GTO’s Profile
Recent Comments
Red Lentils
They're great as a Lunch salad with a poached/fried Egg.
In Videos: Cute Hedgehog Eating
hahaha. He licks his wee little lips.
Desserts with fruit, what's your favorite?
Cobbler seems to be popular.
I'd have to say either Apple Pie, or Lemon Meringue Pie.
See more comments by GTO »
Recent Posts
See more posts by GTO »
Recent Favorites
GTO hasn't favorited a post yet.
Recent Polls
GTO hasn't answered any polls yet.
Recent Quizzes
GTO hasn't taken any quizzes yet.
Recent Comments | Response to Comments
Snapshots from Iceland: Burgers and Shakes from Hamborgarabúllan in Reykjavik
How could you resist 'The Offer of the Century'?! That's some statement.
I found the supermarkets, and just the food in general, was a strange mix of American and classic British stuff. Hardly surprising given how stuck in the middle Iceland is.
It's easy to forget that you're still in Europe.
Red Lentils
They're great as a Lunch salad with a poached/fried Egg.
In Videos: Cute Hedgehog Eating
hahaha. He licks his wee little lips.
Desserts with fruit, what's your favorite?
Cobbler seems to be popular.
I'd have to say either Apple Pie, or Lemon Meringue Pie.
Rome: What to buy?
So many suggestions, thanks everyone!
Coffee would be great.
Mongoose - Confiscation? Lol, they just eat it once it's taken away. Some utensils would be a great idea.
Rome: What to buy?
OK, Herbs and Spices are a must too.
I was wondering about things like cured meat and Sauasge. Also, I'd heard that unpasturised cheese was not allowed.
Rome: What to buy?
Good Balsamic is an absolute "must" - Get it? "Must"? Terrible.
Mongoose - I too love the various sweets and confectioneries of different Countries. I always try to make a visit to a Supermarket and pick up some stuff who's labels I can't read.
I had no idea I could bring back fruit, and as you say Citurs would travel well.
Thanks for the gloves tip, dodged a bullet there!
Would you rather give up potatoes or bread?
Potatoes can go for me, I think.
You can make bread soup, but Potato sandwiches?
Cauliflower...winter's white wonder?
Roast with lots of crunchy salt and pepper, then top with a poached egg.
Or any of the above, you lot are Geniuses.
Photo of the Day: Uniqlo Jump
What the hell? Jumping is *your* thing, Robyn.
Shredded Goat/Sheep Cheese?
Yep, Pecorino was my first thought too.
Theres also Berkswell and Manchego.
Color...what are your favorite white foods?
A lot of my favouites have already been said, but how about:
"Pre-porn" poached eggs, and Malted milk*
*Not strictly pure white, but has that pure and wholesome "whiteness".
How to get a food blog read and noticed
Considering she's only been going since September, it looks like she's been doing it for years.
I've put a link to 'Let's Eat!' on my own Blog.
Secrets of Chicken Soup
Not a flavouring, but I like to slightly thicken mine with cornflour for a nice smooth mouthfeel.
Guilty Pleasures
Totally agree on the coffee in a styrofoam cup thing - I often think: "Should probably have a drink before I go out...No! I'll use the machine! Woo!"
Always glad that I do, lol.
People Getting Punched Just Before Eating
Oh, man. That was great.
You're all right though; Great up until the Zombies, didn't need 'em. Could have had more punching.
What's in your kitchen junk drawer?
I'm actually quite surprised at how similar these are to mine. No one has mentioned replacement fuses yet though, lol.
Keys to great food photography...
I won't reiterate what people have already said too much, because everyone is spot on - Lighting (Natural is best), but if that's not an option, Off-camera flash, bounced off a wall or the ceiling. NEVER use the on-camera flash, it's harsh and makes nasty looking shadows behind your subject.
Equipment and props are often the key to a good photograph. Get yourself some nice plates, coasters, towels etc, and try not to clutter up the background too much.
