Culinary Fool

Strawberry Banana Daiquiri

27-Apr-2008

Well, our warm weather continues. Not quite summer weather yet, but close enough for me! I had a few bananas that were getting a bit too ripe and so I decided to make something that I usually reserve for the truly warm days of summer – daiquiris! In this case strawberry-banana daiquiris.

And, in case you are not aware, you can freeze bananas. So if I have some that are too ripe but can’t use them right away I pop them into a plastic bag and into the freezer. They can be used in baked goods or are great in this cocktail.

One of the things I really like about this drink (as foo-foo as it is!) is that it’s easy (in fact best) to make a batch at a time. If you only need one, you just put the rest of the batch in a plastic container in the freezer. Since there is alcohol in the mixture it won’t freeze solid. Then, when you want one, you just scoop some of it into a glass and let it sit for a few minutes to soften and you are ready to go!

It’s especially nice if you, for instance, have some hot outdoor work to do. Scoop up a glass and leave it in the fridge until you are done with your work. Then it should be ready when you are. Or it’s great for entertaining as you can make up a batch (or two) well before guests arrive and then just pull the pitchers out a few minutes before your party starts.

Frozen Strawberry-Banana Daiquiris

1 pint of fresh or frozen strawberries
1 small ripe fresh or frozen banana, peeled and sliced
4 oz of fresh lime juice
4 oz of simple syrup
5 oz of rum (I prefer golden but use what you like)
2 trays of ice

Add all the ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth but not watery. Serve immediately or store in freezer until ready to use.

To serve immediately pour/scoop into stemmed glasses. If mixture has been stored in the freezer it will be frozen but soft enough to scoop into glasses. Let thaw a few minutes before serving.

Dreaming of Summer

26-Apr-2008

The weather finally seems to be making progress towards more spring-like temperatures. I took advantage of yesterday afternoon’s sun, sat on the deck and had what I consider to be the epitome of a summer drink – a gin and tonic.

Like any mixed drink they are so super simple. Simply add a shot or two of gin to a glass filled with ice, then fill the glass with tonic water. Finish it off with a slice of lime. Easy to make for one or a crowd!

French Toast Supreme

25-Apr-2008

I love French Toast. For breakfast, lunch or dinner. I was buying bread over the weekend and suddenly the loaf of Raisin Pecan from The Essential Baking Company jumped into my hand demanding to be used for French Toast. I decided to oblige it. So that’s exactly what I did.

I used just a basic batter – one egg and a little milk- dipped the bread and let it soak just a little, then pan-fried it until nicely browned on both sides. Then I topped it with warm maple syrup, sliced pears, and a little brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. A pretty fine way to start the day!

First Look: Quinn’s

24-Apr-2008

Well, this post is about five or six months overdue. My "First Look" at Quinn’s was one week after they opened last fall. My second, a week after that. And I’ve been back several times since. The circumstances, however, have always left me without decent photos – even the night I was there with a group of photographers! This current set still isn’t great but it will give you a little idea of what to expect.

Quinn’s is the little sibling of Zoe in Belltown, both literally and figuratively! Scott Staples chef/owner named Zoe after his little daughter. I love Zoe’s but don’t go that often as it is not really a place you can drop into. There is a bar but it’s very small and more appropriate for those who have arrived a bit early for a reservation than for those who’s only intention is to sit in the bar. It’s crowded into the back corner and on some nights the bartender seems to drift back and forth between several duties including tending bar. The food there has always been great, though. But I tend to think of it more as an occasion place – somewhere you go when you actually make plans in advance.

So I was happy to hear that Scott was going to add another location, a more casual place. Quinn’s (named for the Staples’ son) opened last fall on Capitol Hill. This location is dubbed a "gastro-pub". More bar like; louder; smaller plates; more focus on beer, wine and other alcoholic offerings, this location is the perfect drop-in spot. That is if you can get a seat. Every time I’ve gone there has actually been a crowd waiting outside the door when they open at 5:00. And the staff is not always great about actually opening exactly on time. Sometimes it’s 5:05 or 5:10 – not a huge deal but bothersome when you are standing in the rain and the staff is just on the other side of the large windows taking their time finishing their staff meeting. Once the doors open the first floor generally fills within 30 minutes. I have yet to go upstairs and take a look at the second floor but it also seems to fill soon after.

The menu changes often, although it seems to be just a little at a time with just one or two plates migrating to something new. I have yet to have anything I didn’t like there and so far I’ve tried the Meatball sliders and rabbit pate (both pictured); braised oxtail; duck and duck rillette (that’s one dish); wild boar sloppy joe; wagyu beef burger; sauteed spinach; gooey gougere; and more. I thought the spinach had a few too many currents which made it overly sweet and I decided I prefer "plain" gougere (Quinn’s are stuffed with melted cheese) but those are both preferences not issues.

I guess probably the biggest compliment is the fact that I have been back so many times. In this town with so many great places to go – and more opening all the time – it sometimes takes me quite some time to get back to the places I like. The fact that I’ve now been to Quinn’s half a dozen times speaks volumes.

