Tex Mex Cooking Competition

Hello Friends...How was your weekend??

I went to a Tex-Mex cooking competition on Saturday Night and had so much fun!!  It was through a group on MeetUp.com - and my first event with them, but not my last!! We were split into two teams, put in two separate kitchens - had 1 1/2 hours to cook 4 dishes...and were judged by a chef.  Well, we ended up all needing an extra 1/2 hour - so it was two hours of cooking...but I will say my team were troopers!  We had a plan before we walked into the kitchen - we executed it (mostly) flawlessly...and the efforts paid off - we won!  (be it by only one point...)

Either way - all the food was delicious, the evening was a blast and I can't wait until the next one!!

So let me tell you how I started my experiments before the competition... I spent some time working with ingredients that I had never, ever used before!  I highly recommend you do the same!! 

It was so much fun to experience the senses with things I've never cooked with before...(and let me tell you - you do use at least 4 of the five senses when learning about a new food ingredient!)  So, I was cooking with: Chayote, Yuca, Mango, Papaya, Tomatillos and Plantains. 

Sight: They say you eat with your eyes...and if that is so, I can't ever imagine how someone thought to pick up Yuca and eat it... an ugly brown root that in any normal situation I'd just walk by and not even think about...

But, being I had to prepare this for the Challenge - I bought some and played with a recipe:

3 large Yuca (that I peeled off the brown husks, cut into 3" sections)

Put the Yuca into a pot and fill with enough cold water to cover it by 1"

Bring the water to boil and simmer for about 20-30 minutes until it is fork tender, remove and let cool

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Cut the Yuca lengthwise into 3/4" wedges (you'll discard the thin, woody fibers that are the core)

I then tossed them into a bowl with olive oil, cayenne pepper, salt and cumin.

Spread into a single layer, cover, and bake for 8 minutes...then uncover and bake for 7 minutes more.

They were delicious!  Flavorful, spicy and a great 'chip' for snacking...  Unfortunately they got 86'd from the competition due to time...but they were just an accent or garnish either way.

Touch:  The most interesting feel from these ingredients were the Tomatillos..

Looking like little green tomatoes, but with a husk on them that as you peel it off - leaves the fruit sticky!  It needs a through washing before you use it in any capacity.  We had this lovely fruit two ways on Saturday - one in a Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Verde (I don't have the recipe, but will get it) and it was LUSCIOUS!  Simply amazing - and a great accompaniment to just about any Tex-Mex dish!!

But the recipe I made was (of course!) Fried Green Tomatillos!

1 lb fresh tomatillo

1 cup milk (I used 1/2 c milk and 1/2 cup of Heavy Cream) for soaking

2 eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon lime juice

1 tablespoon of the sauce from the Chilies in Adobo can

1/4 cup of flour

3/4 cup Masa - or finely ground yellow corn meal

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/8 (or to taste) teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons oil for frying

Remove the papery husks and stems from the tomatillos.  Under warm running water, gently rub the tomatillos using your fingers to remove the sticky residue.  Pat dry and cut up into 1/4" slices.

In a shallow bow, mix together the milk, eggs, lime juice, adobo sauce and cayenne - then add the tomatillos.  Soak the tomatillos in this mixture for 30 minutes.

On a piece of waxed or parchment paper, stir together the flour, Masa, Salt and Pepper - set aside.

In a skillet, heat the oil.  Remove one slice of tomatillo from the milk mixture then dredge each slice in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess and add to pan.  Fry the slices on each side for 5 minutes or until crispy.  Do not crowd the tomatillos.  Transfer to a paper towel to soak up the grease.

Season with salt to taste.

Yum..I'll be making these again for sure!!

Taste and Smell:
I think taste is the scariest, as having never had it before - you're not sure what to expect (well, except for the Mango and Chayote - I've had them before)... But my final dish was several ingredients I've never had before...and all of which I hadn't cooked with!



Chayote - a squash that has in many cases doubled as
potatoes AND apples!

 Chayote doesn't have much of a smell, but taste is slightly sweet, slightly starchy - hence it can be used as sweet or savory.  Look it up online, there are so many versatile recipes for this squash!  The first time I had chayote was in St. Lucia on our honeymoon - they called it christophenes  - and it was made into a gratin, similar to a potato gratin - so delicious and with so many less calories!



Papaya

Papaya - to me has a very unusual...sweet, followed by a "something I can't describe" scent - and taste, the best way to describe it (to me...as apparently, many people think it tastes like something different) like a cross between a melon and a cucumber.  I don't think I'd eat it by itself, but mixed with these other ingredients it was fine.



