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Mike Stacy's Food BLOG is sponsorsed by:
If you need a recipe, have a question or a comment... you can always chat with me at mjstacy@cbs.com and for more great recipes, click on the Allan, Mike and Allison Meal Club HERE.
My new favorite market... is Aldi Market in Rocky Hill. Wow! Cool concept: if you don't have name brands, have fancy displays in store and have a smaller store (with a smaller rent) you can save people money! I FILLED a grocery cart with food... $70. It would have been $200-$300 at the bigger Grocers. Milk is $1.99 a gallon! And I know what you're thinking, generic can't taste the same as the brand names. I will admit that we were not fans of the frozen beer battered shrimp or ground beef BUT the Fruit and Cereal Bars taste exactly like Nutri-Grain. The Cereals taste like the real McCoy. And the instant grits were awesome (I like the cheese). They also have a generic Zatarains Jambalaya Rice Mix which was perfect! My son Jake said the Mountain Thunder was a reasonable facsimile to Mountain Dew. My other son, Ben said the Red Bull generic was also the same. 24 bottles waters for about $2... This store is crazy! Couple of things. 1. You need a quarter to rent a grocery cart. You get it back when you return it. (Keeps the parking lot clear of carriages) 2. You may wait in line a little longer. 3. You have to go up and down every ailse to shop... it's bargain hunting and not organized like the bigger markets. I hope you discover a new market to love too! (P.S. Aldi did not pay for my endorsement... they don't advertise which is why you save $$$$$)
Of Shrimp, Scallops, Lobster and Cobb...
Another great food discovery... When you come to Sea Mystic, no need to travel far to find affordable and delicious seafood or salads... Visit the Seamen's Inne right at the Mystic Seaport. We enjoy Lobster Bisque (creamy and filled with lobster pieces), Fresh Scallops from Stonington, CT (delivered fresh every morning) and Seafood Pot Pie... (The Cobb Salad was terrific too with Applewood Smoked Bacon, Avacado, Hard Boiled Egg and Gorgonzola!)
May 23, 2008:
A follow-up on Universal Orlando Resort... Delicious food found!!!
Hard Rock Cafe (CityWalk): South of the Border Burger. Beef with Grilled onions, guacamole, and a side of amazing salsa bursting with fresh cilantro! Truly tasty. Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville (CityWalk): I love Talapia... so how can you make it even better? Make it a taco! The Talapia was grilled and put on a flour tortilla with shredded cabbage, salsa, black beans, and sour cream... it came with Island Rice but I asked for fresh veggies instead. Allison had the Coconut Shrimp with an Orange Maramalade/Horseradish sauce and Allan had Jerk Salmon - both were also great but BEWARE... the Jerk was spicy!!!! For dessert Chocolate and Banana Bread Pudding and Key Lime Pie did the trick! But the best restaurant without a doubt was MYTHOS (Islands of Adventure across from Posseidon) The Baby Spinach Salad with a Bacon Vinigarette was very fresh and a nice mix of sweet and tangy with crumbled blue cheese and blueberries. The Blueberry and Pistachio Crusted Grilled Pork in a Port Wine Sauce was to die for. The Pork stayed juicy under the crust and was paired with 2 of the best side dishes ever... a smoky cheddar mac and cheese and fresh sauteed spinach with button mushrooms and grape tomatoes! The Chicken a'la Oscar and Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon were also huge hits. For dessert, for an "eyes roll back in your head, involuntary spoon drop, life altering experience" order the Warm Chocolate Banana Gooey Cake. It's served with foster sauce plantains and peanut butter ice cream. (I love kids but try to do this as a Mommy and Daddy date so you don't have to rush)
A HOUSE WITHOUT TWINKIES
My wife Carol and I were talking about school lunches and snacking in general the other day. We remember having a sandwich, piece of fruit, drink and maybe a cookie in our lunch for school. Nowadays its CRAZY. Everything is simple and convenient with individually wrapped snacks... brownie bits, assorted chips, cheese puffs, popcorn, candy, sugary donuts etc. We realize were are not helping out our boys. We are giving them permission to eat unhealthy food... so we've stricken processed snacks from the Stacy house! We've loaded up on fruit and fresh veggies ready for snacking. We made it convenient by having a ready to eat fruit salad with Watermelon, Blueberries, Strawberries, and Grapes. It hasn't gone well yet. Jake comes home from school and says there is nothing to eat.
