Monday, December 30, 2013

Blue Moon Cafe - Baltimore Maryland











Worth every minute to get off of Highway I -95 to get a bite. I absolutely dread getting off of an exit on the highway during a long road trip unless I have to gas up or hit the restroom. However for the Blue Moon Cafe I would drive 20 miles off course with no gps signal to find them again.




A cafe can have the best food any where around but can only be as good as the staff is.  The staff is incredible and all of the servers have personality........ not a cookie cutter wait crew.









Capt'n Crunch French Toast



Cinnamon Roll - oooey gooey cinnamadness!

This sums it up!! 
www.bluemoonbaltimore.com




Sunday, November 24, 2013

Lorenzo & Sons Pizza

Maaaaaan this pizza is so good and the slice is huge. Cash only if you go. 3rd & South Street,  Philadelphia, Pa. U.S.A.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Chocolates by Mueller - Chocolate Covered Onion follow up!

From my previous post at Chocolates by Mueller. I mentioned that I would come back and try this. Here it is......eating the chocolate covered onion! Well this is one of handling an onion without tears!
Chocolates by Mueller - http://www.chocolatebymueller.com/about-chocolates-mueller.htm

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Menkoi Ramen House


This little spot in the Vista section of Columbia S.C. is what Ramen......Authentic Ramen is all about. Forget about those .25 packs of ramen noodles that you would add hot water to prepare or to add some hot sauce or whatever else you thought would go good with it. Admit it......we have all tried to jazz them up some how to make a meal out of it.

I ended up at Menkoi Ramen House by chance since I wanted something different for lunch one day. Again it was a restaurant that I have heard of but have not had the pleasure of yet and as I walked down Gervais street it was right across the street.....and it was calling me! I
then became a professional jay walker to lunch time traffic.

After giving the outside menu the once over.

I decided to go in and ordered the Spicy Ramen. First I would like to acknowledge how great the customer service is from everyone. It was not that trained type of customer service I mean they really appreciate and value you as a customer. So I take a seat and honestly not knowing what to expect several minutes later this bowl of broth and ramen goodness is bestowed unto me.

Have your chopstick skills ready.

This is so awesome and makes me want to have a mass burning of those cheap imitation ramen noodles like a book burning. I can't wait to go back again to have the other flavors. 
When you want to get away from sandwiches, fries, chicken joints etc. Give authentic ramen a try. Especially if you are in Columbia S.C. make Menkoi Ramen House appear on your to do list.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Turkey wings wrapped in apple wood smoked bacon


I wanted to roast some turkey wings that would even make my roasted turkey 10 times better. And what makes everything 10 times better?  BACON......duh! Why have I not seen or heard of this yet? It is such a genius idea. Maybe that's why I came up with it.
Now this is another very simple recipe by yours truly.

Get this stuff:
8 turkey wings (with the drummette cut off)
salt & pepper to taste - ( or make a dry rub like I did)***
16 thick slices of bacon - (apple wood smoked if you like but that's just a marketing gimmick to make consumers pay $7.00 for a pound of bacon as if pigs are going extinct! Oh well they got my money!)
16 toothpicks

Here is what you need to do. Preheat oven to 250.
Season the anti flying devices - the turkey wings.
Wrap each piece of turkey with a slice of bacon
And use a toothpick to secure the bacon to the turkey
By pushing it thru the meaty part of the bacon then
Thru the wing and the other side of the bacon.
Line them up on a baking pan and place in the oven.

Bake them uncovered for 4 hours.......yes 4 hours that
Is not a typo. Go do laundry, go shopping, to the movies,
watch the game or whatever you want but there is no
need to keep going back to check on them or to let the
heat out of the oven by opening the oven door to take
peak.

After that 4 hours is over....time to eat.
Enjoy,
Foodaholic
*** you can use a packet of dry ranch dressing for a good rub to sprinkle over the wings
 
 

Monday, August 5, 2013

Henry's Grill & Bar

I have spent a lot of time in Columbia, South Carolina and never heard of Henry's Grill and Bar. However I have driven by it numerous times. One day I received a text message from a friend that asked, "If I was going to take The Hungry Bennett challenge?"  So I reply,"What is that and where is it?" After that I did my research and found out that challenge can be done during Sunday Brunch from 11-2. The Hungry Bennett is awesome.


