Imagine sitting at an outdoor cafe, in the jungle, alongside a river. It’s about 100º, and the humidity is oppressive. It’s a gamble to guess whether you or your water glass is dripping with more beads of sweat. Searching the menu for something refreshing, you land on Zucchini Carpaccio. It’s got sun-dried tomato, parmesan, chive, lemon zest and arugula. Perfect. Continue Reading →
I learned a lot making this recipe for Chicken Satay with Peanut Apricot Sauce.
First, dry skewers tend to burst into flames. Thankfully I’d soaked mine – though not nearly long enough. The ones that survived are pictured here. Continue Reading →
There are roughly 50 weeks and 8 days until I get to have this dinner again. That is, of course, unless someone makes it FOR me. Chiles en Nogada is hands-down my favorite meal, and one I make once a year for a very special dinner with my best girlfriends. Is it difficult? No! Does it take time? Yes, and lots of it. But trust me, your efforts will be rewarded and your taste buds will thank you.
I was first introduced to this dish in Scottsdale about 20 years ago. Husband had all-day meetings and client dinners so I was on my own most of the time. Believe me, that wasn’t a hardship. It meant that I could spend a lazy afternoon reading by the pool, then try out new {to me} restaurants and dishes, without having to do the “corporate wife” thing. Continue Reading →
For years, Husband and I had a Saturday night ritual. We’d go to the 5:15 service at church, sit in our “usual” spot, then head to Tejas, our then-favorite restaurant, for dinner. Francois * always got us a great table. Friends knew exactly where to find us, and we often ended up with a group of 6 or 8. Without exception, I always ordered the “Grilled Chicken-Wild Rice Burrito with Mango-Habanero Sauce.”
Sadly, Tejas closed a few years back. Talk about throwing us for a loop!
I’ve had a number of memorable meals at Rosa Mexicano, but one stands out above the rest.
It was early 1994, and Husband and I were in New York for some event or another, and as always, we made to book one dinner at the original Rosa’s on 58th and First Avenue. We were shown to a cozy spot in a little alcove that had just two tables, way in the back of the restaurant.
We were too busy enjoying a beverage and narrowing down the fabulous menu options to pay attention to the group sitting next to us.
But then the singing started …
A friend found this bibimbap recipe in Bon Appetit and wanted to taste the “real thing” before attempting to make the dish at home. (I love that kind of research!) On our internet search, Hoban in Eagan repeatedly came up as one of the best Korean restaurants in the Twin Cities. So last Friday night we nabbed some friends for an impromptu dinner adventure.
The restaurant is in a strip mall (no surprise there) and looking through the windows from the parking lot, we could see it was packed. About 95% of the patrons were Korean (well, once WE walked in). We figured that was a good sign…
We’ve been on a quest lately to break out of our restaurant routine and try new spots. Especially those that highlight local and sustainable food. Last night’s experiment required a 25 mile drive to Minneapolis’ North Side, near Husband’s old stomping grounds.
What I like about most of these restaurants we’ve tried – Victory 44 included, is that while they take their food seriously, they don’t take themselves too seriously. In other words, the restaurant isn’t pretentious at all. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love it. If you wander in off the street for a bump and a burger, you’ll love it. And both are welcome.
We nabbed a high-top table by the front windows, with a great view of the open kitchen. A blackboard on the wall behind us listed the day’s menu items, which were pondered over a tasty adult beverage.
photo by Bon Appetit
Living in downtown Toronto was a great adventure. If a city can be credited for expanding my taste buds, this was it. For four and a half years we explored a few of its many Chinatowns, the Greek district, Little Portugal and the melting pot that was Queen Street. All within walking distance or a subway ride from our condo.
We ate out a LOT. Husband jokes that every maitre’d in the city knew us a “the couple without a kitchen.” The cooking bug had yet to take hold, but I like to think of this as my “research” phase. Continue Reading →
Husband and I are blessed to have experienced some of the best restaurants in the US – and beyond. So the bar is set pretty high. But on a return trip to a hidden little gem in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mexico, we had a knock-your-socks off (and wear elastic-pants) meal.
photo from foodrepublic.com
There’s been some competition between my neighbors over the years. It involves guacamole, and whose is best. We’re told it’s a tie between mine and my friend Doug’s. Well that makes sense — he and I use the same recipe!
I'm glad you stopped by ... pull up a stool, grab your favorite beverage, and let's make something delicious!
