MCFAC's Profile
vanilla infused simple syrup - cocktail ideas?
The vodka soaked raspberries sound amazing! Thanks for the suggestions.
vanilla infused simple syrup - cocktail ideas?
Hi, I made up some Tahitian vanilla bean infused simple syrup, and would like to do a little mixing. I can bang out a decent margarita, but that's the extent of my mixed drink repertoire. I have some clear rum for one cocktail, and some good whiskey for another. Will probably serve the rum to the ladies, who are very light drinkers, and the whiskey to the gents. Here are my thoughts so far:
1. love mojitos for the rum, but I don't think the mint or lime will pair well with vanilla, right? Maybe if I go in a different direction, with orange or tangerine juice?
2. would like to use some seasonal fruit, was thinking maybe whiskey with the ss, peaches, cinnamon (have some beautiful cinnamon on hand.)
Open to all suggestions from you more experienced mixologists!
lamb, eggplant, ricotta dish?
Thanks, both of you. Reading the moussaka reminded me, duh, meat sauce is the way to go. I have to use that ricotta, though, so now I'm thinking layering eggplant, meatsauce, cheese, then mozz on top. Moussaka would be a bit lighter.
lamb, eggplant, ricotta dish?
Hi, inventing a dish today. I have some beautiful eggplant that I intend to slice, salt and bake off. I have ricotta cheese to use, along with relatively small amounts of mozz and parm. I have a jar of good sauce, and a pound of ground lamb. I plan to brown some onions and mix with the seasoned, browned lamb. Plenty of fresh rosemary and thyme on hand. Anyone have some suggestions on how to layer? Other ideas? Maybe eggplant, meat, sauce cheese, then eggplant again topped with mozz? Can I skip precooking the eggplant if I slice very thin, salt, and press out excess water first?
Can you identify these two Parisian restos?
Again, thanks for the thoughtful responses. As the hotel offers breakfast and dinner, we're planning for midmorning snacks, lunches, and just a couple dinners. After looking for days at amazing descriptions and photos, here's my strategy. 1. I'm ruling out anything over 35 euros for lunch and 50 euros for dinner, too formal an experience just isn't right for this trip. 2. I'm using www.parisbymouth.com's postal code list system to narrow my choices, (so I can actually make some) and find places near the attractions/landmarks we wish to visit. (of course validating by checking out CH posts.) 3. Also using http://www.chocoparis.com/ for some chocolate walks, going into Montmarte to check out Arnaud Larher. Can you recommend a place for a late lunch in that area? (Planning to fit the Sacre Cour in between that shop and a meal.) 4. Also hoping to check out the open air markets for lunch a couple days. We'll be spending at least two days in the Louve-Musee de Orsay-Musee de la Orangerie - Musee de Herbe area, my concern is that this may be laden with tourist traps and very expensive. I'm planning on making a few reservations in advance, are there options in that area for grabbing a good unplanned bite?
Can you identify these two Parisian restos?
Reminds me of our heist of guinness glasses for a friend's parents, then in their 80's. They weren't leaving the pub without them!
So, no agreement on Astier? Parigi says it's a go, from these comments, I'm thinking "no go." Although after reading about parisian restos for the last 4 straight days, I've come to believe that horrible service is just what to expect...and a lot of well loved places have become "old and tired".
Can you identify these two Parisian restos?
We're going to brave it without a sitter. On www.parisbymouth.com there's a thread, Drouant has a children's menu, and Astier reportedly gives children cloth bibs, which become a take home gift. The thread also says Sunday is a big family day for restos, and that at most places, they are happy to prepare "off the menu" items for children. So, these two places are on my list, unless CHers feel they're not a good value. Any comments on Drouant or Astier?
Can you identify these two Parisian restos?
Yes, I think these two recs will be too much. (Although I read that in the very old days, they would bring cows into the dining room of Le grand Vefour for guests to milk, and kids aren't worse than cows, are they?) We are not trying to do full dinner, I understand that lunch will involve fewer courses.