But we know he will adjust and be healthier in the long run. I also don't tell them what's in their dinner until after they eat. Made Moo Shu Chicken last night with cabbage, broccoli, carrots, scallions, and bell peppers... didn't tell them until it was gone. They loved it! Now don't think we are total food grinches. Carol is going to make homemade cookies without the processed stuff... we're bringing back the cookie jar... but we're not bringing back the twinkies.
After posting this I received this email:
I am a morning listener. I caught the end of your bit on kids and food and decided to read your blog. Here is a situation that is apparently becoming more and more common:We couldn’t figure out why our 2nd grader seemed to be gaining weight. She was allowed to buy school lunch one time a week. At her school there is a credit card like payment process where she is able to purchase that once-weekly allowed lunch. I wrote a check for $30 mid winter to apply toward her credit card and figured it would last through the rest of the school year.
About 4 weeks later (and after noticing my daughter’s jeans would no longer button) I got a bill from the school saying we OWED money for lunches. How was that possible? Let me tell you- our daughter was not only bringing lunch from home every day, but she was buying it as well. That equaled 2 lunches a day! I immediately asked her about it and she admitted it. After calling the school and “cutting her off” of the credit card lunch program, I proceeded to complain about it at work. Can you believe this situation is not uncommon?
Why are schools giving kids “credit cards” for lunches when they are trying to fight obesity? Kids don’t understand the concept of “credit” for food. They can’t control themselves! The school just bills parents for whatever is due. You don’t find out about it until after the food has been eaten.
This is not only promoting a possibly unhealthy way of eating for children, but it also could be sending kids the wrong message about purchasing things with credit cards. I for one am now happy to give my daughter the $2 in cash for her weekly school lunch purchase. Good luck to you and your family on a healthy eating regimen!
My Favorite Roast Chicken
I love roast chicken. It's terrific the first night and the leftovers make great Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Soup, Open Faced Roast Chicken and stuffing sandwiches (you get the idea). This is my wife Carol's recipe adapted for my Weber Grill (or for the oven). I couldn't be easier and it makes the entire neighborhood smell AMAZING!
LEMON CHICKEN
Ingredients - 5 pound roasting chicken, 1 whole lemon, 1/4 teaspoon salt (I like Sea Salt), 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon thyme, 2 tsp crushed garlic, 1/3-1/2 cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 tablespoon butter softened, fresh parsley.
Wash Chicken. Poke a few holes with the tines of a fork then stick the lemon in the bird. Combine lemon juice, salt, pepper, thyme, garlic, and oil in a bowl. Whisk to blend. Brush chicken on all sides with 3/4 of the mixture (you'll use the rest to baste)
WEBER GRILL: Heat front, middle and back on high for 10-15 minute until the thermometer reads over 500 degrees. Then turn off the middle burner, and turn down the front and back to medium. Place Chicken in the middle of the grill and cook 1-1/2 hours basting about every 30 minutes... (It's great if the bird has a pop-up timer!) Sprinkle with chopped parsley!
OVEN: Roast in a pan at 375 degrees basting every 30 minutes for about 1 1/2 hours. CHicken is done when thigh is 175-180 degrees. With this method, you can use the pan drippings and any remaining lemon mixture to make a great gravy. Place in a saucepan over medium-high heat. When it's hot, add 1 tablespoon of butter and chopped parsley. Whisk to blend. Salt and pepper to taste.
