Tonight I was trying to figure out what to do with some leftover roasted turkey and mashed potatoes. I decided to make my own version of Shepherd's Pie. This will definitely go into my recipe notebook; Dan and I both rated it a 5 star recipe. I think the secret is the mashed potatoes but the seasoning in the gravy really added flavor, too.
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
9 Yukon Gold potatoes, peel half of them
1/2 cup buttermilk
1.5 tbsp butter or margarine
2 tbsp light cream cheese (I used the whipped cream cheese from Trader Joe's)
2 tbsp light sour cream
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
In a large pot, cover potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork tender (until a fork goes in and comes out of the potatoes easily). Drain potatoes and add back to the hot pot to evaporate any remaining water. Add remaining ingredients (except parsely) to pot and mash to desired consistency. I like my potatoes a bit lumpy and rustic, which is why I only peeled half of the potatoes. Lightly fold in parsley.
1.5 tbsp butter
1.5 tbsp flour
3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
a pinch of: ground sage, ground thyme, freshly ground black pepper, poultry seasoning, salt
6 oz roasted turkey breast, shredded
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, defrosted (mine had corn, peas, carrots, and green beans)
1.5 cup mashed potatoes
paprika
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in a pan. Whisk in flour and cook 2 min. Slowly whisk in chicken broth. Start with a couple tablespoons and whisk until completely smooth to avoid lumps. Add a couple tablespoons at a time, whisking until completely smooth in between. Add all seasonings except paprika and cook 5 min, whisking often. Add turkey breast and mixed vegetables and cook until warmed. Spoon turkey mixture into the bottom of a 1.5 quart casserole dish. Spread potatoes on top and sprinkle lightly with paprika. Cook covered 10 min; remove cover and cook an additional 10 min or until bubbly. If potatoes are leftover and come from the refrigerator, increase covered cooking time approximately 10 minutes.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Girls' Brunch at Sharkeez ~ Huntington Beach
Last weekend I met several girlfriends at Sharkeez for a girls' brunch. The draw was the Bloody Mary bar, which turned out to be a lot of fun. We had a large group so we made a reservation and were seated immediately upon arrival. You have to go to the bar to order any food or drink, which is a bit of a hassle but not something that would stop me from going. Several of us ordered Bloody Marys and were presented with a mini pitcher filled with ice and two generous shots of vodka for $7.95. You can get a higher-than-standard grade of vodka for an additional fee. In the front of the restaurant is the actual Bloody Mary bar. The options are endless - different types of Bloody Mary mix and tomato juice; all kinds of seasonings; hot sauce; horseradish; olives stuffed with blue cheese, habaneros, or garlic; and pickled asparagus and green beans.
After everyone arrived we ordered food. I had an omelet with spinach, mixed vegetables, garlic, mushrooms and jack, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses inside and topped with tomatillo sauce, pico de gallo, and cotija cheese. It came with jalapeno cheddar potatoes and grilled Hawaiian bread. The meal was large enough to feed two people. The sauce and the cheese added great, tangy flavor and the grilled Hawaiian bread was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It came with a sweet butter that added to the sweetness of the bread in a great way. It's hard to say which I liked better, the omelet or the bread. The potatoes were average and not what I expected; they were not spicy at all and didn't seem like they had cheese.
When you order any meal, you can add unlimited champagne for one hour for a minimal cost of $3.95. They also have a pretty exceptional breakfast special which includes two eggs, pancakes or French toast, potatoes, and two strips of bacon for only $3.75. One of my girlfriends ordered it and was happy.
The food at Sharkeez is in no way gourmet but if you're looking for a fun time with better than average food, I highly recommend it. I've been several times for their "Burritos and Mojitos" Thursdays and would recommend their lobster burrito over any other that I've eaten. I've also tried the chicken burrito, which is very good as well. And their Taco Tuesday compares to many others except with lower prices than I've seen.
