Deconstructed Food...or, Lazy Chefs

It seems that "deconstructing" a dish has become quite the popular trend.  Apparently this is meant to showcase each ingredient so it can shine on its own.  I was at one of my favorite restaurants recently and came across the following:

Now, although the "deconstructed crab cakes" sound incredible, it occurred to me that it is pretty much the ingredients of a crab cake NOT made into a crab cake.  Even I can do that.  (probably not) 

This culinary "style" was clearly created by a hungover chef with not enough energy to actually make the dish but enough energy to pull the ingredients out of the fridge. 

I do respect, however, still having enough wit in his most-likely-cloudy-from-the-hangover head to scheme us into believing we are experiencing a whole new level of food awareness. Tricky bastard.

To drive the point home, let's take a look at something a little more difficult to make than a crab cake.  Beef Wellington. 

A dish with beef tenderloin covered in a mushroom ragout, wrapped in a delicate puff pastry and baked to a flaky crisp. 

Or, "deconstructed", you get this...

A Filet Mignon with some chips on top.

(This is an actual picture from Yelp of a restaurants version of a deconstructed Beef Wellington. Thank you, Yelp)

Don't get me wrong, I am all for a Filet Mignon and some chips. In fact, I think it looks more appetizing.  But don't half ass my meal and try to pass it off as a sensory experience.  Make me a damn Beef Wellington and for the love of all that is holy, stop coming in hungover.

Cheers!

Cooking on TV

I am not a fan of reality shows. Mainly because they typically consist of self-indulging people with a ridiculous sense of entitlement.  However, there is one exception to my ban of reality absurdity.  Reality cooking shows.

My favorite is Top Chef, but I have recently fallen in love with Master Chef as well.  And, although I think the chefs are excessively rude for the ratings, it is a great show.

For a foodie, cooking shows are like porn.  So, thank you, Tom Colicchio, Gordon Ramsey, Jaime Oliver and Masaharu Morimoto for baring it all and bringing us the best of what food has to offer.

(Don't worry...the Top Five Best Things About a Restaurant is still coming. Re-freaking-lax.)

Cheers!

Top Five – Restaurant Particulars (Part 1)

Restaurants serve food.  However, that’s about where the commonalities end.  Lucky for you, I am here to guide you through things you should always look for in a restaurant and the things that should make you want to backhand the owners.

I am going to start with the things that make a restaurant suck because I am in a particularly feisty mood today and this will make me happy.

THE BAD

1. Bathroom Doors
It is hard to believe that in 2012, people still do not wash their hands after using the bathroom.  However, that is the case, and I have personally witnessed it myself as I have looked on with absolute horror and disgust.  (Note: If you are someone that does not wash your hands after using the restroom, I hope this offends you.  Even more, I hope it offends you to the point that you are embarrassed and you start washing your hands. And if that is the case, the rest of the world now thanks you for the staph infections you will no longer be spreading.) 

Therefore, bathrooms that only offer hand dryers in combination with an exit door that has a handle you have to grab in order to open, suck.

I would like to take a minute to scold those restaurants that cannot seem to grasp this simple mathematical equation:

I get it if you want to be “green” and save the planet by not offering paper towels, but what I don’t get is how you can pay so much attention to saving trees that you forget to realize that if the human population is killed of by the bird flu, there will be no one around to give you your eco-friendly trophy.  Just get a door that opens out so I can use my foot to push it open and we will both be happy.

2. Unfriendly Staff

We all have bad days, and serving is a hard job (although, maybe it is just nostalgia, but I remember it being really great way more often than it being really bad).  But you are in a service industry and most people go out to eat to relax and enjoy themselves.  If we wanted to hang out with someone who made it perfectly clear that they were bored and miserable with the task in front of them and had no interest in making eye contact with us, we would stay home and ask our teenagers to serve us dinner. 

So smile, damn it.  And, if not for us, for the simple pleasure that you are manipulating us into giving you a bigger tip with your fake smile. 


3. Quotations on the Menu
I am not sure if you think you are emphasizing a word by putting quotations around a menu item and/or its description, but you are actually scaring the hell out of us as we wonder if the “Juicy” Steak you are offering is a tender, perfectly cooked piece of meat, or a piece of meat that has been marinated in Kool-Aid. Cause I gotta tell you, if that is the lack of attention you are putting out there, it makes me think it could go either way. Quick writing lesson:

quotation: noun one of the marks used to indicate the beginning and end of a quotation...

underline: noun, verb (used with object) ...2. to indicate the importance of...


