rcsimm's Profile
Any decent chains in New England?
Can you consider Tosanini's a chain now that the Harvard Square location is gone?
Pizzeria Roma (Durham)
sorry you all hate it. I'll try to be more judicious in my recommendations, and I'll be sure to stay off the soap box...
Pizzeria Roma (Durham)
I don't want to go overboard on the comparison, because if I do, you'll be disappointed. it doesn't have that oven char on the bottom, and it doesn't have pools of oil on the top. It is not sublime like Regina's. But it is foldy and drippy, qualities that mark good pizza in my we have not encountered in pizza since we moved to Chapel Hill almost two years ago. The crust could probably be thinner. It's probably more akin to a mom-and-pop operation in the suburbs--say Lowell. (that's quite a drop in praise, isn't it?) But give it a try--it's where we'll get our pizza from now on...
And yes, we're from Boston (metro), and I don't think we could live in North Carolina (as much as we love it) without MLB Extra Innings!
Pizzeria Roma (Durham)
My husband brought home a pizza from this place a couple of days ago, and I wanted to plug it to transplants from the Boston area. It approximated fairly well the good foldy pizza you get at places like Santarpios and Regina. Not a perfect substitute, mind you, but definitely worth visiting if you're missing that style of pizza. We had the tomato and garlic. Our large pizza was enormous and cost $16. It's in one of the new storefronts by the Kroger on 15/501.
Citrus-Chapel Hill
A small group (5) went to Citrus yesterday for breakfast at 10:15. We were told we would have a 30 minute wait. Fine. 90 minutes later, they were finally clearing a table for us. What was more disappointing than the wait was that the owner/host didn't seem to be concerned that his initial estimate had more than tripled, he never offered us even a cup of coffee while we were waiting. Parties of four kept getting seated right and left; we suggested that we could be squeezed into a four-top and that suggestion was rebuffed: "We'll be seating you shortly." Shortly turned out to be another 40 minutes.
The food was good, generous portions, but nothing came out at the same time. I can't say I'll go back, however. I really feel like the owner dropped the ball with us. However, the restaurant was doing very brisk business so I doubt the loss of business of 5 people is going to make him lose any sleep.
Chapel Hill Cuban: Abierto
really? it's open? we live just down the street and i had no idea it was open for business. Can't go tonight (jujube), but will check it out soon and report back.
NEED help Magnolia Vanilla Cupcake Recipe
I made the Magnolia cupcakes, both in cake form and as cupcakes. I think it's great as written. (My cupcakes turn out a little flat--how about yours?)
As far as the frosting, what do you think is in the canned frosting? frosting is primarily sugar and fat. I'd rather be able to choose butter over shortening and adjust the sugar to my liking than use the stuff out of the can. just my two cents...
calling food scientists--question about meat
Thank you both for very informative responses. I don't eat meat, but prepare it once in a blue moon for my long-suffering husband. This explains the terrible result of the belgian beef stew I made last night with steak tips. I knew it was the wrong cut, but I never envisioned how utterly bad it would turn out. Oh well--I guess I owe him a proper stew now...
calling food scientists--question about meat
Can someone explain why tender cuts of meat get tough the longer they're cooked and tough cuts of meat get tender?
Duke Chow In Walking Distance
Speaking of dining on Duke's campus, maybe the Nasher Museum Cafe would be good spot?
Duke Chow In Walking Distance
well, google maps shows it as 1.1 miles away, but whatever. I'm not certain it's really a "walkable" mile (or two) anyway.
Duke Chow In Walking Distance
You easily walk to Nosh (3/10ths of a mile west from your intersection, on the north side of erwin). Not out of the world chow, but they have creative sandwiches and the like. Chai is a noodle bar in the same plaza (Erwin Terrace)--I've never been, but I've heard decent things about it.
Locopops is at Hillsborough and 15th--a mile from your intersection, and a must visit.
On West Main (about a mile from your intersection) are Parizade and Verde, for fancier chow.
mac and cheese came out grainy. why?
wow! now that's detail! thank you so much for your response--I'm sure it will help me turn out a better baked mac & cheese. (are you a chef, or just an obsessed amateur?)
Pierogies
Actually, she responded to my email query and agreed that the version in her book is probably more akin to piroshki than the unleavened pierogies we're all familiar with. (although, Bacchus and rworange point out in this thread that baked pierogies are a known variant in Poland. Also, Anna was born to Polish parents, so she probably has some frame of reference for this recipe.)
I've never had a pierogi stuffed with meat, by the way. And the version that appears in her book is in no way a healthful alternative to noodle-dough pierogies. So this isn't a case of someone taking a recipe like, say Bigos stew, and reinventing it for vegetarians.
Hot and spicy desserts
Have you heard of Toad Sweat hot dessert sauces? they're sweet and spicy. There's vanilla, chocolate, lime, etc., all enhanced with habanero.
my favorite flavor from our local popsicle stand is mango with chile; they also do a very nice black pepper cream.
(pepper is my secret ingredient in so many desserts--gives such a nice warmth, and no one can identify it...)
Mapleview Farms buttermilk
Thanks for investigating, jenniesue. I guess whole milk makes a world of difference!
NEWCOMER - BIRTHDAY DINNER IN RALEIGH?
Maybe Frazier's would be a good choice? http://www.fraziersbistro.com/
I've never been, so maybe someone who has could comment. Chef is from Gramercy Tavern...
Zely and Ritz?
Bloomsbury Bistro?
