patronize local family owned restaurants AND write down your family recipes.

Ployes – French Canadian Crepe

1 Cup Buckwheat flour
1 Cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups cold water
½ cup hot water

Mix dry ingredients with cold water. Add hot water and mix, creating a light batter. Spoon batter onto a hot griddle; forming a 5-6 inch pancake. Allow ploye to cook for 1 ½ minutes, do not flip! Remove from griddle and repeat process for each ploye. Serve with butter, jam, molasses or maple syrup.

Have a Happy and safe Halloween!

Five Guys Burgers and Fries - Avon, CT

2009-10-25T17:40:00.000-04:00

After making our annual Halloween costume trek (I know, so LATE in the season), we decided to head over to one my favorite burger places, Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Burgers are all the rage now, and it seems new places are opening every week to keep up with the trend. Fancy burgers are o.k. now and then, but when you want quality, cooked-to-order fast food, Five Guys is the place to go.

Today we went old school. Cheeseburgers, a hot dog and those addictive French fries. *sigh*

The burgers come in two sizes: regular (which is actually two patties) and junior. Both are substantial, freshly ground beef patties, cooked to order. Just wait until you walk in, and the smell of frying beef hits your nose. Holy $%$%@#$#@. There are several toppings to choose from. Once your burger is cooked, it is placed on a soft bun, just thick enough to hold that juicy goodness together.

For you hot dog aficionados, theirs is worth trying. I believe they use Hebrew National dogs. Split on a buttered roll, they need no condiments. (o.k., maybe a little mustard) A perfect side dish to your junior cheeseburger!

Personally, I don’t think anyone’s French fries come close to theirs. Made just the way I like them, thickly cut with the right amount of salt. They come in two sizes, and either way you will receive more fries than you can handle. Take note of the chalkboard near the register, which lists the origin of that day’s potato.

While you’re waiting for your order, feel free to snack on the peanuts, which are sitting in large barrels.

Five Guys started out with a single location in Arlington, Virginia and has been steadily opening new locations over the last few years. If you have the choice between those other fast food places and Five Guys, go with the place that serves REAL potatoes and beef.

http://www.fiveguys.com/

Raindrops on Roses

2009-10-24T15:54:00.000-04:00

It’s Saturday!!

Now that the chill of fall is in the air, thoughts turn to creature comforts. Cheeseburger Jr. and I were baking apple bread earlier. (baking + me = rare occurrence) As the bread baked, I looked around the kitchen and started making a list of my favorite foodie things. I share them with you; perhaps you’ll be inspired to create your own. In no particular order:

The hamburger episode of “Julia and Jacques” – Food television at its finest!

Jar of homemade preserved lemons – you can use them in everything

Loose Tea – all tea, all the time
www.uptontea.com

Shallot Confit - one taste of this and you will want to bathe in it
www.thefrenchfarm.com

Collection of Thanksgiving cooking magazines (the culinary equivalent of the SI Swimsuit issue)

The cheese drawer in my refrigerator - there’s always a wedge of something on hand

Tattered “Betty Crocker Cookbook” - purchased when I struck out on my own

Organic Onion Flakes - a NEW favorite
www.boxedgoodes.com

Wine tasting glasses – no explanation necessary

Hope you are enjoying the weekend; we are having dinner at a friend’s house tonight. Can’t think of a better way to spend a rainy evening.

We’ll chat soon.

Tapas Crawl!

2009-10-21T22:07:00.000-04:00

A group of us recently decided to embark on a little tapas crawl in West Hartford. As a matter of convenience, we decided to stick a couple of places in the Center. The Hartford area is rich with Latin American cuisine, so the opportunities for Tapas Crawl II, III & IV are endless. You need to have goals people!

Cuvee – West Hartford, CT

The evening started off at Cuvee, a new wine and champagne room on Raymond Road. It was my second visit (see my previous post). Although it doesn’t offer a tapas menu in the traditional sense, they do have a nice selection of small plates and cocktails in one of the cozier places in town. To start off the evening, we ordered a goat cheese and onion tart, a vegetable sushi roll and hummus plate. The tart was the favorite, a wonderful combination of cheese and caramelized onions on a light buttery crust. The hummus was delicious and a great plate to nosh on while enjoying one of the many imaginative cocktails on the menu. While we did not try the actual sushi, the vegetable roll was a cool, refreshing accompaniment to the savory dishes. All and all, Cuvee is a perfect spot to meet up with girlfriends (guys, you’re outnumbered there) in a relaxing setting.

