Coral Gables Restaurant Week: Anacapri on Ponce

This past Monday I met up with the lovely dining diva Jen for the Coral Gables Restaurant week and to try a new place (new to me) - Anacapri....the local go-to Italian restaurant.

I got to be honest though, there were three other restaurants on the list where I really wanted to go to, but they were not open on a Monday. Why would they advertise they are participating in the Coral Gables Restaurant Week from June 7-12 but not be open on the first night is beyond me. So Anacapri it was.

The atmosphere was cozy and comfortable, and the service was stellar. Even though it was a pre-fix menu, we asked for many changes and substitutes and they accommodated it all. A+ in my book....

And now, the food...

For the appetizer I ordered pan seared jumbo scallops on bed of arugula drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Not quite sure those were jumbo, but certainly there were plenty of them. The bitterness of arugula and sweetness of the balsamic vinegar were a perfect complement to the salty scallops.

For the entree, steak and shoe string fries with Gorgonzola did not stand a chance once I saw the broiled lobster tail over saffron risotto. I couldn't stop admiring the lobster tail. It was so yummy. and the saffron risotto - amazing. Needless to say I licked the plate. Risotto has become by far my favorite. This was a very cheese (read: buttery) risotto, but it was worth every bite and a lick. Thank God for a semi secluded spot in the restaurant so no one saw me licking the plate, or so I think....

And of course, the dessert. This is where I was really impressed with the service. The pre-fix menu came with tiramissu, gelatto and something else (sorry, I can't seem to remember what it was), but the regular menu had the chocolate lava souffle with vanilla bean ice-cream. So I politely smiled at our waiter and asked if they wouldn't mind making the substitute and he politely smiled back at me and said "Of Course, that's not a problem at all". My heart fluttered.

Now, this wasn't the most amazing souffle that I have ever had, but it certainly was that much sweeter because it was exactly what I wanted. It was perhaps a bit dry for my taste and I wanted the "lava" to flow once you bite into it and ice-cream to melt fast, but it kind of just "stood" there. We all well know that I am no expert in cooking or baking, but I certainly know what my pallet likes and how it should taste. Don't be deterred from ordering the souffle, we polished the plate. There was no trace on the plate that there was ever a souffle there, if you know what I mean;)

Oh and I almost forgot, I scored (some would have said STOLE, hey I got there first) an amazing parking spot right in front of the restaurant and I didn't have to pay for parking. The chef would have been so proud of me. If this would happen at least once to him, perhaps it would restore a faith of living in an urban area and leaving our suburban life. Just once, the parking Gods, be on my side, just once....

Anacapri
2530 Ponce De Leon Boulevard
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 443-8388

www.anacaprifood.com

Feeding my shopping addiction

Since I've been gone on and off for weeks, the food supply in the house has been minimal and there is much more of the chef's food than mine, but who can blame him. So this weekend with LISTS and coupons in hand I visited Doris' Market, the Fresh Market, the Whole Foods Market and COSTCO. I certainly fed my shopping addiction. But nothing can really compete with shoe shopping after all. And just so you know, none of that was done this weekend.

So I did buy everything that I like. Sorry chef, you weren't around and I went a little crazy. It took me exactly three days to visit all the stores, and believe it or not, I am still missing a few items -(red onion, my granola and eggs).


I've been flirting with siggi's for months now, but the price hasn't been right for me to take it out on our first date. I don't have a problem taking the first step....we probably wouldn't be married today if I didn't ask the chef out on a date, and 14 years later...I digress, this is for another post. So after months of eyeing and ogling each other, we went out and I fell in love ( I am back to talking about siggi's). Siggi's is an icelandic style skyr, strained non-fat yogurt, all natural, made from grass fed cows, with quite a bit of protein - 17gr, not so much sugar, and no artificial sweeteners. YIPPEE!!!!

It was so smooth, like butter. It won me over, that's for sure. Now I just have to figure out how to afford this expensive obsession on a weekly basis....

I shed a tear when I made the OIAJ the other morning as it was the last of the "Dark Chocolate Dream" that was left and it was the first thing that I put in the cart when I arrived to the Fresh Market. Just please don't ask me if there is any left after a week of having a spoonful here and there. But I've gotten smarter, I bought more than one jar this time. I just won't admit exactly how many.

I have to admit, it wasn't only food that I bought. A couple of non-edible items made their way into my grocery cart. But as you can see they still have to do with food. My favorite cook book of all time has two new books out - America's Test Kitchens Cookbook and ATK's "Cooking for Two". The photography is AMAZING, BREATHTAKING, oh I am so IN LOVE, kind of a feeling. You know how some people have coffee books (arts, travel, etc,) on their coffee tables, well I put my ATS books in our living room.

Hoping that the chef will finally realize that it's only the two of us eating and not the whole army....he has a slight problem of cooking for two as he always makes enough food for six.....

