daeglo's Recent Activity
Chowhound Post
Pressure Cookers and what's your favorite? [Moved from Home Cooking board]
Magefesa is the single best pressure cooker ever. Light and solidly built. It has no nasty jiggly top. Silicone seals that last forever (with proper care). No funny taste (aluminum pressures I'm talking about you). I love it. I use it. I'm a fan. Is it more expensive, yes. Is it worth it, absolutely. The easiest, most convenient lid ever. The pressure release clip is a dream.
Buy it, use it and thank me later.
For more info http://www.magefesausa.com/
Chowhound Post
breakfast in baltimore
DollarBill, you blew up the spot! Since the cat's out of the bag, Miss Shirley's is the best. Clean, fast, and delicious. An upscale take on southern classics. The Fried Green tomatoes with lime aoli are not to be missed.
Chowhound Post
Ras Doobie Did Right by this Noobie!
Warthog, you're the man. I've always taken your reviews with the utmost consideration and respect.
You nailed it on the head. When I ate at Ras Doobie's, it like like I was eating at a friends house--a marvelous friend who's a master chef mind you.
May we break bread together in the near future.
Chowhound Post
Ras Doobie Did Right by this Noobie!
After reading all the raves about Ras Doobie. Me and the Mrs. decided to pay him a visit on Saturday.
The raves do not do this man justice. Coming from New York, I've been missing Jamaican fare. Just how much, I didn't realize until I tasted Ras's delicious food.
Saturday was a buffet which was all right by me. I've got to sample the whole spectrum of cuisine.
Francis the hostess/waitress was my guide and what a doll she is. She made so comfortable that kept thinking I was eating in my friend's mom's kitchen.
The rice and peas were the perfect consistency. Both the curried goat and chicken were well seasoned and fall off the bone delicious. The jerk chicken is the best I ever had. The cabbage with salt cod was out of this world--I had no idea the pairing of the 2 was legal. Francis came out and gave us some coco bread to eat with the meal which was also the best I ever had.
Francis finding out we were first timers had Ras bring out a huge plate of oxtails. OXTAILs folks! One of my absolute favorite dishes in the world elevated to high art by Ras Doobie.
Stuffed, but still moving forward. I ordered a bottle of Ting (a balanced tasting grapefruit soda) and homemade sorrel (a Jamaican iced tea made from red hibiscus) to help wash some of the food down.
We had to try his deserts. Francis brought out Jack Fruit ice cream and some rum-raisin--both were artisanal. Full-on creamy flavor where you can really taste the dairy as if the cows were grass fed instead of just getting a creamy texture. My wife couldn't get enough of the jack fruit ice cream. She said the jack fruit used tasted fresh like the ones she used to harvest from the trees from her grandma's backyard in Brazil.
Francis also brought me out a coconut cream pie which I could not even begin to eat so she kindly offered to wrap up it up to go.
All in all a wonderful, caring palate pleasing experience. We departed with a warm hug from Francis and a loving handshake from the legendary Ras Doobie. This is what eating is about. This is what being a chowhound is about. This is why I come to this site.
Thanks to all the hounds who recommended Ras Doobie's de Chef Catering and Cafe, especially Brother Ken.
If you haven't tried it yet, put it on your to do list. I'm sorry I waited so long.
One love.
Ras Doobie de Chef Catering and Cafe
213 Penn St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-752-3896
Call for hours
Chowhound Post
Top five Baltimore area pizza places?
It's Matthew's Pizza all the way for me. But where and what is this BOP that you guys keep talking about?
Maria D's in Fed Hill is pitiful. Vito's out in Owings Mills is tolerable.
I miss NYC.
Chowhound Post
Food Processors: Kitchenaid vs. Cuisinart
I saw the same episode. I've owned my cuisinart for 3 years. It works beautifully, but I wouldn't buy it again. It has a safety feature where the machine won't work unless the stopper on top is inserted. Highly inconvenient. Go for the pro model Cuisinart or head over the KitchenAid.
Chowhound Post
Pressure Cooker Users Unite!
I was always afraid to use the--all the hissing and spitting and all. A childhood incident where one exploded doesn't help the matter either.
2 years ago I purchased a Magefesa online, and WOW. What a great piece of kitchen gear. When Alton Brown, pulled his pressure cooker out on Good Eats, I had to chuckle because my Magefesa is so superiorly designed and engineered.
My wife is Brazilian and we are constantly making beans with it. We also love making stews and broth/stock.
Chowhound Post
Any Outstanding Chiles Rellenos in B-more?
Thanks everyone as always. I can't wait to check these places out.
Chowhound Post
Any Outstanding Chiles Rellenos in B-more?
I'm seeking Chiles Rellenos. You know those delicious fire roasted poblano's seeded and stuffed w/ cheese or meat, battered and pan fried w/ a little sauce.
Cheese seems to be the most common version, but the focus of my search is on the meat variety.
