All posts tagged: food

Tim Ho Wan: Dim Sum

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The moment we heard about an inexpensive, Michelin Star rated Dim Sum restaurant, we knew we had to try it. Tim Ho Wan, which actually lost its Michelin Star this year, definitely did not dissapoint! We had originally planned to go to Tim Ho Wan for dinner, as a friend advised they would be packed during the lunch hours. Tucked away in the lower level of the IFC mall in the MTR Central Station, Tim Ho Wan was not easy to find. By the time we found it, after walking in circles for an hour and a half, the lunch rush was nearing its end and we only had to wait in line for ten minutes. Even though there was a short wait, the restaurant was still very crowded.  As people got up, seats were immediately filled and many of the tables were communal. As we waited to be seated, we were handed a pencil and a yellow card to place our order. We didn’t realize we were suppose to fill this out while we were waiting, …

The White House Tavern: Aspen, CO

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The White House Tavern was our last meal in Aspen, and boy did we go out with a bang! We sat at the bar with Tyler and a full view of the open kitchen. Although this was only half of the kitchen, as the other half is in the back, we were still able to see a lot of the exciting action. Tyler started us off sharing a local beer on draught, while we decided what to have. Once he told us the special was a version of a reuben, we were sold. We just had to decide if we wanted to have the super popular chicken sandwich or a burger. I do not eat burgers very often because I like to have my burger rare or medium rare and sometimes it is hard to find a place that you can order this way. When I told Tyler this, he said “Go with the burger!”, so we did. We sipped our beer, which was really good, and toasted to a fantastic week in Aspen. We …

Pittsburgh Brunch at Meat and Potatoes 

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After a day of skiing at Seven Springs Resort on Saturday with Stevens sister Liz and her boyfriend Jorge, we decided that Sunday would consist of lounging and brunching. What is better than the best place in Pittsburgh to build your own Bloody Mary for brunch?! So, we headed to Meat and Potatoes downtown. Luckily they were able to accommodate us today, but reservations are strongly encouraged, since this is one of the most sought after brunch spots in the city. Jorge had the Meat and Potatoes take on an old fashion made with bacon bourbon, orange vanilla infused maple syrup, and barrel aged bitters. The drink that took the stage was Steven’s morning manifesto, which we will all be dreaming about until next time. This “libation” includes cold brew coffee, myer’s rum, cereal cream, and orange zest. This was the best coffee cocktail that we have ever had. The girls went with the DIY Bloody Mary, one with honey siracha infused tequila and the other with Tito’s vodka. The waitress brought us our glasses …

For my Lehigh family! 

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The best thing happened today. We are driving to Pittsburgh, PA to visit Stevens sister Liz and her boyfriend Jorge for a fun filled weekend (more posts to come soon from Pitt). As we began driving I said to Steven “just go like you’re driving to Lehigh”, since that is the first part of the drive from NYC to Pitt. When we passed the Clinton diner, a phone call began on Bluetooth… “Hello, Bolete (‘Bo-leet’), how can I help you?” Says the voice on the other end. At this point, my face lit up like a child who was just told they were going to Disneyworld. “Hi, do you have availability for two in the tavern at 6:30?” Asked Steven. To our surprise, there was availability on a Friday night. We arrived about 30 minutes later and the place looked exactly as we left it. The restaurant is set on the first floor of a Stagecoach Inn with the most comforting yet simple decor. We have been dining here since we discovered them in 2010 …

Shrimp Teriyaki Soba with Brussel Sprouts and Yellow Beans

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This is a great hearty and healthy dinner that is ready in under 30 minutes, but when you taste it you would never be able to guess. This recipe serves 1 person with some leftover for a cold lunch salad. Ingredients: 12 medium shrimp 10 brussel sprouts  Small bag of frozen yellow beans (you can also use fresh yellow beans or string beans) 2 oz dry soba (one serving size or one bundle, depending on how it is packaged) 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce  2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon sesame oil   Instructions: Marinate the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of teriyaki sauce and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. If you like the brand of teriyaki sauce that you normally buy then just use that. I have found that most brands that I try are too sweet and have too much garlic in them so I doctor that by adding some extra soy sauce. In a medium sauce pan boil water and cook the soba for 2 minutes less than the instructions. Usually the instructions say …

