Subscribe in a reader
So, for this edition of Cookin' 'Round The Web, I spotlight some posts that can help you channel your inner frugalista while playing in the kitchen...
Obviously, a well stocked pantry is KEY to any perfect meal. The Kitchn spotlighted an article from the New York Times where Mark Bittman gave his suggestions about what is needed in a pantry. Sure, it’s a bit of an investment at first but when you think about it, once it’s stocked, you have less of a headache.Labels: Cookin' Round The Web, Great Blogs
One of my favorite chefs is Jose Garces. I've heard rave reviews about his restaurants. His cookbook, Latin Evolution, is like art. And, to boot, the man spanked Bobby Flay HARD on Iron Chef America. So I knew that during my trip to Philly last month, I'd have to go to his restaurant, Amada. Amada is a Spanish tapas restaurant in Olde City, Philadelphia which was just a hop, skip and a jump from my hotel at Penn's Landing.
I have to say, Amada lived up to their buzz - the restaurant was all that and then some. The ambiance was intimate and rustic. From the moment you enter through the flowing draperies at the front door, staff greets you like an old friend welcoming you to dinner. Now, while I love Italian cooking, I'm also fond of Spanish cooking. After all, one of my signature dishes is Arroz Con Pollo.
Now, let's get to the fun stuff - the food. After much contemplation, the menu items selected were:
Of course I had to have some Merlot but Julie, the fab bartender, also suggested that I try their homemade sangria. If I had thought about it, I would have ordered that instead of the merlot. They have three sangrias - a white, a red and a seasonal. The seasonal selection was a spiced apple sangria which was insanely good. While Julie and I were talking, I mentioned the Foodbuzz New Years Eve 24, 24, 24 event that I was hosting and, with thanks to her, she gave me some wonderful suggestions which turned out perfect.
Sadly, I did not take any pictures of my visit there but I will be sure to take them on the next trip as this has hit my list of "Absolute Fave Restaurants" and I will be going back. However, the Ultimate Epicure reviewed the restaurant and took some AMAZING photos which you must see HERE.
Much thanks to everyone at Amada. It was a meal to remember...
Labels: Amada, Bobby Flay, Great Blogs, Jose Garces, Philly, Restaurant Review
Have a wonderful weekend!
Labels: Colin Cowie, Cookin' Round The Web, Great Blogs, Link Love, Michael Chiarello
Labels: Charitable Giving, Contest, Cool Products, Great Blogs
Labels: Baking, Great Blogs, Sur La Table
My take: This was just stunning. I wish you could see it in person and, if you do get a chance to go to bluezoo, you MUST try. It's a deconstructed shrimp cocktail that was just divine. You have to see some of the other posts to see the hilarity that ensued as everyone had their "shot".
This was followed by:
SECOND COURSE
beet salad…candied walnuts, goat cheese fondue
My take: OK, I have to be honest. The salad was just fine but I am NOT a fan of beets. I don't think I ever have been. It's just me. That's all.
This was followed by:
THIRD COURSE
spice route char...curried beluga lentils, zhataar carrot, yogurt spill
My take: LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this dish. Did I tell you I loved this dish?? The char was perfectly cooked. The sauce had the right amount of spice and the carrots and lentils were flavorful. If I could pester the chef for the recipe, I would.
This was followed by:
FOURTH COURSE
sous vide amish chicken...parmesan polenta, picholine olive, deconstructed tomato sauce
My take: While the chicken was good, I was more of a fan of the polenta. (What can I say - I love polenta.) And you pair this with arugula, I'm sold. The deconstructed tomato sauce was also flavorful.
Finally, we were presented with:
FIFTH COURSE
warm chocolate cake with liquid ganache center……
maracaibo chocolate cream pudding, peanut ice cream
My take: Ummm... yes, it was BETTER than it looked. TRUST a gal. Thanks to this decadent treat, I am inspired to make the peanut butter ice cream.
Dinner was followed by coffee and cordials, more fabulous conversation and goodie bags courtesy of Ingar. Also, before Judy slaps me, I have to divulge a little secret. If you want a great after dinner coffee, add some Frangelico, Baileys and, I believe Amaretto, to the coffee and enjoy. If I wasn't driving, I would have definitely had one or two. Now if only I can learn how to make a proper cup of coffee at home. :::sigh:::
Many thanks to all that came out. The camaraderie and conversation is only the beginning and I look forward to spending more time with these wonderful people. Also, I have to say a special thank you to Jenn, Judy and Ingar for putting this all together. Finally, we wouldn't have had this fabulous opportunity if it wasn't for Foodbuzz and Ryan. Thank you so much.
bluezoo rates high on my "must go to" spots here in Orlando and I know I will be going back often. I cannot recommend them enough. And, coming from a gal who goes OUT of her way to avoid all things Disney, you know it must be damn good. Tourists & I are non-mixy things, except when it comes to this spot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check out everyone's take on the evening:
Labels: FoodBuzz, Great Blogs, Orlando, Restaurant Review
Yes, I know - life has been getting in the way of posting over here at Cooking In Stilettos however, I'm in the process of updating my links. It's been a project in the making for some time.
Plus, on Saturday I met some FABULOUS peeps for the Florida Foodbuzz dinner at Todd English's bluezoo (more on that in a future post - WITH pics!) and am updating the blogroll. All of their blogs have had me laughing, crying, and just wanting to reach through the monitor to snatch what's on their plate (Yes, TasteMemory - I'm talking about those Pots de Creme)
So, if you read Cooking In Stilettos, let a gal know in the comments and you'll be added post haste!
Labels: FoodBuzz, Great Blogs
I've been so bad, I know. I've been wrapped up in planning this soiree in Philly but I will be back with the quickness, pinky swear!
In the meantime, stop by Flanboyant Eats and check out how paying it forward resulted in a little package on Chef Bren's lap which she's now sharing with y'all.
And if you don't have Flanboyant Eats bookmarked, c'mon now. Would I steer you wrong :)
Labels: Contest, Great Blogs
