15 January 2010
I cannot believe we missed our 9.00 am flight back to Houston on Christmas Eve. Still in the holiday mood, I figured our loss was someone else’s gain. The next 3 flights were oversold so we got confirmed on the 6.30 p.m. flight back to Houston. The past week in Orlando was great – 3 [...]
24 November 2009
I decided to try my hand at Brennan’s Cashew Carrot torte, which is described as a grown-up carrot cake. In my Brennan’s cookbook I found the ingredients to be fairly accurate, however the book has been short on instructions and technique. Reading through the cake recipe I realized that if you have not made a cake [...]
Posted in Desserts3 Comments
09 November 2009
We were looking for a fun and tasty Saturday baking adventure for our 3 year old. It had to be something quick since snack time was upon us. Muffins are easy and force you to be quick since once the dry ingredients are wet you need to get everything in the oven within 30 minutes. [...]
Posted in Breads and Pizza, Desserts, Featured4 Comments
31 October 2009
We’ve been waiting for the opening of the Houston outpost of the California restaurant, Straits, for a while so we were exited to be going there. It’s located at the bottom of a hotel in front of a grassy courtyard, so good location and nice frontage. The restaurant has a nice concept. It is part lounge, [...]
Posted in Featured, Houston, TX0 Comments
23 October 2009
It really is true what they say – there are as many adobo recipes as there are people who make it. I decided I would write down my recipe which I consider to be a very good version of a Filipino adobo. I like my adobo chicken crispy but not with too much oil. My [...]
Posted in Featured, Filipino, Main Courses, Recipes2 Comments
13 October 2009
Drat. The restaurant we were looking for in the guidebook was no longer in business. After making a 3rd turn around the corner we had to think quickly before our 3 year old would have had enough. We decided to head down Broadway, just south of the downtown where there is a diverse selection of [...]
Posted in Featured, Vancouver0 Comments
06 October 2009
This is dedicated to Rio’s win of the 2016 games. Caipirinha is Brazil’s national drink; it is usually made using limes, which are somewhat sour. I was looking to do something a little different with the fruit from my calamasi trees this weekend. So calamansi is the perfect citrus fruit to give this traditional [...]
01 October 2009
Located in Yaletown in Vancouver, BC, the cool modern interior is fronted by a large awning covered patio where you can dine al fresco – which is usually fine in Vancouver’s great weather. Opt for the outdoor seating if you are visiting from out of town. The restaurant features yakitoris of various types. They have kobe [...]
Posted in Vancouver0 Comments
24 September 2009
I think I’ve picked the last longans (or longons) of the season here – well at least my plant does not have anymore to give. I was very happy that it survived the winter last year, so I can now look forward to an even bigger harvest next year. Now what to do with longans? [...]
Posted in Drinks2 Comments
20 September 2009
I had noticed the Beard Papa’s in San Francisco on a recent trip, but with a hungry 3 year old at 7pm it’s no time to stop for cream puffs. So when when were in Vancouver a few weeks ago I thought the store sign looked familiar. Since our daughter was sleep in the car [...]
Posted in Vancouver0 Comments
15 September 2009
I’ve just eaten the best hotdog ever – at Japadog in Vancouver, B.C. I ordered a Terimayo (all beef hotdog with teriyaki sauce, nori seaweed, Japanese mayonnaise, and fried onions and a Okonomi (kurobuta pork sausage, fried cabbage, bonito flakes and a special sauce, which is similar to tonkatsu sauce but lighter and with less [...]
02 September 2009
Growing up, Sundays were reserved for homey meals – soul food, comfort food, family food. I like to the continue this tradition with my wife and kid. So every Sunday I try to make something a little extra special. Sundays are my day to use [uhmmm..] butter, oil or coconut milk. It’s my day not [...]
Posted in Featured, Main Courses1 Comment
20 August 2009
Familiar way of eating a lunch – from a brown bag, just like in elementary school. This and fresh baked sandwich breads are the allure of my favorite sandwich shop in Houston. Ordering is simple. You pick up a clipboard which has a menu and pencil attached for your convenience. The menu is literally a [...]
