Are red wines served too warm?

Thanks for the prompt response zin1953!

It sounds like ctl98's suggestion below is a good way to go (take whites out of fridge 20 min prior to serving and place reds into fridge 20 min prior to serving).

I have learned something yet again here at Chowhound. I appreciate the sage advice of folks like zin1953 who are always willing to share with those of us who ask.....

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Wine

Are red wines served too warm?

budnball,

I agree with you that reds tend taste better a bit chilled. What I do is leave a few wine glasses in the freezer. After opening a bottle of red and decanting it, I pour it into the "frozen" wine glass. After 3 minutes or so, the wine is at a temperature I prefer. In the event it is too cool, I simply wait a minute or two more.

This may sound a bit "hokey" but it works pretty well.

I am sure this isn't something you would do with a good quality wine, but for the average wines I tend to drink I think it's fine.

I would be interested to hear what the experts / professionals like zin1953 think....

Good luck!

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Wine

Walking distance from the Marriott Renaissance on Madison St.....

Hello,

I will be visiting Seattle in July on a business trip. I have been to Seattle several times before but this is the first time I will be staying downtown.

I will be staying at the Marriott Renaissance hotel on Madison Street.

Can you please recommend some good restaurants withing walking distance (I don't mind walking a bit so it doesn't need to be super close)?

Previously, I have eaten at Dahlia Lounge which I thought was good but not great.

I am open to any cuisine type and am looking for something in the $35 per person range (not including drinks).

Thank-you very much for any assistance you can provide.

JEFF

-----
Dahlia Lounge
2030 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121

HB_Jeff in Greater Seattle

Best Chow Recipes- A collection of recipes posted on Chow Boards.

c oliver,

THANK-YOU for the prompt reply.

And, you read my mind. I am planning on buying the pork shoulder at Costco. I noticed how large they are - was planning on cutting it up and also trying one of Marcella Hazan's recipes (Drunk Roast Pork).

Per your feedback, I will not worry about trussing.

Also, I was planning on making this a day ahead of time and took note of your slowcooker recommendation.

I will report back when I make this.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond!

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Home Cooking

Best Chow Recipes- A collection of recipes posted on Chow Boards.

c oliver,

I read the thread you attached regarding Mr. Owen's pork shoulder and I am going to try it, along with thew's oven baked polenta (probably with gorgonzola added and topped with fried sage leaves).

One question (and this may seem silly, I'm not an expert when it comes to pork shoulder) - I am planning on using a boneless pork shoulder, so I am assuming I need to first truss it with string, will this necessitate any changes to the cooking instructions or time directions?

Also, I want to use my 6 1/2 quart oval Le Creucet - what size shoulder do you think would work best for this size pot?

Thanks,

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Home Cooking

ISO Korean BBQ in OC Korea town...

Hello,

Can you please share your suggestions for good all you can eat Korean BBQ in Ornage County's Korea town?

(I know there have been some older suggestions already posted, but I was hoping to get more recent ideas - there appears to be a lot of turnover restaurant wise in Korea town).

Any and all suggestions will be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

Partition off Chinese restaurant for wedding reception or go with ballroom & caterer?

ns2003,

Firstof all, CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO YOU!

I had a similar scenario when I got married 15 months ago. I am white and my wife is Vietnamese.

We ended up doing our reception at Diamond Seafood Palace - corner of Lampson and Beach in Graden Grove ( http://diamondseafoodpalace.com/ ).

We were VERY happy with the meal and the overall service. Plus, the size of the restaurant is about right for your needs. You most likely could get the whole place to yourself. Our party was 120 - 130 people and it worked great.

One other point - it is crucial in my opinion to get a good MC to host your event. This makes a huge difference.

Good luck!

JEFF

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Seafood Palace
11752 Beach Blvd, Stanton, CA 90680

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

ISO dinner for two in Arcadia (near arboretum)...ANY cuisine...

Thanks everyone for the fantastic responses!

FYI - I do not need walking distance, we are driving.

I have been to Din Tai Fung. Actually went there before it hit the Chowhound radar.

Thanks again for the suggestions....

JEFF

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Din Tai Fung Restaurant
1108 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

ISO dinner for two in Arcadia (near arboretum)...ANY cuisine...

Hello,

My wife and I are going to the L.A. Arboretum tomorrow.

We would like to grab an early dinner afterwards.

Can you please recommend a restaurant for two, any cuisine, it doesn't have to be cheap but not super fancy since we won't be dressed up.

Thanks in advance!

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

March 2011 Cookbook of the Month: JAMIE'S ITALY

Breadcrumbs,

I am definitely going to make this.

One question for you - what size dish to bake it in? Is a 9 x 13" Pyrex the correct size?

Thanks for sharing - your photos look GREAT.

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Home Cooking

Grandmamma's Orange Cake

When I saw this old thread pop-up, I had to post.

This is hands down, the single best recipe I have ever gotten from many years of lurking at Chowhound.

