Category Archives: Recker-mendation

Apr 02 2013
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Recker-mendation, We Eat Well

Recker-mendation: Joseph Decuis Easter Brunch

Thank God Jon saw a post on Joseph Decuis’ Facebook page on Friday about Easter brunch. We hadn’t made any plans, and it turned what may have been a boring day into an unbelievable culinary experience. Of course, Joseph Decuis offers only unbelievable culinary experiences, but Aaron really outdid himself with the Easter Brunch menu. Our friend JJ came along with us, which gave us the opportunity to try more of the menu items. For $40 per person, we enjoyed a delectable four-course meal.

We all started with a specialty drink. I had the Blood Orange Mimosa ($10) and the boys had the Blood Orange Margarita ($12). Both were delicious…light and full of spring flavors without any added sugar, just the natural sweetness from the blood orange. Our meals began with a little amuse bouche: Spring Pea Soup with smoked bacon, chives, and creme fraiche. I can’t even describe how good it was. All three of us couldn’t stop raving about the smooth texture and complex flavors. The bacon added just the right amount of crunch to contrast against the creamy soup.

Mimosa and soup

Blood Orange Mimosa (L) and Split Pea Soup (R)

There were four appetizers on the menu, so we each ordered a different one to optimize the experience. JJ chose the Creole Seafood Salad with chilled Gulf shrimp, diver scallops, blue crab, hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, and creole remoulade sauce. This was an extremely fresh tasting dish with a generous amount of seafood. I chose the Braised Veal Cheek with creamy polenta, oregon mushrooms, shaved parmesan and white truffle. So much flavor! I love what truffle does to rich dishes like this, propelling it to the next level. The Veal was incredibly tender, melting in my mouth with each bite. And of course, the polenta was outstanding, complementing the tender meat and savory flavor combinations. Jon had the Signature Gumbo Ya-Ya with fried chicken, andouille sausage, rice and scallions. I couldn’t really identify the fried chicken, but the flavors in this dish were intense and wonderful.

Apps

(L-R) Creole Seafood Salad, Braised Veal Cheek, Signature Gumbo Ya-Ya

For the main course, I chose the Spring Lamb Ragout and both Jon and JJ chose the Famous Wagyu Meatloaf. The lamb was slowed cooked with San Marzano tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, papparedelle pasta, and fresh ricotta cheese. It reminded me of beef stroganoff with the savory gravy, but of course 1000 times better. Simply perfection. The lamb was incredibly tender and I loved the salty contrast of the capers and olives and the creamy ricotta. The meatloaf was also packed with flavor and was made with Wagyu beef, Mangalitza pork, local veal, potatoes robochon, grilled asparagus, morel mushrooms, and yellowfoot chanterelles.

Spring Lamb Ragout

Spring Lamb Ragout

Famous Wagyu Meatloaf

Famous Wagyu Meatloaf

And for dessert… every option sounded out of this world, so I am glad there were three of us present so we could try them all. JJ went with Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cake, Jon had the Toasted Almond Mocha Creme Brulee, and I chose the Carrot Walnut Cake. Each were phenomenal in their own way. I loved the density of the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cake with its subtle hints of bourbon. The Creme Brulee was incredibly rich and the dark chocolate ganache tucked at the bottom added an exquisite texture. Perhaps I can’t be objective since I LOOOOVVEE carrot cake, but it was hands-down the best dessert. Not too sweet and garnished with candied walnuts and coconut caramel. Outstanding.

Carrot Walnut Cake and Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cake

Carrot Walnut Cake and Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cake

The entire experience was amazing, as usual. From the staff to the ambiance to the food, everything was absolutely perfect. I think we’ve found our new Easter tradition. And word on the street is they do special menus for Mother’s Day and New Years Eve too. I highly recommend giving it a try. You will not find an experience like this anywhere.

Joseph Decuis on Urbanspoon

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Feb 12 2013
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Asian Inspired, Local Eateries, Recker-mendation, We Eat Well

Recker-mendation: Ma Hnin Asian Restaurant

Variety

Jon mentioned this little restaurant a long time ago and then it fell off our radar for years until tonight. His dad is in town and we wanted to try something new. Ma Hnin is located at South Calhoun and Pontiac in a former gas/service station. The interior isn’t fancy, but it’s comfortable and appropriate for the type of food served. We arrived a little after 7 and had the restaurant to ourselves, which allowed us to bend our server’s ear about her recommendations. The menu is fairly small, with a handful of appetizers, noodle dishes, and thai special dishes, but offers a nice variety.