Expect a lively atmosphere any time of the day. It can get loud and is definitely a bar atmosphere, not appropriate for children. This restaurant is best for a casual date or brunch and is a great location to watch sports. They have drink and food specials every day of the week. They also have all kinds of special offers for groups and activities throughout the year (for example, they have a costume contest for Halloween). If you make a group reservation, you get a complimentary appetizer platter which is very large and includes individual steak nachos, chicken flautas, boneless Buffalo bites and cheese quesadillas served with guacamole, sour cream and fresh pico de gallo.
After everyone arrived we ordered food. I had an omelet with spinach, mixed vegetables, garlic, mushrooms and jack, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses inside and topped with tomatillo sauce, pico de gallo, and cotija cheese. It came with jalapeno cheddar potatoes and grilled Hawaiian bread. The meal was large enough to feed two people. The sauce and the cheese added great, tangy flavor and the grilled Hawaiian bread was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It came with a sweet butter that added to the sweetness of the bread in a great way. It's hard to say which I liked better, the omelet or the bread. The potatoes were average and not what I expected; they were not spicy at all and didn't seem like they had cheese.
When you order any meal, you can add unlimited champagne for one hour for a minimal cost of $3.95. They also have a pretty exceptional breakfast special which includes two eggs, pancakes or French toast, potatoes, and two strips of bacon for only $3.75. One of my girlfriends ordered it and was happy.
The food at Sharkeez is in no way gourmet but if you're looking for a fun time with better than average food, I highly recommend it. I've been several times for their "Burritos and Mojitos" Thursdays and would recommend their lobster burrito over any other that I've eaten. I've also tried the chicken burrito, which is very good as well. And their Taco Tuesday compares to many others except with lower prices than I've seen.
Expect a lively atmosphere any time of the day. It can get loud and is definitely a bar atmosphere, not appropriate for children. This restaurant is best for a casual date or brunch and is a great location to watch sports. They have drink and food specials every day of the week. They also have all kinds of special offers for groups and activities throughout the year (for example, they have a costume contest for Halloween). If you make a group reservation, you get a complimentary appetizer platter which is very large and includes individual steak nachos, chicken flautas, boneless Buffalo bites and cheese quesadillas served with guacamole, sour cream and fresh pico de gallo.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Fish Tacos at Coyote Grill ~ South Laguna Beach
I have been to Coyote Grill once before today but it was several years ago. The oceanview patio has been remodeled and expanded. The service is quick and pleasant. In the middle of the day on a work day it wasn't crowded however I've heard that it is a popular place and gets pretty busy on the weekends.
I ordered the fish tacos with black beans and rice. The sides were seasoned well but were pretty standard for a Mexican restaurant. The fish tacos, on the other hand, were definitely above average. The fish was seasoned and cooked perfectly. It was flaky and moist. The crunch of just the right amount of shredded cabbage was the perfect compliment to the soft fish. The pico de gallo in the taco paired well with the slight sweetness of the fish and the cilantro added freshness. The plate comes with two decent sized tacos. I was pretty hungry and didn't overindulge on the chips and salsa beforehand but had a hard time finishing both tacos. I could have easily stopped with one and a half. My friend, Camille, ordered the chicken tacos and said that they were also fairly large but that the chicken was a little bit dry.
The patio is adorned with twinkle lights in the evenings. This is a great restaurant for a casual date or a family dinner. There is a well-stocked bar inside the restaurant that seems to attract a lot of locals.
I ordered the fish tacos with black beans and rice. The sides were seasoned well but were pretty standard for a Mexican restaurant. The fish tacos, on the other hand, were definitely above average. The fish was seasoned and cooked perfectly. It was flaky and moist. The crunch of just the right amount of shredded cabbage was the perfect compliment to the soft fish. The pico de gallo in the taco paired well with the slight sweetness of the fish and the cilantro added freshness. The plate comes with two decent sized tacos. I was pretty hungry and didn't overindulge on the chips and salsa beforehand but had a hard time finishing both tacos. I could have easily stopped with one and a half. My friend, Camille, ordered the chicken tacos and said that they were also fairly large but that the chicken was a little bit dry.
