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Bourdain
I saw the bourdain/batali tour in seattle. Tix were $50 for the cheap seats. Mario actually outshined tony by quite a bit. He seemed older, wiser and funnier than bourdain's cursing bitter persona. I'll note here that it really was a show, in that many of the jokes/anecdotes were well rehersed and came off very scripted. That said, I did overall enjoy the show, even if it was a little pricy.
And a note here to women/gay men: during the q and a part of the show don't get in line and ask tony to go out to dinner/marry you. You're wasting the audience's time. And you sound like a drooling idiot. And to my fellow cooks: he's not gonna go out drinking with you after the show.. So, again, quit wasting everyone's time.
Underground Restaurant
Part of being an underground chef/restauratuer is throwing caution to the wind about this stuff. You can get some limited protection by obtaining a catering license, as far as the food goes. But you have to be selective about your guests. I know it's impossible, really, but you have to try to avoid the type of people who might drag you to court because they had too much wine, fell and twisted an ankle or whatever.
I've never used a waiver but it might be the way to go if you're worried. IMO it would kind of throw off the whole experience for your guests.
help: tips for making turkey gravy
Yeah, make it ahead ( just the base), and then use those salty drippings to season. I also use sherry vin, tabasco, and some straight espresso in my gravys. The espresso, when used correctly(sparingly), can deepen the flavor and really help out the color.
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Recent Comments | Response to Comments
Bourdain
I saw the bourdain/batali tour in seattle. Tix were $50 for the cheap seats. Mario actually outshined tony by quite a bit. He seemed older, wiser and funnier than bourdain's cursing bitter persona. I'll note here that it really was a show, in that many of the jokes/anecdotes were well rehersed and came off very scripted. That said, I did overall enjoy the show, even if it was a little pricy.
And a note here to women/gay men: during the q and a part of the show don't get in line and ask tony to go out to dinner/marry you. You're wasting the audience's time. And you sound like a drooling idiot. And to my fellow cooks: he's not gonna go out drinking with you after the show.. So, again, quit wasting everyone's time.
Underground Restaurant
Part of being an underground chef/restauratuer is throwing caution to the wind about this stuff. You can get some limited protection by obtaining a catering license, as far as the food goes. But you have to be selective about your guests. I know it's impossible, really, but you have to try to avoid the type of people who might drag you to court because they had too much wine, fell and twisted an ankle or whatever.
I've never used a waiver but it might be the way to go if you're worried. IMO it would kind of throw off the whole experience for your guests.
help: tips for making turkey gravy
Yeah, make it ahead ( just the base), and then use those salty drippings to season. I also use sherry vin, tabasco, and some straight espresso in my gravys. The espresso, when used correctly(sparingly), can deepen the flavor and really help out the color.
grater + mandolin. Where can I find one?
Hey that actually might work @shecooks. I was seeing some crazy contraption that had several parts and inserts and such.
grater + mandolin. Where can I find one?
I don't think this exists. Kinda like two great tastes that wouldn't work together at all.
Should We Keep Chocolate Milk in Schools?
We had the option to get chocolate milk from the cafeteria like once or twice a week when I was growing up.
My 10 year old self says: "when you can pry it from my cold dead hands."
Coke=Stroke
To my knowledge, as someone who has high BP, no other form of sugar or any sweetener has been linked with hypertension. With obesity, diabetes, etc., on the rise due to the american diet, I see this link as signifigant and not tinfoil hat fodder. I'm just sayin'.
Has anyone had success with a Tofurkey?
Tofurkey=massive fail
The Varying Food Preferences of Conservatives and Liberals
Conservatives eat McDonalds out of a sense of patriotism. It's the American thing to do.
Liberals eat tofu to seem cultured. It's the citizen-of-the-earth thing to do.
Alton Brown Says No to Stuffing the Turkey
Well, Alton, I say no to Welch's grape juice so...whateveryrmomworksatmcdonlds!
(JK, AB, we're still cool.)
Cook the Book: 'How to Roast a Lamb'
Lamb "lollipops" with cherries and a merlot reduction sauce.
Vegetarians, How Do You Do Thanksgiving?
Being vegan on thanksgiving is like being muslim on hanukkah.
Is dating a picky eater a dealbreaker for anyone?!
Blah blah blah..
DMFA.
ps- one of my best friends is a canadian named sunshine. Weird.
weeknight cassoulet?