Samosas $4.50

Samosas $4.50

We started with Samosas, a wonton filled with potatoes, onions, lentils, coriander, and spices, and they were delicious. I loved the thin and crunchy pastry shell. And talk about savory spices! So much yum packed into these little triangles. A word of advice: let them cool. Those suckers are hotter than molten lava when first served.

Koa Pad Kra Prao $6.50

Koa Pad Kra Prao $6.50

Jon chose Koa Pad Kra Prao, which is stir fried basil with choice of meat (he chose pork), served over rice with 2 eggs over easy. He ordered it medium spicy, which was plenty hot for his taste. Be sure to use the peanuts on the table with this dish- they temper the spices nicely and bring out the flavors of the ground pork and fresh basil.

Fried Noodle $6.50

Fried Noodle $6.50

Jon’s dad opted for a two dishes: Rice Noodle and Fried Noodle. Fried Noodle is stir fried noodles with seafood and served Burmese Style (which means SPICY!). We were floored with the amount and variety of seafood included with this dish; shrimp, oysters, and calamari to name a few. It also contained bok choy, red peppers and water chestnuts. It came with a small bowl of broth and a spicy salad. Yummy. I am ordering this the next time we go back. The Rice Noodle is one of the traditional Burmese dishes on the menu and is served in a large bowl in broth. It contains rice noodles, cabbage, fried beans and spices. I had only a bite of this dish, but I can’t wait to go back and order it for myself. It’s like a traditional Thai Soup I’ve had at other places, but with spices I couldn’t identify. A bit sweet, a little salty, but definitely tasty.

Rice Noodle $5.95

Rice Noodle $5.95

I ordered the Yum Talay, a hot and spicy seafood salad mixed with green onion, lime juice, and fish sauce.  It wasn’t quite what I expected, but it was good. It’s a cold dish loaded with shrimp, squid, oysters, and mushrooms. I don’t care for mushrooms, so I picked those out, but the seafood was great. You can’t get that much seafood for the price anywhere in town. The tangy combination of lime juice and fish sauce was just perfect.

Yum Talay $7.50

Yum Talay $7.50

The portion sizes are HUGE, so we were all full when we left and took quite a bit home with us too, but I am really looking forward to our next trip.

Mahnin Asian Restaurant on Urbanspoon

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Feb 06 2013
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Recker-mendation, We Eat Well

Recker-mendation: Sahara, a must-see in Michigan City

Sampler

The stars aligned on Saturday to land us at Sahara in Michigan City. I had to attend a committee meeting in Plymouth in the morning, so I hitched a ride, Jon picked me up a few hours later, and we headed towards Chicago for his mother’s birthday. We had a few hours to kill, though, so we made a pit stop in Michigan City to enjoy some outlet mall shopping and lunch. My friend Mike told me we had to stop at Sahara. I’m so glad we rode together to Plymouth that morning or I never would have known about this hidden gem.

The day was blustery and snowy, so the warm colors and cozy setting was a welcome reprieve inside Sahara. Several tables lined the walls offering modern chairs on one side and bench seating on the other, full of colorful and comfy pillows. The space is brightly lit by a large garage door near the front of the building. Word on the street is they open it during the summer months to provide an open-air dining experience. We will have to go back for that!

Sahara is a family-owned Lebanese restaurant that has been in business for 7 years. During our visit, we met the owner, Moe, who stopped by to chat with us about the food and our experience. Our waitress was extremely helpful and offered suggestions for our meal. She made us feel right at home. Five stars for service, for sure!

First, I highly recommend the Orange Blossom Lemonade. Because the orange blossom is so fragrant, you first smell it, then taste it, so it feels like the flavor is spreading across your face. I know that sounds crazy- but it’s a very pleasing experience and I couldn’t get enough. The best part? FREE refills. I was savoring mine at first, but our waitress kept coming to fill it up.

So, what did we eat? It was a difficult decision. Sahara offers a Mezza Style Entree for $20 per person, featuring 4 cold and 4 hot Mezzas, served tapas style. If we had had more time, we would’ve gone this route. It’s definitely tempting enough for a return trip soon. Instead, we chose a few dishes to sample and share. You know how we love to share food!