Snackin' at SAMS CLUB
Is there anything better than Saturday lunch at SAMS Club?!? GO there hungry and leave happy. I think this is where all the food servers of the world work dishing out free samples of tasty food. Last week, we had Aztec Chicken with Hacienda Beans... It was so tasty, we grabbed a recipe card and bought all the ingredients on the spot. Hope you like!
AZTEC CHICKEN with HACIENDA BEANS
Chicken Ingredients - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1/4 cup apple juice, 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Directions - Combine olive oil, apple juice, cinnamon and taco seasoning in a re-sealable plastic bag. Add chicken and marinate in refrigerator at least 15-30 minutes. Grill or pan fry over medium-high heat until internal temperature reads 170 degrees.
Bean Ingredients - 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1/4 cup red bell pepper diced, 1/4 cup orange bell pepper diced, 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper diced, 1/4 cup onion diced, 1/2 teaspoon cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon crushed garlic, 2 15 ounce cans of Bush's Baked Beans.
Bean Directions - Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell peppers, garlic and cajun seasoning. Sautee 2-4 minutes until veggies begin to soften. Add Beans and simmer 5 minutes longer and serve with chicken.
Why I Eat
O.K. so I am about to finish another season of The Biggest Loser... I watch this show and feel ready to lose weight... but alas it is yet to happen. I've come to a conclusion. I've searched for the underlying reason why I eat. I don't have self-esteem issues (ask Allan - he thinks I think too highly of myself!). I have a great family. I'm very happy. Sure I have stress at work but that's not it either. I EAT BECAUSE I JUST LOVE FOOD. I've rarely met a food I didn't like. It's a hobby or an addiction I guess. I try to eat healthy... I've been grilling in Pam, lots of vegetables and salad but weight control oatmeal just doesn't taste as good as a McGriddle's Breakfast Sandwich... which is why I'm riding my Bike. The Bike MS ride is coming up June 1st at the Griffin Center in Windsor. I started training for my 25 mile ride last week and I'm pretty proud of myself. I rode 3 days - 10 miles each day for a total of 30 miles last week. I've learned 2 important lessons. 1. Never loan anything to your teenager that you want back. Ben borrowed my gel bike gloves for Halloween and has misplaced them. 2. Bicycle Shorts have a life expectancy... about 1 season. I feel like a neutered dog... thank goodness I took the weekend off and bought new shorts. I would love it if other "food lovers" joined me in riding their bike. It's a great cause and a great way to counteract the food we love. Click on the banner to the right or email me. I'm riding another 10 today - and eating Brats and Mashed Potatoes for dinner!!!
HOT DOG:
When I think baseball, I think Hot Dogs... But this year, there will be some new foods offered at Fenway Park this year:
· Crab rolls
· Pastrami sandwiches
· Turkey sandwiches
· Chicken wraps
· Yogurt
American's still love hot dogs! Some stats:
· Ballparks around the country will consume more than 30
million hot dogs this year, enough to round the bases 41,776 times.
· Shea Stadium topped the survey sgain for the largest hot
dog consumption. Mets fans will eat 2 million hot dogs. Fenway
park is runner-up with 1.7 million.
· Turner Field (Braves) dresses their Georgia Dog with
coleslaw, chili and onion relish.
· The Metrodome is home to the Dome Dog, a Black Angus dog
served hot off the grill with toppings.
· At Kauffman Stadium, team mascot "Slugger" shoots hot dogs
into the crowd during the seventh inning stretch.
For me, it depends on my mood. I'm a big fan of Capital Lunch in New Britain with their famous secret sauce. The "Dog with everything" includes mustard, raw onion, and meat sauce. Sometimes I need a hot dog from Frankies on Route 6 in Bristol. My favorite is a Nacho Cheese and Bacon Hot Dog. At home, I like sauerkraut, relish, spicy brown mustard and ketchup. It's also a great party favorite to wrap hot dogs in croissant rolls!
