Foodie Recommendations!

So you ask what is a Foodie?

A Foodie is someone that can passionately talk about awesome restaurants they have visited, tremendous meals they have had and be able to recall them from years past and explain them in a way that can make you almost taste what they are talking about.

So this entry will be a few recommendations from some fellow Foodies that I've come to know that love the experience of a good meal as much as I do.

Cecily Bloxham - Salt Lake City

Blue Plate Diner:      http://theblueplatediner.com/

She recommends the Banana Nut Pancakes, Corned Beef Hash and Smoked Salmon Club. Even all at once that sounds like a sweet meal. Can't go wrong with a place that serves awesome breakfasts all day!

She also recommends:
Thai Siam:   http://thaisiam.net/ 

The Philadelphian Sandwich Shop:    http://www.allmenus.com/ut/salt-lake-city/37368-the-philadelphian/menu/

Doug Sanderson - Rosenberg, TX.

Bob's Taco Station:   http://www.bobstacos.com/

I've know Doug for years and he lives by the same credo as me that you should not eat at chains you have access to at home when on the road. He raved about the Tamales at Bob's Taco Station on a recent business trip and said the salsa was good enough to drink.

...and if you've ever loved salsa enough to drink it then you know your one to something special.
Bill Witt - Dallas, TX.

Kenny's Wood Fired Grill:   http://kennyswoodfiredgrill.com/

Bill is another person that I can talk food with for hours. He is someone that travels a lot for his job so I trust his judgement. At Kenny's Wood Fired Grill he recommends The Wedge which has Tenderloin and Bacon...did I say it had Bacon...the recommendation had me at Bacon. I will definitely check this place out on my next visit to see my Cowboys play at Jerry's Palace.

So there you have it!

You see I'm not alone and I'm always open for more recommendations from fellow Foodies. There is no initiation or hazing involved just let me know what place or meal your passionate about and I'll help get the word out!

San Jose, CA.

Ah San Jose!

This town holds one of my most bizarre memories. I experienced my first earthquake tremor while attending a business training here. There we were getting some good instruction when the chandeliers started swaying and the ground felt like someone was flipping a rug under my feet. It only lasted for about 10 seconds but the low rumble was crazy. So why not mention some of my favorite places to eat in this fault line city (don't quote me on that, I have no researched fault lines in the area).

I was really impressed with the city and the array of ethnic food choices downtown. Although we were staying aways outside of the downtown area at the Dolce Hayes Hotel (which is an awesome place to stay by the way) we would make our trip into town each night. 

One of my favorite spots downtown is:

Don Pedro's Restaurant -      http://www.yelp.com/biz/don-pedros-restaurant-san-jose

There was nothing visually aesthetic with this place but the food was great and it was within walking distance of a few areas of interest. The chips and salsa were really good with free refills, which is becoming more rare in metro cities these days. I had the their chile verde with their excellent homemade tortillas. Then I would dip them in the beans. It was so good we went back twice.

It was recommended while we were there to take a quick drive out to Santa Cruz boardwalk and eat at one of the places on the water. We ended up at a great place right on the wharf called Gilda's.

Gilda's:      http://gildas-restaurant.com/

It doesn't matter where you are at in the California inland you must make a trip to any of the coastal towns and have seafood. It is just better when it is caught that day and served fresh.  Go with the Fisherman's Catch in a Basket and the sample basket. I really cannot recall all of the seafood in my basket but I know there were clams. I know, not much to go on, but well worth the price as all of it was really good. Its easy to share so you can try something else. Like the Pacific Red Snapper. Great mild flavor for those that have an aversion to strong flavored fish. Their french bread is warm and fresh which is also a must at these places.

I also recommend the Dolce Hayes for its food, service and possible ghost sitings. We stayed in the newer convention wing but my associates that stayed in the old house rooms said they had that sixth sense feeling.

I've got to go back and give it a go!

MAN-WICH !

Hello again my food friends!

Once in awhile I will get an e-mail about food that blows my mind. This was one of them. With the Super Bowl right around the corner why not try this sandwich of all sanwhiches if you dare!

Here you go:

                   The Absolute Ultimate 'Man Sandwich '

a loaf of hard crusted Italian bread,

3 rib eye steaks, 1 lb mushrooms, an onion,

swiss cheese, dijon or spicy mustard, horseradish,

Worcestershire, and some bacon.