4. Food Auctioning
Remember how I gave you my order? And… remember how you wrote it down? Then, why, oh why, are you holding my food while you ask everyone at the table who ordered it? 

Serving Tip: When you write your orders down, write them in the same order for each of your tables. When you pick up the food, refer to previously mentioned written order and distribute appropriately.

If, and only if, you are helping a fellow server by bringing an order to one of their tables, you are excused from the mayhem you are causing.


5. Temperature Challenged Chefs
Two things;

a) If you are going to have your wait staff ask me how I would like my steak cooked, at least attempt to oblige. I have never ordered a steak over medium, yet I have had many well-done steaks served to me. And, while we are on the subject, well-done is the end of the line. “Jerky-done” is not its successor. 

b) Please don’t microwave my food. If I wanted my meal prepared Hot Pocket style, I would have ordered a Hot Pocket.


Well, I think that is enough for today. I can only offer so much awesomeness in one sitting.

And, you are welcome for giving you something to look forward to. (THE GOOD, folks. Pay attention.)

Cheers!

The Mid-State Fair...Deep Fried

Last night we made the two hour trip to the Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, CA. We mainly went to see Brad Paisley (love, love, love) in concert but it also didn't hurt that this fair, along with most fairs, is filled with deep fried apparently-anything-you-can-gluttoningly-imagine. (I say "most" because it wouldn't surprise me if the fairs in, say, Oregon only had steamed tofu and quinoa burgers...hippies.)

I will venture out to say that almost anything is better deep fried. Case in point...I despise zucchini. However, if you deep fry it, I will make it my bitch. Granted, it is hard to tell whether it is the deep frying or the ranch dressing or a combination of both that makes this greasy culinary method so great, but I would be willing to do a side by side taste test so that you all can be better informed.

We started out with a corn dog, which wasn't the best I have ever had, but was still promptly devoured. That was followed by deep fried artichoke hearts which were tasty, crispy and hot (the three requirements, by the way, for a perfect fried food) but the ranch dressing was a disappointment.

The pinnacle of the night, however, was after the concert (and three glasses of wine). Funnel cake. It was incredible. Someone at work today told me she had never had a funnel cake. And then I was sad for her.

I have yet to try any of the newest fried concoctions that have recently made their debut at fairs and carnivals around the world, but I am certainly not afraid of a fried twinkie, snickers or oreo. I actually have no idea if they even have fairs and carnivals around the world, but it gives my statement an added sense of panache (yes, I got that word from Rob).

I am, however, afraid of fried butter. My stomach is not, but my arteries are, and apparently you need them to live. Therefore, they win that fight.

So, next time you see a Ferris Wheel on the horizon, for the love of all that is holy, follow it until you find sweet sweet smell of old hot oil. You won't regret it. Well, you will immediately regret it, but once the indigestion and bloating wears off, you will left with the lovely memory of deep fried goodness.

Cheers!

Malbec - Pasadena, CA

On our way home from on of our favorite vacation spots, Palm Springs, we decided to take a slight detour to beautiful downtown Pasadena to have dinner.  As I was Yelp-ing it up in the passenger seat, I kept coming across the Argentinean restaurant by the name Malbec.  The only thing that made me go hmmmm, was the multiple reviews touting the Entrana al Chimichurri as the must-have.  This immediately made me question the sanity of the folks of Pasadena, as surely a skirt steak could not surpass the decadency of the veal sweetbreads, the flavor of the New York steak or the traditional empanadas, which also shared the menu.

However, being the Bad Ass that I am, I decided to give it a try.  (Note: I am not really sure how trying a skirt steak is Bad Ass, but I am feeling pretty good about myself today, so just let me have this one) 

I normally don't have a flair for the dramatic, but let me tell you...this dish definitely goes on my top 10.

The colors of this picture, albeit bright and bold, do not even come close to doing this dish justice.  It was incredible.  The boldness of the Chimichurri was by far one of the best flavors on a steak I have ever had.  The restaurant solely cooks over open flame which seared in all the flavor and moisture of everything on the plate.  My love of grilled vegetables was born at this family owned little gem in the heart of Pasadena.

So next time you find yourself traveling on the I-5 (or whatever other freeways are close to Pasadena...I am not Google maps), take the time to detour over to Malbec.  And order the Entrana al Chimichurri.  You will not be disappointed!

