Happy New Year 2013- now what should I eat this year

Happy New Year!!!

As I welcome in 2013, I seriously wonder about all the crazy and amazing food experiences I have had this past year.  I have eaten traditional food in a Bendouin Tent in the middle of the desert (food was AMAZING but never again). I ate octopus ceviche in Aruba with fried cornbread topped with this unusual cheese.  I tried country fried steak for the first time and I am gaining 5 lbs just remembering it!!! I learned to cook enchilada's  worked on my baking with protein powder and am hungry for more.

2012 was an amazing food year for me!!!!

 So I took the quick quiz, 100 foods to eat before you die.I scored a 79 out of 100 which I think is decent because I am not even 30 yet You can take the quiz here to see how you rank.

 1.Abalone                              2. Absinthe                                    3. Alligator      

 4. Baba Ghanoush                  5. Bagel and Lox                           6. Baklava
 7. Barbecue Ribs                    8. Bellini                                        9. Bird's Nest Soup
 10. Biscuits & Gravy             11. Black Pudding                         12. Black Truffle
 13. Borscht                           14. Bread Pudding                         15. Calamari

 16. Carp                               17. Caviar                                      18. Cheese Fondue
 19. Chicken & Waffle           20. Chicken Tikka Masala              21. Chile Relleno
 22. Chitlins                           23. Churros                                    24. Clam Chowder
 25. Cognac                           26. Crab Cakes                              27. Crickets
28. Currywurst                      29. Dandelion Wine                         30. Dulce De Leche
31. Durian- But is smells       32. Eel                                            33. Eggs Benedict
34. Fish Tacos                      35. Fresh Spring Rolls                      36. Fried Catfish
37. Fried Green Tomatoes    38. Fried Plantain                             39. Frito Pie
40. Frogs’ Legs                    41. Fugu                                           42. Funnel Cake
43. Gazpacho                       44. Goat                                           45. Goat’s Milk
46. Goulash                          47. Gumbo                                       48. Haggis
49. Head Cheese                  50. Heirloom Tomatoes                    51. Honeycomb
 52. Hostess Fruit Pie            53. Huevos Rancheros
 54. Jerk Chicken                  55. Kangaroo
 56. Key Lime Pie                 57. Kobe Beef                                   58. Lassi
 59. Lobster                         60. Mimosa                                        61. MoonPie
 62. Morel Mushrooms         63. Nettle Tea                                    64. Octopus
 65. Okra                             66. Oxtail Soup                                  67. Paella
 68. Paneer                           69. Pastrami on Rye                           70. Pavlova
 71. Phaal                             72. Philly Cheese Steak                      73. Pho
 74. Pineapple & Cottage Cheese 75. Pistachio Ice Cream              76. Po’ Boy
 77. Pocky                            78. Polenta                                         79. Prickly Pear
 80. Rabbit Stew-                  81. Raw Oysters                                82. Root Beer Float
 83. S’mores                         84. Sauerkraut                                    85. Sea Urchin
 86. Snail                              87. Snake                                           88. Soft Shell Crab
 89. Som Tam                       90. Spaetzle                                         91. Spam
 92. Squirrel                          93. Steak Tartare                                 94. Sweet Potato Fries
 95. Sweetbreads                  96. Tom Yum                                      97. Umeboshi
98. Venison                          99. Wasabi Peas                                100. Zucchini Flowers

However, I also have tried a lot of strange things that were not on the list like tripe, duck blood, crocodile tongue, rabbit, sweet shrimp (raw shrimp), poi and so much more.  This all got me thinking of my own personal must eat list.

1. Blowfish- dangerous and oh so good
2. Guinea Pig- sorry- I know they are cute!!!!
3. Sea Urchin FRESH out of the ocean-
4. Pizza- not just any pizza- Pizza from and in in Italy
5. While I have eaten Paella, I have yet to have a TRUE paella
6. Maine Lobster fresh from the ocean
7. Truly EXPENSIVE caviar- not the stuff I can buy in the store or salomn roe
8. Spiny Lobster
9. Hangi- New Zealand style food
10. Rocky Mountain Oysters
11. Tarantulas- fried

And of course because I don't want to just eat my way around the world I want to learn how to make it!
Here is my must learn to prepare food too!

1. Kimichi
2. Salt crusted fish
3. BBQ- seriously grills scare me
4. Buttered Chicken
5. how to shuck an oyster........this one counts right?
6. sushi that looks pretty

Well- follow foodies what is on your list?  And please let me know what I am forgeting

Is Sonny's really BBQ???

Over the Holidays, my dad sent up a traditional Brisket for myself and my in-laws.  Well, the brisket was consumed immediately!!!  I brought up how much my mother-in-law loved Sonny's Brisket.  So naturally we had to go there for a brisket off.

My brother and mother in law ordered the brisket.  It was good with the BBQ sauces and prepared a completely different style then my dad's.  I still think my dad's is better by far.  Though don't ask me if Grandma's brisket tops my dad's.  I don't want to start WWIII.


