Friday, June 3, 2011

Easy-peasy Japanesey Summer Sushi!

At first, sushi looks overwhelming to make but with this easy-peasy recipe (great for beginners) you'll be rollin' 'em out in no time!
With the rice on the inside this recipe is easy and clean, making it perfect for a summer picnic!
What You'll Need:
-Seaweed Nori Rolling Paper (I cut mine in half hot dog length)
-Imitation crab or real crab if you want to get fancy
*make sure if you decide to use raw fish that you get the "Sushi Grade" fish. If you are unsure, ask the person at the deli counter!
-Assorted vegetables cut into thin strips- I used peppers, avocado, and green onions, but cucumbers, carrots and even fruit goes well!
-Cream Cheese
-Cooked Sushi Rice
-Small bowl of water to dip Your hands each time you apply rice
-A very sharp knife
-Sriracha
-Wasabi Paste & Soy Sauce for dipping
~
What You'll Do:
-Wet hands in bowl and scoop a handful of sushi rice, pat the rice onto the seaweed, covering almost the entire sheet in a thin, even blanket- make sure to leave about half an inch at the top of the seaweed uncovered
-Add crab & vegetables in a horizontal line on the end that has all the rice
*If using cream cheese, cut a piece and pinch it, stretching it out along the bottom of the roll
-Add a line of Sriracha
-Wet the top of the uncovered roll with water
-Gripping firmly, gently roll from top to bottom- the wetted top of the roll should stick to the rice below it
-Using a very sharp knife, see-saw back and forth, gently cutting the roll so not to tear the seaweed
-In two small serving dishes, place wasabi and soy sauce, grab your chop sticks and dig in!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Things to Do: Burning River Fest!

Many Clevelanders from past to present can recall the insustainably disgusting event when the Cuyahoga River caught fire in 1969. Since 2001, The Burning River Foundation has put on Burning River Fest- an event where people from Northeast Ohio/Great Lakes Regions can come together to learn about and celebrate a "renewed sense of eco-consciousness". Live music acts from local talents, locally sustainable farms and food vendors from around the area make this event a must go! It's also Christmas in July, so you know what that means- the return of CHRISTMAS ALE! Check out the flyer below and their website for more details!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Weekly Want: Big Girls Small Kitchen Cookbook!


It's finally here:

Ever since I stumbled upon Big Girls Small Kitchen about a year ago, I've been waiting for the release of their book, In the Small Kitchen: 100 Recipes from Our Year of Cooking in the Real World. Cara Eisenpress and Phoebe Lapine (the Big Girls) make college/apartment cooking look effortlessly chic, sophisticated and well put together (not to mention yummy!). As a college student getting ready to graduate and move out of my tiny apartment and into a slightly bigger big girl apartment, I love reading their blog to get ideas of how to prepare meals for my boyfriend and I, small dinner/cocktail parties or any other kind of themed occasions that I don't need a huge elaborate kitchen to cook in. Their recipes have helped me create the perfect Super Bowl Party appetizers (the guest thought it was a real touchdown!) and I've printed off my own collection of their recipes which are posted all over my fridge. But now in an easy-big-girl-small-kitchen-fashion their simple,delicious recipes are compiled into one amazing cookbook! Available on Amazon for about $15 these girls will have you eager to cook in your small kitchen and impress you and your guests with their delectable delights!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

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Happy Hour: Luxe

So, I've been thinking that most of the restaurant reviews (and yes I know that I have not done one in quite a while) are mostly for dinner, but what every good Clevelander really wants to know is where's the booze! I must admit that the number one way I go about choosing a new restaurant is to pick one with a good happy hour- and we're not just talking drinks here. Happy Hour is an inexpensive way to take in the atmosphere, the clientele, the prices, the cuisine and last, but certainly not least- whether this is place to stop back again because they serve one hell of a dirty martini or have great draft prices! There are many places that I want to revisit as ode to this blog and share with you their amazing HH, but I figured in light of finally getting around to trying this place, I would start with Luxe. Luxe, located in one of my *fav* neigbs- Gordon Square Art District/ Battery Park area, is hott. And when I say hott, I mean, sexy. Sexy lighting, decor, waiters, the works! And the foods not too bad either... actually that's an understatement because the food is amazing! I had walked by Luxe many times, but was always turned off by it because it just didn't seem like my kind of place. I thought that it was too expensive for my cent-savvy foodie tastes and due to the finely dressed business persons always gazing out the window, martini in hand, I figured I would just be better heading to Happy Dog for a cheap dog and beer. Letting my ridiculous judgements hold me back no longer, I met a friend there for happy hour after work about a week or so ago and beat myself up for a second after looking at the HH menu and realizing I had been missing out on one of the best Cleveland HH of my life!
Both Photos via luxecleveland.com

