I planted my vegetable garden this past weekend. As anyone close to me can tell you, I don't generally have what is considered a green thumb. Mr. M is amazed at how I can kill the most hardiest of house plants. So, keeping all of this in mind, I carefully considered what would be the easiest plants for me to grow.
After spreading compost and turning over the soil with a shovel (hard work, by the way), I put in four tomato plants - one Early Girl, one Big Boy, one Super Sweet 100's, and one Large Cherry tomato. I thought of trying to grow some heirloom variety, but I just don't know enough about them, or about gardening. Maybe next year? I also like to grow loads of sweet basil, which I make into pesto, freeze, and use throughout the year. I planted zucchini, which pretty much grows no matter what you do to it or don't do to it. I threw in a few cucumber plants and some more herbs, and I was finished.
I'll try my best to color my brown thumb green this summer, and if I'm successful, I share the bounty of the harvest with those interested... If you are a good gardener and want to share any tips with me, feel free! I need all the help I can get.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
The Worst Breakfast Burrito
I generally don't like to post negative comments, but if I don't, you will all think that I am an undiscriminating diner who pretty much thinks everything is good. So I have to be honest. Also, I'm a bit embarassed at what I'm about to admit, but for the sake of full disclosure, I have to tell you:
I ordered a breakfast burrito at The Market downtown.
Now, I know that one should probably never order a breakfast burrito in that kind of an establishment. Breakfast burritos are much better had at places like La Abeja (from my Apr 10 post), where you walk in wondering if anyone speaks any English. I agree that if one orders a breakfast burrito at an establishment that does not meet this criteria, one may expect, even deserve, to be disappointed. So some of you may say this is all my own stupid fault.
When Mr. M and I woke up on Sunday morning, I asked him if he'd like to go try Snooze with me. I've been meaning to try it for some time now, just never quite making it over there. I've heard from many people and many reviews how good it is; some say it's the "best breakfast in Denver". I had looked at the menu online and couldn't decide if I wanted to try the breakfast tacos or one of the fancy pancakes. When we got there at 9 am, however, there was a line out the door, and we were told that there would be about a 20 minute wait. We waited about 35 minutes, and not seeing any end in sight, we bailed and headed to The Market, futher down Larimer in Larimer Square.
Now, I've been to The Market many times and have generally had quite a favorable impression. It's a great place for coffee and a pastry, or for lunch - they have great salads, sandwiches, and hot entrees. They also have the most excellent desserts - all sorts of cakes and cookies that sit enticingly in a glass cabinet located conveniently right beside the cash register.
This morning was another beautiful Denver day, and we wanted to sit outside on the street - Larimer Street is such a fun place to people-watch! Since we'd been waiting awhile outside Snooze, we were pretty hungry at this point, so a simple chocolate croissant or blueberry muffin just wasn't going to cut it. I was already craving breakfast tacos, so I made a fateful mistake and ordered the breakfast burrito, and Mr. M did the same.
At just over $5, I expected it to be pretty big. The size did not disappoint - it was a Chipotle-sized burrito, smothered in a watery green chile and served with a side of rice. I was so excited. We took our plates outside and hungrily dug in.
The burrito was stuffed with soggy eggs and potatoes, and it was utterly tasteless. No flavor from the meat, no spicyness, no salt, no nuthin'. Nothing could save this disaster from itself. I ate a few bites, and even though I was hungry, I tossed the rest in the trash.
A valuable lesson, learned again the hard way. Don't make the same mistake.
I ordered a breakfast burrito at The Market downtown.
Now, I know that one should probably never order a breakfast burrito in that kind of an establishment. Breakfast burritos are much better had at places like La Abeja (from my Apr 10 post), where you walk in wondering if anyone speaks any English. I agree that if one orders a breakfast burrito at an establishment that does not meet this criteria, one may expect, even deserve, to be disappointed. So some of you may say this is all my own stupid fault.
When Mr. M and I woke up on Sunday morning, I asked him if he'd like to go try Snooze with me. I've been meaning to try it for some time now, just never quite making it over there. I've heard from many people and many reviews how good it is; some say it's the "best breakfast in Denver". I had looked at the menu online and couldn't decide if I wanted to try the breakfast tacos or one of the fancy pancakes. When we got there at 9 am, however, there was a line out the door, and we were told that there would be about a 20 minute wait. We waited about 35 minutes, and not seeing any end in sight, we bailed and headed to The Market, futher down Larimer in Larimer Square.
Now, I've been to The Market many times and have generally had quite a favorable impression. It's a great place for coffee and a pastry, or for lunch - they have great salads, sandwiches, and hot entrees. They also have the most excellent desserts - all sorts of cakes and cookies that sit enticingly in a glass cabinet located conveniently right beside the cash register.
This morning was another beautiful Denver day, and we wanted to sit outside on the street - Larimer Street is such a fun place to people-watch! Since we'd been waiting awhile outside Snooze, we were pretty hungry at this point, so a simple chocolate croissant or blueberry muffin just wasn't going to cut it. I was already craving breakfast tacos, so I made a fateful mistake and ordered the breakfast burrito, and Mr. M did the same.
At just over $5, I expected it to be pretty big. The size did not disappoint - it was a Chipotle-sized burrito, smothered in a watery green chile and served with a side of rice. I was so excited. We took our plates outside and hungrily dug in.
The burrito was stuffed with soggy eggs and potatoes, and it was utterly tasteless. No flavor from the meat, no spicyness, no salt, no nuthin'. Nothing could save this disaster from itself. I ate a few bites, and even though I was hungry, I tossed the rest in the trash.
A valuable lesson, learned again the hard way. Don't make the same mistake.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
A beautiful day in Boulder
Saturday was absolutely gorgeous - blue skies, with nary a cloud to be seen, and an unseasonably warm 80 degrees. Mr. M and I decided to pop on up to Boulder for a little bite to eat and a hike.
The Kitchen in Boulder has been quite the rage among the food crowd for the past few years, not only for its stellar food but also for its "Green-ness". Apparently, the restaurant runs on 100% wind power, and they recycle or compost nearly everything. No wasteful paper towels in the bathrooms...it's with nice hand towels that you dry your fingers.
Green-ness aside, The Kitchen is still a winner. The restaurant is light and airy, with high ceilings, exposed brick and stone, and a few beautiful pendant lights a la DWR. Mr. M gave the place an "8" on the atmosphere scale (which is pretty good). The restaurant is at one end of the Pearl Street Pedestrian mall, right next to Juanita's.