I'm thinking of doing a cassoulet for the family this xmas, but I want a good, two-day, everything from scratch version. Anybody have a solid recipe? I've never made cassoulet before but I'm confident I could pull it off...
laser/infrared thermometer recommendations
Not to dis on your hubby, but what good is reading the surface temp of something you're cooking on a grill? It's the internal temp you should be concerned about, right? Am I missing something?
Where to find the best coffee in Seattle...
Vivace is the best in town, though there are many places mentioned here that are great as well. Just don't do the tourist thing and go to the first sbux in the pike place market. The coffee there is as shitty as it is in any sbux.
What Your Beer Says About You
Bud = McDonalds
Need I say more?
praise for PBS
@lemonfair I'm gonna stay in my corner for this one, thanks.
In Season: Brussels Sprouts
Sorry, guys, but those little buds of vile make me wanna puke. Every time, any preparation.
Top Ten Worst Halloween 'Candies'
If I didn't live in an apartment building with no kids in it I'd be giving out and full sized candy bar AND a red bull to every kid. HAHAHA!!! HALLOWEEN IS FOR KIDS! SUCK IT PARENTS!
The Varying Food Preferences of Conservatives and Liberals
it's the domino's observation in further detail. Delivery pizza places in DC can figure our which side is working into the night on an issue by what kinds of pizzas are ordered.
Should We Keep Chocolate Milk in Schools?
the days they ran out of chocolate milk before I came through the line were the days I didn't drink any milk at school.
I did sometimes drink plain milk at home, generally with ice cubes, because really cold was the only way I could stand it. (Or, over cereal. Mom bought only unsugared things like shredded wheat & grape nuts, but we were allowed to add sugar or honey. so, yum.) the milk at school was never cold enough for me.
My weight gain didn't begin until I was nearly 20 years out of school. When I no longer habitually drink cow's milk.
Is dating a picky eater a dealbreaker for anyone?!
it sounds as if the problem is as much how his pickiness presents itself Vs the actual fact of the pickiness.
you need to negotiate how he goes about tasting and reacting. instead of filling his plate hiding the uneaten, he should take a bite only, then only take more of what he will actually eat. He also must accept that if he rejects what's for dinner, he makes his own substitute.
You, OTOH, have to deal with adjusting your daily cooking to reflect some of his opinions. Cooking can be fun, but the day in day out feeding of your partner & family isn't so much about the fun for you as about the fact that people need to eat. Plus, if he rejects your food in favor or cornflakes or PBJ for days on end, you can't be hurt.
if you someday are having kids, he needs to have learned to reject in a low-key fashion so as not to 'teach' his pickiness to them. I won't go so far as to expect him to sometimes noticeable eat something he is known to dislike, to model polite behaviour. But it would be handy.
PS I was in a relationship in which we had very different food cultures. our inability to appreciate each others standards was but one of many problems. But 3 times a day one or both of of us being annoyed or mad or disappointed sure didn't help. If you cant fine some way to enjoy meals together, some compromises, then hang it up now.
Welcoming Treat
Sorry all you New Yorkers, but Twin Cities is home to Minnesota Nice -- people will eat anything.
But I'm with others on the idea of maybe inviting folks into your place! You could try to put on a "minnesota" meal -- bars, hot dish, state fair food on sticks -- they'll get a kick out of it! :-)
help: tips for making turkey gravy
Bourbon. When I make the roux, i initially deglaze with some good bourbon, and finely minced herbs and then put it the stock. Yum.
Welcoming Treat
hm, since there is a concern about your food getting thrown away, how about a small pot of herb that you can keep by a kitchen window?
I got a pot of mums from my next door neighbor when I moved to a new neighborhood (I was touched!), and THEN I baked them madeleines for a thank-you gift.
help: tips for making turkey gravy
I have made delicious gravy all my life and my mother and grandmother before me and my daughters and granddaughters too! We don't sweat the small stuff. We use a few drops of Kitchen Bouquet to darken it. I always make a cream gravy rather than the gravy from stock or broth. We add the giblets to the gravy and the neck meat to the dressing.
Is dating a picky eater a dealbreaker for anyone?!
We all have our food preferences. I don't like fruit mixed with foods that are supposed to be savory, savory stuff with raisins, or chocolate mixed with fruit (though separately, I love them both). Other than that, I'll eat anything at least once, maybe twice (I believe it second chances for everyone and everything). I think the thing that bothers you the most is that he doesn't share your passion for food and he doesn't want to even try. The point is: can you live with this? or will it be a thorn in your side that digs deeper with time? If you can't make peace with yourself on this, then walk away. If you can deal with it and have it not affect your dignity and self-worth, then I don't see that it's a real problem.
