Monday, December 11, 2017

NOLA Seafood and Steakhouse

Readers of my blog know my infatuation with all things New Orleans. Blue Denim in Greensboro is a fantastic taste of The Big Easy, but I had never ventured to New Orleans Bar & Grill, off Wendover Road. When they announced a sister restaurant would be opening on New Garden Road, much closer to my house, I jumped at the opportunity to dine at NOLA Seafood and Steakhouse. While it's difficult to make a direct comparison between the flavors of authentic New Orleans cuisine with any restaurant in Greensboro, this feels like NOLA at heart, and it definitely reminds me of my amazing trips to the city.

Bread with an herbed olive oil coating is presented, and a nice complimentary munchie while you enjoy a Hurricane or an Electric Lemonade.

Fried Oysters are hand-breaded and fried to a golden hue. The crunchy, salty coating is perfectly crisp, and balances nicely with the salinity of the oyster. It's fried lightly, too, so you can really taste the oyster. The homemade tartar sauce is money.

In keeping with traditional NOLA-style cuisine, portions are LARGE. The Snapper Duo is fresh, grilled snapper, topped with buttery shrimp scampi, studded with tomatoes and topped with parmesan cheese. It's fantastic! As if it couldn't get better, the dish is served alongside a crab cake - mostly crab, not breading! - and more of that delicious tartar sauce. To make sure you get your $29.95 worth, this comes with your choice of 2 sides, so it would easily feed 2 people. My favorite side was the dirty rice with mushrooms, red peppers and sausage, but the house salad offers fresh greens with tasty, herby croutons, made from their bread.
Snapper Duo with Crab Cake

My favorite New Orleans dish (besides Bananas Foster) is Crawfish Etouffee, and I was impressed with their rendition. The bowl was loaded with crawfish, smothered in a buttery sauce enhanced with onion, green pepper, celery atop a mound of rice. I would be lying if I said this tasted like the Crawfish Etouffee I had in New Orleans, but it delicious and large enough to serve 3 people!
Crawfish Etouffee
Simply grilled shrimp is plump and not overcooked. A serving of 12 comes with 2 sides and is only $16. This is a bargain.
Glorious shrimp with dirty rice

Their Bananas Foster Cheesecake is a fun play on the classic dessert. Plain cheesecake gets dressed up with real bananas, banana liquour and rum. It's pretty delicious. I thought caramel sauce would be a more appropriate plate drizzle than chocolate, but cheesecake is usually enhanced with any sort of sauce.
Bananas Foster Cheesecake

Key Lime Pie lovers will enjoy the real lime filling, not too tart - just the right amount of tang - that rests atop a housemade graham cracker crust. Again, I thought chocolate sauce was an odd choice to serve with the fruity pie, but it surprisingly worked.

I'm excited to have another New Orleans restaurant in town; you can't have too many. It's such a nice departure from the usual dining out experiences, and it brings back excellent memories of my time in the Big Easy. I'll be back, and if you haven't gone here, or to Blue Denim, check them out!

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Turning 30 in New Orleans

During my last trip to New Orleans, it became clear to me as to why I love this city so much. In New Orleans, eating and drinking in (reasonably responsible) excess is the norm. It's a no-judgment city. You want a dirty martini after a bottle of red wine? Sure! You want 2 orders of bananas foster? Why not? You want a shot of brandy in your milk with breakfast? Let's do it. NoLa reminds me of Vegas in the sense that it can indeed be Sin City - the bars are open 24 hours and they'll serve you anytime you're willing to buy it. But it's much more than that - it's a beautiful merging of cultures. You can see French, Spanish and African influences in the food, architecture, accents and music, which is playing on every other street corner. NoLa indulged my inner glutton for my 30th birthday celebration, and it's now my happy place. I'll be returning for every major birthday, half-birthday, and my friends' and family's major birthdays, too. Really as often as I possibly can.
At Restaurant R'evolution, an old fave!
Planing the restaurant/meal itinerary for my mom and me was an utterly exhilarating challenge - how could we possibly eat everywhere we wanted to?! There are literally not enough hours in the day! If we had an early enough breakfast, we would have time for an early lunch, a late lunch, day drinking, dinner and night time drinking! It's difficult not to fill up on breakfast at Cafe Fleur de Lis, where I enjoyed the best omelette of my entire life - a CRAWFISH ETOUFFEE omelette. Are they trying to ruin all other food for me? The buttery, peppery sauce was studded with pink, tender crawfish, and gooey provolone cheese only enhanced the dish. Pair this with their Sweet Cream Pancakes and wash it down with a Strawberry Mimosa, and you've got a great start to a great day.

If you find yourself in the Garden District for some strolling and shopping, you might want to check out the American Horror Story: Coven house and snap a few pics (optional) but you'll definitely want to dine at Commander's Palace (mandatory). They have 25 cent martinis at lunch during the weekday. Are you kidding me? SIN CITY!!! We opted for a 3-course brunch with the highlight being the Pecan Crusted Fish with corn cream, spiced pecans and prosecco-poached blue crab. It was a life-altering food moment (my first life-altering fish moment was the Brioche-crusted fish at Restaurant August in New Orleans, for those of you taking notes). The sauce was out of this world. This was a no-judgment day for sure, because we were there for the Bananas Foster, but our 3-course brunch came with a dessert included. So we opted for the Praline Parfait (with ice cream, spiced pralines, gooey praline sauce and chantilly cream), and the Caramel Roasted Apple Cobbler (with pecan streusel topping, Creole cream cheese icing and brown butter ice cream) as dessert appetizers while we waited for the main event. Finally, the bananas foster cart wheeled around, and before long, the scent of butter and brown sugar filled the air. Rum and banana liquour was added, and the syrupy sauce topped vanilla ice cream alongside slices of that syrup-poached banana. It's my favorite dessert ever. (Watch Ella Brennan: Commanding the Table on Netflix for a really great documentary about the family that started Commander's Palace, Brennan's and several other restaurants in NoLa).
All teal everything!
Coven house!
Never too early for a cocktail here.
Praline Parfait!
Bananas Foster!
Continue exploring the city and you'll find that you are indeed hungry again and could go for a bite. Willa Jean is a nice change from the rich Creole/Cajun fare, and it's one of Chef John Besh's babies. The prettiest, most picturesque meal we had was the Braised Lamb Pasta with mint pesto, tomatoes, peas and feta, adorned with edible flowers! The lamb was so tender, almost unctuous, and the pop of pea and tang from tomato cut right through the savoriness. I loved the color in this dish. But my favorite morsel from Willa Jean was the Cookies + Milk dessert. Cookie Dough on a beater, studded with chocolate CHUNKS, is served with 3 warm, freshly-baked, chocolate chunk cookies, sprinkled with sea salt. If that isn't enough, there's some vanilla-infused milk for your dunking/gulping pleasure. It's as amazing as it sounds.
Beautiful lamb pasta!
This is what I came for.
If you're getting hungry, please, go make yourself a snack. We're not quite done here.

