mdfifi's Profile
*July 2011 COTM, BATALI II: Fish, Shellfish, Poultry, Meat
BC,
Your photos are fabulous- all of them! I love reading everyone's reviews and changes which encourage me to try the recipes even more, but your photos push me over the edge. Really beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
*July 2011 COTM, BATALI II: Fish, Shellfish, Poultry, Meat
We also made this dish last night and substituted smaller porterhouses as well. We all LOVED this dish. I could not believe how much flavor the herbs gave to the steak. Big Sal, regrading this dish, I completely agree on your take- "herby and delicious." This will definitely be made again!
We had an all out Mario meal. We started with the grilled mortadella antipasta. With the meal, had the grilled potatoes with viniagrette, and the tomoatoes in sherry vinegar creme fraiche. Overindulgent, but delicious.
Deep South Food Blogs
Thank you, alkapal and gritsandgreens, for this blog suggestion. I just went on and really enjoyed it especially the sentimental spuds post as I understand those types of memories. I've already sent the link to my mom.
Easy dinner ideas for beginner?
C,
Thanks for sharing the butter, onion, and tomato sauce recipe. I'll be making it soon!
Question Re. practical uses for a 2.5 Qt. Le Crouset Doufeu
Sunni,
Did you pay $120 for it? I see the ocean doufeu 2.5 qt on the Williams Sonoma website for $75.99.
I'm not sure if WS honors website prices in store, but maybe you'd feel more comfortable at the lower price if they would give it to you.
Just thought I'd throw that out there. :)
Have a good one!
le creuset outlet store sale
I'm sorry, I was just trying to offer assistance. FWIW, the LC outlets do sell stoneware and other items that could amount to less than $100. I got my 3.5 ECI braiser for $106 this summer just over the amount to get free shipping.
le creuset outlet store sale
philly888,
If you know what you want, just call the LC outlet. Tell them what you are looking for, and they will help you. They will give you the price. If it's over $100, shipping is free.
This summer, I knew exactly what I wanted. It was a second, but with my discount (I'm on the mailing list) I saved a lot of money. The sales person picked out a great piece, and it was delivered in about 5 days. I wouldn't hesitate to do this again.
Good luck!
Minnesota-centric food blogs?
I really like this one a lot:
http://agoodappetite.blogspot.com/
Westminster Maryland
Frankie- very near Westminster in Taneytown is the Antrim 1844.
http://www.antrim1844.com/
Does anyone know where you can get burrata in or around Baltimore?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
What's the big deal about Bottega?
I've read mixed reviews about Bottega here on the boards, but we just had a great experience there this past weekend. We stopped in for a late lunch on Saturday without reservations. They had no tables available, so we sat at the bar where we had access to the full menu. My husband and I split the burrata w/ heirloom tomatoes. We both thought this was outstanding. I ordered the risotto w/ duck breast which I also thought was terrific. My husband ordered the hangar steak- great flavor although I liked my risotto better.
Like I said, we sat at the bar and thought the service was great. We enjoyed talking with the bartender and she was very attentive. I'm really glad we went. We loved what we ordered and had a great experience there.
Le Creuset
jpc,
Many on here have already given great advice- find an outlet store and get on the preferred customer list. They send you special sales coupons, etc. My recent experience with the one in Leesburg, Va. was great. I had received a 35% off coupon. I wanted the 3.5 buffet casserole. I called the store to be sure they had the color I wanted before driving over an hour to get there. The salesperson was very helpful. They had the one I wanted. She offered to pick the best one they had and ship it to me for free because it was over $100. It was a second, but the only "problem" was a tiny heart shaped extra bit of cast iron on the lid that was completely covered. It came three days after I ordered. I was very happy with the experience.
I was also on vacation in SC this past week and stopped at the original store. While I was there, the salesperson offered me 40% off any one item. I don't know if that is typical or not, but it might be worth a try. Although tempted I did not buy anything. :)
Good luck with your purchase.
Your favorite Le Creuset color
I happen to really like the citron shade. I like that it is a softer yellow. I too, have various shades- flame, french blue ?, red 2 qt. heart shaped, and kiwi. I don't have the caribbean but I like that.
My favorite of all, though, is my kiwi! I just love that color the most.
Little Gordon to be on Hell's Kitchen!
Linda, that should be hysterical. I saw his two videos from the SeriousEats website. Too funny! I haven't watched HK this season, so I'll have to look for the promos to see when his episode is on.
YouTube's 93 year old Clara..Great Depression Cooking
Linda, I love the idea of the sweet italian sausage, but I have to admit a Nathan's hot dog in the mix doesn't sound bad! :). I saw the GMA piece yesterday, and that's how I found out about Clara.