The patio is adorned with twinkle lights in the evenings. This is a great restaurant for a casual date or a family dinner. There is a well-stocked bar inside the restaurant that seems to attract a lot of locals.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Great People Watching and Great Food ~ Sugar Shack ~ Huntington Beach
My husband and I go to the Sugar Shack most often for breakfast but have also been for lunch. They are open for breakfast and lunch 7 days a week and have been on Main St since 1967. The staff is friendly, the service is surprisingly quick, and you will never sit in want of coffee refills. In the winter when it's less crowded, we sit on the front patio facing Main St. When it is more crowded we go to the back patio where the wait is much shorter. Our first year in Huntington we had a craving for Sugar Shack so badly that we walked over in the misty rain and sat inside.
We often ask the waitress to bring either a banana nut muffin or half order of biscuits and gravy (only available on the weekend) as quickly as possible. Our all-time favorite breakfast entree is the breakfast burrito. It's difficult to say which is more appealing, the actual burrito or the hash browns that come with it. Dan usually gets it with sausage and my favorite is with bacon. One of the many times that we've brought family there my step Mom Rebecca had the avocado breakfast burrito and said it was great. We've tried the omeletes and the pancakes. You just can't beat a breakfast at the Sugar Shack. When I want to be healthy, I order the Cream of Wheat. They bring out a bowl large enough to feed an army with milk and brown sugar that you can add to your liking. I usually add bananas but have tried the raisins, as well. Both are good but I prefer the bananas. A side of toast and a cup of coffee and I'm in heaven.
We have gone a few times for lunch. I specifically remember a Spring day sitting on the front patio watching all of the crazy cars with hydrolics go by. The tuna sandwich is wonderful, the grilled ham and cheese only ok. I prefer thin sliced ham and there's is cut thick. The grilled chicken club is juicy and delicious. All of the sandwiches come with a choice of fries, potato salad, steamed rice, fruit, or cottage cheese. I usually get the french fries. They are steak cut and crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside - just the way I like them.
When you go to the Sugar Shack, you feel like you're eating at a family member's house. I can't say enough about the quality of the service and the friendliness of the staff.
We often ask the waitress to bring either a banana nut muffin or half order of biscuits and gravy (only available on the weekend) as quickly as possible. Our all-time favorite breakfast entree is the breakfast burrito. It's difficult to say which is more appealing, the actual burrito or the hash browns that come with it. Dan usually gets it with sausage and my favorite is with bacon. One of the many times that we've brought family there my step Mom Rebecca had the avocado breakfast burrito and said it was great. We've tried the omeletes and the pancakes. You just can't beat a breakfast at the Sugar Shack. When I want to be healthy, I order the Cream of Wheat. They bring out a bowl large enough to feed an army with milk and brown sugar that you can add to your liking. I usually add bananas but have tried the raisins, as well. Both are good but I prefer the bananas. A side of toast and a cup of coffee and I'm in heaven.
We have gone a few times for lunch. I specifically remember a Spring day sitting on the front patio watching all of the crazy cars with hydrolics go by. The tuna sandwich is wonderful, the grilled ham and cheese only ok. I prefer thin sliced ham and there's is cut thick. The grilled chicken club is juicy and delicious. All of the sandwiches come with a choice of fries, potato salad, steamed rice, fruit, or cottage cheese. I usually get the french fries. They are steak cut and crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside - just the way I like them.
When you go to the Sugar Shack, you feel like you're eating at a family member's house. I can't say enough about the quality of the service and the friendliness of the staff.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Oh, The Cheese Bread ~ Mangia Bene ~ Laguna Niguel
I would be satisfied with a plate of the cheese bread and a house salad. The bread is sliced thin, topped with garlic, butter, and cheese, and toasted to perfection. I order the Taglio salad with gorgonzola cheese. It is made of romaine lettuce, regiano cheese, roma tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers. Add a glass of wine and you have a meal.