Yellow Plantain - Looks like a Banana, but just a little bit bigger...however the taste is much different.  There is a sweet smell to the yellow plantain, but it is very much overpowered by the starchiness.  And I'd say it does taste just like it smells, a touch of sweet with starch. It has to be cooked, and then with the right flavors to compliment, I really enjoyed plantain.



Sweet Yellow Plantain



Mangos, to me have a very sweet smell, and a sweet taste.  So sweet, that it warrants either lime juice, jalapeno or both!  It is delightful - and I can easily picture having this in a summer fruit salad, as the textures are very similar to melons too.

Mangos

The last dish I made using these ingredients was Sweet Plantain Empenada...so easy!  You'll need:

3 Yellow sweet Plantains

1 ripe mango

2 chayote

1/2 (if its Large - or 1 small) Papaya

2 limes

1 egg

Heavy Cream

Olive Oil

Cut each plantain into three pieces and drop into boiling water - boil until fork tender then remove and let cool.

Peel and small dice the Mango, Chayote and Papaya - and place in a bowl.

* Mango has a pit in the middle that is extremely difficult to cut into - you'll use your knife to follow the line of the pit, to remove the flesh from the fruit

** Chayote has a core, but you can quarter it and remove it easily (like an apple)

*** Papaya has seeds, just half it and remove the seeds with a spoon

Put 1 tbs of olive oil into a skillet to heat... Add the juice and zest of one lime to the fruit, mix and throw into the skillet.  You'll saute this for about 10 - 14 minutes until tender, but still has texture.  Set aside.  (*** Note - in the competition, I couldn't use anything like sugar or cinnamon, and these were delicious - but you can add them to taste <though you may not need much sugar!> as you see fit).

Remove the skins from the plantains and put into the food processor.  Add the egg and about 1/4 cup of heavy cream...pulse until everything is combine and forming a dough.  If the mixture is too dry, add more heavy cream in very small batches.  The plantain dough should be slightly dry and able to form balls out of.

You will form 12 balls from this dough of equal size...place each ball onto parchment or wax paper and flatten to about 1/4 " round.  Fill the round with about a tablespoon of the fruit mixture and using the parchment paper to fold over into half moon shapes and seal the edges.

Place on lightly greased baking sheet and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

We served this with a Mexican chocolate sauce...melting chocolate with heavy cream and adding cayenne to taste.

Below are pictures of the dishes (along with the others that my team made) as well as a final table with all the dishes from both teams... <sorry about the quality...I was so tired after the cooking that my hands were shaking!>



Same as left - but reversed to see it better



Our dishes - Sweet Plantains, Chorizo and
Squash Panecillos with Mango/Papaya Salsa,
Mexican Egg Rolls, Chipotle Guacamole,
Cilantro Crema and the Mini Fritattas
with Fried Green Tomatillos and a trio of sauces
 (roasted tomatillo salsa Verde, chipotle crema
and cliantro crema).





Final Table Presentation - Our Team on the left, the other
on the right...  They  made: Nacho Trio, Mexican Pork Dumplings,
Chorizo Fundito with Chips, and Fried Plantain with Two Sauces

As a side note:  I did also make the mini frittatas - but didn't really include them above as I've made these 1000 times and 1000 different ways before... These were good with chorizo, jalapeno, onion and queso fresco!   Soon we'll have a quiche/fritatta post as I make them all the time!

OK - enough for now, don't you think??  I'm sure you're just about running out the door to buy the ingredients for some of these most fabulous dishes!

Up coming...I've really no clue - so you'll be as surprised as I am!!

Until Next Time...

EAT

Julia + English Pub + Thai + Chilean Sea Bass =

Total Confusion!! lol

Hello friends...

Yes - the Emilyverse is just as confusing as my title says - but I promise you...I'm also clever with words and will pull it all together for you by the end of this post!

First - Happy Birthday to MLK, Jr.. (Yes, I'm writing on Monday - but probably won't post til Tuesday!)... I have to say, I remember reading his speech for the first time as an adult, and cried... What an amazing inspiration. 

And Happy Inauguration to President Obama....Democrat or Republican - what ever your beliefs...He is our President for the next four years - and I've no problem saying congrats.

But for me - Most Importantly... my Dave-ager is at it again!!   He had an idea and passed it on and well...that inspired this:  Foodie Kid - Julia's new Blog!!  See... it started the other night as we made plans to go to dinner with Elena, Julia and Mom, so off on Sunday we went to the Lemon Leaf in Hicksville...  (Yes I did go out on Friday - I'll post that below...but I have to go a bit out of order now!)...