Jerusalem Salad

Jerusalem Salad

Before our meal arrive, our waitress served a Jerusalem salad and a basket of freshly made pita. The salad, made with lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a tahini dressing, was a refreshing way to start our meal. I scooped some onto a pita and enjoyed it that way.

Hummus

Hummus – $4

We started with house-made hummus, which our waitress described as “the best in the world.” She may be right. They serve two kinds- original and red pepper. We opted for original and were not disappointed. Flavorful and creamy, the hummus was served with whole chickpeas and paprika, and we ate it on EVERYTHING!

Sahara Dates

Sahara’s Famous Dates- $6

A few bites into the hummus, our waitress emerged with Sahara’s Famous Dates, stuffed with feta and drizzled with pomegranate sauce. I cannot even describe how wonderful these are. I’d consider making the drive just for these. Simple, yet so good. The texture of the gooey date, combined with the savory feta and sweet pomegranate, makes for a flavor-intense treat. Jon kept licking his lips to capture all of the flavor. So, so good… like bite-sized cheesecakes.

Dawali

Warak Dawali- $7

Next up, we tried Warak Dawali, hand-rolled grape leaves with beef and spices, served with house-made greek yogurt. YUM! I love Dawali, but I have never had it like this. Usually it’s a tad oily, or at least the ones I’ve had are, but these were light, fresh, tangy, and simply delicious, and hand rolled by the owner’s mother that day. Talk about fresh.

Lebanese Pie

Lebanese Spinach Pie- $3

We rounded out our lunch with Lebanese Spinach Pie, listed as a side dish on the menu. It’s a soft pastry filled with spinach, onion, lemon, and sumac. We absolutely loved the prevalent taste of sumac, a deep-red or purple powder that adds an intense lemony flavor. This was a nice complement to our other selections.

Baklawa

Lebanese Baklava $3 and Moroccan Cookie $3

At the end of our lunch, our waitress convinced us to try some baklava and she surprised us with a complimentary Moroccan cookie, a pastry stuffed with walnuts and pecans. Both desserts were extremely good. Not too sticky. Not too sweet. Just right!

If you are within 100 miles of Sahara, I recommend going out of your way to try it. I can’t wait to go back! I sure wish they were just down the street. I’d eat there everyday.

Sahara Restaurant on Urbanspoon

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Jan 30 2013
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Local Eateries, Recker-mendation, We Eat Well

Recker-mendation: Pad Thai, a New ’05 Restaurant

We were so excited when Los Portales opened in our neighborhood. It was a family-owned Mexican restaurant that made its own tortillas and served kick-ass Horchatas. Sadly, it closed a few months ago. We were wrong about its staying power. Luckily, the space didn’t stay empty for long, and last weekend, we tried the restaurant that opened in the same space: Pad Thai, coined as fine Thai and Burmese cuisine.

The menu isn’t extensive, but it does offer a variety of traditional Thai dishes, including the ever-popular Pad Thai. The best part? The menu contains pictures of most of the dishes, so I chose the dish that looked the best: Thai Beef Noodle Soup ($6.95). Jon opted for Pad Thai with tofu ($7.95), and Jon’s dad had Pad Si-eew ($6.95).

Thai Beef Noodle

The Thai Beef Noodle Soup was fabulous; full of thinly sliced beef, rice noodles, cilantro, scallions, and bok choy. The broth was extremely flavorful, with a hint of cinnamon, giving it a heated, sweet taste. The dish also contained fish balls, which I did not care for, but they were easy enough to eat around. I can’t wait to go back and have this again! It will certainly be in regular rotation.

Pad Si-eew

Jon’s Pad Thai measured up to classic Pad Thai dishes we’ve had at other Thai places. He especially enjoyed the “extras” available at the table- peanuts, pickled jalapeños and red chili, enabling him to make his dish as spicy and he likes. Jon’s dad’s Pad Si-eew, made with  stir-fried ribbon noodles, bok choy and beef, was good as well. He added peanuts and red chili to ramp up the flavor.

Pad Thai

Give it a try! We want good places like this to survive in our neighborhood.