The Hubby ordered pork. Which in case you don't know isn't my favorite, but he seemed happy!!  The  bbq baked beans were good!  Definitely better than out of the can!

I have not been eating red meat for a long time.  I avoided it for many years. This time allowed me to develop VERY strong opinions on BBQ chicken.  After all that was the only thing on the menu I could eat at most BBQ places.  So, I acknowledge I am picky!  The BBQ chicken I ordered was dry and bland!  I mean this is by far not the worst BBQ chicken I have ever had but not the best.  The cornbread is awesome.  It is made with real corn (fine, canned) so it is sweet and tangy.  The broccoli is broccoli.  It was not over cooked and nice.



The BFF ordered the burger which is pictured right and said it was ok!!!!!  Nothing to rave about.

Basically- Ok food I thought (keep in mind I am not big on pork and preferred my dad's brisket)!!!!  Some people (my mother in law LOVES their brisket) would come here at least once a week! The cornbread is awesome.  Plus the salad bar is nice for veggies and diet followers. It is a good place to take a group because there is something for everyone.  So it is worth ordering.

But the bigger question is--Is Sonny's really BBQ?

NO

Okay before before you get angry....It is not that Sonny's is bad!  It is actually a good  meal, but it does not compare to BBQ places like Fat Matt's in Atlanta and other places that turn BBQ into an art.  Seriously.

Miller Ale House is just filler!

My BFF and I decided to stop for a late night drink (I am talking about 10pm which is late in non-college holiday Tallahassee).  We didn't want a bar.  too loud for BFF chats!!!! So we popped into Miller's Ale House which is a medium sized chain!

We walked in and sat at the bar.  The place was clean and had a few people there.  We sat at the bar.  After 5 minutes (a descent amount of time though not fast) the bartender came over and took our drinks.  She recommended the dumplings for a bar snack!  Naturally, we figured why not?

We both ordered a simple mixed drink which were ok.  Not amazing, not weak and not strong. When we finished our drinks, the food came out which was about 15-20 minutes after ordering.  Strange for a place that only had a few people.  But not absurdly long.  the bartender came back and got us water!!! the dumplings were ok!  They were cooked nicely.  Not to greasy or crispy which is not easy to do.    However, the filling was bland. I mean no flavor.  The sauce equally as unimpressive.  It was a nice snack but nothing I would order again.  Though this was not something I would send back or was unhappy with.  We stopped in randomly, so we had no expectations.  And we were not disappointed nor impressed.



Overall- Miller's Ale House is ok!  Nothing good or bad.  Service was good. Food was adequate   though , nothing to make me come running back!  Maybe I am spoiled by the Ale House's in south Florida that are amazing!!!  Beer and clams on the half shell that are so fresh.  Oh gosh I am going to have another dream about seafood tonight!!!! Or maybe, there are so many other place in Tallahassee that are amazing, why settle for ok/good?

Just get the Country Fried Steak and avoid your scale!!!- Country Kitchen

Often on Saturday mornings, I get woken up with a text, "Breakfast?" from my father-in law.  This only mean one thing. I am getting my butt up and heading to Country Kitchen (sorry they don't have a website at this time). Don't get me wrong I whine and make the hubby drive so I can get a few more minutes of sleep.  But I am so there!!!

Well, this past Saturday morning, I had my brother and best friend visiting.  So naturally where did we go for breakfast.....Country Kitchen.

I forced my best friend to order the steak lovers which is pictured left.  This is country fried steak, 2 eggs, your choice of bread and grits.  The order of country fried steak comes with 2 steaks. I told him get it and we can split it.  So I just ordered 2 eggs, turkey bacon and sausage.
Yes- I typed it turkey bacon!!!! And they know to cook it correctly.

My brother was jealous.  He did not order it, because most places don't cook turkey bacon right (ie they barely cook it when turkey bacon is like bacon is best when cooked til crispy.)

My BFF looked at my skeptically when he saw the country fried steak.  I reminded him we where sharing and he had a bunch of other food. He took a bite.  And let me tell you....He lite up!!!
He smiled and moved the plate of country fried steak closer to him and away from me.  It took quite a bit of finageling to get him to share.

For those of you non-southerns like me, country fried steak is thinly sliced steak battered and fried, think fried chicken, then topped with a thick white sausage based gravy.  It sounds fattening AND is.  Seriously, I think I am gaining weight just typing it, but it is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good!!!!

As you can see, the I had to force the Hubby to stop eatting to get this picture.  He almost ate the camera out of rage.  He loves the country fried steak a little too much!

The restaurant offers a wide selection of breakfast options from pancakes, french toast, waffles, oatmeal and omelets.
There biscuit are homemade and worth ordering!  Plus they offer cinnamon toast as a bread option which is a nice treat!

Additionally, they offer the typical dinner lunch food.  My hubby likes their BLT!!!

