Red Cooking Pork and Chestnut

Grand Sichuan International

229 Ninth Avenue

(corner of 24th Street)

A friend of mine raved about the red cooking pork and chestnut entrée at Grand Sichuan. I finally worked up the nerve to order it for takeout.

First, I did have to ask what “red cooking pork” meant. It turns out it’s the literal English translation for the Chinese word of “braised.”

In essence, it’s similar to a beef stew, but instead of beef, braised pork. And chestnuts (which are braised with the pork) are used, instead of potatoes. A bed of spinach lay beneath the pork and chestnuts.

I served it over white rice that came with my order. It is a hearty meal that would be good for a cold, winter’s night.

Final Thoughts

Glad I tried it once, but won’t order again. It’s similar to a dish my mother makes—braised pork and white turnips. I prefer my mom’s version, as the chestnuts taste rather dry. Now, if they can substitute the chestnuts with white turnips, that’s another story!

7-11 Doritos Loaded

Various Locations

Another fast-food option, which was just launched this July, is 7-11’s Doritos Loaded. It comes with four pieces in a box for $1.99.

I was excited to try as I had heard good reviews regarding its cheesy goodness (a mix of Romano, cheddar, and American cheese), and I am a fan of Doritos original chips.

Perhaps I should have eaten them as soon as the box was removed from the heat lamps. By the time I got home, they had already hardened and I felt like I was eating dusty cardboard.

 

Not sure that I’d want to try them again, but it just goes to show that not all junk food taste good.

 

McDonald's Double Jalapeño Burger

Various Locations

For those in search for a quick and snack, McDonald’s new Double Jalapeño burger is surprisingly and amazingly satisfying.

Just launched officially nationwide, in July, the sandwich is comprised of two beef patties, white cheddar, ranch dressing, and jalapeños served two ways (fresh and crispy) between a sweet bun.

 

And for $2 it can’t be beat!

 

Helpful Hint: It does pack a spicy punch, so be wary to those of you who do not like jalapeños! For those looking for extra heat, request packet(s) of habanero sauce.

 

San Marzano (Best Jarred Tomato Sauce!)

A friend gave me a package of spaghetti when she returned from a trip to Rome, Italy.

I wanted to serve it with the best jar of spaghetti sauce that I could find. My friend did e-mail me a recipe for a homemade sauce, but as I decided that I was going to cook it over at a friend’s house in New Jersey, I didn’t wish to be carrying tins of canned tomatoes on the long New Jersey Transit train ride!

She did inspire me though to try San Marzano’s Marinara Sauce.

 

All of the instructions for cooking the pasta were in Italian, but I was able to make out that I was to cook for 9 to 11 minutes.
 

My friend grilled some wine-and-cheese sausage, which we then mixed in with the marinara sauce. We flavored the sauce with some crushed garlic and tossed in some fennel and stirred all. We then served the sauce over the cooked pasta, rather than mixing it with the pasta in a big bowl. We finished the plate off, with some sprinkles of Romano cheese.

 

Delicious! The pasta had a sweet, fresh tomato taste. Sometimes with other jarred sauces, they come with a dry, cardboard-y aftertaste. The San Marzano sauce was also not too thick and not too watery—it was just perfect.

 

Accompanying our meal, my friend opened a bottle of white Chateauneuf du Pape that had been purchased on a trip to France. VERY nice!

 

My friend also made a caprese salad by slicing up a tomato, some fresh mozzarella, and some fresh basil. Topped off with Modenaceti balsamic glaze. A MUST buy!!

 

Before our meal, we did have a cheese pairing—bourbon washed pie d’Angloys (which tasted like Epoisses, but cheaper!) and a medium-ripened Fontina.

 

And, yes, it was a very CHEESY meal!

 

Pepe Giallo

253 Tenth Avenue

(between 24th and 25th Streets)

Amazing $9 lunch special!!

With a choice of either soup of the day or mixed green salad and a choice of a select pasta dish or sandwich the serving portions are excessively generous.

I ordered the soup of the day (minestrone), which could have been my meal on its own. It was hearty and the vegetables were fresh and plentiful!

My friend ordered the mixed green salad. The dressing was a simple vinaigrette.

I selected the penne tomato basil dish (my friend chose the same, but added grilled chicken for an extra $3).

I must admit that the penne was a bit undercooked, but it’s a minor complaint in comparison with the rest of the meal.

As soon as I sat down, they placed a basket of bread along with a bottle of water on the table. They also provided olive oil with olives in a small dish to dip the bread in.

To accompany our meal, my friend and I ordered a half-carafe of the house trebbiano (cost was $15). It was light and crisp and enough for two glasses each.

For dessert, we selected their homemade torta di cioccolate (a flourless chocolate cake) with vanilla ice cream. Moist and melts in your mouth!!

Helpful Hint: Some of their desserts are made fresh daily, so be sure to ask!

The restaurant itself is like a hidden gem. On the far west side of Tenth, it’s easy to miss, but once inside it has a very homey and comfortable atmosphere. Definitely want to return for dinner and to try out their pretty back garden.

Update:

Here are photos of the garden! Super cute and a must-try in the spring or summer!

Summer Rosé Recommendations

It’s summertime, and for red wine drinkers it’s time to switch to rosé!

I have two suggestions for this year: one that’s great to bring as a gift when going as a guest to a barbecue or a brunch, and another for just everyday drinking.

Miraval Rosé

I consider this the Holy Grail of rosés. Tried to purchase last year, but it was sold out immediately upon its initial release due undoubtedly to both its celebrity status and critical raves and reviews. Yes, this is the Brangelina wine.

 

This year, though, I was able to find a bottle at one of my local liquor stores in time for the Fourth of July holiday. Cost was $25.

Gorgeous packaging! It’s shaped like a champagne bottle, so bringing it to any occasion makes it seem like a celebratory event. (The bottle is a bit fogged-up in the picture as it was in the fridge, and rosés should be served ice-cold.)

 

The color is a lovely pale-pink. A dry wine, the taste deepens on the palate leaving a long, lingering finish. Goes perfect with watching fireworks!

Helpful Hint: Recommend sipping! One of my sisters drank it like it was water, and she promptly got sleepy (a testament to the high alcohol content of the wine).

Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Rosé

If you’re looking for a bottle costing under $10, I highly recommend Les Dauphins.

The bottle labeling reminds one of a Parisian bistro. It’s fun and festive and makes you think of the Moulin Rouge and doing the cancan.

 

A light, fruity, strawberry taste—the pic does not do the coloring justice. It’s a deeper pink coloring than the Miraval and refreshing on a hot, summer night!

Happy Summer!

2014 Summer Fancy Food Show: Part III--Cheers!

From chocolates infused with liqueur to sparkling wine, you can always find a way to get a buzz on at the food show!

Who doesn’t like a mix of Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey with dark chocolate? I’ll toast to that! (Goldkenn’s gold-bullion stacked chocolate was definitely a showstopper!

 

To get even more toasted, try a BuzzBar (alcohol-infused ice cream for adults). I went for the Vanilla Daze (alcohol = cognac) but it was a bit too much alcohol for me.

 

Owl’s Brew was definitely “hop”ping! (I went for a sample of the Pink & Black—fresh-brewed Darjeeling hibiscus tea with lemon peel, strawberry and lemon juice—with amber ale).

Best wine label belongs to Brunelli’s red (which tasted like a fine Barolo):

 

With World Cup fever then at its peak, the Brazil section of the show was definitely the place to be for celebratory drinks. Monte Paschoal Moscatel is a delicious bubbly (available in NYC in Brazilian restaurants), it was a lovely way to end the show on a high note!

Cheers!