Cheers and Chimichurri!

Jen Eats LESS Food

Every now and again, I need to take the trip down Calorie Counting Road to ensure that I can continue to entertain you with my tales of food and drink while being mindful of my health...and waistline.

One of the few bad words in my vocabulary is "diet" (other examples are "excercise", "camping", "prohibition"...) so I try not to diet. I know myself and If I say there are certain things I cannot have, I will fail. Counting calories is the only way I can succeed at getting rid of unwanted pounds.

So, after 3 weddings, trips to Kentucky, Nashville and St. Louis, the holidays and my husband's 5 day 40th birthday celebration, it is time to get into gear!

For the next couple weeks, I will strive to eat between 1200 and 1500 calories a day. I have done this a couple of times before and have become a pro at finding the largest quantity of food for the least amount of calories. With the help of Pinterest, Epicurious and Food Network, I will hopefully find some other great ways to cut the calories without cutting flavor! I will keep you updated...

I found the following link on Pinterest (everydayfitness.tumblr.com) and I absolutely love that they include cocktails as well...that is usually one of the first things any "diet" tells you to cut out.

Cheers...in moderation!

PLEASE NOTE: 1200 - 1500 CALORIES IS A PLAN I HAVE DISCUSSED WITH MY PHYSICIAN AND HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR ME ACCORDING TO MY HEIGHT AND CURRENT WEIGHT.  NEVER, NEVER, NEVER START A FOOD PLAN WITHOUT CONSULTING A PHYSICIAN FIRST!!

The Great Gummi Bear Debate

One of the hottest topics on the debate circle right now is Gummy Bears.  This hot topic, however, is twofold.   Below are my findings on the two questions that have been heatedly argued by many.  Lucky for you, I have a vast knowledge on the subject so obviously these are also the correct answers to both debate questions.

Debate Question #1: WHICH BRAND OF GUMMY BEARS IS THE BEST?

Answer, Haribo.

Trolli and Black Forrest are too gelitin-y and while Heide comes in a close second, they just don't match up to the firm, full-of-flavor Haribo bears.  The reason Heide fails is that their green bear is lime whereas the Haribo green bears are green apple. Along with texture, flavor is a key factor in the rating of the gummy bear. 



One thing that is clear is that the answer to the question above is NEVER the generic brand you buy in a big plastic tub.  You either respect the bear, or you do not.


Debate Question #2: WHAT IS THE BEST FLAVOR (aka color) OF GUMMY BEAR?

Answer, White.

From what I hear it is supposed to pineapple, but much like "grape" flavored items, which we all know are really "purple" flavored, white gummy bears are "white gummy bear" flavored.  And whatever that flavor is, it is incredible.  So much so that bar tenders and Jamba Juice (am I supposed to put some sort of trademark here???  cause I'm not going to), have resorted to creating beverages that match the white gummy bear flavor in order to jump on the flavor bandwagon.

Although Haribo takes the cake on the flavor spectrum overall, it is very important to give Black Forrest credit for their lemon flavored yellow bear.  It is the only yellow bear that tastes more like lemonade than lemons.  Kudos.

So, there you are. The answers to the age old argument.

Cheers to the gummy bear...don't act like you don't want to go get some now. I encourage you all to do the taste test yourself...I love it when others realize I am right!

Fresh Healthy Vending

I know I talk a lot about the indulgent foods I eat, including my love affair with chicken nuggets, but overall, Jen Eats Food is a loyal supporter of fresh and healthy eating.  As I have mentioned before, one of my favorite things about living in California's Central Valley is the abundant availability of fresh fruits and vegetables.  We have started to see a move toward a healthier menu with TV shows like Jamie Oliver's "Food Revolution", Bobby Deen's (son of Paula Deen) "Not My Mama's Meals" and programs like EBT cards being accepted at Farmer's Markets.

One thing that has made it hard to move toward healthier eating is it's lack of convenience.  As we rush out of the house in the morning, we forget to grab that apple, yogurt or handful of almonds to snack on later in the day.  So, when that 2 pm craving hits in the middle of a busy work or school day, most of us are only left with the option of the dreaded traditional vending machine.  Doritos and M&M's it is. Now, don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with Doritos and M&M's.  I love both.  But when it is the only option on a daily basis, we are creating a culture of unhealthy eating.  I absolutely believe that we must all take responsibility for the food we chose to consume, but I also believe there are ways to help us along down the path to healthy eating.