I'm a chapel hill girl, so I don't get to Raleigh that much; sorry to not be more help.
Cholestrol lowering recipes
You can improve your lipid profile by eating unsaturated fats--olive oil, canola oil, almonds, walnuts, salmon, tuna, flaxseeds, omega-3 enriched eggs. This will bring up your HDL (good cholesterol) pretty quickly, as long as you also limit your saturated fat intake (reduce red meat, cheese, butter, etc.) and exercise. (also, watch out for unfiltered coffee--espresso, french press--it contains aromatic oils called terpenes, which may raise your bad cholesterol. This isn't a problem in filtered coffee.)
good luck--it can be done!
NEWCOMER - BIRTHDAY DINNER IN RALEIGH?
There isn't a universal expectation for a "birthday dinner." If "birthday dinner" means quiet, romantic, formal, and impeccable service to you, then the DJ pictured on the Underground's web site might be an indication this is not what you're seeking in a "birthday dinner." (not to mention the $1 mystery cans and the $4 crack bombs listed as bar specials). http://www.comeunderground.com/nightlife.html
mac and cheese came out grainy. why?
Scott, you seem knowledgeable in this area. Can you explain why my nice, smooth, delicious cheese sauce becomes separated, oily, and unappetizing in the oven? (mixed with pasta, of course...) Is the heat too high, or is my recipe flawed? or both?? Thanks for any advice!
Tapas party for four people
You might try piquillo peppers instead of regular old bell peppers. I've only seen them in jars, but they're pretty tasty nonetheless.
Tapas party for four people
tortilla espanola, for sure. Patatas bravas. Some marcona almonds, and warmed olives (add a sprig of rosemary and some orange peel to infuse the olives). Mix some cabrales with a tiny bit of brandy, serve with baguette slices. crepes stuffed with spinach and red pepper, rolled and sliced, served with a saffron sauce.
Trader Joe's Opening in the Triangle???
That Earth Fare seems too big for a Trader Joes--I'd be surprised (but ecstatic) if they moved in there. I'm not surprised Earth Fare is closing in CH--there was never anyone in that place--they must have been bleeding money for some time...
Hideaway BBQ in Raleigh
I would say they are VERY well financed. and their booking is top notch--the woman who books (booked?) the Pour House is doing their booking, and they managed to get the Derailers for their second weekend in operation. Bill Kirchen a few weeks later. Stacey Earle in February. Dale Watson on NYE. pretty stellar entertainment. I wish I could recommend the food more highly. but I love the bar staff!
Mapleview Farms buttermilk
Does anyone know if Mapleview Farm's buttermilk is cultured, or is it old-fashioned? I bought some the other day and it is so delicious; it bears no resemblance to the other stuff that calls itself buttermilk today. Any idea why it's so good?
Hideaway BBQ in Raleigh
I like everything about the Hideaway, except for the food. I've eaten there twice and I probably won't eat there again. I don't eat meat, though, so take my comments with a grain of salt (my husband is a big bbq fan, though, and he was lukewarm to the place too). I do eat fish, and the catfish I ordered on my second visit wasn't cooked through. When asked what sides I wanted with my meal, I asked if the green beans were fresh. I ordered them when I was told they were, but when they were brought out, it was obvious they were canned. Mashed potatoes are out of a box.
That said, the service is friendly and the music is great. The venue is a little awkward since the stage is surrounded by diners. If you're not eating, you have to take in the music from the narrow bar area.
Strudel goal, but no plan
I've made a mushroom strudel before. I cooked down a mess of mushrooms and shallots with some thyme, deglazed with some kind of wine, then added some sour cream. Grated a bit of parmesan into it. salt and pepper, then cool. I think you could easily add some potato to this, but I would go with diced instead of mashed.
Those tortes raj1 mentions are awesome, by the way...
Magnolia Grill--attire?
Hi all,
husband and I are going to Magnolia Grill tonight. We've never been and are wondering how dressy it is. Husband was planning to wear a suit--do people wear suits to restaurants anymore?
Non toxic oil for a wooden countertop
There's also Bambu Goo, meant for products (cutting boards, floors, etc) made from Bambu, but it works on wood, too. It's made from beeswax, carnauba wax, and other food-safe stuff.
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/07/bambus_bamboo_g.php
good cheap (vegetarian) eats in durham and surrounding areas
The actual vegetarian restaurants are rather woeful, but there are many, many places where you can get good vegetarian food. For burrito bars, try Carrburritos in Carrboro--just west of the Chapel Hill line. Also in Carrboro is Weaver St. Market and the Spotted Dog. Weaver St. Market has a hot bar for breakfast and lunch--dinner, too, I would imagine. Spotted Dog is across from Weaver Street, and does nice salads and sandwiches incorporating tofu and vegetarian "meats". These are all reasonably priced, especially Carrburritos.
In Durham, the Federal makes an excellent grilled cheese/avocado. You can also find good Middle Eastern--I'm partial to Neomonde (in Morrisville), but Baba Ganoush is good, too. Saladelia, too (Greek grilled cheese is great!)Guglhupf bakery in Durham puts out excellent bread, and is a great stop for a bite if it's nice out (patio is awesome). Next door is Foster's Market, where you can get sandwiches and a nice slice of pie.
Finally, I am a Locopops evangelist. So I encourage you to go there, on Hillsborough in Durham. They have popsicles of an amazing variety, and very cheap.
Enjoy Durham and its surroundings! We moved here (Chapel Hill) from Boston 1.5 years ago and we love it--wish we had done it sooner.