Barcelona – West Hartford, CT

We arrived at Barcelona approximately 30 minutes early, much to the chagrin of the “cranky” and most gracious host. Before I get into the food, let me say that the waitstaff was fantastic. Our two servers, Emily and oh-he-whose-name-we-did-not-catch were spirited and outgoing. Our tapas were brought out two or three at a time, which spaced our dinner out nicely. They really contributed to making our evening perfect!

Before you even try to approach the tapas menu, peruse the comprehensive wine list. This is the place to experiment and try something new! Spanish and South American wines are incredible in quality and value. The servers are very knowledgeable and after answering a few simple questions on your preferences, they will steer you in the right direction.

Now, the grub. While sipping our new favorite wines and enjoying hot, crusty bread, we ordered a smattering of tapas from the extensive menu. I will list them in the order of group preference (loyal followers…correct me if I’m wrong):

Lobster risotto – smooth, creamy loaded with lobster, asparagus and tomatoes
Pork Tenderloin – moist, flavorful pork with a cider glaze on a bed of squash – wow!!
Mushrooms and goat cheese – marriage made in heaven...nuff said.
Beef and Chicken Empanadas – fantastic smoky flavors
Potato Tortilla - layers of thinly sliced potato with chive crème fraiche
Chickpea and spinach casserole – lots of cumin and garlic - one of my favorites
Marinated Hearts of Palm – we’ll call this the “salad portion” of our crawl
Calamari – crispy, but a bit rubbery – perhaps they were sitting too long?

Once our plates were cleared, we did not want our tapas-fest to end, and there was still dessert to be had. Out came the flan; a rich custard with a caramel topping. It was downright perfect, and probably the best one I’ve had in the area. (like I spend my days eating the stuff) Not overly sweet, but with enough vanilla and caramel to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Barcelona has long been a favorite of mine. The menu begs you to experiment, share and soak up new flavors; whether you’re a group of friends or an intimate party of two. You will love it!

http://barcelonawinebar.com/

Cheers to new friendships and future food crawls!

Food for Thought

2009-10-20T22:23:00.000-04:00

It goes without saying…we all have good days and bad days. Sometimes, when life becomes a challenge, an event happens that puts things in perspective. I don’t mean to sound like a public service announcement, but it’s my blog and I can write whatever the hell I want to. Now you’re asking…what does this have to do with food???

Food is something we’re so passionate about, we share and appreciate. Unfortunately, there are many people who go without. I ask you to take a few minutes of your time and donate to your local food bank. Maybe you could throw a few extras in the shopping cart this week. Any little bit helps and who knows; maybe you’ll touch the life of a neighbor or fellow foodie. Isn’t sharing part of the deal?

And now back to our regularly scheduled program

Firebox - Hartford, CT

2009-10-19T21:51:00.000-04:00

We recently had dinner at Firebox, located in a renovated factory building on Broad St, in Hartford, CT. An absolute jewel of a restaurant, Firebox epitomizes the farm-to-table movement with local, freshly prepared dishes.

The space itself is large, with a clean, sophisticated décor. A fireplace in the main area gives cozy warmth to the room. The bar area is spacious and inviting, with its own menu for casual dining. The drink list is interesting (try the Cucumber Limeade or Thomas Hooker “Octoberfest”).

Where to start? On this particular evening, after ordering a Blackburn Cabernet from the approachable wine list, we decide to start with the P.E.I mussels. It’s not an easy choice, with the Duck Confit salad piquing our interest. The mussels arrive in a broth of Octoberfest beer, grain mustard, and chunks of garlicky kielbasa. We sop up the broth with the homemade multi grain bread that is placed before us, warm and crusty. Things are good in our world.

The main menu, which changes seasonally, typically consists of 8 or 9 entrees. Firebox is one of the few restaurants in the area where I could literally order every single item without hesitation. So, I opt for the Beef Short Rib braised in red wine. The Mr. orders the Maple and Ginger Roasted Chicken. The beef rib was cooked to perfection, sitting on a potato and celery root puree. Roast Brussels sprouts and carrots round out the dish nicely. (One of the reasons I love Firebox is that they always have Brussels sprouts on the menu, a refreshing change from the usual vegetable sides.) The meat falls off the bone, creating a luscious stew of flavors. The chicken is moist with a faint sweet flavor of local maple syrup. The farro (a type of wheat grain) that accompanies is loaded with thick chunks of bacon and tomatoes. Have you made your reservation yet?