Two things I think are a real help too, if you really want to get the best pictures you can, are a Tripod and a reflector of some kind - An actual reflector, or just a big piece of white card, or even a mirror. Held against the light, it really highlights the shadowy parts of your subject, making everything a whole lot more appetising.
Like Jaden said, white balance - It's essential if you want to avoid a colour cast over your pictures.
My stuff is here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gto350/
And another invaluable place to explore is:
http://stilllifewith.com/index.php
Have fun!
What are your favorite omelet mix-ins?
I'm a bit of a bore when it comes to omelettes. I think adding too much often makes the whole affair a bit sloppy and flat. Having said that, I do love both:
Pesto & broccoli and
Cumin & sweet onions.
kcorder - I do love the idea of an omelette wrap.
What to do...
Like Ricotta, it works ok Dessert-wise if you serve it alongside roasted fruits like figs, with a drizzle of honey.
What are some creative uses for a can of refried beans?
They make a great filling for little Filo triangles.
Overused Food Words
Rustic - If I hear or see this word, I'm done. Don't wanna know.
favorite summer meal
I second all the thoughts of ice cream. Mine would be spicy lemon & rosemary roasted chicken and new potatoes, followed by soft vanilla ice-cream & plump raisins.
Snapshots from Iceland: Burgers and Shakes from Hamborgarabúllan in Reykjavik
There is another place in Iceland which has legendary burgers. It's called "Vitabar" or "The Lighthouse Bar" translated to English. If you go there order the "Gleym-mer-ei" burger, it's a little different because it has garlic and blue cheese but it's a taste you won't forget! The place is downtown on a street called Vitastigur. Look it up if you come to Iceland! :)
Snapshots from Iceland: Burgers and Shakes from Hamborgarabúllan in Reykjavik
@GTO: Greg went for the Offer of the Century. I probably should've done that too..but..I wanted..MORE MEAT!
@Adam and browngravy: I emailed Tommi and found out the answer: it's him from 1984! More info:
"It is a practical joke on me. My partner found this photo of me from 1984 in a magazine called SAMUEL, like the Icelandic version of People magazine. I had just come home from Los Angeles at the time, where I had been for almost a year training at Gold's Gym. This was just after I sold all my interest in Tommi's hamburgers. Anyway, he found the photo and had someone enlarge it. The text says, "Employee of the Month." Then he called me and showed me; there was nothing I could do. However, I used it as a promo when I turned 60 years old and one of the papers here published it with me in front."
The article is called "living proof that hamburgers don't make you fat." ;)
@gargupie: At least one coming up tomorrow! I'm glad you like them!
Snapshots from Iceland: Burgers and Shakes from Hamborgarabúllan in Reykjavik
The shirtless dude is the 'offer of the century'. Ask for the 'special'.
Snapshots from Iceland: Burgers and Shakes from Hamborgarabúllan in Reykjavik
how many more Iceland posts? I'd miss reading about them.
Snapshots from Iceland: Burgers and Shakes from Hamborgarabúllan in Reykjavik
Why is there a shirtless dude in the burger joint's window?
In Videos: McDonald's France's 'Big Tasty' Commercial
What............no "fromage"?
How to get a food blog read and noticed
Excellent advice for novice food bloggers. Thanks for sharing the tips.
Overused Food Words
"Yummy" - it should be prohibited for use by anyone older than 12. When grown men and women say "it's so yummy!" (especially about something they just made themselves) - ewwwwww!
Also, "reduce down" as in "we'll add some wine and reduce this sauce DOWN for 5 minutes". As opposed to what, reducing it UP?
Overused Food Words
It used to drive me insane to see "x" at the end of the word until I started to work at a hospital 10 years ago. Everything ends in x to abbreviate -- history = hx, diagnosis = dx, etc. I still hate seeing "u" for "you" and "ur" for "your/you're," which propagates the erroneous use of your and you're. ARGH! I've gotten better about "tho" and "thru."