Jan 16 2013
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Local Eateries, Recker-mendation, We Eat Well

Recker-mendation: Joseph Decuis

It had been years since we visited Joseph Decuis in Roanoke, so for Jon’s birthday in September, I made reservations and arranged for a tour of the Joseph Decuis Farm. If you’ve never been to the farm, you need to check it out. Joseph Decuis is the only farm to fork restaurant in Northeast Indiana, and it is incredible to see the meticulously designed and cared for gardens and the immaculate stables that house the Wagyu cattle. Aaron Butts, executive chef, showed us around, introduced us to the goats, and talked to us about designing the menu around what’s in season in the garden. It really is an unparalleled operation. The farm is open for tours on some weekends. Check the website for more information.

Joseph Decuis Farm

After touring the farm, Jon and I headed to the restaurant to enjoy a special birthday dinner. We were lucky enough to score the best seat in the house, right in front of the large picture window overlooking picturesque downtown Roanoke. There was a wedding in the rest of the restaurant, which allowed us an opportunity to watch the kitchen staff prepare dinner for 50 guests. The kitchen is located smack dab in the middle of the front dining room, partitioned only by counters and half walls, providing an optimum view for guests. For those who love the culinary arts like us, this is a real treat. The timing of food preparation and watching the well orchestrated kitchen staff was a unique experience.

Roasted Baby Beet Salad

Roasted Baby Beet Salad ($10)

Jon and I believe food should be shared, so we ordered an assortment of dishes to enjoy together, starting with the Roasted Baby Beet Salad ($10) made with local honey, rosemary, pistachio nuts and shaved manchego cheese. We are fans of beets, but this salad takes them to the next level- it’s a savory sweet treat and was the perfect start to our meal.

Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie Board ($18)

Next, we sampled the Charcuterie Board ($18), a selection of premium house cured meats. This was a fun experience. The house cured meats are served with stone ground mustard, fruit, and an assortment of pickled vegetables and greens, providing a salty sweet experience. I had the chance to try headcheese for the first time and liked it. Though it gets a bad rap, when done well, it is considered a delicacy. Head cheese is not a cheese, but a terrine made with flesh from the head of a calf or pig. I know it doesn’t sound good, but if you have a chance to try it at Joseph Decuis, I recommend it. All of the meats are prepared and cured in the restaurant, guaranteeing their quality and freshness.

Heirloom Tomato Vernale Salad

Heirloom Tomato Vernale Salad ($11)

We chose the Heirloom Tomato Vernale Salad ($11) for our salad course. It’s a seasonal dish made with buffalo mozzarella, fried eggplant, shaved fennel, basil oil, tomato oil, aged balsamic vinegar. The tomatoes were fresh and juicy and paired well with the crunchy fried eggplant. The shaved fennel, oils and vinegar combined for a pleasingly savory taste. Overall, this was a light and refreshing way to transition to our main courses.

Pan Seared Red Snapper

Pan Seared Red Snapper ($36)

For our first main dish, we selected the Pan Seared Red Snapper ($36) with charred eggplant puree, grilled focaccia, homemade chorizo, blistered tomatoes, cipollini onions, and garden squash. Typically known for its delicate flavor and firm texture, the Snapper paired well with the creamy eggplant puree and the spicy homemade chorizo.

Wagyu

Wagyu Rib Eye ($65)

Jon and I were most excited to try the famous Wagyu beef, raised on the Jopseph Decuis farm. To learn more about it, check out the website. We ordered the Wagyu Rib Eye (F2 75%) medium rare, and the best way to describe it is: melt-in-your-mouth buttery goodness. The meat is leaner than a prime steak, and we savored each bite. It was served with creamy mashed potatoes and a subtle corn salsa.  Absolutely delectable. Though the price will deter us from having this on a regular basis, I recommend you give it a try at least once. It was an incredible experience.

Thank you Aaron and the staff of Joseph Decuis for making Jon’s birthday dinner one we will never forget!

Joseph Decuis on Urbanspoon

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Dec 31 2012
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Adventures in Baking, Asian Inspired, Ice Cream, Local Eateries, Recker-mendation, We Eat Well, We Live Well

The Best of 2012, a series of top five lists

2012 was another good food year for us in the Ginger Kitchen. Though we didn’t cook as much as we usually do because of hectic schedules, we still managed to create some winners.

Here are some stats from our year of blogging:

  • We blogged 77 times and had 16,000 views.
  • Facebook remains our top referrer, with Twitter and Pinterest coming in second and third respectively.
  • Folks from 107 countries visited our site.
  • Our top commenters were Sara, Andy, and Wendy.
  • The busiest day of the year was December 28, with 437 views.

