Joe's Birthday and His Favorite Meal: Pork, Wrapped in Pork, Stuffed With Pork

The birthday events for Joe actually began early Saturday April 24th morning (his bday is April 25th).  I put together a paintball private game at CPX in Joliet Illinois.  14 of us ended up going.  I always thought paintball would be fun, but this was on beyond my expectations.  Although I currently am harboring multiple bruises from being pegged, it was worth it.  We got there at 8:30 in the morning, and played til about 12:30 in the afternoon.  Split off into two teams (randomly chosen), and played on 5 different courses.  If you have never played before, I highly recommend it!  That night we were having everyone over for birthday party.  By the time I got home and showered I had about half an hour to sit back and relax before having to get up and get things ready.  While I cooked in the kitchen, joe cleaned up.  Most people arrived around 7pm, and were greeted by a bevy of drinks, pizzas, and other culinary concoctions.  I ended up making my homemade salsa and guac, along with my buffalo chicken tartlets (made them with mozzarella cheese instead of bleu), double chocolate cupcakes with strawberry jam filling and chocolate buttercream frosting, and something I like to call Dikta Wraps (in honor of the old Bears coach Mr. Mike Dikta).  Basically it involves smoked polish sausage, bacon, cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a crescent roll.....they must have been good cause we didn't put any away that night.  There was lots of poker being played, along with rock band, and other card games that were explicitly designed for drinking.  By the end of the evening I was absolutely exhausted, but I think Joe had an amazing time, which makes it all worth it!

The next day was his ACTUAL birthday.  We woke, cleaned up the place with the help of the other roomies, got some food (which actually consisted of left over pizza), and sat down to relax for a bit.  To my dismay Sean had brought over Avatar, which I had yet to see.  The movie doesn't seem like its that long while you are watching it, but by the time it ended it was close to two o'clock and Joe's family was coming over for dinner at 4:30!  This wouldn't have been too much of a problem considering dinner wasn't going to take that long however I was making Tiramisu for dessert (Joe's favorite) and that takes at least three hours to set up in the fridge......Thankfully I was able to get the tiramisu put together in about an hour, and started on the rest of the meal which included bacon wrapped pork chops stuffed with chorizo cornbread stuffing, with roasted Parmesan broccoli and cauliflower, and garlic mashed potatoes.  I already had made the cornbread a head of time, so it didn't take long to get everything done.  I was able to dash into the bedroom and change out of my festive, though dinner inappropriate, penguin pajamas and into something a little nicer JUST as everyone arrived.  The meal was a success, and I received the best culinary compliment I've ever had, when Joe's mom said that my Tiramisu she felt was better than that of Cafe lucci, in Glenview (which Joe constantly raves about being his favorite).  I would have to say Birthday celebration an absolute success.  And if you decide to make this meal and are looking for good wine pairings, try Q vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon with dinner, and with dessert Santa Margherita's Prosecco it's absolute perfection!

Bacon Wrapped Porkchops, 

with Cornbread and Chorizo Sausage Stuffing 

Oven to 400 degrees F

Ingredients

• 6 double cut, bone in, porkchops, butterflyed (double cut refers to the thickness of the chop, and you can ask the butcher to give you these, including butterflying them)
• at least 18 slices of bacon (thick cut, preferably peppered)
• 4 cups of cornbread
• 1 medium sized red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 medium white onion (diced)
• 1 cup of celery (diced)
• 4-6 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 lb of chorizo or hot italian sausage, taken out of casing
• 2-3 cups of chicken stock
• 3-4 dashes of cayenne pepper, plus more to season outside of chop
• 1 tsp ground black pepper, plus more to season outside of chop
• 1 tsp creole seasoning (or simply seasoning salt), plus more to season outside of chop
• 2 tsp cumin, plus more to season outside of chop

1. In large pan or medium size pot, over medium to high heat, add your sausage.  Break up so it is in small pieces.  Cook til browned.
2. If look to be too much grease drain some out of the pan.  Over medium to high heat add your red pepper, white onion, celery, and garlic.  Stir, and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Add your cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, creole seasoning, and cumin.  Stir til everything is evenly coated.  Cook for additional few minutes.
4. Add your 4 cups of cornbread.  Make sure you do not have big chunks, but your cornbread is more like breadcrumbs.  Mix thoroughly, and add 2 cups of chicken stock.
5. After mixing, if looks to be too dry, add half to 1 cup more of stock.  You do not want your stuffing to be too wet and mucky.
6. Now take your butterflied chop and add about 1/3-1/2 cup of stuffing into the middle.  Make sure you get it push back towards the bone really well, so that you can bring the edges of the chop so they almost close over the stuffing.  If you can still see the stuffing don't worry, thats what the bacon is for.
7. using all of the spices you had before, salt, pepper, cumin, cayenne.....season the outside of your chop.  Then using 3-4 peices of bacon (more if you think it needs it), wrap them around your chop so that the stuffing is no longer visible.  If you want you can use a toothpick or too to make sure the bacon stays.
8. Then in a large frying pan, add about 4 tblsp of olive oil.  Bring up to medium/high heat and sear both sides of your pork chops until the bacon is browned.  Once done, put over onto a baking sheet, that has been lightly coated with Pam.  
9. After you have seared all of your chops, and placed on baking sheet, put into a 400 degree F oven for 45 minutes-60 minutes.  Depending on how thick your chops actually are. If you cut into one and it is completely white, no pink, the chop is done.

