Wednesday night my good friend/fellow foodie Eve-Maridy and I treated ourselves to a decadent meal at Ringside Steakhouse. We try to go out for happy hour every couple months and try something new. I had been to Ringside once with my mom (special mother-daughter dinner out), and was impressed enough to go back and try out the supper menu. Supper is served before 5:45pm or after 9pm for $25 ($29 with dessert; $35 for the prime rib-level meals, which is NOT indicated on the Web site).
I must say that I was significantly more impressed with the service we received this time than the time I went with my mom. You hear about these old steakhouses having amazing servers, and I can't complain about the one we had last time, but our server this time was extraordinary. I am always most impressed by the ability to time everything just perfectly. It's a rare treat, but a much appreciated one.
Eve-Maridy and I ordered almost identically. We started with the famous onion rings, served with the housemade French dressing with bleu cheese crumbles. We both had the iceberg wedge for the salad, and medallions of beef tenderloin covered in brandy cream sauce with mushrooms & green peppercorns. I ordered the baked potato with all the fixins, and Eve-Maridy had the garlic mashed potatoes. If I were to order again, I would get the mashed potatoes. The sour cream, bacon bits, and green onions were great for toppings, but I definitely make better baked potatoes. Mine was a bit dry, even with the toppings. You really need to release the steam from the potato immediately after baking it if you want the inside to stay fluffy. Otherwise it gets chunky and dry. For dessert, which I wasn't planning on having until I saw the menu, I had the chocolate bread pudding with bourbon caramel sauce, Eve-Maridy had the bananas foster, a classic. Half the bread pudding is still sitting in the refrigerator waiting for Shawn to eat it--but I don't know how much longer I can resist it. It will not be there after tonight, whether he eats it or not.
Despite being a discounted meal from the usual menu, we still managed to spend quite a bit. We each had martinis and I had a glass of wine, so that definitely added up quickly. If you are interested, check out the Web site at http://www.ringsidesteakhouse.com/. They take reservations for supper and I would recommend it as the place filled up quickly, even on a Wednesday. I would go back, but not anytime soon. I love steak, but it's a once a year type of thing for me. I'd much rather experiment with new restaurants.
29 May 2009
18 May 2009
BBQ Weekend
As all Portlanders know, we have the best summer weather of just about any city in the world. At least we all think so. It's a great town to be in when the sun is out and it's warm. My theory is that we're so deprived of warmth throughout most of the rest of the year that we all appreciate it that much more and it brings a new energy to the city. Pasty white legs made their first appearance this weekend during the first warm, sunny weekend of the year. My dad had excellent luck and had planned a trip down to see us this weekend. Not even knowing the weather, we managed to plan to go to the perfect restaurant for a warm day, Russell Street BBQ.
I had been to Russell Street once before after last year's Race for the Cure Health Expo. My good friend and fellow foodie Eve-Maridy is the event planner for the Expo and my organization bought a booth there last year, which I was in charge of. I remember it being good, but I was so tired, I don't think I fully savored how good it truly is. Besides serving some of the best BBQ I've ever had, I really appreciate their commitment to using all naturally raised meats, and featuring local beers (a difficult task in this town, I know). Gluttonous as it was, I ordered the meatapalooza. For my 3 meats, I chose the pulled pork, pork ribs, and housemade hot link. I should've been more selective with my sides, though. I got the mess o'greens, which were good, but a little cold, as were my fries. I don't really know why I ordered fries. Shawn's coleslaw was much tastier and went with the food better.
The meatapalooza:
And then Shawn had to order the cheesecake with berry compote. And I had to help him. With homemade whipped cream, too!
Sunday we decided to continue the BBQ theme after spending the day in the park reading. Alberta Park is quite a beautiful and relaxing place to spend the day, by the way.
When we got home, I went to go make the spicy Asian wet rub for our chicken thighs and discovered the chicken had gone bad. I made a last-minute run to New Seasons, where luckily the whole chicken legs were on sale. Using the Test Kitchen's recommended double bank fire, our chicken turned out perfectly. We grilled up a couple of zucchini and skewered onions, as well as some Japanese short grain rice. We paired it, perhaps incorrectly, with a delicious Pinot Noir from Pudding River that we picked up at Indie Wine Fest. Perfect meal to end a perfect day.