My messed up Family:
My family has a unique way of naming food. I think somewhere in my past, it started off as Italian. Over the years a vowel was dropped here and there... but now its just a mess! Here's what I'm talking about:
Scamozz (mozzarella)
Schfigadale (the scallop shell shaped pastry stuffed with ricotta)
Squingeel (Conch marinated in herbs and Olive Oil... usually served on Christmas Eve as part of the Feast of the Seven Seas)
Mopeen (dish towel)
Gravy (Red on pasta not brown on a roast)
Galamad (Calamari)
Managot (Mannicotti)
Parmajohn (yep, the cheese)
Gavadales (Cavatelli pasta)
The list goes on and on. I grew up thinking that everyone used these terms... This is yet another reason why men need a wife... to help them realize who stupid they sound!
Now the Italian phrases my Grandfather taught me that got me detention in High School... that's a whole other story.
Thanks to Lorraine for her Irish Bread Recipe!
1c. raisins
1c water
4c. flour
1c.sugar
1 tsp. each
baking powder
baking soda
salt
allspice
2 eggs
1 c shortening
8 oz. Guinness
Boil raisins in water -5 min. Mix all dry ingredients. Add eggs & shortening. Add raisins & any remaining water. Add beer. Mix well. Bake in well greased angel food pan (tube pan with metal core in middle)
for 50 min. or until tooth pick inserted comes out clean. I use "Pam with flour" to grease pan.
The new Grilled Breakfast Sandwich from Panera Bread
I am a breakfast sandwich addict. I love 'em. The newest is from Panera Bread... Egg & Cheese, Bacon Egg & Cheese, or Sausage Egg and Cheese. I loved them. It could be the fresh baked Panera Bread or maybe the fried egg (I prefer this over scrambled... the yolk was perfect - set but not gone entirely)... but I think the cheese plays an important role too. Too many breakfast sandwiches have bland cheese. It's like someone decided that our taste buds need to wake up gently. The sharp cheese in the Panera breakfast sandwich really stands out. I loved it! Grab one, a cup of Bold or Bright coffee and a seat by the fireplace!
The new Whole Foods Market in Glastonbury
The new location doesn't open until 3/12, but I got a sneak peek courtesy of Prepared Foods Team Leader Mike Sweeney. I enjoyed samples of cheese and deli meats, grilled shrimp and cheese and bean burritos... but my favorite was the Broccoli Roma Salad. Crisp broccoli cooked perfectly (bright green, snappy not mushy) mixed with sun dried tomatoes and calamata olives. Delicious! Ii also enjoy the Southwest Cous Cous and the Tofu (can you believe it?!?!?) It was coated in seasame seeds.
Italian Pizza Cake
I modified a recipe from my Mom for Easy Italian Casserole... after forcing the kids to eat lots of healthy veggies, I have to throw them a bone now and then...
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
16 ounces pizza sauce
1/2 tsp oregano
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cups bisquick
1/2 cup milk
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brown ground beef in onion and garlic. Drain. Add mushrooms, oregano and pepperoni and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in pizza sauce. Mix egg, bisquick, and milk til dough forms. Wet your hands and spread 1/2 of the dough evenly on the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Top dough with meat mixture. Add mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Top with remaining dough by spoonfuls. Bake until light brown for about 20 minutes.
Cafe Louise Food for the Family Feud Bus Trip to Foxwoods
You can win 2 tickets to join us March 13th 3/3-7 at 6:40
And look at the lunch!!!!
* "Our most requested and Best Ever" Tarragon Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts in a Croissant
* Roast Beef with Caramelized Onion, Boursin Cheese, Lettuce and Tomato on Grain Baguette
* Balsamic Roasted Portabella Mushroom Sandwich with Lemon Parmesan Mayo, Fresh Mozarella, Fresh Basil and Roasted Red Peppers on Rosemary Foccacio Bread
* "The Best Ever" Cafe Tuna Salad with Lemon, Onion, Celery, Parsley, Thyme and Dill in a Wrap
* Smoked Turkey with our home made Cranberry Chutney
* Orzo Pasta Salad as the side. Orzo Pasta Salad with Fresh Spinach, Basil, Sundried Tomatoes, Green Onion and Feta Cheese in a Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
* Assorted Fancy Finger Desserts. From Mini Cupcakes, so cute and seasonally decorated, Fresh Baked Brownies, Lemon Squares, Linzer Heart Cookies, Shortbread Cookies, Toffee Bars, Vienna Praline Cookies...