First, hollow out bread...

Cook everything up

...try to leave the steaks a little rare as they will carry over cook a little more in the sandwich

Shove two of the steaks in the bread

Sauce the steak

I like to have two halves of the sandwich different so I use on one side thick Worcestershire sauce

and on the other half, Dijon mustard and horse radish

...a layer of Swiss cheese

 ...then try to stuff in as much of the mushroom and onion mixture as possible

...then the other steak along with the juices from the pan

...a little more sauce and then the mustard mix

...top off with more Swiss

put the top of the loaf back on

wrap in butcher paper

and wrap in foil

...put a heavy cutting board on top to squish it down

add more weight
...and wait ...and wait

Take weight off

...cut, serve and enjoy.

Is this an awesome idea or what! I will let you know as soon as I try it but if anyone out there has actually done this please let me know how it turned out.

Enjoy!

TRADER JOE'S IS HERE!!!!

If you have spent any time traveling to certain locations you begin to make list of places to visit every time you go. Some people want to hit a certain boutique, restaurant or novelty store.

One of my favorite places to visit on the road was Trader Joe's: http://www.traderjoes.com/index.asp


It took me years of groveling but Utah has finally got one for themselves in Salt Lake. I have had the chance to visit their newest local a few times and as crazy as the crowds have been it is only a matter of time until they branch out along the Wasatch front.

If you haven't been to a Trader Joe's it is cross between Whole Foods and Paradise. Eighty percent of their products are unique to them as they have their own lable. They have great deli items, sauces, nuts, chips, crackers as well as a great floral section. It truly is a one stop shop for me.

A couple of my favorite items include their General Tso Stir Fry Sauce, whole roasted cashews, Basmati rice and stir fry veggies. All you need is a wok and some chicken, shrimp or strips of beef. Fry it up in a wok. Add the cashews and sauce and poor it over the rice and veggies. Truly emotional.

So please visit the location in Salt Lake and give yourself plenty of time to wander up and down the isles so you can see the variety of products. Let me know what you like so I can try some new ones as well.

You'll have my groveling to thank!

Olive Tapenade

Ah! It's Christmas time and that means good food, family and friends.

Like most people you will be invited to multiple family functions and friend parties. You will also be asked to bring your favorite appetizer as part of these invitations. I'm about to give you a recipe to my favorite appetizer that I use for most of these gatherings.

A little history first.

While on a business trip to Las Vegas years ago we were eating at an Italian restaurant in the Forum shops at Caesars Palace and instead of serving their bread with the usual butter or oil/vinegar mixture they served it with olive tapenade.



At first I looked at it and to be quite honest with you I was taken back by its appearance. It sort of looked like some kind of concoction you see on a Food Network challenge show. I like olives but I didn't love olives. So I put a little bit on and took a big bite of bread in case it was awful I would be left with a good bread to tapenade ratio. To my surprise it was FANTASTIC!

Needless to say after another 4 plates of bread I finally got the courage to ask our server what was in it. I was expecting her not to know or share because it was their own special recipe but to my surprise she gladly shared it with us. It was like writing down directions to a hidden treasure.

So now you can be the hit at your next gathering.

OLIVE TAPENADE

1 can black olives
1 cup green olives with pimento
10-15 pitted kalamata olives
1 clove garlic
1/2 cup olive oil
dash of red pepper flakes

Combine all of the ingredient in blender and serve fresh or chill. I usually serve it with baguette bread cut in small pieces like the picture provided. You could even spread a little olive oil on the bread and toast in the oven for a little bit. Gourmet crackers are also excellent with this.

Let me know if you enjoy it and MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all!!!

Huntington Beach, CA.

Whenever it gets cold here in Utah my mind continually wanders to warmer locals I've visited around the world so I thought I would let you know of some of my favorites in Huntington Beach, California.



There are so many places to eat along the PCH and the 405 in this densely populated area. Any type of food you can imagine is readily available. Which can be a good or bad thing. Sometimes I would visit for only a few days and trying to decide what I felt like and which place to eat at caused some major anxiety. I wished I was a cow with four stomachs so I could do more damage on these short visits.