If you can recommend maybe a one star or a fantastic lesser known place that is less formal, it would be much appreciated. I've been reading some other threads about eating with children, the emphasis seems to be a bit more on cafes and street eating. We'll do plenty of that as well, just trying to squeeze in one really fabulous lunch.
Can you identify these two Parisian restos?
Thanks, we can usually last 3 courses at home, I was planning on bringing a few toys/crayons, etc. But I really don't want to inconvience other diners in too formal a setting.
Can you identify these two Parisian restos?
Thanks, everyone! Would either of these be a comfortable choice for lunch with our four year old? Or is there another place for an exceptional lunch that is welcoming for children? If outside seating is available, that canis a big plus with kids.
Can you identify these two Parisian restos?
Hi, I spoke with someone who frequently visits Paris, she recommended two places. Unfortunately, she couldn't spell the names. Maybe you can help? Both are two starred Michelin places, reportedly with "life changing" multiple course lunches and dinners. One she believed was in the Jardin (or parc) du Palais Royal, my best guess on spelling is "Le Pre Curtcone", the other is named something close to "La Grande Veufrune". Any ideas on correct spellings, so I can book a reservation? Your help is much appreciated!
September 2011 events in France?
Thanks, but I think we've decided not to stray so far from Paris, given that we only have a few days. I hope others can make use of your suggestion, it sounds heavenly.
I read that many of the vineyards actually close during harvest time, so no plans for Champagne or Burgandy regions. Right now, I'm leaning towards Lyons and the surrounding area. Looks like we can have a mix of incredible family hikes and activities and great food. I understand that it is a less "touristy"area. Or possibly Arles or Aix, but we'll have missed the lavender fields. For this time of year, would you agree with Lyons, or are there some options more north that you would recommend? (We're coming from south Florida, so mountains and cooler weather are a pleasant change.) As we have to fly out of CDG in the morning, if we were already north, it might be easier. Thanks again for your advice, please let me know if you have other suggestions.
September 2011 events in France?
Thanks so much! We can travel a little further by train, but I think avoiding having to rent a car may be best for us, if possible. So, I'll look further into your suggestion, and am open to other ideas too.
September 2011 events in France?
Hi, we'll be in France soon, and will have Sept. 8,9, 10, 11 to visit an area outside of Paris. I know there are many local harvest and wine festivals in that month in Europe. Can anyone advise on a region to visit, based on local food and wine events? I'm thinking Provence first, and am completely open to other suggestions. We'll be travelling with our young child, so looking for casual, fun options. Thanks in advance.
Are There No Good, Inexpensive Places In Paris?
Food quality is that good at that Marriott? Here in the states, it's typically poor, when we stayed at the Marriott in County Hall, London, it was an appreciable step up. Executive breakfast spread (open and free to Marriott gold customers) included a lot of protiens, eggs, sausage, salmon, etc. as well as fruit, baked goods, juice, yogurt. So, we could eat up for a day of sightseeing, but of course breakfast at a le pain quotidien would have been a step up. Was your Marriott experience similar, or do you think, a little better?
Best food neighborhoods in Paris?
Hi, we plan to be in Paris soon, and will likely rent an apartment with a kitchen. Of course, around eating, we'll want to visit the art museums, walk along the seine, browse open air markets. We'll have a week.
From a food perspective, we'd love to visit street markets, enjoy little cafes and patisseries, local eateries. We'll plan our schedules around open air market experiences. Can you suggest the best neighborhoods for our cultural and food immersion?
Fiorentina in Lake Worth, Palm Beach county
Really, nobody living in PBC is casually running into Miami for dinner. PBC deserves a board. I'm sure some much smaller areas in terms of land mass and population have thier own.
From wiki:
Palm Beach County is the largest county in the state of Florida in land area. As of 2010, the rapidly-growing county's estimated population was 1,320,134,[1] making it the third most populous in the state and the twenty-eighth most populous in the United States.