You must know by now that we won’t be skipping dessert! So, after 2.3 seconds of deliberation, we decide to order Ashlawn Farm coffee, Apple Cobbler and the Chocolate Semifreddo. The cobbler is the perfect fall dessert, large pieces of apple baked with a crumb crust. The semifreddo is light and chocolaty, adorned with crème anglaise. We shared our plates and enjoyed the warmth of a satisfying cup of coffee. Another dessert of note is the cheese plate, which features Cato Corner Cheese. They produce some of the finest cheeses in the country. (sore topic…I grew up a couple of miles from their farm, and they had the audacity to open after I left town…and don’t get me started on the winery!)

Firebox continues to be one of the finest restaurants in Hartford. Not only are they producing incredible food, but they have made an obvious commitment to the community through their on-site farmer’s market, and community workshops held at Billings Forge, the adjacent building.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

http://www.fireboxrestaurant.com/

DISH n' Dat - Canton, CT

2009-10-18T15:24:00.000-04:00

After a lazy morning at home, we decided to venture out on this RAW and rainy day to a new local spot, “DISH n' Dat”. The casual sister restaurant to the well-received “Dish”, located in Hartford, CT. Judging by the lunchtime crowd, DISH n' Dat is poised for success. Sadly, I did not have the chance to take photos during our lunch, will try to get them next time!

Previously, the spot had been a place for formal dining and the new owners have removed all traces of the former restaurant. The décor is very modern retro, using a palette of blue.

The best way to describe the menu is “kicked up diner”. Breakfast is served all day, along with several comfort food favorites. Mr. Cheeseburger started off with the clam chowder; a large bowl of golden creamy soup loaded with three types of clams. For lunch he ordered the pastrami reuben (the world’s most perfect sandwich) and I had the matzoh ball soup and chicken salad sandwich. The pastrami was a delicious and messy delight, loaded with tender meat, sauerkraut and Russian dressing on grilled rye. French fries contained the right balance of potato and salt. Cheeseburger Jr. opted for the macaroni and cheese. The matzoh ball soup was very straightforward; a rich chicken broth with chunks of chicken, root vegetables and matzoh ball. The chicken salad sandwich arrived on whole grain bread, nice sized chunks of chicken in a light dressing. We watched as dishes were coming out of the kitchen: club sandwiches piled high, eggs Benedict with fresh spinach, fluffy pancakes. Portions were well-sized, not over the top.

In order to have a well rounded lunch experience, we decided to go for it and order dessert. Jr’s kid’s meal came with an ice cream sandwich, and it was just that, wrapped in the telltale white paper. Because I was in a “diner” I thought pie would the most appropriate choice. And so it arrived, a generous slice of coconut custard pie. The custard was light and full of coconut flavor. Garnishing the pie was a MOUND of whipped cream topped with toasted coconut. A great way to end the meal!

Service was very attentive and friendly. We waited approximately 30 minutes to be seated, but once we were settled, our food arrived quickly. As we live in a family oriented community, they have definitely filled a much needed void. (We live in the black hole of breakfast joints and will someone PLEASE HEAR MY CRY AND OPEN A DELI??? ) They do have a kid’s menu, and I love the fact that it contains breakfast items, served all day.

If you’ve got a craving for honest comfort food in a jovial atmosphere, check out DISH n' Dat. I am already looking forward to checking it out for dinner…hello fried chicken and waffles!

http://www.dishbarandgrill.com

When the moon hits you eye....

2009-10-13T21:38:00.000-04:00

When looking for dinner inspiration, I employ three strategies:

A) Find out what my co-worker is making and steal her idea
B) Take a mental inventory of the pantry on the ride home
C) Open the nearest cookbook/magazine/website and point

Tonight I opted for Plan B; which led me to homemade pizza. I always keep fresh dough on hand; it’s easy to throw together a pizza or calzone using veggies or meats. But we’re not here to discuss toppings, let’s dig under the surface to the sauce. Pizza sauce is incredibly simple to make, and often the “forgotten” ingredient in pizza. We sing the praises of cheeses, toppings and crust, but does anyone ever mention the sauce? Here is my recipe; you don’t need to use much as it has a very concentrated flavor. Make some now, freeze the rest for another time.

1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon Italian Sausage Seasoning (or 1 tablespoon oregano, basil or Italian herb blend)
1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground paprika

Mix ingredients together in small bowl until smooth. Makes enough for approximately 3 medium pizzas.

Apples to Apples

2009-10-11T14:57:00.000-04:00

First things first…The Tapas Crawl was a great success! Once I get my act together, I will post about our experiences. Can’t wait for the next one! In the interim, let’s chat….