WARNING- You do not stop here for a quick breakfast.  Seriously I have never been out of here in less than an hour.  So-don't think you are stopping in for a fast bit.

BASICALLY- this place is the perfect low key breakfast place when you want to sit back and enjoy your company!!!  The country fried steak is AMAZING
Plus they offer turkey bacon that is cooked properly!!!  No one does that!!!  And best of all the prices are good!!!

Salty Dog is a dog I like and their chicken is good too

I have no idea why I have not written about Salty Dog before.  They are a local owned no frills wings and sandwich place.  There is a nice biker/family atmosphere   It is weird but it works for the dog.  All the staff are super friendly.  And I end up eating there or getting takeout all the time with my In-Laws.  Add this to the list of great things my father in law has introduced me too (other things would be shooting, blackout boggle and the wonders of how to cook and clean at the same time.)

Normally we order the wings....The lemon pepper wings.  These  things are AMAZING.  The citrus with the tang and then the spice of the black peppers makes these wings stand out.  The hot wings are good too.  But it the Lemon Pepper wings are the standout!!!

Personally,I have a soft spot for their chicken philly. Afterall, you all know the Hubby will order the wings and I will just still some! This is a nice filling sandwich which offers moist well seasoned chicken, onions, mushrooms and cheese.  Like with all good philly sandwiches it is important for the meat to be moist so the juices soak into the bread enhancing the flavor.  This chick philly does just that!!!!

Negatives- they have karaoke on weekend nights so come prepared for a little off pitched singing while you eat or just do takeout.  Also, they do not serve liquor.  I know it is weird for people to sing karoke without some shots but....it is done.  Who knew!!!

Positives- The wings...OMG the wings.  If you ask nicely, they will toss your fries in with the lemon pepper sauce.  It is awesome!!!!!!!

If you want to go somewhere for fries, wings, and casual foods and not dress up, this is yur place.

What to do with leftover pumpkin puree- pesto anyone?

So, i love pumpkins.  And now that it is time to put away the pumpkins and fall stuff in exchange for Hanukkah/ Christmas/ winter decor.  I am on the hunt for pumpkin recipes.  I got to do something with the leftover canned pumpkin from thanksgiving....

Fine- I totally have like 3 other cans in the pantry.

But, I need ideas of what to due with these 3.4 cans.  Well I found this great blog called the Painting Lillies which had two recipes for pumpkin usage that were not pies..

Naturally- I changed the recipe. Come on...would you expect anything less.  And it was great.  The pumpkin made it feel like fall.  It felt warm and comforting in the way that only fall/winter seasonal food do (with the exception of soup).  It was super simple and took less then the time in took to cook the pasta. This is a great recipe for after a long day at work.  Also, on the same blog is a pumpkin hummus recipe which i look forward to trying.

The bad news-  this is not the prettiest recipe ever. It is pastel orange an a plate and kinda looks like baby food.  I think some nice fried sage leaves on top would help with this.  But it still is not going to win any awards for best food porn.  this is why there are no pictures

The Good News- this recipe is very adaptable.  you can use any nuts you have on hand.  the original recipe used pecans.  You could use fresh garlic instead of powder (What I was being lazy).

Pumpkin Pesto

Ingredients:

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 cup pinenuts 

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 cup olive oil

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

A splash of Baslamic vingear

Salt & pepper to taste

Directions: Mix all together in a blender or food processor.  Then pour over hot pasta.  Please feel free to microwave the pesto (not  while in the blender) if you like your food hotter.

If you like top with parm cheese and sage.

Went for a taste of Creole left feeling blah-a review of Po Boys Creole Cafe

We all know I am a sucker for a good deal.  Well, I found a groupon for Po Boy Creole Cafe and figured why not.  The hubby and I love spicy food.....he loves it spicy spicy....And I love anything fried with the caijin flare.  So we thought something different for a date night.

Po Boys is a casual place with table service but still moderately priced.  The menu features an assortment of caijiun classics including fried alligator, fried oysters and fried pickles.  This place has lots of fried foods.  I would avoid eating here if you or anyone in your party

We ordered the fried pickles as an app.  They came out super fast and scolding hot.  However, they were ok.  The breading on them was thick and the pickles were thick as well making the fried pickle very dense.  Not my cup of tea or hurricane, but nothing worth sending back.   The app came with honey mustard dip.  This is weird to me because I use to ranch dip with it.  This was an easy fix.  We just asked for a side of ranch.

For our entree we went with the fried alligator po boy and the fried oyster po boy. And they were ....

Blah...
Blah blah...
I mean we could not tell the difference between the two po boys.
There was nothing really wrong about the po boys.  They were not burnt.  They were not greasy. Then again there was nothing good about them either.

Basically- this place is bland.  Not bad, not good.  I mean the service we fast, friendly and efficient. But the food was BLAH.. mAybe we came on an off night but I don't think so because EVERYTHING was tasteless. However, if I going to eat calorie heavily fried food.....I am not coming here!!!!