POT ROAST x2
With my schedule and my wife in school and work, I LOVE OUR CROCKPOT! One of the local supermarkets had MCCormick Crock Pot Seasonings on sale last week... I stocked up on Pot Roast, Pulled Pork, and Italian Chicken... And in my efforts to get us to eat vegetables we've only ever heard of, I made a great Pot Roast. I bought a 5 pound rump roast plus baby red potatoes, onions, carrots, parsnips, and brussel sprouts. All the veggies get washed and placed on the bottom of the pot, then the roast then the McCormick mixed with water over the top. Set the Crock Pot for 8 hours on low and buy or bake some crusty bread. Delicious... even the brussel sprouts (which my 12 year old son Jake LOVED! who knew!)
The best part, though is the leftovers... Carol & I each packed up a tasty lunch and I still had enough leftover roast and Au Jus for a great 2nd dinner. Take the roast and chop it up. Put the beef and juice/gravy into a sauce pan with 8 ounces of Sour Cream and simmer for an hour. It makes the most amazing Beef Stroganoff. I served it over Egg Noodles... it was terrific! Enjoy!
Eating at Disney:
Cuban food at Bongo's Cuban Cafe in Downtown Disney
Allan, Allison, and Toby (our Disney Rep) feasted at Gloria Estefan's place, Bongos! The cafe has a great atomosphere... in place of columns are pretend coconut trees... the tile throughout is glass... very beautiful. The big surprise to me was that Cuban Food wasn't too spicy. I expected big heat but only found it in only one dish. Do not be afraid... Cuban food was a favorite on the trip. Here's what we had:
Tamal en Hoja: Polenta filled with seasoned pork and wrapped in a corn husk... verrry tasty!
Papa Rellena: Mashed potato stuffed with ground beef creole... awesome! [Allison's favorite!]
Croquetas de Jamon: Minced Ham Rolls lightly breaded and fried and topped with Bongo's sauce... delicious!
Masitas de Puerco: Pork Cubes marinated in a garlic sauce with grilled onions. Tender pork with a nice flavor and the grilled onions were a great accompaniment.
Zarzuela de Mariscos: The big winner in my eyes if you don't mind a little heat. Sauteed lobster, shrimp, scallops, calamari, baby clams, and mussels in a homemade creole sauce served with white rice and green plantains. My head felt the heat (like a wasabi kind of warmth!) Delicious. Seafood very fresh. White rice helps cool the spiciness of the dish and it's fun to eat the plantains (a kind of banana). To make reservations, call 1-407-828-0999.
Yummies were also had at a visit to the Turf Club Grill at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa... had a great Reuben and delicious Fried Calamari with a garlic mayonaise and marinara! They also hosted a welcome party with tasty egg rolls, bacon wrapped scallops, and assorted cheeses. At Fort Wilderness, we enjoyed blackened shrimp atop fried Plantains... boy were they great! Then it was off to the Hoop De Doo Review at Pioneer Hall. This is a show and dinner that starts with salad and corn bread. The main course includes pails of Fried Chicken, BBQ Ribs, Cowboy Beans, and Garlic Red Skinned Mashed Potatoes. The Dessert is Strawberry Shortcake. Make reservations before coming to Disney... almost every seating is sold out.
I grabbed a Pulled Pork Flatbread at the Animator's Pallette at Sartoga Springs Resort. This grown-up pizza was terrific but get a side salad to go with it or you'll be hungry. We spoke with a Disney Dining Plan Rep... you can add pre-paid meals onto your Disney vacation experience including favorites like the Hoop De Doo Review!
