Rabbit, Snake, & Elk Walk into a Bar...

...well, not so much a bar but the Lonesome Dove Western Bistro in Ft. Worth's Stockyards.

I'm on my final push toward home on a multi-day road-trip, I called a friend whose family had recently visited Ft. Worth.  From her posts on Facebook I knew that they had eaten somewhere nice in the Stockyards.  So I gave her a call and she helped to direct me to Lonesome Dove.

Walking in to this rustic saloon styled restaurant I was cautious as to what culinary "delights" might await me.  Beyond recommendations from friends who have traveled through an area I also base my first impressions on the "others" who I see dining.  Yes, there were obviously other tourists, like myself.  Additionally, I know a place in a "touristy" area is good if locals area also dining.  Several of the "others" included what appeared to be business professionals from Ft. Worth's neighboring downtown neighborhood.  My first instincts were that I was in the right place for my lunch en route home.

I'm not sure where the geographic dividing line happens to be between those areas where having a house brewed iced sweet tea available happens to be, but apparently Ft. Worth is not "southern" enough to be safely within the sweet tea zone.  Needless to say I was polite about mixing in some Splenda into my iced tea.

As my server introduced the menu to me, upon learning this was my first time, he mentioned that any of their appetizers could be served in smaller tasting portions and mixed together.  Well that sounded awesome as I was trying to be a little budget conscious as this was the end of my road-trip.  I made a selection of a rabbit-rattlesnake sausage as well as a slider made from an elk sausage.  Due to the mix in the sausage it was difficult to distinguish the rabbit from the rattlesnake; I've eaten rabbit before and could tell there was something "extra" with it but I'm sure I'd never be able to identify it as rattlesnake.  Whatever the combination of flavors it was very tasty.  The elk sausage slider was also a wonderful treat; not too gamey but still something a step up from beef.

Left: Elk Sausage Slider with Seared Foie Gras and Blueberry Jam
Right: Rabbit-Rattlesnake Sausage with Spicy Manchergo Rosti and Creme Fraiche

For my entree I selected the "Daily Stockyard Special" which was tenderloin tacos.  Let's just say that having a great steak in Ft. Worth's Stockyards is a treat and this spin on tenderloin within two lightly fried soft taco shells was just wonderful.  The true highlight, however, was the red bell pepper soup.  "Just magical."  That's truly all I can say to do the soup justice!!  If the soup was all that I had tried on this day I would still be able to present a highly positive review of Lonesome Dove.

"Daily Stockyard Special"
Tenderloin Tacos with Red Bell Pepper Soup,
Mexican Rice, and Spicy Guacamole

If you're in Ft. Worth or the larger Dallas Metroplex it would be very worth your time to venture on out to the Stockyard's and saddle yourself into a seat at Lonesome Dove Western Bistro.

And remember, happy eating is only an adventure away.

See Food, Seafood

My plan for lunch yesterday was to go to Central Grocery in New Orleans for a a traditional muffaletta.  However, Central Grocery, unbeknownst to this simple NOLA visitor, is closed on Sundays.  So I just kept walking for a couple of blocks and then turned the corner.  As I'm turning it hits me "I'm still hungry and there is a seafood restaurant right here.  Why not?"  So I did!  I walked right in to The Original French Market Restaurant and Bar.

Being early on a Sunday afternoon and being further into the French Quarter than most first-time NOLA visitors might venture, I had plenty of seats from which to choose.  I opted for a place at the bar where Heather greeted me.  In addition to my lunch, I very much enjoyed visiting with her.  Just know that if she makes a menu recommendation...take it!!  I thoroughly LOVED both items she suggested.  Additionally, she was so gracious on refilling my sweet tea multiple times (maybe 12...hey, I was thirsty from walking the Quarter that morning).

I had mentioned to Heather of my lunch plan at Central Grocery and she agreed that they had the best traditional muffaletta.  But she then said "we have a great seafood muffaletta.  I scanned the description and agreed that was what I needed so I ordered a half (if you've never had a muffaletta please know that they are usually 9-10 inches round.  It was LOADED with stuff and I eventually had to use a fork to eat the "droppings" from my plate.  The sandwich was a bit dry, due to the nature of the Italian style large bun and all the fried seafood, but Heather did set a condiment caddy by me so that I could add ketchup, mustard, mayo, Tabasco, etc.