If you live in New England and you’ve never gone apple picking, you must have your head examined. It is the quintessential fall experience. I put it first, in FRONT of leaf peeping. Am I crazy? Yes, crazy for apples.

Today we took a little jaunt over to Roger’s Orchards in Southington. An annual pilgrimage for our family, Roger’s offers apple picking in one of the most bucolic settings in the area. After picking a large bag of Ida Reds and Empires; we headed over to the store for some treats. Try the apple fritter doughnuts and a jug of cider. The doughnuts are hearty, with just right amount of spice and chopped apple. Don’t be a hero and wait until you get home, they are meant to be consumed seconds after purchase. I can’t think of a more perfect way to celebrate a perfect autumn day.

http://www.rogersorchards.com/

On the menu for dinner tonight:

Chicken Cutlets with Arugula Polenta
Apple Crisp, perhaps?

Talk to you soon!

Staropolska - New Britain, CT

2009-10-04T17:20:00.000-04:00

Located in the heart of a large, bustling Polish community, Broad Street is lined with restaurants, delis, bakeries and produce markets. If you’re looking for Polish foods, (and reasonably priced, fresh produce!) this is the place to visit. In our world of superstores and lifestyle centers, neighborhoods like Broad Street are a dying breed.

We ventured to Broad Street yesterday with a hankering for kielbasa and other goodies. As it was a rainy afternoon, we limited our visit to two places, but I will mention our other favorites at the end of this post.

Staropolska – a small, welcoming place located at the top of Broad Street. On any given day, you’ll spot local politicians, business owners, residents and visitors all sharing authentic, freshly prepared Polish cuisine served up by a very friendly waitstaff.

On your first visit, go for the gusto with the “Polish Platter” (pictured) This hearty plate contains: Kielbasa, an assortment of three pierogis, mashed potato, bigos (a stew made of sauerkraut, kielbasa and beef, I could eat a bowl of the stuff), 1 potato pancake, 1 golabek (stuffed cabbage) and applesauce. Did I leave anything out? Oh, and a dollop of sour cream. The pierogis are typically: potato and cheese, sauerkraut and mushroom, and beef and veal. Now that you’ve gotten your feet wet, make a return visit and try some of the other traditional favorites such as: white borscht soup, stuffed pork loin or veal meatballs.

There is also outdoor seating, which makes for a pleasant experience in the warmer months. All and all, if you’ve never enjoyed real Polish food, Staropolska is well worth the visit from anywhere.

http://www.staropolska.net/

After picking up our grub, we headed to the store directly across the street, Nozewski Meat Products. Mostly a deli, they also carry groceries and a nice selection of pierogis. Do not be intimidated by the Polish signs and labeling. The staff will assist in making your meat selections. Be adventurous!

Sampling of other places to try on your visit to Broad Street:

Polmart (anything and everything)
121 Broad Street

Rarytas Polish Deli (try the cold cuts, you’ll never visit your grocery store deli counter again)
38 Broad Street

Cracovia (another excellent Polish restaurant – DO try it)
60 Broad Street

Kasia Bakery
88 Broad Street

The Farm (produce)
166 Broad Street

Eau de Poulet

2009-09-30T22:01:00.000-04:00

Fall has arrived, and with it comes cooler weather, shorter days and a yearning for comfort foods. This brings me to the topic of roasted chicken, one of the simplest and most delicious dishes one can make. Try the following recipe adapted for the crockpot and wait as your house fills with the aroma of baking chicken (someone should bottle that scent…”Is that Eau de Poulet you’re wearing?”). It’s a perfect dish for company or when you want Sunday dinner, anytime. Leftovers make flavorful soup too! I like to serve with a simple garlic mashed potato and roasted Brussels sprouts.

Sunday Dinner Anytime Chicken

1 Whole Chicken
2 Tablespoons olive oil (preferably garlic or lemon)
2 Onions, halved
1 Lemon, coarsely chopped (remove seeds)
2 shallots, chopped
1 Tablespoon chopped garlic
2 Tablespoons paprika
2 Tablespoons Herbs de Provence
Sea Salt and pepper

Place onion halves in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Mix the following in a small bowl: lemon, shallots, garlic and herbs.

Rinse the chicken, inside and out, pat dry. Rub olive oil on chicken. Season the chicken with salt, pepper and paprika. Fill the cavity with lemon/herb mixture and place in the slow cooker on top of the onions.

Cook on Low setting for approx. 6-8 hours or on High for 4 hours; or until the chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear.