I recently met some wonderful new friends who also share a love of wholesome food.  Ross and Colleen Horn have teamed up with their family to begin a new venture in making healthy eating more convenient.  They have purchased a franchise of an incredible company started in San Diego, CA called Fresh Healthy Vending.  I absolutely love this idea!  As the HR Department at my company knows, I have been pushing and pushing for healthier options in our break room, and there has never really been a company that has been able to offer it.  Or, they offer "some" healthy items and only when they are available in their warehouse.  Fresh Healthy Vending offers a variety of healthy and fresh foods that are also readily available to everyone.  They provide the choice that a lot of us want and that we all deserve.

Please visit their website to see all the great things they have to offer and how easy it is to get a machine in your office or school.

www.freshandhealthy.org

Contact: Ross Horn (click to email)

A Nationwide Initiative Promoting CHOICE through Healthy Vending - Community by Community

Pass it along to your HR Director or the Administration at your school.  This is something I truly believe in, as everyone, especially children, deserves a chance at a healthy life. 

Small steps really can turn into huge leaps.

Cheers!

Citrus Vodka

I know this is Jen Eats Food, but as many of you probably don't know, Jen Drinks Alcohol too. I am sure there are many of you trying to put back together the now shattered image you have of me, but on your way to get the broom, can you please refresh my drink?

I will say that although my love of food spans the entire culinary spectrum, my love of alcohol is pretty limited. I LOVE wine. And I mean love. You give me a food, any food, and I will tell you a wine that would complement it. Now, to clarify, I don't necessarily mean Osso Bucco and a great Syrah. I also mean Dino Nuggets and a $5 Savignon Blanc.

I think a good beer is one of the best things on earth. However, since my stomach does not at all agree with my head, I will have to step aside and allow others who have fought that good fight to give their expertise.

A margarita, done correctly, is fantastic at almost any occasion, but best served on the side table of the cabana I am sunning in.

This brings us to my other love in the world of alcohol. Vodka. Ahhhhh...vodka. Ever since I was a young (21 year old) tyke, I have enjoyed a good dirty martini or vodka soda.

However, it was not until the ripe old age of 33 23 that I found my newest alcoholic bestie. In the late summer heat of Nashville, TN, I met citrus infused vodka and I haven't looked back since. Well, I mean, I still have a strong love affair with wine, dirty martinis and margaritas, but if I was a polygamist, I would definitely have found my fourth wife.

My first time was with Skyy Blood Orange, but all others I have had since (citrus, orange, mandarin) bring the same refreshing smile to my face.

So here's to you, citrus infused vodka...and the happiness you bring to all! Except maybe for those who are allergic to citrus. To them, you suck.

Cheers!

Holiday Food

Now that the holiday food and/or cocktail hangover has begun to set in, it is time to reflect back on the indulgences that got us here.

Whether you relished in an elegant affair...

whooped it up hillbilly style...

Or, like most of us, celebrated somewhere in the middle, the holidays are a time for family, cheer, bright lights and most importantly, food.

I normally like to be a bit outside of the box with my dining, but during the holidays, it is all about tradition. My favorite foods are the ones that remind me of holidays past.

Thanksgiving is all about the turkey. And I would like to take a moment to congratulate my brother Jeff on one hellava bird this year. Poultry is probably at the bottom of my meat totem pole (yes, I read what I typed), but his BBQ'd version was incredible. It was smokey, tender and fell right off the bone.

And nothing complements turkey like Grandma Murillo's stuffing. Or, as some people call it dressing. (I would love to debate stuffing vs. dressing, but I don't have time to make the simple argument that it gets stuffed in the bird, therefore making it stuffing.) My grandmothers stuffing, like all of her food, is delicious, hearty and made with love.

Throw in cranberry, Paula Deen's sweet potatoe souffle, mashed potatoes and green beans and you have yourself a meal that has brought families together for years. They may be drunken and dysfunctional, but they are family.

This brings us to the most important meal of the year. The feast Jen Eats Food celebrates as the birthday dinner of our King. Christmas dinner. Although there is not a single traditional food that families serve for Christmas, it seems that each family has a tradition all their own. Growing up, we had a second turkey dinner. My husbands family has Mexican food and we have started our own tradition of prime rib. Whether it be Kung Pao chicken or chicken noodle soup, it is the meaning of the meal that reminds us of the Christmas spirit.