Now, let me start by saying - Julia (who's 11th birthday is this week!!!) has been avidly reading for many years - and profusely writing for years as well.  I've read her stories and I think they should go to a children's book editor - seriously!  She has a way with words and a beautifully colorful personality and vocabulary (and a bit of a smart aleck-y way about her, thanks to her Dad!)... When Elena said that Julia was requesting Thai food because she's never had it - Dave was impressed.  He loves that at a young age - she is willing to try new foods - and exotic foods...(I'll never forget when she got back from a family trip to Greece...and she was about 4 or 5 - her favorite foods were the raw sardines and pistachio ice cream....awesome!!)

So Dave suggested to her to start a blog (his Idea was "Kids Table" but in true Julia fashion - she took her own name and ran with it!!  I am very proud!! ) So I hope you check it out - there is a link to it on my own blog because I'll be following and loving I can take my niece out and we'll both post and have such different things to say!!

Alright - Let me start by telling you about Friday night's outing at The Good Life in Massapequa Park with some friends.  Its a cute English Pup style restaurant that has some great food...(most especially I adore their Fish & Chips...their Veggie Burger and their Good Life Burger are awesome...the Clam Chowder Pot Pie - yum!!). 

However, Friday Night - we ordered a bunch of appetizers (my favorite way of eating) and tasted a bunch of items!  Not a full review - but just sharing a great place and some great appetizers!

On the left - Mashed Potato Wontons (mashed potatoes, bacon, sour cream and cheddar cheese... Top Left (almost gone!) Panko Fried Mozzarella... Bottom Right - the best Sweet Potato Tots with a Brown Sugar Mustard (Oh Lordy!)... Top Right were Chicken Fingers with three different sauces...and Top Extreme Right - Mediterranean Platter with Hummus, Roasted Red Peppers, Olives, Feta Cheese and Pita..

A better look at the Mediterranean Platter!

Yummy Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Pita points and Tortilla Chips - really creamy and good... the "best" I've ever had - no, but really good!!

The Good Life has some great food and a nice atmosphere - a huge collection of beer (both on tap and bottles - and things I've never heard of!)... all sorts of cocktails and wine - and most of all (for me) on Friday - awesome company!  Super busy on the weekends - so get their early, friends...and try it out!

Now - on to Sunday - our Thai try out for Julia...and a Thai blog for both of us - here is my version... :)

We went to the The Lemon Leaf Grill in Hicksville to sample some wonderful Thai and Thai-Asian food.  Below - the Spring Rolls...They have in regular (2) or Mini (8) that is filled with fresh, crispy vegetables, a lovely crispy wrapper and a sweet chili sauce (not spicy at all).  I did find the spring rolls quite delicious but just a tad greasy ... I know, that can't be 100% helped in a fried food!

Dave ordered the fried Calamari that had a spicy chili sauce with it... I loved it because there weren't any tentacles!  But the dish was lightly and crispy - the calamari melted in your mouth, so it was cooked perfectly.  The slightly spicy sauce was a perfect compliment to this dish - better than the usual marinara that you get! (though, I could have used a bit more kick!)



Julia ordered a soup for her appetizer... in her words "called Tom Kha Gai. It's supposed to be spicy, but really wasn't. There was two or three mushrooms, and chicken every few bites. It was super delicious-I could've had it for my dinner!"  I do agree....my only comments on this soup was - YUM!  There is the slightly coconut milk flavor added to the veggies and chicken, which was super tender.  I also agree - it wasn't as spicy as I would have liked, but delicious none the less!

 Julia ordered the Thai Iced Tea....Not really sure why its called tea as it doesn't taste like tea at all... hints of maybe papaya or mango...definitely coconut - but I wish I took a picture of Julia's face when she first tasted it (picture a baby tasting Lemon for the first time...) that's what she, Mom and I both looked like as we tasted it.  This orangy-yellow, viscus and thick beverage... Ew.  Get a Beer ... or the Water. Stay away from this stuff.

Elena and I opted to share entrees... The Grilled Jumbo Prawns with Chili sauce and the Pad Thai with Chicken. Dave and Julia also ordered the Pad Thai but with shrimp. 

I have to say - I was a touch put off as the Jumbo Prawns had their heads on - and I never like to eat food that is looking back at me.  I know I'm not the only one!  But Dave de-headed and de-shelled the shrimp and I had a taste - and honestly...the most wonderfully gently smokey tasting shrimp!  The sweet shrimp didn't get lost in the smokey flavor, it was perfectly cooked and tender - the spicy chili sauce was great, but I really felt the shrimp held its own with out any sauce! I'd order it again (and ask for the heads to be left behind!).

