lisamos's Profile
know a good lambrusco?
I've recently started drinking Lambrusco and just love it. I remember my parents drinking it back in the 70's. I think its a very under appreciated wine. Most red wines give me hot flashes (for lack of a better term) to the point of being uncomfortable, but the Lambrusco with its lower tannins doesn't have that effect on me. it goes well with the spicy foods I eat and the fruity taste is lovely.
Cold Brew Coffee - Anyone Tried This?
A friend introduced the Toddy system to me a few years ago. I was having terrible indigestion from drinking hot brewed coffee and after trying the Toddy cold brewed system, I was hooked. It makes a low acid coffee that doesn't give me indigestion! The concentrate will last up to 14 days in the fridge and it does make great iced as well as hot coffee.
duke's mayo -- i think i'm a convert
I switched to Dukes a little over a year ago. In my opinion it's MUCH creamier than Kraft or Hellmans. Luckily I live in the south and don't have trouble finding it. Plus its cheaper than the other more popular name brand mayos. Welcome to the club!
Suggestions for slightly sweet red wine?
I've been out of touch for awhile, but came back here and saw your post. Thanks for the recommendation. I'll give it a try!
Help!! Everything is sticking to my pan!!
Your comments were very helpful! Thanks so much. I fried an egg once an it worked great, then I got brave and tried to scramble. Not so good. I never put my pan in the DW, in fact, I hardly use the thing. Sometimes I get frustrated and put the pan away for months before pulling it out again. But I'm ready to try again. Thanks!
Top Chef Episode #2
I agree with the comment that its a bit early to be having a team challenge. Valerie deserved to go home and Andrew is annoying and a spaz! I found it a little interesting that the other two women on Valeries team didn't try to talk her out of the blinis and they both knew it wasn't going to work. So much for teamwork!
Debbie Meyer green bags.
I have seen those bags on tv and have wanted to try them, but was reluctant. I LOVE veggies and eat alot of them, but I also lose alot due to rot. Based on what I've read here, I think I'm going to give them a try. I'm so tired of having to throw food out! Thanks for the posts!
Help!! Everything is sticking to my pan!!
I have one of Emeril's 8" stainless steel pans and sometimes it works great. Like when sauting my beggies, but sometimes everything sticks really bad. Especially eggs. I've tried those cooking sprays, but they don't seem to help much. Am I doing something wrong? Is my heat too high? I really love using the pan, but I hate it when my food sticks to the bottom.
Bruni on Celebrity Chefs on FN and Top Chef
I agree. I'm tired of shows like 'Unwrapped' and all the travel shows that Giada and Rachel and the Deen boys do. I want to see COOKING SHOWS!! I do think Alton Brown is technically a genius. And I like Ina Garten from Barefoot Contessa, but I don't hear many chowhounds comment on her. I've made alot of her recipes and other than making WAY TOO MUCH, they all turn out great. On another note, I noticed that Paula's Home Cooking has replaced Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee in the afternoons. Anyone know if she was cancelled? She gets on my nerve in a bad way and I would rather watch Paula than her and all her cutesy, matching tablescapes. I tune in for the food, not the decoreations. Am I being too harsh? Maybe.
Top Chef FINALE (um- when & where is it?)
If I'm not mistaken, I was watching Sara M's goodbye video on Bravotv.com and she mentioned that each of the 3 finalist gets to choose a sous chef from the chef's that have been eliminated and she felt pretty strongly that she would be asked back. Bravo has not given much out on their TV promos. I can't wait for tonite's finale!!! Go Casey!!!
Top Chef Finale tonight!
I completely know how you feel! I live for my Wednesday nite fix of TC. My boyfirend, who could care less about food/cooking, thinks I'm a freak. I got teary when Sara M left and of course, Tre, who was my pick to win. I didn't recover from that for weeks. Like you, I watch the reruns everytime they're on no matter how many times I've seen them. I guess I need to get a life!!! Oh well, maybe after tonite . . .but then I'll be wataching 'The Next Iron Chef'.