The Marriage of Food and Music

2009-09-28T19:26:00.000-04:00

There are three things I require every day to survive: coffee, music and air. (in that order) If you’ve ever spent more than 5 minutes in my presence, you know that I always have music playing no matter where, what or with whom. One of my favorite times of the day is when I arrive home, quivering with anticipation to prepare dinner. I roll up my sleeves and fire up the Ipod. With tunes blasting, the cooking begins. Once dinner is ready, I am rejuvenated and relaxed. Here is the current “Kitchen Mix”:

“That’s Not My Name” – The Ting Tings
“Somebody Told Me” – The Killers
“Celebrity Skin” – Hole
“Can You Rock It Like This?” – Run DMC
“Lowlife” – Kid Rock
“Champagne Supernova” – Oasis
“Candy” – Iggy Pop
“Troublemaker” – Weezer
“City of Blinding Lights” – U2
“Stronger” – Kanye West
“Love Don’t Live Here” – Lady Antellebum
“Jai Ho” – Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack
“Overpowered by Funk” – The Clash
“Ruby” – Kaiser Chiefs
“Overture and All That Jazz” – Catherine Zeta Jones

I often read about musicians who are not only gourmands, but serious wine collectors. Did you think they ate Taco Bell and drank Schlitz in that jet? I think musicians enjoy food and wine because it’s a seamless transition from music. Both are nourishing and stimulating to the senses. A marriage made in heaven. Think about your favorite dish, song or wine…how do they make you feel?

Da Capo Restaurant - Avon, CT

2009-09-26T22:18:00.000-04:00

I sit before you, glass of “Cannonball Cabernet” in hand and half deaf from revisiting the “Empire” CD by Queensryche.

We decided to check out Da Capo this evening after having a delicious lunch there a few days ago. Let me tell you, this place was PACKED. We arrived just in time, for when we were seated; there was a long line at the door. I have not seen such crowds at ANY restaurant in our area; I took it as a good sign.

The place was hopping and quite loud. Some people might be put off by the noise, but I think it added to the atmosphere. Do you really want to slurp your bucatini in silence? I didn’t think so.

We started things off with a glass of Mondavi Cabernet and a basket of warm rolls. Wait, did I say Mondavi? The wine list was very small and I was disappointed at the number of wines by the glass, (5 or 6?) and 50% were Italian.

You will recognize your favorites here….Parmigiana, Fra Diavolo, etc. For dinner we ordered Spinach Ravioli and the Carbonara. The house made ravioli was served with a fresh Pommodoro sauce; full of onions and tomatoes. The ravioli was not heavy, with the perfect blend of ricotta and spinach. The Carbonara aficionado declared his dish to be “very good”; although it arrived bathed in cream sauce, not in the traditional style as we have become accustomed. Dishes are served individual or family style. A neighboring table gasped at the size of their family style Fra Diavolo when it arrived at the table. Portions are generous, better strap on your bib and fire up your fork and spoon.

At lunch, I had ordered the Bucatini and Meatballs while my friend enjoyed the Rigatoni con Salsiccie. (pictured) Both dishes were satisfying and full of flavor.

But let’s cut to the “piece de resistance"; the tiramisu. To me, tiramisu is the calamari of desserts. It’s ubiquitous and easy to ruin. I’ve had it twice at Da Capo and it is one of the best I have ever had. THE perfect blend of mascarpone, expresso and ladyfingers. Do yourself a favor and order it. The desserts are made in house; I think I may need to try a cannoli or cheesecake next visit.

Service is extremely friendly and accommodating. I was impressed by the quality of service at dinner, given the level of activity. Those folks were working their tails off, and we appreciated their efforts. We can add Da Capo to our list of local favorites. Families, couples and friends were clearly enjoying their evening, could you ask for anything more?

http://dacaporestaurant.com/

Ode to the Cheese Guy

2009-09-25T20:13:00.000-04:00

O’ Cheese Man, your presence is missed
At the Rhinebeck farmer’s market, why have you dissed?

Your buffalo mozzarella so mild and creamy,
The mere sight of your table welcome and dreamy.

Alas, you have gone, such a void in our life
The unadorned tomato and bread you have caused such strife.

Hear my plea and consider your return,
To the Rhinebeck Farmer’s Market our money we will burn.

http://www.rhinebeckfarmersmarket.com/

Sully's Fresh Catch of the Day

2009-09-23T18:15:00.001-04:00

I’ve seen you in the drive-thru at McDonald’s; the one with dark sunglasses ordering one of the world’s most perfect foods: The Filet O’Fish. Now don’t go rolling your eyes and start lecturing “I would NEVER EVER eat at McDonald’s!” Face it, the Filet O’ Fish is the underground favorite of epicureans everywhere.

