bwave's Profile
Buying Organic?
I try to buy organic whenever possible, mostly produce, but also anywhere there's a possibility of GMO's (corn, soy, canola) since GM isn't allowed in organic food. The produce generally has more flavor grown organically. you want a taste test, try an organic vs conventional peach.
Buyer beware though, I bought some organic eggs one time (store brand) and they seemed unusally cheap for organic (less than $3/dozen). Got them home and the yolk was completely pale and the eggs were pretty flavorless. Industrial organic doesn't equal more flavor, it didn't seem to me that these chickens got a very nutritious diet...just an organic one.
Best Merlot
just to fully clear up the confusion, Canoe Ridge is a place. It's a ridge near one of the widest spots on the Columbia River which was named by Louis and Clark because they thought it looked like an upside down canoe. CSM and Chalone planted vineyards there around the same time and some very nice wines have come from this location. In fact Canoe Ridge Vineyard (Chalone, now Diageo) has quite a reputation for their Merlot.
As far as the "best merlot" question, all these mentioned are good and seem to fall into three categories...California, Washington, and Bordeaux. For my money, Washington Merlot wins out. Lots of character and affordable, some great finds between $15 and $30. if you want to spend a little more, and can find it, Abeja makes a great merlot, I think it's $40 or $50.
Walla Walla Restaurants
Just wanted to add a tip. If you're looking for sushi, we just tried aloha sushi and were very disappointed. not much flavor, fake krab, expensive.
otherwise there is some very good food in town. saffron & coleville st. patisserie are two faves
Soaking onions in ice water?
I've found that it works. just as eefoodgeek said. taking away the bite, red onions become really delicious, sweet and crunchy. Never tried the hot water/cold water method though.
out-of-the-way Healdsburg?
mirepoix in windsor is nice, bovolo (in plaza farms, on the square) is really good for breakfast or lunch..same owners as zazu, and if you're ambitious enough to head for the coast...the Rivers End in Jenner is really nice with a great sunset view.
Ray's boathouse
I agree with howard and with a reservation you may get a windowside table, which is as good as eating on the deck. I've heard a lot of people say they're not that impressed with Ray's but it's a seattle seafood staple and I think they do a nice job. The one time I wasn't impressed with what I had, we went without a reservation and sat upstairs...so the downstairs dining room is the way to go.
As for specialties, I remember the boathouse salad and the black cod sake kozu were both very good.
Do you want to know where your food is coming from?
Absolutely. This issue with food from China would be in the hands of the consumer if COO was labeled. Just like people stopped buying bagged spinach after the e.coli scare in the U.S. If it could be identified there would be people refusing to buy pet food or canned fish from China right now. As it is, where's the incentive for these Chinese companies to clean up their act if the sales aren't significantly affected.
On a personal level, I just like to know where my food came from and how it was treated, whether it came from 10 miles away or halfway across the world.
The Next Food Network Star
yeah, it's reality tv. sure, they've borrowed from TopChef because they're trying to get the best ratings. But I think they're two different concepts. TopChef continues to focus on food/cooking, and attempts to leave out personality when judging. TNFNS definitely focuses on marketing, camera presence, etc because that's what the contestants are "interviewing" for. To me, the food network show is more buisness and less foodie, but I'm glad it's not a carbon copy of TopChef. Either way the drama is gonna be spotlighted...because that's realityTV.
Off the topic, I've never watched Hells Kitchen. I can't take any "reality" show from Fox network seriously.
Need Pots and Pans Advice Please!
I stand corrected, they do use PTFE. Either way, it's a great pan and I expect it to last a while.
Need Pots and Pans Advice Please!
All Clad is great, expensive but worth it. I agree with the rest on the copper, looks great but not absolutely necessary. My three most critical pieces are the 3 qt saucier (all clad), the 7 qt enamled cast iron dutch oven (le cruset), and a 13" nonstick pan from Look. They make nonstick without teflon so it's less risky for cooking and for the environment. It's expensive but durable for nonstick, and every kitchen needs one nonstick pan.
Brew Pubs and cool shows in Seattle?
I second Maritime, excellent brews. Elysian Brewpub on capital hill is also a good one. For good pub grub/bistro food, check out the 74th Street Alehouse (on Phinney Ridge) or the Hilltop Alehouse (in Queen Anne)...same owners, great beers/wines/food.
Whole Foods to buy out Wild Oats
My favorite store of this type is Central Market (seattle area). They carry a huge array of nice produce/meats/seafood, and they sell true organic brands as well as a lot of "regular" brands, allowing the shopper a real choice other than shopping at two different stores.
McMinnville area Burger/Beer/Fish & Chips
There are a LOT of good local beers up there, you shouldn't have a problem finding some good taps at any decent restaurant. If you're looking for a brewpub, try one of the McMenamins locations. good food, great beers, and they make their own wines too. Here's a link to the locations in that area:
http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?region=3
Alton Brown is my hero.
completely agreed, Alton is the Mr.Wizard of the kitchen. I've seen a lot of scientific food books, but the nice thing is that Alton's books make it concise and spell it out with common sense. The thing about science + food is sometimes it turns into engineering and you lose sight of the cooking. A must have in the cullinary library...I might have to check out Shirley's book too.
Chili - A beverage other than beer to serve with Chili
beer is the classic. My second choice is coca-cola. If you want something a little more unexpected, try cream soda or a (not too sweet) root beer.
food wise...I'd do brownies for desert, spiced with cinnamon and chili peppers...ala mode.