Oven Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower

• 2 lbs of broccoli, stems cut off, and cut into florettes
• 2 lbs of cauliflower, stems cut off, and cut into florettes
• 4 tblspn olive oil
• 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese

1. place broccoli and cauliflower in 9 X 13 baking dish.
2. drizzle the olive oil, evenly over the top
3. Sprinkle the Parmesan evenly over the top.
4. Place into the oven at the exact time you put your Chops in.
5. Flip ever 20 minutes so your florettes do not become overly browned.
6. Done when tender.

Seasoned Mashed Potatoes

• 4-6 lbs of red skin or yukon gold potatoes, washed well.
• 1 stick of salted butter (cubed)
• 8 oz bar of cream cheese (cube)
• 2 tblsp of creole seasoning
• 1 tblsp of ground black pepper
• 6-8 cloves of fresh roasted garlic (substitute with garlic powder or the minced garlic in oil you can buy in the store).

1. In large pot, quarter your potatoes, and cover with cold water.
2. Place over high heat, and cover, until they boil.  Once boil turn down to medium/low
3. Once fork tender, pour off water, get as much as you can out of the pot or else you will have runny potatoes.
4. using a hand mixer, whip in your stick of butter, and cream cheese.  Once it is all thoroughly mixed together, whip in your seasoning.
5. Taste....may need more seasoning but is up to you!

Tiramisu

 Ingredients

• 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate
• 3 large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon,
• 1 1/4 cups dessert wine (I prefer to use either a coffee liqueur, godiva chocolate liqueur, or grand marnier instead)
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 cup cooled brewed espresso, or other strong coffee blend
• 1 cup ricotta or mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8-10 ounces ladyfingers or Margherite cookies from Stella Dora work well too
• Cocoa powder, garnish

1. Place the chocolate in the top of a double boiler or in a bowl set over a pot of simmering water, and stir until melted. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature.
2. In the top of a double boiler or in a bowl set over a pot of simmering water, beat the egg yolks and 3 tablespoons of sugar until pale yellow and frothy. Add 1/2 cup of the wine and whip until thick, being careful not to let the mixture boil (may not look like a thick custard at this point, but will once chocolate is added). Remove from the heat and fold in the chocolate (make sure to mix quickly so you don't get chocolate chunks). Cool to room temperature.
3. In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, and fold into the cooled custard mixture.
4. In a bowl, combine the coffee, and ricotta and set aside.
5. In a separate bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Add the remaining teaspoon of sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.
6. Dip the ladyfingers into the remaining 3/4 cup of dessert wine (may need more) and arrange them in the bottom of a square 9-inch baking dish OR I like to use individual ramekins. Cover with half of the ricotta, half of the custard, and half of the whipped cream. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, starting with lady fingers and ending with whipped cream on top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours.
7. To serve, sift the cocoa powder evenly over the top

**you may want to let this sit for longer than three hours, OR make the night before.  Make sure to not sift the cocoa powder until you are ready to serve, or else you will get mucky chocolate topping (does not look pretty).

Tiramisu

Cuban style Black Beans and Rice

 So this is one of my fav go-to meals for both dinners and lunches.  The black beans and rice are not only delicious, but really quite healthy, especially if made from scratch.  I used to buy the Vigo brand black beans and rice, which were really good, but the price of a bag that maybe has three servings in it, began to steadily increase.  Not to mention, an overly high amount of sodium was present in every serving.  So I set out to try and replicate the flavor, with less cost, more servings, and a more health friendly diet.  This is what I came up with, and boy was it right on the money!

Cuban Black Beans and Rice

• 1 cup of white long grain rice
• 2 14oz can of black beans (with juices)
• 2 cups of water
• 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1 medium white or yellow onion (diced)
• 4 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 cup of red pepper (diced) (I don't always add this)
• 1 14 oz can of diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 tblspn cumin
• 2 tsp of ground black pepper
• 2 tsp creole seasoning ( Zataran's is my favorite)
• dash of cayenne (only if you want it a bit spicy)
• 1/4 cup of olive oil.

1. In medium size sauce pot, over medium to high heat, add your olive oil.  Bring up to temp and add your onion, garlic, red pepper, cumin. Saute for a good 5-8 minutes.
2. Now add your beans, water, vinegar, tomatoes, creole seasoning, and pepper (give it a stir). Finally add your rice, and stir thoroughly.
3. Bring up to a boil, stir off the bottom, cover and reduce heat to low/simmer.  Cook for about 40 minutes or until rice is tender.