They have recently started opening for lunch as well as dinner.

When they first opened they did not take reservations. I’m not sure if they have changed that policy as their website doesn’t address it. I think, however, if you have a large group they will work with you. At least it has seemed that way in the past.

Quinn’s

1001 East Pike St

Seattle

206.325.7711

First Look: How to Cook a Wolf

23-Apr-2008

When some of you read that title you may have thought I’d be talking about a book, How to Cook a Wolf

, the famous book by renowned food writer MFK Fisher. And in a way, I was but not directly. Ethan Stowell, chef/owner of Union and Tavolato opened a third location late last year and named it How to Cook a Wolf. For those in the culinary world this novel is one that defines and inspires but it still seems an odd name for a restaurant. I’m sure over time it will come to known just as "Wolf".

Odd name or not, the tiny space is cozy and welcoming with big stone structures (the bar and the divider wall between bar and kitchen), undulating wood walls and large windows. There is only seating for about 35 people, including the ten seats at the bar, and this place has been packed since it opened. Since they do not take reservations it’s a bit of a gamble when or if you’ll be able to find a seat.

M and I arrived at 6:00 – I was actually there at 5:45 – and were able to grab the two last chairs at the bar. We were seated near the hostess and after that the folks that came in, especially those hoping for a table, were told it would be a 90 minute wait. I actually thought that the hostess was a bit rough with people (trying to come in and spend their money!) and seemed frustrated when people asked any sort of clarifying question. I’m sure it’s challenging seating people in the tiny and popular place but it really seemed she could have been a bit more pleasant in her dealings with the potential customers.

The good news is that they will take your name and cell phone number so that you can wander over to somewhere like The Paragon or one of the three nearby coffee shops to relax or stroll Queen Anne Avenue to make sure you are ready for the meal to come.

How to Cook a Wolf has an Italian influenced menu but it’s different than Tavolata’s. The bulk of the menu is devoted to appetizers (my kind of place!) and includes four pasta options. There are also half a dozen cheese and dessert options to finish your meal.

Sitting at the bar, watching the food come out of the kitchen we had a chance to see many of the menu itmes before ordering. We decided to start with Tombo Crudo which, we were told, was Hawaiian albacore, although that is not the translation I get when I look it up. No matter. While waiting for our Tombo we were served the Asparagus Salad, as the chef had made one extra and we were in the right place at the right time! The asparagus were cold, crispy and very lightly dressed. They sat on a layer of thinly sliced bressola and were sprinkled with large, lightly pickled wild capers. Such a fresh presentation! Although we hadn’t ordered it we were really glad we had this dish.

Our Tombo Crudo arrived soon after. So impeccably fresh! Beautiful squares of the albacore with a hint of hot chili and lime juice. It seemed more Mexican to me than Italian but I’m not going to argue that small point. It was a beautiful dish and I really loved the flavor combination.

We finally made up our minds about what other items to try – the menu is challenging as it all looks so good – and next to arrive were the perfectly grilled scallops on a white bean and porcini puree. I love scallops and I’m very picky about their preparation. These were really lovely. Grilled until slightly caramelized on the outside yet tender and tasting of the sea on the inside. The puree had a slightly different texture, a feel of creaminess, and an earthiness from the mushrooms yet didn’t take away from the essence of the scallop.

Next, and I know this sounds like a lot but portions are small and we were sharing, our bowl of spaghetti arrived. Flavored with garlic, chilies and anchovy and topped with olive oil and a mound of grated Parmesan it was simple and satisfying. When we’d first ordered we thought we might have to take some of it home with us but there wasn’t a speck left when we were done.

M decided to order an espresso to finish and I asked for tea. This was my personal disappoint of the night. No tea. Not only no tea but our server was a bit callous about it, recommending I just go to one of the nearby coffee shops in a sort of condescending manner. I don’t know what their reasoning is for not having tea – the espresso machine is certainly equipped to make hot water and a couple boxes of tea bags don’t take up much room – perhaps it’s not Italian enough, but it seems to be a silly decision or oversight. That being said, our server did make an adjustment to our check and I think it was to compensate for the lack of tea, which was nice.

We really loved this meal and the whole feel of How to Eat a Wolf. I wish the staff would be a bit more mindful of their attitude and treatment of customers in some ways but I’m willing to excuse it for the time being and to hope that corrects itself or that what we saw with the hostess and my tea request were just oddities. And I did appreciate the adjustment to the check, which makes up for a lot.

My recommendation for getting a seat at this already well-loved location is to get there as soon after 5:00 pm as possible; wait until about 7:00 to grab a seat as the first round vacates; or simply plan on stopping by, adding your name to the list and spend a pleasant hour wandering or having a pre-dinner cocktail.

You can see a few more photos here.