YouTube's 93 year old Clara..Great Depression Cooking
So heartwarming! What a treasure! It makes me miss my grandmothers so much. One of the youtube posters said her cutting and dicing straight into the pot reminded her of her grandmothers and I had thought the same thing. What sense memories. My grandmothers didn't make any of the recipes I've seen so far, but my Nan did make something we call tomato gravy. Not good for the arteries, but tastes great and brings back even better memories. You melt bacon grease and add flour to that and brown it up. S & P to taste. Add a can of diced tomatoes. Then add water until desired consistency. Serve over toast although I prefer mine untoasted. It's cheap and filling. I always have diced tomatoes on hand. If I don't have bacon grease, I have used butter, but it definitely tastes better with bacon grease.
9Qt Round or Oval Dutch Oven
Chef- I have a 5.5 qt round and an 8 qt. oval both LC. I use the 5.5 round the most b/c it generally meets our needs for three of us. That being said, I like having an oval as a choice when making things that don't fit into my 5.5 qt. or for larger, longer pieces of meat. I agree with drb- that 9 qt either round or oval should fit most things, especially a chicken, and you should go with your gut. What is it that you truly like better and buy that. If you are able to see both in person, that should help you make your choice. Good luck to you. Now to the most important question-what color? :))
Economy = Cheaper Eats?
Fois,
I understand what you mean. Every time we go to the Columbia Mall, I see the same thing- tons of people with shopping bags. The last two times we went to Charleston, the place was packed. One time was even a Wednesday night. I'm not complaining, mind you. I love Charleston and am thrilled that it seems to be doing well despite the economy. The same thing with the mall- I'm glad to see people buying and supporting local businesses. Maybe we are just seeing a small portion of what's going on. Maybe retail therapy and a night out of the kitchen are giving people a small break from the weight of the problems with the economy. Let's hope these small breaks turn into a long term solution!
Am I the only one who finds Al Clad difficult to clean?
Pegmeister, I agree with the Barkeeper's Friend advice. I do find my All Clad a bit more of a challenge to clean, but I love them.
Williams Sonoma has 2 3/4 Le Creuset Qt Dutch Oven for $69.99
It's already back up to $109.95 Good deal while it lasted!
huge dutch oven? what do you cook in for a crowd?
My 5.5 qt LC dutch oven gets the majority of use in my home for three of us; however, I also have an 8 qt LC DO as well. It has proven to be very useful when I need more surface area so that things have enough space and are not jammed in while doing a braise such as osso bucco. I also use it to make double batches of spaghetti sauce, chili, soups, etc. when cooking for a crowd or to freeze for later use. When my family visits, my mom uses it to cook her chicken and dumplings to feed a large crowd. They are heavy, but I love using them. Good luck with your decision, maggiej.
SECRETIVE--WHAT's UP WITH VALENTINE'S DAY?
FoisGras,
We also usually have a quiet Valentine's Day at home for the same reasons as you stated. Regarding celebrating before hand, I would say Charleston. We LOVE that place and have never had anything but outstanding food and service. It is pricey, but to us, it has always been worth it! Happy Valentine's Day!
How do you use white truffle oil?
I wanted to thank everyone for all of these great ideas. You all are GOOD! I look forward to maximizing my oil.
How/Why did you pick your screen name?
alkapal,
thanks for the welcome and I loved the pics! :) Although I have a cute little toy poodle, I have never attended medical school. I enjoyed reading your profile.
How/Why did you pick your screen name?
I'm fairly new to the boards after lurking for almost a year before my first post. My Nan-grandmother- had the most influence on my love of food- cooking and eating. She used to call me Fifi so this is a small dedication to her. I live in MD, so there you have it. Great thread!
Ruth's Chris Steak House for RW
Pilgrim64, I don't recall exactly, but for some reason I thought there were 3-4 mains to choose, 3 different starters, and maybe 2-3 desserts. We went back in July so it's not fresh in my memory. I'd call the restaurant or look on the RW website to be sure.
On a side note, the regular menu is also offered, or at least it was when we went.
Ruth's Chris Steak House for RW
We went to the Ruth's Chris near the Power Plant the past two summer RWs. We had a great experience both times. All of us ordered the petite filet for around $30. Since the petite filet on the regular menu is around $35 and the RW pricing comes with a starter and dessert, we felt it was a winner. Typical Ruth's Chris fare for a bit of a better price. Enjoy.
what le creuset items do I really need?
As far as the DO, I'd also recommend the 5.5 qt. I have 2 LC's smaller and one larger. While I do use them all, the 5.5 qt. gets the majority of work. I'm usually cooking for three people. Good luck with your decision. I really love my LC cookware.