All-Clad D5 Stainless Discontinued?
Wow, a little confusing. However, I hit the WS sale today, and picked up a few pieces of D5, some in the brushed finish, because the prices were lower, and some in the smooth finish. In brushed: 1.5 qt. sauce for $50, 3 qt sauce for $100, 4 qt. sauce $100, 4 Qt. Saute and Simmer for $80. In smooth, 2 qt. saucier for $70. Also the 12 qt. multi pot for $150. They threw in a gift of a lasagna pan, cookbook and oven mits. Everything new in boxes. All that for $550 before tax seemed like a great deal, but I didn't know about the outlet stores!
My only concern is caring for the brushed finish. I already had a large saute pan, and I notice that it is developing a strange patina. I think it's from the dishwasher, as the marks look like water marks. Maybe it's hard water, or the soap. I tried BKF, it didn't make any difference. Maybe I should try a vinegar soak? I saw some people saying the brushed finish would hold up longer, but it seems more delicate to me. Any pointers? That outer layer is brushed SS according to the packaging.
no onion or garlic-need a different savory flavor base!
Wow, thanks everyone for the replies! Using the hoseradish with this potato recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Roasted-New-Potatoes-with-Horseradish-and-Mustard-955 and found a greek black eyed pea salad recipe that somehow doesn't require onion or garlic. Also spiking a green salad with radish. On the mushroom theme, I did give a thought to truffle oil, but haven't experimented with it before. Thanks, fellow CHers! I'll be referring back to this thread for ideas every time I cook for these friends.
no onion or garlic-need a different savory flavor base!
Hi, I'm cooking a birthday dinner for a friend who doesn't eat onion or garlic, or anything else in that family. Every time I omit these ingredients, I am not satisfied with the results.
I'll be dressing beans, pasta, potatoes. The extra wrinkle? She's vegan, so I can't add meaty flavors, like bacon, sausage or anchovies. So far, I'm thinking rosemary, sage and lemon. Or maybe a basil or parsley pesto. I also have some fresh horseradish on hand.
Looking for a vibrant enough flavor profile that the onions, garlic won't be missed. Can you suggest alternate seasoning combinations? Particularly anything that will add a meaty/unami note?
Fiorentina in Lake Worth, Palm Beach county
Hi, I have a new favorite in PB county to share with fellow chowhounders. Fiorentina in downtown Lake Worth. We’ve been three times, once fo dinner, once for a mid-afternoon dessert and once for lunch.
To start lunch and dinner, they bring over a platter with fresh Italian bread, seasoned olive oil and a bowl of olives. We all sampled bites from each other’s dinner entrees, including the snapper, the duck, and the osso bucco. Everything was fabulous. The Insalata Caprese has garnered high praise from reviewers, and is worth a visit alone. It’s also a good value, they have entrees in a range of prices, as rustic pizzas and pasta dishes are offered. Panini’s on the lunch menu are 8-9 dollars. For dessert, they serve a perfect cappuccino, with a sugar swizzler on the side. And the ricotta cheesecake, made in house, is flawless.
We've brought our little one each time with no issues. However, they stay open late, and the ambience is perfect for a date.
Here are a few links: http://fiorentinarestaurant.com
and a PB Post review: http://www.pbpulse.com/dining/2010/12/01/fiorentina-restaurant-is-a-terrific-italian-surprise/
London-how to eat lunch around sightseeing?
Thanks for the recommendations, gemuse and zuriga1! We went to the zoo before these posts appeared. Between the Camden tube stop and the zoo, we came across Yumchaa (www.yumchaa.com) Wonderful teas, they keep out a sample of each out in a small cup, so you can see and sniff before ordering. A green tea mix called Regent Park smelled great, but I went for the stronger midnight grey. Will have to go back. Also coffees and treats, we spent nine pounds for three beverages and a slice of lemon cake.