We arrived around 10 am and were seated immediately in full view of the open kitchen in the back, which seemed to run calmly and seamlessly. A variety of delectable-looking breads and pastries tempted me from the bar area, but we decided to have a more substantial breakfast since we'd be hiking later. The coffee was wonderful, as was the glass of fresh-squeezed OJ (complete with a few orange seeds ensuring its authenticity) I had while perusing the brunch menu. Mr. M decided on the House Sausage Strata (a breakfast casserole of sorts) with greens and gruyere, while I ordered the Toffee French Toast with pecans. We split both, giving us each a bit of sweet and a bit of savory. The food was really wonderful, and I was sad when the last bite was gone.
After brunch, we strolled along Pearl Street mall for awhile, letting our food settle and enjoying the gorgeous tulips that were in full bloom all up and down the street.
We then headed a few blocks over to the Mt. Sanitas trailhead, for one of my favorite hikes in the metro area. It's a good dose of exercise with fantastic views served alongside. The perfect thing to work off our much-too-delicious brunch. Try it - you'll love it!
Though Mr. M didn't like me much for dragging him up that mountain on his day off, we rewarded ourselves with margaritas and snacks at Centro Latin American Kitchen and Refreshment Palace. I'd never heard of the place, and it definitely had a goofy name, but the patio looked soooo inviting after our hike - a "refreshment palace" was exactly what we were looking for! I had the grapefruit marg, which was quite "refreshing"! (no, really, it was...) We also munched on their version of guac, which they call "avocado salsa" instead, because it's chunky, not mashed together like guac, and Mr. M had some tacos that were fair. All in all, it refreshed and replenished us for the drive back home, sunburned but happy after a wonderful day together.
The Kitchen in Boulder has been quite the rage among the food crowd for the past few years, not only for its stellar food but also for its "Green-ness". Apparently, the restaurant runs on 100% wind power, and they recycle or compost nearly everything. No wasteful paper towels in the bathrooms...it's with nice hand towels that you dry your fingers.
Green-ness aside, The Kitchen is still a winner. The restaurant is light and airy, with high ceilings, exposed brick and stone, and a few beautiful pendant lights a la DWR. Mr. M gave the place an "8" on the atmosphere scale (which is pretty good). The restaurant is at one end of the Pearl Street Pedestrian mall, right next to Juanita's.
We arrived around 10 am and were seated immediately in full view of the open kitchen in the back, which seemed to run calmly and seamlessly. A variety of delectable-looking breads and pastries tempted me from the bar area, but we decided to have a more substantial breakfast since we'd be hiking later. The coffee was wonderful, as was the glass of fresh-squeezed OJ (complete with a few orange seeds ensuring its authenticity) I had while perusing the brunch menu. Mr. M decided on the House Sausage Strata (a breakfast casserole of sorts) with greens and gruyere, while I ordered the Toffee French Toast with pecans. We split both, giving us each a bit of sweet and a bit of savory. The food was really wonderful, and I was sad when the last bite was gone.
After brunch, we strolled along Pearl Street mall for awhile, letting our food settle and enjoying the gorgeous tulips that were in full bloom all up and down the street.
We then headed a few blocks over to the Mt. Sanitas trailhead, for one of my favorite hikes in the metro area. It's a good dose of exercise with fantastic views served alongside. The perfect thing to work off our much-too-delicious brunch. Try it - you'll love it!
Though Mr. M didn't like me much for dragging him up that mountain on his day off, we rewarded ourselves with margaritas and snacks at Centro Latin American Kitchen and Refreshment Palace. I'd never heard of the place, and it definitely had a goofy name, but the patio looked soooo inviting after our hike - a "refreshment palace" was exactly what we were looking for! I had the grapefruit marg, which was quite "refreshing"! (no, really, it was...) We also munched on their version of guac, which they call "avocado salsa" instead, because it's chunky, not mashed together like guac, and Mr. M had some tacos that were fair. All in all, it refreshed and replenished us for the drive back home, sunburned but happy after a wonderful day together.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
A Spanish Getaway
A month before I got married to Mr. M, my family (mom, sister, and I) took a memorable 2 week trip to Spain. We visited Madrid, Seville, the Costa del Sol, Granada, and Barcelona, even crossing over to Morocco for a day. It was a fun time - an extended and exotic bachelorette party of sorts with my two favorite women.
While overall, Barcelona was my favorite, I also have very fond memories of our days on the Costa del Sol. I remember warm, sunny days on the Mediterranean beach, and one dream-like little coastal town called Mijas. It is a small town of whitewashed buildings (a little reminiscent of Greece) and brightly colored flowers exuberantly spilling out of the hanging pots lining its narrow streets. It's a town to get lost in, wandering in and out of shops and eateries, looking at cheery pottery in bright primary colors, enjoying the seaside breeze.
When I discovered The Ninth Door last year, I was terrifically excited that it was named after a place in one of my favorite Spanish towns. From their website:
I love tapas. No, really, I do. We did the tapas crawl almost every night in Spain. The nibbling of delicious tidbits of this and that, eating as much or as little as you want, sipping wine, and chatting about life - THIS, my friends, is the way to eat.
The Ninth Door is Denver's first true Spanish tapas restaurant. When I lived in Texas, I was a frequent patron of Cafe Madrid in Dallas and Mi Luna in Houston - both very good. Needless to say, I was very excited when The Ninth Door opened here, after having lived sans tapas in Denver for four years.
I've visited the Ninth Door eight or ten times in the past year, most often taking advantage of happy hour and its specials. Monday night is also nice, as wine is half-price. Last night, the girls and I went to take advantage of both.
The caipirinha is the best I've ever had. If you've never tried one, it's like a syrupy smooth mojito but made with a Brazilian liqour called cachaca. A warning however - they are dangerous!! The happy hour drink is only a few bucks and seems small when it comes, and they sure go down easy. Be careful, or take a designated driver...
The tapas are, across the board, consistently wonderful. There are usually some specials on the blackboard, and these are usually very good. Sometimes they offer a good paella or tortilla on this menu, or my recent favorite - serrano wrapped pear and manchego, mmmmm.... The happy hour tapas are also nice - the fried goat cheese balls dressed with spiced honey, the mussels in spicy tomato sauce, and all the little tostas. Off the regular menu, I almost never pass up the fried artichoke hearts or the datiles (bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese), though everything I've tried has been pretty good.