Tonight, given the rapidly changing weather, I am making up a pot of white bean and chicken chili for dinner tomorrow since I have boot camp until 6:30pm. It's my first time making this type of chili, but it tastes good so far. Throw a little cilantro in it tomorrow and sop it up with a nice roll from DiPrima Dolci, it should be another delicious dinner. 
And, if Juan Carlos asks, I used 1/4 of the oil to make it by using a little trick I learned from my Test Kitchen Light Recipe cookbook--use less oil by throwing the lid on your vegetables to soften them up, rather than relying solely on the oil to do the job. Works like a charm and still gives it some depth.
Enjoy!
I had been to Russell Street once before after last year's Race for the Cure Health Expo. My good friend and fellow foodie Eve-Maridy is the event planner for the Expo and my organization bought a booth there last year, which I was in charge of. I remember it being good, but I was so tired, I don't think I fully savored how good it truly is. Besides serving some of the best BBQ I've ever had, I really appreciate their commitment to using all naturally raised meats, and featuring local beers (a difficult task in this town, I know). Gluttonous as it was, I ordered the meatapalooza. For my 3 meats, I chose the pulled pork, pork ribs, and housemade hot link. I should've been more selective with my sides, though. I got the mess o'greens, which were good, but a little cold, as were my fries. I don't really know why I ordered fries. Shawn's coleslaw was much tastier and went with the food better.
The meatapalooza:
And then Shawn had to order the cheesecake with berry compote. And I had to help him. With homemade whipped cream, too!
Sunday we decided to continue the BBQ theme after spending the day in the park reading. Alberta Park is quite a beautiful and relaxing place to spend the day, by the way.
When we got home, I went to go make the spicy Asian wet rub for our chicken thighs and discovered the chicken had gone bad. I made a last-minute run to New Seasons, where luckily the whole chicken legs were on sale. Using the Test Kitchen's recommended double bank fire, our chicken turned out perfectly. We grilled up a couple of zucchini and skewered onions, as well as some Japanese short grain rice. We paired it, perhaps incorrectly, with a delicious Pinot Noir from Pudding River that we picked up at Indie Wine Fest. Perfect meal to end a perfect day.
Tonight, given the rapidly changing weather, I am making up a pot of white bean and chicken chili for dinner tomorrow since I have boot camp until 6:30pm. It's my first time making this type of chili, but it tastes good so far. Throw a little cilantro in it tomorrow and sop it up with a nice roll from DiPrima Dolci, it should be another delicious dinner. 
And, if Juan Carlos asks, I used 1/4 of the oil to make it by using a little trick I learned from my Test Kitchen Light Recipe cookbook--use less oil by throwing the lid on your vegetables to soften them up, rather than relying solely on the oil to do the job. Works like a charm and still gives it some depth.Enjoy!
14 May 2009
Happy hour at Lolo
My friends Lauren and Nick joined me for happy hour at the tapas restaurant Lolo on NE Alberta last night. They are looking to take a trip to Europe, including Spain, this summer, so I offered up my "expertise" on the subject and thought a Spanish restaurant to be an appropriate setting for our conversation.
Let me first say that I'm a huge snob when it comes to food, but even more so when it comes to Spanish food. I've been privileged to not only eat at some fine restaurants in Spain, but also have been treated to months of genuine home cooked Spanish meals by my host mom Luisa, my late uncle Tavi, and a variety of his Spanish friends. So, my standards are high.
While waiting for the other parties to arrive, I ordered the bread/olive oil/olive plate ($2 h.h. price). I believe the bread may have been from Pearl Bakery--not sure about that, though. I know I've had it before. It came slightly toasted (odd) with a more-than-generous amount of olive oil splashed with sherry vinegar. The olives were good, but had a little too much citrus flavor for my tastes. That didn't stop us from devouring the whole plate. I also ordered the fried cod cakes, which were dressed with mojama mayo and chopped romaine, and the papas bravas (should be patatas bravas, we're in Spain after all) that came with a poached egg on top. I've never had patatas bravas with an egg, but it was really good. The yolk mixed nicely with the spicy, sweet, and smoky flavor of the sauce. Nick stayed simple with the fries that came with the most delicious aioli imaginable--same kind of sweet/smoky flavor, but different than the tomato-based patatas bravas. Lauren opted for the fideos with manchego cheese and peas. She thought it was a little salty, but there was quite a bit of cheese on it, so that would explain it. It was a more aged manchego.
