SuperClydesdale's Profile
Sous Vide Supreme - first recipe?
Thanks for your suggestions so far. I am going to be vacuum-sealing flank steaks, chuck roasts and chicken breasts today for the freezer, and starting a 24hour flank steak for sandwiches for the NFC championship game tomorrow.
Thus far I have cooked chicken breasts, eggs, carrots and brussels sprouts with varying degrees of success.
Chicken breasts: salt and pepper, 146 for 1.5 hours - loved the texture and the greater chickeny flavor. Carmelized the surface in a sizzling hot LC braiser pan. Sliced and served easy peasy. I think I will sous vide all my chicken salad going forward. However, there was a couple of tablespoons of water in the bag at the end. Is this normal when cooking meat?
Eggs: cooked first to 160 as a test, then 170. So far, I prefer the higher temp from a texture standpoint. However, I found it hard to peel the eggs cooked to either temp - way too much of the white was adhering to the shell. What specific steps are you folks taking to make the perfect hard boiled egg that peels EASILY? I need to nail this as I want to make deviled eggs stuffed with corned beef for a St Pat's day party.
Brussels sprouts: - These did not turn out so well only because a large amount of air developed in the bags during cooking @ 183. Therefore, the bag floated (under the cover and unseen by me) and did not cook evenly. Has anybody else had this problem? I finished them off in the microwave and enjoyed the texture but was disappointed because of the floating bags. If I can solve this problem I predict much success.
Carrots: Cooked at 183 but also floated on top of the water with the sprouts. Also did not cook long enough and not evenly due to the float. Again, predict success in the future if I can get things to not float.
I am using a Rival vacuum sealer with Rival brand bags. I got this unit off Woot for $25 so I am not wedded to it. What sealers are you using? There are a couple SVS-branded units on clearance stock at my local Bloomingdales that is closing. Anybody having success with that sealer?
Mark
Sous Vide Supreme - first recipe?
'Hounds
I just received word that my Festivus gift to myself shipped today.
1) What should I cook first? Short ribs? Eggs?
2) Where is the best (least expensive) source for standard vacuum sealing bags?
I appreciate any suggestions.
SC
baking racks for half-sheet pans?
'Hounds
What do you use for baking racks that will fit inside a standard half-sheet pan? I plan to roast a butterflied turkey and want something to keep the bird on out of the pan juices and allow air to circulate under the bird. All I seem to find are lighter-duty cooling racks that don't fit snugly.
Has anybody tried this: http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-229047/All-Purpose-Rack? If so, how tall is it? Does it work? What works better?
My search thus far is harder than I expected.
Mark
corn meal for polenta in MSP
'Hounds
What corn meal are you using for polenta, and from whom are you purchasing? I want to serve polenta Tuesday night so I have to make it tomorrow, but only have Quaker corn meal in the pantry.
Thanks,
SC
Looking for bomba - (paella rice) in Minneapolis
Coastal Seafoods also has paella rice. Spanish (dry) chorizo and smoked paprika too.
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Coastal Seafoods
74 Snelling Ave S, St Paul, MN 55105
Bullfrog Mpls open?
'Hounds
Anybody know if Bullfrog is open yet? If so, any feedback? We are looking for someplace new for after the home opener this afternoon.
Go Twins!
Mark
Pre-prepared Thanksgiving diner near Boystown neighborhood
Hounds
My wife and me are visiting her brother for Thanksgiving. Since it does not make sense to cook dinner for just the 3 of us, we want to order a pre-prepared Thanksgiving dinner. Any recommendations for the Boystown area?
Mark
Any recs near Clarissa, MN? [Moved from MSP board]
'Hounds
My wife and me are going to spend the weekend at a friend's restored schoolhouse in Clarissa. Does anybody have any recommendations for 'Hound-worthy food in/near/on the way to Clarissa?
TIA,
Mark
Calamari in downtown MPLS area?
My favorite calamari is from Solera. Fried bits of lemon and olive throughout. I highly recommend Solera for calamari.
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Solera
900 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Pastor Hamilton's BBQ
Can any 'Hounds compare the Pastor's ribs (or JC's, or Big Daddy's, for that matter) to my gold standard, John Hardy's BBQ in Rochester? I would love to love able to satisfy my pork ribs jones without trekking back down highway 52.
Can you recommend a bar near Aldrich Arena?
Hounds
My nephew skates in the Section 4A final hockey game tonight at Aldrich Arena. We need a place for the family to gather and grab a bite and beer before the game.
Can anybody offer a positive recommendation for bar/grill near the arena, preferably within a mile or so?
Go Cadets!
SC
Seeking hors d'oeuvres caterer.
Fabulous Catering catered my wedding reception (hors d'oeuvres only) and all attendees loved the food. I recommend them without reservation.
SC
MSP 'hounds and Valentine's Day
My wife and me are going to Cafe Levain - but don't tell her as it is a surprise. I have been meaning to try it since it is pretty close to our house. Hopefully the quality is as high as when Adam and then Cole were cheffing.
