Go and Get it

It seems that I have not posted here since September!  I didn't realize I'd neglected you so.  Don't worry.  I'm back with 2 restaurant reviews and 1 picture. Pathetic. I know.

Let me start with lunch.

For lunch I went to Elevation Burger.  As always, it was so good.  I had a hamburger and "Fresh Fries." Now, if you've never had the fries at Elevation, you're missing out.  They deep fry freshly cut potatoes in olive oil and believe me, they are far superior to any other french fries I've consumed.

What is unique about Elevation Burger is their dedication to serving food made with quality ingredients.  Their burgers are made from organic beef, all grass fed.  The quality of ingredients shines through in the taste.  The finished product is a thousand times better than any fast food place in America.  Don't forget to try their chocolate chip oatmeal cookies! Scrumptious.

Now, for dinner.

Unfortunately there are no pictures recording one of the most perfect meals I've ever had.  Really, it's a shame.  I went to Bistro Provence.

Here is the play by play.

You enter the restaurant to find a very knowledgeable and helpful staff.  I got a table near the open kitchen where the chef was working away.  It was really cool to have an interaction between creator and eater.  For Hors d'oeuvres were: Mussels in white wine sauce, chicken and foie gras sausage, lobster risotto with saffron and lobster purses. Pure decadence.  Each in its way was a beautiful symphony for the senses.

My entree was Branzino, scallops and mussels in a butter chervil sauce.  If you want to feel alive, try it.
It is safe to say that the scallops were the best I'd ever eaten.

Then there was dessert.  Very dark chocolate mousse with creme fraiche and cookie wafers.  A luxurious experience.  Each bite was in its way utterly flawless.

The whole experience was smashing, if I can afford it, I will go again and again.

I hope you try one of these places (hopefully they're in your area).

Fact of the Matter: Mumford and Sons are talking me through everything right now. 

Decadence: Ganache Tart

I love Martha Stewart/ Everyday Food for this.  Really.  Probably one of the most delicious desserts and easy to make.

You'll Need:
-32 Famous Chocolate Wafer Cookies (8oz)
-2 Tablespoons sugar
-6 Tablespoons butter, melted
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-12oz semi sweet chocolate chips
-1 1/4 cups heavy cream
-Food processor
-small saucepan
-measuring cup
-9 or 10 inch tart pan
-whisk
-Large bowl

First.


Preheat oven to 350 (F).  Place the cookies, sugar and salt in the bowl of the food processor and pulse until very fine crumbs form.

Second.


Add the melted butter and pulse to combine. Then press into tart pan.

Third.


Bake on cookie sheet for 20 minutes. Let cool before starting stage 2. Once it is cooled, in a large bowl place, chocolate and a pinch of salt.

Fourth.


Heat cream until just simmering.  Pour over chocolate and let stand 1 minute.  Then whisk it until smooth.

Fifth. 


Pour into cooled tart shell.

Sixth.


Cool in the fridge until set about an hour, over night if you wish.  Then cut it, whip up your extra cream and enjoy.

Fact of the Matter: The pictures don't do it justice.

An Afternoon in the Small Town

I had some delicious food today and saw some that I couldn't afford as well.  Here are the photos with captions.

Cinnamon Latte

Cookie with latte

Cannoli 

Chocolate Mousse in edible Chocolate Cup...

...with coconut cookies

Organic garlic.  So much better than regular.

Apple butter, obviously.  Enjoyed in my home with scrapple.

Fact of the Matter: Quality food at a sidewalk cafe on a chilly day is my idea of a day well spent.

Weeknight Meal: Short Marinated Pork Tenderloin

I'm always up for fiddling around with pork tenderloin.  There are endless possibilities.  Pork soaks up any flavors and liquid that you may introduce to it, so it can really be flavorful.

You'll need:
-1 lb pork tenderloin, cut in medallions
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 3 stalks chives, chopped
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- pepper
- medium bowl
- large skillet


First.


Season the pork medallions with pepper, in a bowl.  Yum!

Second.


Pour 1/2 of the soy sauce, 1/2 of the Worcestershire and 1/2 of the honey over the meat and coat, flipping with a fork.  Also, add chives, minced garlic and let marinate for about 30 minutes.

Third.


Heat skillet with olive oil until hot, hot, hot.  Add the pork cook for 1-2 minutes, then turn and cook until only slightly pink in the center.

Fourth.


Now, remove pork from pan and add all of the ingredients still on the list to the hot pan.  Cook for about 30 seconds, mixing to incorporate honey.  Mixture should be bubbly.  Pour over pork and baked potatoes!

Fact of the Matter: I would put honey in everything if I could.

Healthy Dinner: Tuna with Cherry Tomatoes

Have you tried flash frozen tuna?  You should!  It tastes awesome and is so good for you.  So here is a recipe, inspired by Martha Stewart.

You'll Need:
- 1 lb. thawed/fresh tuna steaks
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 2/3 cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt & pepper
- 1/2 lb. cooked pasta (any variety)
- large skillet

First. 


Cut the tuna into pieces about 2x2 inches.  Season with salt and pepper

Second.


Put olive oil in the skillet and heat up with half of the minced garlic.

Third.


When the skillet is hot, add tuna and cook for about 1.5 minutes.  Then turn and put in all the ingredients and cook for about 2-3 minutes.  Serve over pasta!

Fact of the Matter: Sunny Saturdays lift my mood.