I have to say, for the amount of food we got and the fact that the beers we had were $4 each*, it was a good value. The food was good, the service was friendly, and the space is very open and fresh. The three of us got out of there with 6 beers, 5 appetizers, and 1 cocktail for $53. Not too bad. Most of the prices are reasonable, but they tempt you with the regular menu and a delicious, exotic-sounding cocktail list (retail value: $8 each...eek!). Happy hour runs from 4:30 - 6:30 Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; all night Wednesdays. The bar is small, though, so don't plan on a big group. Nice for good conversation on a cold, rainy Portland day.
*Draft beers are $3 during happy hour, but we went for the Spanish beer Estrella. Wines and sangria are $5/glass.
Let me first say that I'm a huge snob when it comes to food, but even more so when it comes to Spanish food. I've been privileged to not only eat at some fine restaurants in Spain, but also have been treated to months of genuine home cooked Spanish meals by my host mom Luisa, my late uncle Tavi, and a variety of his Spanish friends. So, my standards are high.
While waiting for the other parties to arrive, I ordered the bread/olive oil/olive plate ($2 h.h. price). I believe the bread may have been from Pearl Bakery--not sure about that, though. I know I've had it before. It came slightly toasted (odd) with a more-than-generous amount of olive oil splashed with sherry vinegar. The olives were good, but had a little too much citrus flavor for my tastes. That didn't stop us from devouring the whole plate. I also ordered the fried cod cakes, which were dressed with mojama mayo and chopped romaine, and the papas bravas (should be patatas bravas, we're in Spain after all) that came with a poached egg on top. I've never had patatas bravas with an egg, but it was really good. The yolk mixed nicely with the spicy, sweet, and smoky flavor of the sauce. Nick stayed simple with the fries that came with the most delicious aioli imaginable--same kind of sweet/smoky flavor, but different than the tomato-based patatas bravas. Lauren opted for the fideos with manchego cheese and peas. She thought it was a little salty, but there was quite a bit of cheese on it, so that would explain it. It was a more aged manchego.
I have to say, for the amount of food we got and the fact that the beers we had were $4 each*, it was a good value. The food was good, the service was friendly, and the space is very open and fresh. The three of us got out of there with 6 beers, 5 appetizers, and 1 cocktail for $53. Not too bad. Most of the prices are reasonable, but they tempt you with the regular menu and a delicious, exotic-sounding cocktail list (retail value: $8 each...eek!). Happy hour runs from 4:30 - 6:30 Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; all night Wednesdays. The bar is small, though, so don't plan on a big group. Nice for good conversation on a cold, rainy Portland day.
*Draft beers are $3 during happy hour, but we went for the Spanish beer Estrella. Wines and sangria are $5/glass.
10 May 2009
Happy Mother's Day!
In honor of my amazing mom, Ana, I made a breakfast of french toast casserole, sausage and mushroom frittata, and home fries. She was off at church for her book signing, so we didn't eat until after 1pm, but it was definitely worth it. I failed to take a picture of the casserole (see the Test Kitchen version here). I was doing about 20 things at once, all in my mom's kitchen, not knowing where anything was. Despite those things, everything turned out fabulous. Mom was touched and we all had a great time.
Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there. Thanks for the 364 other days we don't recognize you. You're the best!
Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there. Thanks for the 364 other days we don't recognize you. You're the best!
29 April 2009
Back to bread baking
Since this last weekend may have been the last chilly/free weekend I had for some time, I thought I would finally tackle my goal of my first multigrain bread. I bought the ingredients about 6 weeks ago and haven't gotten around to making it. Bread baking is time consuming, but I manage to find time every other weekend. I think the idea of making the hot cereal and cooling it before I even got started on the actual kneading scared me off a bit. But this Sunday, I had more time than usual since I'm healing a small running injury and would be skipping my 9 mile run. (Hallelujah).