Is dating a picky eater a dealbreaker for anyone?!
My first wife hated eggs, bananas, mustard, my watermelon fruit salad, my top secret recipe 6 grain pancakes, didn't like breakfast in general. Of course, I'm more of a breakfast cook, but her idea of cooking is heating up canned soup (mac and cheese was a highlight of her cooking skills). In fact, when we first got together, the only thing she ate was McDonald's cheeseburgers and fries. (I did get her to eat fresh cut up strawberries.) So when we split, I vowed that I would avoid dating picky eaters.
So of course, my last (I'm planning it that way, anyhow) wife is a great cook - an amateur chef IMHO, but she's vegan (and I'm allergic to the entire legume family). We have great fun trying to create dishes that we can both eat (the entree is always veggies, the protein ends up a side dish for each of us), and she has decided that fried rice with eggs is ok (she is having trouble getting enough protein in her diet). And as a bonus, she loves my pancakes (which I modify by substituting coconut or almond milk for sour milk and/or yogurt), and never complains about my potatoes.
So, as to your problem, drag the bum into the kitchen now and again and make cooking a shared activity - fun-shared, not chore-shared. If he is a good kitchen companion (maybe not entirely his cup-o-tea, but as a special activity), then it will lessen the anti-everything you seem to interpret from him right now, and some of his ideas might end up being useful in figuring out how to feed him when you are cooking without him. If you two can't get along in the kitchen, I'd have to vote for a quick exit strategy.
help: tips for making turkey gravy
"THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE RECIPE: Immediately put half the gravy into a storage container, let it cool down, then hide it in the refrigerator so that you'll have enough for pot pie or hot turkey sandwiches on Saturday."
betteirene- love that piece of advice. *L*
help: tips for making turkey gravy
Well, I must say @maryannm (and echoers) and @betteirene gave some great answers.
Me, I have so much pre-cooking going on, I usually don't get to the stock beforehand. Plus, I like the way the aroma of gravy fills the house as you make it on T-day.
So, I just throw the neck and gizzards in a sauce pot on the stove first thing in the a.m., with all the celery and onion end bits from making the stuffing, a half carrot, and some peppercorns, bay leaf and a pinch of sea salt. (Note: DO NOT include the liver, as it will make the stock bitter.) I let that simmer gently all day, and add more water as necessary.
If you go this route, the key is scoring numerous cross-hatch slices into the neck and gizzards to extract as much flavor as possible. In the last hour of cooking, I scoop pan drippings with a ladle (and strain for fat), and add that to the stock - a little at a time - stirring and tasting as I go. Once the gravy is rich enough, I add white white wine (or sometimes, vodka) to add depth of flavor and cut through the fat.
Then I add fresh herbs to the pot (like sage and thyme - you can add other herbs or spices to your liking, of course)). From there I simmer and let the fat and alcohol mingle and cook off together for another 20-30 minutes. Stirring and tasting, and adding more drippings, herbs, seasoning or booze, as necessary for balance.
When the flavor is perfect, thicken with a golden roux of butter and flour, that has been diluted with gravy until smooth. Simmer and stir for 5-10 minutes longer, adding more roux, if necessary.
Important Tip: I always have at least 32 oz. of boxed or canned chicken stock on hand (turkey would be better of course), in the event that the gravy is to rich and needs diluting, or when more liquid is needed. This has saved me more than once. Also, it can make extra gravy in a pinch for leftovers, in the event some crazy fool tossed the extra gravy down the drain while doing dishes, which happens more often than you would imagine. Just add saved drippings, a turkey wing and/or bones and some skin from the carcass, and aromatics (onion, garlic, celery, carrot, herbs, spices). Simmer 20-30 minutes (or more, if you have time), thicken w/ roux, season to taste, and you're all set.
Hope this helps. Happy Thanksgiving!!
help: tips for making turkey gravy
The key to terrific turkey gravy is drippings, drippings and more drippings! It is essential that you use drippings from the turkey for the best taste.
Canned gravy is NOT the way to go; if you can cook a turkey then homemade gravy shouldn't be too hard.
Bourdain
Hey Gastronomeg, you must be in Columbus. Me too!! Heard about Anthony on NPR. Wish I could go, but have to work. Have fun!!!