Easter Treats from my favorite listener and food Blog reader Jess:
Paczki (Doughnuts)
1 1/2 cup of milk
2 yeast cakes
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup butter
4 1/2 cups flour
Scald milk and cool to lukewarm. Break yeast into the lukewarm milk. Beat sugar and butter until fluffy, add eggs, salt, and flavoring. Add flour and milk gradually, beating well. Let rise in warm place until double in bulk, about 2 1/2 hour. Punch down, knead and let rise again. Place dough on lightly floured board, stretch toward you and fill with thick filling - rose jams, apricot or peach preserves, prune butter. Fold over and cut into desired size and shape like a ball, place on lightly floured surface and let rise. Fry in deep hot fat, turning only once. Paczki should have a very dark brown color before turning, to insure baking thoroughly. Drain on absorbent paper. Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar.
Easter Babka with Icing
Babka Wielkanocna Lukrowana
Dough:
1 envelope of dry yeast
½ cup light cream or half-and-half
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups flour
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
½ tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. grated lemon rind
1 TBS melted butter
¼ cup raisins
Icing:
½ cup confectioners sugar
1 TBS rum or lemon juice
Dissolve yeast in cream. Combine with half the sugar and flour and let double in size. Add all the remaining ingredients except the raisins and knead until smooth. Add raisins, while continuing to knead. Grease and flour baba pan. Place dough in pan, cover with a clean cloth, and leave in a very warm, draft-free place until doubled in size. Bake at 350F for 35 to 40 minutes. When cool, remove from pan.
Mix well ingredients for icing and drizzle over babka.
Avoiding a Mutiny!
After introducing all the healthy food and getting mixed results, I thought I should make a throwback dinner to show the kids that it's not all broccoli slaw! This is a homemade version of Alice Springs Chicken found at Outback Steakhouse. THe kids said it was a top 3 dinners of all-time!
ALICE SPRINGS CHICKEN (Served at Outback Steakhouse)
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1/2 " thick
honey mustard (1/2 cup Dijonaise, 1/2 cup Honey, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp vegetable oil)
Montreal seasoning
6 slices bacon, sliced in half
1 cup sliced mushrooms, sauteed in olive oil
3 cups shredded colby or monterey jack cheese
Rub chicken breast with Montreal seasoning. Cover with half of the Honey Mustard sauce and marinade for 2 hours, turning half way through. While the breast is marinating, microwave bacon crisp and sautee mushrooms. Grill chicken breasts over medium heat. Remove from grill and place in a 9 x 13 dish. Spread chicken breast with honey mustard, cover with a layer of mushrooms, three pieces of bacon and then sprinkle with shredded Colby/jack cheese, chicken should be covered with shredded cheese. Bake at 350 degrees about 15 minutes or until cheese melts. Extra honey mustard may be served on the side.
Healthy Food I'm sneaking into my Family's diet
Success! I've managed to sneak a few things without being noticed.
Pancakes... a big weekend favorite at my house. I've switched from Bisquick's Melt in your Mouth Recipe (Sugar...sugar...sugar plus White flour) to a Whole Wheat mix with skim milk and egg beaters. I slipped it in by adding apples and cinnamon (Masked the wheat).
Sausage... Believe it or not, I bought Shady Brook Farms Turkey Breakfast Sausage and it's great. I told the kids it was "Fresh Sausage" rather than frozen which was why it tasted a little different. I cooked it up quickly on my George Foreman Grill.
Broccoli Surprise Soup... made this with 4 heads of broccoli, carrots, celery, onion and low sodium vegetable broth. Once it's boiled and simmered for 30 minutes, you cool it off then puree it... add skim milk, a dash of light cream and a dash of lemon juice and then my own trick... I top the bowls with a small amount of crushed ritz crackers and shredded cheddar or Velvetta. The kids think it tastes like the high calorie Broccoli Surprise Casserole that we make at Thanksgiving and Hot Soup in the Winter is perfect!