Thanks for a great year. To ring in the New Year, here are our top five dishes, followed by our top five desserts, and top five Recker-mendations.

Top 5 Dishes

1- Sweet Potato Dijon Veggie Burgers with Avocado

Spotted first on Pinterest, this “burger” was a real crowd pleaser and we’ve made it several times since. Beef tends to sit like a rock in my stomach, so this lighter alternative was a welcome addition to our line up this year.

sweet-potato-burger

2- Salmon Bulgogi with Bok Choy and Kale

Every once in awhile, I throw together a simply scrumptious dish. I count this Salmon dish as one of my great successes in the kitchen this year. I especially love when a dish incorporates fresh veggies and herbs from our garden. This one uses chives and bok choy from out back.

salmon

3- Gouda Bacon Burger with Avocado

Jon whipped up this one from his own imagination while grocery shopping and it had fallen off my radar until now. I think I need to ask him to make this again soon! The combination of tangy dressing, crunchy onions and smooth avocado is simply heavenly.

gouda-bacon-burger

4- Thai Shrimp Curry

We tend to prepare many Asian inspired dishes, but this one is my favorite from this year. Packed with spices, this dish leaves nothing to be desired. It’s simply perfect in my book.

thai-shrimp-3-19-12

5- Creamed Chicken with Corn and Bacon over Polenta

Last but certainly not least, this comfort dish wowed me when Jon made it. Though it’s a bit labor intensive, it’s worth it in my opinion. The tender chicken and creamy polenta, coupled with the savory spices and bacon, give it an A+ rating.

polenta-3-18-12

Top 5 Desserts

1- Buttermilk Chocolate Cookies

My love/hate relationship with Jon’s baking continued this year. These were definitely hard to resist- soft, chewy, chocolatey… so, so, good.

brownie-cookies

2- Maple Ice Cream with Walnuts & Raisins

This is one of many ice creams we made this year as we experimented with different flavors. This is one of my faves. The sweet, creamy base is delicious, and the toasted walnuts and raisins complement it well.

maple-walnut-ice-cream1

3- Red Velvet Cake Truffles

I’ve long been fascinated by the rise in popularity of  cake pops and cake balls (I hate this name- that’s why I call them truffles). I assumed they’d be too difficult to make, but I tried my hand at them and absolutely love making them. They aren’t as difficult as they look and the result is always pleasing. I shared these with a handful of folks and received rave reviews.

red velvet cake truffles

4- Oatmeal Scotchies with Coconut and Orange

Jon took oatmeal scotchies to a new level when he added orange and coconut. You must try these. Really. You won’t regret it.

oatmeal scotchies

5- Cinnamon Raisin Stuffed Baked Apples

It’s amazing how simple some dishes can be. This one is no exception and the result is mouthwatering. Add this to your list of dishes to impress dinner guests.

baked apples

Top 5 Recker-mendations

1- Banh Mi Barista

2012 will be a memorable year if for no other reason than Banh Mi Barista opened. At first bite, I knew it would become a favorite, and not a week has gone by since that I haven’t stopped in. If you haven’t tried it yet, I encourage you to do so immediately. They are continually expanding their menu and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2013.

Banh Mi Barista viet-special

2- Dig IN- A Taste of Indiana (Recap)

Easily one of my favorite culinary experiences this year, Dig IN was so much fun. I was chosen to be a Gastronaut and gained early entrance into the event. Though it was hot and grew increasingly crowded as the day wore on, we managed to try most of the dishes we had our eye on. I can’t wait to do it again in 2013.

8-duck-pie

3- Cerulean

Because Cerulean is located at Winona Lake, we don’t get to enjoy it nearly enough. I am glad Jon and I made a trip there this summer. The place offers such a unique dining experience- the perfect place to spend an afternoon, sharing food and enjoying the company of friends.

cerulean

4- Friday Nights at Old Crown

Old Crown continued their Friday night dinners and we’ve gone several times. It’s definitely the best $15 meal you will find in town- and the menu changes every week, which is exciting. You never know what will be served, but there’s always something impressive and delicious. If you plan to go, call ahead for reservations- the place fills up quickly.

old crown halibut

5- Eddie Merlot’s- Dinner Menu and Lounge Menu

We enjoyed our experiences at Eddie’s so much, we blogged about it twice, featuring the Lounge Menu and the Dinner Menu. If you haven’t been to Eddie’s in awhile, we recommend you try it soon. If you think it’s a little too rich for your blood, check out the Lounge menu. It’s affordable and loaded with good food.

