Recent Good Eats

While I'm on a roll with posting about food other people made, I figured I may as well write up a recent food adventures post.  Another post about something I actually made with my own two hands is forthcoming.

Here goes nothing, I've eaten at...

Boiler Room

Vivian Howard could very well be the best chef Eastern North Carolina has ever seen.  If you haven't seen her show on PBS, you really ought to check it out.  Boiler Room is Chef Vivian's heavenly oyster bar, serving up exquisite local fare for a great price.  The staff was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly.  They really make you feel like you were in North Carolina...which you are.  Nothing beats that kind of hospitality.   

If you watch A Chef's Life, you'll know all about the Butterbean Burger and fresh oysters from Cedar Point, both of which I eagerly consumed.

10 minutes until opening for lunch and there is already a line.

Stellar Cedar Point Oysters

Hail to the  Butterbean Burger with tobacco onions, smoked gouda and housemade pickles

Not pictured, but enthusiastically consumed: Oysters Boilerfeller, Fried Chicken with Honey 

Mussel Bar and Grille

Are you sensing the seafood theme?  Mussel Bar and Grille is Chef Robert Wiedmier's casual restaurant with yummy eats and great patio happy hour deals.

$5 cocktails are always a good idea.  

L: "Ziggy Stardust" R: "Purple Haze"

The Heirloom Tomato and Stone Fruit salad had the whole delicious and beautiful thing covered.

Not pictured, but definitely enjoyed:  White Wine Mussels, Mediterranean Mussels, Classic Frites, Brussels Sprouts

Yona

This little space is DC restaurant titan, Chef Mike Isabella's, Japanese branch.  Yona is a little on the pricey side, but many of the offerings are worth a splurge.

Foreground: Stanley Background: Lucky

My old man drinks suit me just fine.

The Kimchi-Brined short rib buns were flavorful, even if the filling:bun ratio was off.

Crispy Gyoza Dumplings are always a joy when done right, and in this case they were a joy.  Also, in the corner of this photo sneak a peak at the delicious pickled summer vegetables. 

Not pictured and consumed with mixed feelings: crispy ginger beef buns (worth a try) and mountain yam ongiri rice ball (not worth a try)

It's always fun to take a look at what I've eaten over the last few months...even if it does make me hungry.

Any recommendations on where I should eat next?  

Manger à Paris

If ever there was a place that is underrated, it's Paris.  How could anyone possibly praise this city enough?  The feeling of Paris is indescribable.  From the Gothic splendor of Sainte-Chapelle, the calm escape of an hour on Bateaux Mouches, to grand views of the city, and the food.  

My first visit to Paris was an absolute dream.  For the purposes of this blog, I will highlight the eating that took place.

L'As du Fallafel

This little vendor is a must-visit if you are into falafel.  The falafel is bite-sized, all wrapped up in a pita swimming in sauces and vegetables to boot.  The spicy option is not super hot, so go for it even if you normally wouldn't.  Take a break at a nearby park to enjoy this filling meal.

  

Fromage Anywhere

If you are in Paris do yourself a favor and eat as much cheese as you can.  It's a different caliber in France, trust me.

Coffee Anywhere

Again, just enjoy the cafe culture.  Relax.

Moevenpick Ice Cream

Ok, so Moevenpick is Swiss, but check out their Paris location and try as many flavors as you can.

Patrick Roger

The best chocolate I have ever had.  Full-stop.

Of course, this post does not do justice to the extensive cuisine of Paris.  This is due to a failing on my part to take adequate photographs.  When you visit Paris don't forget to check out the bread and pastry scene, the authentic Moroccan food, Brazilian food, Korean and Chinese food, and anything else your stomach desires. Go on an adventure and let your taste buds do the exploring. 

Bon Appétit!

A Tardy Texas Post

Way on back in May of 2016, a girl flew to meet a childhood friend in Dallas, Texas and together they returned to their native East Coast via automobile.  This is just one part of their story.  The food journey.

Most importantly, the girls visited Kate Weiser Chocolate in Trinity Groves an up-and-coming restaurant district in Dallas.  Kate Weiser's creations are perfect from foot to top.  The storefront is bustling, organized and a pleasant place to spend a few moments munching on bonbons.

The chocolates were vibrant, creative and as delicious as they were diverse.

I guess no trip to Texas is complete without a sampling of Torchy's Tacos.  Torchy's is the kind of institution that makes you wish you were from Texas.  A life without Torchy's street corn is a sad life indeed.

Another fun place to eat a quick meal is Bbbop Seoul Kitchen.  It's a cute place to build your own Korean style bowl.

Perhaps the most famous food-truck-town in the world: Austin does not disappoint.  You would be hard-pressed to find a better place to enjoy falafel on a hot day.  Props to Kebabalicious.

So, maybe Austin is actually a little overwhelming.  There is too much food to try.  Is that possible?

Mighty Cone was a definite food truck highlight.  Ah, Mighty Cone, you made me believe in fried avocado.

Texas, you have so much to offer.  I wish I could do more than scratch the surface.

Day 1: Charlotte Food Tour 2k15

Two days are insufficient to explore the blossoming food scene in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Alas, a working girl may not have unlimited vacation days and I wouldn't want to trespass too long on the unmatched hospitality of my friends here.

I've spent time among the flowers and birds of a well-planned garden, being graciously chauffeured through the baffling streets of Charlotte and enjoyed every moment of my time.  Perhaps most wonderful of all I have been able to see a bit of Charlotte through its food.

Monday was a full day of food exploration and enjoyment.  We started the day with homemade pancakes similar to these and then hit the roads - which as I mentioned are utterly confusing - for a full day of food.