Food I found on vacation around Orlando/Jupiter/Palm Beach Florida
Just got back from Florida... only gained a half a pound on vacation (I think that's pretty good!)
Orlando:
NBA City at CityWalk at Universal Orlando... enjoyed a Caesar Salad and Chicken Bleu Cheese Pasta, the pasta served at the 2001 NBA all-star game. Oak-grilled chicken is sautéed with garlic, wild mushrooms and fresh spinach, then tossed in a rich bleu cheese sauce and topped with diced tomatoes and bleu cheese crumbles. Delicious! My Wife Carol had an amazing Southwest Cobb Salad. Louie's Italian Restaurant at Universal Studios has always been a favorite of ours. Sad to report that they no longer serve Spaghetti Bolognese... they replaced it with a more American Spaghetti and Meatballs (still tasty) The Minestrone and pizza are still good and the Moretti's Italian Beer was yummy! New and welcomed at Universal Studios, Starbucks. I don't know about you but I really don't like the sulfur taste of Orlando Water... Starbucks Coffee was without that taste and the kids loved the Frappacinos! At the Royal Pacific Hotel at Universal there are many restaurants... Emerill's TChoup Chop, Jake's American Bar & Grill, a Sushi Bar and The Island Dining Room. The Island hosts an authentic Hawaiian Lua twice a week and serves an imense breakfast buffet. You can also order breakfast off the menu... the Creme Brulee Oatmeal is incredible as is the open face meat omelete with Portugese Sausage, ham and bacon... mmmmm! At Jake's American Bar & Grill, the Royal Pu-Pu Platter was a winner... Potato Skins with Sour Cream, Tasty Chicken Wings (not too hot), Mozzarella Sticks and a small sample of Baby Back Ribs.
Jupiter/Palm Beach:
At the Ale House and Raw Bar had the most succulent piece of pork ever... OssoBucco is traditionally Veal but they use pork. It fell off the bone! Served with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. I loved it! Dessert was fabulous. Uncle Jack's Other Nutter Brother. Nutter Butters and ice cream dream. Also enjoyed dinner at the Waterway Cafe. Appetizers included an Ahi Tuna with some of the best Wasabi ever and a terrific plate of pickled veggies. For dinner, I selected a Baked Salmon stuffed with Spinach and Crab in a Bernaise Sauce. It was good but I wish they used fresh spinach instead of canned.
For Dessert, I watched my kids eat a Snicker Explosion... it had to be a half a gallon of ice cream... picture 3 layers of ice cream separated by three brownies, topped with fudge, peant butter, and nuts. It would feed a family of four!
Speaking of big food..
Thanks to Gary in Southington... he let me know about The Big Texan in Amarillo, TX home of the 72 oz steak dinner... if you can eat the entire dinner in an hour, including baked potato and salad, it is FREE. Visit the restaurant online at www.bigtexan.com
Connecticut food finds...
Middletown, CT: La Boca Mexican Restaurant and Cantina! Cool atmosphere (like a mexican village), great Mojitos, Had a yummy appetizer of mexican cheese and beans with tortillas. The Fajitas were amazing with garlic shrimp! Overall, I thought Main Street in Middletown is a hidden treasure. Lots of cool restaurants, bars and shops. La Boca is top notch!
Hartford, CT: J Restaurant Bar... I am a huge fan of Veal. I know its not right... I should feel bad but I never personally saw the 60 minutes expose' on baby cows. They Veal at J Restaurant Bar was delectable! Tender and in a hazelnut cream sauce (I know you're thinking Huh?? but trust me!) It's served with an incredible butternut squash stuffed ravioli! TDF (to die for) And I can't find words to describe the Decadent French Chocolate Cake... I am not exagerating when I tell you I've had maybe 3 mountaintop experiences with desserts...