Eddie's Elk

Heading into 2013, our focus will turn towards our fledgling gourmet ice cream business and you’ll soon see more posts about that. The format for the blog will likely change as well. Stay tuned, and thanks for all of your support this year. Happy New Year foodies. Thanks so much for being a part of our year.

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Dec 26 2012
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Recker-mendation

Recker-mendation: Eddie Merlot’s

Because we had such a great experience with the Eddie Merlot’s Lounge Menu a few weeks ago, Jon and I decided to enjoy an early Christmas dinner there last weekend. From the moment we walked in, to the moment we left, we were blown away by the personable and friendly service. A kind gentleman opened the door and welcomed us to the restaurant. The hostess greeted us by name. Our waiter, Mark, was energetic and knowledgeable about the menu, offering suggestions and treating us like royalty. The floor manager, Theresa, came by several times to check in on us. And of course, our friend Matt, the executive chef, visited us throughout the night, offering his recommendations and providing fascinating information about steaks and truffles.

We were treated first to amuse-bouche; Theresa brought us two small servings of the truffled potato leek soup. We were impressed with the balance of the soup- not too much truffle oil, but just enough to give it that rich, full flavor. We also enjoyed the small sample size, as a larger portion would have been too much considering our plans for the meal.

Top: Truffled Potato Leek Soup, Ahi Tuna TacosBottom: Romaine Waldorf, Chopped Salad

Top: Truffled Potato Leek Soup, Ahi Tuna Tacos
Bottom: Romaine Waldorf, Chopped Salad

As an appetizer, we ordered the Ahi Tuna Wontons ($14), made with raw tuna, Asian flavors and wonton chips. Little did we know that Matt had a surprise in store for us. He ramped up the dish by preparing wonton Ahi tacos, loaded with raw tuna, avocado, sesame oil and wasabi. Oh my yum! Preparing them as tacos made them easy to eat and the flavor combinations were simply perfect. I am not sure if Matt would prepare these this way on request, but it’s definitely worth a try.

Next, we each ordered a salad to try.  I had the Romaine Waldorf ($7) made with Granny Smith apples, red grapes, Gorgonzola cheese, candied pecans, and maple apple cider vinaigrette. The presentation of this salad was outstanding: 3 romaine bunches, arranged on the plate and topped with the fruit and nuts. The maple apple cider vinaigrette was the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, allowing for an enjoyable experience without too much lip puckering, which happens often when restaurants use too much vinegar in their dressing. Jon opted for the Chopped Salad ($8), made with crisp lettuce, Gruyere cheese, red onion, celery, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, crispy prosciutto, seasoned almonds, and creamy herb dressing. My favorite part about this salad is the dish in which it’s served. Sounds silly, I know, but it’s an angled bowl that tilts towards the diner, allowing for an effortless salad eating experience. Sometimes it’s the little things that push a dining experience over the edge. The salad itself is good- while perhaps it’s nothing to write home about, it’s a classic chopped salad and is done well.

New Orleans Grill

New Orleans Grill- Filet Mignon, Shrimp and Andouille Sausage

For the main course, we chose the New Orleans Mixed Grill ($30) from the Chef’s Creations menu. This dish contains Filet Mignon, grilled shrimp, Andouille sausage, and roasted garlic mashed potatoes. We requested our Filet be prepared Pittsburgh- heated to a very high temperature very quickly, so it is charred on the outside but still rare or raw on the inside. We don’t trust most restaurants with this temperature, but Eddie’s nailed it. The intense char flavor on the outside, combined with the tender raw meat on the inside is delectable. Throw in several large shrimp and a couple Andouille sausages with the cajun-inspired flavors and this dish is a definite winner in our book.

A featured item on Eddie's seasonal menu: Elk, served with truffled mashed potatoes and mushrooms

A featured item on Eddie’s seasonal menu: Elk, served with truffled mashed potatoes and mushrooms

The real reason for our visit, besides celebrating Christmas and enjoying a nice evening together, was to sample an item from the seasonal menu: Elk ($39). Last time we were in, Matt encouraged us to give it a try, explaining that the meat has little fat in it, creating a denser, meatier flavor. He recommended that we order it medium rare. He was right and I loved it. Jon preferred the filet, but enjoyed the elk, as well. Served atop truffled mashed potatoes and mushrooms, the Elk provided a mild, but pleasing culinary experience. It will appear on the menu for only a few more days, so if you are interested, I encourage you to get in there to try it. It’s worth it!