If I'm hungry or have the willpower to stick to only a few slices of bread, I often order the Penne Campagnola with pink sauce. On the menu, it has tomato sauce but the pink sauce includes a little bit of cream. This dish is a great combination of roasted chicken, penne pasta, red bell peppers, sun dried tomatoes, and oregano. The bell peppers do not overpower the dish; they complement the sweetness of the tomatoes. I've tried to duplicate this dish at home many times and have never quite gotten the right combination of ingredients.
A good friend's favorite is the Pollo Mostarda. It is a grilled chicken breast with lemon, white wine, mustard, capers, mushrooms, and garlic. The taste of the mustard is subtle and the saltiness of the capers perks your mouth up. It comes with a side of pasta and steamed vegetables (usually broccoli and carrots).
The service is good and the atmosphere is perfect for a family meal or a casual date. The meals are reasonably priced and the wine list varied - from Chateau Ste. Michelle and Beringer to Ferrari-Carano and Cakebread.
If I'm hungry or have the willpower to stick to only a few slices of bread, I often order the Penne Campagnola with pink sauce. On the menu, it has tomato sauce but the pink sauce includes a little bit of cream. This dish is a great combination of roasted chicken, penne pasta, red bell peppers, sun dried tomatoes, and oregano. The bell peppers do not overpower the dish; they complement the sweetness of the tomatoes. I've tried to duplicate this dish at home many times and have never quite gotten the right combination of ingredients.
A good friend's favorite is the Pollo Mostarda. It is a grilled chicken breast with lemon, white wine, mustard, capers, mushrooms, and garlic. The taste of the mustard is subtle and the saltiness of the capers perks your mouth up. It comes with a side of pasta and steamed vegetables (usually broccoli and carrots).
The service is good and the atmosphere is perfect for a family meal or a casual date. The meals are reasonably priced and the wine list varied - from Chateau Ste. Michelle and Beringer to Ferrari-Carano and Cakebread.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
My First Date Location ~ Houston's ~ Irvine
Yes, I know, it's a chain. However Houston's holds a special place in my heart because it is the location of my first date with my husband and the place that we often go back to for special occasions.
We've tried a variety of foods at Houston's but our appetizer is always the spinach and artichoke dip. It comes with salsa and sour cream on the side. They never bring enough tortilla chips however it's no problem to get them to bring more. The dip is warm and cheesy and the sour cream and salsa act as a cool complement. Another thing that we always order is the house salad with blue cheese dressing. This might be the best house salad that any restaurant has offered. It comes with bacon, corn, croutons that are both crunchy and chewy, crisp iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The blue cheese dressing and bread sticks are the best part though. The dressing has large chunks of blue cheese and the breadsticks are soft and fluffy with a hint of garlic.
The most recent time we went to Houston's I couldn't fit much more in my stomache after the dip and salad so I ordered the tortilla soup. It was above average but not incredibly memorable. One of my favorite dishes is the Baramundi. It is a white fish cooked on a wood plank with just enough butter to keep it from sticking. The fish is always tender and flaky. I usually order a side of vegetables, whatever is in season.
Dan usually gets the Hickory Burger. It is a burger with BBQ sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and diced Canadian bacon. It comes with shoestring fries that are cooked to perfection. He has also ordered the filet minon in the past and we've both enjoyed it quite a bit.
Finally, the apple walnut cobbler is the perfect ending to a great meal. I'm not a fan of walnuts but they are easy to pick out and this dessert is worth it. It comes topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you can see the specks from the vanilla bean. It's has just the right combination of sweet and tart.
Another great thing about Houston's is that there's no corkage fee. We went there on our one year anniversary and brought in a great bottle of wine that we had purchased in Napa. They also have a great wine list to choose from if you prefer.
The restaurant is dimly lit and good for a date but definitely not somewhere I would recommend for a family dinner. It's somewhere between inexpensive and pricey, depending on what you order and how much you eat and drink. The servers are always helpful and they work as a team; you can ask anyone who walks by for more water (although you probably won't need it because they are good about keeping your glass full) or more breadsticks with your salad (and they won't give you attitude).