The space is beautifully and richly decorated yet in an understated, modern, classy way. It's nice for conversation and hanging out with friends, though it can get pretty crowded, loud, and crazy on the weekends. Mondays are actually perfect, as we discovered again last night.
As a restaurant, The Ninth Door wins major points for all areas - atmosphere, food, and drink. As a venue for my preferred way of life - sharing great food and drink with friends in community - it's priceless.
While overall, Barcelona was my favorite, I also have very fond memories of our days on the Costa del Sol. I remember warm, sunny days on the Mediterranean beach, and one dream-like little coastal town called Mijas. It is a small town of whitewashed buildings (a little reminiscent of Greece) and brightly colored flowers exuberantly spilling out of the hanging pots lining its narrow streets. It's a town to get lost in, wandering in and out of shops and eateries, looking at cheery pottery in bright primary colors, enjoying the seaside breeze.
When I discovered The Ninth Door last year, I was terrifically excited that it was named after a place in one of my favorite Spanish towns. From their website:
Why The 9th Door...
On Spain's Costa del Sol, located between Malaga and Marbella, sits a quiet little mountain village called Mijas.
During the summer of 1969, after having been made famous by James Mitchner's novel The Drifters, Mijas had become an expatriate community of writers and poets. On lazy afternoons, these expats would gather at their favorite bar - one without a name, recognizable only by the number nine that was carved into the door.
Behind the ninth door, they would imbibe on the local wine and brandy and share the tapas of the house, trading stories and reciting poetry to the local women until the early hours of the morning.
I love tapas. No, really, I do. We did the tapas crawl almost every night in Spain. The nibbling of delicious tidbits of this and that, eating as much or as little as you want, sipping wine, and chatting about life - THIS, my friends, is the way to eat.
The Ninth Door is Denver's first true Spanish tapas restaurant. When I lived in Texas, I was a frequent patron of Cafe Madrid in Dallas and Mi Luna in Houston - both very good. Needless to say, I was very excited when The Ninth Door opened here, after having lived sans tapas in Denver for four years.
I've visited the Ninth Door eight or ten times in the past year, most often taking advantage of happy hour and its specials. Monday night is also nice, as wine is half-price. Last night, the girls and I went to take advantage of both.
The caipirinha is the best I've ever had. If you've never tried one, it's like a syrupy smooth mojito but made with a Brazilian liqour called cachaca. A warning however - they are dangerous!! The happy hour drink is only a few bucks and seems small when it comes, and they sure go down easy. Be careful, or take a designated driver...
The tapas are, across the board, consistently wonderful. There are usually some specials on the blackboard, and these are usually very good. Sometimes they offer a good paella or tortilla on this menu, or my recent favorite - serrano wrapped pear and manchego, mmmmm.... The happy hour tapas are also nice - the fried goat cheese balls dressed with spiced honey, the mussels in spicy tomato sauce, and all the little tostas. Off the regular menu, I almost never pass up the fried artichoke hearts or the datiles (bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese), though everything I've tried has been pretty good.
The space is beautifully and richly decorated yet in an understated, modern, classy way. It's nice for conversation and hanging out with friends, though it can get pretty crowded, loud, and crazy on the weekends. Mondays are actually perfect, as we discovered again last night.
As a restaurant, The Ninth Door wins major points for all areas - atmosphere, food, and drink. As a venue for my preferred way of life - sharing great food and drink with friends in community - it's priceless.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Dinner Party, with kids!
We had a friend and her family over for dinner last night, and I love planning what to cook. I really enjoy putting together a good and cohesive meal, taking into account the likes and dislikes of my guests, the degree of formality versus casualness, etc. I enjoy shopping for and cooking it too, and even though it takes up much of the day, doing it once in awhile is really fun.
Usually, I don't really like to try new recipes when I'm having people over. I am OCD enough that I like to know how things are going to turn out. A new recipe is risky - if you've never tried it yourself, how do you know it's good? and how long it really takes to cook? Amanda Hesser, in one of my favorite books of all time Cooking for Mr. Latte (a sort of cookbook/love story/book about food and life), briefly mentions that her mother had always taught her, "When cooking for others, cook what you know." It really is good advice - it lowers your anxiety level a bit, and it allows you to enjoy cooking because you're not worried about whether or not it's turning out right.
My friends have two young twin boys, and seeing as how we have no kids, I was wondering what I could make that kids would like also. I decided on an old standby that I've used for many years, a variation on an old Gourmet recipe - Grilled Flank Steak with Sauteed Cremini and Portabella Mushrooms. (I try to lighten it up a bit by not using quite so much sugar and butter - what is this, a dessert?) It's super easy but still is special, and it involves grilling, meaning that I can get Mr. M involved in cooking the meat while I finish up the last touches for the rest of the meal. The flank steak swims for awhile in a balsamic/soy marinade, and the mushroom combination is sauteed and sauced with the same sauce. The flank steak is tangy and smoky, and the earthiness of the mushrooms is balanced with the sweetness of the sauce.
Alongside I served a simple potato gratin with cheddar cheese (thinly sliced russets baked with half-and-half, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and a hint of cayenne), as well as some fresh asparagus, drizzled lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper and placed under the broiler for 3-4 minutes (we make this all the time in the summer). Can't improve on what's already naturally good.
I thought the kids would enjoy the meat and potatoes at least. I didn't really expect them to eat mushrooms or asparagus, but I thought at least the adults could enjoy them. However, one of the boys surprised us all by eating all of his mushrooms and 4 stalks of asparagus! I served them whole, and I think he was kind of tickled to eat what looked just like a green stick. He brandished them like a sword at the table, with a very satisfied look on his two-year-old face.
With our meal, we drank a Spanish tempranillo that went with everything quite nicely.
For dessert, I served a tart that is another of my old standbys. I based the recipe on a Bon Appetit recipe for Nectarine Tart. The blend of mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream creates a light, delicate, and flavorful filling, and the candied ginger and gingersnap crust add a zing that makes the dessert just a little bit different. The first time I made this, I made it with ripe, juicy Palisade peaches at the height of the season one summer. I almost ate the whole thing by myself. Every time I make this, Mr. M eats half of it in one sitting, so I can't do it often. But it's a good and easy "company" dessert. You can make it with any fruit you like, and because the strawberries looked so good at King Soopers the other day, I made a strawberry tart, using strawberry preserves for the topping at the end. A Columbia Crest Riesling paired very nicely with this.
When I brought the colorful tart to the table, you should have seen the look on those boys' faces. You would have thought I hung the moon.
