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!