Seafood Muffaletta
Fried shrimp, oysters, crawfish, and catfish with olive salad

Just as I thought I was done she asked if I wanted dessert.  I gave a pause before answering, long enough for her to ask if I liked bread pudding.  I said "not usually".  She responded that it was never one of her favorites either but that they have an amazing white-chocolate-praline bread pudding that is just "wonderful".  Since she didn't lead me astray on the muffaletta I went for it.  Let's just say...I'd eat a whole pan of this stuff and wouldn't share with anyone...sorry Mom.  WOW, it was good...no...great...no...great x 2.

White Chocolate Praline Bread Pudding

I will definitely be adding The Original French Market Restaurant and Bar to my NOLA travels in the future.

And remember, happy eating is only and adventure away.

Emeril's: the Real Deal

I've eaten at Emeril's New Orleans before, but the experience tonight just blew that totally out of the water.  My previous experience included my giving one of the best possibly compliments that I can make regarding a restaurant's seafood gumbo..."it's almost as good as Aunt Mary's gumbo".  Honestly, if I even think that a gumbo comes close to my dearly departed Aunt Mary then you should know it is some TOP NOTCH gumbo.

This morning I called Emeril's to make a reservation for one (I'm traveling alone right now) and they recommended that I sit at the Chef's Window...a bar that looks directly into the kitchen so that you can see what's going on in the preparation of food.  I jumped at that chance.

Upon my arrival and my perusement of the menu, I settled on their summer special of a Five Course Menu; you have a choice of three items for each course on this tasting menu.  Before my five courses began to arrive, I was served a plate of breads and a perfect little appetizer salad.  Then the fun started...

assorted breads

appetizer salad

Fresh Angel Hair Pasta
Louisiana Crawfish, Smoked Mushrooms,
Local Tomatoes, Tarragon, Parmesan

Yellowfin Tuna--Butter Lettuce Cups
Pork Belly Confit, Hoisin, Jalapeno, Crips Rice Noodles

Andouille Crusted Rainbow Trout
Grilled Vegetables, Shoestring Potatoes,
Glazed Pecans, Creole Meuniere Sauce
**Signature Dish of the House**

Creative Fish of the Day
Grilled Swordfish, Japanese Eggplant,
Panko Breadcrumbs, Spicy Rapini, Alabama Peach Vinaigrette 

Vanilla Creme Brulee
Seasonal Fruit, Shortbread

Cappuccino

And remember, happy eating is only an adventure away!

Food, Glorious Food

I recently took a two-week study tour of South Korea.  The trip was for American middle and high school social studies teachers and allowed us to see and interact with many aspects of Korean culture and history.  One significant aspect of culture for any society is food.

Please check out "Food, Glorious Food" which is found on my travel blog "To Roam the Roads of Lands Remote".  This posting includes LOTS of pictures of some of the wonderful foods I ate.  Enjoy!

And remember, happy eating is only adventure away.

No Castle for Me

This review is not exclusive to the location in downtown Louisville, although it is being written in the wake of my recent visit to that location.

Over the years I've had the opportunity to visit several White Castle locations.  I've had friends who previously lived in locations with White Castles rave about their food.  During high school I had my visit to a White Castle during a state youth choir tour of the upper mid-west.  I enjoy the "Red Pop" but not the burgers.  There were a couple of similar experiences during my early 20s...the burgers just didn't do it for me.

About seven years ago I began making a yearly work trip to Louisville in early June.  In that first year I was walking around downtown after checking in to my hotel and noticed a White Castle.  So I thought, it's been years since I've had one and it is lunchtime and I'm hungry...so, why not.

Ick is why not.  Steamed Spam burgers is the best way that I can describe the slider/burgers.  And this might actually be an insult to Spam, I'm not sure.

Three sliders (one without cheese) & a "Red Pop"

A couple of years later and it's again the first day of what has become this annual work trip.  Check in.  Walk around.  See White Castle.  It can't really be as bad as I remember.  Order.  Yep, it's that bad.

This year...it's the last day of the work week trip and I jokingly mention to my roommate that there is a White Castle nearby.  He's heard about them and wants to try.  I laugh and try to steer him to a different dining option, but he really wants to go.  So we go.