The samples I've had down here have been rather lackluster. Portions are small, the crusts have been burnt. The sauce thin.
The best I've had so far was Holy Frijoles. Any suggestions?
Chowhound Post
Rave reviews, but I don't get it
Ruth's Chris - Been there 3x. Haven't gotten a steak done properly yet.
Saffron - It's decent, but what are the raves about?
Chowhound Post
Where I can purchase a skirt steak in B-more?
Just called their retail outlet. No hangar steaks, and they "very rarely" carry skirt steaks. (Their unintentional pun not mine).
Chowhound Post
Where I can purchase a skirt steak in B-more?
Thank you so much everyone. I have enough to go out and seek my prized steaks.
As far as hispanic based stores. Where are they. Any suggestions?
Chowhound Post
Where I can purchase a skirt steak in B-more?
My favorite cut of meat to cook at home is a skirt steak (a.k.a. hangar steak or Roumanian steak). I have not seen a single grocery store or butcher stock this cut?
In New York City (where I lived for the last 20 years), it is a common cut found in any grocery store. The cut is flavorful, tender, and cost-effective.
Where can I find this cut? I live in Mt. Washington (near Pikesville).
Thanks in advance.
Chowhound Post
Making Paella - some questions
Paella does not have to be cooked in a paella pan. The best recipe I found was from Americas Test Kitchen. See link below
http://americastestkitchen.com/printr...
This recipe calls for a dutch oven (I used my lodge cast iron w/ lid on), and it turned out perfectly. Took it from stove-top to oven to stove-top to create the soccarat (that delicious darkened bit at the bottom of the pan that the Spanish adore.
Traditional cooking methods often don't turn out the best results. While my paella was not as great as my friend Silla's from Spain, it was far better than any I've tasted including restaurants in NYC & Spain.
P.S. Single taskers suck!
Chowhound Post
The Himalayan House
Petera2 is correct. I work at Tide Point, and Himalayan House rocks! Tried it for the first time yesterday, The Lamb Methi was spiced nicely and butter tender, the Saag Paneer was delicious (they use frozen spinach, but who doesn't these days). And the Samosas were the best I ever had--crunchy, with creamy potatoes inside.
If your ever near Ft. McHenry. Give them a try. They are takeout/delivery only.
Himalayan House
1522 East Fort Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-528-1271
Chowhound Post
I miss the Sunday Plaza Brunch's @ NYC. Is there anything comparable down here?
Before the Plaza hotel turned condo. They used to serve a magnificent Sunday brunch buffet w/ top-notch food and service.
Is there anything comparable down here in Baltimore or DC?
Chowhound Post
Oyster update
Went to Sal's Seafood at the Broadway market last Friday to pick up another batch of superior oysters. Only to find when I took them home and shucked them that they were funky.
What do I mean by funky? They stank of polluted waters.
Careful what you buy. They served me some the best oysters and now some of the worst.
Will I shop there again? Probably, but I'll ask to have them shuck one on premises and try it there before I invest in another dozen to take home.
Chowhound Post
Went to Saffron for Restaurant Week
The wife and I went to Saffron for Restaurant Week
I don't see what the fuss is. Had the "new style" white tuna sashimi with miso reduction. Boring. The 4-cheese ravioli with truffle oil was good, but where was the cheese? For entrees, we ordered the steak frites and the sirloin steak w/ potatoes au gratin.
Both steaks were marinated to the point where no discernable beef flavor remained and the flavor of the marinade dominated. The potatoes au gratin were underdone.
The rosemary garlic frites were amazing though.
Desserts: The banana spring roll was good with a crunchy crust and a delicious and a delicious coconut caramel sauce. The creme brulee was piss poor--picture, vanilla Jello gelatin with a crunchy sugar topping.
Our waiter was sweet, our server was annoying, and the timing of the meal was off.
Overall, what's the fuss folks. While I can attribute the shortcomings of the service to Restaurant Week, I can't for the food. These are fundamental flaws in the preparation of the food that made the experience mediocre.
Am I missing something?
Chowhound Post
Lunch in Owings Mills?
I've went to Cibo's a couple of years ago and hated it. An uninventive menu with poor execution, and a clueless staff. Save your money--Unless the place has had a total overhaul.
Chowhound Post
Rotation Beers for your fridge
My fridge is stocked with Widmer Bros Heffeweizen $19/case at Costco.
I rotate that with:
Chimay (all 3)
Duvel
Troegs (whichever I feel like)
Victory (whichever I feel like)
Dogfishhead (Raison d'etre, 60 min IPA, 90 min IPA)
Guiness
Hoegarden
Chowhound Post
Five Guys going downhill?
I agree w/ soup. My first impression of 5 guys was good, but I can make a better burger at home using my George Forman (actually I can beat 95% of the restaurants using my George Forman).
Chowhound Post
Myanmar in Falls Church, oh my god
Ah, the mention of Sripraphai brings tears to my eye. What heaven.