Usually, I don't really like to try new recipes when I'm having people over. I am OCD enough that I like to know how things are going to turn out. A new recipe is risky - if you've never tried it yourself, how do you know it's good? and how long it really takes to cook? Amanda Hesser, in one of my favorite books of all time Cooking for Mr. Latte (a sort of cookbook/love story/book about food and life), briefly mentions that her mother had always taught her, "When cooking for others, cook what you know." It really is good advice - it lowers your anxiety level a bit, and it allows you to enjoy cooking because you're not worried about whether or not it's turning out right.
My friends have two young twin boys, and seeing as how we have no kids, I was wondering what I could make that kids would like also. I decided on an old standby that I've used for many years, a variation on an old Gourmet recipe - Grilled Flank Steak with Sauteed Cremini and Portabella Mushrooms. (I try to lighten it up a bit by not using quite so much sugar and butter - what is this, a dessert?) It's super easy but still is special, and it involves grilling, meaning that I can get Mr. M involved in cooking the meat while I finish up the last touches for the rest of the meal. The flank steak swims for awhile in a balsamic/soy marinade, and the mushroom combination is sauteed and sauced with the same sauce. The flank steak is tangy and smoky, and the earthiness of the mushrooms is balanced with the sweetness of the sauce.
Alongside I served a simple potato gratin with cheddar cheese (thinly sliced russets baked with half-and-half, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and a hint of cayenne), as well as some fresh asparagus, drizzled lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper and placed under the broiler for 3-4 minutes (we make this all the time in the summer). Can't improve on what's already naturally good.
I thought the kids would enjoy the meat and potatoes at least. I didn't really expect them to eat mushrooms or asparagus, but I thought at least the adults could enjoy them. However, one of the boys surprised us all by eating all of his mushrooms and 4 stalks of asparagus! I served them whole, and I think he was kind of tickled to eat what looked just like a green stick. He brandished them like a sword at the table, with a very satisfied look on his two-year-old face.
With our meal, we drank a Spanish tempranillo that went with everything quite nicely.
For dessert, I served a tart that is another of my old standbys. I based the recipe on a Bon Appetit recipe for Nectarine Tart. The blend of mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream creates a light, delicate, and flavorful filling, and the candied ginger and gingersnap crust add a zing that makes the dessert just a little bit different. The first time I made this, I made it with ripe, juicy Palisade peaches at the height of the season one summer. I almost ate the whole thing by myself. Every time I make this, Mr. M eats half of it in one sitting, so I can't do it often. But it's a good and easy "company" dessert. You can make it with any fruit you like, and because the strawberries looked so good at King Soopers the other day, I made a strawberry tart, using strawberry preserves for the topping at the end. A Columbia Crest Riesling paired very nicely with this.
When I brought the colorful tart to the table, you should have seen the look on those boys' faces. You would have thought I hung the moon.
Friday, April 20, 2007
I've Met Someone New!!!
Those who know me know that the closing of Somethin' Else, the small plates restaurant formerly located on Sixth, was a big blow for me. I didn't think I'd ever get over my depression.
When I heard that the a new restaurant called Fruition would be opening in the same space, I wasn't excited. I was still in mourning over the death of one of my favorite Denver dining experiences. Also, I looked over the menu, and it didn't really seem that exciting on first glance.
Finally, though, after reading some excellent reviews from the Post, Chowhound, Westword, and the like, I decided I should try it. Plus, the chef Alex Seidel, is a four year veteran of Mizuna, so I conceded that he probably knew his way around a kitchen.
We were seated in a row of two-tops against the back wall. There is a nice mirror on the wall so that the person not seated on the banquette doesn't have to stare at a wall the whole night. Overall, I really like what they've done with the space. (For example, I remember Somethin' Else's bathrooms use to open up directly into the dining room in order to maximize their space I suppose; now Fruition has them sheltered away a bit, as they need to be.) It feels very warm and intimate, a good place to go for a meal with your spouse or a small close group of friends.
The wine list is manageable and accessible, with many served by the glass in the $7-$10 range. They were still serving the winter menu, which I assume will be replaced soon by a spring menu. Still, the appetizer list tantalized, with homey favorites like chicken noodle soup and pasta carbonara sharing space with intriguing dishes like potato-wrapped oysters rockefeller and braised rabbit. The entree list had only six choices, but it was still hard to decide.
We had the oysters to start. These little morsels were high up on the list for one of the best things I've tasted this year. Orgasmic. Really.
For our entrees, Mr. M had the Angus beef, and I had the braised veal cheeks. Servings were reasonable, not huge, and I liked that. Both entrees were meticulously prepared - you could tell that a lot of thought went into constructing the combinations of the things appearing on the plate together. It was cohesive, complementary, perfect. I would not change a thing. I was a happy woman, enjoying the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the veal, the delicate flavors marrying well with the oyster mushrooms, baby spinach, and pearl onions. The crispy Fontina polenta was perfect for sopping up the last little bits of the flavorful broth.
I was happily stuffed after the entree, but Mr. M managed to find room for dessert. He wolfed down the bread pudding in record time, saying it was because of how good it was. I think in actuality, he feared that I would find a spoon and steal away some of his little piece of heaven.
So all in all, though I'll always miss Somethin' Else, Fruition is already worming its way into my heart. After only our first date, I'm not quite ready to get married, but I can definitely foresee us getting serious and committing to a long-term relationship. I'll keep you posted, and for now, I'll enjoy the giddiness and infatuation of puppy love.
When I heard that the a new restaurant called Fruition would be opening in the same space, I wasn't excited. I was still in mourning over the death of one of my favorite Denver dining experiences. Also, I looked over the menu, and it didn't really seem that exciting on first glance.
Finally, though, after reading some excellent reviews from the Post, Chowhound, Westword, and the like, I decided I should try it. Plus, the chef Alex Seidel, is a four year veteran of Mizuna, so I conceded that he probably knew his way around a kitchen.
We were seated in a row of two-tops against the back wall. There is a nice mirror on the wall so that the person not seated on the banquette doesn't have to stare at a wall the whole night. Overall, I really like what they've done with the space. (For example, I remember Somethin' Else's bathrooms use to open up directly into the dining room in order to maximize their space I suppose; now Fruition has them sheltered away a bit, as they need to be.) It feels very warm and intimate, a good place to go for a meal with your spouse or a small close group of friends.