                                   The Hungry Bennett.

Cheesy hashbrown casserole covered with chicken fried steak, two apple wood smoked bacon slices, two spicy n sweet sausage patties, two eggs over easy, and American cheese, then topped with homemade sausage gravy.

If that is too much for you Henry's Grill and Bar has a full brunch menu from chicken & waffles to shrimp quiche.

Also a hearty dinner menu that has a challenge on it also. Don't miss out like I have so many times check out
                                   Henry's Grill and Bar
the Dinner challenge with the Big T burger platter on the dinner menu is next.
Update......I have taken the Big T challenge

 The sandwich below is the Breakfast Burger.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse


If there was ever just one restaurant that I would just say, "OMG" and drop the mic, Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse would be the one. From the moment you sit down you are not served you are catered to by the whole staff and no one passes the buck by saying, "Just a moment let me get your server." They cater as a team. My glass never got empty and neither did my plate.

This by far is not just another buffet, oooh no my friends this is a carnivores dream come true. With all of the meats seasoned to perfection.  I swear if I see or hear anyone ask for some steak sauce I will request to have them removed from the premises.

                                        Grilled Salmon

Leg of Lamb



Now also let me tell you that Rioz has a full spread with so many different salads, cheeses, sushi, shrimp, rice, black beans, mashed potatoes and the list goes on. Ooooh and the Abacazi aka grilled pineapple with cinnamon is out of this world.

                          Abacaxi aka Grilled Pineapple

A bartender pushes a cart around and makes cocktails right at your table at the same time you see the the dessert cart going around with cheesecake, creme brulee cakes and other treats. Whether you will be in Myrtle Beach or Columbia S.C. do yourself a big favor and treat yourself to Rioz Brazilian Restaurant.




Saturday, July 27, 2013

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail



                                                          Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Ingredients

1 pound medium shrimp, raw or cooked
Salt
1 cup chopped red onion
1 cup peeled, diced cucumber
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 jalapeno, minced
1 15-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped OR 1 1/2 cups of freshly chopped tomatoes with their juices
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Juice of a lime, about 2 Tbsp
Hot sauce (like Crystal or Tabasco) to taste (about 1 Tbsp to 1/4 cup of Crystal)
1 avocado, cut into chunks

Directions:

1. If you have pre-cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp you can skip to the next step. If you are working with raw shrimp, peel and devein them. If you have a little extra time and want your shrimp to be extra good, put the shells in 1 1/2 quarts of cool salted water, bring to a boil, then strain the shell stock into a separate pot and cook the shrimp in that liquid. If you want to skip that step, just bring a medium pot salted water to a boil (a tbsp salt for 2 quarts of water), add the shrimp, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until just cooked through. Reserve a cup of the cooking water and chill it.

2. Cut half of the shrimp into large chunks, leaving the other half whole (for a more attractive presentation). Put the chopped shrimp in a bowl with the chopped onions, cucumber, celery, jalapeno, tomatoes, ketchup, cilantro, lime juice and hot sauce. Gently stir to combine, and chill. Once the cooking water has cooled at least to room temperature, add a little at a time to the shrimp cocktail, until the shrimp cocktail is the consistency you want (we like ours a little on the soupy side).

3. To serve, add salt and more hot sauce to taste and gently mix in the chopped avocados. Dip the whole shrimp in the cocktail and arrange them on top. Serve in parfait glasses or in small bowls with tortilla chips on the side.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Tiffany's Bakery & Eatery



Tiffany's Bakery & Eatery in Columbia, South Carolina has been the latest business hit with a random drive by blogging. First of all I should bow my head in shame for spending $20 bucks in items for just me and not even offer so much as a crumb to my coworkers,  but I'm not ashamed.

Chocolate Ganache


This morning I had chocolate ganache, red velvet cookies,  chocolate chewies, cream cheese brownies and to make peace with conscious a ham & cheese croissant for breakfast and it was a good day. I have never had chocolate ganache before and it made my taste buds upset that they have never had this before! Rich chocolate mouse with a little bit of cake and the cream cheese brownie so moist and rich.

