Friday, January 3, 2020
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Summer
Well summer is slowly winding down and I keep thinking about the backyard garden that we had growing up. Everything was so bold and flavorful. Gardening was part of the daily chores and Dad wouldn't let up. There was hoeing, weeding, watering, picking and digging and etc..How I do miss those days of past.
Coming full circle, these days its hip to have the back yard garden . If not at least checking out the farmers market on Saturday's and belonging to a CSA. Full Circle, what once is old is new again. I find it almost strange and refreshing that in this modern era of technology and gadgets a primal instinct kicks in and we pine for that connection with the good earth and simple pleasures that she yields.
I am so delighted that there is such a resurgent with farm to table markets for restaurants. Actually knowing where and who grew or raised your food, wow what a concept.
I do miss those days I spent with Dad in the garden, maybe just not the hoeing.
Coming full circle, these days its hip to have the back yard garden . If not at least checking out the farmers market on Saturday's and belonging to a CSA. Full Circle, what once is old is new again. I find it almost strange and refreshing that in this modern era of technology and gadgets a primal instinct kicks in and we pine for that connection with the good earth and simple pleasures that she yields.
I am so delighted that there is such a resurgent with farm to table markets for restaurants. Actually knowing where and who grew or raised your food, wow what a concept.
I do miss those days I spent with Dad in the garden, maybe just not the hoeing.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
a little past due..
Well I had every intention of getting this going awhile, life has been interesting say the least.
I have seen and tasted some many wonderful flavors and cuisines, explored a few markets and probably ventured into a few places I really shouldn't have been.
The journey to the Middle East has been kind of surreal, one day I am just lounging around Atlanta and three days later and unplanned I am on plane to Qatar. I spent about three weeks in Manama, Bahrain during the riots and even was at the Pearl during one of those days. I must say the people where very friendly, it seemed more of street fair versus a protest. Than the GCC or Gulf Army pulled into town and things went upside down for awhile. I felt totally safe and secure in port and really didn't want to have to pack it up and go. It took me about six hours to realize we where a banding and closing the doors on the fly. We emptied every cooler and freezer and loaded everything onto the pier, it was $20,000 plus of meat, seafood, produce and dairy anything that could or might spoil without refrigeration out the door. The upside was that it was distributed to the dock workers, whom make at best around $15 a day. Then it was a the trip to the airport, in out little convoy past all the military checkpoints and tanks. Which really was just foreshadowing of the 4 hour wait to pass security at the front door of the airport one of three. Well after a mire six hours I was finally at the counter and actually was able to get a flight back to Doha, (it was the midnight run but eh who is picking under those circumstances.
Well to Doha, a much needed night of rest and off to the Souk (bizarre) this was very exciting. All the fun vendors and just sitting in street cafe sipping coffee and watching people smoking their hookahs.
Next day I ventured down to the Corniche (beach) and came upon the fish market. they just lay the fish out on tarps and buckets, many of them still alive. the variety was amazing and I had a hard time deciding on what was my pick. I went for the Hamour (local grouper) delightful delicate flesh. Just simply broiled with a little olive oil, sea salt and few greens on the side. My kind of a meal.
I have seen and tasted some many wonderful flavors and cuisines, explored a few markets and probably ventured into a few places I really shouldn't have been.
The journey to the Middle East has been kind of surreal, one day I am just lounging around Atlanta and three days later and unplanned I am on plane to Qatar. I spent about three weeks in Manama, Bahrain during the riots and even was at the Pearl during one of those days. I must say the people where very friendly, it seemed more of street fair versus a protest. Than the GCC or Gulf Army pulled into town and things went upside down for awhile. I felt totally safe and secure in port and really didn't want to have to pack it up and go. It took me about six hours to realize we where a banding and closing the doors on the fly. We emptied every cooler and freezer and loaded everything onto the pier, it was $20,000 plus of meat, seafood, produce and dairy anything that could or might spoil without refrigeration out the door. The upside was that it was distributed to the dock workers, whom make at best around $15 a day. Then it was a the trip to the airport, in out little convoy past all the military checkpoints and tanks. Which really was just foreshadowing of the 4 hour wait to pass security at the front door of the airport one of three. Well after a mire six hours I was finally at the counter and actually was able to get a flight back to Doha, (it was the midnight run but eh who is picking under those circumstances.
Well to Doha, a much needed night of rest and off to the Souk (bizarre) this was very exciting. All the fun vendors and just sitting in street cafe sipping coffee and watching people smoking their hookahs.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Trends for 2011
So I ask myself what are the exciting trends we are going to see this year, some of my picks are;
I still think that comfort foods, the farm to table and great local produce will dominate all regions in the US. Don't be surprised to see some fun spins on Pennsylvania Dutch and Mid Western theme foods.
Fruit: Goji Berries, Heirloom Cantaloupes & Gooseberries
Spices: Garam Masala, Nigella Seeds & Creative Spice Rubs to dominate
French Provençal Cuisine and new resurgent of Indian influenced dishes.
My picks for wine this year will: Languedoc region of France, Malbec, Rose & Torrontes
I still think that comfort foods, the farm to table and great local produce will dominate all regions in the US. Don't be surprised to see some fun spins on Pennsylvania Dutch and Mid Western theme foods.
Fruit: Goji Berries, Heirloom Cantaloupes & Gooseberries
Spices: Garam Masala, Nigella Seeds & Creative Spice Rubs to dominate
French Provençal Cuisine and new resurgent of Indian influenced dishes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)