By far, however, the best part of Christmas celebrations are the goodies! Sugar cookies in holiday shapes, rum cake, See's chocolates, snowball cookies, pumpkin pie, fudge and many, many more! So much sugar even the Grinch gets a cavity!

So, as you begin to take down the tinsel and the tree, say goodbye to your loved ones as they travel home and pack the Dean Martin Christmas CD away for next year, take time to reflect on the magic of the season.

And for the love, go eat those leftovers before they go bad!

Cheers!

Nuggets

One of my favorite things in the world are chicken nuggets. But let me be clear...not all nuggets are created equal. There are two that take the cake (food related pun completely intended). The only reason there are two is that one you can only get at a restaurant and one you can only make at home. So, here they are. And, in advance, you are welcome.

McDonald's Chicken McNuggets

Look. Can we just all agree that these are good? I understand if you are in a phase of being organic, or if you are currently convinced McDonalds is an evil corporation that is somehow a percentage instead of a restaurant that created a product clearly popular enough to create a clown-based empire, but let's get real for a minute. Chicken McNuggets are wonderful. The only thing better is a McNugget dipped in McDonalds BBQ Sauce. They are crispy, golden and made from mostly corn meal, so even PETA can't be that upset.

Costco Dino Nuggets

These are the only acceptable substitute for an at-home version of chicken nuggets. And, by the way Costco...you are lucky you brought them back. The Mickey Mouse "replacements" almost caused a revolt.

I had these for dinner tonight. Paired with Tator Tots and a $3.99 Malbec from Argentina, it was culinary heaven. And for you Judgey McJudgers, you are not a true foodie unless you can appreciate ALL types of food.

From all of us at Jen Eats Food, We wish you a lifetime of good chicken nuggets. Cheers!

Name Drop Theatre

My husband, Rob, being the hilarious man that he is, has coined the phrase "Name Drop Theatre".  This refers to the douche bags (reference Ed Hardy shirts, Range Rovers and overly waxed eyebrows) that go about telling a story in this manner: 

Normal Guy: "Hey, what happened to your hand?" 
DB: "Well, I was getting out of my Maserati, on my way to meet Brad Pitt for lunch at the Ivy and the cuff of my Armani suit caught on my Jacob watch and I slammed my hand in the door." 

Or, you huge DB...you slammed your hand in the car door.  End of story.

So, for this episode of "Jen Eats Food" (the word episode is a CLEAR hint to you, Ellen DeGeneres), I will put on my (non-existent) Louboutin's, grab my (invisible) Hermes bag and lead you down the path of the famous restaurants that I have had the privilege to indulge at.  Before you judge, you should know that Rob and I have one financial vice in life.  Good food.  Well, that and good wine, but that goes without saying since one without the other would be like Abbott without Costello. 



MY FIRST TIME

I have always loved food.  But I will never forget the first time I fell in love with food.  I was at Asia de Cuba with two of my best friends, a restaurant appropriately named for its fusion of Asian and Cuban cuisine.  We ordered what was suggested by the waiter (ALWAYS a good idea when at a great restaurant) and then it happened.  It came to the table like a culinary Buddha ready to change and enlighten our lives with its peaceful but powerful ways. 

The Butterfish.

This was by far the most delectable food I have ever eaten.  Still, to this day, probably 10 years later, the lingering memory of the Asia de Cuba Butterfish is what I attribute my love of all things amazing about food to. 

On that note, you all really need to travel to one of the few Asia de Cuba restaurants in the world and pay homage to the awakening of the awesomeness that is "Jen Eats Food".

 

TOO EARLY

When I was a tad younger, my taste buds were not ready for the appreciation truly good food deserves.  However, since this is Name Drop Theatre, I find it appropriate to mention that I ate at Aureole in Las Vegas.  Unbeknownst to me, many years later I would reintroduced to Charlie Palmer in our nation's capital and I would have yet another life changing food experience.  But at that time, I was not ready for all Aureole had to offer.

Now, one thing I was able to still appreciate in my juvenile state is their abundant wine collection and the "wine angel" that soars around the glass tower where it is stored each time a bottle is ordered.  Yes, it really is that cool. 

 

BEST RIB EYE

On that same inexperienced trip to Vegas, I ate at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant, Lupo.  I had a Rib Eye that was aged for 28 days, was the size of my plate and melted in my mouth.  As I stated above with the wine at Aureole, I was still able to appreciate that beautiful steak.  I was young, not dumb.