We've tried a variety of foods at Houston's but our appetizer is always the spinach and artichoke dip. It comes with salsa and sour cream on the side. They never bring enough tortilla chips however it's no problem to get them to bring more. The dip is warm and cheesy and the sour cream and salsa act as a cool complement. Another thing that we always order is the house salad with blue cheese dressing. This might be the best house salad that any restaurant has offered. It comes with bacon, corn, croutons that are both crunchy and chewy, crisp iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The blue cheese dressing and bread sticks are the best part though. The dressing has large chunks of blue cheese and the breadsticks are soft and fluffy with a hint of garlic.
The most recent time we went to Houston's I couldn't fit much more in my stomache after the dip and salad so I ordered the tortilla soup. It was above average but not incredibly memorable. One of my favorite dishes is the Baramundi. It is a white fish cooked on a wood plank with just enough butter to keep it from sticking. The fish is always tender and flaky. I usually order a side of vegetables, whatever is in season.
Dan usually gets the Hickory Burger. It is a burger with BBQ sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and diced Canadian bacon. It comes with shoestring fries that are cooked to perfection. He has also ordered the filet minon in the past and we've both enjoyed it quite a bit.
Finally, the apple walnut cobbler is the perfect ending to a great meal. I'm not a fan of walnuts but they are easy to pick out and this dessert is worth it. It comes topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you can see the specks from the vanilla bean. It's has just the right combination of sweet and tart.
Another great thing about Houston's is that there's no corkage fee. We went there on our one year anniversary and brought in a great bottle of wine that we had purchased in Napa. They also have a great wine list to choose from if you prefer.
The restaurant is dimly lit and good for a date but definitely not somewhere I would recommend for a family dinner. It's somewhere between inexpensive and pricey, depending on what you order and how much you eat and drink. The servers are always helpful and they work as a team; you can ask anyone who walks by for more water (although you probably won't need it because they are good about keeping your glass full) or more breadsticks with your salad (and they won't give you attitude).
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Inexpensive, Great Italian ~ Roman Cucina ~ Sunset Beach
On a recommendation from a coworker, I found this restaurant's website and reviews. The variety on the menu was appealing and several of the reviewers wrote about the attractive young men who worked there. When we arrived, we found that both were true; the food was great and the staff was almost all good looking young men. In addition, dining al fresco on the outside patio reminded us why we love living in Southern California. We arrived early and left before dark however the pictures on the website show twinkly lights on the patio that add to the ambience. There is also a small bar that seats approximately 4-5 people on the patio. If there's a wait for a table, you can have a glass of wine to pass the time.
We shared the baked sausage mozzarella and were immediately impressed. The sausage tasted fresh and was cooked to perfection, completely cooked but not tough. The dish included fresh mozzarella and a scoop of ricotta cheese in the middle of the plate. Both cheeses were remarkable however the tomato sauce was the most memorable. It had the sweetness of fresh tomatoes but wasn't overpoweringly sweet and was just tart enough to wake up your mouth.
We both got a house salad and we shared the complimentary bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. These were both pretty average.
Dan got his standard chicken parmigiana. The chicken was nicely breaded and crispy. It was covered with mozzarella and more of the delicious tomato sauce from the appetizer and served with a side of pasta. I ordered one of the specials: crab ravioli in a white wine sauce with peas. The peas were cooked al dente - just a bit of toothsomeness to them, not overcooked at all. The sweetness and slight crunch complemented the soft ravioli and crab flavor very well. I could have taken 2-3 of the ravioli home but it tasted so good that I finished my plate. We couldn't fit anymore in our stomaches but we've heard that the tiramisu is delicious.
This restaurant is great for a variety of occasions. We saw several high school students who were dressed up for their Homecoming Dance. There was also a group of women who appeared to be starting a Girls' Night out, several other couples, and a few families sitting inside the restaurant. This is an economical choice for casual Italian food that tastes great!
This restaurant also has specials: on Martini Monday you can get any martini for $5 and half off bottles of wine and no corkage on Wednesday.