I like to top my rice and beans with thinly sliced iceberg lettuce, diced red onion and some diced roma tomatoes, or even cilantro.  I then top it all off with a little bit of olive oil and either fresh lime juice or balsamic vinegar.  Then to add more protein, cook yourself up some steak, chicken, or a mild fish (like tilapia-see Fish taco recipe) seasoned with all the same stuff you put in your rice, include some lime juice to your marinade!  In terms of lunches, I actually take this to work cold.  I put about a servings worth in Tupperware, add a bit of balsamic vinegar, and mix, then put my veggies right on top along with a little olive oil, and take some lime slices on the side.  It doesn't get any easier than that!

Gourmet Pillsbury: Does This Seem Oxymoronic To You?

 So Joe was going to come over for dinner on a wednesday night, and I knew I wouldn't have enough time to get home from work and cook, thus I premade the meal above the night before.  If you ever have broccoli, asparagus, or mushrooms that have seen better days but not exactly bad enough to throw out, this soup recipe is perfect.  Not to mention freezable for future meals.  As for the Pilsbury reference, as much as I am a huge advocate to homemade pastry crusts, use of the grands biscuits is both tasty and a time saver!

 Cream of Asparagus Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups of celery (or two stalks chopped)
• 1 medium white or yellow onion (diced)
• 2 large carrots, peeled, and diced.
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 large bunch of asparagus, ends cut off (usually need to cut 2-3 inches) and discarded.  Rest chopped roughly.
• 4 cups of chicken, beef, or vegetable broth (can use liquid or dried bouillabaisse)
• 1-2 cups of either half and half, or substitute 2% or whole milk. (half and half will taste much better)
• couple tsp butter OR brown up some bacon and use the drippings.

1. In large pasta pot, add your butter OR bacon drippings (if using bacon, just fry it directly in this pan, and set bacon to the side.  If REALLY fatty, discard some of the excess oil).  Turn on medium heat.
2. Add your celery, onion, carrots, and garlic.  Let saute for few minutes over medium heat.  
3. Add your asparagus, and broth. Bring soup up to a boil, and turn down to simmer while covered.  Let simmer for about 45 minutes (or until all the veggies are super tender).
4. Using a food processor or blender, ladle your soup in and puree or blend on high (should be pretty thick).  Add your pureed soup back into large pot, and add your milk/half and half.  If soup still seems too thick for your liking simply add more milk or cream to thin it out.  Make sure to stir well, over low heat.
5. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and or shredded cheddar and your bacon.

**if using broccoli instead of asparagus perform steps exactly as above.  If using mushrooms, do not add carrots, and you do not need to puree soup, especially if you chop your veggies fine.

Barbecue Chicken and Bleu Cheese Tartlets

Ingredients

Oven at 425 degrees

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup of finely diced celery
• 1/2 cup of finely diced white onion
• 3 cloves of garlic minced
• 1-2 cups of BBQ sauce, of your choice, additional 1/2 cup of BBQ
• 4 oz of bleu cheese
• 8 oz of crumbled bacon (can use the real bacon bits from the salad isle)
• Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp of ground black pepper
• 1 tsp of garlic salt
• 1 tblsp olive oil
• 4 tblsp butter or margarine melted
• 2-cans of Pillsbury large buttermilk biscuits

1. Either bake your chicken breasts or pan fry them.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Once cooked all the way through, shred.
2. In large pan, with deep sides, add 1 tblsp olive oil.  Over medium heat, saute your celery, onion, and garlic, until translucent and tender. 
3. Add your shredded chicken, cumin, pepper, and garlic salt, mix til everything is blended evenly.
4. Add your BBQ sauce, and again blend. (at this point you can cool everything and place into fridge (or freezer for long term storage).
5. If BBQ chicken mixture seems too dry for your liking add more BBQ sauce.
6. In a cupcake pan, butter using a pastry brush.
7. Take one buttermilk biscuit.  Using either a rolling pin, or simply your hands, stretch out till its about double its original diameter.
8. Add tsp bleu cheese, tsp of bacon, and a large tsp of your BBQ chicken mixture.
9. Making sure this all stays in the middle of your rolled out biscuit, bring up each of the sides up until your filling is completely encased.  If the sides are brought up over eachother they should stay. 
10. Place into cupcake pan, and lightly butter top, dust with parmesan cheese.  Repeat til you run out of biscuits. (you will probably have some chicken left over).
11. Bake at 425 degrees, for approximately 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.  
12. Serve immediately, and with more BBQ sauce on the side, if wanted.

***If you don't like bleu cheese simply substitute with your favorite kind of cheese. I have also made these with cheddar and were still superb

An Irish Feast, Salsa, Waka waka Guacamole, Queso, Fish Tacos, and Tzatziki

Corned Beef and Cabbage

 Ingredients

• 1 3-4 lb corned beef (you can't go wrong with Grobbels brand)
• 1-2 lb red skin potatoes
• 6-8 large carrots
• 1 head of cabbage
• 3-4 beers (the darker the better, but i usually just use miller lite/what I have in the fridge)

1. to a large stock pot (big enough to hold all of your above ingredients by the end), add your corned beef (flavoring packet should come with it, you can also add some bay leave or pickling spice).  Pour your 3-4 beers over the top, and then cover the rest with water. **you can use beef broth instead of water, adds a more flavorful taste to your corned beef and veggies.  Bring to a boil, and simmer on low, covered, for about two to three hours (the longer you let simmer, the more tender it will be).
2. With about 45 minutes to go, add your veggies to the pot.  Quarter your cabbage, and at least halve your potatoes.  I like to cut up the carrots in thirds. (if need be add more water/beer/beef broth to the pot to cover everything).
3. Cook the veggies until tender.  Once the cabbage is done, everything else should also be tender enough to devour :0)
4. Take out your veggies and place on platter, strain water away from them.  Take out corn beef, and cut it with a sharp knife, against the grain (again will be more tender this way).