Top Chef Finale Part 1 (spoilers)
You have summed up exactly why I do not want to see Hung win the title of Top Chef. You nailed it for me. He has no respect for the other chefs mainly because he thinks he's above them. He may be, technically speaking, but there's more to being a great chef than technique. IMO
Top Chef Finale Part 1 (spoilers)
I was suprised Brian didn't do well in the QF, but was glad to see Casey win it. Hung was fuming!! Its his own fault that he didn't win - his over confident attitude made him leave off the most important ingrediant.
I was sooo happy Dale won this challenge! He has so much heart and I really like his personality! I think Hung is very talented, but I'm turned off by his arrogance. I don't thnk his cooking has soul at all. I think he just told the judges that because he thought that's what they needed to hear. I'm not saying the story of his family wasn't touching, it was, but it doesn't come across thru his food. I'd love to see Dale win this thing! Or Casey.
Top Chef Sept. 12th. >>SPOILER<<
I agree - this challenge, although interesting, seemed like they were just trying to see how miserable and tough they could make it for them. I realize a Top Chef needs to be resilient and work under pressure and be prepared for anything, but Airline Food?? I'd really like to see them just cook. No cramped quarters, no money limits, maybe a reasonable time limit, but lets see who can present the best dish when given the same protein. Lets see how each one interprets their skills. That is what I'd really like to see. No $50 budgets to feed 30 people gourmet finger food.
Top Chef Sept. 12th. >>SPOILER<<
I agree that Casey has done well as of late. She also did well in the frozen food challenge and a quick fire. Her food seems to not only look nice, but the comments are usually that it was original and interesting, even daring using many flavors on the boat challenge. I can look past the onion chopping fiasco and see that she is turning into a real contender! Sarah has also grown on me. I like her attifude. She goes with the flow and when she messes up, she admits it. I'd like to see Casey, Sarah and Dale move forward to the Final Four. My jury is still out on Hung. He's not a team player. Just when I start to like him, he does something that ruins it for me. LIke not helping CJ, leaving food on the floor that he drops and insisting that 'it wasn't me, but if I did do it, I was unaware'. Gimme a break!
Top Ribs in FLA
I know alot of you chow hounds in S. Fla don't make it up to Ocala, but I have to mention Tommy's on N. 441 as excellent BBQ. The ribs are awesome! There are alot of BBQ joints around here, but Tommy's is far above the rest! If you're ever passing thru, you should check them out.
Suggestions Needed for Road Trip FL
Just thought of another little place in Ocala, this one right off I-75 at exit #70. It's called Huckleberry Fin's. (across from Ramada Inn). Its kind of carribean/islandie. Excellent grouper sandwich. Prices are very reasonable. Great food! And convenient when you want to jump right back on the Interstate.
Suggestions Needed for Road Trip FL
While making your way thru Ocala, the only restaurants you'll find on the more traveled area of town (Hwy 200 along I-75) are mostly chains. If you go to the NE section of town, which is only about 10-15 minutes away, go to Grille 754. Its located at 754 NE 25th Avenue. The food is excellent and not your typlical boring food you usually find in our small town. On average, with a glass of wine and a nice dinner, it runs about $35 per person. The service is excellent. The food is interesting and delicious, using some local products from surrounding areas. Its not really fancy, but its a nice, quiet place away from the busy State Road 200 corridor and its on a nice side of town. Its well worth the extra few minutes it takes to get there.
Crockpot Cassoulet
Val,
Thanks so much for the recipe. Sounds like something I'd really like to try and I appreciate your tips as well. Looking forward to the cooler weather months here in Fla and can't wait to try this out!
Crockpot Cassoulet
I've been looking for a recipe for a cassoulet using a crock pot. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas? I love my crockpot and I love beans! I especially am interested in using either pork or chicken.
Top Chef Aug 22nd. [Spoilers]
I think Rocco has called it exactly right in his blog. I know some may not agree with me, but i think he has been one of the better guest judges so far this season. I thought his comments during the frozen food challenge were very good and even tho Casey and Dale's meatball was still frozen in the middle, he didn't slam them, he instead let them know how good he thought the other aspects of their dinner were, (pesto for example). I watched 'The Restaurant' when it was on and it was sad, but I'd like to think he's learned from that whole experience and is trying to show that he is moving on from it. As long as people will allow him to do so. I've never really cared for CJ much and now after he let Tre take the fall and didn't do anything to help, I care for him even less. He better do something spectacular in the coming challenges, because I think his true colors have shown thru and even the judges see it. I know Tre was the EC, but he didn't have much help in that challenge. CJ made one dish that Chef Tom said wasn't even very good. He should've stepped up and asked his EC what he needed from him. CJ isn't used to working with a team and it showed in his actions and comments at judges table.