The wine list is manageable and accessible, with many served by the glass in the $7-$10 range. They were still serving the winter menu, which I assume will be replaced soon by a spring menu. Still, the appetizer list tantalized, with homey favorites like chicken noodle soup and pasta carbonara sharing space with intriguing dishes like potato-wrapped oysters rockefeller and braised rabbit. The entree list had only six choices, but it was still hard to decide.
We had the oysters to start. These little morsels were high up on the list for one of the best things I've tasted this year. Orgasmic. Really.
For our entrees, Mr. M had the Angus beef, and I had the braised veal cheeks. Servings were reasonable, not huge, and I liked that. Both entrees were meticulously prepared - you could tell that a lot of thought went into constructing the combinations of the things appearing on the plate together. It was cohesive, complementary, perfect. I would not change a thing. I was a happy woman, enjoying the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the veal, the delicate flavors marrying well with the oyster mushrooms, baby spinach, and pearl onions. The crispy Fontina polenta was perfect for sopping up the last little bits of the flavorful broth.
I was happily stuffed after the entree, but Mr. M managed to find room for dessert. He wolfed down the bread pudding in record time, saying it was because of how good it was. I think in actuality, he feared that I would find a spoon and steal away some of his little piece of heaven.
So all in all, though I'll always miss Somethin' Else, Fruition is already worming its way into my heart. After only our first date, I'm not quite ready to get married, but I can definitely foresee us getting serious and committing to a long-term relationship. I'll keep you posted, and for now, I'll enjoy the giddiness and infatuation of puppy love.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Japan in Denver
You are all aware by now of my insatiable appetite for Sushi Den. What you may not know is that I am a lover of all Japanese food, not just sushi, though sushi does tend to win out most of the time. I'd been meaning to try Domo for a long time, hearing about it often. You may have noticed the honors bestowed this year again from both 5280 and Westword.
Mr. M and I finally decided to try it for lunch yesterday. Maybe one of the reasons I'd never been to Domo was that it is located in an unfamiliar part of town for me, west of Speer, just west of downtown, in a very unlikely industrial location that seemed more fitting for warehouses and such. I was kind of glad we were there during the day, for it looked like the type of place that Jack Bauer might go at night to intercept a terrorist cell.
Once we got inside however, everything changed. Though I've never been to Japan, I think this may very well be the closest I've come. The interior is very traditional Japanese, beauty found in simplicity, with big heavy tables and rustic stools. It opens onto a beautiful outdoor Japanese garden in a courtyard, complete with cherry trees in bloom, a wooden bridge, and a pond filled with fat, orange koi. The serenity and beauty of the garden was marred only by the cheap-looking plastic tables and chairs and the occasional jarring blast of a train horn. There is an actual dojo on the property where you can take Aikido classes, as well as a small collection of Japanese artifacts housed in the the same area. For atmosphere, Mr. M gave this place high honors.
We dined on simple rice bowls, topped with raw tuna in a salty-sweet sauce ($9). (Having recently been to Kauai, I can see where Hawaiian poke has its roots.) The rice bowls were served with a bowl of miso and three small side dishes. This is a meal I could imagine having in a real Japanese family's home, not some fancy food gussied up (or down) to suit my American palate. It was healthy, filling, inexpensive, and tasty food served in a peaceful environment. What more could you ask for?
I can only imagine what it's like to come for dinner - to sit in that beautiful garden as the evening begins to cool, enjoying more of Domo's authentic cuisine. We'll be back for dinner soon.
Mr. M and I finally decided to try it for lunch yesterday. Maybe one of the reasons I'd never been to Domo was that it is located in an unfamiliar part of town for me, west of Speer, just west of downtown, in a very unlikely industrial location that seemed more fitting for warehouses and such. I was kind of glad we were there during the day, for it looked like the type of place that Jack Bauer might go at night to intercept a terrorist cell.
Once we got inside however, everything changed. Though I've never been to Japan, I think this may very well be the closest I've come. The interior is very traditional Japanese, beauty found in simplicity, with big heavy tables and rustic stools. It opens onto a beautiful outdoor Japanese garden in a courtyard, complete with cherry trees in bloom, a wooden bridge, and a pond filled with fat, orange koi. The serenity and beauty of the garden was marred only by the cheap-looking plastic tables and chairs and the occasional jarring blast of a train horn. There is an actual dojo on the property where you can take Aikido classes, as well as a small collection of Japanese artifacts housed in the the same area. For atmosphere, Mr. M gave this place high honors.
We dined on simple rice bowls, topped with raw tuna in a salty-sweet sauce ($9). (Having recently been to Kauai, I can see where Hawaiian poke has its roots.) The rice bowls were served with a bowl of miso and three small side dishes. This is a meal I could imagine having in a real Japanese family's home, not some fancy food gussied up (or down) to suit my American palate. It was healthy, filling, inexpensive, and tasty food served in a peaceful environment. What more could you ask for?
I can only imagine what it's like to come for dinner - to sit in that beautiful garden as the evening begins to cool, enjoying more of Domo's authentic cuisine. We'll be back for dinner soon.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Tilapia and Naia
We had some tilapia in the fridge to cook, so when I got home from work, I decided to throw together a quick dinner.
Inspired by and slightly modifying the epicurious recipe for Spicy Sauteed Fish, I chopped up a bunch of Italian parsley, 6 roma tomatoes, a couple handfuls of green olives, a red onion, a chipotle pepper (just one this time), and some garlic. I sauteed the six tilapia fillets in olive oil in my large saucier pan, barely fitting them all in, and seasoned them with salt, pepper, and a hint of cayenne. (I love tilapia because it cooks so quickly - just two to three minutes per side and they're done!) I removed them to a plate and covered them with foil to keep them warm. I sauteed the onion in the pan, then added the parsley, tomatoes, chipotle, garlic, and olives, seasoning lightly with salt, pepper, and again a hint of cayenne. The meal came together in about 20 minutes.
I served the tilapia with the tomato/parsley mixture spooned liberally over the top. We had some leftover lime cilantro couscous from the other night, which we finished off with the tilapia. We opened one of my favorite white wines - a Spanish one, 100% Verdejo, called Naia ($16). (I first tried this wine at Rioja several months ago, during Restaurant Week, if you remember my post.)
Mr. M gave the dinner two thumbs up.
