Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Boucherie

I went with a friend to Boucherie tonight. From the refreshing Pimms cup that started the evening to the bacon brownie that ended it, it was a terrific night out. They began our evening by serving an amuse bouche that was cold noodles and a little spicy heat (I'm ignoring the tofu in it). Not too bad. Our small plates were the blackened shrimp and grit cake and the grit fries with collard greens. I generally avoid greens but these, with or without the house made vinegar, were mighty tasty.

Main courses were duck breast with duck cracklings and smokey black eyed peas and wagyu beef brisket with garliky parmesan french fries. Yummy. The meats were perfectly done and could be cut with a fork.

We ended with the chili chocolate chess pie and the aforementioned bacon brownie. Lots of warmth with the pie and the bacon was well integrated with the brownie for a smoothy salty/smokey flavor in every bite.

I'd definitely make plans to eat here. Their contemporary Southern cuisine is simply delicious.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Crescent Pie and Sausage

I had lunch today with LPO (Lesbians Plus One), a small group of women that I met through my activism with the Forum for Equality. We get together as regularly as we can for lunches at various spots around the city and talk about life, politics and anything else under the sun.

This time we went to Crescent Pie and Sausage. This small, Mid City restaurant is next door to Huevos and is owned by the same guys. They make their own sausage and Ricotta and even potato chips.

We started with the sample of one of their sausages--chorizo--that was quite tasty but a little salty. One person got the BLT pizza (roasted tomatos, bacon, spinach pesto, and cheddar) and it was absolutely amazing. It is true what they say about bacon making everything better, even pizza. Another got some of the meat pies. I only tasted the crawfish but it was quite good, with lots of meat and a flaky crust. I didn't get a taste of the Panzanella Salad but the one who ordered it was a member of the clean plate club. I had the bratwurst sandwich with pickled cabbage. I liked every bit of it, including the mustard and parmesan potato chips. Next time, I'll have to save room for a root beer float.

At about $22 per person it is a little pricey for lunch everyday but the portions are large and delicious. If you go, plan on standing outside and breathe in the air from the hickory smoker and be patient with the single waitress working the floor. It is worth the time.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Eats in Orlando

I spent the last week in Orlando at a conference with Golden Crown Literary Society. Unfortunately, while the conference was great, I didn't get much of a chance to eat away from the hotel.

Andiamo Italian Bistro had incredibly large portions and prices to match. The calamari was exceptional but the sauces were a little bland. My Lemon Piccata Chicken with fettuccine was very good. My Mom got the Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Angel Hair Pasta and it was very tasty but too big for either of us to finish.

Benihana Steakhouse and Sushi does put on quite a dinner and a show. We had dinner after the Board meeting here and the pomegranate margarita was tasty, the edamame salty, and my shrimp and steak was cooked perfectly. The rainbow sherbet at the end was a lovely palate cleanser.

Chevy's is a chain but, boy oh boy can they make a mean margarita. Their guacamole is fabulous as well. Of course, after pigging out on chips and drinks, it was hard to finish my fajitas. Mom had the same trouble with her tacos but we were both feeling no pain, so it was ALL good!

Rain forest Cafe is amusement park eats. The animatronic creatures, rain fall and numerous aquariums helped take one's mind off the food which wasn't very memorable anyway. I had a steak and shrimp plate and the shrimp were with pure white, farm raised flavorless varieties made worse by the weak garlic butter sauce. The garlic mashed potatoes were good as was the volcano brownie dessert that served 4.

Chick-fil-a makes a great chicken sandwich. Those two pickles are crucial and, add a lemonade, and you've got one of the best fast food lunches on the planet.