Mmmmm… Strawberries!
April 10, 2009
Yesterday we went to the grocery to pick up a few items, and these straweberries were looking irresistable to me. I haven’t had any in the house for a while, and thought they would make the perfect snack.
I also had my usual delicious breads and goat cheese on hand, so once I got home I thought I’d make a quick yummy bite.
I originally purchased the strawberries for having them in salads or on their own, but then I wanted something different! So I toasted up a few pieces of bread (tearing them to make them bite size friendly), and added some goat cheese.
Sure, it looks kind of messy at first but that’s the beauty of it- it doesn’t have to be perfect. I used some wheat dinner rolls for this one- I like how the edges crisp up but the middle stays very fluffy and warm. It is a lovely combination with the goat cheese. Cream cheese or other styles would also taste delicious for this quick and pretty snack.
Next, I sliced some strawberries and placed two slices on each piece. The look comes together very nicely (and you can see how the previous mess doesnt’ matter). They are rich small bites and perfect for those little cravings between meals. I was enjoying a glass of my Grand Cru Cuvee Rene and thought strawberries and cheese would be a perfect mix. And it absolutely was!
Who ever said a pretty and fabulous gourmet snack had to be a complicated one? This one is quick, easy, and delicious! Make it even more delicious with a light vanilla sause or even a red wine vinager drizzled on top- savory and sweet and very rich!
Kaffee gute Nacht Makes For A Good Night
March 31, 2009
The only thing that makes this a “coffee” is the splash of coffee found somewhere within this drink- absolutely delicious by the way. Hardly coffee, though- all booze, wow and yum.
The drink is prepared table-side, and what a beautiful presentation it is. The owner created the beverage himself and presents it beautifully with care. He begins with an orange wedge to the outside of the glass, then proceeds to coat the glass in sugar. He has a flame prepared and then brushes the orange-sugar coated glass to the flame.
Next is the beverage itself- mostly whiskey, kahlua, and some sort of citrus liquor- added by spoon fulls that are lit by the flame- glowing with a flame during the entire preparation. He mixes it from glass to glass and tops it off with some cream- and a final spoon of the flame-lit liquor.
Somewhere in the mix he added some coffee- it was so beautifully orchestrated that I didn’t pay enough attention to the actual coffee. To call it Kaffee gute Nacht or “coffee good night” is quite appropriate as afterward it will be good night.
Rudi Lechner’s German restaurant was an absolute delight, and even a more welcomed surprise to have the man himself prepare for us his beverage.
Seriously Delicious Sashimi Nomness
March 23, 2009
The other evening, my hunny and I had a sudden craving for sushi and decided to indulge- why not? I never turn down the chance, I adore sashimi and the place we love to go to also makes marvelous lychee martinis.
And whenever I go out to a restuarant, my favorite thing on the menu is what the chef selects for me. After all, the chef knows best. I love to let them have fun with a meal and create something they are especially proud of, and the experience is all the more wonderful because of it.
We like to sit at the bar instead of a table at this restaurant, that way we can interact with the chefs and watch the preparation (truly an art and delight to be a part of). I’ll usually ask what is fresh and recommended, and then let them chose and go all out with it. I am rewarded beyond my expectations each and every time- wow. (the last time I was there for a quick bite, I had the flounder sashimi which was presented in a gorgeous manner and pictured above)
I don’t even know what I am ordering half the time- since I let them decide. But I make sure to know afterwards so that I can order it again, as was with this case the other evening. The Aji sashimi (above) was presented so beautifully before us- and each bite was soooo heavenly- perfect! Subtle but lovely flavors with a great and tender texture. But it didn’t end there with the aji- the sashimi was just the beginning.
When we were done with the sashimi portion of the plate- the chef had the remaining fish head and bones fried and returned to us to eat.
I *love* the collar and cheeks of a fish, so this was a very welcoming surprise!
Needless to say, between the two of us nothing remained of this dish in the end, and it is one we are more than anxious to order again-very the “nom”.
As amazing as this was- it was not the best of the evening. The best would have to be reserved for the Live Scallop Sashimi we had immediately afterward. What a treat- I had to fight for the last bite on this one!