Top Chef Aug 22nd. [Spoilers]
Since Tre is gone, I think it'll be Sarah, Dale, Hung and Howie. Hung is winning me over. As long as his ego doesn't get in the way. I liked him in the beginning, but his attitude turned me off. Dale is someone I'd like to see win as well.
Top Chef Aug 22nd. [Spoilers]
Now that Tre is gone, I have lost interest in this show!! He was hands down, the TOP CHEF in my opinion. I think CJ threw him under the bus and Tre, being the class act that he is, took the elimination like a man. But he didn't deserve to be eliminated. What has Casey done EVER to prove she deserves to be TC? She can't even slice an onion. Tre has consistently done well and never lost his cool and handled criticism very well. At least he gets to go to Italy! I don't even care who wins now. I'm done!
Finally a decent restaurant in Ocala that is NOT a chain!
summer,
I'm sure you'll be happy with it and its close to Silver Springs! And the prices aren't bad, either.
Finally a decent restaurant in Ocala that is NOT a chain!
Ocala has never been known for its fine dining, but more for the miles and miles of chain restaurants and good BBQ. And most of them are located on the Hwy 200 corridor. But finally we have something new and interesting and its on 'the other side of town'. Grille 754 is located on NE 25th Avenue in what used to be a seafood restaurant. The owners/chefs completely remodeled and gave the building ambiance and class. What a breath of fresh air this place is! They use seasonal ingredients from the surrounding areas (seafood from the Gulf, corn from Zellwood, strawberries from Plant City for example) and their food is not typical. I've only been for lunch a few times and was very satisfied. Both times the waiters were very good and knew the menu/specials well. The restaurant walls are covered with beautiful underwater photography from Silver Springs, Juniper Springs, etc. The menu options are fresh and new and simply delicious! The celery slaw is so refreshing when you're tired of a salad or regular coleslaw. I've read posts on these boards about recomendations for Ocala and finally there is a place I wouldn't be apprehensive of telling anyone about. If you find yourself in Ocala, come to the NE side of town and try Grille 754. I've included a link to a story that will tell a little about the place and the chefs.
http://www.ocalamagazine.com/specPubsNews/templates/?a=869&z=17
Suggestions for slightly sweet red wine?
Yes, I've already decided to try a Red Zin next. I tried the [Yellow Tail] Shiraz and I enjoyed it. I liked all of the flavors that when off in my mouth! I'm anxious to try the Red Zin and see which I like better. I saw the Ravenswood in my local wine shop while browsing for the Shiraz, so I will probably try it. You all have been so helpful and I've learned so much! I'm actually keeping notes. There's so much to learn. And so much wine to taste! Am I turning into a wino?? lol
Suggestions for slightly sweet red wine?
Thanks for the suggestions. What kind of price range is the Amarone? I'm keeping a little notebook with notes about certain wines. I've discovered that the world of wine is a fun place! So much to try, so little time!! Sounds like your friend has a great job!! Thank you again for your input!
Suggestions for slightly sweet red wine?
That's very good advice and you're right about the acidity in the wines I've been drinking. I won't mind spending a few more dollars for a wine that I know I will enjoy. Thanks for your suggestions on the Zin. I'll put those names in my little book of notes I'm keeping as ones I certainly want to try. Thank you!
Suggestions for slightly sweet red wine?
You all have been very helpful and I'm looking forward to trying your suggestions! You've given me alot to think about. Thanks again to everyone!
Lisa
Suggestions for slightly sweet red wine?
There is a wine tasting coming soon to a wine shop in my area and I'm hoping to go. I agree that is one of the best ways for me to familiarize myself. I only wish I had more friends that enjoyed wine to go with me. (Small town Small Minds, if you know what I mean) Don't get me wrong, I love my small town, but a little culture goes along way!!! Anyway, I've already learned so much in just one afternoon of sharing thoughts and researching on the internet and I'm looking forward to experimenting!