 **Serve with butter, stone ground mustard, and I prefer red wine vinegar for the vegetables.

SALSA

Ingredients

• 1 large bunch of cilantro
• 6-8 cloves of garlic
• 1/3 cup of lime juice (preferably fresh)
• 2 jalapeno peppers (use only one if you want a medium salsa in terms of hotness)
• 1 medium white onion (chopped roughly)
• 2-3 chipotle peppers (canned), add the adobe sauce for a smokier flavor
• 1 28oz can of crushed tomatoes
• 2 tsp cumin
• dash of salt

1.  Using a blender or food processor, puree your white onion, lime juice, cilantro, jalapenos, and chipotles.
2. Add your crushed tomatoes, blend.
3. add your cumin, and salt, blend
4. taste, add more of whatever you feel it needs (usually I end up adding more adobe sauce from the chipotles and perhaps more cumin).
5. Chill for at least 4-5 hours or overnight.

Waka Waka Guacamole

 Ingredients

• 1 large bunch of cilantro (use only half of this)
• 2-3 tblsp lime juice (or more to taste)
• 6 ripe avocados (halved, pitted, and scooped out)
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 small white onion (chopped roughly)
• 1/4 cup of salsa (from above)
• dash of salt
• juice from 2 limes (for use after blending) 

1. Using blender or food processor, add all of your ingredients and blend til desired consistency.  I perfer a smoother guac, so like to puree....but if you like it chunky style, puree the avocados, cilantro, and garlic first and then add the rest of your ingredients.  Use the blend button at this point.
2. After transfer to bowl/tupperware container, squeeze one or two limes worth of juice on top of the guac to cover.  This will keep it from oxidizing and turning brown.  Chill for 4-5 hours or overnight.

QUESO

• 1 large block of Velveeta cheese.
• 3 cups of half and half
• 3-6 tblspn of diced pickled jalapenos
• 3 tblspn of salsa
• 1 tsp of chili powder

1. heat your 3 cups of half and half  in a small saucepan over low to medium heat (you do not want it to boil or burn).
2. once seems to be brought up to temp, add a little over half of your Velveeta, cubed.  
3. Stir occasionally so cheese does not settle on the bottom.  Once cheese is completely melted, add your chili powder.  You may need to use a whisk to mix well.
4. Then add your jalapenos and salsa, stir.
5. Check the queso consistency.  If you like thicker queso add more cheese, if thinner add more half and half.  Remember that as the cheese cools it will thicken.....

Fish Tacos 

Ingredients

• 8-12 filets of Tilapia (frozen or fresh)
• 12-20 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup of finely chopped cilantro
• 4 limes wedged 
• 1/2 head of iceberg lettuce, chopped fine
• 4 tomatoes diced
• 1 medium-large onion diced
• 2 cups of italian bread crumbs
• seasoning salt or creole seasoning
• 2 cups of vegetable oil, olive oil, or lard (use to pan fry fish)
• guacamole, salsa, and your queso

1. In pie pan/deep dish add your italian bread crumbs.
2. in large enough pan to fit at least two filets at a time, add about 1 cup of oil and bring up to a sizzling temp. (after frying about half the fish, you may need to add more oil to the pan)
3. if frozen thaw your tilapia in lukewarm water, drain well.
4. Once oil is ready, take one of the filets, thoroughly coat both sides with the bread crumbs.  Place in the oil and cook til each side is brown (~2-3 minutes/side).  Place on sheets of paper towl to drain away more of the oil. 
5. Lightly season the top side of fish with you salt or creole seasoning.
6. While frying up the rest of your filets, chop up all of your accouterments.
7. When everything is ready, microwave your tortillas for about 30 seconds on high, completely covered in papertowel or a clean dishtowel.
8. make a taco building buffet: add your fish, a little queso, your veggies, a pinch of cilantro, and then salsa and/or guac. Use the lime wedges to give your taco a little extra kick of citrus!

Then VOILA' or should I say OLE', a delish, and pretty nutrish meal (unless if you are as much of a queso lover as myself, then you might be in trouble!)

**instead of queso or salsa you could even make a buttermilk ranch chipotle dressing, either completely from scratch or take a container of your fav ranch and simply puree it with one or two chipotles!