Now I know you're all wondering what exactly it is that I'm talking about, so let me just lay it out for you:

HH Hours: 5-7pm
For $6 you get 2 for 1 draft beers- anything from Arrogant Bastard IPA to Pabst Blue Ribbon
For $11 you get 2 for 1 martinis of your choice
For $6 you can eat 3 lamb meat loaf sliders or pulled pork sliders, a devilishly good Guinness burger with chocolate BBQ and caramelized onion, a large bucket of fried eggplants and hand-cut sweet and gold potato fries, and a few other selections I know I'm failing to remember
For $7-9 you can get a 12" or 14" pizza a good selection to choose from including Grilled Mediterranean Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan
* Just keep in mind that HH applies only to the lounge/bar area, which is pretty big, so no worries about missing out!

Luxe also offers lots of events with a specially prepared menu, as they had for Mother's Day. They also have a Happy Hour Brunch (Sundays 10am-3pm) and if you're just stopping in for a romantic dinner, the regular prices aren't too shabby (expect to double the price of the HH menu). HH at Luxe really is the way to go... in fact all this talk of it has me anticipating my next trip there... perhaps after work today ;)

6605 Detroit Avenue Cleveland, OH
216-920-0600
Hours: M- W 5pm-10pm; Th 5pm-11pm; F-Sat 5pm-12am; S 10am-10pm

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Weekly Want: Yellow Submarine Tea Infuser

Somewhere, in an octopus's garden in the shade, John Lennon is sipping tea, wishing he had this adorable tea infuser! This Yellow Submarine tea infuser from FredFlare is probably one of the cutest things since the Beatles had their mop-top haircuts in the '60's! You don't have to live in one to enjoy the iconic adorableness of this yellow submarine! Super affordable and definitely a must have for every Beatles fan/ tea enthusiast!

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Getting into the Spirit: Derby Time!

Grab your most extravagant hat and get your drink on with the official Kentucky Derby drink, Mint Juleps!
-4 cups Kentucky bourbon
-1 cup water
-1 cup sugar
-4 sprigs of fresh spearmint (2 for garnish, 2 finely chopped & mixed inside cocktail)
photo via Joe O'Brien for American Tailgaters Association

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Getting Into the Spirit: Cinco de Mayo y Salsa Súper Fácil!

What You'll Need:
-1 can whole kernel corn drained
-1 can black beans drained
-1 small can jalapeño slices
-1 can of diced tomatoes
-1 small onion diced
-fresh cilantro
-2 freshly squeezed limes (juice)
-sea salt & pepper to taste!
What You'll D0:
-throw all ingredients in a bowl, mix and serve!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Cinnamon Sugar & Rosemary Polenta Cakes

What You'll Need:
-Organic Polenta, cut into 1/2 inch patties
-1 tsp. of cinnamon
-1 tsp. of salt
-1 tsp of sugar
-1 sprig of fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
-2 tbsp. of olive oil
-1/2 can of pickled beets for topping

What You'll Do:
-Combine cinnamon, salt and sugar in a small bowl
- Heat up oil in pan
- Place Polenta in pan and sprinkle with the cinnamon, salt and sugar mixture, turn to other side and do the same
-Cook until browned on either side
-Serve with Beets ontop!


Friday, April 29, 2011

Royally Yours to Knit & Keep Till Death Should You Part!