His response..."man this is nasty".  See, I'm not the only one, LOL.

From what part of the chicken do "rings" come?

Until next time, happy eating (hopefully) is only an adventure away.

Cajun Food + Digits

During my recent visit to Louisville, KY for work some of my colleagues and I opted to venture out for lunch on our own rather than dining at the convention center.  One of my colleagues had previously visited J. Gumbo's in downtown Louisville (a very short walk from the Kentucky International Convention Center) and made a compelling recommendation to the rest of us.  She was so right about the quality of the food that we returned there for a second visit during the week...yep, that good!

Having family heritage from Cajun Land in southern Louisiana I am sometimes skeptical of gumbo.  Over the years I've been pleasantly surprised and overwhelmingly appalled at what different restaurants will serve as a gumbo.  So I made my initial order with some skepticism.  To help tame down the skepticism I did order a "split decision"...for $1 over the price of the more expensive of your two options you can get two medium bowls of food rather than one large bowl of a single item.  My two items? Well, one had to be Gumbo (just to try it) and the other was the Voodoo Chicken.

First the Gumbo: well it wasn't Aunt Mary's (best I've ever had, with close honorable mentions for my dad's other sisters) but it was very close!  Let's just say that gumbo coming anywhere close to being compared with Aunt Mary's (in a positive light) is gumbo that gets a thumbs up from me.  Second the Voodoo Chicken: if you can't handle spicy then DON'T order this because it is HOT HOT HOT.  I had to actually tame it down some by mixing in some sour cream.  Despite its heat its flavor is AWESOME.  I strongly recommend it!!

For our second visit two days later I did a single order of Crawfish Etouffee.  It was light and creamy and served over rice.  It could have a used a bit more crawfish mixed in, but overall a wonderful flavor!!  The highlight, however, of this visit wasn't the food (which was great).  The highlight was the flirtacious attention from one of the waitresses.  Well, those who know me know that I can flirt back and let's just say, "whoot, whoot", that SunShyne gave me her "digits".  It's her "birthday month" and she is just having fun celebrating.  She was lots of fun and a great help at J. Gumbo's.  I'll definitely be back again.

Until next time, happy eating is only an adventure away.

Quiet in the Garden

Following some "Chopstick Fears" (addressed on my other blog), I've made it a point to visit a few Asian restaurants "near" my home so that I can practice using chosticks prior to my upcoming trip to South Korea.  While my friends whom accompanied me tonight did laugh a few times and my attempts, they can't deny that I made it through my meal without resorting to fork usage tonight <grin>.

Tonight's venture took us to Seoul Garden, a Korean restaurant in Mid-West City, OK.  In addition to my chopstick practice I also want to rekindle my taste buds toward Koran dishes.  I ordered the beef bul-go-gi as I remembered it being a favorite of mine during my last trip to Korea.  As our meals were being served we were offered to help ourselves with the miso soup; just add onions, mushrooms, and seaweed to whatever suited each of us individually.  It was served with white steamed rice, chicken egg rolls, and the table spread of kim-chi, potato pancakes, cucumber kim-chi, and other items which were served family style.

I thoroughly enjoyed every bite!  Things were not as spicy as I had thought (maybe even hoped) but the food was absolutely wonderful.  While Seoul Garden is not near my home or work locations and is a bit of a drive to get to, it is still a location which I can definitely see myself returning.

The only downside to the whole experience was the overall lack of customers in the large dinning room.  Granted it was a Wednesday night during the summer, but I would have hoped that a restaurant with as high a popularity rate as Seoul Garden would have had more diners.  Perhaps they are busier during other times, but tonight was just a quiet night in the Garden.

Until next time, happy eating is only an adventure away.

"Po Boy"? Oh No Boy!

One of the things I enjoy about McAlister's Deli, and many other places, is their frequent buyers program. Each time your purchase a tea or a meal they punch a card. Once you have 9 punches per card you get a free tea or free meal depending in card. Today I redeemed a fully punched card for each a tea and a meal and enjoyed a totally free lunch!!

