YumSugar

Do You Try to Re-Create Restaurant Dishes?

YumSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:45:01 -0700

Whether you're making a sandwich or trying to copy a dish at a high-end establishment, restaurants can be great inspiration for home cooks.

Do you get ideas for recipes from restaurants?

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Let's Dish: What's Your Favorite Restaurant With a View?

YumSugar — Mon, 25 May 2009 08:00:27 -0700

Recently, I took you with me to Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, CA, a restaurant with a great view of the Pacific Ocean. I've always been a fan of restaurants that offer views of something other than the parking lot or the dry cleaners across the street - although, of course, it's also important that the establishment keeps it focus on the food, too.

In addition to Sam's, I also happen to love the sweeping bay windows that overlook Ocean Beach (and the Pacific) at The Beach Chalet. And in Chicago, nothing beats The Signature Room, especially at night. Tell me: What are your favorite scenic restaurants?

Let's Dish: What Were Your Favorite Restaurants as a Child?

partysugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:30:06 -0700

When I was younger, every time we would go out to eat, I desperately wanted to dine at Fresh Choice. I loved having total control of my meal at the self-service restaurant. I chose the ingredients that went into my salad and selected what kind of soup to slurp. The ability to create my own dinner was empowering and I fondly remember the food being delicious. Although it's been years since I ate at Fresh Choice, it still holds a special place in my heart.

How about you? What were your favorite places to eat as a child?

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Let's Dish: What Are Your Restaurant Pet Peeves?

partysugar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:00:48 -0800

A couple of week's ago I was at one of San Francisco's most well-regarded and popular restaurants. While I enjoyed the overall experience - the food was divine, the waitstaff friendly, the location hip - I couldn't get over one thing. As illustrated by the picture above, the food arrived at our table before the drinks! This is one of my restaurant pet peeves: I can't stand it when food comes before drinks. You order the drinks before the food, so it's not logical for the food to appear first.

Now that I've confessed mine, I want to hear about your restaurant pet peeves. Whether it's an overbearing waiter or uncleared plates, do tell: what drives you absolutely nuts when dining out?

Food Section Sampler - Nov. 18, 2009

YumSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:30:27 -0800

Time to stock up: Looks like pure canned pumpkin is in short supply this year. - Los Angeles Times
Don't miss out on the Beaujolais Nouveau celebrations. - Wall Street Journal
Catching up with rapper Coolio, who's come out with a new cookbook, Ghetto Gourmet. - Boston Globe
Starbucks has raised its coffee prices in the Windy City. - Chicago Tribune
Complementary wine pairings for every Thanksgiving dish. - San Francisco Chronicle
If you have to reach for frozen pie shells, which brands are the best bets? - Washington Post
French legend Pierre Gagnaire is gearing up for Twist, his first restaurant in the US. - New York Times

Monday's Leftovers: Lamb and Polenta "Lasagne"

YumSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:00:42 -0800

With a little leftover ground lamb and even less time, you can make a layered lamb and polenta dish that rivals anything you could order at a restaurant.

The key to speedy success is to take smart shortcuts. Use already-stewed tomatoes, grated mozzarella, and ready-made polenta for easy layering.

Employ the oven for a final browning touch, and you'll have a dinner that can't be beat on the busiest night of the week. To see the recipe, keep reading.

Let's Dish: What Music Do You Cook To?

partysugar — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:50:26 -0700

Last week the San Francisco Chronicle ran an interesting article that discusses the role of music in the commercial kitchen and features the favored playlists of several Bay Area chefs. With so much time spent prepping, it's no surprise that "music cuts through the monotony of the day," according to one chef. Although cooking at home is very different from being in a restaurant kitchen, I too enjoy listening to some groovy tunes. My favorite cooking music is Chambao, a Spanish group whose flamenco fusion is fabulously chill. How about you? What tunes do you listen to while cooking?
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Fast & Easy Dinner: Gnocchi With Chard and White Beans

partysugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:50:38 -0700

If you think gnocchi is a dish that can only be enjoyed in restaurants, think again! These days most grocery stores offer packaged gnocchi in the fresh or regular pasta sections. Why not make this staple a part of your busy-cook pantry? Then when you're in the mood for a comforting Italian-style meal, make this dish! The gnocchi is combined with hearty chard, stewed tomatoes, and white beans. The recipe calls for a topping of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, but if you are trying to eat healthy, simply omit them. Sound delish? Wait till you read the recipe.

Top Chef Quiz: Meat Natalie

partysugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:15:41 -0700

On the most recent Top Chef, the cheftestants were invited to cook in Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak restaurant, only instead of making steaks, they created vegetarian dishes for Natalie Portman. Did you watch? More importantly, were you paying attention? Find out now and take the quiz!

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Take the quiz

Let's Dish: What Are Your Salad Bar Fixings?

YumSugar — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:00:29 -0700

A few weeks ago I asked you where you stood on salad bars. Although they're somewhat controversial, I have to admit that I frequent them. I like to mix up the variety, but there are certain standbys that I always get: pepperoncinis, hearts of palm, feta cheese, tuna salad. Salad bar lovers: what fixings do you always get on your salad?