Sashimi (raw) on one shell, and then cooked and prepared on the other shell. The raw was definitely my favorite, as was the favorite for my hunny and the couple we became friends with next to us at the bar (they even ordered one, too!). This was incredible. I don’t think words would do it justice, but know that it was by far the favorite of the evening all around. And after having some incredible tastes beforehand, that is saying a lot.
And for dessert? A bite of uni- beautiful way to end a luxurious meal ;D
Latest Creation: Ruby Red Lychee Cocktail
February 12, 2009
Do you love it when playful creations end up becoming masterpieces? You are going to love this fabulous cocktail.
It all started innocently enough when I wanted a drink. Not just any drink, but a cocktail- something delicious and pretty. You know those nights, something boring just won’t do.
But it was raining outside and so I had no desire to go out- which means the inevitable inventing a drink with what you have on hand. Always interesting, not always a delight! But this one truly was.
So when I am in this sort of mood I tend to go for lychees- love ‘em. I have some soho lychee liqueur, but not too many options of what to mix it with. Mixed only with vodka it ends up missing something and has an unpleasant bite that takes away from the smooth flavor of the fruit. Vodka with lychee juice works fine alone, but somehow the liqueur and vodka on their own do not. So why not grapefruit, make it a citrus cocktail with some style!
The ruby red grapefruit juice not only adds a delicious taste to the mix, but it absorbs any of the bite and blends perfectly with the lychee, giving it instead a pleasant citrus yet smooth finish. The smell alone of this drink is heavenly! You must try this, and I know you will fall in love.
It is part of its charm, so pretty and so delicious!
My hunny created the measurements for me, as my live in bartender he does fantastic work and I approve! I told him what I wanted in my drink (the ingredients listed above) and he made it work wonderfully.
6 oz ruby red grapefruit
2 oz vodka
1 oz lychee liqueur
I love simple recipes, they make up some of the best out there. This gorgeous concoction is a heavenly treat you will enjoy for all occasions! Cheers, loves!
Marvelous Margarita Perfection
February 10, 2009
Yum! So the other day we had an unexpected and delightful brunch with some friends. It kind of came together at the last minute but worked out beautifully.
It was such a gorgeous day- sunny with a nice cool breeze, the kind of weather you dream about, and we enjoyed ourselves sitting outside on the patio. We kept seeing tables nearby order these delicious looking drinks and so we could not help but also indulge. When we saw the description about it on the menu as part of a review, we were instantly sold.
“The perfect blend with the perfect ingredients, Herradura Silver, Cointreau & fresh lime juice, served straight up, or on the rocks.”
Within one taste we were in love and ordered more for the table. The balance with the lime was just perfect, especially for an early afternoon drink. It made the day even more pleasant.
They call it “The Perfect” and it is perfectly delightful. No nonsense, just yummy.
Vuuve, A Bottle With Spice & Charm
January 31, 2009
In the search of more delicious beers made in Belgium, every so often there will be something that catches my eye hidden amongs the many bottles of the store. Just look at this little bottle, it is so charming!
It was hidden behind the post that divides the shelves, and there were only a few. The label is quite simple as its description. Looking through the bottle- and seeing that I very well could not look through it, I was sold. It is just asking for a tasting, so I will bite.
Beautiful! The texture is smooth and lovely and the spice is quite welcoming- nothing overbearing either. Very nice balance, just melts in your mouth delicious.
Ingredients are simple: barley malt, wheat malt hops, coriander and fresh orange peel- also known as the spice of this beer. Goes lovely together without anything else getting in the way. Am delighted with this purchase and will definitely seek it out again, such a grand treat!
See if you can find this charming little bottle, you will be pleased you did.
A Time for Tasty Little Indulgences
January 28, 2009
Don’t you just love the special little treats that make a meal or an evening oh so special? Sometimes it means spending that extra on a fine wine or on an extraordinary appetizer. And other times it means being included in having a special home made and off the menu limoncello while dining at a restaurant with friends. This weekend I had the pleasure of indulging in both!