McAlister's is currently highlighting shrimp specials which are headlined by a new shrimp Po Boy style sandwich.  Using my free lunch cards, I decided to try a Cajun Shrimp Po Boy and a side of pasta salad.  This sandwich features a bunch of buttered & peppered shrimp coated with a chipotle mayonnaise and paired with tomato slices, lettuce, and coleslaw on top of crispy French bread.  I'll preface my next comments by saying I enjoyed the flavors of both the sandwich and the pasta salad.

The Cajun Shrimp Po Boy I was served today

Now, part of my ethnic ancestry includes strong Cajun connections with southern Louisiana.  While I'm definitely NOT a Po Boy expert, I've had a fair number of them over the years.  The protein on a traditional Cajun Po Boy is almost always fried: fried shrimp, fried claims, fried oysters, fried chicken, and even fried alligator.  This was my first shrimp Po Boy that was not fried.  Additionally, I've never had a Po Boy with coleslaw.  While it added a different, and somewhat positive, texture it is just not part of what I consider Po Boy.  Finally, the Cajun spice or heat has always been part of the spices incorporated into the batter for frying the protein.  Although a good Po Boy will need mayonnaise or mustard for moisture purposes, the use of the chipotle mayonnaise as the source of the spice/heat was just not what I was anticipating.

As noted in the preface above, the sandwich was a good sandwich and I'm sure I'll have another one at some point.  However, this sandwich is NOT anything that I can in good conscience call a Po Boy.  I'd encourage you to try one and let me know your thoughts!

And remember, happy eating is only a journey away!

Super Bowl of Chili

Tonight's the annual Super Bowl football championship game between the Ravens and the 49ers.  Regardless of who wins, one thing is certain: LOTS of people will be gathering together tonight for parties to "watch the game" and will be feasting on LOTS of wonderful foods.  One of the foods that is often prepared for a night like this is chili.

Chili comes in lots of different forms.  Many will argue whether or not it should have beans (or any kind) or even tomatoes.  Chili can also come in a variety of "color"s based upon the stock of the liquid: red (most common), green, or white.  Many Americans from various regions will argue to their death that something is NOT chili unless it is prepared THEIR way.  Regardless of how you like it, it will be served and eaten in large quantities tonight.  In fact, as I type this posting I've got a crock pot simmering with my version (another debate crock pot vs. stove top pan).  To explore more on the history and variations of chili visit the Wikipedia page for chili con carne (with meat).

Here's my recipe for tonight.  If you have a variation or a completely different recipe feel free to share in the comments section.

1. In a large crock pot combine:
1. 15 oz can of red kidney beans (drained)
2. 15 oz can of pinto beans (drained)
3. 15 oz can of black beans (drained)
4. two 15 oz cans of tomato sauce
5. two 12 oz cans of Rotel tomatoes & chilies mix
6. mix and set on low heat
2. In a skillet brown 2 lbs of lean ground turkey (or beef if you prefer) and add:
1. 2 packets of favorite chili seasoning mix (I'm using French's brand today)
2. chili powder (to your taste)
3. black pepper (to your taste)
4. and, in honor of my Louisiana family/blood-line, Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning (to your taste)
5. strain grease (if desired)
3. Add browned turkey (or beef) into crock pot and stir together
4. If being served "soon" leave on low heat or if being served "later" reduce to warm and allow time to simmer.
5. Additional options (which I most often use):
1. one bottle of Shiner Boch beer (typically added a while after the meet)
2. half of a standard size Hershey's Chocolate bar broken into pieces (just adds another dimension of flavor)
6. Serve (I like it over Frito's corn chips with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese and a dollap of sour cream)

Remember, post your favorite recipe or suggested variations in the comments section.

Until next time, remember happy eating is only an adventure away.

Getting a Little Crusty

The "Classen Curve" at the intersection of Classen Avenue and Grand Boulevard (near NW 63rd and Western Avenue) in northwest Oklahoma City is just bustling with activity.  There are lots of shops and restaurants catering to a variety of tastes.

One of my favorite restaurants at Classen Curve is Upper Crust Wood Fired Pizza.  Upper Crust features a diverse menu and yet features hand-tossed thin New York style pizza cooked over open flame in one of its two brick ovens.  While there are pre-designed pizza options on the menu you can also have one made to suit your tastes.  Upper Crust also provides featured options which are not necessarily on the menu.  On my first visit the night's showcase pizza was a wonderful Italian meatball.