So the next time you plan your visit to Disney Land, Knotts Berry Farm or Universal Studios check out a couple of these sweet stops.

Duke's Huntington Beach - http://www.dukeshuntington.com/

Start off with some Macadamian Nut Hummus with some crunchy Foccacia to smear it on. Unlike any hummus you will have ever had. Definitely try the Parmesan and Herb Crusted seasonal fish selection. If you are having a hard time deciding what to get always go with a fresh fish selection on the coast. It's hard to beat something caught a day or two ago. The Caramel Roasted Turkey Stack is a killer sandwich and very unique to Duke's. Then walk it off along the board walk area, or have fun shopping at all of the cool shops close by.

Mangia...Mangia Italian Restaurant - http://www.mangiamangiarestaurant.com/

When I want authentic Italian in this neck of the woods I head here. Having been to Italy and eaten in Venice, Rome and Florence this place is as close as I've found to what I tasted in the mother country itself. I love their Ravioli Al Gorgonzola. The creamy sauce will make you emotional with each bite. The Linguine Clams are a close 2nd. Fresh clams are so tender and not the rubbery ones we usually find in canned soups so don't be afraid.

DeSimone Deli & Bakery - http://www.desimonedeli.com/

When you want a great lunch while your out exploring the area try this local bakery. There hot seasoned pork or smoked turkey sandwiches are to die for on their daily baked breads.

Daphne's Greek Cafe - http://www.daphnesgreekcafe.com/whats-new.html

This California Greek chain is fantastic. Excellent takes on classic Greek food. I love their seasoned wraps and any of their plates. Mix and match any of the items as I've had all of them and all were consistently fantastic.

So there you have a few places to get you started the next time you head down to the beach and hang ten on the surf, Dude!

How was that for beach slang????

Indian 101

I love Indian food!

There...I said it...its out there and I feel better about it.

The more I talk to people that have never tried Indian food the more I'm met with absolute fear or scepticism. Those that have tried it but speak ill of it often speak of weird dishes they have had in their distant past or their aversion to curry.

I must admit that a lot of curry in any dish is bad thing and people from India and that region of the world can go over board with it. When I served as an LDS missionary in Canada I lived in a basement apartment of a couple from Pakistan who had curry blowing through the vents all day. The smell of curry cannot be confused to Axe body spray so I was rather sick of the smell for quite some time.

But curry done right and in measurable amounts is awesome. Plus there are so many Indian dishes that are very tasty and have very low levels of curry.

So you want Indian 101?

As more and more Indian restaurants open up around Utah and the country here are two dishes to get you started. I have recommended both of these to Indian food virgins and Indian despondents for years and they have been the safest bets.

Chicken Tikka Masala

First off, this dish has chicken in it and who doesn't like chicken???? Most places use chicken that is prepared in a tandoori oven which is made from clay and keeps the chicken really tender. The chicken is then cooked with yogurt and spices and then added to a mild-to-burn your eyes out tomato cream sauce. If you can handle tomatoes you can definitely handle this dish. I usually go medium for a little kick but like I say you can get it extremely hot if you want (eater beware). I usually poor it over the long grain Basmati rice that most places serve and then dip my Garlic Naan or Cheesy Naan bread in the sauce. Absolutely awesome. I usually wash it down with a Mountain Dew but water also works if you do not want to disrupt the flavor in your mouth. Savor it...it's worth it.



Chicken Coconut Korma  

This is another very popular dish with a very mild flavor of coconut milk but not to strong if you do not like coconut. People I've talked to that hate coconut have attested to this. I'm also a sucker for cashews that most places use but some also use or substitute with pine nuts. Again curry is only one of many ingredients used in this dish so it does not over power the other flavors. Same thing here. Pour it over the rice and use the Naan to sop up the sauce. I'm getting emotional just thinking about it!



I thought I would add some pictures so you have an idea of the look. When your are ready and know you like them try them with the traditional lamb. It is just as tender and adds a little bit different flavor. Most places will also do these dishes with shrimp or vegetarian style so they can cover a lot of different tastes.

So go giv'em a try and if I've have led you astray with either recommendation let me know and I will reimburse you .01% of your total bill...which isn't bad in these tough economic times!

Enjoy!