Inspired by and slightly modifying the epicurious recipe for Spicy Sauteed Fish, I chopped up a bunch of Italian parsley, 6 roma tomatoes, a couple handfuls of green olives, a red onion, a chipotle pepper (just one this time), and some garlic. I sauteed the six tilapia fillets in olive oil in my large saucier pan, barely fitting them all in, and seasoned them with salt, pepper, and a hint of cayenne. (I love tilapia because it cooks so quickly - just two to three minutes per side and they're done!) I removed them to a plate and covered them with foil to keep them warm. I sauteed the onion in the pan, then added the parsley, tomatoes, chipotle, garlic, and olives, seasoning lightly with salt, pepper, and again a hint of cayenne. The meal came together in about 20 minutes.
I served the tilapia with the tomato/parsley mixture spooned liberally over the top. We had some leftover lime cilantro couscous from the other night, which we finished off with the tilapia. We opened one of my favorite white wines - a Spanish one, 100% Verdejo, called Naia ($16). (I first tried this wine at Rioja several months ago, during Restaurant Week, if you remember my post.)
Mr. M gave the dinner two thumbs up.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Wino weekend
Saturday evening, three friends came over for dinner, wine, chat, and an addictive board game called The Settlers of Catan. Anyway, the 5 of us managed somehow to consume 5 bottles of wine through the course of the evening. I won't comment on who drank the most, but it wasn't me...
We started snacking around 6 pm, waiting for the last couple to arrive. We drank a $30 bottle of expensive (for us) Spanish red, a blend of grenache, syrah, and cabernet. It was good, but I sure couldn't tell it was a $30 bottle. It tasted better than a $10 bottle, but not better than most of the $18-$20 range bottles we buy, so I won't mention the particular bottle. We then drank a 2004 Cosentino (an excellent boutique winery in Yountville, home of the most excellent French Laundry) Sangiovese ($18), which was most delicious and drinkable, especially with our snacks of Mahon cheese, pesto and cream cheese with crackers, stuffed olives, and a rustic rosemary bread with balsamic and oil.
When everyone arrived, we made dinner (Spicy Cajun Shrimp, Lime Cilantro couscous, and roasted sweet potatoes) and served a Spanish white that we tasted at Merchant of Vino (the wine store connected to the new Whole Foods Market on Hampden) that day - a Lurton white wine made of 70% Verdejo and 30% Viura. It was very nice! Try it - it's only $10 a bottle, and an excellent wine for the spring. Dinner was quick, as everyone was pretty full from all the snacking. During the board game, 2 more bottles were opened and drained. (In all fairness, the game takes about 2 hours to play, so don't think we're all drunks.)
Anyway, the bottom line - I recommend both the Sangiovese and the Verdejo, as well as the board game. Have fun.
We started snacking around 6 pm, waiting for the last couple to arrive. We drank a $30 bottle of expensive (for us) Spanish red, a blend of grenache, syrah, and cabernet. It was good, but I sure couldn't tell it was a $30 bottle. It tasted better than a $10 bottle, but not better than most of the $18-$20 range bottles we buy, so I won't mention the particular bottle. We then drank a 2004 Cosentino (an excellent boutique winery in Yountville, home of the most excellent French Laundry) Sangiovese ($18), which was most delicious and drinkable, especially with our snacks of Mahon cheese, pesto and cream cheese with crackers, stuffed olives, and a rustic rosemary bread with balsamic and oil.
When everyone arrived, we made dinner (Spicy Cajun Shrimp, Lime Cilantro couscous, and roasted sweet potatoes) and served a Spanish white that we tasted at Merchant of Vino (the wine store connected to the new Whole Foods Market on Hampden) that day - a Lurton white wine made of 70% Verdejo and 30% Viura. It was very nice! Try it - it's only $10 a bottle, and an excellent wine for the spring. Dinner was quick, as everyone was pretty full from all the snacking. During the board game, 2 more bottles were opened and drained. (In all fairness, the game takes about 2 hours to play, so don't think we're all drunks.)
Anyway, the bottom line - I recommend both the Sangiovese and the Verdejo, as well as the board game. Have fun.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Yes, again!
I fell off the wagon hard, another night succumbing to my addiction to Sushi Den. The craving started innocently enough, as I ran across a brief blurb on the Rocky Mountain News website about a dude (the Sushi Pilgrim) that was trying to eat at as many sushi restaurants around the country as possible. Of course, he gave the Sushi Den a five rice-bowl rating (the highest on his scale), and I suppose the temptation started there. I guess the battle is always one of the mind.
We sat at the sushi bar this time, trying all the suggestions of our sushi chef. Mr. M, brave to the last, tried everything that was put in front of him, with the aid of a large Asahi. He ate it all, including the needlefish and the Japanese shad, though I don't think he was particularly fond of those. The only thing he really didn't eat after trying was the monkfish liver, and I must say that it was the weirdest thing we tried. No matter, more for me! Sadly, they were out of uni last night, but the toro, kampachi, hamachi, red snapper, salmon, and seared scallop were all quite delicious as usual. As usual, we dropped 50 smackaroos per person on our heavenly but short meal.
Anyone wishing to donate money to hungrygirl's Sushi fund is welcome. Gifts are tax-deductible and will be rewarded with treasures in heaven.
We sat at the sushi bar this time, trying all the suggestions of our sushi chef. Mr. M, brave to the last, tried everything that was put in front of him, with the aid of a large Asahi. He ate it all, including the needlefish and the Japanese shad, though I don't think he was particularly fond of those. The only thing he really didn't eat after trying was the monkfish liver, and I must say that it was the weirdest thing we tried. No matter, more for me! Sadly, they were out of uni last night, but the toro, kampachi, hamachi, red snapper, salmon, and seared scallop were all quite delicious as usual. As usual, we dropped 50 smackaroos per person on our heavenly but short meal.
Anyone wishing to donate money to hungrygirl's Sushi fund is welcome. Gifts are tax-deductible and will be rewarded with treasures in heaven.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
"Shut your butt" chili
Inspired by a dish (a weight-watchers core recipe) that my friend doktameri made last week, I tried to replicate the dish without the recipe. It's a chili made with ground turkey, kidney beans, and pineapple tidbits. Nothing gourmet or fancy, but healthy and easy - lots to be said for that. I knew most of the ingredients, so I decided to try it.