Tonight I joined some friends at Upper Crust and, again, was far from disappointed with my selections.  One of tonight's off-menu features was an Italian Nachos: fried spinach chips topped with spicy ground beef, peppers, pepperoncinis, olives, and a variety of cheeses.  Simply a light and delicious way to start the evening.

 Following the nacho appetizer, my friends and I each ordered the Farmer's Market Salad: Boston Bibb lettuce, mixed with arugula, fuji apples, candied walnuts, and Gorgonzola cheese and tossed with a tasty white balsamic vinaigrette dressing.  The crispness of the apples and the mixtures of the sweet and sour flavors provided such a wonderful in-between course.

For our main course we made selections from the pre-designed menu.  Each pizza has an approximate 12" diameter and can easily feed two (even three if you've enjoyed salad and appetizers).  My friends slit a Numbers (pie sauce, fresh mozzarella, pepperoni, spicy sausage, crispy prosciutto, and jalapenos) while I selected a Flying Pig (pig sauce, fresh mozzarella, “bricked” chicken, smoked bacon, and ranch swirl).  The Numbers looked so delicious and spicy.  The Flying Pig is a bacon lover's dream; the flavors just worked so well together.  I'm so glad that I was able to bring about half of it home with me so I'll have another round of enjoyment for lunch tomorrow!  The Flying Pig is definitely one of my favorite pre-designeds.  Perhaps I'll build my own next time just to see how creative I can get.

the Numbers (well, 2/3rds of one)

the Flying Pig (half covered with freshly grated Parmesan)

Whether you're out for the start of a night on the town or just venturing out of your neighborhood for a nice bite to eat you should consider Upper Crust.  You won't be disappointed by their pizzas.  I do still intend to try something else from their menu and yet I've always gone for the pizza.

Until next time, happy eating is only an adventure away.

Pho - nomenal

A cultural delight has developed in the heart of one of Oklahoma City's historic neighborhoods.  Beginning in the 1970s and continuing into the early 1980s, refugees from southeast Asia (primarily Vietnamese) began settling near the intersection of NW 23rd and Classen.  Numerous Vietnamese restaurants, bakeries, grocery outlets, etc., were soon opened.  As the visual characteristics of the community began to reflect this cultural arrival this area of town earned the nickname "Little Saigon".  This community was even featured in a National Geographic article called "73106: Lemongrass on the Prairie."

As the community has matured in a thriving and important part of the greater Oklahoma City community, a more politically correct"Asian District" now identifies the area.  Many of the smaller grocery outlets have given way to a large supermarket, Super Cao Nguyen, which provides a multitude of imported grocery items (not just from east or southeast Asia) as well as fresh meats and produce.  People from all over the metropolitan area know that this community is the best place for east and southeast Asian culinary arts.

As a celebration for my recent birthday, some friends wanted to take me out for dinner.  They left open to me the choice of where to eat and, since they had already taken me here before, I announced that I would love to eat at Pho Lein Hoa. This restaurant features the Vietnamese noodle soup known as Pho (pronounced fuh).  Pho includes rice noodles, any mixture of beef (or sometimes chicken), a variety of herbs and spices, and thin transparent broth.  Pho will often be served with a side of fresh been spouts, basil leaves, peppers, and limes (for juice) to help add additional flavor and texture to your soup.

Once at Pho Lein Hoa each member of my party had an order of two of their delicious spring rolls.  These Vietnamese versions include a rice paper casing filled with vermicelli noodles, lettuce, thin strips of pork and shrimp.  The spring rolls are then served with a side of peanut sauce for dipping.

I then ordered the "P9" or the Pho Chin for my entree.  This pho is prepared as noted above but the beef preparation was a well done brisket.  I did add lots of shredded basil, some sprouts, a couple of slices of jalapeno peppers and a little bit of spicy Sriracha chili sauce.  I ate and ate and ate and it was all so wonderful.  To me, the best part of the whole bowl was the little bit of broth left at the bottom.  By this point all of the excess spices and flavorings had migrated to the bottom and their high concentration within the remaining broth was so over powering and yet amazing.  I don't recommend spooning out the excess broth flavor mixture; just pick up the bowl and drink it!