And while I was baking one loaf, why not just throw another one in there? That was my reasoning apparently, because I also made an effort to prepare a lovely parmesan focaccia for
our pasta dinner on Monday. What was I thinking? I spent about 4 hours baking bread on Sunday, along with another hour making dinner. Good thing it was worth it.
Both loaves turned out very well. The multigrain is especially good. It's holding up well in the refrigerator, too, and makes wonderful toast.
And while I was baking one loaf, why not just throw another one in there? That was my reasoning apparently, because I also made an effort to prepare a lovely parmesan focaccia for
our pasta dinner on Monday. What was I thinking? I spent about 4 hours baking bread on Sunday, along with another hour making dinner. Good thing it was worth it.
Both loaves turned out very well. The multigrain is especially good. It's holding up well in the refrigerator, too, and makes wonderful toast.
25 April 2009
Attempting Asian food
Tonight I ventured into the great unknown called Asian cooking. I've made some chicken teriyaki before and not ruined it, along with some other pretty easy shortcut Asian recipes, but I've always been a little scared of Asian cuisine. Number one it requires the cook to use high heat and I have the tendency to shy away from anything involving oil and high heat. Back in my old apartment I used to practically give myself a heart attack anytime the smoke detector went off. I really did. I freaked out--totally unwarranted. After planning out our trip to New Seasons for our weekly grocery shopping, I decided that I would attempt Pad Thai. It's not necessarily the most difficult-sounding dish, but given my anxieties about Asian food overall, it was enough of a challenge.
First, my ingredients. The ingredients for the sauce are pretty simple: vegetable oil, lime juice, fish sauce (yes, I actually had it), and rice vinegar. I had already begun soaking my rice noodles and draining my tofu. I found the recipe in my forgotten Best 30 Minutes Recipes cookbook, by none other than the America's Test Kitchen. I swear I should rename this blog, "Carmel Cooks Everything from America's Test Kitchen." Because I do, but only because (almost) everything turns out perfectly. But I digress. The tofu preparation was very simple. No seasoning, just fried in vegetable oil. If this sounds gross, given the bland flavor of tofu, it was okay since the sauce was so rich. The recipe actually calls for shrimp, but tofu was on sale, so there. Money pretty much always trumps following the recipe in my world.
Twenty minutes later, the noodles were soft enough to get going on the rest of the dish. The recipe says to have all your ingredients prepped before the noodles are ready because everything comes together fast (another reason I shy away from cooking Asian food--my first try with a recipe is rarely fast as I practically memorize the recipe from reading it 30 times while cooking it). They weren't kidding. I threw the garlic and remaining oil together in a pan over medium heat for all of 30 seconds. Then threw the eggs in to scramble, turning the heat up to high, for another 20 seconds. Then it was go time for the noodles--mix those in with the eggs, then throw on the sauce. Now, it's finally at this time that I realize that I bought 14 oz. of noodles when the recipe called for 8. Didn't seem like a big deal when I bought them (who doesn't like a few extra noodles?), but it became a bigger deal when I realized that the noodles were going to be dry with nearly double the amount of noodles in the pan. I threw together a little more oil, lime juice, and fish sauce quickly and threw it in the pan. Then added my bean sprouts, scallions, some of the crushed peanuts, and tofu to mix up until the noodles were fully cooked.
To serve, more peanuts and scallions were added, and I threw on some shredded carrot, for color. Served with a wedge of lime, it turned out to be a quick and delicious dinner. Shawn and I barely talked for the 15 minutes it took to wolf down a whole plate.
I would call my first attempt at Pad Thai a triumph.
First, my ingredients. The ingredients for the sauce are pretty simple: vegetable oil, lime juice, fish sauce (yes, I actually had it), and rice vinegar. I had already begun soaking my rice noodles and draining my tofu. I found the recipe in my forgotten Best 30 Minutes Recipes cookbook, by none other than the America's Test Kitchen. I swear I should rename this blog, "Carmel Cooks Everything from America's Test Kitchen." Because I do, but only because (almost) everything turns out perfectly. But I digress. The tofu preparation was very simple. No seasoning, just fried in vegetable oil. If this sounds gross, given the bland flavor of tofu, it was okay since the sauce was so rich. The recipe actually calls for shrimp, but tofu was on sale, so there. Money pretty much always trumps following the recipe in my world.