And this beauty, oh I bought it for the pictures only. And who says you don't judge a book by it's cover. I DO!!!! And the final purchase of my weekend - the salad spinner. I have been wanting one FOREVER. I talked about it all the time, but somehow I never got it until this weekend, and I can say with certainty - it has changed my life. I think I have already saved half a roll of paper towels. I see a very bright future for us...

It was a great weekend filled with many visits to all of my favorites places, walking the aisles, waiting in lines and bringing it all home. The happiness it gives me must be like a mother feels when she brings a new baby home. Wait, I wouldn't know how that feels. Maybe the same feeling as when I bring a new pair of shoes home and I admire them in the shoe closet as they glisten and smile at me.

Trust me when I say there were bags and bags filled to the top with food. Several trips to the car to say the least. If any of my neighbors saw me, they probably thought we were having a party. I guess it's kind of true - but I was the only participant. But for the sake of preventing a chef from having a heart attack, I will not post the pictures, as it's all nicely put on the pantry shelves and in the fridge. And we all know I am a master of packing and organizing so it really doesn't look like that much. Or I am just hoping he won't notice that everything that I bought is exactly what I like.

And that's it folks....I certainly fed my shopping addiction in more than one ways and now it's time to eat. And guess what I am doing next - eating out for dinner, as if I don't have enough at home... Call me crazy!!!! OK, please don't, just a bit on a crazy side.....

Kitchen Sink Salad

I was recently introduced to a term "Kitchen Sink Salad"...cute, no!?! As you know, many of my meal ideas come from other bloggers and if it makes sense for me, I like to replicate it. Why invent a wheel...or whichever way the saying goes. So this one comes from a really cool blogger Iowa Girl Eats - her recipes are ALWAYS healthy, quick, nutritious and innovative. And the best thing of all, her blog makes me wanna cook. I know, that part is really hard to believe.

In any case, this is how it goes - basically everything that you have in your fridge, freezer or pantry gets "thrown" into the salad spinner and washed (always, always, always wash your veggies, fruits, even when it says pre-washed). Once all the veggies and fruits are washed and dried, I lay a bed of pasta or Mary's Crackers, than a layer of veggies, fruits, some protein and toppings galore. There is nothing more delicious or filling than a good and healthy lunch and the "Kitchen Sink" salad is a great choice.

Yesterday's lunch included: penne pasta, baby spinach, brussel sprouts, green onions, red and green peppers, cherry tomatos, avocado, one boiled egg, almonds, cranberries and goat cheese. I usually finish of the salad with some oil and vinegar and a bit of salt and pepper. I am still learning how much is just right, because that whole concept of pinch of salt and pepper and drizzle of this and that still hasn't sinked in....Baby steps, baby steps. I am not the one to go on a lighter side with anything, so this is sometimes a problem, but I am managing.

My dear chef friends, please specify exactly how much is a drizzle or a pinch as those like me would like a precise measurement and "pinch" just doesn't say much to me....

OIAJ or in Foodie Blog Language "Oats in a Jar"

I always wished I knew how to speak Pig Latin, but it never clicked for me, so now I just speak in codes. Or at least I pretend to ... For example - 10:40, what's your 20, ETA, RL, LM, GM - OK that is the extent of the code talk. But recently I discovered the foodie blog world has its own code language - yippee, finally someone understands me.

Welcome OIAJ - I bet if you asked any food blogger they would know exactly what I am saying right now and they would think - smooth, sweet, savory, delicious and filling. OIAJ - Oats in a jar. The food bloggers love their oats - steel cut, old fashioned, rolled oats, any kind of oats. OIAJ is actually a technique of "cooking" oats overnight in an almost finished nut jar and adding delicious toppings to it.

As I was cleaning out the pantry I realized my "Dark Chocolate Dream" peanut butter was empty (picture tears rolling down my face), I decided it was time to experiment with the OIAJ. I added 1/2 cup of old fashioned oats, 1/3 cup of almond milk and let it sit in the fridge overnight. When I woke up this morning, the oats were scrumptiously fluffy and the leftover chocolate peanut butter beautifully mixed into the oats. I added a handful of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, just a touch more of almond butter and a sprinkle of flax seeds.

My only thought this morning was - why has it taken me so long to try the OIAJ???? It's an easy breakfast that requires no cooking, it's savory, filling, relatively healthy and it's easy to take to work, just don't throw the lid away.... For some reason oats/oatmeal screams winter to me, and since this is cold and refreshing, it will be a perfect addition to my summer breakfast repertoire.

*** Excuse the pictures, but I am experimenting with the white balance on my camera

Weekly Menu: back to the regular scheduling or so I thought

Folks, we are back to regular scheduling, or so I thought. I got a phone call from the chef telling me how he is ready to come home, unfortunately he is not retiring as "he is lucky in love but not the cards" (win win for me) and that he is/might be traveling this week. It's the least to say - the delicious weekly menu that I just put together needs to be altered ASAP. Nothing has changed since few weeks ago - I still do not dare to touch the chicken or any other meats. Perhaps I will continue with hummus and pita or may have to introduce couple of vegetarian options. Vegetarian for a week - doesn't sound too, too bad.