While there are many places within the Asian District, end even in other neighborhoods in Oklahoma City, I will never remove Pho Lein Hoa from my list of OKC's "must eats".

Until next time, happy eating is only an adventure away!

Needed Some SPICY Comfort

For the past few weeks I've had this cold thing that just won't leave.  It's intensity comes and goes and today it was especially strong while trying to resume work following Winter Break.  Since I was not feeling all that great I was definitely in need of some comfort food and a warm sandwich and hot bowl of soup just sounded like it would "hit the spot".

A co-worker/friend and I ventured to our local McAlister's Deli in Moore, OK.  McAlister's is one of my regular lunch stops because I just love the food and fabulous sweet tea.  While purusing the menu the word "spicy" just kept calling my name for my sandwich choice and I ultimately settled on the Spicy Southwest Chicken Griller.  This delight includes: "sliced grilled chicken breast topped with guacamole, fire-roasted corn and poblano pepper relish, pepper jack cheese and chipotle ranch on a ciabatta roll."  It is just wonderful to have all of those flavors in my mouth at once.

With your sandwich selection you have the choice of one of McAlister's wonderful side dishes.  Typically I'll go for some mac & cheese which would have fit wonderfully in with my comfort food quest today.  But today, in addition to the "spicy", I also wanted a nice cup of soup.  For an extra $2 you can have a cup of soup as your sandwich's side and I selected their rich and cream broccoli cheese soup.  The soup today was just a tad thinner than I prefer but the flavors were all still there.

And of course, in my opinion, not trip to McAlister's is complete without a cup of that fabulous sweet tea.  I just love to guzzle that stuff down which eating my meal and smile when the wait staff comes by to provide a refill.  One more refill for the road and I am just in sweet tea heaven.

Sometimes you just need to comfort food (spicy or not) and McAlister's delivered today.  I returned to work and a long meeting with a little extra "giddy-up" in my "go".

Until next time, happy eating is only an adventure away!

Bazinga for Red Beans and Rice

A couple of days ago I learned that my favorite place for fried chicken had closed down.  RIP to Bobo's Chicken!  Your deliciousness ... no, Bobo-liciousness ... will never be forgotten.

Now I begin my quest for the next "great" chicken place in Oklahoma.  Using the member based rating system on www.urbanspoon.com I decided to plan a visit to Jim's Fried Chicken in Nicoma Park, just outside of Oklahoma City.  Jim's had a 94% approval rating and some pretty great reviews.  Today, I was able to convince some friends to join me.

Jim's is housed in a small stand alone building along NW 23rd Street.  As we were arriving near 2:00 PM it wasn't a surprise to find only one other car in the parking lot.  We walked in and immediately heavenly scents greeted us; we all smiled up as we looked at each in reaction to the aroma.  As we ordered, a line began to form behind us.  This small restaurant was suddenly very crowded; most of these next orders were "to go" which might be best due to the small nature of the dining area.

We each ordered 2 pieces.  The others ordered one of the meal packages which came with choices of small sides.  I ordered a la carte and paired a medium size red beans and rice (a dish with lots of popular mentions in Urbanspoon's reviews) and a medium size macaroni and cheese (a hand written notice of this being available today).

The chicken (a wing and breast for me) was so warm and juicy and it had some nice spices in it.  It was GOOD chicken and yet, sadly, it was not good enough to rival Bobo's for me.  The one thing, however, that will most likely keep me returning to Jim's will be the red beans and rice.  I have a family back ground with strong southern Louisiana and Cajun influences.  I've had some amazing RB&R at a variety of places (like Lea's Lunchroom in Lecompte, LA) and this RB&R is absolutely the BEST that I've had outside of Louisiana!  It is smooth, well cooked (each the beans and the rice), WONDERFULLY seasoned, and even has andouille sausage mixed in (I would have liked a tad more andouille).

The RB&R alone will be enough to get me to return to Jim's and while there I'm sure I'll enjoy more chicken and mac&cheese (other group members also recommend the fried okra and fried fruit pies).

I do highly recommend that you venture to Jim's Fried Chicken and check it out for yourself.  Try the chicken, sure, but make sure and try the red beans and rice!!

Until next time, happy eating is only an adventure away!