A List of Street Food Vendors Using Twitter
Would like an add - thanks!
Derb's Gourmet Treats
url: http://www.derbsla.com
twitter: @derbsgourmet
Each truck is staffed by a culinary chef serving up: Lobster Sandwiches, Tacos, Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks and Midwest Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches as well as a host of unique tacos and wraps!
Is dating a picky eater a dealbreaker for anyone?!
Every person you meet and get along with very well isn't necessarily your mate. Food is something you will be sharing with this person for life, 3 times a day plus snacks. Not to mention favorite holiday treats... that adds up to a lot of things you won't be sharing, possibly even arguing about. You love to cook, and may see food as love. His constant rejection of your offerings and likes may over time wear like water dripping on stone and erode love and respect. A very long list of verboten foods is a whole different thing than not caring for a few things. Stay friends if possible but think long and hard about developing more intimacy.
BUT- utimately it's your life, your choice.
Bourdain
Spotted him recently in the wilds of the Upper East Side, Manhattan...he was approaching his limo at 88th & 3rd. People were calling at him from their cars...
Is dating a picky eater a dealbreaker for anyone?!
I think if you were really crazy about this person, his food habits wouldn't bother you as much.
It would eventually chip away at her patience, no matter how much she cares for him. You can only overlook something for so long before it ends up being part of an argument that goes, "Yeah, and another thing..."
Bourdain
i am so so so so jealous! so have a crush on that man and is food :)
Is dating a picky eater a dealbreaker for anyone?!
I think if you were really crazy about this person, his food habits wouldn't bother you as much. And, vice-versa, he would make an attempt to be more adventurous.
My husband was a picky eater when we first started dating. Over time, he's broadened his horizons food-wise, and I save the things he really won't eat to savor when I'm having a meal without him. A good compromise, I think.
Is dating a picky eater a dealbreaker for anyone?!
I married a picky eater-- not quite as picky as yours, but some of my faves are the things he hates. Over the last 4 years, it's been easy to "cook around him": to use ingredients he likes, or just make sure the stuff he hates is in large chunks so he can pick it out and give it to me. I kind of like have double the mushrooms in my coq au vin! The thing is, for me, there was no consideration of not getting married to him because of his pickiness-- because it was SO obvious that we were meant to be together in every other way. So now I have artichokes when I go out, not at home, and I make a side of kale for just myself, and it's no big deal.
I have another friend who passionately loves her hubbie of 20 years, but they eat separate meals-- hers are gourmet feasts, and his are pizza, hot dogs, and pancakes (he has a severe food issues).
So it can be done! But it sounds like there are many other things that make you unsure... trust your instinct on this!
help: tips for making turkey gravy
You're welcome a thousand times.
My sister Denise is the best gravy stirrer ever, by the way. She gets the spoon all the way into the corners and does the figure-eight thing so that the gravy doesn't catch on to the bottom of the pot.
Vegetarians, How Do You Do Thanksgiving?
I've made this meal for years, and now have a set menu everyone likes. If anyone wants to bring a turkey or anything else that's fine. I sometimes have a quorn roast, but don't bother with it much anymore. Here's the menu:
Cornbread dressing (I use No-Chick Broth, works great)
Mashed Potatoes ( and this year we grew them, along with most of the veg)
Wild Rice with toasted almonds
Acorn Squash with honey, cinnamon and rosemary
Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Light Wheat Yeast Rolls
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Cauliflower Salad with Remoulade
Yellow Squash
Green Beans
Corn
Sweet Potato Pie
Pecan Pie
Vanilla Ice Cream
Iced Tea with the meal, Coffee with dessert
Everything is made from scratch. I have a game plan written down and start 3 days ahead.
I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
help: tips for making turkey gravy
betterirene: A thousand thank you's. This is exactly what I was looking for.
Underground Restaurant
The short answer is you don't. Homeowner's insurance won't cover you if you're running a business (especially an unlicensed business of questionable legality). Even if you did obtain insurance coverage, failure to maintain the proper licenses and inspections is going to invalidate the coverage.
Setting up an LLC is also not much protection. That's a corporate veil that would be pretty easy to pierce. The bottom line is you either decide the risk is to great and go legit or you accept the risk and continue with the underground restaurant.
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About sailordave
Website: http://@tournant
Location: Seattle
About: Line cook aspiring to become a chef by running an underground restaurant--Tournant
Favorite foods: Whatever I'm currently trying to master.
Last bite on earth:

Magic brownies.