Your Welcome...I'm not making you look at their eyes!

The Pad Thai was lovely - gently cooked and tender noodles with moist and flavorful chicken - the ground peanuts add a great texture and of course, add lime for that just needed hit of acid.  In my opinion, you can't go wrong with Pad Thai ... my only 'complaint'... it said spicy and to me - it was very mild.  Regardless - I'd order it again in a heartbeat ... Yes, that good!

Mom ordered the Royal Feast - a non spicy dish filled with fresh stir fried vegetables, shrimp, chicken and beef - all served in a crispy noodle bowl (same as the Pad Thai noodle, except fried) in a light sauce.  It was all very tender, perfectly cooked, not spicy but super flavorful.  Really - after the appetizers, it was a meal that could be split between two!

Our last little addition was dessert - which was very lack luster, in my opinion.  Fried Banana's is pretty common in Asian food - and while these were wrapped in spring roll wrappers and fried - the banana tasted much like a plantain to me - not sweet at all, which is why it was drowning in warm maple syrup and had whip cream on it.  I've been to other places where the Fried Banana was light, delicate and delicious...this one - leave it...eat more of your dinner and you'll be happy!

So - my ratings:

Food: a very hearty B

Price:  very reasonable, appetizers (soups etc) are not higher than 7.95 and entrees are between 9.00 and 21.00 

Service: B ... We were served promptly and efficiently.  I can't really ask for more than that - but the servers did not go above and beyond as I have seen in other Thai places.  Nothing to complain about...but nothing to rave about either.

Would I go back?  Yes - but I'd also like to try some other Thai restaurants on LI first!

And to close this "all-over-the-place-confusing-blog"... I want to share with you a bit of a different fish dish that I created tonight...Dave (of course) was in the mood for steak, so he had himself some yummy rib eye...and I made some great roasted fingerling potatoes that I'll post the recipe at the bottom.... but my fish - Oh Yum!  Even Dave said he'd have that for dinner one night!!  Chilean Sea Bass!!

Let me tell you what you need to have on hand and how to cook this dish...

1/2 lb of Chilean Sea Bass

salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1 1/2 cups of a dry white wine (and perhaps 1/2 a cup more)

the zest of 1 lemon, and then zest from 1/2 a lemon (keep them separate)

the juice of 1 lemon

1/4 of a cup of red onions

3 tablespoons of drained capers

2 tablespoons of butter

Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees and heat the olive oil in an oven safe pan on Medium-High - you want the olive oil to get hot enough to lightly start to smoke. 

Meanwhile, pat dry the bass and season both sides with salt and pepper.  On one side, sprinkle the zest from the 1/2 a lemon. 

When the oil is hot - place the fish in the pan (lemon seasoned side down).  You want to get a good, crusty sear on the fish - don't touch it!  Let go for about 8 - 10 minutes then check it...if it's nicely browned, flip it over. 

Put into the pan the 1 1/2 cups of white wine to deglaze the pan (oh, look - I just got all chef-y worded on ya!) and then add the rest of the lemon zest, red onions, capers and lemon juice...mix in around the fish - top the fish with the 2 tablespoons of butter and then put the pan into a 400 degree oven. 

You will cook the fish for about 20 minutes and then check for an internal temperature of 160 degrees.  You probably won't be there yet - and if not...add the 1/2 cup more of wine and let cook for another 10-15 minutes (start checking at 10...but it'll be closer to 15).

Take out of the oven, cover with foil and let sit for 5 minutes...then serve!

This was so delicious that Dave ended up eating some - and loving it.  My only addition next time I make it will be to add artichoke hearts, as that was the original intent (but didn't have them in house!). 

As I said above, I served it with roasted fingerling potatoes - so simple to make... I sliced the potatoes into even wedges, covered in olive oil, salt, pepper, 3 cloves of minced garlic and about 1 tablespoon each of minced rosemary and thyme - they baked in a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes!  Simple!

I hope you take some time out of your culinary world to try some of these restaurants and dishes...  Just wait til next week - I'm experimenting with some tex-mex things for a Meet Up I'm going to on Saturday...I'll post my successes (and failures, if I have them!).

Until Next Time...

EAT



I’m a blog Slacker…

I'm a blog Slacker...Yes, I'm a blog Slacker...
(In the radio in my head, I’m singing this to myself to the tune of the “wheel watcher” commercial… Yes I am that odd!)