Back to food.
- "special blend" -- yay for vagueness
- use of the word "sushi" for anything raw. FFS, sushi doesn't even mean raw!
- innards
Overused Food Words
Oops, make that, "reduced to 'so and so gets it.'"
Overused Food Words
"Gets" for "understands," especially with the adverb "really." For instance, "so and so really gets the New York restaurant scene," or "really gets food," or "really gets service." It's a lazy, imprecise and charmlessly colloquial locution, and I hope it heads to the blogosphere tar pit as quickly as possible. Even worse when reduced "so and so gets it."
Overused Food Words
I can't explain it, but I really hate the word "unctuous."
As for "foodie," it would be nice to come up with another simple word we could use to describe ourselves. I don't love it, don't hate it. When someone says, "she's a real foodie," about me, it has a very specific meaning. Sometimes I say "food is my hobby," but it may not be clear that I mean I like thinking about food, shopping for it, preparing it, eating it, serving it to friends and family, etc. I'd love a simple word that could convey all that.
Overused Food Words
I agree with the people who said "toothsome" - ewwwwww!
Overused Food Words
@thebrokedown - I am guilty of using an "x" it is a habit developed from working in kitchens for 10+ years and before that college training to use it - chix for chicken etc. it is a shorthand and yeah it carries over to my every day life.
I always crack up at the way wines are described "oaky, smokey, fruity (duh, they are made from grapes) musty, lively" etc. all that from a beverage? I like wine too, but wow.
Red Lentils
I second the mention of this recipe for red lentil soup from the NY Times. It was extolled by my soup-loving friends as "the best soup ever."
Dominic
the zen kitchen
Red Lentils
I have been trying to recreate a dish called Red Sonia that we enjoy at Mundo Restaurant in Astoria. This is their spin on a traditional Turkish dish of cigar-shaped patties made with red lentils, bulghur and spices, and served in lettuce cups. I've made these for office potluck lunches - they're a big hit and can be served at room temperature. Google "lentil kofte".
Red Lentils
I use them in either soup or dal. I sort of wing it on the soup, often going with grated ginger, garam masala, diced yukon gold potatoes and diced tomato. I'm not sure of the measurements. I just throw stuff in until it looks/tastes right.
Even though red lentils have been a regular part of my pantry for decades now, I am always a teeny disappointed in their cooked color. I want it to come out all pink and gorgeous, but they don't cook pink. And every time I sigh just a bit.
Red Lentils
I've been making a Red Lentil Soup with Lemon that was in the NY Times on Jan. 9th; Google and I'm sure you'll find it. It's easy to make, and although I bump up the spices a bit, I think it's a fantastic recipe. I have shared it with a few other friends and we now joke that the local markets must be wondering why there's a run on red lentils!
In Videos: Cute Hedgehog Eating
Extreme cuteness--thanks for finding this video!
In Videos: Cute Hedgehog Eating
This made my head explode from the cute overload.
In Videos: Cute Hedgehog Eating
what a cutie. always wanted a pet hedgehog.
Desserts with fruit, what's your favorite?
ohhh, fresh chilled peaches with warm custard....so good!
Desserts with fruit, what's your favorite?
Lemon tart. Lemon pie. Lemon mousse. Or raspberry with chocolate.
Desserts with fruit, what's your favorite?
Key lime or lemon meringue pies are near the top of the list, too. I have never heard of raspberry creme brulee---other fruits used in that dessert as well?
What fruit dessert would you choose at restaurant?
Recent Posts
Recent Favorites
GTO hasn't favorited a post yet.
Polls
GTO hasn't answered any polls yet.
Quizzes
GTO hasn't taken any quizzes yet.
How could you resist 'The Offer of the Century'?! That's some statement.
I found the supermarkets, and just the food in general, was a strange mix of American and classic British stuff. Hardly surprising given how stuck in the middle Iceland is.
It's easy to forget that you're still in Europe.