TZATZIKI 

Ingredients 

• 16 oz container of Dannon plain yogurt or Greek style yogurt would be even better (drain through a cheesecloth, a thin dishtowel overnight)
• 6 cloves of fresh garlic (diced)
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled, deseeded, and diced
• 2-3 tsp fresh dill
• juice from half a lemon

1. In a colander (to the rest of you a pasta strainer lol), that rests about 3-4 inches off the bottom of another bowl or pot , place your towel, and pour the yogurt in.  cover with plastic wrap and place into the fridge overnight.
2. in a blender or food processor add your, now thickened, yogurt, along with your garlic. Puree until garlic and yogurt are well blended.
3. add your lemon juice to bowl large enough to hold your final product of tzatziki.  Fold your yogurt into the lemon juice, making sure it is thoroughly mixed or else you might cause curdling.
4. now add your fresh dill and diced cucumber, mix well.
5. Refrigerate for 4-5 hours, or overnight.

**serve simply with gyros flatbread that has been warmed or pan fried, or just your favorite crusty baguette.  I absolutely love using this as a veggie dip as well or directly on my salads.

The Siblings Spring Break

My younger brother Andrew (23) and younger sis Allyce (20) had their spring breaks at exactly the same time this year, so they both decided to mosey on down to Chicago via Megabus, and spend the week with me.  They were supposed to get in Saturday no later than 11pm, but due to an issue with the bus's windshield wipers were over an hour and half late.  I was of course in no shape to entertain, considering that Joe, myself, and a dozen other or so friends/family went out to the bar for a pre-St Pattys celebration.  I was fast asleep by 11, and was awoken close to 2am, in order to let them in.  Not the best start to their vaca, but I promise you it was made up for in full throughout the week!

Sunday was pretty much a hungover bust (at least on my part), but I pulled myself together by 6pm, ordered tasty pizzas from Georgios Pizza on Irving Park and Western (order the Georgios on Fire, thin crust, with Giardeniera peppers, it is heavenly) and made a antipasto salad.  Which we thoroughly enjoyed and watched about 8 episodes of house, commercial free (DVR is a godsend).

Monday, I of course had work, so left them to fend for themselves for the day.  Which I believe involved a lot of relaxing, and then working out.  I stopped off at the corner store on my way home and picked up some appetizers (hard salami, and some chili pepper spreadable cheese which went perfectly with my rosemary olive oil triscuits I had at home) and of course a bottle of wine.  The sis, does not like Red wine, differing completely from my mother's and my own palate, so I stopped and got a bottle of Prosecco (both bubbly and not too sweet).  I got home and made chicken cutlets (see previous blog entry for the how too) along with oven roasted broccoli, with parmesan, and farfalle pesto (it truly hit the spot and did not take long at all).

Tuesday, after work, Andy, Allyce, myself, Dan (from work), Joe, Danielle, Adam, and quite a few other characters headed to Odonovans for Trivia and 30 cent wings.  Although we didn't win, its always a good time when you have trivia, wings, and beer.

Wednesday was of course St. Patrick's Day.  I send the siblings off to the market to pick up a cornbeef, because needless to say my local Supermercado did not carry such a cut of meat.  We then prepared a traditional meal of cornbeef, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes (see below for recipe).  Granted we didn't end up eating until 9:30 at night since I couldn't start the meal until I got home, but it was worth it.

Thursday Allyce came to work with me, and shadowed me for the day (YEAH SCIENCE!).  I don't know exactly how incredibly interesting this way, but she had never been in a lab environment before so at least that was something.  Afterward, we headed to play volleyball with my Meet Up Group, and played for a solid 2 hours.  My sis of course kicked arse, eventhough she hasn't played in god knows how long.  Adrian (friend I met through this group) was kind enough to drive allyce and I over to my friend Noel's place, where Joe and Andrew were playing a heated game of Texas Holdem.  Before heading in,  icecream at Oberweiss sounded awesome, since of course we were starving, so we headed in and enjoyed a double dipped cone....mmm mmm good.  We arrived at Noel's just in time to see Andrew and Joe lose, so sad, but they seemed lighthearted about it, so am guessing it was a good time to be had over all.  Afterwards it was straight to bed for my sibs and I, as we had a big day downtown at the Shedd Aquarium!

I decided to take a personal day on Friday, cause really how often do I get to spend this kind of quality time with my brother and sister, and I bought us all tickets to Shedd Aquarium, since I had yet to go there myself, and we all know how much I LOVE animals, especially sea animals.  If I had a dollar for everytime I get caught singing the soundtrack to Little Mermaid, well let's just say I'd be much better off, lol.  We had an awesome time, and was quite eventful.  Especially since I nearly maimed a child, because I thought that a animatronic Tarantula was the real thing, and it was being shoved right in my face.  So I flailed, and knocked this kid backwards right into the chameleon tank (we never did spot that darn chameleon).  The child was fine, I however was traumatized lol.  After we were done, headed through Grant Park, and showed them Buckingham Fountain (aka the fountain at the beginning of Married With Children).  Then to Millenium Park where we took photos at the 'Bean'.  After our adventures downtown (didn't even get to take Allyce to Michigan Ave for some shopping, but she will totally be back this summer), we headed back home and picked up everything to make tasty fish tacos. We were to head over to Joe's place to watch the MSU NCAA first round bball game.  Allyce helped me in the kitchen, and we were done in a jiffy, just in time to start the second half.  Of course we won (it was a nailbiter at the end), and were stuffed from salsa, guac, fish tacos, and of course queso dip (its not a fiesta without queso...OLE').