After experiencing another incredible Master Mind in Tampa, we enjoyed a lovely dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. A favorite appetizer of ours is their seafood medley pictured above- talk about delicious. This was a much awaited treat and we were not disappointed. Lobster, crab, shrimp, and more all pleasantly ready to be devoured- yum.
There is never a bite missed- and it makes for the perfect indulgence before our steaks. The best of both worlds, definitely a grand occasional treat. Makes it all the more special that we only have it with our friends.
Next, on the following evening Timothy and I were treated to a delightful dinner with his father and step mom at this hidden gem of a restaurant near their home. A wonderful Italian restaurant whose owner is from Italy- the food is always wonderful and better each time we go- quite difficult to do. The best part to me is the dessert, where the owner is kind enough to offer us some of his homemade limoncello- DELICIOUS! I love limoncello, and when properly done it is especially divine.
Yes, sometimes some special and oh so tasty indulgences are called for, and especially when loved ones can be involved. What are your special treats?
Caipirinha: Cocktail Luxury Of Brazil
January 22, 2009
caipirinha's as seen from story from LAtimes.com
I remember my first taste of a traditional caipirinha. Living in Miami, many of my friends were from Brazil and knew the drink well. I would see them drink it and it was only a matter of time before I began to indulge myself.
So what is a Caipirinha, anyway- besides a confusing to pronounce alcoholic beverage? A traditional one is quite simply:
muddled limes and sugar &..
2 oz cachaça
Cachaça is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugar cane and is most known for its relation to Brazil. It is very much the alcohol of Brazil.
A restaurant by the name of Table8 in Miami (though originally from LA as seen from the photo above) offered a black cherry caipirinha- talk about deadly and delicious! Their twist of the drink involved muddled black cherries with cachaça. It definitely was a moment of: oh, how delicious, let me devour a couple and then discover upon my first attempt to move that the world will move around for me first. It is quite potent! so beware and take caution.
Gourmet offers a recipe for a passion fruit caipirinha, which calls for the traditional recipe with the addition of pure passion fruit juice. The drink is quite simple to start which allows itself very open to fruit inspired variations.
All are grand really, it is difficult to mess up. Oh how I do love my cocktails, and I must say I have been quite happy to see this beverage show up in more and more bars across the states. This is one to keep your eyes peeled for. Try it (in small doses to start perhaps, or at a slower pace if anything else) and enjoy its luxurious flavor.
Don’t feel as though you have to wait for your bartenders to discover this for you first- they are simple to make at home provided you find the cachaça.
Make a traditional one and then make your own lavish concoction. Its really quite fun, invite some friends and make it an occasion to remember.
The Latest Belgian Beauty
January 16, 2009
What could be more wonderful than a luxurious abbey ale? I love my Belgian beers, and with good reason seeing as they are the best, in my opinion of course. Last night I finally was able to taste one in particular I have had an eye on for quite a while. And this one is making my favorite’s list without question.
It is the bottle that caught my attention this time- I love it. So cool to the touch with that unique texture, makes me feel at home. When I was a child, I remember actually having a water bottle of this same material. Keeps the contents extra cool and at just the right temperature. So now I have moved from a water bottle to beer, it is good to have both most likely. It does make things quite fun.
St. Sebastiaan Dark is a dark top-fermented abbey ale brewed according to the purity law of 1516. Old and true like so many of its Belgian brothers. They all have this velvety malty sort of texture that is filled with a luscious flavor- each beer having its own distinct taste.
This one, with a smell of spice and caramel has a slightly bitter sweet bite to it that is marvelous. Honestly, when I first tasted it, Gingerbread came instantly to mind. And I do love gingerbread. It works wonderfully in this form- so delicious! I cannot wait to purchase another.
Seriously, like dark gingerbread- so heavenly.
They have some other styles and tastes I will have to try from them; dark is usually my favorite so I grabbed it first naturally. I think the Grand Cru will be next on my list.
A gorgeous bottle with the contents to match- so fabulous. I would have been disappointed if it wasn’t anything other than great. My Belgian beers never let me down though, so all is well and better than ever.
This is a must try- loves! And what perfect timing, a taste right before my birthday. May have to try the other tomorrow in celebration, who knows.