My mom ate at Brennan's nearly 30 years ago, so we were super stoked to return and find it as fabulous as she remembered. The restaurant is gorgeous - everything is light pink and light green - and they even brought me a birthday treat! But first, order a Watermelon Mimosa to stick with the light pink theme. Then, opt for the Rock Shrimp Risotto with asparagus and truffled parmesan butter (WOW) or the Eggs Cardinal with crispy shrimp boudin (sausage), spinach, lobster sauce and black truffled hollandaise. Seriously, this is decadence at its finest. As Tony Bourdain once described while dining at the famed French Laundry, this dish was like driving a Rolls Royce while wearing fur underwear. Pure extravagance. You should order the Bananas Foster here too, because it was actually created here (and dare I say it's a little better than Commander's?) and if it's your birthday, you'll get a Cotton Candy ice cream sundae with a cherry nectar ice cream and pink whipped cream to boot. So whimsical and tasty!
Cotton Candy birthday delight!
MORE FOSTER.
Antoine's is the first (and therefore oldest) family-owned restaurant in the US. My mom and I had always heard of this classic New Orleans dining spot, but we weren't sure if it was still as good as it once was. I'm so pleased to tell you that it is. This place knows how to do a Wedge Salad. They've got a kickass Filet Mignon. And the Pompano Ponchartrain - topped with lump crabmeat and sauteed in butter - is out of this world. We had to save room for one of their old school desserts, and we were just about to order the Cherries Jubilee, when we switched to the Baked Alaska. Pound cake is topped with real vanilla ice cream, and covered with a sweet meringue that's like a marshmallow. It's torched to a beautiful tan hue and more decorative meringue is piped on. We devoured the entire thing. I can't imagine splitting it with more than one other person. It was too good to share!!
Baked Alaska heaven.
If you've made it to the bottom of this post, you can clearly sense my passion for this city - more specifically, the food and drink of this city. (And you'll also notice that I ignored the allotted number of exclamation points for a blog post, which further expresses my enthusiasm for this city). There's just something in the air in New Orleans. You feel right at home, and like the people can't wait for you to come back and visit. It was a very big birthday to celebrate, and it's a very special place to do it in.

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Crossroads Chapel Hill

Ah, Chapel Hill. One of the happiest places on Earth - probably tying with NYC and NoLa for my favorite place ever. I spent 4 wondrous years here and look for any reason to go back for a visit. I had the great privilege of returning last week, to The Carolina Inn's restaurant, Crossroads Chapel Hill, for an exclusive preview of their new signature autumn tasting menu. I was delighted to be included in this group of diners, and even more thrilled with the creativity and execution of the menu. From Tiradito of Hamachi (raw fish) to Black Truffle Risotto (pure decadence), all the way to savory Robiola Cheese in a dessert course, this menu was thoroughly cohesive, intentional and well thought-out. Not to mention, overwhelmingly delicious! Executive Chef and 7-time Michelin Star recipient Brandon Sharp has brought this beautiful six-course menu to life. His 7 stars are very much deserved. This was an exceptional meal.

An amuse bouche of Lobster Knuckle with mustard, apple and celery ignited our palates with a jolt. This reminded me of a lobster roll, in bite size form. From the way these sweet and tart flavors played with each other, and the tender lobster meat, I knew we were in for a culinary adventure.
Amuse Bouche - Lobster Knuckle