Friends, I’m so sorry I’ve been slacking on my blog these past weeks.  The holidays were nuts, then as the New Year rang in, so did the flu and bronchitis (lucky me!) so I haven’t been feeling like my self for a few weeks.  I’m finally starting to feel well and up to going out to eat, and cooking!  Woo Hoo!

So my lame, sick excuses aside… Hello Blog World – and Happy New Year!  I am hoping for lots of happy times, great food, wonderful friends and healthy days for 2013!

When I last left you…I had grand plans for cooking.  Well, the only real cooking I did was for the Dulik mini reunion on Dec 22…and honestly – Dave did most of the cooking!  We (he) made braised short rib and meatballs (I made the meatballs) tomato sauce that was so delicious!!  The sauce simmered for 4 hours and had such a rich, delicious flavor…I will post that recipe soon.  That night, all I had to do was cook the pasta and it was my first time cooking 5 pounds of pasta!  But with 18 people eating … it’s exactly what we needed (with enough for leftovers).  The rest of the family provided pre dinner munchies, salad and garlic bread, dessert and wine…sorry to say my youngest sister and brother couldn’t be there…and while they were missed – we had a fantastic time.  That dinner finally put me in the Christmas spirit…but how can it not with these lovely Kids...

and (not so) little Ladies!!

I did make it out to brunch in early January…Vero has opened for Sunday Brunch…friends – this is a must go!  You all know I love the food at Vero (and so did Newsday with their 3 ½ star review!) and one of my favorite meals (other than dinner, lunch, appetizers, dessert, elevensies, afternoon tea…you get my drift) is Brunch. Check out their menu at www.verorestaurant.biz.  We had pancakes with bananas foster compote, the frittata, an omelet with caramelized red onions, goat cheese and spinach, the Lobster BLT, and an amazing salad.  We left completely stuffed and excited to go back!

Ok kids, I’m keeping it simple, my first post back and all… ;) – but keep watch on the blog as I’m going out with friends tomorrow, but not sure what I’ll have to report on…but on Sunday – its Thai with Dave, my sister and niece and my Mom…I’ll have plenty to say about that!!

Until Next Time…

EAT

Tree's, Decorations and Sloppy Joes

Hello Friends!

Well, Sunday and Monday was a very productive day for Mr. Christmas (aka. Dave).  We woke up way too early for my husband ... and was on the road by 7:45am with My Awesome Niece (aka Julia) and friends of ours to go cut down our Christmas tree! 

We drive out to Lewin Farms in the Wading River/Calverton area to hop on the tractor and haul us out to the massive fields of endless Christmas Trees ... Dave gets positively giddy once in that field!  This is a tradition we started 4 or 5 years ago - and we really do enjoy it...so it makes getting up at the crack of dawn much easier! 

I didn't take much pictures...only one, actually of my Jul next to the tree she picked out for her family (who was at the Bud Man's hockey game)...  They required something Julia's height - and not too big, as space is a bit limited while they clean up after hurricane damage.   This is what Julia got:

Quite perfect I think...It was nicely layered that Julia commented on how it looked like a tiered cake (girl after my own heart to relate a tree to food!)...but her funniest comment was "it won't be as easy to hide the pickle".... a family tradition started years ago with a gift to Elena at her bridal shower...Now the whole family does it (wikipedia describes it here Christmas Pickle)!

I wish I had taken more pictures, as it was comical to see Dave loading up and securing three Christmas Trees on top of the truck...(ours, our friends and one for their family)... and then stuff Julia's tree in the car beside her! Funnier still would have been pictures of me - completely freaking out as apparently Julia's tree housed a few spiders that wanted to crawl across the ceiling of the truck and a Lady Bug or two... Now I don't mind a Lady Bug, but anything with more than four legs completely freaks me out.  I spent most of the ride home hunched down to avoid the attack of the thousand spiders that I was sure that was going to happen. Dave worries about the zombie apocalypse - I worry about the spider one.

Once Home - Dave rigged up the lights while we watched the Jets game...Finally a win, after they pull Sanchez - it was a happy day in the Taylor house!  But exhausted we were, so the decorating waited for Monday.

After a full day of work for me - and Dave moving furniture and preparing the ornaments for the tree - I was evil and made him wait to decorate the tree until after dinner.

Dave found a recipe for Turkey Sloppy Joe's...I added a bit to it and away we went!  I didn't take pictures - but will post my version of the recipe for you... it was delicious (though we both thought...once it sat and came to room temperature - the flavors did meld really well and it was even better!).  

So - here we go:

In a heavy large pot (over medium heat) put in 3 tablespoons of oil to heat up.

