Sandwich_Sister's Profile
Food Network Star, Week 2 (SPOILER)
not yet, but that doesn't mean their won't be drama to grab people in. This may be the most agreeable crowd yet. I do see some potential for people to get into little squabbles but nothing to suggest there will be a villain.
I saw one of FN's larger previews and it had Alton in tears, and Giada crying, and some other drama filled type events. My guess is that some of the mentors will get attached to some of the contestants and it might be hard to let them go.
Things kids think are "normal" these days...
I always used toothpicks to eat cheese doodles.
Food Network Star, Week 2 (SPOILER)
I've got to disagree a bit because this season they have better more skilled contestants. I didn't see very many home cooks, if any at all.
I'm willing to stick around and see what happens.
Food Network Star, Week 2 (SPOILER)
totally agree. Hopefully Bobby can mentor him and get him where he needs to be because I'm making hand crafted food because so many prepared foods are too high in sodium these days.
I want to make his home made ricotta so I hope he sticks around and finds his stepping in terms of how to be a show host because I think he already has the cooking chops.
Food Network Star, Week 2 (SPOILER)
Just a few observations/opinions on the contestants.
Emily - Ms. Nineteen Fifties. I like her but I need to see more. Also she lives in my hometown of Orlando.
Eric Lee - He's obviously very talented but will time restraints bite him? What is his culinary vision? Fresh home made food? I'd like to see that because there are way too many shows on FN that used canned or prepared food. ehem Sandra Lee.
Rock Star Josh - He was picked for his "rock star personality" but he's really bumbling around. At times he looks awkward. I gave him a pass last week because he didn't have the eggs he needed and improvised. No more passes after that. lol.
Judson - I know he was in the bottom this week but I enjoy his quirky nature, waiting to see what more he can do.
Justin - boy genius , I see the boy but waiting for the genius. Alton really hyped him but I'm not seeing enough just yet.
Linkie - I'm not too impressed; as a home baker I haven't seen enough from her. I wish we'd get a peek at her South African roots. She lived there until the age of 16. Alton called her first dish (Key Lime Pie) "Cafeteria Food" and had she had the cream cheese she wanted she would not have added the ricotta and their response might not have been as great. Another issue is, can a pastry chef survive a detailed cooking challenge?
Martita - I like her spirit and personality, just need to see a bit more from her in terms of cooking.
Ippy - I think he's my favorite at this point. He comes off very genuine, I don't think he needs to "Pump it up" Or "Get Peppier". Can't we work with peoples inate personalities and not try to change them into peppy outgoing cheerleaders?
Yvan - He seems to be struggling with his choice for a vision of Small Plates. First was a dense clunky meatball and then a way to simple tomato basil mozzarella skewer. He really needs to brainstorm his dishes to come up with something that works well, and is bursting with flavor that is creative and interesting.
Food Network Star, Week 2 (SPOILER)
I was thinking about that. It happens a lot with team challenges I've seen it happen on Top Chef. One person could get very far if they are on a strong team but eventually it will catch up with them. I.E. Rock Star Josh.
My Orlando/Tampa Trip Report, April 2-12, 2012
Thank You for the report. We always love when people let us know how things with.
I see you had some obstacles such as age differences and taste in food and I'm impressed you managed to get some good dining options in there.
I agree that you should have skipped Denny's and Steak n Shake (The do have good milkshakes though).
We take my huband's parents to Girabaldi's in Kissimmee, they love it.
I probably would have done Fat Boys BBQ over smokey bones but like you said it was just nearby.
Glad you got a chance to go to Cafe Tu Tu Tango though, great fun!
Cooking for my diabetic Nana - 2,000 cal, low carb, low sodium, low fat, diet, diabetes friendly meals.
My grandma (Nana) is on a 2,000 calorie heart friendly diet, she has heart problems and diabetes. She can cook for herself when she gets better. She's newly out of the hospital. but for now we are trying to get this southern 77 year old lady to get used to not eating so much salt and butter and arming her with the food and recipes she needs to recreate them.
I make dinner for her once a week, she's a foodie and I've been trying hard to make things that she'll like that works within the diet rules.
Does anyone have any favorite meals they enjoy that are healthy that she would enjoy?
Here is what I know:
- She loves fish but her least favorite fish is Salmon.