I thinly sliced a large white onion, sauteeing it with minced garlic in a smidge of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt. I added a pound and a half of lean ground turkey, browning it and breaking it up into smaller bits and seasoning with salt and pepper. I had a can of chipotle peppers in adobo in my pantry, and because I love the smokiness of those peppers, I finely chopped up a handful and threw it in the pot, along with some chili powder and a touch of cumin - it smelled great. I then added a large can of diced tomatoes, a regular can of pineapple tidbits with the juice, and a couple cans of drained kidney beans. I also added some Safeway brand "pineapple and peach salsa", the medium spicy variety, about half a jar. I let it simmer and bubble away lazily on the stove, the whole process taking about 15 minutes. (I should start my own Food Network Show - Hungrygirl Denver's 15 minute meals! Delicious and healthy, from start to finish, with absolutely no exclamations of yum-o, delish! or references to EVOO...hee hee...)
When I served it up for lunch, Mr. M and I hungrily dug in. Only then did I realize that maybe I'd been a bit overzealous with the chipotles, for with that lovely smokiness also comes a heat that I had blissfully underestimated. The chili was so good, but so incredibly hot. Mr. M fondly christened the dish "Shut your butt" chili; I'll leave it to you to figure out why.
I thinly sliced a large white onion, sauteeing it with minced garlic in a smidge of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt. I added a pound and a half of lean ground turkey, browning it and breaking it up into smaller bits and seasoning with salt and pepper. I had a can of chipotle peppers in adobo in my pantry, and because I love the smokiness of those peppers, I finely chopped up a handful and threw it in the pot, along with some chili powder and a touch of cumin - it smelled great. I then added a large can of diced tomatoes, a regular can of pineapple tidbits with the juice, and a couple cans of drained kidney beans. I also added some Safeway brand "pineapple and peach salsa", the medium spicy variety, about half a jar. I let it simmer and bubble away lazily on the stove, the whole process taking about 15 minutes. (I should start my own Food Network Show - Hungrygirl Denver's 15 minute meals! Delicious and healthy, from start to finish, with absolutely no exclamations of yum-o, delish! or references to EVOO...hee hee...)
When I served it up for lunch, Mr. M and I hungrily dug in. Only then did I realize that maybe I'd been a bit overzealous with the chipotles, for with that lovely smokiness also comes a heat that I had blissfully underestimated. The chili was so good, but so incredibly hot. Mr. M fondly christened the dish "Shut your butt" chili; I'll leave it to you to figure out why.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Bitten by the bug (or stung by "La Abeja")
One morning recently I was walking alone down Colfax (don't ask...) trying to find a quick bite to eat. I passed Tom's Diner but didn't really want to sit down - I was looking for something quick, convenient, and tasty to-go. McDonalds...no way. I then wandered by a storefront hispanic bakery called "La Abeja" (which means "the bee"). I was initially drawn the baked breads displayed in the window, thinking I could grab one and go, but on further inspection, a small dining room adjacent to the restaurant was packed with people enjoying huge, enormous plates of breakfast. They seemed to be mostly hispanic men, and I was a little reluctant to enter (because I am shy about speaking Spanish, and I thought I might have to in this place), but hunger drove me in anyway. Over the counter, a menu displayed an offering of breakfast burritos - just the thing I was looking for! Hot, portable, savory, and filling. I ordered one of the chorizo ones (in English) and was informed that it would also contain eggs and potatoes, and would I like some onion too? Of course.
I waited awkwardly for what seemed like forever for my order to be filled, walking around the small shop looking at baked goods and Hispanic snacks. Eventually, my $3.25 got me a Chipotle-sized burrito (the biggest breakfast burrito I'd ever seen!), wrapped in foil with little plastic containers of sour cream and salsa. I exited the small store, unwrapping the steaming hot package of goodness as I walked. The tortilla had been toasted lightly on the griddle so that bits of it were nicely crunchy, and it was overflowing with the fragrant goodness of its innards - lots of soft potatoes, fluffy eggs, and some chorizo to give it spice and heft.
I was stuffed after eating that whole thing, but it really hit the spot on that cold snowy morning. And after "bee-ing" bitten by the bug, I can't wait to go back to La Abeja.
I waited awkwardly for what seemed like forever for my order to be filled, walking around the small shop looking at baked goods and Hispanic snacks. Eventually, my $3.25 got me a Chipotle-sized burrito (the biggest breakfast burrito I'd ever seen!), wrapped in foil with little plastic containers of sour cream and salsa. I exited the small store, unwrapping the steaming hot package of goodness as I walked. The tortilla had been toasted lightly on the griddle so that bits of it were nicely crunchy, and it was overflowing with the fragrant goodness of its innards - lots of soft potatoes, fluffy eggs, and some chorizo to give it spice and heft.
I was stuffed after eating that whole thing, but it really hit the spot on that cold snowy morning. And after "bee-ing" bitten by the bug, I can't wait to go back to La Abeja.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Late night nosh
What could be better on a Saturday night than margaritas and Queso Fundido with chorizo at Mezcal with Mr. M?
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Comfort food (continued...)
Speaking of comfort food, we hit Steuben's last night for the first time. Like everyone, we've been hearing so much about it but just hadn't quite made it there yet. So last night, when Mr. M and I were looking for a casual, fun place for a Friday night date, we popped in.
Steuben's menu is really fun to read. You could curl up in bed with it, a cup of coffee in hand, and settle in for a long road trip down memory lane. The menu pulls from regional down-home favorites from all over our great country, from diner food to lobster roll, cioppino to meatloaf, etouffee to chile relleno, mac and cheese and fried chicken to monte cristos and cheese steak sandwiches. The dining room has a 50's diner feel to it with a classy twist (if that makes any sense), complete with waitresses that call you "honey" even though you're twice their age... It's a room that feels familiar, like a conglomeration of every roadside diner you've ever been to, but with enough surprises to keep you interested. Overall, we felt relaxed in this place, a big plus especially if you recall Mr. M's prediliction for the non-stuffy atmosphere.
We were early, arriving around 5:30 because Mr. M was starving. Now, Mr. M and I have really been trying lately to be a bit more healthy in the way we eat, but it was Friday, and we felt like celebrating a bit. Deciding to throw caution to the wind, we ordered a couple of Dark and Stormys (rum and ginger beer) and plate of gravy fries to start. The gravy fries at Steuben's are luscious, but it's also one of those heart-attack-on-a-plate kind of things to eat. A whole dinner plate of shoesting fries topped with gravy and melted cheese goes a long way in negating a whole week's worth of trying to eat right. Mr. M then ordered the BBQ brisket plate (you can take the man out of Texas, but you can't take the Texas out of the man...), which he enjoyed very much. I had all day been thinking about the lobster roll, only to be told that they were not available that night. Instead, I lit into a (very light, healthy) green chili cheeseburger...wonderful (except for the soggy mushy half-cucumber sitting on the plate next to it trying to masquerade as a pickle). I think that you could probably power a small nation with the amount of oil coursing through our veins at that moment. I could actually feel the plaque forming in my coronary arteries.