Our first course echoed the amuse bouche: Tiradito of Hawaiian Hamachi, which is a Peruvian way of eating fish. The hamachi was raw and sliced about half an inch thick. Hamachi is a white fish, texturally like tuna, but richer. Puffed rice was a nice and nutty crunch, with perfectly cut cubes of green tomato and a Fresno Chile Cirtus sauce for heat and brightness. My favorite part about this dish might have been the wine pairing: a pear-cider like wine, that is made like champagne but meant to be consumed as a wine. My palate was wide awake after this course.
Tiradito of Hawaiian Hamachi
I got whiffs of truffle the moment the next course appeared in the room. The overwhelming scent just begged me to dive in to the Black Truffle Risotto, and as my fellow diner and friend John Batchelor remarked, it's like I had a Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally" moment. It was unbelievably rich and one of the best dishes I've ever had. I mean that so sincerely - it deserves a Michelin Star or a  James Beard Award all on its own. The risotto was surrounded by a sweet yellow corn zabaglione (like a thick "juice") which cut through some of the richness. The Stags' Leap Chardonnay was a beautiful match, and the acid helped cut through the full flavors, as well. I would marry this dish if it were legal!
Black Truffle Risotto
Our third dish was presented as Rabbit Loin with Rabbit Ragout, but it's really rabbit three ways: a beautifully cooked rabbit loin, surrounded by mouslin (rabbit sausage - YUM) and a slowly braised leg - the rabbit ragout. Each presentation of the meat was cooked perfectly and the earthy Mole Verde and Charred Orange sauces brought out different flavors in the protein. I loved the salinity of the dried olives, the sharpness of the pickled raisins, and the crunch of the pumpkin seeds. Everything on this plate was well-executed and intentional. I was beginning to see a trend - Chef Brandon is a master of his craft. I would have loved another pour of the Clos del Portal Negre de Negres Spanish wine (60% Grenache). You could really taste the slate soil this wine came from, which matched perfectly with the earthiness of this dish.
Rabbit Loin with Rabbit Ragout
My favorite part of the next dish, grilled Flatiron American Kobi, was the crust of the meat. Or the perfectly cooked medium rare center. No, it was definitely the sweet Cippolini Onions. Wait, I take it all back. I read the words Crispy Bone Marrow and my eyes lit up. It appeared as a fried mozzarella stick, but when you cut into it, the savory, unctuous bone marrow oozed all over the meat. The cauliflower puree benefited from this additional flavor too, and it was a nice contrast from the bright, lemony thyme gremolata. What better to pair with a dish like this than a beautiful California Cab from Stonestreet Estate? Red meat and red wine are a match made in heaven.
Grilled Flatiron American Kobe
I have a tremendous sweet tooth, but I could not get enough of this next pre-dessert course. It was truly satisfying as a complete dessert course, or as a fellow diner remarked, perhaps even a breakfast course! Buckwheat Blinis (like mini pancakes) are stacked high and should be spread with "thousand-layer Caramel Apples" (apples cooked for 16 hours with salt and sugar) and the star of the dish: Boxcarr Creamery Rocket's Robiola Cheese. It reminded me of a Brie-Goat Cheese hybrid, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with black pepper. It was so fun to build your own bite, and the super sweet, floral Moscato D'Asti was the perfect accompaniment. This was my favorite pairing, and the wine would have sufficed as a dessert all on its own.
Buckwheat Blinis with Thousand-Layer Caramel Apples and Robiola Cheese
Not being a chocolate fan, I was relieved when I saw that the last course was a Chocolate Cake. I thought phew, my tummy can take a break and I won't be miserable eating this last course! Unfortunately (or rather, fortunately), this was an incredibly light chocolate cake, studded with figs, so it reminded me of a fig newton in the BEST way possible. The flavors were stunning! The cake was topped with syrupy figs and a buttery Honey-Oaked Gelato, which I would have loved just on its own. The Royal Tokaji Late Harvest was a syrupy dessert wine that went beautifully with this dish. Pairing dessert wines is an art and they nailed it both times. Really, any wine pairing is an art, and they truly thought through every single element of every single course, and paired the right wine consistently.
Chocolate Cake with Fig and Honey Oaked Gelato
You can enjoy Crossroads Chapel Hill's fine dining menu and wine pairings Thursday-Saturday from 5:30-9pm. This expansion from their a la carte menu will further establish the restaurant as a culinary destination in Chapel Hill. It's only $75 for 6 courses, and an additional $65 for the wine pairings (which honestly, makes the dinner that much more enjoyable!) I haven't left a dinner this impressed in a long time. I'm so eager to return.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Cucina Forno

If you haven't been to Revolution Mill lately, it's worth a visit. The openings of Cugino Forno and Natty Greene's Kitchen + Market have people very excited, and the development reminds me a lot of downtown Greenville (a much, MUCH smaller version!) There's a large bridge that crosses over a creek, leading you to Natty's, and around the corner is Cucina Forno, an authentic Neapolitan pizza joint. I felt like Julia Roberts in the scene from "Eat Pray Love" when she devours a pizza in Naples. This pizza was incredible! I am so excited to have this place in town!

Meaning "oven cousin", Cugino Forno's atmosphere is bright and clean, and several picnic tables invite you to take a seat. I was worried about the noise level - hard-wood floors with an open kitchen tend to lead to extravagant volumes - but it was actually very quiet and relaxing. You order at the front, and pizzas come in one size: 16". They come on a large tray, in about 8 slices. The Livorno combines Italian Sausage, San Marzano Tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella, Basil and Garlic atop a thin, Neapolitan-style crust. It literally took about 90 seconds to come out the oven, which I imagine is about 850 degrees. There's even a spice bar where you can load up on red pepper flakes, parmesan, ground basil and oregano, and spicy olive oil. A side container of their red sauce is served with each pizza, and is absolutely amazing. We decided we had to try another pizza with a red sauce base.
The Livorno
The classic Margherita Pizza is classic for a reason. It's simple and beautiful, and I practically swallowed 2 slices whole. The thin crust is covered in that San Marzano tomato sauce, and the Buffalo Mozz, Basil and Garlic melt in your mouth. As good as the first pizza was, this one was a thousand times better, because of the red sauce. I want a slice wrapped around me like a blanket. It was insane.

You should order the Lecce Salad because it's tasty, and because the greens cancel out how much pizza you eat. Spring Mix is tossed with cherry tomatoes, shredded buffalo mozz, chick peas, carrots and served with housemade ranch dressing. It's a solid salad on its own. They also serve beer and wine, and the Gabbiano Chianti is lovely. (Side note - the bottle says "established in 1124" - um, that's old!!)
Lecce Salad
VINO




















I can't recommend this place enough. The staff is kind, friendly and want you to have a good time and a great meal. I'll be back often. Go check out the haps at Revolution Mill! 

Monday, August 14, 2017

NC Chef Showdown

If you're like me and enjoy a humongous foodie gathering, you won't want to miss the NC Chef Showdown coming up on August 21 in Raleigh! Yes, it's the same day as the solar eclipse, but after the sun and moon wow us, 22 culinary stars are sure to impress us, too! Approximately 400 hungry mouths will show up to sample savory dishes from 12 chefs, sweet dessert concoctions from 4 pastry chefs and craft cocktails from 6 mixologists. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Local celebrity chef Tim Grandinetti (Spring House in Winston-Salem) will be representing the Triad, and pastry chefs are from hot spots like Vidalia in Boone and Heirloom Restaurant in Charlotte!

The chefs are competing for the titles of NCRLA (North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association) Chef of the Year; Pastry Chef of the Year; and Mixologist of the Year. I'm especially excited to see TOPO and Covington in attendance. “This year’s selection brings together some of the most innovate mixologists in our state. At the showdown, these competitors will use North Carolina liquor and ingredients to demonstrate their creativity and will showcase the quality of the hospitality industry in North Carolina. Event attendees and judges will get a taste of how the state’s food and beverage scene has advanced,” said NCRLA President and CEO Lynn Minges.

Check out the list of participating chefs here and get your tickets while they're still around!