- She is not a fan of lettuce, or salads but loves some raw veggies such as tomatoes
- She does love cooked veggies
- She's not a huge fan of chicken, she thinks it's boring but a delicious chicken recipe wouldn't be bad either
- for dinner she is allowed 3 oz of meat
- there is a snack or dessert option so that is also up for grabs as long as it's sugar free, or diabetic friendly. Dr. suggest Angel Food Cake. We made her sugar free strawberry short cake subbing the angel food cake.
- She's southern and misses her fried foods, so anything we can bake that is a healthy alternative would be great.
- We are using penzey spices, mural of flavor as a salt substitute, I have vegan butter, and lite margarine which is what the dr. suggested and low fat milk.
I thought about making it fun since she is such a foodie and letting her judge the meal. It's a win / win because we get to see what she likes, that we'll keep, be able to give her recipes if and when she is able to cook for herself.
Here is what she has said about the food I have cooked for her so far.
Dinner 1
A modified version of chow's baked fish in parchment paper. I used Salmon, dill, chive, lemon, vegan butter, salt sub (mural of flavor). I loved it.
Her comments: Salmon is my least favorite fish, but I love the lemon and herbs with it.
Roasted Bell pepper Salad - Roasted yellow, orange, and red bell peppers, with roasted roma tomatoes, sauted onion and garlic with thyme and a touch of olive oil.
Her comments: I love this, it's simple but vibrate in color in taste. I can see this going well together with any fish.
Wild Rice Blend with salt sub and vegan butter. I'll admit I thought this was a little bland too.
Her Comments: I didn't really care for this. It's bland and I think of it as filler.
Grapes for dessert
Her comment: Not a dessert to me, but I know I have to stick to this diet.
Dinner 2
Spaghetti and meatballs - Whole wheat noodles and 3 one ounce turkey meatballs with onion and green pepper with home made sauce. Using carrot as a sweetener, and no salt added can of whole tomatoes blended.
Her comment: Loved it I never thought I'd be able to eat it again and I don't even mind that it's turkey meat. A week in and I'm starting to enjoy my food more.
Simple Salad with Balsamic Vinegar
Her comment: This is rabbit food. I don't like lettuce, sorry, I'll eat these grape tomatoes though, and I'm going to eat some of the rest because I know it's good for me. I like my veggies cooked though usually.
Dessert - Sugar Free Strawberry Angel Food Cake with sugar free cool whip.
Her comment: I Love this! You gave me less angle food cake than that hospital did, but this is delicious.
Thanks to all that read and reply. Any recommendations or links to blogs, recipe sites, etc is very appreciated.
Key West on a College Student's Budget
I agree, you can't really do the Duval crawl in one night. lol.
but even if they are driving down from Miami it's still about a 4 hour drive one way. It's a bit much for just a quick day trip.
Food and drink should be fully enjoyed without such a rushed time limit. and they must see A Mallary Square Sunset.
If they stay at least a night they can just eat the continental breakfast in the morning and do lunches and dinners
Orlando area top 10 - February 2012
please give us an update. I've heard the service is better at RP on days that don't end in Y. Hah Kidding. - but You might want to avoid Friday/Saturday nights if you can.
Orlando area top 10 - February 2012
There is much to debate here as there are pros and cons for both places.
I think if I was to recommend an out of towner between the two I would say The Ravenous Pig. It has a little more forward thinking to the dishes, were as Rusty Spoon takes a more organic farm approach of great classics and well thought out dishes but isn't quite as creative as RP.
However I am not always impressed with The Ravenous Pigs service, or lack of bathrooms for such a busy restaurant. Also the pub part is a bit subdued in terms of beer. But over all very good.
I've had some knock out dishes at Rusty spoon. A seasonal Carrot ginger soup I was madly in love with. I enjoy their regular menu but I think some of best things I've had from them have been seasonal specials.
If you are going to be in town for more than one day/night you should check out both and let us know what you think.
Key West on a College Student's Budget
absolutely 100 percent agree with going to Garbo's Grill for some fish or shrimp tacos or burritos.
Maybe Blue Heaven for Lunch and split a piece of key lime pie.