Where else can you get five ounces of perfectly square, freshly caught Pollock? Lovingly adorned with one half slice of orange cheese and a cup of tarter sauce. In fact, the mark of a properly prepared sandwich is the dollop of tartar sauce that lands in your lap on the first bite. In our area, the Filet O’ Fish is served in a box, which is a bit of a letdown. It’s supposed to be presented as a gift, wrapped in blue paper.

There are many strategies for obtaining the freshest Filet O’ Fish. Some prefer to order one without the cheese, thereby forcing the staff to make one from scratch. Others might take lunch early, before the rush, ensuring that their Filet O’ Fish is one of the first ones made for the day. You walk a fine line in the late afternoon, which may cause great anxiety. Will they prepare a fresh one for you or will you receive the one that’s been sitting under the heat lamp since noon? This is no simple matter!

Save the French fries for your hamburger, a creation as simple and elegant as Filet O’ Fish needs no accompaniment.

Next time you’re in the drive-thru, give a nod and a wink. After all, people don’t know what they’re missing, right?

Paella for me, Paella for you!

2009-09-22T18:50:00.000-04:00

I made paella over the weekend and thought I would share my recipe. I like to call it the "Quick and Dirty" version because I've adapted the traditional recipe for the stovetop. It's a great basic recipe for entertaining if you are short on time. In this version, I omit mussels but do add them when I actually have time to visit the seafood market! Enjoy with a glass of Tempranillo!

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoons dried oregano
salt and black pepper to taste
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cubed
1 clove chopped garlic
1 teaspoon cayenne red pepper
4 cups Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice, brown or white (2 packages)
1 pinch saffron threads, divided
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
Zest of one lemon
½ cup chopped shallots or 1 onion
1 large red bell pepper, diced
1 pound chorizo sausage, chopped
1 pound medium–sized shrimp (I use cooked frozen for convenience)

In a medium bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons paprika, oregano, and salt and pepper. Stir in chicken pieces to coat. Cover, refrigerate and allow to marinate.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and brown. Remove chicken and wipe with paper towel. Sauté red pepper, shallots and garlic for 3-4 minutes, until soft. Add chicken back to skillet along with chorizo, shrimp, 2 tablespoons paprika and cayenne pepper. Blend ingredients and add ½ cup of chicken broth. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes, adding chicken broth if necessary. (you don’t want the mixture to be too watery)

Meanwhile, pour rice into saucepan with a few tablespoons of chicken broth, just enough to moisten. Add lemon zest and a pinch of saffron. Heat rice on medium heat for 3-4 minutes, just enough to warm and meld flavors.

Spread rice over meat mixture. Cover and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve. Serves 4.

Max Burger - West Hartford, CT

2009-09-21T18:53:00.000-04:00

If you live in Connecticut, surely you’re heard of the mighty Max Restaurant Group. They run a tremendously successful group of restaurants, each with their own distinct identity. Their latest venture is Max Burger, located in a former bank building. The location is just out of the bustle of West Hartford Center, but if one name is going to attract customers, it’s “Max”. And boy, we are grateful they took over the space!!

The place has a very casual “cowboy theme” atmosphere with a bar and outside seating area. They have a burger for everyone…yes, even vegetarians. My personal favorites are the “Fatty Melt” (like anything with that name is going to taste bad) and the “Alfred”. (cheese, caramelized onions and rosemary aioli). The burgers are chock full of beefy goodness, moist and bursting with flavor. I like that they use Niman Ranch beef, which has an excellent reputation for offering humanely raised products.

Burgers are accompanied by a side of hand-cut fries and pickles. Do not diss the pickles; they’re worth each crunchy bite. I’ve also tried the sweet potato fries, but I found them to be pretty average and will stick to the regular fries going forward.

There is also a nice selection of appetizers, sandwiches and entrees, some of which you will recognize from other Max locations. I would love to hear from someone who has tried the Pickle Wrapped Pastrami or the Cheeseburger Springroll! YUMMMM

Since you need a beverage to wash down your meal, you must peruse the wine/cocktail/beer list. Here are my personal recommendations:

Martini – “Ellsworth White Cosmo”
Beer – “Max’s No Name Pale Ale” – (brewed by local Hooker Brewing Co)
Beer #2 – Lagunitas IPA

Check out the “Spiked Shakes” too, a fun way to end your burger glutton-fest!