You have got to stop in Tiffany's if you are in Columbia S.C.


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Melrose Diner - Philadelphia Pa.



As my birthday approaches I start to crave for the one and only Butter Cream Cake from this legendary Diner in South Philly. I have had quite a few cakes in my day but none like this.

It starts from the cake and I can't get to technical about because I don't know if the use pound cake or sheet cake! My guess is a butter pound cake that send down from angels while harps play and as the clouds open on the way down it iced with decadent heavenly Butter Cream as you hear a chorus of hallelujahs.

The diner has been serving since around 1935 and being in the heart of South Philly (looks left...looks right and whispers) might have served a member of the mob back in the day but who knows and who ever did know can't be found!  Besides the cake Melrose Diner is a place that you can still get a home cooked meal with a home style portion of comfort food. Make sure that you save room for.......


Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers




Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers

8 oz. Thinly Sliced Roast Beef
8 Slices Provolone Cheese
2 Large Green Bell Peppers
1 Medium Sweet Onion
6 oz. Baby Bella Mushrooms
2 Tbs. Butter
2 Tbs. Olive Oil
1 Tbs. Garlic – Minced
Salt and Pepper – to taste

Preheat oven to 400*

Slice peppers in half lengthwise, remove ribs and seeds.Slice onions and mushrooms. Saute over medium heat with butter, olive oil, minced garlic and a little salt and pepper. Saute until onions and mushroom are nice and caramelized. About 25-30 minutes.

Slice roast beef into thin strips and add to the onion/mushroom mixture. Allow to cook 5-10 minutesLine the inside of each pepper with a slice of provolone cheese.Fill each pepper with meat mixture until they are nearly overflowing.Top each pepper with another slice of provolone cheese.Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy!!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Tsunami Restaurant - Columbia, South Carolina



                                                               Tsunami Restaurant

Tsunami restaurant at the Harbison location in Columbia, South Carolina is a relaxing place to dine or have some sushi and hot sake. Restaurant on one side and bar on the other side to watch the game on a couple tv's with access to appetizers or full menu.

My son and I like to sit at the sushi bar to see how everything is made and often sushi chefs will make something special for us because we are so engaged in the process. Tsunami is for well experienced sushi lovers or first timers with cooked items in case you are not used to traditional sushi. When you go save room for dessert.....they have fried ice cream that is so yummy and is a shareable portion.

                                                                   Fried Ice Cream


Friday, July 19, 2013

Gladys Knight Chicken & Waffles

Let me tell you I had to stand in line in the rain to get in here! "Me" standing in the rain in Atlanta, Georgia is crazy I almost had to tell them to kiss.....um never mind I had a flashback for a moment. Nice decor although I am upset that my photo is not on the wall with other celebrities but Gladys and Rons menu is creative and gives you something new to try like collard green spring rolls with a thai sauce for dipping and a decadent mac & cheese. The portions are a nice size and you must try the tea/lemonade. Enjoy http://gladysandron.net/ the customer service was also excellent.

A Chocolate Covered Onion?

                                                           Chocolate Covered Onion


                           And if you think you breathe and live by chocolate check these out.



Chocolates by Mueller - http://www.chocolatebymueller.com/about-chocolates-mueller.htm

I have walked past Chocolates by Mueller many times while in The Reading Terminal in Philadelphia Pa. This time while walking to Little Thai for lunch something in the display case caught my eye..... "Chocolate Covered Onion" that stopped me in my tracks. I had to inquire about it as i waited and took a look at chocolate covered strawberries, marshmallows, potato chips and all types of other connfectionery items in awe realizing that this is not just a place that sells chocolate. As I sampled a few items I came to the conclusion that I don't ever want a package candy bar again. Chocolates by Mueller is an experience of how chocolate should be. The chocolate is rich and smooth with an essence that makes you crave more.

If you need (because chocolate is definitely a need) chocolate for your kids, significant other or things made for a special occasion, Muellers is where you need to go. Click back again soon for the video of me eating one of the chocolate covered onions.... I wonder if it will make me tear up because of the onion?