Here comes the bride!
With all the talk of the royal wedding uniting Catherine Middleton & Prince William today it was only appropriate to talk about Fiona Gobel's book Knit Your Own Royal Wedding. Now you too can partake in all the holy matrimony with your own Prince William and Harry, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles & Camilla.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Hott Dogg Anthem!

The Health-Food Diner by Maya Angelou

No sprouted wheat and soya shoots
And Brussels in a cake,
Carrot straw and spinach raw,
(Today, I need a steak).

Not thick brown rice and rice pilaw
Or mushrooms creamed on toast,
Turnips mashed and parsnips hashed,
(I'm dreaming of a roast).

Health-food folks around the world
Are thinned by anxious zeal,
They look for help in seafood kelp
(I count on breaded veal).

No smoking signs, raw mustard greens,
Zucchini by the ton,
Uncooked kale and bodies frail
Are sure to make me run

to

Loins of pork and chicken thighs
And standing rib, so prime,
Pork chops brown and fresh ground round
(I crave them all the time).

Irish stews and boiled corned beef
and hot dogs by the scores,
or any place that saves a space
For smoking carnivores.

You are the Company You Coup!


Right after Easter and the beginning of Spring is a great time to think about taking on a new project. Although I currently rent, I would love to have some land to start a chicken coup. Chickens are cute and eggs just so happen to be one of my favorite foods!
This egg-shaped sculptural coup by nogg is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is also ecological, easy to clean, easy to access and portable!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Getting Into the Spirit: Dying Eggs

Who doesn't love dying eggs? You write you name in white, crayon, dip into the dye, pull it out and wah-lah! Just like magic, a secret is reveled with the dying of an Easter egg! If you're looking for something a little different this year that the store-bought PAAS dying kits,
check out these great ideas from Momtastic and Aesthetic Outburst!
Eggs dyed with natural dyes from vegetables at Momtastic!
Folk-Inspired Eggs designed by Aesthetic Outburst!

Weekly Want: Planter Necklace

This Friday marks Earth Day.
It's also Good Friday.
So why not start of spring with a festive necklace by Etsy artist, Colleen Jordan from Atlanta Georgia!
These reasonably priced, eco-friendly necklaces are not only one of the most adorable things I have ever seen, but they're a good way to get into the spirit of spring and help the planet out!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Vegetarian Sriracha Chili

What You'll Need:
-1 can of diced tomatoes
-1 can of black beans
-1 can of kidney beans
-any other beans that you love!
-package of vegetarian imitation beef crumbles
-1 chili pepper
-red/green pepper
-1 small onion
-1 packet of taco seasoning
-1 tbsp of olive oil
-2 tbsp of Sriracha (if you do not want your chili to be as spicy, then limit to 1/2 or 1 tbsp.)
*green onions or chives & grated pepper jack cheese to top
What You'll Do:
-In a large frying pan on medium heat cook the chopped onion and peppers (about 5 minutes until soft)
-Add diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans & and others you've decided on and mix
-Add package of vegetarian imitation beef, taco seasoning and Sriracha
-Mix and set pan to simmer
*It is a good idea to add the vegetarian imitation beef crumbles last because unlike regular meat, it is already cooked and just needs to be heated up!
- Let chili simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until thoroughly mixed, cooked & lookin' good!
- Grab a Bowl, top with some freshly cut green onions or chives, some grated pepper jack cheese and wa-lah!

Indian Delight is Right!