Burger places are a dime a dozen these days, but if you’re willing to spend an extra couple of bucks you will be well-rewarded at Max Burger. Stop reading this, grab your friends and head over!

http://maxrestaurantgroup.com/burger/index.php

J. Gilbert’s Wood Fired Steaks and Seafood – Glastonbury, CT

2009-09-14T21:43:00.000-04:00

We celebrated my dad’s recent birthday with a festive family dinner at J. Gilbert’s. Despite having to wait for a party to vacate the private room, they delivered with great food, friendly service and most importantly, the opportunity for my family to sing in a public place.

To make up for the inconvenience of waiting, the manager profusely apologized and we were greeted with several plates of appetizers upon being seated. Dangerous little things, those appetizers. Plates of Maytag Bleu Potato Chips were addictive and quickly devoured along with Smoked Chicken Quesadillas topped with a pineapple-mango salsa.

For starters, I decided to try the crab bisque. It arrived nicely garnished with a dollop of crabmeat. The sweetness of the crab was balanced nicely with the heat of cayenne red pepper.

Apparently, I was feeling “crabby” that night as I decided to order the Jumbo lump crab cake entrée. Loosely formed cakes of lump crab held together by house made mayonnaise. Yup, they were by far the best crab cakes I’ve eaten at any restaurant in the area. (so many places are under the assumption that crab is actually bread) The cakes were accompanied by white cheddar mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. Everyone at the table raved about the potatoes. (We’re a starchy family)

Heard no complaints about the steaks that everyone else ordered, they were cooked as ordered and well-seasoned.

J. Gilbert’s wine list is accessible, with selections in every price range. We enjoyed the Liberty School Cabernet and a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc recommended by our waiter.

My dad loves dessert, so we finished our meals with a spirited version of "Happy Birthday" and espresso chocolate cheesecake. I found that the flavors balanced nicely and sweetness did not overwhelm the cake.

Overall, we had a great time and added J. Gilbert's to the list of future gathering places. If you’re looking for the steakhouse experience and a good value, they're worth the visit. A children’s menu is also available.

http://www.jgilberts.com/

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar – West Hartford, CT

2009-09-12T13:53:00.000-04:00

Last night my friends and I headed to our favorite happy hour spot, Fleming’s. A welcome addition to the local dining scene, Fleming’s is a chain with a neighborhood feel.

I’ve had the opportunity to dine at Fleming’s on several occasions. If you’re a steak and potatoes gal like me, you will be right at home here. The steaks are fabulous, cooked to perfection. Little salt, little pepper, finished off with butter and parsley. Your mouth is watering! According to my husband, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried the bone-in ribeye. Although steak rules the roost, seafood has a starring role on the Appetizer menu. Some of our favorites include: Seared Tuna, Barbecue Shrimp and the Calamari.
Sides are a la carte and include steakhouse favorites such as: mashed potatoes (three varieties), creamed spinach and grilled asparagus.

I hope you’ve left room for dessert. After eating a stick of butter and a hunk of red meat, it’s time to finish the job with Crème Brulee. Ah…..creamy vanilla bean custard with a delicate sugar crust. Is there anything finer?

Service at Fleming’s is impeccable. The waitstaff is extremely welcoming, knowledgeable and thoughtful. On a recent visit, my husband and I were gifted with a box of chocolate-covered strawberries as an accompaniment to the champagne we ordered. Fred, the bartender greets with a smile and is always ready with answers to our endless questions about the wine list. OH the wine list….

The wine list is in my opinion, the finest in our area. In addition to an impressive selection of bottles, they offer 100 wines by the glass. The list is ever-changing, budget friendly and just plain fun. I asked Fred to surprise me with a “Red Wine of Interest” last night, and he poured a spicy, smoky red from South Africa. Perfect on a chilly, rainy Friday night. Some of my personal favorites on the list include:

Picket Fence Chardonnay
Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay
Conundrum California 2007
Qupe Shiraz
14 Hands Cabernet

Whether you’re enjoying a drink in the bar or celebrating a special occasion, you will appreciate Fleming’s.

http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/

Now I am off to get ready for a birthday party. NO, NOT for the CAT!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Otto Pizzeria - NYC

2009-09-08T09:59:00.000-04:00

My husband and I discovered Otto Pizzeria by accident. We were wandering around the University area one night without a plan or dinner reservation. It was decided that we would just stop at the next place we found, regardless of cuisine, wait or price. (talk about a crap shoot). So, at 9:00 p.m. we strolled in, not knowing what to expect. We were not disappointed.