1. Chocolate Soufle aboard the Walt Disney Cruise Ship (Silver Pitchers pour warm chocolate into the cake)
2. Flatbread in Canton's Earthen Oven Baked Gingerbread topped with J Foster's Pumpkin Ice Cream.
3. J Restaurant Bar Decadent French Chocolate Cake. I think levitation is possible after eating this cake!!!!
Dunkin Donuts: New items sampled... Pumpkin Muffins (liked it) and Pumpkin frosted donuts (OK). Flatbread Sandwiches... I love the new Turkey, Bacon & Cheddar Flatbread. Very tasty. Also like the 3 cheese that my son tried. The bread is somewhat thick like a thicker pita pocket. I was afraid it might be a really thin wrap. Turkey and Bacon were a great combo. Pizza? It is what I feared. So-So. I don't find much difference between the Dunkin Donuts Pizza and frozen pizza from the grocer. Kids weren't crazy about them either (which is saying alot... ever met a kid who didn't love pizza). Other than the Flatbread, I'll stick to my favorite: The Sausage and Supreme Omelet sandwich on an everything Bagel.
Swordfish Marinade: With the weather so warm, I grilled the other night... Mixed 1/4 cup of low-fat mayo with Italian Dressing, fresh basil, and a touch of lemon juice. Coat the Swordfish but reserve some of this mixture to top each cooked piece of fish. Let the coated fish sit in fridge for an hour. Grill over medium heat 6 minutes per side. I loved it. Kids loved it.
Perfect Fall Dinner: It also got chilly and my wife Carol and I cooked a traditional Fall dinner. Shake and Bake Pork Chops with Wild Rice, Apple Sauce and Butternut Squash. Got this idea from the Hartford Courant. Peel and cut squash into 2 inch cubes. Add melted butter to a large bowl. Add squash and mix gently with a wooden or plastic spoon. Put on baking sheets and sprinkle the tops with brown sugar. Bake at 450 about 45 minutes. LOVED THIS!!! I had to investigate the Evergreen Restaurant at Simsbury Inn. Delicious!!!! They had a fresh New England Clam Chowder, not too creamy and not overloaded with potatoes... fresh clams and bacon made it terrific! The salad options were dazzling! Green Garden salad of course but also fresh Mozzarella and Tomato with red onion and basil, A Broccoli Slaw, a Waldorf with chicken, apples, and grapes, a regular vinegar coleslaw, a delectable Chick Pea and Sun-Dried Tomato salad with cheese and a fruit salad with an abundance of fruit. On the hot entrees I went straight to the Seafood Baked Pasta. Creamy Mac & cheese sprinkled with breadcrumbs and loaded with shrimp, scallops, and other tasty treats from the deep. Other offerings included a baby carrott and green pea almondine, mashed potatos, lemon roasted chicken, and swordfish. The Lunch buffet also has a dessert table. NOW PAY ATTENTION... My Grandma Bells was the Queen of Cream Pies; Chocolate, Coconut and Banana. Since she passed away, I not only mourn her but I truly appreciate how phenomenal those pies were. The Banana Cream Pie at Simsbury Inn was the closest to my Grandmothers... crust, pudding and banana filling and whipped cream all Grandma Bells approved! Do yourself a favor and make reservations for lunch, dinner or an Award Winning Sunday Brunch! Churascarria Braza, Famington Avenue in Hartford is INCREDIBLE. Our friends Doris and Bob Bunnel introduced my wife Carol and I to this Brazilian Steakhouse. Brazas is a fixed price per person... you receive a card that's green on one side (bring me more meat) and red on the other (please, no more... I'm about to have a hull breach!!) You start at the salad and appetizer bar. Delicious assortment of salad greens, freshly made potato salad, marinated mushrooms, raw clams/oysters and peel and eat shrimp! Then sit back as the Gaucho Chefs come to your table with 12-15 varities of slow roasted beef, pork, lamb, sausages, brisket, ribs, chicken, turkey, wings, and more! If you have no room for dessert, TAKE IT HOME. I have pledged my undying love to the buenjoles (sp?). They are fried dough pillows stuffed with melted chocolate and covered with an amazing creamy caramel sauce! (Note: Dessert and beverages are not included in the price.)
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