This cake is amazingly good!

The cake absolutely taste better after sitting for at least a full day - 2 days are even better.

A helpful tip - when I make this, I place the cake on a wire rack above tin foli covered cardboard. Then I soak the cake with the sauce. The rack keeps the bottom of the cake from getting soggy and the foil wrapped cardboard can be tossed in the trash when done.

Many, many thanks to Tehama for sharing this!

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Home Cooking

My first grill! - help me grill a steak properly...

Hello,

I am getting my first grill this week! It will be a gas grill.

My first quest will be to grill a good steak for my wife and I. We prefer rib-eyes.

Can you provide me with the basic guidelines to grill a good rib-eye (medium rare)?

At what heat level (medium, medium / high, etc.)?

How many minutes a side for medium rare? (I knoe it depends upon the thickness of the steak so this is a ballpark thing I realize - but I want to hear your guidelines).

I know to let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving.

For a basic steak, is salt and pepper enough? If so, how long in advance should I salt and pepper it?

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ANY HELP!!!

HB Jeff

HB_Jeff in Home Cooking

ISO sashimi in OC for my wife's b-day...

Hello,

I have a dliemma of sorts. My wife's bithday is coming up and I want to make her happy. She wants sashimi. The problem is that I do not eat sashimi and therefore am very ignorant of sashimi restaurants.

The second problem is my wife has a desire for all you can eat sahimi. I have explained to her that with sashimi, all you can eat means low quality. She can eat a bunch (even though she is very skinny - unbelievable) and is concerned a good sashimi place will be too expensive (I don't care but she does).

So can you suggest a good place in Orange County for sashimi that will not break the bank?

I really want to make my wife happy.

Thanks in advance!!

HB Jeff

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

ISO Korean restaurant in OC Korean town....

Thanks Ann!

I actually tried the Myung Im at the food court of H market based upon that thread! I also ate at another food stall in the same court on a subsequent trip.

JEFF

-----
Myung Im
8911 Garden Grove Blvd #3, Garden Grove, CA

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

ISO Korean restaurant in OC Korean town....

Thanks terramassu!

One of the places I have on the hit list to try is Gae Sung for the pork neck stew (gamjatang - sp?). I heard they are famous for that dish.

JEFF

-----
Gae Sung Restaurant
9567 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92844

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

ISO Korean restaurant in OC Korean town....

Hello,

I would like to find some Korean restaurants in the Korean town located in Garden Grove. Something beyond all you can eat Korean BBQ which I enjoy and already know where to go for. I have also eaten at the mini food courts attached to some of the Korean markets on GG boulevard.

I am not so interested in Tofu places. I would like a place to order beef dishes and various types of kimchi to go with it.

Can you please recommend your favorite place and the dishes you recommend?

Thank-you very much in advance!

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

Italian desserts in OC

Hobbess,

The best Tiramisu I have had, by far, is at Mangia Mangia in Huntington Beach.

It is located at the Southwest Corner of the Goldenwest / Edinger intersection.

Good luck!

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

ISO high quality, free range chicken in OC....

Hello,

I am looking to buy a good, high quality free range chicken. I would like to cook Thomas Keller's simple roast chicken.

I have roasted chickens before (using Marcella Hazan's simple technique) and have gotten good results.

However, I know that a good quality, free range chicken will make a difference, especially in a recipe as simple as Mr. Keller's.

So, can you please recommend a good place to buy such a chicken?

Preferably in North Orange County (I live in Garden Grove) - but I am willing to drive if need be.

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOR SUGGESTIONS!

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

Are You In CA? Is there a Costco near you? Unbelievable $14.99 red....

Joe & Bulavinaka,

FYI - I just picked this up last night at the Fountain Valley, CA Costco.

They had several bottles.

Thanks for the recommendation!

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Wine

Things to cook in a Le Creuset?

Jadore,

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS to you and your new husband!

I would recommend a hearty french daube, or beef stew. That's what a LC is made for.

There are several great recipes - google french daube.

One caveat - most need to be started 3 days ahead of time. First night marinate the meat (chuck) in red wine and flavorings (this is where the various recipes differ). Second night, slowly cook the daube in your LC and then let sit overnight in the fridge - this really makes the flavors set in. Third day (day of meal), slowly reheat stew on stovetop (actually great to have no work to do save reheating when the guests arrive).

And finally, the LC will clean up super easy.

Good luck....

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Home Cooking

BAD NEWS - Mariscos Puerta Esperanza appears to be done!!

Went to MPE with my Dad last night and they were closed. I looked in the windows and all the tables and booths were gone. No signs or announcements of any kind on the windows. Lots of accumulated mail on the floor.

Looked to me like they are out of business. I could be wrong and hope I am.

I was just there 2 weeks ago and had a great meal with my wife and was returning to have the same 2 dishes with my Dad (red snapper covered in onions, bell peppers, and a tomato based sauce & shrimp in a fantastic mustard sauce).