 

BEST STEAKHOUSE

Without a doubt, the best steak that I have ever had was a filet mignon at Charlie Palmer Steak in DC.  In fact, every bite of food was incredible; including the chocolate peanut butter dessert I had both times I have dined there.  In addition to the outstanding food, Rob got the honor of meeting John McCain while he was out front waiting for me to arrive.  (I will forever hold a grudge for that cab driver taking the long route...)  Charlie Palmer, although known for his incredible preparation all of things pork, also knows how to grill a mean piece of beef.

 

THE CLASSIC

When in our Nation's Capital, there is one place you absolutely must stop by to have a drink.  The food is great too, and you will run into many politicians (the only people that make me star struck). Its website brags the following:

"Old Ebbitt Grill is just steps from The White House and museums in downtown Washington. Established in 1856, it was a favorite of Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt and is still a popular meeting spot for political insiders, journalists, celebrities and theater-goers.

Its Beaux-Arts facade, mahogany and velvet booths and bars set in marble, brass and beveled glass are Washington at its finest, and The Oyster Bar at Old Ebbitt is D.C.'s most famous."

And every word of it is true as this place just screams Early America.  But seriously, go to the bar for a drink...it is a wonderful place.

 

BEST JAPANESE

While in Napa with two of our best friends, we had the absolute privilege of eating at Morimoto.  I had the braised black cod and it was incredible.  Granted, any type of fish is pretty much a guarantee of incredible when prepared by Mr. Morimoto, but Rob's pork kakuni was just as delightful.  The nigiri was so fresh it was almost invigorating.  Even the white rice at Morimoto deserves acclaim. 

It could have been the excessive wine drinking over the course of the weekend, but I am putting this food experience in my top five.

BEST OVERALL EXPERIENCE

On our second wedding anniversary, my husband surprised me with a trip to San Francisco for the evening.  Dinner that night was at Hubert Keller's Fleur dy Lys.  A restaurant known for its multiple course formal French style, we joked on the cab ride over that we would hit up Taco Bell afterwards as we would clearly be starving after eating such tiny portions.  After the amuse bouche, the five courses of entrees, the cheese plate and six, count them six dessert courses, I am surprised I ate at all the next day.  We were pleasantly and gluttonously in French heaven.

Being a connoisseur of great bread and butter (seriously, if there was a way to become an expert on bread like a sommelier for wine...sign me up), I will say that it is worth the trip alone.  The salt for the butter must have been a mound of angel dust because there is no other way to explain it.  Don't tell my husband, who paid the bill, but I would have been happy with the bread and butter.  Well, that, and all six dessert courses.

The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated with Victorian extravagance.  The servers are hospitably formal and the lighting would make even the Hunchback of Notre Dame look dashing.  (Cheesy allusion intended.)  Even a horrible restaurant is amazing if I am with my husband, but I am glad I was able to share this amazing experience with him.

So, there you have it.  My culinary Name Drop Theatre. 

Cheers!

Angel Food

Angel food.  Food for the angels.  The most pure, simple and decadent food there can be.  Today I celebrate one of my favorite desserts.  This is a delicious, rich dessert that not only dances on the taste buds but is also incredibly low calorie.  In essence, it is the perfect dessert.  In honor of one of the most precious angels in my life, I present to you...

1 Slice of Angel Food Cake
1/2 Banana, sliced
2 Tbsp Caramel, drizzled on top
2-3 Pecans, roasted and crushed
1 Tbsp Cool Whip

Combine, enjoy and celebrate all of the angels in your life.

Cheers and blessings!

Fried Pickles and Beer

I know it has a been a long time.  I am sure some of you have gone through withdrawals but clearly I won't be covering any treatment costs you incurred dealing with the getting the monkey off your back.  Mainly because I am back and, well...I guess that about sums it up.  So, jump back on the bandwagon, wipe your tears and let's move on.

So I thought we would rally from the long blissful hangover suffered enjoyed after the amazing party of my last post and jump right into the soul experience I had last month in Nashville, TN. 

There is only one thing I love more than food and that is the amazing people in my life (you know, the ones I still like).  One of those people is my beautiful friend Brittney whom I have been friends with for about 19 years.  She met the man of her dreams a couple of years ago and when they decided to get married, we all decided to go to Nashville to celebrate!

Besides the ROCKIN' music and the cowboy boots everywhere we turned, Nashville brought us some amazing food and drinks!