We shared the baked sausage mozzarella and were immediately impressed. The sausage tasted fresh and was cooked to perfection, completely cooked but not tough. The dish included fresh mozzarella and a scoop of ricotta cheese in the middle of the plate. Both cheeses were remarkable however the tomato sauce was the most memorable. It had the sweetness of fresh tomatoes but wasn't overpoweringly sweet and was just tart enough to wake up your mouth.
We both got a house salad and we shared the complimentary bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. These were both pretty average.
Dan got his standard chicken parmigiana. The chicken was nicely breaded and crispy. It was covered with mozzarella and more of the delicious tomato sauce from the appetizer and served with a side of pasta. I ordered one of the specials: crab ravioli in a white wine sauce with peas. The peas were cooked al dente - just a bit of toothsomeness to them, not overcooked at all. The sweetness and slight crunch complemented the soft ravioli and crab flavor very well. I could have taken 2-3 of the ravioli home but it tasted so good that I finished my plate. We couldn't fit anymore in our stomaches but we've heard that the tiramisu is delicious.
This restaurant is great for a variety of occasions. We saw several high school students who were dressed up for their Homecoming Dance. There was also a group of women who appeared to be starting a Girls' Night out, several other couples, and a few families sitting inside the restaurant. This is an economical choice for casual Italian food that tastes great!
This restaurant also has specials: on Martini Monday you can get any martini for $5 and half off bottles of wine and no corkage on Wednesday.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Fresh Pasta ~ Michael's on Naples Ristorante ~ Long Beach
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about this restaurant is the service. We sat at the bar for a little bit before going to our table and the bartender was very helpful and professional. He offered us a tasting from a bottle they had just opened. The wine list was pretty extensive and included glasses and bottles from my favorite winery, Chateau St. Jean. We ordered their 2005 Cinq Cepage and it was 25% off wine night Wednesday. Definitely a treat!
Once at our table, we ordered two appetizers to share between four people - the Il Piatto di Salumi con Pane e Olive and the Pomodoro e Mozzarella. The first was a traditional Italian cold cut plate with toasted bread points, salty chunks of Parmesan cheese, and two types of olives. I wish I knew all of the meats but the ones I could pick out were prosciutto, a salami, and what we guessed was capocola. They were all good so we didn't bother asking. The second appetizer had fresh heirloom tomatoes (both of the men asked what they were because they'd never seen a yellow tomato before) and fresh Burrata cheese, which is a creamier version of fresh mozzarella. It brought me back to a hike that I took on the Amalfi coast of Italy that was capped off with a caprese salad.
The entrees were equally appealing. I ordered the Pappardelle con Coda di bue - hand cut fresh pasta with oxtail ragout, pine nuts, porcini mushrooms, and Tuscan Pecorino. I'm a sucker for fresh pasta and the pappardelle is a thick cut; like fettuccine but thicker. I was nervous about the oxtail but it was decadent. The pine nuts added a nice crunch and for me, nothing can go wrong with mushrooms.
I tried the other two dishes at the table as well (my husband and my friend, Doug, ordered the same thing). The guys got Michael's pasta. It also had fresh pasta (spaghetti) with Prosciutto di Parma that seemed to be cooked a bit so that it was pleasantly crunchy, pecorino, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and basil. This was also very pleasing. It tasted like it had sun dried tomatoes in it but maybe that was just the taste of tomatoes that were fresher than I'm used to.
The best dish at the table though was Jessica's. She ordered the Lasagna Verde alla Bolognese. It had spinach that didn't overwhelm the dish in any way, meat sauce, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and a creamy tomato sauce. One bite had my mouth doing the happy dance.
My husband and I shared an apple tart and Jessica and Doug shared the cannoli. Both were good but not mind blowing.
This restaurant has great ambiance for a fancy night out and is priced moderately (with a good bottle of wine and all of the food mentioned above, we spent $50 per person). If you're looking for huge portions of mediocre food, don't go to Michael's. The portions are smaller than most American restaurants but definitely substantial and the food is wonderful. Check their website for specials. Their bar menu looks intriguing and their happy hour is half off selected beer, wine, and alcohol. There's a rooftop deck with classic guitar Wednesday through Friday however it had just finished raining when we went so it was shut down.