Thursday, July 27, 2017

The Big Sick

Starring: Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Ray Romano, Holly Hunter
Director: Michael Showalter
Running Time:2 hours
Rating: R


This movie is so good. It's kind of flying under the summer blockbuster radar right now, but if you're like me, and not really into summer blockbusters, "The Big Sick" is the perfect ticket. It's clever, not your predictable romantic comedy, and the chemistry between main and supporting characters is palpable. It's a comedic take on a sensitive topic - a Pakistani boy and a white, American girl fall for each other, to his family's dismay. The film was actually written by real-life couple Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, chronicling their real-life romance. I'm glad it worked out for the two of them. This film is fantastic.

Kumail plays a modern-day version of himself: Uber driver by day, stand-up comic hopeful by night. He meets Emily, a graduate student, NOT interested in dating. Hangouts and hookups turn into dates (obviously) and soon enough, they are "official". Things take a turn when Emily finds a box of headshots of potential wives for Kumail, while tries to explain that it's his mother's doing, not his. Tensions that had been simmering are now bubbling over the pot. Things fall apart and the two split up.

When Emily falls terribly ill and is put into a medically-induced coma, Kumail is at the hospital nearly everyday with Emily's parents. Ray Romano and Holly Hunter are a romantic comedy match made in heaven. I guess you could pair Ray Romano with anyone and they would be funny, but I am so impressed with Holly Hunter's comedic chops! Note to self - go back and watch more of her films, even the dramas! Emily's parents don't like that Kumail is hanging around the hospital - he did hurt their daughter after all - but the three bond over this tragedy and soon friendships are formed.

It's no spoiler to say that Emily survives the coma and ends up with Kumail. But there are several one-liners, plot twists and cameos that I won't reveal. Though it gets a little slow in the middle (most of the scenes take place in a hospital waiting room), stick with it. I'll remember this heart-warming story of love overcoming all for a long time.

Monday, July 10, 2017

The Beguiled

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning
Director: Sofia Coppola
Running Time: 1 hour, 33 minutes
Rating: R


I had a lot of mixed thoughts going into this film. Reviews weren't great, but the trailer intrigued me to no end, not to mention the all-star cast. And with the gorgeous sepia shots of an old, moss-covered mansion, I knew this film would be a feast for the eyes. As my viewing partner remarked, this film is a slow burn, that never really catches on fire. So much potential and so many moments could have built into a riveting climax, but it just doesn't really happen. Save this one for a rainy day Netflix binge.

Nicole Kidman, exquisite as always, stars as Miss Martha, a headmaster at a girls' school in Virginia. We're nearing the end of the Civil War when young Amy comes across a wounded soldier in a nearby meadow. The more I see Colin Farrell's work, the more I enjoy it, and this film is no exception. Needless to say, Corporal McBurney's appearance at the school is quite startling to the 7 women who haven't been near a male in quite sometime. Even the younger girls are taken with him, most notably in a scene when they try to "one up" each other when he compliments the apple pie after dinner.

Edwina (Kirsten Dunst, in a welcomed return to the screen) catches the Corporal's eye, and the two share a few private moments and frequently exchange glances, though Alicia (a fabulous Elle Fanning) is the most forward and flirtatious of the bunch, thus catching his eye as well. And we can't forget Miss Martha, who enjoys a nightly brandy with the Corporal after the girls have retired to their quarters.

The Corporal (and the audience) are very aware that everyone wants him, but none of them are quite aggressive enough to go for it. Until one night, when things don't go the way anyone expects. What could have been a tremendously climactic moment just lingers in the air, and the last quarter of the film just turns into an odd 20 minutes. It's as if no one really knew where to take the characters after this incident, so they just made it up on the spot.

Too much exposition and too little pressure around the later scenes left me feeling pretty unsatisfied. The most satisfying thing was the gorgeous cinematography, but this film kind of leaves me thinking "what a shame."

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Portland / Vancouver

How can I possibly choose my best bite from my trip to the Pacific Northwest? It might have been the White Truffle-Pink Salt Macaron; or maybe the Lamb Shank with Cilantro Black Beer Sauce; lest I forget the Bacon, Egg and Cheese on an Apple Fritter; perhaps even a sip of the Passionfruit-Habanero Vodka Martini...it's nearly impossible to choose, folks. I'll do my best to highlight some of the most outstanding spots we visited for nosh.

Mom and me in Willamette Valley, wine-tasting. Our happy place!

Portland
This city has a happening food and beer scene, if you didn't already know. It can be quite overwhelming to navigate your way through the city without some recommendations. Here are some of mine!

-Cheryl's on 12th: the aforementioned egg sando on an apple fritter was the ultimate sweet and salty breakfast dish. Just slice a glazed, apple-studded fritter in half and stuff it with a fried egg, gouda (NOT SMOKED), arugula and onion-bacon jam and you will feel a wave of euphoria.

-Andina: currently the #1 restaurant in Portland per TripAdvisor. The lamb shank and martini were perfect accompaniments to stuffed Piquillo Peppers and Scallops with Brown Sugar Tamarind sauce. Literally every bite was perfection at this Peruvian gem.
Monstrous lamb shank with unctuous cilantro black beer sauce

-Pok Pok: for adventurous eaters only. I didn't recognize a single dish on this Thai menu. It's not your average Pad Thai (not on the menu). Spicy and sour glass noodle salad was our favorite here, because of the dried shrimp. Mind the heat!!

-Salt & Straw: it would be a sin to visit PDX and not try this infamous ice cream joint. I tasted flavors like Pear & Blue Cheese and Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper before deciding on Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons. This has ruined all other ice creams for me. I would eat this after (or for) every meal of my entire life.

Pre-life-altering ice cream.

Vancouver
A dear friend likened this city to "Tomorrowland" which could not have been a more accurate description. Multicultural. Stunning views. Incredible food.

-Granville Island Public Market: not unlike Reading Terminal Market in Philly (or any other metropolitan indoor market). You absolutely must visit Bon Macaron Patisserie for flavors like Goat Cheese & Fig, Blueberry & Taro, Sake, and the most interesting thing I think I've ever tasted: a White Truffle-Pink Salt Macaron. It absolutely blew my mind. Earthy, salty, sweet and umami all at the same time.
Our collection of macarons!
-Cactus Club Cafe: the view at the Coal Harbor location is absolutely spectacular. The menu almost sounded too good to be true, until you eat and realize everything really is delicious. I have to remove salmon from my "Do Not Eat List", because this rendition with lentils, bacon, daikon, carrots and a port wine reduction was so overwhelmingly flavorful and delicious.
See what I mean?  THIS VIEW.