Then add:

1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
1 large green bell pepper, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, minced

Salt and Pepper to taste (and I usually add a bit more pepper than most)

*Note: while I didn't this time - next time I will add one small jalepeneo, minced... Up to you if you want to keep the ribs and seed in or not!

Sauté until turkey is no longer pink, breaking up meat - about 10-15 minutes.

Then add 3 tablespoons chili powder and 1 tablespoon of cumin.  Mix in for about 1-2 minutes and then add:

1 1/4 cups ale or beer
3/4 cup bottled chili sauce (or ketchup if you don't have chili sauce)
1 4-ounce can diced green chilies
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until mixture thickens, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Add in 1 cup of finely chopped green onions and mix...taste at this point to see if you need more salt or pepper.

We served it on potato sandwich rolls...Dave had it sandwich style and I did it open face...and of course, I had to add some shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream and a few slices of avocado to mine.  Really delicious - I'm having it for Lunch today...and Dave even thought about having it for breakfast with some eggs....That is how good it was!!

Then Tree Time... put up most of our old ornaments - and all of our new ones.  We just left off a few of the balls as we were running out of room - and a few of the "family" ornaments my mom has given us through the years - as I have a special plan for them!

And this year - Dave won the "star" vs. "angle" battle - but only because I found a star that I absolutely LOVED!  I've always had a angel on the tree...and the one we've used for the last six years was so pretty...but we were in The Christmas Tree Store in Elmira New York this summer and found a gorgeous star...so here is the TAYLOR TREE for 2012!

Now its time to start thinking about what I'm going to be making for the Christmas celebrations! 

I'll do a bit of my biscotti (as that's about the only cookie I bake)... and have to plan the Dec 22 dinner I'm planning for my family as my sister and brother in law will be up from NC to collect their daughter who's slummin with us Dulik's/Taylor's for a few weeks... and there are a few recipe appetizers that I want to share (old and new)...so December will be a Post filled month! 

OH, and dinner with some good friends at a Favorite place that I have yet to review...so look for that about the 17th or so!

Until Next Time...

EAT

Oopps...I did it again!

Ok... I went out to dinner and ordered Scallops again!  I know I've told you that it is a favorite of mine...and it is my go-to because I love scallops so much...but I need to also try other things!

But, I'm telling the story backwards if I start with that.... so..

Hello Friends!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Mine was a quiet one...well, how quiet can it be with three dogs over 65 pounds?!?  Dave was working, and the rest of the family in three different states...so Mom and I had a lovely dinner with Sam, Lilah...and that gorgeous black boy is Jake!  We had fun... and Grandma got Grandpuppy Kisses (well, what did you expect when you put yourself on their level??)

I could be all sappy and pour over - in my own wordy way - what I was thankful for... but I'll keep it simple.. I'm thankful for my entire family, their happiness, their health...and that some are getting healthier... and I am thankful for my David... because he didn't run when I told him during our first phone call (before we met face to face) that I was the craziest person I know... and now when I do all the crazy things - he still stays and just shakes his head and says "I really thought you were kidding".... He gets me...He lets me be me...and he laughs AT me (which really ticks me off - but it's how he gets through my crazies).

And how fitting Thanksgiving falls just before my wedding!  Dave and I celebrated our 2nd Wedding Anniversary on November 26.  What did we do that day? 

Well - of course on a gorgeous day, we took the kids to the dog park so they could run about like a bunch of loons and get tired out... and then we finished decorating the outside of the condo...  Have I mentioned I married "Mr. Christmas"?  He loves Christmas, decorating, Christmas music...the whole thing!  Look - this is what he created - with only a touch of my help... :)  <Oh help us when we do finally have a house!!>

 

We decided to go out for a nice dinner for our anniversary - Aperitif in Rockville Centre.  This is a place that Dave and I have talked about going to for a while - since we've been to their sister place - Sage Bistro in Bellmore and were very excited to try out Aperitif!

So - let me start my review... 

They have an amazing menu of appetizers, salads, raw bar, entrees...and a small plate menu as well.  Oh my goodness - so much to choose from.  Then...to top it off - a menu of specials that just almost adds to the confusion, if you didn't want to try them all so badly!

I started off with a glass of their wine special - and it was FABULOUS!! A new one to me...Chateau Prieure Marguet - described as a bright, deep Bordeaux with hints of red current.  It had such an amazing and rich flavor and it really complimented every single dish that I tasted... and I want more of it!  Grab a glass of this lovely Merlot!