Matt Nolot wows us with his Flaming Chambord Brownie

Matt Nolot wows us with his Flaming Vanilla Cognac Brownie

After all of that, we were stuffed, but Mark managed to talk us into dessert when he mentioned the Flaming Vanilla Cognac Brownie ($18), topped with ice cream, raspberries and candied pecans. The best part? Matt brought the dessert out himself and set it afire. And even though I was extremely full, I managed to enjoy a few bites. This is the kind of dessert that could make you pass out because it’s so good. The brownie is extremely gooey (the secret ingredient is mayonnaise  which sounds gross, but totally takes brownie to a new level), and is drowning in hot fudge. If you visit, make sure you save room. It’s worth it.

Flaming Chambord Brownie with raspberries and candied pecans

Flaming Vanilla Cognac Brownie with raspberries and candied pecans

View the full menu on Eddie Merlot’s website.
Eddie Merlot's on Urbanspoon

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Dec 14 2012
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Recker-mendation, We Eat Well

Recker-mendation: Eddie Merlot’s Lounge Menu

It had been years… maybe close to 9… since we had eaten at Eddie Merlot’s. It’s not that we didn’t like it; we simply can’t afford to spend that kind of money when we go out. Enter Twitter. Executive Chef Matt Nolot and I started interacting, and a few weeks ago he invited Jon and me to judge his staff’s chili cook off. What a great experience! We sampled over 16 chili concoctions and had the honor of selecting winners in three categories: spiciest, most unique, and best traditional. Honestly, all of them rocked. So many interesting combinations, including duck lentil chili, which was my favorite. But the best part? We got to hang out in the kitchen with Matt and his staff, watching the hustle and bustle of a truly busy kitchen on a fully booked Saturday night.

Eddie's Chili

After our judging duties were over, we joined our friend JJ at the bar for a cocktail or two. That’s when we discovered the Eddie’s Lounge Menu and returned the following weekend to give it a try. Because price has been an issue for us, we were pleasantly surprised to find $7 to $14 price points. We had a hard time deciding what to order. Here’s a glimpse of the menu.

Eddie's Burgers

Top (L-R): Napa Valley, Devil in Blue Jeans
Bottom: Eddie’s Strip Burger

Eventually, the three of us decided to order three different Gourmet Prime Burgers and an order of Parmesan Truffle fries ($4) to share. While the menu does offer a build-your-own-burger option, we opted for three pre-assembled on the menu.   JJ ordered the Devil in Blue Jeans ($13), served with charred jalapeno pesto, barbecue sauce, smoked Gouda, and onion straws. Jon opted for the Napa Valley ($13), served with red onion jam, Tomato Basil relish and Boursin. I chose the Eddie’s Strip Burger ($14), served with shaved prime New York strip, grilled onions, Peppadew peppers, and Gruyere.

Eddie's drinks and fries

Top: Parmesan Truffle Fries
Bottom: St. Germain and Vodka Martini, Todd’s famous Manhattan

All were ordered medium rare and all were wonderful in their own right. The Strip Burger was a little bit dry, but I loved the tangy Peppadew peppers combined with salty grilled onions. Both the Napa Valley and Devil in Blue Jeans burgers were fabulous—tender, juicy prime meat; it melted in our mouths. The Napa Valley featured an interesting combination of salty and sweet flavors, with the red onion jam and tomato basil relish. The Devil in Blue Jeans won all of our hearts and was deemed the best choice. The charred jalapeno pesto packed just the right amount of heat and was tempered by the smoked Gouda, giving it a very rich, full flavor.

And the Parmesan Truffle fries. Whoa. I’ve never had them before, anywhere, and can’t stop thinking about them. Totally addicting. We all noticed the strange pre-taste phenomenon that occurred—you can taste the truffle oil before it even hits your tongue, offering an extremely pleasing culinary experience.

I can’t wait to go back and try some of the other Lounge Menu items like the Barbacoa Beef Tacos ($7.50) and the Chicken, Mushroom, Gouda Flatbread ($8.50).

Kudos Eddies! We will be back.