Sated, we left the restaurant, too full for dessert, by 6:45. Already, people were standing around the door waiting for tables. Families with kids, older couples with big hair and overdone makeup, young people looking for friends. All were having a good time, living (or re-living) their youth with the nostalgic flavors and fun coming from the kitchen at Steuben's. I'll be back next week for a root beer float.
Steuben's menu is really fun to read. You could curl up in bed with it, a cup of coffee in hand, and settle in for a long road trip down memory lane. The menu pulls from regional down-home favorites from all over our great country, from diner food to lobster roll, cioppino to meatloaf, etouffee to chile relleno, mac and cheese and fried chicken to monte cristos and cheese steak sandwiches. The dining room has a 50's diner feel to it with a classy twist (if that makes any sense), complete with waitresses that call you "honey" even though you're twice their age... It's a room that feels familiar, like a conglomeration of every roadside diner you've ever been to, but with enough surprises to keep you interested. Overall, we felt relaxed in this place, a big plus especially if you recall Mr. M's prediliction for the non-stuffy atmosphere.
We were early, arriving around 5:30 because Mr. M was starving. Now, Mr. M and I have really been trying lately to be a bit more healthy in the way we eat, but it was Friday, and we felt like celebrating a bit. Deciding to throw caution to the wind, we ordered a couple of Dark and Stormys (rum and ginger beer) and plate of gravy fries to start. The gravy fries at Steuben's are luscious, but it's also one of those heart-attack-on-a-plate kind of things to eat. A whole dinner plate of shoesting fries topped with gravy and melted cheese goes a long way in negating a whole week's worth of trying to eat right. Mr. M then ordered the BBQ brisket plate (you can take the man out of Texas, but you can't take the Texas out of the man...), which he enjoyed very much. I had all day been thinking about the lobster roll, only to be told that they were not available that night. Instead, I lit into a (very light, healthy) green chili cheeseburger...wonderful (except for the soggy mushy half-cucumber sitting on the plate next to it trying to masquerade as a pickle). I think that you could probably power a small nation with the amount of oil coursing through our veins at that moment. I could actually feel the plaque forming in my coronary arteries.
Sated, we left the restaurant, too full for dessert, by 6:45. Already, people were standing around the door waiting for tables. Families with kids, older couples with big hair and overdone makeup, young people looking for friends. All were having a good time, living (or re-living) their youth with the nostalgic flavors and fun coming from the kitchen at Steuben's. I'll be back next week for a root beer float.
Noodle soup....a cure pho what ails ya
I knew it was too good to last. The unseasonably warm temperatures that we enjoyed most of March have given way to a few cold and rainy/snowy days. After the warm beginnings of spring, the cold temperatures of late have chilled me to the bone...
So, when looking for a quick lunch with my friend doktameri yesterday, we of course turned to Parallel Seventeen. I am a regular here for lunchtime, because all through that terrible snowy winter we just had, there is nothing that warms and comforts you like a hot, steaming bowl of pho. A dark, rich clear beef broth surrounds rice noodles and thin strips of beef, and when the condiments and herbs are added, a heady aroma of cilantro, basil, and lime rises from the bowl.
I've tried almost everything on the small lunch menu, from the light and fresh vermicelli bowl to the hearty, satisfying curry, and everything is good. But on a cold rainy day, nothing else does it pho me like noodle soup.
Monday, April 2, 2007
A weekend with Patrick Dempsey
Just kidding, Mr. M!! Actually, I spent the weekend with Mr. M (my own personal McDreamy) in cloudy, drizzly, sunless Seattle. Coming from Denver (a city with 300+ days of sunshine per year), even going to Seattle (a city with only 80 rainless days per year) for a mere 48 hours left me with a touch of Seasonal Affective Disorder. However, despite the SAD-ness, we still managed to have a great time.
Our most memorable stop was Salumi, the famed home of Armandino Batali's (Mario's father) cured meats. A must-eat on every food aficionado's list when traveling to Seattle, the shop is located in Pioneer Square, between the International District and the Downtown/Waterfront area. At first, we had trouble finding the small storefront but soon identified it by the line snaking out the door and spilling onto the street.
The specials of the day are printed on a large board that sits on the sidewalk, allowing you to begin drooling the moment you approach the store. As you progress forward, the line takes you past the small storage area where some of the cured meats hang, causing more ropy saliva to begin pooling on your lower chin and the front of your shirt. Finally, as you reach the counter, the full menu is printed on small chalkboards that hang high on the wall ahead. Now, you need a mop for the puddle of drool that has collected at your feet.
We ordered an insane amount of food for the 6 of us, so much food that I was actually embarassed to bring it to the small communal table that occupies the rear of this tiny store. Somehow, we managed to polish off most of 2 porchetta sandwiches, a cotechino sandwich, a grilled lamb sandwich, a cured meat and cheese plate, and a hot cooked meat plate. Though they were out of the lamb proscuitto, we particularly enjoyed the mole salami and hot soppresata, and the porchetta sandwich was one of the best sandwiches I've ever tasted.
Moving onward, we continued to browse and taste our way through the Pike Place Market, buying fruit, tasting vinegars/jellies/syrups, enjoying the hustle and bustle of food commerce. I bought a bottle of blueberry syrup that I was most assuredly promised was "absolutely incredible on oatmeal!!" Eventually we made it to the waterfront, where we stopped to enjoy a few dozen West coast oysters on the half shell. mmmm....
We toured two wineries in Woodinville - Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia, both of which were nice. It's worth it to pay for the tastings of the nicer wines. We tasted a nice toasted hazelnutty chardonnay, a smooth and full-bodied syrah, a silky smooth merlot. I still can't learn to like the sweet wines, though I tasted quite a few that were very much enjoyed by my companions.
We got to see the cherry blossoms in full flower at the University of Washington, a sight of which I'd never seen the likes. We walked around Green Lake and strolled along Alki Beach, enjoying being near water, something we miss here in Denver. I just kept wishing that the sun would come out, but alas my SAD-ness would not abate. And then came the final blow:
Traveling home, my treasured blueberry syrup was ruthlessly confiscated by a very official, serious, and stern-looking TSA officer, as I had thoughtlessly included it in my carry-on luggage. Oh well, I hope that at least someone is enjoying some good oatmeal today...
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