Posted in Houston, TX0 Comments
19 August 2009
In Kyoto’s Gion district, near Shimbashi street on the there is a red bridge which is a well known spot for catching a glimpse of a passing Maiko and for seeing photographers taking pictures of both Maikos, models, and those trying to look like models. Directly across from the bridge you will find one of [...]
Posted in Japan, Restaurant Reviews2 Comments
12 August 2009
This is my version of a beautiful brunch salad that we prepared in a cooking class. It’s hearty enough to be served as a meal. What I really like about it is that it gives you so many wonderful flavours and textures while still be very well balanced salad. Sourness from the cherries, savoury peppery [...]
Posted in Featured, Salads, Vegetarian/Vegan3 Comments
04 August 2009
La Brocante is a small french restaurant located on Houston ’s west side in the Royal Oaks area. The inside has an early 20th century Frech look which is surprising since it is located in a small strip mall – which is very common in Houston . The restaurant is run by well known local [...]
Posted in Texas0 Comments
30 July 2009
Red Snapper is one of the most prized native fish to the Texas Gulf Coast region. It can be prepared in just about anyway. It’s my preferred fish for frying, baking, or broiling. I purchase the whole fish, then use the head to make a stock. The stock is later used for sauces or soups. [...]
Posted in Recipes, Seafood, Thai5 Comments
20 July 2009
Ok, so if you live in Houston, please don’t tell my mama that I made backed macaroni and cheese without using yellow cheese. We Southerners love our mac ‘n cheese. So much that you will find it on the menu of many high-end restaurants – of course it will be made using truffles, aged Gouda [...]
Posted in New American, Pasta, Recipes0 Comments
06 July 2009
Flat bread preparations can be as versatile as pizzas. Feel free to experiment with your own flavour profiles to come up with your own favourite. 2 chicken breasts brined (recipe below) 6 tbsp olive oil 4 home made or store bought flat bread, approximately 10″ long. 1 cup no salt tomato sauce 1/2 cup diced red onions 1 cup thinly [...]
Posted in Breads and Pizza0 Comments
28 June 2009
I talk with a lot people who are unsure what to do with ground bison aka buffalo. Ground bison is well known as being a leaner and often an organic substitute for regular ground beef. Beyond this, bison does have a distinct taste that is different than it’s beef counterpart; it just needs to be [...]
Posted in New American, Pasta0 Comments
18 June 2009
I recently came across a recipe tucked in the back of Cooks Country magazine for chocolate zucchini cake. We adapted a little to make muffins. We prefer all our desserts less sweet so that they can be served with tea, coffee, and to a 3 year old.
Posted in Bakery, Chocolate, Recipes2 Comments
15 June 2009
I make a yearly visit to San Francisco and the Bay area. Before our daughter was born I would would fly out there 3-4 times per year. The area is so special to me that I chose to propose to my wife at one my favourite parks in Mountain View. On a recent visit we [...]
Posted in California, Restaurant Reviews0 Comments
10 June 2009
We were meeting up with a friend on a recent visit to San Francisco. Since it was late she offered to take us to B*uppo’s for a quick bite; I know her to be a foodie and I think she saw the look on our face. The plan quickly changed and we headed up the [...]
Posted in California0 Comments
28 May 2009
The appetizers at Wine Spectator are more inviting the entrées - the entrées were bistro fare - good but not outstanding. We ordered 1 entree (the ricotta stuffed whole wheat raviolis) and 3 appetizers. The soft-shell crab BLT, the artichoke salad made of olive oil poached artichokes, watercress, walnut bagna cauda, and lemony aioli, and their season offering Today's Temptations, which that day was different bites of Mediterranean influenced amuse-bouches.
Posted in California, Restaurant Reviews0 Comments
15 May 2009
Beginning around March of every year watermelon is sold in every grocery store in Texas. These days you can find watermelon year round, thanks to Mexico, however it’s at it’s most flavorful from May to August. Late season watermelons (September and October) are generally less red and less flavourful. During the summer I will eat [...]
Posted in Featured0 Comments
11 May 2009
Thien Ahn is one of Houston’s best Vietnamese restaurants. I frequented this eatery often , since it was delicious, a great value, and only a trolley ride away from my office. How times have changed. The shuttle is no more and Thien Ahn has moved a few blocks away. It was once located in the spot [...]