Saturday, Joe took my bro out for brunch with Danielle, while Allyce and I headed off to a full THREE hours of intensely competitive volleyball at Margate gym with my friend Adrian.  We were totally exhausted afterwards, and headed home to relax and clean up before having sushi at Tank in Lincoln Square that night.  I absolutely love TANK they undoubtedly have some of the best sushi I've ever had (get the Lava Maki rolls, delish).  This was going to be Allyce's first experience with sushi, so I definitely wanted it to be phenomenal.  Unfortunately, she does not like sushi, at all...lol.  However she did enjoy Saki.  Danielle, whom abhors anything seafood, commiserated with her at the table, while all the boys (joe, andy, and adam) chowed down.  Andy and Allyce were leaving early sunday morning, so that was it for our fun that night, and I was actually traveling to Maryland at the NIH for a symposium Sunday afternoon, so I had lots to get ready before hitting the hay.

Sunday morning, sad to see them go (for sigh*).  Joe and I dropped them off at the Megabus station downtown, and then grabbed a coffee from Dunkin Donuts (who in my opinion has the best coffee, ever).  Spent some time together, and then he drove me to Midway to catch my flight.  Thankfully I got through security in just enough time to see Michigan State's Korie Lucious hit a three point shot for the win over Maryland....where ironically enough I would be traveling to in less than an hour and was decked out in MSU gear, and definitely got the business from some people, including some New Mexico State alums who happened to be on my plane, total randomness (we took them out in the first round). GO GREEN! 

It was a totally amazing week with my siblings.  I can't wait for them to come visit again soon, when the weather here in Chi-town is good and warm.  We will definitely be hitting up the beach and BBQing the days away at that point.....

The Rest of my San Fran Trip (the abridged version)

So for sake of time, and the fact that I have sadly been lacking in keeping up with my writing lately, I will finish off the exploits of my San Fran trip but keeping to the key points.

Sunday, February 21st-  Conference begins early (8am-5pm).  Afterward myself, sukriti, Daniel, and Kim head over to the Queen Anne Hotel (historic Grand Pacific Heights where the richest of the rich settled in the early 1900's, it was the place to be when the roaring twenties came about).  Here is where we met our Ghost Tour Guide, who took us on a delightfully eerie tour of the hotel (which is allegedly haunted) and the surrounding area.  I highly recommend this tour, even if you are not into the whole paranormal scene, the architecture and history lessons are well worth it alone.

GHOST HUNT WALKING TOUR SAN FRAN

Monday, February 22nd-Again conference is a full day affair, but we have our lab dinner to look forward to in Chinatown. We have reservations for all 10 of us at the R & G Lounge, which came highly recommended by Anthony Bourdaine on the travel channel.  It is not a particularly far walk from the hotel, and the night air is brisk, so we hike it.  Although, perhaps in retrospect a different pair of shoes would have been a good idea, since I decided to dress in my best and was sporting four inch wedges (i suppose beauty is worth the pain..right?).  We arrive and the place is packed, which I take as a good sign, considering the other endless possible "authentic" chinese restaurants to choose from.  Needless to say, I was less than satisfied.  The service was shoddy, which of course could be overlooked if the food was impeccable, alas this was far from the case.  I'm definitely not a food snob, especially since takeout chinese can hit the spot sometimes as much as my mom's home cooking, but this was just NOT good.  I splurged and ordered the whole Peking Duck, which other than the market priced seafood was the most expensive item on the menu. I got the duck cut up into its associated pieces, yet it was a seriously small amount.  The skin was not particularly crisp, nor flavorful, and their "famous" peking duck sauce was most undoubtedly something they poured out of a jar.  The only thing that came with the meal were these rolls, that were most likely frozen and simply thawed/warmed and placed around my plate.  Sukriti ordered the Mushroom Chow Mein, which if you asked my opinion (which you are going to get whether you like it or not, lol) was less satisfying then a bowl of ramen (sad right?).  The only thing I ate which was absolutely delish, were the salmon and avocado egg rolls.  To add to my chinatown disappointment, there were no beautiful lanterns, or people about, fireworks for sale, etc etc.  I was expecting something out of the movie Big Trouble in Little China, and instead got a couple of touristy shops and empty street corners.  

The only saving grace for the night, because now I was officially grumpy, was a little dive bar called Gold Dust Saloon (located around the corner from where we were staying). They had an awesome three man live band (older rockers), that played well known classic rock songs, and took requests.  The drinks were very well priced (and best of all there was no cover), and if you want something that will knock you on your 'arse' make sure to get their Long Island Ice Teas (mmm...mmm...good).  I ended up requesting Brandy by Looking Glass (I think the salty sea air and long islands were making me nostalgic at this point lol) and followed up the request by belting out the lyrics with the main singer.  I definitely made friends with all the 50 somethings sitting at the bar and the band with this one.  One of the highlights of the evening was Daniel disappearing for thirty minutes, where apparently he stepped outside to get some fresh air, and talked to a very interesting hobo for the entire half hour period....he doesn't remember the convo whatsoever.  If you are ever visiting and staying in the Union Square area, make sure to frequent this establishment!  