They are having a special 5 course menu plus limited ala carte selections.
SC
MSP: where to go after concert at Xcel Energy Center
After the concert I recommend walking down to Lowertown where you can choose from either The Bulldog Lowertown or Barrio Tequila Bar. Both would be excellent post-concert choices and the remaining walk to your hotel will only be a few blocks.
You can find write-ups of both restaurants on this forum.
Enjoy the concert.
SC
Sunday Brunch recommendations - St. Paul to Hudson?
'Hounds
Thanks for your suggestions so far. To clarify, I am looking for a traditional AYCE Sunday brunch. Not really my thing, but the more senior members of my party want to go that route.
I can't get into Lake Elmo Inn with my large party, so am think a private room at the M Street Cafe in the St. Paul Hotel. Does anybody have any feedback on this brunch?
SC
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Lake Elmo Inn
3442 Lake Elmo Avenue North, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
M Street Restaurant
641 W Main St, Mitchell, IN 47446
Sunday Brunch recommendations - St. Paul to Hudson?
'Hounds
We are throwing a surprise 70th birthday brunch for my mother. It has been a long time since I have had Sunday brunch. What is recommended in the east Minneapolis-St. Paul metro, as far east as Hudson? Default is Lake Elmo Inn.
Not so much concerned with cost as quality.
SC
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Lake Elmo Inn
3442 Lake Elmo Avenue North, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
St. Paul Trader Joe's
Brad
I don't know your basis for "no work has been done in a while." I drive by a few mornings a weeks and I can tell you that work has been rapidly progressing on the new store. Lots of interior finish of late.
SC
MSP - Dined family style a Nick & Eddies?
I am curious to know if anybody has experienced the family style dining at Nick & Eddies. If so, how was the overall experience?
If I recall correctly, it is served for tables of eight or more, and it is $19.95 a head for family style dinner including AYCD red or white wine. I believe this is served in the mezzanine.
Chow on,
SC
St. Paul Bar for Birthday Gathering?
The St. Paul Bulldog is supposed to be opening very soon - the next week or so? That might fit your bill.
Date Night Fast Breaking tonight [MSP]
Have you considered Al Vento? It is just across the river from Highland Park, at 34th Ave and 50th St in south Minneapolis.
Nice date night feel to the place.
MSP: Trader Joe's on Lexington and Randolph?
Yep, they are working on the lot right now. I think they started demolishing the existing structures about 2 weeks ago. Drove by theis morning and all structure were down and there was a bunch of excavating and grading equipment on site. So, TJs is getting closer to a reality.
SuperClydesdale
Any "houndworthy" spots near Vail
CO 'Hounds
I am going to be in Vail from the 16th through the 18th. Are there any 'hound spots up that way? Maybe where the lift operators eat and drink?
Thanks
Mark
Any "houndworthy" spots near Vail
CO 'Hounds
I am going to be in Vail from the 16th through the 18th. Are there any 'hound spots up that way? Maybe where the lift operators eat and drink?
Thanks
Mark
MSP - Anything good at Stella's?
Hounds
I have a Stella's coupon good for $20 off of $50. I would probably never go there otherwise, but I hate to pass up free money.
So, I am seeking recommendations for anything memorable or outstanding at Stella's. I love seafood and cajun/creole food so every menu item is on the table.
Give it up, fellow 'hounds!
SC
Pop's St. Paul Experience
Bad news, Pop's fans. I finally made it to Pop's this evening, only to learn that the Noble family is no longer associated with the restaurant. Apparently the cafe/building owners had to close down for 2 weeks after relieving chef Noble of his duties. Unfortunately, I only heard this news after asking the young server to bring me the missing Lemon Caper Tartar Sauce for my walleye fillet and then receiving 4 convenience packs of generic tartar sauce that I left unopened.
I ordered a half-order of the fabled onion rings as a starter, but I don't know if the bready monsters I received compare to the old. They weren't greasy, but they weren't especially crispy, either. More like fried bread with an onion slice in the middle.
All in all, I had a really weird experience this evening at Pop's. I'd love to hear a current review from someone who ate there during the Noble era and can compare then and now. Of course, I'd love to get the scoop behind the departure of the Noble family as well.
SC
Best Bets in Rochester, MN
ike
Gosh dangit, why did you have to post the photo of your plate of barbecue?? Now I have John Hardy's on the brain and I am in Minneapolis. Hey, maybe I'll visit my mother this weekend...
John Hardy's received a great review from Dara Moskowitz a few years back:
http://www.citypages.com/databank/21/1029/article8918.asp
Virginia - Eveleth - Biwabik (MN) area chow?
Diesel
In Gilbert, between Eveleth and Biwabik, is this gem:
http://www.whistlingbirdcafeandbar.com/
Have not been there for a few years but I hear it is still great. Not your typical Range food, either!
SC