I am not suprised, however, given that the only time I saw this place crowded was the weekend right after the OC Register profiled the restaurant.

The food was always top notch and a great bargain.

I know the restaurant business is tough - I wish MPE could have made it.

R.I.P. and thanks for the great meals.

JEFF

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Marisco's
1600 E Holt Ave, Pomona, CA 91767

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

Orange county Mexican - what's best?

A5 KOBE,

Thanks for the recommendation! My wife and I went here last night and got three tacos - asada, carnitas, and pastor. We liked them all. My favorite was the carnitas (but I LOVE carnitas so I am a bit biased), and her favorite was the al pastor. We also followed your suggestion and got the flautas (a la carte order of 3) - you were right, they were great. We got ours with chicken and the meat was very flavorful, the flautas were hot and crispy but not greasy. The topping of shredded lettuce, guacamole, crema, and cotija (?) cheeses was superb.

One interesting thing to note is that this is the second Tacos San Pedro. The first is on the same street! Head West on Lincoln (until it turns into Carson street) and the restaurant is accross the street from Hawaiian Gardens Casino.

Thanks again A5 KOBE!

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

Catch of the Day - Huntington Beach

Hey Kevin,

YES - you are correct. It is in the same center as you mentioned - next to De Simone.

They have been open for quite some time now.

I have never tried it but would like to know that Joani weighed in on it.

I can remember back when the store that is now the Smart & Final was a ZODY'S. I used to love getting the popcorn their when I was little......anyone remember that??

JEFF

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Smart & Final
10113 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

anyone seen rhubarb lately??

jonhill,

I saw it last week at Jons market at the corner of Goldenwest and McFadden.

Good luck!

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

Arbor's in HB - Anyone been there?

Joani,

First - to stay on topic. If you do try Arbor's, the dinner special is the way to go price-wise. The one dish I always liked there was the warm steak salad. As I said earlier, the several changes in ownership have left me out of the loop regarding the current offerings. I have not been in some time.

I think you and I are neighbors - I live near the corner of Springdale & Lampson.

The Riviera is extremely overpriced and somewhere I only go when we have holiday-work group dinners (they DO treat you well in the back room for such events). The next door Mexican restaurant, Casa Gamino, is not very good in my opinion.

La Brique used to be great but not anymore.

Locally, my favorite place is Cafe Hiro. Always good and inventive.

For Italian, Cafe GAzelle is indeed good but some people may find their portions small. I still very much like Mangia Mangia but the ambiance is a little stale and it can get crowded and noisy. I also wish they had true specials oin the board and not the same set of 15 or so dishes repeated over and over. The food is indeed good and consistent though.

I always enjoy Thai Nakorn on Beach and Chapman for Thai.

I have mixed feelings about Park Avenue. Their compund butters and their tomato soup are always great but the rest of the meal is alwyas just so-so, and they give you very small portions of the vegetables. (On a side note, most of the old staff from LA Brique's is now working there and as a result, the front of the house service has improved markedly - this was a weakness in the beginning for Park Avenue).

I don't have more local options to suggest. I mostly hit up Little Saigon with my Vietnamese wife. Amazing food - fresh, healthy, and extremely reasonable.

If you do try Arbor's, I would like to hear your report.

Good luck neighbor!!

JEFF

-----
Thai Nakorn
11951 Beach Blvd, Stanton, CA 90680

Cafe Hiro
10509 Valley View St, Cypress, CA 90630

Park Avenue Cafe
501 Park Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

Westminster Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich

I heartily second Raspberries' suggestion of Gala Bakery.

I just went there Saturday and got a Banh Mi with Thit Nuong and Xiu Mai - delicious! The quality of the meat is much better than at other shops in my opinion.

Also, I got one of their chocolate croissants and that was very good as well.

Good luck!

JEFF

-----
Gala Bakery
14570 Brookhurst St, Westminster, CA 92683

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

Arbor's in HB - Anyone been there?

Hey Joani,

I haven't been there in quite a while. The restaurant has recently changed hands a few times. Before, it was good but a bit pricey. They had an early bird dinner special that was the way to go - not sure if the new owners still have that. They did get a good showing in the bar area for live music and dancing.

On a related note - this makes me think back fondly to days when La Brique / Springdale Bar & Grill was still great. That used to be the reliable restaurant around here before Nick sold the place and it went way down hill.

Take care Joani.

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

Where are the Best Donuts in Orange County?

Joani,

Fatty must mean the Donut Storr. Excellent donuts - the best around in my opinion.

They do a white cake donut topped with a thick, cream cheese type frosting that is really good. VERY sweet. They sell out quick so I can't guarantee they will always be there.

Good luck!

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area

Green & Black's ice cream in OC?

Hi Ellen,

I have seen it at Sprouts (the Seal Beach location).

I always wondered if it is good - I really like their chocolate bars.

Good luck - I hope this helps.

JEFF

HB_Jeff in Los Angeles Area