When you're craving Indian, you just gotta get at it! And while the last post gave you a taste of the South, here's some delicious heart-of-it-all Mumbai cuisine for those of you who wear your heart on your tummy! I went out to Indian Delight for lunch. It's located in one of my favorite areas for up and coming eateries, Battery Park/Detroit Shoreway. I was looking for somewhere to take a work colleague who is from Mumbai out to lunch and happened upon their website. Their menu featured my favorite Mumbai street specialty (and really all around favorite Indian food)- Pani Puri. Please get to know that name and look for it wherever Indian food is served because once you've tasted what Indians call "street food" your belly will be aching with desire from this magnificent delicatessen. When we got in, the place was slow for lunch, but the owner said that business was slowly picking up. Aside from the lack of patrons, the place was bustling with tantalizing aromas, so I grabbed a plate and headed straight for the buffet! I'm not much of a buffet girl since I'm trying to watch my figure (ha!), but the food looked irresistible. Tandoori Chicken, Lamb Masala, Curries of all Kind along with Basmati rice, fresh out-of-the-oven Naan you name it! It was a feast! My colleague said the food was even better than some places in Mumbai- a true compliment to the chef! Service was good and the clean atmosphere and authentic music made the experience of gorging oneself a little more attractive. I will definitely be back for the lunch buffet, which is served 7 days a week from 11:30-3pm and would like to go for dinner to get a different feel for the restaurant other than "most amazing food coma ever". I highly recommend this restaurant and hope you all get the opportunity to try it! This inexpensive, quaint restaurant boosts a well versed menu for meat lovers and vegetarians alike and it is Halal friendly! A must-eat little Indian Gem right in the Heart of Cleveland!
Indian Buffet featuring Lamb, Chicken Masala & Chicken & Vegetable Curries
Tandoori Chicken & Chicken with Basmati Rice
Naan, Fried Vegetables, Roti Bread
Sauces
Last, but certainly not least, Pani Puri

5507 Detroit Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44102
216.651.4007

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Udupi South Indian Cuisine

It's not often that I have the opportunity to make it out to the Parma area, perhaps some of you are thinking "why would you?", but with as much criticism that comes with Parma, one also has to account for the great local flavor it has to offer. I love Indian cuisine! So you can imagine my excitement when I came across Udupi Cafe tucked in a small strip mall along the likes of a Goodwill and Indian Grocery Store. When I initially pulled in I was craving Tandoori Chicken, but to my surprise Udupi only offers vegetarian dishes. Tandoori, although found throughout India, is traditionally more or a Northwestern dish, Udupi offers Southern traditional flavors. I must say that if you do decide to treat yourself to Udupi, you need to keep in mind that the place is nothing marvel. The exterior along with the interior is pretty much lackluster aside from the banquet seating and Ganesh shrine at the entrance. But if you came to eat, then keep your opinions to that! I suggest ordering an appetizer to start. You can get an appetizer combo plate, which will allow you to get a feel for the different kinds of street-like food. Might I suggest Medhu Vada, which are like spicy Indian donuts- delish! For the main course I got Uthappam and Masala Dosai. As you can see, they're huge portions- spicy and delectable! The Uthappam is comparable to a blown up potato pancake with vegetables inside. The Masala Dosai has a crunchy outside that is folded over and contains potatoes (like this one) or whatever the description says- lentils, veggies, etc. Both come with a yogurt like sauce and a spicy broth for dipping. The overall experience is good. You won't pay more than $10 for a meal, the appetizers and cheap, and if you know a vegetarian it is a real treat to take them somewhere they will have no problem finding something on the menu they will like. Like I said, the appearance is a little drab, so I don't suggest it for a first date or if you're trying to impress someone, but if you're in the mood for some good Indian cuisine, great service and perhaps a Bollywood music channel playing on one of the t.v.'s then this if your ultimate low-key stop to great South Indian cuisine.
Uthappam (above)
Masala Dosai (below)

Friday, April 8, 2011

Smart Buy: How to Build a Fire

So it's kinda a weekly want and it's kinda something that I thought was nifty and wanted to share!
I love The Dangerous Book for Boys & The Daring Book for Girls, but when I came across this neat book I knew I wanted it!
I feel in today's world most of us have no idea how to do simple things like build a fire, tie a bow line knot, hang drywall, etc. We have people to do these things for us, so why learn, right? But these things that should be so obviously known have now become a lost art- a lost art that I would like to have the skills and know-how if I so desire to provide for myself!
How to Build a Fire and Other Handy Things Your Grandfather Knew is not only a smart buy at about $10 but will give you the smarts to take care of everyday business!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Weekly Want: Organic Mortar & Pestle

Sexy, Chic, Practical & Useful
Marble & Oak
I LOVE these. These organic mortar and pestle sets from Designgroup on Etsy are hott! This Tel Aviv Company not only makes these, but adorable toys made from recycled wood and cloth along with recycled vases that are not only helping the planet but also helping you out in the kitchen!
Glass & Oak

Friday, April 1, 2011

#1 Pho Sho!