Posted in Recipes, Vietnamese0 Comments
03 May 2009
Standouts on the menu include their Soft-Shell Crab Kara Agge - we had 4 whole crabs for $7.00.; rice dishes, and various chirashi. Zushi also allows you to customize your sushi order; from having it fried, torched, or rice-less if wanted.
Posted in Restaurant Reviews, Texas0 Comments
27 April 2009
There's not a person in the south who hasn't had pecan pie. Pecan pie is an integral part of the culture of southern US and Texas . Pecan pies are made throughout in the south. They are especially made and served at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Growing up, everyone knew my mother for her pecan pies, as well as for her cakes.
19 April 2009
Over the past few years the number of cupcake shops has grown greatly as Americans seek smaller, higher quality snacks and desserts. I’ve been debating with myself and others about whether this was a fad or something here to stay. I fall on the side of here to stay, but going the way of the [...]
Posted in Restaurant Reviews, Texas0 Comments
09 April 2009
While visiting Tokyo and Kyoto I made every attempt possible to only eat Japanese food. After a week or so this can become a daunting task. I was very happy to find “Japanese spaghetti”. Usually it is made with a cheesy marinara. The meat is often pork or tuna. I like to make this dish [...]
Posted in Pasta, Recipes, Seafood0 Comments
30 March 2009
These cheddar and tarragon biscuits have a anglo-french flavour. I prefer to use 2 year aged sharp cheddar as it combines well with tarragon’s flowery sweetness. 2 ounces non-salted butter 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese 3 tbsp. all purpose flour 1/4 tsp. dried chopped tarragon 1/2 tsp. salt Pre-heat an oven to 350°F Soften the butter, then stir until creamy. Add the shredded [...]
Posted in Appetizers, Bakery, Recipes1 Comment
29 March 2009
Favorite Shots from Bedford’s Best Dessert Technorati Tags: Featured, Gallery
16 March 2009
This is a delicious dish worth the work and wait. It is usually made for special occasions - likes Fiestas. This is the dish which welcome me to the Philippines on my first visit.
Posted in Filipino, Recipes, Seafood6 Comments
09 March 2009
Most non-Koreans’ first introduction into Korean includes some type of Korean barbeque – the best known of which is bulgogi. Bulgogi or Korean barbeque is sirloin marinated in a sweet, and salty mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then quickly grilled. It is often served with rice, kimchi, and other vegetables. I decided to try [...]
Posted in Main Courses, Recipes0 Comments
Posted in Texas0 Comments
09 February 2009
Located in a small humble strip center near Houston’s Westchase District, Sasaki Japanese Restaurant is one of the few real Japanese restaurants in Houston. You will find many from Houston’s Japanese community eating lunch or dinner here. 8979 Westheimer Houston, TX 77063 713-266-5768 Sasaki Japanese Restaurant What you can expect here is similar to what you will find at most [...]
Posted in Restaurant Reviews, Texas1 Comment
26 January 2009
We were really looking forward to eating at Robert Gadsby’s new restaurant Bedford, in the Houston’s Heights area. Along with Montrose and the hip part of Washington Avenue, Houston’s Heights is one of the top areas for new innovative cuisine.
Posted in Restaurant Reviews, Texas0 Comments
12 January 2009
Kaldereta, also spelled Caldereta is a hearty Filipino dish originating out of Spain. The name Caldereta comes from the the spanish "caldera", meaning cooking pot. In most of Spain caldereta is made with lamb, beef, or goat.
Posted in Filipino, Main Courses, Recipes0 Comments
09 January 2009
Holiday Fruitcake Fruitcake has to be one of the best fruit and nut cakes. It has an undeserved reputation of being hard and too sweet; this comes from certain commercial fruitcakes which use super sugared pieces are fruits. This recipe is guaranteed to inaugurate you as a new fruitcake fan! 1 Week Before Baking Day Candied Fruits Add 1/4 [...]
Posted in Bakery, Holidays, Recipes, Vegetarian/Vegan0 Comments