-Nightingale: these folks know how to elevate a dish. Halibut Ceviche is made sexy with watermelon radish, avocado and crispy quinoa. Roasted Cauliflower gets an upgrade with green harissa for heat and sunflower seeds for crunch. Sticky Toffee Pudding stays stellar with Maple Chantilly Cream.

I realize I'm leaving out a lot of fabulous bites like the FRESH Cherry Pancakes with cream cheese custard and the Cheddar Waffle at Cora in Vancouver, and the Banana Caramel Pie at Lechon in Portland. But then I would literally be telling you about every meal I had on my vacation. But the food scene there is so exciting! OH, and if you happen to find yourself in Willamette Valley, first of all - lucky you! And secondly, stay at La Bastide Bed & Breakfast for yummy dishes like Brie and Apricot-stuffed French Toast. Divine!

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Table 16: The Reboot

Table 16 has been one of my favorite restaurants in Greensboro since I moved here 5 years ago. In the past year, there have been some shake-ups in the kitchen, leaving many people wondering if Table 16 is still "as good as it once was". I'm here to tell you that yes, it is still absolutely fabulous. The front of house and kitchen staff are both working incredibly hard to remind people why this restaurant is so special. I dined on the first night of their new menu, and had a difficult time not ordering every item. And I found out they're serving Sunday brunch, to boot!

Appetizers are quite adventurous, including a lovely presentation of Foie Gras. A sliver of tender foie rests on a smooth pistachio butter, drizzled with raspberry coulis and topped with fresh greens. Crispy brioche croutons provide great crunch and a savory element. This could almost be interpreted as a dessert dish! The sweetness of the pistachio and raspberry brought out the sweetness in the foie, and the pop of bright pink against the earthy green was beautiful on the plate.

I loved the Tiger Shrimp appetizer, with slices of avocado, tangy balsamic tomatoes, red onion and crispy tortilla strips atop a sriracha aioli. This was a burst of flavor, and one of the best appetizers I've ever had. 5 large shrimp made this a pretty decent serving that you could easily turn into an entree with a side salad.

Every Wednesday, Table 16 has a Steak & Scotch special pairing. This week featured a Laphroaig 10, a peety, smoky Scotch (not recommended for Scotch novices!) alongside a petite tenderloin with romanesco, potatoes, crispy leeks and an insane butterscotch demi-glace. This made the dish. The umami flavor in the butterscotch went surprisingly well with the flavor of the meat. This needs to be a steak sauce option on every menu everywhere!! (Yes, I've allotted two exclamation points for that.)

I'm a sucker for scallops and Table 16's presentation sounded right up my alley. Three beautifully plump scallops rested on a bed of quinoa, with an orange hue from romesco sauce peeking out underneath it all. Nicely seasoned kalettes (so tasty in fact, that I never would have guessed it was kale!) and crispy leeks round out this stunning dish.

Desserts at Table 16 have always been memorable, and this was no exception. We enjoyed a honey-mint creme brulee, boasting flavors of fresh mint, which is perfect for this time of year. It was like eating mojito custard. Delightful. Then this show-stopper came out:
Key lime curd, strawberry mousse, fresh berries and edible flowers rest on a honey-drizzled filo dough. Thin sheets of chocolate stand upright, to give the dish a 3D feeling. It seemed too beautiful to eat, until we tasted it. Then we had no trouble devouring it. The fresh key lime was the star here - I'll take one of these over key lime pie any day. Such creativity!

The chef stopped by to ask about our meal, and he said he has worked hard to make this menu finally "all his". I am so thoroughly impressed with his vision, flavor profiling and execution. Table 16 is definitely worth a re-visit if you haven't been in a while.

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Snatched

Starring: Amy Schumer, Goldie Hawn, Ike Barinholtz, Wanda Sykes
Director: Jonathan Levine
Running Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Rating: R

Love her or hate her, I'm a pretty big Amy Schumer fan. I'm not sure if it's her comedic timing or the fact that she reminds me of my best friend (who may in fact be funnier than Amy is), but short story long - I love me some Amy. I just finished her book and was so excited to see "Snatched" starring one of my other faves, Goldie Hawn. I didn't want to get my hopes up, because I heard mixed reviews, and have such great expectations for these ladies. Luckily, I enjoyed just about every single minute of this. Were there cheap laughs? Sure. Was this absolutely perfect for me to watch with my mom? Without a doubt. Do I still love Amy Schumer? Absolutely.

Goldie and Amy play mom and daughter, Linda and Emily. Their chemistry is palpable, and while they're the clear leads of the film, the supporting cast gives them quite a boost: Wanda Sykes, Joan Cusack, Christopher Meloni and the always enjoyable Ike Barinholtz are welcome additions to the cast. We meet Emily (Schumer) in a very funny manner. She encourages (ahem, rather, forces) her recluse mother to join her on a non-refundable trip to Ecuador. Emily has recently become single, and can't bare to go 5 minutes without posting a selfie, so how could she possibly stay home from this trip and not give everyone the opportunity to see her looking fabulous in such an exotic location?! (Emily's character in a nutshell).

The jokes between this mother and daughter pair are pretty universal. Mom: "I haven't heard from you in weeks; you only call me when you need something." Emily: "You're posting on my wall, mom, this is not a private message." The two seem to bicker more than get along, but they set off to South America regardless.

It's not spoiling too much to say that Emily and Linda wind up in the hands of some gangsters, due to Emily's poor judgment - a running theme in the film. The two women must stick together to find their way back to the resort, and ultimately, the US. Humor and chaos ensues. While some of the comedic scenes show off Amy's comedic mastery, a few are over the top. A few scenes even seemed ad-libbed, which I think is a true testament to this comedian's talent.

This film is definitely a fun time. And it's a chick flick, for sure. It was a delightful welcome back to the screen for Goldie Hawn, who hadn't done a film since the 2002 classic, "The Banger Sisters".  And it proves that Schumer is around for much more than "Trainwreck".

