ExpatChef's Profile
Best and worst on the Outer Banks
We're heading to OBX in October. We plan on doing some cooking at the house where we are staying. Expectations will be high as I do a food blog with my own recipes. Is there a farmers market or somewhat local food source? Where's the best place to buy seafood to cook at home? Thank you so much for any help you can offer! I don't want to be an idiot tourist in the usual traps.
Christopher Elbow Chocolates - Kansas City
He has his own shop now. It's at about 18th and one block east of Grand. It also has a hot chocolate bar in it. You can also buy these at Foo's Fabulous Frozen Custard on 95th and Mission.
Has anyone in the KC area found local apples for sale?
A few farms have limited crops this year, which was a surprise to hear at all. I got mine at the OP market. Tasty, but small. Looking forward to next year. I bought a huge box of the seconds and made Vanilla-Cinnamon Applesauce. Recipe is here: http://expatriateskitchen.blogspot.com/2007/09/cinnamon-vanilla-applesauce.html
So many zucchinis and squash!
I grate them, and add to corn and peppers and green onions and make into fritters that will freeze well. Here's the recipe.
http://expatriateskitchen.blogspot.com/2007/06/frittering-away-some-time.html
Kansas City
Mexican: Tienda Casa Paloma in OP, Mexico Taqueria SW Blvd.
Italian: Lidia's, Cupini's, Jake's Place in Bella Napoli
French: La Fou Frog
Steak: Agreed. Best is a rare filet, cooked at home with a port wine reduction sauce and blue cheese. Does not get any better out. Plus, if you eat it in, you can afford better wine.
Barbecue: Got to go with the "Stack"
Comfort: Succotash, Potpie
Chinese: Blue Koi on 39th
Indian: Taste of Asia, Ruichi
Thai: Thai Place
Vietnamese: Vietnam in Columbus Park
Burgers: I quit eating beef out after reading Omnivore's Dilemma. Except for the bison burger at Bluebird.
Bread and Pastry: Artisan Francais — paradise.
Kansas City
Barbecue: Jack's Stack, always
Italian: Lidia's
Thai: Thai Place
Sushi: Kaiyo (chef and hot item cook from Sushi house left to make their own place)
French: La Fou Frog
French Bakery: Artisan Francais
Ice Cream: Murray's
Birthday dinner (KC or Lawrence)
Le Fou Frog is great, it is a small place, so you would want to call in advance. Not sure if they are open Sundays.
Does Kansas City have any good Italian dives?
Ah, also Bella Napoli opened a pasta and pizza place in what used to be Breadsmith in Brookside. Check that out for authentic pizza.
Does Kansas City have any good Italian dives?
Cupini's, the options are great and prices are cheap. It is on Westport Road, headed west. http://www.cupinis.com/
Part deli, part grocery store.
Dying for a Curry in Kansas City
Agreed. Ruichi and Touch of Asia are the best Indian. If you are open to other curries, definitely Thai Place, but head north for Vienamese in and around the city market and Columbus Park. Also, it is not on the menu anymore, but the chef/owner at Kaiyo (near 119th and Roe) does lovely non-Japanese style dishes and one is a curry. The chefs there used to be at Sushi House and opened their own place.
Q: TV cooking/food programs you'd like to see
I would like to see a similar show that embraces the Slow Food movement. Something that digs deep into the traditions we are losing and the cultural value of food. Tony Bourdain tries, but the pursuit of only what is sensationally gross (raw baby seal eyes) and the biting humor get in the way of the meaning. It's a start, but it could be so much more.
Q: TV cooking/food programs you'd like to see
What I like about Alton Brown is that he makes the science and technique behind cooking accessible and friendly. I really appreciate the style and his efforts to make what could be a dry subject fun and interesting.
Best Ice Cream Shops in the US?
Murray's in Westport, in Kansas City. But she closes in the winter to go on vacation. All winter.
rachel ray on network tv?
The new Julia will likely come from a home made podcast or webcast show. That kind of honest, non-commercial joy of cooking won't happen on network TV.
Putting links in comments
Should probably give some guidance to those providing links in blog comments. I used html to build a link and the html was displayed ... links to information and discussion were invited. You should let people know how to provide these in the comments. Thanks for the site, I am enjoying it.
Like the Beta
Can you ever have enough food sites? Just like my ever-growing cookbook shelf, my own blogs, and the out of control spice cabinet (who the hell uses Sumac?), variety is good. There is that upscale part of me that loves Gourmet and epicurious.com, but there is also that place in my soul for a good hole-in-the-wall with great food and a cold microbrew. This site feeds that part of myself. A bit edgy, definitely not a chain. Thanks.
