All opinions stated in this post are 100% mine. This week Jim and I went to the Sub-Zero and Wolf Showroom in Atlanta for a tour and cooking demonstration. This trip was our second, and we were equally as impressed as we were the first time. Since our last trip, the showroom has relocated from the suburbs to the Buckhead area of Atlanta which was much more convenient for us. The new space … [Read more...]
Seared Scallops with Pea Pesto
Every summer our family hit the road in our 1965 sky blue Pontiac Catalina for a family vacation. One year our destination was the Great Smoky Mountains with stops in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Fontana Dam. On another trip, we followed my Aunt Sarah and Uncle Vernon and their popup camper to the mountains of North Georgia. Six Flags over Texas highlighted another trip. Perhaps my favorite … [Read more...]
Crab Cake Club Sandwich
I've been an East Coast guy for a good part of my life, but the West Coast has always had a subtle pull for me. Perhaps part of the draw has something to do with my love of the 60s music scene in California. The Bay Area was the epicenter of 60s rock music with the likes of Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, and the Grateful Dead. Down the coast in Los Angeles, the music scene was hot as well. The … [Read more...]
Shallot Dill Salmon with Potato Webs
Do you ever feel like a salmon swimming against the current? The last couple of weeks have felt like that to me. I've been only moderately successful at managing my to-do list as life continues flying by. I'm not complaining, mind you. My life is quite wonderful in most respects, but I have been somewhat remiss in attending to the blog. My day job has been busier than usual, and two out-of-town … [Read more...]
Spring Pasta with Peas, Asparagus, and Sugar Snaps
Fresh green peas scream spring to me. Also known as English or garden peas, these emerald legumes require nothing more than just a little butter and salt to make a delightful side dish. They need very little cooking to bring out their sweet and subtle flavor. Of course you can get frozen peas throughout the year, and they serve many recipes well, but there's nothing like the fresh version right … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja
Our good friend, Felix, is the first-generation child of Cuban immigrants. His parents left everything behind and fled Cuba in the 1950s during the Cuban revolution. Starting with nothing, they built a successful life in Florida and raised four children. A skillful cook, Felix has had a big influence on my love of Cuban food. I've always enjoyed the cuisine of this Caribbean island, but over … [Read more...]
Burrito Bowl with Carnitas
When warm weather hits Atlanta, the natives all head for restaurants with outdoor dining. On a balmy weekend night, it's almost impossible to be seated outside at our favorite haunts. For us, sitting on a patio with great friends, a big pitcher of margaritas, and Mexican food makes for the perfect Saturday night. Last week I made Slow Cooker Carnitas with pork tenderloin. I knew after the first … [Read more...]
Chicken Noodle Soup
Spring has arrived in Atlanta! Buds are popping out everywhere and in the next week or so the trees will burst into that vivid green that I love so much. The ornamental cherry trees are like washes of snow and the redbuds contrast the white with the most spectacular purple. Dogwood and azalea blooms are not far behind. Spring is by far my favorite season. I always feel like I'm coming back to … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Carnitas
Whenever I write a recipe, I always start by doing a little research on the history of the dish and looking at 10 or more recipes. I decided to make carnitas for this post, and after a little digging, I was a little surprised to find the authentic Mexican version is made by slowly braising pork in lard or oil over 3 or 4 hours. Most of the recipes I reviewed were not truly authentic and called … [Read more...]
Fried Chicken Tacos with Collard Slaw & Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Now that's a long title for a taco, right? I love every element of this recipe, so I really wanted to put them all in the title to entice you to take a closer look. Fried chicken is the star of the show, but it's not complete without the collard green slaw, and of course, the chipotle ranch dressing is icing on the cake. I'm calling this recipe Fried Chicken Tacos, but you might quibble with … [Read more...]
Flank Steak with Romesco Sauce
You know how one really cool article of clothing can make an otherwise boring outfit extraordinary? You can put on a plain pair of jeans and a nondescript shirt with a chic jacket, and you're ready for a night on the town. That special hat gives you a look that catches peoples' eye. A sylish belt gives your outfit a real pop. I think sauces do the same thing for food. A sauce can dress up an … [Read more...]
Hong Kong-Style Sea Bass
Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant cities I've ever visited. A couple of years ago, we took an Asian cruise beginning in Singapore and culminating with a 3-day stay in Hong Kong. The bustling metropolis combines East and West in a fascinating way. A shopper's paradise, this city offers fantastic deals on everything from electronics to jewelry to custom made clothes. The topography of this … [Read more...]