So right before THE call, this is what I had planned and bought groceries for...


Sunday: Hummus and Stacey Chips
Monday: Work Event/Panzanella and Italian Sausage Salad
Tuesday: Tuna Burger and Tabouli
Wednesday: Chana Masala and Basmati Rice
Thursday: Mojo Chicken+Grilled Peppers+Pesto Wheat Pasta
Friday: Greek Chicken Salad with Feta+Fresh Oregano+Orzo

9 Years

Nine years ago today I woke up hoping it would be a sunny day, and today was no different. Nine years ago today, I ate pizza and drank pinot grigio, and today was no different. Nine years ago today, the chef promised to always surprise me, and today was no different. Nine years ago today, the chef and I said "I do".

Since I just got back in town and he is on his way out, he surprised me with my favorite dinner - prosciutto and mushroom pizza, pinot grigio and a whole new garage shelving system. I know you are supposed to ask for the jewelery, but I prefer the shelving system. Yes, I am an organizing freak. New shelves make me giddy...new shelves will make me sane, or so he hopes.

While the chef is off to Sin City with the boys, in hopes he will be able to retire upon his return - I will let him dream, me...I have grand plans.

I will be organizing, decluttering, cleaning, simplifying, beautifying and eating. I have some recipes in mind that I would love to try, some baking and ice-cream making and of course food tasting. If you need me this weekend, and I am not at home, you are most likely to find me in the aisles of one of the Markets....Whole Foods Market, Fresh Market, Doris' market....

Toodles my foodies...I have pizza to tend to....

Jet Setting Across the US - Portland Recap I

According to the http://www.foursquare.com/ check-in I am a Jet Setter-yipee…in the last 24 hours I have been in three different time zones, 3 different airports and visited 3 different cities. My latest adventure brings me to Portland, OR.

Portland is one of those cities that feeds my soul, recharges my batteries and makes everything in life better, even if it’s 55F and raining. Perhaps it’s all the wine that I have consumed or just plain delirious from the travel. It doesn’t really matter, because it makes me completely alive and appreciative of the life I am living.

After being awake for more than 25 hours I woke up this morning to a sweet smell of blueberry scones and cappuccino. Shannon is the epitome of Martha Stewart hostess….peonies on my night stand, Portland’s Best Foodie magazine issue, blueberry scones and cappuccino….I want to wake up to this every morning. We took our time getting out of the house-we watched the ultimate girl movie - GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN, but once we did, we managed to do everything that was scheduled for the first day.

Our day started with a visit to Rex Hill Vineyards. I loved their slogan: "Tasting. Commitment. Harmony. Quality."I loved the door/entrance to the tasting room...absolutely breathtaking. The tasting flight was good. I felt in love with the 2006 Rex Hill W.V. Reserve Pinot Noir. The labels are so elegant and classy, just like the winery - all grown up looking.

Our next stop was the Dundee Bistro. Same place we ate at last year, but this year we ate inside by the fire, and just to think that last year this time we sat outside, soaking in the sun… We shared Puget Sound Mamilla Clams and a Blue Cheese Burger with truffle fries, of course and some pinot grigio.

"The goal of The Dundee Bistro is to define Willamette Valley Cuisine, the presentation of locally produced wines, fruits, vegetables, nuts, mushrooms, fish and meats in preparations preserving their complete freshness, excellent quality and natural beauty. The chefs of The Dundee Bistro make every effort to utilize organic products and support dedicated farmers committed to sustainable agricultural practices." I think this sums it perfectly....I couldn't have said it better myself.

We continued driving down the road, but kept running into bunch of CLOSED signs at different wineries until we finally found the winery that was still open. Welcome to Winter's Hill Vineyard.

This is where I felt in love with the most amazing muscat and rose. I am not a lover of sweet wines, but these were delicious. Just as I was marveling the wine, the owner showed us a box that I could purchase and transport all the wines that I purchase during my trip safely to Florida for only $6…I was a girl on the mission.

I ended up only buying a bottle of muscat as I still had two more days and many more wineries to visit. It’s safe to say I filled up the box with no difficulties. Since all the wineries were already closed, we decided to try our chance and see the Sex and the City 2 movie, but before we did that, we did some pre-requisite shopping.

And shopped I did.....The movie was nothing short of amazing – the clothes, the decor, the girls. It was like meeting up with old girlfriends and catching up on lost times. We picked up right where we left off two years ago.

We finished the night by stopping by at Shannon’s favorite local restaurant - Decarli and shared appetizers and petit shirah. There is nothing better than sharing a bottle of good wine and great food while chatting with a best friend. I wish she didn’t live 3,000 miles away…..

Bruschetta - salmon tartare, cerignola olive and preserved lemon relish/balsamic figs, goat cheese, walnut/roasted fingerling potato, gorgonzola and hazelnut aillade

Meatballs - marinara, basil, grana padano and garlic toast

It was a food lovers dream day....and there was certainly more to come.