Number One Pho
3120 Superior Ave E
Cleveland, OH 44114-4343
(216) 781-1176
On these cold fall days we've been having lately, what's better than soup? Pho-tastic noodle soup in delicious beef or chicken broth, filled to the brim of the bowl, steaming hot, accompanied by fresh basil leaves, lime wedges, jalepenos and of course, bean sprouts!!! Ahhh, need I say more?!

Number One Pho, located on Cleveland's east side in its Asian hub, is a Vietnamese restaurant that boasts an amazingly expansive menu with lots to chose from (though mostly meat or fish dishes).
Images via Google Image search
My first dining experience was with a pho-aficionado, so naturally I let her chose a few things off the menu she thought I would be interested in. I narrowed it down to the Chicken Pho in Beef Broth, which was unbelievably divine! She had a beef-stew inspired Pho dish which I believed to be a little more heavy, but just as good. I do have to admit that when I initially glanced at the menu I had no idea what to order. I am not really knowledgeable on Vietnamese cuisine, but even if I had gone alone, the staff is extraordinarily friendly and will help narrow down your options based on what you like! The service was great- fast, attentive and polite, the atmosphere- relaxing, good ambiance, and the prices were unbeatable- I got two meals out of my $10 tab, tip included!

Definitely a goer for a first date, a lunch with mom or a great way to warm up on a cold day!
Pho-netics: {pho bo= beef} {pho ga= chicken}

Gotcha! April Fool's Day!

Sooo I happened upon these darling joke eggs at little food junction and they are an egg-celent early spring gag!
They look like soft boiled eggs, but wait! They're not!!!
They're custard filled sweet treats!
Check out the recipe here!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Weekly Want: Reese's Egg

Before there were Pumpkins, Trees & Hearts there were Eggs!
Reese's Eggs are an ultimate guilty pleasure of mine and every March they appear on the shelves of grocery stores and I simply can not resist purchasing a pack.
I relish in this awesome peanut butter covered chocolate egg-licious delight that means Spring is right around the corner!

Vegetarian-Friendly Hobo Empenadas

What You'll Need:
-1 medium sized sweet potato
-1/2 pkg of soy chorizo (available at Trader Joes)
-1 pkg of Pillsbury Cresent Rolls
-Chavrie Goats Cheese (or any preferred spreadable cheese)
What You'll Do:
-Cut the sweet potato into cubes and boil until soft
-Meanwhile cook soy chorizo in a small pan until browned
-Mash the sweet potato and add the chorizo, mix well and set aside
- Take each triangle of the Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and spread thinly with the Chavrie
-Place a heaping spoonful of the potato/chorizo mix towards the end of the roll and roll!
-Bake at regular temperature and minutes as crescent roll package says
-Take out & Serve immediately!!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

What to Do With: Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Rosemary Potato Fritters
What You'll Need:
1. 3 cups of leftover mashed potatoes
2. 4 tbsps of olive oil; 1 tbsp towards the onions and rosemary/ 3 tbsps for the fritters
3. 1 cup of panko bread crumbs
4. 1/2 medium sized onion, minced
5. 4 garlic cloves
6. 2 springs of finely chopped rosemary
What You'll Do:
-Add about 2 tbsps of butter to your leftover mashed potatoes and mix
-in a skillet heat up onions, rosemary and garlic with 1 tbsp of oil
-once onions & such are browned, mix with mashed potatoes
-mold mashed potatoes into small patties and cover in panko bread crumbs on both sides
-in a heated frying pan with olive oil, brown fritters on either side, flipping once (about 2-3 minutes/side)
Serve immediately!
*I added some Chavrie Goat's Cheese for some extra zest!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Weekly Want: Sagaform Utensil Jar with Spoon Rest