When you get off the plane, an overwhelming urge to slather some type of smoked pork, beef or chicken in BBQ sauce and then wash it down with a shot of whiskey and a beer backer comes over you.  And who am I to ignore overwhelming urges?

So, on that note, here are some of the highlights.

I love pickles.  I love fried foods.  Never in my life would I have thought to put the two of them together.  However, I had a love affair in Nashville, TN with fried pickles.  And there is no greater picture to display their amazingness than with the beautiful bride above.

Now, I am not a huge beer drinker (let me clarify...I love beer.  My tummy doesn't always seem to love it.), but as they say...when in Rome!  My beer of choice for the weekend was Killian's Irish Red.  It was a good choice.

We had an amazing dinner at Mambu once everyone got into town.  This was an old house turned into a very eclectic restaurant with delicious food and a great wine list.  I had Pan Fried Chicken with whipped red potatoes, sautéed spinach with a touch of andouille sausage and finished with a Creole Mustard vinaigrette and peach chutney.  It was southern, rich and fried...I was in love.  However, I think the winner of the night was the  Paella (Hayes St. style) with shrimp, chorizo sausage, mussels, tomato broth and saffron rice.  It was incredible and vibrant.  Mambu is a must for any trip to Nashville.

The weekend we were there they were having a BBQ festival down on the river.  The smell of hickory smoke filled the entire town.  I can't say for sure, but I am almost positive that Heaven will smell the same.  We had pulled pork, slaw, roasted corn and a whole lot of Twisted Tea.

Pancake pantry was a diner experience that everyone should have at least once in their life. A line out the door, a bossy man at the front door who tells you where to sit (and you damn well better listen to him and get your ass to your table right away) and friendly waitresses with deep Southern drawls.  On top of that, they had food that warms your soul, gets you ready for the day and possibly clogs your arteries.  In other words, the best kind.

Brittney, I love you and wish you and Bo a lifetime of happiness!  Readers, I wish for you a trip someday to Nashville to experience all of the food, drinks and Country Music it has to offer!

Cheers!

The Airport Bar

I know this is "Jen Eats Food", but I thought I would give a special shout out to the best (and probably only good) thing about airports...the airport bar.  And, if you refer to the picture on the right hand column of your screen, you will see that I also love wine.  What?  This is your first time on this blog?  Part of me feels bad for you that you have missed out on the amazingness for this long.  The other part of me is jealous of you that you get to experiance all of the amazingness up to this point for the first time.

Flying sucks.  Even when you are about to depart to a warm, tropical island with the love of your life or to the country music Capital of the world with some of your closest friends (can't wait for Nashville, Brit!!), flying sucks.  Airports are crowded and loud and the flights are cramped and germ filled. 

But there is a mirage amongst the desert. 

The airport bar.  Almost every airport has one.  I have been at LAX for two hours now.  Without the Chardonnay, I may not still be sane.

So, for that reason, I thank you airport bar.

Next time you are at an airport, waiting to travel to the destination of your dreams, or to to the business meeting of your dreams...stop by the airport bar and say hello.

Chicken & Waffles

I finally had, nay, experienced chicken and waffles. Let me just say that it was appropriate that it was Sunday because I am pretty sure this combination of food was made by God.

It is an incredible mixture of salty and sweet, crunchy and soft and it is all topped off with butter and syrup.

My new found love for chicken and waffles is a reminder to myself never to judge a meal before you try it.  Some of the best food comes out of the most random combinations.

Thank you, Lord, for this amazing meal...or at least for the person responsible for creating it.

The Best Of...Tri Tip Sandwich

Tri tip is apparently a cut of meat that not everyone knows of.  I grew up with tri tip...really great tri tip.  So, for all of the international and other-than-California followers of Jen Eats Food, google it, buy it, BBQ it and then love it. 

Tri tip is good for two things:
1. BBQ'ing (by Rob) and eating by itself (with Garrett's asparagas and DeDe Weeks' garlic bread and potatoes)
2. Making into a sandwich

A tri tip sandwich?  Where could I possibly get one?

Well, not only will I tell you where to get a tri tip sandwich, I will tell you where to get, without a doubt, the best tri tip sandwich you will ever have.  And lucky for you, you can get said sandwich at three places.

The original started in San Luis Obispo at a well known place called Firestone Grill.  Named after the Firestone Tires that went out of business in the building that the owners decided to turn into a sports bar.  After the incredible success of Firestone Grill they decided to expand to Cambria (Main Street Grill) and finally to Fresno (Doghouse Grill). 