Otto is run by Mario Batali & Co; owners of several restaurants in the city and beyond. Judging by the crowd, Otto is clearly a place for everyone to enjoy. Toddlers noshing on pizza, visiting NYU parents enjoying wine and small plates, tourists soaking up the atmosphere…you get the idea.

We’ve been to Otto many times since and we never start our meal without ordering the platter of house cured meats. The pork chops my mother broiled for 2 hours did not melt in your mouth like the Prosciutto, Lonza, Coppa, Testa and Salumi.

Pasta dishes are excellent; try the spaghetti alla carbonara and pasta all Norma, to name a few. The Carbonara is perfection and highlights how delicious a simple pasta dish can taste. (Do you hear the screams of your pasta drowning in red or cream sauce? Not here!)

Now, don’t be a slouch and ignore the dessert menu. The gelatos are divine, my personal favorite being the olive oil.

The Italian wine list is quite lengthy and worth exploring. The waitstaff is very helpful in making recommendations.

One of our favorite places in the city!

http://www.ottopizzeria.com/home.cfm

Grandma

2009-09-05T06:17:00.000-04:00

Hello my fine foodie friends!

I woke up this morning thinking about my grandmother and her influence in my life. Having a large family to feed and care for, her day often started before sunrise. The rest of the day was spent planning lunches for my grandfather (Fried Spam anyone?) and dinner for the family. I loved poring over cookbooks and magazines with her to plan Sunday dinner. (an obsession that continues to this day) She loved finding new recipes to try and was delighted when we cleaned our plates. Her house was also the place I tried all sorts of novelties. (Cup O’Noodles! Magic Shell!) Then there were the special occasions where Grandpa would announce that he was taking us out for a REAL steak dinner. Off we went to Ponderosa! You want seafood? How about Arthur Treacher’s?

Although is no longer with us, she taught me an important lesson: food creates a bond and brings us together.

So, what is your favorite food memory?

Stick to your Ribs!

2009-09-04T16:42:00.000-04:00

After enduring a painful year of watching my favorite BBQ joints close; I was excited when Flaggstead Smokehouse opened in Farmington. If you like BBQ, this place is a must visit. The owner knows his stuff, using recipes handed down for three generations. I made my way over there one Sunday afternoon and ordered ribs, brisket, smoked sausage, beans and slaw. I rolled up my sleeves and dug in. The ribs are substantial, very meaty and perfectly seasoned. The brisket was the best I’ve ever tasted, and by far the tenderest. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they use Martin Rosol’s sausage (My favorite! Topic of a future post, perhaps?), spicy with a lot of snap! Sadly, I did not try any of the sauces after hearing some negative feedback. But don’t let that deter you! I didn’t miss the sauce as everything is so tender and well-spiced. Beans and slaw were flavorful, but the star of the show is the meat. I hope to have photos up soon!

DO check it out:

http://www.flaggsteadsmokehouse.com/

Cuvee - West Hartford

2009-08-30T19:51:00.000-04:00

Last Tuesday, my friend and I decided to try "Cuvee" before going to see "Julie and Julia". (Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci - sublime)

We loved Cuvee, it's very cozy with a South Beach feel. The menu consists of small plates and a thoughtful wine and cocktail list. The restaurant is divided into two distinct areas: a "wine bar"and "champagne room". Given the current economic climate, it was reassuring to see that the restaurant was busy. After ordering an expresso martini and a champagne cocktail; we decided to share a goat cheese and onion tart, ham and cheese crepes, and spicy beef lettuce cups. The beef cups were terrific, sweet on the first bite followed by a flavorful spicy kick! There were several interesting sushi rolls on the menu, which I would love to try on my NEXT visit. All and all, it was a perfect way to spend a Tuesday evening and a fun place to meet girlfriends for drinks and chat.

Check it out:

http://www.cuveewesthartford.com/sellfolio.html

Time to get the little one to bed, we spent a lovely afternoon enjoying the beautiful weather with friends who just happen to love cooking. Perfect.

Look Mom, I'm blogging!

2009-08-29T17:18:00.000-04:00

So here I am, like a child riding on two wheels for the first time...BLOGGING. I don't proclaim to be any great writer, just a person who is passionate about food and sharing information about it. Nothing gives me greater joy than visiting a great restaurant or winery and being able to spread the word, knowing that others will savor the experience as I did.

Now, I am off to get ready for the cat's birthday party. Yeah, that's what I said. We've got vichysoisse, tuna fish sandwiches and Spiderman cupcakes on the menu. The cat is going to be so surprised!

Chat with you soon