Brussel Sprout and Radicchio Slaw

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Cole slaw with mayo and cabbage is always great with your sandwiches, but sometimes it is nice to have some new flavors and a healthier side dish.  This slaw uses brussel sprouts and radicchio to make a gluten and dairy free side dish that everyone will love.  It is easy and a great prepare ahead dish for when you are having a party.  It is also great to make at the beginning of the week and enjoy it throughout the week as it gets better and better with time! Ingredients: 1/4 cup canola oil 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon celery salt Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed 1 small head radicchio 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts Instructions: Begin the process about 1 hour before you are planning to serve this salad.  The slaw develops fuller flavor as it sits and the dressing soaks into the veggies.  You can …

Cheese Straws

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There is no better way to impress your guests than with something they think they can only get at a fancy restaurant. These cheese straws are so incredibly easy that you could have your kids or the non-cook in the family help!! Another great aspect of them is that you can use your favorite cheeses, not just the ones that I used. Ingredients: 1/2 cup finely shredded Gruyere 1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan 1 egg 1 tablespoon water 1 package of puff pastry Flour for dusting Yields about 24 cheese straws Instructions: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out the puff pastry using flour to ensure it does not stick to the rolling pin or working surface.  At the end, the pastry should be about 16 inches by 24 inches. Exact size is not critical, just make sure it is not super thin. Prepare your cheese mixture by combining the shredded 1/2 cup of gruyere and 1/4 cup of parmesan.  Also, prepare the egg wash by beating 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush …

Baked Spaghetti Squash

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When you are in the mood for Italian, but don’t want all of the calories of pasta, turn to spaghetti squash for your answer! This gluten free and one pan dish is easy and so tasty. The recipe makes 1 whole 9×11 pan of spaghetti squash “lasagna”. Ingredients: 1 large size spaghetti squash (or 2 smaller ones) 15 ounces of ricotta 1 medium size fresh mozzarella 1 container of spinach 1 clove of garlic 1 cup tomato sauce (fresh or jarred) Extra Virgin olive oil Salt and pepper Instructions: Preheat the oven to bake at 400 degrees. Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and drizzle with olive oil. Lightly coat a 9×11 Pyrex or aluminum pan with olive oil and place the squash cut side down on the pan. Bake in the oven for 50 minutes. While the squash is baking, combine the ricotta, egg, spinach, minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper in a large mixing bowl. Also, slice the fresh mozzarella into 1/4 inch slices. Remove the squash from …

Chasin’ Craving’s Creamy Clam Chowder

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It is a pretty big challenge for two people to eat 100 topneck clams in one sitting!!! A friend of the family runs a large seafood distribution company in Miami. We were able to pick up 100 clams for $42 while down in Florida. We love clams, but eating all of them in one sitting was a complete fail. We had about 40 clams left over, so I decided to create my own take on New England clam chowder (and yes the clams were actually from New England)! Here is a great recipe that will make 2 to 3 quarts of soup. It seems like a lot, but once you taste it you will be happy you have some to freeze and have later. Ingredients: 40 live topneck clams (30 for the soup and 10 for garnish) 4 cups water 1 cup heavy cream 2 cups half and half 3 tablespoons flour 3 celery stalks 2 large carrots 1/2 sweet onion 6 russet potatoes 2 sprigs fresh thyme 3 teaspoons chives 4 slices bacon cooked …

Baked Brie

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If you are looking for an easy and delicious appetizer or snack, the baked brie is your answer.  With a crusty outside and melty inside, this dish will fulfill your cheesey cravings.  There is also a minimal amount of prep work and can be prepared in advance. Ingredients: 6-8 inch wheel of brie 4 tablespoons fig preserves 1/3 cup sliced almonds 2 eggs 1 package puff pastry Most importantly, make sure you defrost the puff pastry overnight the night before you want to prepare the brie.  You can not defrost it at room temperature as this will change the way the puff pastry will bake.  It is hard to find a good tasting brie that is inexpensive as a whole wheel.  I was able to find a 7 inch wheel of brie at Whole Foods for about $18, which worked very well for this recipe.  Most cheese sections in grocery stores will allow you to taste the cheeses, especially if you are buying a whole wheel.  Picking a brie on the mild side will work …