Twenty minutes later, the noodles were soft enough to get going on the rest of the dish. The recipe says to have all your ingredients prepped before the noodles are ready because everything comes together fast (another reason I shy away from cooking Asian food--my first try with a recipe is rarely fast as I practically memorize the recipe from reading it 30 times while cooking it). They weren't kidding. I threw the garlic and remaining oil together in a pan over medium heat for all of 30 seconds. Then threw the eggs in to scramble, turning the heat up to high, for another 20 seconds. Then it was go time for the noodles--mix those in with the eggs, then throw on the sauce. Now, it's finally at this time that I realize that I bought 14 oz. of noodles when the recipe called for 8. Didn't seem like a big deal when I bought them (who doesn't like a few extra noodles?), but it became a bigger deal when I realized that the noodles were going to be dry with nearly double the amount of noodles in the pan. I threw together a little more oil, lime juice, and fish sauce quickly and threw it in the pan. Then added my bean sprouts, scallions, some of the crushed peanuts, and tofu to mix up until the noodles were fully cooked.
To serve, more peanuts and scallions were added, and I threw on some shredded carrot, for color. Served with a wedge of lime, it turned out to be a quick and delicious dinner. Shawn and I barely talked for the 15 minutes it took to wolf down a whole plate.
I would call my first attempt at Pad Thai a triumph.
23 April 2009
Thursday night pizza
Tonight I made my first pizza all by myself. Okay, that's not totally true. I've made pizza before, but never with my own crust. Since I'm no longer afraid of yeast (maybe just a little), I decided it was time to stop buying one bag of crust from the store and just make my own. I made it on Tuesday night since I wasn't sure I'd have time last night and I knew I wouldn't have time tonight (Shawn gets hungry early). It wasn't until after I made it that I saw the note, "can be refrigerated up to 16 hours." Oops.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, I'm happy to announce that it can stay in the refrigerator for 48 hours. Ha, take that America's Test Kitchen.
The only downside is that my pizzas, much like my tortillas, are never round. I must be missing that gene. In the past when I've made pizzas, I tend to undercook the crust, basically because I didn't know what I was doing and that you have to preheat the baking stone for 30 minutes before sticking raw dough on it. Makes sense. I also have the tendency to overdo it on the toppings. This time I chose less cheese for an evenly cooked crust. Good decision. The crust turned out crisp everywhere and very chewy and airy in the middle. Success!
Cooking notes: I also made the pizza sauce, which is just garlic cooked in olive oil and then simmered with crushed tomatoes. I bought smoked mozzarella from New Seasons, since it was on sale last week, and a little finely grated parmigiano-reggiano. I skipped the freshly torn basil because we went grocery shopping last weekend and I wasn't sure how long it would last. It also costs $2.99 for a bag, which I wasn't willing to spend. To get some basil flavor, I opted for the crushed tomatoes with basil in my sauce.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, I'm happy to announce that it can stay in the refrigerator for 48 hours. Ha, take that America's Test Kitchen.
The only downside is that my pizzas, much like my tortillas, are never round. I must be missing that gene. In the past when I've made pizzas, I tend to undercook the crust, basically because I didn't know what I was doing and that you have to preheat the baking stone for 30 minutes before sticking raw dough on it. Makes sense. I also have the tendency to overdo it on the toppings. This time I chose less cheese for an evenly cooked crust. Good decision. The crust turned out crisp everywhere and very chewy and airy in the middle. Success!
Cooking notes: I also made the pizza sauce, which is just garlic cooked in olive oil and then simmered with crushed tomatoes. I bought smoked mozzarella from New Seasons, since it was on sale last week, and a little finely grated parmigiano-reggiano. I skipped the freshly torn basil because we went grocery shopping last weekend and I wasn't sure how long it would last. It also costs $2.99 for a bag, which I wasn't willing to spend. To get some basil flavor, I opted for the crushed tomatoes with basil in my sauce.
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