Chowhound Post
The Best Tasting Menu in Baltimore or DC?
Thanks guys. Everything sounds great. Minibar is booked for July and closed in August. They will not be taking reservations for September until August. I think I'll go investigate some of your other suggestions.
Chowhound Post
The Best Tasting Menu in Baltimore or DC?
Inspired by watching Tony Bourdain's interview Ferran Adria of El Bulli, I am on a quest to find a tasting menu that will challenge me. Is there an (r)evolutionary chef in the Baltimore/DC area that serves a tasting menu that is on par with Ferran Adria?
What about Thomas Keller (French Laundry/Per Se)?
Okay, anyone recommend a tasting menu worth tasting?
Thanks,
daeglo
P.S. As a clarification, I am new to the area and I am not saying that the Chef's down here aren't great.
Chowhound Post
Surprisingly good oysters at a bargain price
Yes I've had Nick's, and yes I've had Mamas on the Half Shell's oysters. Not thrilled w/ either.
I happened to be at Fells Point this afternoon, and stopped by the Fish store at the Broadway Market on Broadway and Eastern Ave.
The Fish Store (sorry I didn't get the name) just had few bar stools in front of a mountain of shellfish. Ordered half a dozen raw oysters.
WOW!!! They were huge, plump and absolutely fresh. Each morsel of oyster was bathing in nectar, and tasted of fresh sea water. These are singularly the freshest oysters I've had since Blue Ribbon in Brooklyn, NY.
And a 1/2 dozen cost me only $4.50 + $1 tip.
I'm definitely going back when I get a chance.
daeglo
Chowhound Post
Matthew's Pizzeria Converts a New Yorker
When I speak of NY style pizza. I am talking about the average slice on the street the best of which IMHO is Rosario's on Skillman Ave. (52nd St.) in Woodside, NY. Thin crunchy pizza w/ a fresh homemade sauce and a proportionate amount of a good quality mozarella cheese. Patsy's, John's, Grimaldi's well they are on a level above. Coal/wood oven pizza's. I miss those too.
daeglo
Chowhound Post
Panda Chinese Gourmet in Mt. Washington
Thank you everyone. I'll definitely try those places and report back.
Chowhound Post
Matthew's Pizzeria Converts a New Yorker
My wife and I have been longing for real pizza. Yes were talking about a good slice of New York pizza.
Every slice we've been referred to has been tolerable at best. IMHO Maria D's on Light street and Nick's over in Owings Mills are the closest, but still don't come to the average NY slice.
I was hesitant to try Matthew's Pizzeria. A Baltimore style pizza. But w/ all the raves on this board, I had to try for myself. We went for lunch on Saturday. The place was empty. Prompt, fast, courteous service brought to our table a Margarita pizza (my test pizza).
It was glorious. Lighter than a Chicago deep dish (which I can't stand). A perfect ratio between crust and toppings. Fresh tomatoes w/ quality cheese. A balanced and harmonious creation.
We went shopping, and couldn't stop talking about it. We were back that evening to try it again. This time to restaurant was packed. We ordered the Margarita, and the Everything pizza. Even w/ the wait, the pizza was amazing. The Everything pizza got to be a little salty w/ the olives and anchovies, but still the crust. That deliciously airy, crunchy crust won us over again.
We still miss NY pizza, but now we have a unique pizza worth eating right here in Baltimore.
I thank all you Chowhounds that recommended Matthew's. It is truly an amazing pizza experience.
daeglo
Chowhound Post
Panda Chinese Gourmet in Mt. Washington
Panda Chinese Gourmet
6080 Falls Rd., Baltimore
410-377-4228
Avoid this overpriced excuse for a Chinese restaurant. What a waste of money.
I had the displeasure of ordering delivery from the above restaurant yesterday evening.
The experience started well enough with an order taker that was courteous and fluent in English. The delivery was quick - under 30 minutes. The food was hot when I received it. The packaging was pretty in bright red Chinese delivery boxes.
Ready to eat, we first tried the Crabs on half moon (Crab Rangoon). The outside was a little overdone, but these crunchy little dumplings were delicious--good ratio between wrapper and filling (real crab meat by the way).
Then it was downhill from there. Egg rolls were pure salt. The beef lo mein was pitiful--overcooked swollen noodles w/ overly soft meat, absolutely no flavor whatsoever.
The steak and vegetable special made w/ filet mignon. I don't believe for one second that it was made of filet. The meat was tough and the veggies all overcooked. The sauce again was flavorless.
Everything there is homemade. But homemade crap, is still crap. Their pricing is 20%-30% over the other Chinese restaurants, but the value is certainly not there.
My favorite Chinese in the area is Kirby's Szechuan on S. Charles street.
Can any of you hounds recommend another Chinese restaurant in the Baltiimore area worthy of visit?
Thanks.
daeglo