All three have a variety of fantastic food (The Pig (pulled pork sandwich), half chicken meal and char-grilled burgers), but they are known for their amazing Tri Tip Sandwich.  The tri tip is grilled Santa Maria style (serioulsy??  Google that too), stacked HIGH on a garlic butter dipped roll and covered in BBQ sauce.  I will say that I am not a fan of the BBQ sauce.  It is very sweet and I prefer a vinegary Southern style sauce, so I order it without. When I am feeling good about my weight, I dunk the sandwich in their amazing ranch dressing, but the great thing about it is that it is delicious even by itself. 

So if you find yourself in SLO, Cambria or Fresno (don't act like you have never "driven" through Fresno), take the time to stop in and enjoy the best tri tip sandwich you will ever eat.  And if you think you know of a better one, I encourage you to buy me a plane ticket to wherever you think it "may" be, send me cash to pay for the meal and I promise to review it right here on my famous blog.  I will even give you credit.  Well, maybe.

Calories

In honor of David Letterman's Top 10 signs that America is Too Fat and for those of you who can't seem to grasp the concept that fattening foods will make you fat, tonight I will give praise to one of the best regulations our government has put into place.

Restaurants posting the nutritional values of their menu items.

To be fair, I will say that it is, at times, very confusing to make healthy choices at restaurants.  What is that?  You would like a few examples?  Geeze...it's like I have to everything for you.

Two caloric wake up calls I have had recently are as follows:

# 1

Applebees Chinese Chicken Salad

1340 Calories

Panera Asian Chicken Salad 

410 Calories



They are both amazing.  However, you can literally eat almost 3 1/2 of the Panera salads for just one of the Applebees.  Apparently Applebees secret ingredient is lard.

# 2

Prime Rib Dip

1008 Calories

(Not including Fries)

Crispy Arctic Cod Sandwich

610 Calories

(Not Including Fries)



How the fried fish sandwich is 400 calories less than the sliced steak sandwich is completely beyond me.  What on earth is in that steak?  Wait...I don't want to know.

We at Jen Eats Food are very calorie conscience, and yet, even we are surprised by the nutritional values of certain restaurant foods. 

This regulation will not only make individuals take responsibility for the foods they eat (and more importantly, the foods they are feeding their children), but I honestly hope it will also encourage restaurants to provide more healthy options.  And more importantly GOOD healthy options!

Tonight, I raise a glass to healthy and delicious food.  Cheers!

The Habit

In Fig Garden Village (Fresno) is a great little burger joint named The Habit.  Fresh ingredients, crispy fries and grilled onions.

And, just for you Dave, the best part of the restaurant was that they have Coke instead of Pepsi.  The owners clearly understand the importance of quality and good taste.

Thanks, Jen, for taking me here!

A Hidden Gem

I was driving on the long and desolate stretch of 99 yesterday that was bringing me back to Fresno from Bakersfield (don't be jealous) and I was in need of a snack.  After a recommendation by a good friend, I decided to stop at Bravo Farms in Traver, CA.  (Don't feel bad...I had no idea either.)

In the middle of nowhere, across the road from a big rig car wash and gas station, was one of the greatest little treasures.  In an area smaller than a city block was a nostalgic tribute to the old west. 

I pulled into the gravel parking lot, got out (in four inch heels) and turned to see two old timers sitting on the wooden porch in front of the convenient store.  Next to them were two guys BBQ'ing chicken and tri tip on a Santa Maria style pit.  I was already in western heaven.  Then it got better.

After I bought my Classic Lay's and a Diet Coke, I went for a stroll through the Bravo Farms "town".  I will go back and spend the day in this parking lot size desert mirage one day.

So, obviously what really drew me to Bravo Farms were the signs on 99 advertising the wine tasting.  I may not have said it here before, but I have always said I could live on three things: bread, cheese and wine.

But there was so much more than cheese and wine...

A fruit stand (this was just part of it)

A coffee shop, ice cream shop and a diner...



A gift shop with nuts and dried fruits...

(The Classic Lay's and Diet Coke were still the best choice)

An incredible selection of cheese...





A store that is a collectors dream...

(And what would a kitschy store be without an Elvis display)

And last, but certainly not least, a bar.



If you ever find yourself on Highway 99 south of Fresno, stop at Bravo Farms.  There is a part of me that thinks I may have imagined the whole thing, but I am pretty sure it is there, and from what I saw, it is a must see!