Monday, April 3, 2017

Blue Denim

Blue Denim in downtown Greensboro has certainly found its stride. They're doing something unique to the area, specifically a Southern - Cajun - Creole hybrid. But the cuisine doesn't stop there: I noticed Asian and Mexican-influenced dishes on their menu. On one dining occasion, a low country boil was the nightly feature, complete with paper tablecloths! On another, a live bluegrass band entertained diners. Blue Denim is approaching their 2-year anniversary this fall, and they certainly have a lot to celebrate.

The cocktail list is limited, but I think this is more of a beer joint anyway, and they definitely don't disappoint there. My dining partner's "favorite beer of all time" is in stock - La Fin Du Monde - and at 9%, it was surprisingly too easy to drink. Starters are whimsical and not to be missed. They are famous for their Crawfish Beignets which are indeed tasty, but a little rich for my taste. I found too much batter to the crawfish and peppers that supposedly stud the delicate balls, but the "comeback sauce" makes anything great. I found the Delta Chinese Ribs to be one of the most unique rib preparations I've ever enjoyed. They're smoked and charred and fall off the bone. The char effect comes from the char siu technique - after they are slow-cooked, they are finished over a flame. YUM! I loved the tangy, molasses-like, five-spice-infused sauce that was drizzled on top - just the right amount. Peanuts and fresh cilantro totally brought the dish together. I highly recommend.

I had my first Crawfish Etouffee in New Orleans, arguably the best food city in the world, so I was eager to try Blue Denim's rendition. The base is made with a blonde roux, making it a little lighter in color than gumbo, but thicker than gumbo, too. (Not to be confused with jambalaya, which I would liken to Cajun paella). I lost count of the number of crawfish in my etouffee - there seemed to be hundreds of sweet little bites of the coral-colored fish! The rice was a little gummy and stuck together, which I loved. It didn't just break up and crumble into the stew. The dish had a slight heat to it, tingling in the back of my throat. Spring onions give the dish a pop of color and nice fresh bite. This is a large serving and it's even better the second day.

For a little Mexican-Cajun flavor, try the Duck Tamales. Tender duck confit is tucked inside delicate masa and covered with a rich, umami-forward mole sauce. Most mole sauces tend to be a little too sweet for me, but this had a nice balance of flavor. Tangy cotija cheese is sprinkled on top, and to make sure you get your greens, the tamales rest on a bed of cooked spinach. Jicama slaw comes alongside and is spice-based, not mayo- or vinegar-based, which was a welcome change and provided a wonderful crunch.

At one point in time, the menu featured New Orleans' famous style of barbeque shrimp with a dark, vinegary, buttery sauce. Blue Denim did a fabulous version of this, but it's missing from the menu as of late. I certainly hope they bring it back. I look forward to returning for the White Chocolate Pecan Bread Pudding, topped with Whiskey Creme Anglaise. (At the time of publication, the writer has given up bread for Lent, which sadly includes Bread Pudding!) I'll probably have my Easter brunch here, just for that dessert. And I'll get a po'boy to go alongside it.

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Beauty and The Beast

Starring: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Josh Gad, Audra McDonald
Director: Bill Condon
Running Time: 2 hours, 9 minutes
Rating: PG

I grew up loving animated Disney films like any other child born in the late 1980s. I'm also a fan of the live action remakes of late, which prove to be both entertaining and nostalgic. "Beauty and The Beast" is just that: it reminded me of songs and quotes I hadn't thought of in decades, and it left me smiling and humming as I left the theatre. It ran a touch long, and it was a little too gray scale for me - even the infamous yellow dress Belle wears seemed kind of dull! But for the most part, I was happily transported back to my childhood. Audiences of any age will be entertained.

This cast is incredible, though you might not realize it until the end. Many of the supporting actors are in disguise throughout the film - Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts - the list goes on and on. Emma Watson does a fine job in such an iconic role, bringing a fierce girl power attitude, more than I remember being in the original. 2017 Belle is fiesty! She turns down frequent marriage proposals from Gaston (played by Luke Evans, though it should have been Chris Pine) which pleases LeFou, Gaston's sidekick. LeFou is eloquently played by Josh Gad, bringing an honorable dimension to the first openly gay character in a Disney movie. After an excellent opening montage, Belle's father (Kevin Kline) goes missing in the woods. She sets off to find him as Alan Menken's soaring score begins, and we get ready for the adventure ahead.

The Beast's castle is stunning - I think we all remember that gorgeous library! The gradual building of Belle and the Beast's relationship is handled well and delicately. Many articles have been remarking how interesting it is that she is indeed being held captive by a non-human, and that they end up falling in love. The film does a good job at showing the Beast's human qualities, which is really the only way this would work. I would be remiss not to mention the classic "Be Our Guest" montage - it is over the top with a combination of live action and animation. It's beautiful but a little dizzying!

No spoilers here: the spell is broken, Belle and the Beast fall in love (Dan Stevens really is a sight for sore eyes), the household objects return to human form and you'll find yourself with a huge grin on your face. I'm eager to re-watch the original for comparison, but this film honors the legacy of the animated classic, and does it justice. I was delighted with this film and think you will be, too!

Monday, March 13, 2017

Seafood Feast with Friends

No, this isn't a new movie starring Jon Favreau, or a CNN special with Anthony Bourdain, or a new restaurant in downtown Greensboro. This was one of the most fun and memorable evenings I've had at someone's house - the News & Record's John Batchelor to be precise. My dear friend invited me to join him and a few other folks for a seafood feast at his home, with Nasi Kajana, co-owner of Fortuna Enterprises LLC (among many other things). The presentations, demonstrations, food and wine were spectacular. I wish every Saturday night could be like this.

