Thursday, March 4, 2010

Tomato Rhapsody


I have recently finished the book Tomato Rhapsody by local author and frequent Kebaba diner, Adam Schell. Adam uses a generous mix of italian language to paint the story of authenticity. Although the Romeo and Juliet romance between two of the main characters has been done before, Adam has found a refreshingly new approach on an old theme. Besides, as you might have guessed, food is the real passion of this story. Adam loves to eat and talk about eating as much as anyone I have ever met and he is always good to chat with. I highly recommend this book as a stand alone novel, but also for the unique likelihood of running into the author in our dining room sometime. Ever the character himself, Adam is always excited to talk to and meet new people.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

They're headed right for us


New Belgium brewing has just released their first bottled IPA and it could be from here. I just tried my "sample" (yeah... it's 3:00, who cares, it's Bend) of New Belgium's Ranger IPA and it is the real deal folks. It has that citrus aroma when you first open it and the mouth drying effect of 70 IBU's, but some how finishes clean. I'm not sure how long they worked on this one but I think they hit it right on the mark. NW IPA's look out.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

American Food


I have a friend visiting from Italy for a few days and I have been telling him for weeks that we would eat almost exclusively American food while he is here. He love's to eat as much as i do and will try anything. My visits with him in his home country have always proven to be eye opening to me when it comes to trying new foods so I hope I can return the favor to him. So I have put together a little list of foods I feel are uniquely American. Here it goes.

Spaghetti... just kidding
Fried Chicken, Prime Rib, Honey Glazed Ham
Halibut, Alaskan Salmon, Dungeness Crab
Chicken Strips, Peanut butter & Jelly, Corn Dogs
Nacho Cheese, Tater Tots, Onion Rings
BBQ Ribs, Philly Sandwich, Wings
Caeser Salad,Fingerling potatoes, Broccolini
Chocolate Chip Cookies, Apple Pie

I know there is sooo much more American food I am missing, but just looking at this list kind of makes me want to have a heart attack as it is. So if you think i'm missing something he just HAS to try, please let me know. I will do my best to include it.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Daddy? Where does polysorbate 60 come from?


I just finished this book and I have to tell you I am a little bit freaked out. But not necessarily by the things I thought I would be freaked out by. Well,,, I mean I already knew that the processes used for Bleached Flour were not good and that Natural and Artificial Flavors are really neither. But Steve Ettlinger was able to scare the bejeezes out of me regarding so many other things about food and its current processes. Via his quest to identify the sources for the Twinkie's long list of ingredients. How would I have known that the waste incurred to make Vitamins in the pill form is so environmentally unfriendly no one does it outside of China anymore. Or that much of what we eat starts out either as corn or a petrochemical. Well, I think we all knew about corn. All that said, I am still going to make good on my personal reward for completing this book by actually having one of the 500 million Twinkies sold this year. Now that I'm fully aware of all that's in it, I might even enjoy it.
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Friday, November 20, 2009

Pictures from the Bethlehem Inn Dinner

Here is a shot of the whole kitchen group.
My course, a Harissa Butternut Squash Soup, Grilled Cheese and Fried Sage Leaf















Chris from Cork, Quinoa and Asian Slaw with a Fig Spiced Lamb and Marcona Almonds
Cliff from 900 Wall, Pancetta Bread Pudding, Spiced Super Jubel Porkloin and pickled red onions with Pork Belly
Katrina from Deschutes Mountain Room, Abyss floats with caramel sauce and chocolate dipped pretzels.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Yom Kippur

Link for some information on how to shop during your day of fasting.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

The Best Beer In the World


Oh man, I am so excited. The Weiheinstephaner (Veihn-shte-fawner) Heffeweissbier dark is back in the beer case. I think I could marry this beer if I already wasn't. Even Beer Advocate rates it an A+. I will looking into getting a keg of this beer soon. I have taken on a new, "additional", beer distributor last week Point Blank. They have a whole catalog of fine beers we have never carried before. So look for some new faces.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

A perfect cup


Oh man, Wickipedia has everything. Check this out if want to learn more about . Turkish Coffee.