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.

Double the Birthdays, Double the Cake

Excuses to make cake are always welcome.  Especially when the cake is to celebrate the birthdays of family.

For the gal: Chocolate Cake with Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache
For the guy: Chocolate Cake with Dark Chocolate Coffee Ganache

All finished with whipped cream.

Popcorn with Peanut Butter Chocolate

New Year, new resolutions about blogging more consistently.

It's National Popcorn Day! Sharing a recipe to take your popcorn to the next level seems appropriate.
As a pastry chef, I'm always looking to bring a little sweetness to the world of snacks.  What goes better with sweet than salty?

Recipe

-popped corn (I use an air popper)
-salt
-55 grams dark chocolate
-10 g cocoa butter (or coconut oil)
-85 g peanut butter
-1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Arrange popcorn in a single layer in any dish, salt to taste.  In the microwave or in a bowl over a pot of simmering water, melt together the remaining ingredients, stirring frequently.  Pour mixture into a piping bag and drizzle over popcorn.  Let set and enjoy!

If you have any leftovers, pour it over your ice cream.