Italian Reds and fresh seafood were the star of the show (literally everything we ate and drank). I'm not very well-versed in Italian Reds but each one was more delicious than the last, especially the 2011 Bacca Barolo. Our first course was absolutely stunning. Vibrant bright pink slices of watermelon radish looked like enormous flower petals and served as a bed for shrimp ceviche. I will dream about this dish for a long time. The shrimp was tender and boasted notes of lemon and just a touch of heat. Cherry tomatoes were also present, but my favorite part was the pop of pomegranate seeds. Radish sprouts garnished the dish. I ended up eating the watermelon radishes tortillas, making mini tacos. This dish screamed springtime and would give any restaurant a run for its money.
Plating the beautiful first course!
Stunning!
Course #2 was a whimsical spin on shish kabobs, with a rosemary sprig serving as the skewer. Gorgeous shrimp, scallops and cherry tomatoes absorbed that herbaceous rosemary flavor. A fresh, creamy pesto was a wonderful compliment to the shrimp. It was so smooth and more like a sauce than the traditional pesto I try to make at home. Another dish contributing to my spring fever.
Rosemary skewered-shrimp, scallops and tomatoes
Tiger prawns are a cross between a shrimp and a lobster. I've never seen anything like them in my life. They were about a foot long (not exaggerating) and Nasi coated them with olive oil and garlic before smoking them with 125-year-old wood, pine needles, pine cones and rosemary. This was such a wild thing to watch - he got the wood burning, then added the other aromatics, creating a really unique fragrance. After getting some great smoke going, he let the prawns cook for about 10 minutes. Then he torched them to ensure they were done cooking. The texture was exactly how you'd imagine a shrimp-lobster hybrid would be - it was creamy, buttery and sensational. I would have eaten four more.
Tiger Prawns!
Smoking the prawns!

So aromatic!

With the humongous prawns.
To round out the seafood feast, John treated us to an oven-roasted flounder, coated in Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs and lemon. The fish melted in your mouth, and the salty bite from the Parmesan crust was addictive. Bright green, oven-roasted broccoli and asparagus made us feel less guilty for indulging in the thick, creamy grits (more like polenta) made by his lovely wife. I was full from the first three courses, but couldn't resist eating every bite on this plate.
Serving up the flounder!
This was such a delightful evening with wonderful company and delicious food. Every bite was perfect. It's also an inspiration that you can make some pretty fantastic seafood at home - and even more fantastic if you have a grill, 125-year-old-wood and a blowtorch. I will remember this evening for a long time.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

@ elm st. grill

At first glance, @ elm street grill appears to be a neighborhood hangout. When you walk inside, you realize it's a sports bar, and a date-worthy and family-friendly dining spot - something for everyone. When you dine here, you quickly learn they do several menu items well, especially their killer Indian food. (If you haven't tried their Chicken Tikka Masala, it's practically life-changing and will make an Indian food fan out of anyone.) I had only dined at @ elm street grill once before, so I was excited to attend one of their wine dinners with the opportunity to try several dishes. While these plates aren't on their regular menu, I could taste the love that went into each one. The hospitality was sincere, too. I felt right at home and left wondering how soon I can return. Owner Ravi is doing an excellent job with this spot (his rock star wife is the chef, too), and their regular customers are a testament to the outstanding food and service. This place continues to surprise me.

Hope Family Wines were a lovely accompaniment to the 5 courses we had, with most pairings matching up nicely. Cauliflower Cheese Dip was a garlicky and creamy way to start the meal. It was served with bread, but I enjoyed it right off a spoon. (I gave up bread for Lent, so I had to resist the slices of French bread that came with this dish!) I enjoyed the Treana Chardonnay, a buttery, creamy wine that matched with the flavors in the dip very well. It was topped with fried garlic chips - a pungent but not overpowering bite.
Cauliflower Cheese Dip
The second course couldn't have been a larger contrast from the first. Gorgeous greens were topped with mandarin oranges, slivered almonds, edamame and sesame seeds, and drizzled with a tangy ginger dressing. This tasted so clean and fresh, and brought out the citrus flavor in the Treana Blanc wine. This was a lovely pairing, each sip and bite enhancing the next.
Mandarin Orange Salad
I was ready for some red wine, and even more excited for the Pork Tenderloin with Chimichurri! This pork was incredibly tender - one of the best I can remember having in a restaurant - and the chimichurri was a beautiful green hue, citrusy and didn't overpower the dry rub on the pork. I went nuts for the simply grilled brussels sprouts, peppers, squash and onion - they weren't overly oily or charred and I could have eaten a bowlful! Liberty School Merlot was a tame wine for my taste, and I don't think it stood up to the pork. It might be perfectly fine to sip on its own, but I didn't love this pairing.
Pork Tenderloin with Chimichurri
As if one meat course wasn't enough, we were served a slice of Prime Rib with horseradish mayo and fabulous garlic mashed potatoes. The meat was slightly overcooked for my preference, and I think Ravi knew some slices were over, because he came by and asked if we were alright with the temperature of the meat. He is such a congenial host! The Treana Red was my favorite of the night, and it's the winery's star. It boasted full notes of oak, and is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Syrah. This was my favorite pairing of the night.

I'm always curious to see if wine dinners will include a port or some sort of dessert wine with the final course, but the Troublemaker Red was anything but a traditional sweet wine! It took time to open up, but once it did, it was beautiful. The Chocolate Poached Pear was stunning; its golden skin dripping with chocolate sauce, while mixing with slowly melting vanilla ice cream. The pear itself was cold, making the experience all the more unique, and it brought out an additional sweetness in the tender fruit.
Chocolate Poached Pear
If you haven't been to @ elm street grill yet, I encourage you to make the visit, especially if you like Indian food (they do it so incredibly well). But who knew they also did awesome wine dinners?! I certainly didn't, but I'm glad I know now. This place can pretty much do whatever they want and kick butt at it.

Sunday, February 19, 2017

2017 Oscar Predictions

Oscar fans, our "Superbowl" is right around the corner! This sure has been a strong season for film. Do you have your outfits and menus planned for the big day? Turn on E! at 3pm to start the red carpet festivities, pop the bubbly and get comfortable. Jimmy Kimmel is sure to bring some laughs when we tune in next Sunday, February 26!

Who do I think should and will win the top awards? Check out my predictions below.

Best Picture
Arrival
Fences
Hacksaw Ridge
Hell or High Water
Hidden Figures
La La Land
Lion
Manchester by the Sea
Moonlight

Should Win: Moonlight. What a breath of fresh air this one was. While it was a bit of a downer, it puts the spotlight on a story that doesn't get told often enough. I loved the casting, screenplay, score, acting and direction. I sobbed throughout the entire thing and had all the feels. Do I need to go on? This has my vote.