Bad Boy Burrito, while I've never eaten there looks promising. Something college age kids would dig. http://www.badboyburrito.com/
Sarabeth's has some nice shrimp salads that I enjoy for Lunch
Caroline's for some Key West apps and a drink - http://www.carolineskeywest.com/Home_files/Carolines%20menu%20no%20price%20pdf_1.pdf
Is this a day trip where they are not staying over night? They should stay one night to get the full idea of Key West. They can find a room right off of Duval for about 100 bucks a night.
If staying a night tell them to Pop over to Irish Kevins for some musical entertainment and a drink. :)
Best in Florida?
Sorry I'm horrible with directions. Would this include my local area of Orlando? And would you entertain the ideas of Miami and Key West?
Jersey Mike's -- Yays, Nays, and Best Subs
never mind. it's not worth the trouble.. It's just a sandwich. I'm sure he can figure it out.
Cocktails and Dinner after Magic Game Friday
Thanks so much for the trip report. I have only had the beer on tap at Rusty Spoon but at least your drink was solid.
Also a big thanks to supporting the local business downtown both Rusty Spoon and the Dessert Lady.
I'll have to try the Dirty South next time I go
Jersey Mike's -- Yays, Nays, and Best Subs
Maybe I can help. which of their subs are you trying to recreate.
Their produce is local of course. They shred their own lettuce, so your looking at mostly meats cheese and breads.
which subs are you looking to recreate?
Top 5 places in Key West area
Garbo's Grill food cart - Fish Tacos
Pisces - Seafood - a little romantic and fancy
BlackFin Bistro
Seven Fish
Food at Disney
very cool. glad you had a great time. Thanks for the trip report. Not everyone does that but we enjoy hearing about people's experiences.
Cocktails and Dinner after Magic Game Friday
Rusty Spoon would be my pick, if going after a magic game call them for a table or sit up at the bar.
What kinds of things are you interested in drinking and eating?
Restaurant Recommendations in Orlando
Tu tu tango is awesome, it has some hits and misses which are hard to calculate when the menu changes often. Ask your server for favorites or recommendations.
Taco Bell Doritos Taco
I had it last night after a late night poker game. It's a big novelty item in my view. MY dorito shell was very flavorful. One thing I did like was the portions that cracked and fell onto the plate. or the portions where you just get more of the shell. It was a bit more tastier that way that just the regular taco shell.
I don't eat fast food often. I think before that the last time was 6 months ago. So I probably won't have another one for a long time.
but it wasn't horrible, just not amazing, but it's taco bell what do you expect.
You know you're a foodie ("food nerd", "chow-der", etc.) when.....
We did something very similar buying foods at Pike Place to take home and we also drove to and from Portland and then back on a plane to Orlando.
Restaurant Recommendations in Orlando
Seafood is something we really don't have a great go to restaurant in the area. A nice restaurant that does have seafood menu items is Norman's at the Ritz.
Also at Disney some - California Grill and Victoria and Alberts are both very nice.
New 'Menu Items That Need to Be Retired", 2012 edition...
Are you talking about Oblivion in Orlando? If so yes they were offering poutine on the specials menu, but it is made with French Fries not tater tots. There was a yelp thread somewhere were people were suggesting certain types of menu items. Poutine was a popular suggestion so they decided to go ahead and make it.
I have not tried it there so I can't speak for how it taste but it is made traditional with the french fries cheese curds and gravy.
Restaurant Recommendations in Orlando
Close by Universal
Peperoncino - Italian. It's new I haven't been there yet but I've been hearing great things about it.
Anatolia - Turkish and delicious
Cafe Tu Tu Tango - Funky atmosphere and tapas (American)
Where are the best burger joints in Miami (possibly South Beach)?
I disagree with any that say that 80z burgers are awful.
I hate Fast Food Burgers so Shake Shack does not impress me but the smokehouse bacon cheese burger and the Lamb burger at 80z are delicious.
plus they have awesome beers on tap like Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA.
Great dining near Kissimmee or do I need to drive?
If we are using Ravenous Pig as the example, you may need to drive. While there may be some great places in Kissimmee I haven't noticed or been to anything close to what the Ravenous Pig offers.
With that here are some ideas.
Nearby (Disney and South Orlando)
Disney
Victoria and Albert's
California Grill
South Orlando
Mikado Sushi
Padrino Cuban
Norman's at the Ritz Carlton
Bakery
Dolce Latin Bakery
Fortuna Bakery (columbian/hispanic)
Gastropub
Rusty Spoon Downtown Orlando