We started with a few "small plates" and a salad...  So...we ordered the Camembert Fondue and the Risotto Fritters ... and the Aperitif Salad... OH.MY.GOODNESS!!!!

This is the Camembert Fondue... a luscious cheese fondue...while I'd have preferred it be a bit thicker...the taste, the flavor was absolutely amazing.  Delicate cheese, with nutty overtones...and it is served with apples and a nutty bread that is drizzled in honey...a lovely touch!!  Dave and I both said, multiple times, that we'd love to pick up this crock and drink the cheese mixture.  This is a MUST GET when you go to this restaurant!

 OK, so yes.. we ordered a salad... we love salad...and Dave loves anything with Figs... This dish, with the figs, goats cheese, the frisee lettuce and the candied walnuts looks so simple... but the depth of flavor was amazing... the figs, oh so sweet, complimented by the balsamic and the champagne dressing... the goat cheese added an amazing tang, and the walnuts, the crunch and sweetness to balance the whole dish.  If I had known this salad was so good...I would have ordered it as my meal!!

And...Lets talk about the mushroom risotto fritters...Simple, right?  Wild mushrooms and fontina cheese... these bad boys were so delicious...I had to steal one off the plate before I could take a picture!  The risotto was cooked perfectly...the cheese, enough to accent the dish, but not overpower it...and the mushrooms...Heck...if you're not a mushroom fan - you'd still LOVE this dish!!

Aperitif has amazing "small plates"... and I'll have to go back to taste more... but - Ok, its time to order dinner...

OK..my "ooooppps" I did it again... for my entree...I ordered the scallops....I just couldn't help myself!!!  The dish was "Fricassee of Sea Scallops" Sauteed leeks and a butternut squash puree with truffle cream sauce...

Holy Sh*t.  Just about the best scallops I've ever eaten!  I kid you not... Even Dave said so.  The Truffle cream was amazing...and paired with the balsamic drizzle and the butternut squash...it shouldn't work the way it does...but it does!  Then they saute the leeks for an amazing flavor...but top it with fried leaks for texture....  I will HAVE to order this dish again, that is how utterly amazing it was.  And of course, I ate the left-overs for breakfast the next morning!!

 

And while I ordered a full on entree... Dave decided to go with a few more "small plates"...

The Escargot, the Foie Gras and Chicken Liver Mousse, and the Duck Tacos.

Ok... I didn't taste the Escargot... I just can't get past the 'I'm eating Snails" thing... but I will say... our waitress Amy was helping the table behind us...and they were adventurous enough to order and try them.. I absolutely LOVED how she described them... went through the mouth feel... really encouraged them to taste something different...Honestly, if she was my server when I do decide to try Escargot....I would do it, just on her confidence and assurance for the dish.  This was an amazing witness to her tables...Go Amy... (or Ams, as Dave decided to call her!)

 

I did taste the Fois...I'd have had chicken liver pate before, and ... surprisingly for me... I do like it.. but tasting this dish was like having an amazing pate, but with a rich, luscious texture and after glow...that only Fois Gras can give.  The caramelized onion added a sweetness that complimented the balsamic reduction that was on it... these components gave the dish a very luxurious feel, an amazing taste and a dish that I would order again!

 

Now...moving on to the duck tacos... I eat duck in tastes and bites...so I did try this dish.  Amazing flavor to the duck, the spices and the flavors they have on this dish... Dave and I just loved each and every single freaking bite...that we'd have to go back just for these!  Complex flavor, hints and notes of various spices, and the duck was so amazingly tender.  It really was amazing!

 

And, of course... we stuffed ourselves with this amazing food that we couldn't even order dessert...(shame on Dave!).  So worth it... the food was fantastic that Dave and I both agree that it blows some of our favorite french places out of the water (Cassis and Sage)..Shocker!!!

 

I can not wait to go back to Aperitif - we can't wait to bring friends there... Amazing!!

 

So - my ratings:

Food: with ease...an A 

Price:  very reasonable, considering they have small plates for 8-10 dollars...entrees are a usual of 25+ 

Service: I have to give them an A... and simply because of Amy's service, and the teamwork of the bus service.  Amy was completely attentive to all of her tables...and listening to her recommend food, really deliver on those recommendations to other patrons, and even when we asked as well... she knows her menu and is willing to really recommend things that may be out of your comfort zone, but you won't  be disappointed... I would love to have her as my server again.

 

This is a food Rave - my friends... Go to Aperitif...Ask me to join you!  I can't wait to go back and really dive into their menu some more!!

 

Until Next Time...

EAT

 

Brunch at a Favorite

Hello friends!  Sorry for being missing in action for a bit...but here I am!  How are you doing? 