Eddie Merlot's on Urbanspoon

Dec 03 2012
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Recker-mendation, We Eat Well

Recker-mendation: Caliente

I’ve been meaning to visit Caliente. It’s in my neighborhood after all, but somehow I haven’t had the chance until a fluke lunch with friends on Friday. Thank you Mike, Wendy, Lettie, Heather, Heather, and Paul for allowing me to tag along.

What a treat to share food with friends. The seven of us ordered a bunch of sandwiches and sides and shared them all, passing trays and bowls and plates around the table. I admit, I wasn’t prepared to be as impressed with the food as I was. Sure, people have been raving about it, but truth be told, I am not particularly fond of sandwiches. But these, just wow. I especially enjoyed the bread- toasted just right; the perfect combination of crunchy and soft. The salty plantains were exceptional and the tamales rank right up there, as well. The service was impressive too. We were a large group, and it’s a small place, but they moved tables and chairs around in order to accommodate us.

Top: Ropa Viejo; Middle (L-R) The Cuban, Wey; Bottom (L-R) Salty Plantains, Tamales

Top: Ropa Viejo; Middle (L-R) The Cuban, Wey; Bottom (L-R) Salty Plantains, Tamales

I liked all three sandwiches I tried: the Cuban, Wey, and Ropa Vieja. All were packed with interesting flavor combinations and are available in whole or half orders. We ordered halves and they were huge, making prices more than fair- an entire meal costs between $7 and 8. The Cuban is made with pork, pickle, onion, mustard, provolone cheese, and jalapeños; a satisfying combination of savory, salty, spicy, and tangy. The Wey is extremely unique, made with roasted pork, ham, and cheese, with your choice of jalapenos, pickles, mustard, mayo, onions, chipotle salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and refried beans. Though it’s a tad messy to eat, I loved the complex texture combinations: tender pork and ham, and creamy guacamole, sour cream, and beans. My favorite is the Ropa Viejo, a beef sandwich with pickle, onion, mustard, provolone cheese, lettuce and jalapeños. The meat was extremely tender and flavorful.

I highly recommend stopping in to try Caliente. It’s a culinary gem tucked in the heart of the ’05 neighborhood.

Caliente on Urbanspoon

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Nov 13 2012
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Recker-mendation, Vegetarian, We Eat Well, We Live Well

Recker-mendation: Loving Cafe

Top: Heavenly Meal
Middle: Raw Taco and Summer Lemon
Bottom: Teriyaki Tofu and Salad Noodle

I wrote a recommendation for Loving Cafe in June 2011, but it deserves another now that I’ve tried more dishes. Last week, Alec, Reneta, Jen, Joe and I met for lunch and all vowed to try something we had never had before. I love those types of challenges. It gets me out of my comfort zone.

Based on a recommendation from Reneta and Jen, I opted for Heavenly Meal, served with gingered soy nuggets, bell peppers, broccoli, pineapple, salad, and brown rice. Though I didn’t like it as much as my stand by, Salad Noodle, it was nice to try something different. The gingered soy nuggets were packed with flavor and I liked the savory sweet combination of the veggies with the pineapple.

Reneta chose Teriyaki Tofu, served with bell peppers, pineapple, asparagus, organic onion, and brown rice. And while she enjoyed it, it doesn’t top some of her other favorites. She also had golden soup, which she would not recommend. She likened it to baby food and did not care for the texture.

Jen had the Summer Lemon, served with lemoned soy protein, bell peppers, broccoli, pineapple, organic lemon, organic onion and brown rice. Her thoughts: “It is delish, but doesn’t top my favorite, Heavenly Meal.”

Joe took my suggestion and chose Salad Noodle, served with rice noodle, bell peppers, soy protein strips, organic onion, bell peppers, coconut milk, apple, broccoli, vegetable seasoning, and organic spring mix. He absolutely loved it. In fact, the following day, he tweeted about wanting to go back for more. I feel the same way about this dish. It’s absolutely my favorite.

Alec tried something off the new raw menu, the Raw Taco, served with avocado, walnut, cashews, sun-dried tomatoes, romaine heart, organic lemon, cucumber, cayenne pepper, sea salt, cucumber sauce, and raw kale crackers. Though the portion was small and not very filling, he says it’s very tasty and would recommend it. He also had a bowl of bean soup.

The best part about our lunch? Loving Cafe offers 20% off on Mondays. You should try it today!

Loving Cafe on Urbanspoon

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