Tuesday, February 23rd-Not much happening at the conference today (thankfully, since it was definitely a lil hazey when waking up).  So after hearing our speakers of choice in the morning, sukriti and I ventured off towards The Ferry Marketplace, located along the area known as The Embarcadero, on the bay.  If you are a food lover, this is the place to go.  First and foremost we headed to Cowgirl Creamery where we tasted over twenty some different cheeses, and bought 70 dollars worth of cheese, jams, olives, and other tasty treats for our vineyard trip.  I bought a truffle and olive tapenade from Far West Fungi, which was beyond delish and worth every penny (there were whole black truffles there, for $95 an ounce, where one truffle was close to two ounces!!!! can you imagine having the money to cook with those?!?!?!).  We bought specialty truffles from Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker, organic fruit from Farm Fresh to You, a balsamic vinegar and olive oil with herb dipping sauce from Stonehouse California Olive Oil (there blood orange and also sea salt and lime infused olive oils were heavenly) and of course rosemary rolls from Acme Bread company.  We then enjoyed a delish coffee from Peet's Coffee and Tea (far far far superior to Star Bucks) and looked out onto the Bay. 

 That night we had made reservations (make sure that you do as well) at a swank south Indian restaurant called DOSAS (make sure to go to the one on Fillmore).  We met up with my good friend Joe Zamaria, rowed at the Detroit Boat Club together in highschool, who now goes to grad school out in San Fran studying to be a psychologist.   The place was spectacular: the ambiance, the drinks (a multitude of potent potables that will have your mouth watering), and the food were everything I was hoping for, and more.  The price was very reasonable, and portions were for sure sharable.  I must recommend ordering the Young Raja: Buffalo Trace bourbon, Heering cherry,Carpano Antica & birds eye chili, and mango nectar.  A masterpiece for your palate to enjoy!

Wednesday, February 24th-last day of the conference.  After all of the symposiums were over, Sukriti's family picked us up from our hotel and drove us back to there home in Milpitas.  We then enjoyed a nice family dinner at Spaghetti Factory (for a chain restaurant, food was not half bad), where a multitude of Aunt's and Uncles (including those we were staying with) and cousins were all present and counted for.  

Thursday, February 25th-we had originally planned a day trip to Napa Valley (which of course is like my MECCA), but due to extenuating circumstances we were not able to go, sigh*.  However we did make the best of the situation, which was pretty easy to do when the weather is 65 and sunny.  The area we were in was particularly hilly, and quite a combination between suburb and rural, so we decided to take a long hike.  Which for me turned into a long 4 mile hike, followed directly by a 2 mile run.  I was exhilerated by the breathtaking views from the hills (no not going to break into the Sound of Music soundtrack), and of course from my lack of oxygen post run.  That night after cleaning up, and relaxing around the house, we had a family dinner where Mamiji (Sukriti's Aunt)  made delish northern indian cuisine (which was my favorite).  As appetizers (since we were not able to get to Napa) we pulled out all of our culinary finds from the Ferry Place Market, and made a mini feast.  This was probably one of the best evenings of the trip, good food, great friends, and excellent conversation!

Friday, February 26th- Today we headed back into San Fran with Mamaji (Sukriti's Uncle).  Who so graciously offered to take us to see Golden Gate Bridge, and then to  The California Academy of Sciences.  This museum only just opened back in November of 2009, and if you are EVER in San Francisco you MUST go!  From the four story indoor rainforest where exotic butterflies flit around you and land lightly on your clothing, to the aquarium housing a plethra of different genres of fish (I totally saw Nemo), and of course do not forget the penguins that I watched get fed for a good 45 minutes and asked questions pertaining to their lives in the wild verse their indoor habitat. Did you know that though people call penguins monogamous creatures this, does not mean that ALL penguins stick with the same partner, some will for the majority of there lives mate with the same partner, but will also venture off vodeeodoe with other female penguins (they sound like human males more and more).  Yes I am a dork....but you all know how much I <3 penguins.  We also visited Stanford's campus which was so incredibly beautiful that if I had visited it when looking at colleges, I would have never stayed in the midwest.