Also, we checked out http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/page/3020/Visit+us the same day we went to the Tate Modern. We can't get much raw milk cheese in the states, so we had some stilton. Also ate lunch at http://www.fishkitchen.com/ , my entree was perfectly cooked.
As for our price point, I did mean the main. On days when the museum/outing is free or low cost, splurging for lunch is ok. Any more thoughts?
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Tate Modern
Bankside, London SE1 9TG, GB
London-how to eat lunch around sightseeing?
Hi, we're here for another week, staying near the eye, and would love a guide to lunch places near the big attractions.
For other visiters, I can offer the following: Don't eat at the Science Museum. (They must know something's not working, because they had survey cards out. Would have taken a chainsaw to get through the steak sandwich.) Also, very near the Eye, there's a great place called Troia, which bills itself as Mediterranean Cuisine. The address is 3 Belvedere Road, SE1 7GQ. It's on the opposite side of County Hall from the river, if you're at the Eye, head south and take your first right. Lunch specials start at 7 pounds. Some general comments, everyone here has been really welcoming. Also, it's easy to get around the city, there are maps posted everywhere, and food has been more affordable here than we expected, even with the currency exchange hit to the american dollar. It's very easy to relax in London.
For those who can advise, we'd like to stay within about a 5-10 minute walk for lunches, priced around 8-10 pounds, a little more or less is fine. No reservations, and prefer table service to take a break from sightseeing. Also open to dinner suggestions, we're staying near the Eye. Open to all types of food. We plan to visit:
Natural History Museum
Tower Bridge
Theatre District-Soho
London Zoo
Buckingham Palace
Would love to hear about good eateries in the museums, as we like to spend money to help support the institutions.
Also, recommendations of any kind near Westminster, or within a fifteen minute walk of the Eye, would be appreciated.
And, we will make a special trip for the best cheese and tea shops. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
What food/food experience does London do better than any other city?
Thanks for the link. Can anyone also advise on a place to go for tea that's really fun and a little off the beaten path? I'm planning on bringing my little girl in her most elaborate dress, boa and tiara...
What food/food experience does London do better than any other city?
Sorry, bad link above, try https://livingsocial.com/deals/16726?ref=conf-jp&rpi=5886100
What food/food experience does London do better than any other city?
I'm going to London as well, will spend 11 days at a hotel neighboring the "eye". Would also love some good recommendations. Looks like the best restos are already covered in this thread, would appreciate knowing about quick, reasonable spots to stop for lunch that are tasty. Especially those near parks/museums/attractions. Also, what neighborhoods should not be missed?
BTW, to save some pounds, I added London to my LivingSocial account in advance of my trip. Today, they have a deal on Maison Tourag, moroccan and lebanese cuisine , here's a link: https://livingsocial.com/deals/16726?ref=conf-jp&rpi=5886100
Maybe some locals can weigh in on this place?
tumeric root uses?
Thanks, I ended up improvising from some Moroccan chicken stew recipes, marinated chicken pieces overnight with a mix of spices, then seared and stewed. Used ginger, clove, cinnamon, cumin in the spice mix, added onion, celery, carrot, butternut squash and chickpeas to the stew. The turmeric has a really clean, refreshing taste.
tumeric root uses?
Hi, I couldn't resist buying a small amount of fresh tumeric root when I saw it in my local WF this week. No recipe ideas, any tips, tricks, recipies out there?
Entenmann's Cakes/Cookies/Pies/ Pastries [moved from Not about Food board]
Too waxy, doesn't taste like chocolate at all. Every time I pass them in the store, I have to remind myself to NOT buy them, they don't live up to childhood memory.
Best James Beard cookbook to buy?
Hi, I'm sure it's been discussed before, but I got a search results overload, between the awards and the awarded books. I couldn't find a thread on Beard's Theory and Practice of Good Cooking, was wondering if other CH'ers could share their thoughts.