 

I want to start out by saying that I hope and pray that anyone who has been touched by Hurricane Sandy is regrouping, recovering, rebuilding and staying strong. 

 

Dave and I were very lucky - we had two days of no power, but that's about it.  Those are the times I appreciate living next door to a fire department!  (Of course - when Sammy is commiserating with the fire whistle - I wish I were far from that noise!)  Some of my family is in the throws of dealing with water damage in their houses, but all in all - we were all very lucky and very blessed not to have more severe damage. 

 

So Sunday comes around and after a long and trying week - Dave and I decide to go to

Brasserie Cassis for Brunch.  You remember Cassis from Moules Monday, right?  Well, this still isn't a full review...because I need a nice night out and several people with me to sample dishes... but I just wanted to share one of our favorite Brunch spots! 

Classic French Bistro style, Cassis takes you to our own little Paris in Plainview!  We started out our brunch sharing a fantastic and classic "La Soupe a L'Oignon" French Onion Soup!

Golden and bubbly Gruyere cheese covering a flavorful, beefy, sweet broth and the most tender caramelized onions and slightly softened crusty bread...Simply delicious.  An elegant yet pheasant style soup that is just so perfect to start off a lovely meal!

Dave's dish...my carnivore!  He ordered the "Sandwich Bouchere"... on a crusty bread - wonderfully delicious sliced steak, frisee lettuce with caramelized onions and melted Gruyere cheese... I mean, look at this thing! 

 
The meat is so tender and flavorful, added to the sweetness of the onions and the tang of the cheese... this sandwich is an amazing blend of flavors. Added to that, amazing french fries with an herbed mayo to dunk them it - Classic Bistro Food, man...Oh so good!

Now - on to my dish... again a very classic french dish (yes, I know I'm repeating that, but I mean...its a French Restaurant!)... One I've eaten in Paris before... "Crepe Jambon et Fromage" .. a Ham and Cheese Crepe. 

The Crepe is amazingly light and the mix of the ham and cheese is, of course a classic flavor...I usually top it with their home made Dijon mustard and take a bite...Party in my mouth!

We were so full after that delightful Brunch, that we didn't even order our usual dessert of the baby Madeline's! That has to say something to the amazing flavors and the quality (and size) of the meal!

I do promise...soon I will do a full on review ... this place warrants it!

Until Next Time...

EAT

Thanksgiving...giving back... and Vittorio's

Hello Friends...

I have lots to post, but my first post after this "Sandy" aftermath is... I hope every one has power, gas and a hot meal... 

If you don't ... I have a very little space...and 2 dogs and 2 cats... but my home is open to anyone who needs a hot shower, hot meal, laundry... what ever.  Even if you need a few hours in front of a TV... if you can deal with my fur babies.. Please - call, email, text...Let me kmow...

I will post a lovely brunch and some other things next week... but today - I wanted to give you all this info...
A hot meal is available at Vittorio's and Vero in Amityville - they are fully open for lunch and dinner... They have charging stations if you don't have power...and they have amazing meals to enjoy.... They both are also apart of Long Island Restaurant Week... which has been extended, and both Vittorio's and Vero had extended for their communities!

Now... I will say...Vittorio's...  has a special place in my heart as that is where Dave works, we went there for one of our first dates... and now, very dear friends and Amityville Community Supporters - Michael and Kristy Esposito - who own Vittorio's (and Vero) ... are doing something special and amazing...

They are opening Vittorio's for Thanksgiving this year...

Thanksgiving specials will be served... on Thursday, November 22, from 12 noon until 10pm..  The restaurant will be donating 20% of the proceeds from the evening to help local Sandy Relief efforts.

Michael and Kristy.... AWESOME!!!

The regular dinner menu will also be available however, special items include:

Entrees
Roasted turkey with cornbread stuffing, giblet gravy, broccoli and cranberry sauce
Crab stuffed salmon
Herb roasted prime rib
Bacon wrapped pork tenderloin molasses demi glaze

Sides
For the table
Truffled mac and cheese * Pancetta braised Brussels sprouts * Glazed carrots * Corn bread stuffing Candied yams * Steamed broccoli * Green beans with crispy shallots * Baked sweet potatoes
Butternut squash gratin * Creamed spinach * Whipped potatoes * Roasted potatoes * Braised broccoli rabe

Friends....To make reservations call 631 264 3333

And... Really - with the amazing food at Vittorio's... eat a fantastic meal and be thankful for all that you have!!
I know ... I will!!!

Until Next Time...

EAT