First stop was Amelie's French Bakery at Carmel Commons.  Amelie's is a well-regarded local chain celebrating French pastry and unique design with their community oriented space.  Each location has its own kitchen for maximum freshness.  The baked goods were varied, beautiful and the atmosphere was modern, whimsical and welcoming.

Next up, Davidson Chocolate Co. in the Dilworth neighborhood.  They are a teeny chocolatier with elegant creations.  Most of their chocolates were available in both dark and milk chocolate which was a nice option.  Among their offerings are truffles, hand-dipped cut ganache pieces as well as molded bonbons.  The store was very quiet and I couldn't find out what brand of chocolate they used or other details regarding ingredients.  Cute shop, but certainly not top on my list. Worth a try if you need a gift.  The Hot Chili and Hazelnut Truffles were both light on flavor and a bit firm for my taste.

 

Oops! Ate all of these before I got to my camera.

                            

A stroll around Pasta & Provisions was necessary and the aroma of garlic made me incredibly hungry.  The grocery portion of the store reminded me of Arlington, VA's own Italian Store.  Obviously, that is meant as a great compliment.

On the way home we stopped for lunch at Cajun Yard Dog where my constant craving for deep fried catfish and potato salad was temporarily sated.  Thumbs up for taste, service and value.

In the afternoon I had the pleasure of meeting with local chef, Bill Bigham.  Chef Bigham works as a personal chef and teacher in the Charlotte area having completed a culinary course at Johnson and Wales.  His enthusiasm and insight regarding the Charlotte food culture was both refreshing and encouraging.    

We met Chef Bigham at Dean & Deluca, always a lovely experience.  I was glad to see their locally sourced pastries front and center.

                             
Finally, day one ended with dinner which I had the privilege of making for my hosts and some of their family members.  Roasted asparagus, salmon, risotto, salad and chocolate coated peanut butter cookies were on the menu.

Come back tomorrow for Day 2 which will include my favorite chocolatier in Charlotte and a few more highlights.

Immersion Blender 30 Second Mayonnaise

The handheld immersion blender is a kitchen tool that I most strongly recommend keeping around.  This power-tool of sorts emulsifies ingredients beautifully and easily, making dressings, milkshakes, ganache, and sauces easy as can be.

If you've ever made mayonnaise by hand you probably know 2 things.
1. it takes forever if you use a whisk
2. it tastes so much better than store bought mayo

The stick blender changes thing one without compromising taste.

Here's how it's done.

30 Second Mayonnaise

Ingredients

-1 egg
-3/4 cup oil (I use walnut)
-1/8 tsp sea salt
-pinch of ground black pepper
-1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
-1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1. Place all ingredients in a glass jar or bowl and immerse the immersion blender.  Blend until completely emulsified, about 30 seconds.

Easy, right?  Plus the stuff will keep at least a week in the fridge.

Beach Food

I'm back from a much needed beach break in North Carolina.  I haven't made any recipes lately, but here are some pictures of our beach food.

Here is delicious Mr. Flounder, caught in the shallow waters near a serene North Carolina barrier island.

Does it get any more beach than watermelon?

Feisty Blue Crab, this photo includes his only claw.  

Fish taco fixins and what remains of Feisty Blue Crab.

Presto, Pesto

If you're looking for a way to use up scads of arugula, look no further than pesto!  It is an easy, flavorful, healthy way to use up extra zesty greens.

We make pesto every year from basil, parsley and wild Italian Arugula.  It keeps really well in the freezer, so you can eat it all year on your sandwiches, pasta and green beans.  Immersion blenders makes the process especially easy.

Local Apricots

It's almost impossible for me to see beautiful food without photographing it.  Apricots were $2.50/lb at The Local Market in Virginia.  They told me I could try one to see if I liked them which was entirely unnecessary because I knew I would.  

DMV Food Adventures

Exploring the world through food and drink never gets old.  There is so much one can learn through a community's food.

I support the Virginia and Washington, D.C. food scene whenever I get the chance.  It is growing and improving every day.  Love your local kitchens; patronize them and help them stay in business!

1. Bakeshop, VA

A great place for sweets, coffee and catching up with a friend.

The house-made Vietnamese Iced Coffee is a MUST.

Bakeshop, VA

2. South Block, VA

Healthy breakfast, lunch and snack.  South Block is juicing company gone cafe.

Try their wraps or on-tap kombucha.

South Block, VA

 3. Souk, DC

The cutest spice shop and bakery Barrack's Row ever did see.

Probably the only place I have encountered canneles in recent history.

Souk, DC

 4. Gypsy Soul, VA

Great small plates of local, fresh food,

The Tuna tartare is clean and simple, not to mention lovely to look at.

Gypsy Soul, VA

 5. Bearnaise, DC

French cuisine in a cute building.  Eat upstairs if you can for a quieter dining experience.

Don't miss the well-priced Steak Frites.  I can still taste this perfectly seasoned steak...

Bearnaise, DC

 6. Dolcezza, DC

Gelato made in the nation's capital?  Perfection.

Try all of the flavors.

Dolcezza, VA and DC

 7.  District Doughnut, DC

If you know me, you know I love this place.  I dream about these doughnuts and all my friends ever hear about is my lastest trip to District Doughnut.

I'm partial to yeast doughnuts, but you can't go wrong here.

District Doughnut, DC

 8. Rocklands, VA

The best BBQ house in Northern Virginia.

Don't forget the barbecue sauce, piping hot out of a kettle.

Rocklands, VA