How to Cook a Wolf

2208 Queen Anne Ave N.

Seattle
206.838.8090
No Reservations

Currently closed Tuesday & Wednesday

“Buyer” Beware: OpenTable.com

22-Apr-2008

So right off the top I’m going to tell you that this is my own fault as the information is in their FAQs on the site but I still think the way it’s handled stinks.

Occasionally I use OpenTable.com to make reservations mostly at local establishments but I had been thinking that I really should use it more often when traveling. However, I don’t use it regularly for a number of reasons: I’m a pretty spontaneous diner; my friends and I generally prefer to sit at the bar instead of in the dining room; hardly anywhere in Seattle really requires a reservation unless you are really set at eating right at 7:00 on a Friday night; a lot of places that I like to go are not available through OpenTable; most places that are on OpenTable also take phone reservations.

If you’re not familiar with the site it does offer a few nice features. For instance, you can put in a date and time and it will show you all restaurants in your area that have open tables which is a lot easier than searching for them one by one. And the primary reason I liked it was that for each reservation you get 100 points (sometimes more during promotions) and once you have 1000 you can redeem them for a $10 certificate – at least that’s how it started. Now you can’t redeem until you hit 2000 points and you’ll get a $20 certificate.

Well, I hit 1000 quite some time ago but thought I’d hold out until I had 2000 since a $20 certificate just sounded better than a $10 one. But for several months I’ve been lingering in the no man’s land of more than 1000 but not yet 2000 points. Apparently I’ve been lingering there for over a year. And apparently if your account hasn’t been used in a year they take back all your points. Which I realized today when a newsletter was delivered to my mailbox and it said "Your balance is 0." And so I scurried to check my account and sure enough the balance was 0 because the last entry was a negative entry for the exact number of points I’d accrued.

As I said, when you read the FAQs it’s right there plain as day so I’m totally at fault. But what I think is stinky is that they didn’t even bother to send some sort of warning. And of course, they probably hope they don’t have to pay out rewards so why would they? Well, maybe because part of their compensation comes from the restaurants and is based on how many reservations are made through the site so by reminding me it might have spurred some activity on my part because I wouldn’t want to lose my points. And it would have kept me from writing this post which is now warning all of you to make sure you remain active on the site. (Although even bad publicity is good publicity, right?) Or maybe you should just skip the site altogether because, at least in the Seattle market, it really doesn’t offer that much. That’s probably what I’ll do from now on. I’m sure the loss of my activity won’t break the bank but I think, in general, it’s always a bad idea to lose customers.

Dining Out for Life – April 24th

18-Apr-2008

Dining Out for Life is celebrating its 15th year! Wow. It’s such an easy way to do some good – all you have to do is eat. Make your plans/reservations today – it’ll be here before you know it! Here’s more info from their website:

Dining Out For Life, one of Seattle’s favorite ways to fight AIDS, is back on Thursday, April 24, 2008 for its amazing 15th year! When you dine at one of the 150 participating restaurants on this day, a portion of your bill goes directly to Lifelong AIDS Alliance, the largest HIV and AIDS service organization in the Pacific Northwest.

Check out the participating restaurants page to see which of your favorites are supporting Dining Out For Life this year!

Lifelong AIDS Alliance provides a variety of services to people living with HIV and AIDS in the Puget Sound region, including fresh meals and groceries from Chicken Soup Brigade, Lifelong’s food program. Other services include housing, insurance, and education and prevention programs. For complete information on Lifelong AIDS Alliance, visit www.llaa.org.

And for information on this event in other cities visit the main Dining out for Life site.

Tart and Tangy

16-Apr-2008

Rhubarb is in season! Real, local rhubarb! I bought my first bunch this last weekend at the U-Dist Farmers’ Market. I made a cross between a pie and a tart – two small "personal" sized ones, in fact. I don’t have much more to say about that but since a picture speaks a thousand words I’ll let the photos do the talking!

Weekend Dinner

16-Apr-2008

You may have noticed that I sometimes get a little "stuck" on certain ingredients. Mostly that’s because I tend to use what I have around and if I happen to have purchased a large amount of something you’ll see it being used in various ways throughout the week. So you may notice this looks a little like the breakfast I made on Sunday. The difference is in amounts of the ingredients, the seasonings and, as is obvious, what’s being served with it.

For this dish I sauteed a large number of onions and mushrooms, added just a bit of spinach and when it was all done hit it with a healthy dose of balsamic vinegar to give it a really nice tangy-ness.

The lamb was marinated in olive oil, red wine, garlic, rosemary and lavender; grilled for about 5 or 6 minutes on either side (still very pink inside) and then placed on the veggies. The tart of the vinegar was a nice counterpoint to the sort of sweet taste of the lavender and rosemary.

Sur la Table: Free Knife Sharpening

15-Apr-2008

It’s April and that means time for Sur la Table’s free knife sharpening offer. Bring in two knives and have them professionally sharpened. You can do others for $1 per inch. I’m sure turnaround times will vary but in the past they’ve often done mine within an hour!

For all the details see this page and here’s a list of all Sur la Table locations.