Our meal ended with a visit from a man dressed in a suit (the manager or the owner) who checked to make sure everything was good.
(I apologize if I misspelled any of the Italian words in this blog.)
Once at our table, we ordered two appetizers to share between four people - the Il Piatto di Salumi con Pane e Olive and the Pomodoro e Mozzarella. The first was a traditional Italian cold cut plate with toasted bread points, salty chunks of Parmesan cheese, and two types of olives. I wish I knew all of the meats but the ones I could pick out were prosciutto, a salami, and what we guessed was capocola. They were all good so we didn't bother asking. The second appetizer had fresh heirloom tomatoes (both of the men asked what they were because they'd never seen a yellow tomato before) and fresh Burrata cheese, which is a creamier version of fresh mozzarella. It brought me back to a hike that I took on the Amalfi coast of Italy that was capped off with a caprese salad.
The entrees were equally appealing. I ordered the Pappardelle con Coda di bue - hand cut fresh pasta with oxtail ragout, pine nuts, porcini mushrooms, and Tuscan Pecorino. I'm a sucker for fresh pasta and the pappardelle is a thick cut; like fettuccine but thicker. I was nervous about the oxtail but it was decadent. The pine nuts added a nice crunch and for me, nothing can go wrong with mushrooms.
I tried the other two dishes at the table as well (my husband and my friend, Doug, ordered the same thing). The guys got Michael's pasta. It also had fresh pasta (spaghetti) with Prosciutto di Parma that seemed to be cooked a bit so that it was pleasantly crunchy, pecorino, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and basil. This was also very pleasing. It tasted like it had sun dried tomatoes in it but maybe that was just the taste of tomatoes that were fresher than I'm used to.
The best dish at the table though was Jessica's. She ordered the Lasagna Verde alla Bolognese. It had spinach that didn't overwhelm the dish in any way, meat sauce, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and a creamy tomato sauce. One bite had my mouth doing the happy dance.
My husband and I shared an apple tart and Jessica and Doug shared the cannoli. Both were good but not mind blowing.
This restaurant has great ambiance for a fancy night out and is priced moderately (with a good bottle of wine and all of the food mentioned above, we spent $50 per person). If you're looking for huge portions of mediocre food, don't go to Michael's. The portions are smaller than most American restaurants but definitely substantial and the food is wonderful. Check their website for specials. Their bar menu looks intriguing and their happy hour is half off selected beer, wine, and alcohol. There's a rooftop deck with classic guitar Wednesday through Friday however it had just finished raining when we went so it was shut down.
Our meal ended with a visit from a man dressed in a suit (the manager or the owner) who checked to make sure everything was good.
(I apologize if I misspelled any of the Italian words in this blog.)
Monday, October 19, 2009
A Good Standby ~ La Capilla ~ Huntington Beach
There's nothing better than great, inexpensive Mexican food that you can count on every time you go. The La Capilla margarita tastes delicious, is inexpensive, and is definitely not weak when it comes to the alcohol. A favorite starter is the Queso Fundido, although I prefer it with the free tortilla chips than the dippers that they bring with it. It's a huge bowl of scrumptious, cheesy goodness with tomatoes and just a hint of heat. Their free salsa is tasty but on the spicier side. My go-to dinner is the chicken burrito. The chicken meat is stewed with bell peppers and onions and is tender every time I order it. The tortilla is always soft and it has beans and cheese on the inside. It's covered with a yummy, mild red sauce and more cheese but the cheese doesn't overwhelm. My husband's favorite is the beef hard taco and cheese enchilada combo. It comes with beans and rice. Generally we spend $30-40 depending on how many margaritas we drink. The atmosphere is very casual, the servers are always friendly, and the service is generally quick (unless you ask for water). I highly recommend La Capilla for a casual date, a family dinner, or just an excuse to have a great margarita.
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