Will Win: La La Land. Hollywood loves a story about itself, and this really harkens back to the movie musicals of the 40s and 50s. Every Oscar voter will see this film as "their story" and remind them of how they got started in the biz, so it's sure to capture major votes. At the time of publication, the only film I haven't seen yet is Fences, unfortunately, but I will see it prior to the big event.

Best Actor
Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea
Andrew Garfield, Hacksaw Ridge
Ryan Gosling, La La Land
Viggo Mortensen, Captain Fantastic
Denzel Washington, Fences

Should Win: Is it bad to say Denzel, even if I haven't seen Fences? He won the Tony for the play's revival on Broadway, and he is also Denzel Washington. I think this role is probably him at his best - charismatic, mean, controlling, empathetic, lovable, disgusting - this is a difficult role for an actor to embody and I'm sure he does it justice.

Will Win: Casey Affleck. The Academy has this thing where they don't like to give an actor an Oscar more than once. It happens, but it is rare. So I think this is Casey's year. He was wonderful, and had the whole "I can't tell if he's even acting" thing, which means he is doing a tremendous job acting. I think he's an underrated actor and I'd like to see more from him before we give him gold, but I think he's got it in the bag.

Best Actress
Isabelle Huppert, Elle
Ruth Negga, Loving
Natalie Portman, Jackie
Emma Stone, La La Land
Meryl Streep, Florence Foster Jenkins

Should Win: Amy Adams for Arrival, WHO IS NOT EVEN NOMINATED?!?! The Academy made a HUGE "oops" when they left her off this list. Everything I see her in is my new favorite Amy Adams film. She has a strong resume, and Arrival really is the best I've seen her yet. It is ludicrous that she got snubbed, especially for this role.

Will Win: Emma Stone. Hollywood loves her (so do I) and she stole the movie from Ryan Gosling. Like Affleck in Manchester, I couldn't tell that she was acting - her character came across as how I imagine she is in real life, which again, means she's probably doing a pretty excellent job acting.

Best Supporting Actor
Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
Jeff Bridges, Hell or High Water
Lucas Hedges, Manchester by the Sea
Dev Patel, Lion
Michael Shannon, Nocturnal Animals

Should Win: Mahershala Ali. This is a really tight category. I'm not sure that Bridges and Hedges belong here, but I would be okay with Ali, Patel and Shannon all winning. Can we just talk about Michael Shannon - I am stunned and thrilled that Shannon got recognized for this role! He was one of the best parts of the movie, and his body of work is honorable.

Will Win: Mahershala Ali. While he was only in the first chapter of the movie, he had a pivotal role and brought such grace and delicacy to a raw, tough character. His star is on the rise.

Best Supporting Actress
Viola Davis, Fences
Naomie Harris, Moonlight
Nicole Kidman, Lion
Octavia Spencer, Hidden Figures
Michelle Williams, Manchester by the Sea

Should Win: Dare I say Naomie Harris for Moonlight? I can feel all the Viola-lovers throwing shade at me right now, and while I haven't seen Fences, I can vouch for Naomie's slaying of her character. She plays a supportive mother, a crack addict and a guilt-ridden old woman. While Ali is only in the first chapter of the film, Naomie is in all three, and plays just as crucial a role.

Will Win: Viola Davis. People thought it was her year YEARS ago, and she won the Tony for this role on Broadway. She and Denzel are magical together - maybe they will both take home gold!


Best Director
Denis Villeneuve, Arrival
Mel Gibson, Hacksaw Ridge
Damien Chazelle, La La Land
Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester by the Sea
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight

Should Win: Denis Villeneuve. Even if you don't enjoy sci-fi, chances are you'll enjoy Arrival. I had so many emotions in this film - fear, apprehension, relief, confusion, resolve, empathy - not to mention the cinematography, score and AMY ADAMS.

Will Win: Damien Chazelle. I give this man mad props and all the kudos for attempting to make an old-school movie musical in 2017. Did I fall head over heels for it? Much to my dismay, I did not. However, the musical theatre nerd in me is tickled pink that an old-school movie musical is most likely going to win the Oscar for Best Picture in 2017. And Mr. Chazelle deserves recognition for that, too.

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures is one of the most well-written, perfectly-cast and superbly-told stories I've seen this year. Sadly, it is especially timely, but it is also an incredibly inspiring story. One that I am ashamed to say, I was not familiar with. I imagine several of us were unaware of the three African-American women, heroes really, who worked for NASA in the 1960s and ultimately helped launch our space program and get a man on the moon. The trio of ladies (played brilliantly by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae) is supported by an excellent cast including Kevin Costner, Jim Parsons and Mahershala Ali. This film has everything you could possibly want, including catchy, old-school-sounding original songs by Pharrell. What more could you want in a movie?!

We meet our protagonist Katherine Goble Johnson (Henson) when she is just a child. Calling her a skilled math whiz is an understatement - she can handle any numbers thrown at her. As an adult, Katherine and her fellow masterminds Dorothy Vaughan (Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Monae) fight their way to equality, or rather simply, recognition at NASA. Each woman has her own personal struggle: Katherine, to get credit for her correct calculations that co-worker Paul (Parsons) takes credit for; Dorothy, to get the title and pay of supervisor, since she is doing the work of one; and Mary, to take courses at an all-white school and become the first female African-American engineer for NASA. It's no spoiler alert that all women accomplish their goals, and then some.

There is humor among the heartbreak, most notably from one-liners delivered by Monae, who is certainly having her season on the screen - she shared it earlier this year with Mahershala Ali in "Moonlight". Ali also shines here as Katherine's suitor and later husband. We see the ladies run half a mile across NASA's campus just to use the bathroom, and they are forced to drink from separate coffee pots - a reminder of the disrespect African-Americans received not only in the workplace, but in society.

While Octavia snagged an Oscar nomination, this is really Taraji P's show. She brought such grace to her character and the touching moments she shares with her daughters gives me chills just thinking about them. Jim Parsons, while in a terribly cruel role, does a fantastic job at it. It's no wonder this cast won the SAG Award.

Hearing cheers in the audience for several large and small accomplishments throughout the film was inspiring, and people of all ages, races and genders will appreciate this story. I always say, the truth is stranger and more exciting than fiction. This is definitely one of those stories. For a really great read, check out this article from the Winston-Salem Journal.