I've seen it. I want it. I need to get my hands on $55 to purchase this!
This Sagaform Project Utensil Jar with Removable Spoon Rest is made of ceramic stoneware, is dishwasher safe and was designed by Roger Persson for Sagaform, part of Huset, a modern Scandanavian Design Products Company. Three separate wooden utensils including a spoon, scraper, and fork are included in your purchase too! So chic, my heart beats for this kitchen must have!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Meal for Two: Me & You

On the menu for a rainy day lunch inside:
Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic and Rosemary
&
Apple and Hickory Smoked Cheddar Cheese Paninis
For the Fries What You'll Need:
1. 2 medium- large sweet potatoes (more pictured, since i love sweet potatoes)
2. 3 large cloves of garlic
3. 2 tbsp of olive oil
4. 1 tbsp of cayenne pepper
5. 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
6. 3 tbsp of dill- fresh or not
~
What You'll Do:
-Cut sweet potatoes into strips, according to your thickness preferences. Know that thicker fries will take longer to cook all the way through!
-In a medium size mixing bowl place potatoes, olive oil, cayenne pepper, and dill, mix to coat all fries evenly in oil and spices.
-place in a glass/bakeware dish, trying to not overlap fries
- throw garlic and rosemary on top of fries
-bake at 450 for about 45 minutes, stopping half way through to flip fries
*I use blue cheese or ranch for dipping
-towards the end of their baking, assemble paninis
For the Paninis What You'll Need:
1. 2 ciabatta bread, wheat dinner rolls, french baquette, etc.
2. 1 large apple- sweet or sour!
3. 8 thinly slices pieces of Hoffman's Smoked Cheddar Cheese (really any cheese, especially brie will work- Hoffman's is just my personal fav!)
~
What You'll Do:
-If you have a panini press, then bust that bad boy out and get it heated up! If not, any old frying pan will work!
-Place 4 slices of the cheese with 2-3 slices of your apple and press till the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
*Don't hesitate to add some jam, a dash of sriracha, honey or whatever else your heart desires to your panini, apples are versatile and go good with more things than you'd probably think!
This meal is quick, easy and tastes delicious- perfect with a book or a movie on a rainy day inside!


Monday, March 7, 2011

Yo Quiero Momocho Mod Mex!

A long work day always calls for a nice beer and some grub at a nearby restaurant with a happy hour that boasts drink specials and if you're lucky, a discount on the food. People desiring something unique and new along with something familiar and fun love Momocho Mod Mex.
Momocho, located in Ohio City, has all the things mentioned above and more. Playing on the lucha libre theme of masked Mexican wrestlers, the walls are filled with not only portraits of luchadores, but also the Virgin Mary, mexican-style crosses and tricked-out bicycles. The dark rustic interior provides an intimate space where your table is often shared with the company of others. While the space might be small, this little cocina cooks up some big flavor!
^tinga- 16-spice grilled chicken^

-WHAT to get-
Although I have not had nearly half of the things on the menu, there are some things I can suggest for first time foodies:
-Definately start with chips & guac- their chips are made fresh to order and the guacamole is some of the best I have ever had- try the blue cheese/garlic confit/chile verde! If you're having difficulty making up your mind, there's also a sampler of three!
-If you do make happy hour, get the taquitos, they're half price, which you really can't beat. I've tried most of them, all being delicious, but if I had to pick the alcachofa (sofrito artichokes and goat cheese with pico de gallo) & pato (slow roasted duck, pomegranate ancho barbacoa) are my favorites!
-The specials are good, but expensive. Making Happy Hour and getting the taquitos are just as satisfying (and about as much food) as the especiales.
-Get a margarita or a mojito!
-Unfortunately I've always been too full for dessert, so I have no idea how they are, but what the hell! If you're belly's still craving more, order one of the exquisite sounding delectables!
(if anyone has, feel free to leave a suggestion in the comments!)
Check out the full menu here!
^alcachofa^

-WHEN to go-
Happy Hour: tuesday-friday 5pm- 6:30 (closed mondays) and only on the first floor
H.H. includes: 1/2 off margaritas & tecate + 1/2 off taquitos
Sunday Night Supper: every sunday 4pm- 9:30pm $30/couple
Includes: 3 courses
Other events posted here!

All pictures copyright T.Krankowski