Saturday, February 27th-  Last day in California.  Tagged along with Mamiji and Sheel (sukritis cousin) to Wente Vineyard in LivermoreValley (only 40 miles outside Milpitas).  It wasn't Napa, but was still amazing. The weather started out a bit rainy, but turned into a beautiful, sunshiney day.  Sukriti's family was there celebrating a wedding shower for one of Sheel's good friends, so while they were at the party we ventured off by ourselves to the tasting room.  The wine selection was delish, and for only $15 we were able to taste 6 different Reserve wines, AND they were nice enough to throw in a couple extra that just sounded too good NOT to try.  I of course bought a bottle, The Charles Wetmore Cabernet Sauvignon, which was not the tastiest one I tried, but was the only one in my price range...lol.  The wine was still awesome, with a rich bouquet of earthiness and twinges of berry flavor coming through, delectable.  We then made our way over to the restaurant where we split two different dishes, and instead of waiting on a table, sat up at the bar and enjoyed a drink or two (or three).  The bartender was hilarious, and about our age.  Highlight of the day may have been two "cowboys", dressed in wrangler jeans, boots, and hat sat down next to us (I guess they were delivering and picking up hay bales or something).  They were awfully nice, and we (sukriti, myself, the bartender, and the cowboys) all enjoyed some friendly banter.  We realized they were even nicer when after they had left, and I went to pay my bill, they had bought our last drinks.  Sadly sukriti had decided to switch over to a cup of coffee, dumb luck, I of course in the spirit of the occasion had yet another glass of Pinot Noir...lol...I thought I was splurging, but the Gods of  Vino (perhaps Bacchus himself) thought I deserved a reprieve, especially considering my initial disappointment with no Napa.

We headed back to Chi-town Sunday early evening, and arrived VERY VERY late back in Chicago (12:30am to be exact).  The lack of sleep was of course well worth it, and I certainly cannot wait to get back to Cali very soon.  This time it will be Napa or Bust!

CHEERS!

San Francisco Trip Day 1: A Seafood Feast

So I have been a bit absentee when it has come to writing in my blog lately.  I have been gone for over a week in San Francisco.  The weather there was definitely not the proverbial "Sunny California", however it was definitely better than "Snowy, Cold, Chicago", and I did enjoy two days of 65 and sunny, which was particularly glorious.

Arrived in San Fran Saturday, February 21st. My entire lab went, to attend the Biophysical Society Meeting, which happened to be at the Moscone Center. After heading over to the Moscone to pick up our badges and itineraries, we headed to Fisherman's Wharf for the evening (via antique trolley car), where we planned on having dinner at one of the many famous seafood restaurants in the area.  I had been warned of it being highly touristy, and was a little wary that perhaps the food would be the same, but stayed optimistic.  We ended up down there fairly early (around 5) and were absolutely famished.  We happened upon Boudin's Bakery and Cafe, they are nationally renowned for their sourdough breads, and we could certainly see why.  We headed into the cafe where we proceeded to buy one loaf of bread, a jar of olive tapenade, and a bottle of very tasty red wine (sadly I cannot remember the name of the vineyard).  It was a great first experience in san fran, where we had to ask the cashier to open our wine, went and sat at a side table with a view of the boulevard, and drank wine out of plastic water cups (sooo classy).  The sourdough was probably the best I have ever tasted, and I literally had to force my hand to stop from eating more so that I wasn't too full for our seafood feast.
We then ventured over to Scomas's, which is located right on the waterfront.  We knew the wait would be a while so we made sure we gave ourselves plenty of time.  They don't take reservations there, but that certainly didn't diminish the multitudes of people lined up to get a table.  We were told the wait would be no more than an hour and so we ventured off in search of something else to keep us preoccupied.  I was roaming around with my friend Sukriti, and Kim (both labmates) and waiting on Dan and his friend Stephen.  By luck, we ended up coming across the Buena Vista Cafe, which Sukriti desperately wanted to try the irish coffee's that they are famous for there.  We mosied on in, and ordered our drinks.  I was in the mood to start the evening off right with a extra dirty martini (lots of olives) and sukriti got her irish coffee fix.  I had a sip of it, and it honestly was one of the best I've ever had (my martini wasn't too shabby either, and they not only give you a very large glass, but bring the shaker with what ever is extra to the table).  Once the boys got there and had a beer we cashed out, and I was extremely surprised when the bill arrived.  My martini was only 5 bucks! and the total came to a whopping 26 dollars.
We made it to dinner, and we were seated immediately.  We started off the meal sharing the Seafood Platter appetizer for 4, which contained Dungeness crab meat out of the shell, oysters and clams on the halfshell, and jumbo prawns.  Was relatively inexpensive, especially with how much you get.  I had to teach the table the fine art of oyster shooters, which to my liking is a bit of cocktail sauce, a little extra horsey sauce for kick (or hot sauce), and some lemon juice.  Needless to say, highly enjoyable by all.  We ordered a delish Pinot Noir the was light and fruity, pairing well with all our seafood choices. Everyone at the table ordered something different.  Dan enjoyed broiled Swordfish with white beans, swiss chard, and pancetta, Sukriti broiled King Salmon atop crab raviolis, Kim the Crabcake dinner with spicy remoulade sauce, and myself Ciopinno alla Pescatore: A San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf Original. Prawns, Shrimp, Clams, Sea Scallops, Fresh Fish, and a 1/2 Dungeness Crab cracked in the Shell in a rich tomato broth (with grilled/buttered bread for dipping).  My meal was so hearty and filling, I ended up making it through with ONLY half of it gone (though I did make sure to pick out all the tasty whole prawns and scallops) talk about mmm mmm good. The flavors all melded so well, and the broth was rich and robust with tomato flavor and hints of the seafood.  Nothing was overpowering.
My first night in San Fran and I was already hooked. I couldn't wait for the next adventure with good food, good friends, and salty night air.