Sushi. That isn't one of the first things that usually comes to mind when you talk to me about food. I haven't really ever been a fish or seafood kind of person. Most people don't understand how I could grow up fishing for trout or bass and not be interested in enjoying it. Or how I managed to live in New Orleans for almost 6 years and don't eat crayfish, shrimp or anything else you have to use a tool to pop open to eat. I don't have an answer for you, I just never did care for it.
But, I guess my taste buds have changed (as I've heard they do about every 7 years or so). It all started with a dinner out with a friend to Red Lobster. Sonya was getting Alaskan King Crab. I thought, OK, why not. It was delish. It mightta had something to do with the copious amounts of butter and garlic and the cheesey biscuits I ate with it but it was pretty darn good. So, now I was interested. I've since managed oysters, a few different types of fish (whitefish- yes, salmon-still usually not), different crabs, and even a few shrimp dishes. I no longer order chicken every time we go to the seafood restaurant. :)
But SUSHI?!?! That seems like a whole different category. My first sushi experience was on a double date with my roommate. Claud, Raph and Garry were all excited. Guess what? Me, not so much but hey lets try it. One should never try to eat a bite out of a piece of sushi, let alone with braces on. I stuck to the tempura chicken and passed on the miso soup and salad dressing.
7 years later and I'm now offically hooked on one of the latest food crazes. I actually eat out at sushi quite often. I buy it at the grocery store. I even suggest it as the dinner option. Don't get me wrong, I'm not slurping down raw chicken tender like pieces of fish, but there are quite a few rolls I really enjoy. Especially if they contain crab, avocado, and cream cheese! There are a few more adventurous "towers" I've been willing to try and the pay-off was excellent. Just don't ask me what was in it. My own version of "don't ask, don't tell".
I've been to several really great ones, and look forward to trying new locations as they are suggested. Till then I've got my go to location right around the corner with excellent selections and a great happy hour.
Hooked, line and sinker!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Firsts of a number of Firsts
Dallas is by no means known as one of the culinary capitals- but we have some really great food here. We are also home to some pretty great local restaurant chains. I realized after a BBQ lunch with my folks that I'd gone to a number of "original locations. I decided they would be note-worthy additions to my foodie experience.
First up: "Original" Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse
Yep, that's me, Mom, and Dad after some good Memorial Dad BBQ
Both my Mom and I had the sliced beef brisket. Nice big slices of moist tasty beef. On the plus side and for my preference, the meat wasn't all that smokey but still carried a nice flavor. The buns were also fresh and dense enough to hold the meat and sauce. The sauce had a nice 'tang to it and was rich and flavorful. However, the mini-Corona bottles that the sauce is served in is heated hot enough to burn your hand if you don't know better. The bottles are better than the squeeze bottles and seemed cleaner too.
My Dad had the pulled pork. It was gone in about 3 minutes so I guess you can say it was pretty good.
My Mom had the cole slaw. It was fresh and the dressing was good. Again, no complaints.
OH the ONION RINGS!!! Yep, there were only 4 in my single side order but they were HUGE and that fresh, sweet tasting onion perfectly cooked with just the right kind of thin crispy batter. DELISH! Add a little BBQ sauce to 'em and they were just YUM!
We did eat outside on a shared pic-nik table with some strangers. Seating is very limited, but BBQ is for sharing so that's what we did.
Monday, May 30, 2011
My First Foodie
I can't say I've ever thought of myself as a "foodie" before now. Besides what is a "Foodie"?
Foodie –noun Slang .
a person keenly interested in food, especially in eating or cooking.
So, well, yes than, I suppose I've turned into a foodie. I enjoy seeing something on TV or running across a good recipe online and trying it out here at home. I've been an avid watcher of The Food Network and all their various chefs and cooks. Bravo TV has suckered me into the reality world with "Top Chef" and "Top Chef Masters". I like to experience different cultures and exploring their food is a great way. Basically I enjoy a great meal and the conversation of family and friends that should accompany it.
I come from some serious cooks and bakers in my family tree. My Great-Granny was a farmer's wife and made everything from scratch and and left nothing to waste. Both of my grandmothers could cook like the dickens! My Papa makes some of the best home made bread I've ever had. And I've never gone hungry in my mom's house, even when times were lean. They may have started out with one recipe and by the end it was 10x improved with a little bit extra of this or that. I have some old cookbook and there are notes galore.
I was always encouraged to get in there and be a part of the meal planning, cooking and of course that washing up bit at the end. I enjoy the cautious adventure of making something at home for the first time. Going shopping to get this specialty cheese or a herb that's new to me, and hopefully have it come out a great success. Tasting the meal when it's done, deconstructing the ingredients: "Do you taste this?" or "a pinch more of that". Making my own notes for more or less the same next time.
So this is me, documenting my own foodie adventure and drawing from the others who've helped turn me on to new things. Mind you I'm not trying to be the next Julia Child or anything but it should be interesting. Make sure you have your passport ready for my epicurean adventure.
Bon appétit!
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