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Talk amongst yourselves. I'll give you a topic: It is not okay to bring that country pâté you picked up at the Rue de Buci market but you may bring in the Petrossian duck foie gras. Discuss.
LA Times David Shaw ( his Matters of Taste column is a riot) ponders the ever confusing topic of what can be snuck back...err, brought back from trips abroad.
What joy, what fun! It is finally here! Trader Joe's opened its doors this morning. It sits on a hill, at the corner of 17th Street and East Madison in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
I had enough time this morning to drive to TJ's since I was just around the corner, paying a visit to a client at Swedish Hospital. So I drove up the hill, parked, (their garage is small and tricky to navigate but hey, it beats scrounging around for street parking) checked out the new gigs and shopped for a few things. At 11:45 the store was jam packed. It was a beautiful sunny, blue sky morning. Steel drummers played outside, colorful balloons bobbed in the air, friendly crew mates with their trademark Hawaiian shirts greeted everyone. Quite the welcome wagon!
There were cheese demos and hot from the oven cheese pizza (melt in your mouth cheese and crispy crust). A store full to the gills of every single item Trader Joe's has become famous for (well, everything except their Chuck Roast). There were all my favorites too: wine, cheese, Heirloom Tomatoes, Figs, Fage Total Authentic Greek Yogurt, Ranger chickens and quality meats, Smoked Salmon, Valencia Oranges and Mâche.
Needless to say, between the lively steel drums, the full to the brim aisles, the shiny happy people holding hands and the excitement of it all, I got a bit carried away. I had been using up everything we had in the fridge, awaiting today's opening. I really needed to do some quality grocery shopping.
I walked around the store, picking things up, placing them in my car, with a silly smile on my face, chatting with fellow shoppers and exchanging recipes and cooking ideas. It wasn't until I looked at my watch that I realized I had but a few minutes left to pay for my purchases, drive downtown, unload my loot and perhaps speed up a bit to make it to my next appointment (in Renton of all places!) in time. So I hurried home, left all my groceries behind and made it to Renton, barely.
So...why, you ask, do I love Trader Joe's so much? Why have I been counting the days for the opening of the Capitol Hill store? Why? For the same reason everyone else that shops at Trader Joe's loves this little shop that could. Friendly staff, fun shopping experience, great quality products and values, because of its superb customer service. And because... well, the proof is in the receipt.
The other day I happened to find myself near the Microsoft campus to see a client. We finished business around 11:30 am. When you are in Redmond (or the Eastside for that matter) Indian food is your best bet. So I drove up to Kanishka, an Indian restaurant I've been to before but had not gotten a chance to eat at in a few months. Having had no breakfast (not even coffee and a very early and light dinner the night before) I was really hungry.
Kanisha's parking lot was moslty empty. There were perhaps 2 other dinners there. Things looked untouched and piping hot. I must have gotten there just as they opened. Buffet had just been set up and some items were still in transit from kitchen to serving trays. After ordering my beverage of choice, a tall cold glass of Mango Lassi, I looked for a plate and went for the buffet in search of the usual suspects.
Everything was lovely. I had a small piece of warm Naan, a generous spoonful of their Mushroom and Potato Curry, Pickled Onions and Cucumbers, tender and flavorful Basmati Rice and a few of their Chutneys (Tamarind and Mint) and Raita. The surprise was the Mango Chicken. So tender, so flavorful, worth driving to Redmond for. Ahh! I was happy as a clam.
It's funny how in a few minutes after sitting down to eat the restaurant, all of a sudden, became packed so busy there was hardly a table available. As it always happens, my sweet tooth was getting the best of me. There is no Indian meal (or any meal for that matter) that can't benefit from a little sweet, a bit of pudding, a small dessert.
I walked back to the buffet and served myself a little bit of the Kheer (Indian Style Rice Pudding). Now, if you like Kheer as I do and you've had it enough times (and made it at home) to know the great and the good from the mediocre you'll know how disappointing it can be to get finish off a great Indian meal with sub-par Kheer.
Well, this was just too bad for words. A small teaspoon was all it took. While it looked like Kheer it was nothing like it. The flavor was what industrial, leftover mopping water in a pail must taste like. Think soapy but not the kind of soapy that ocurrs asa result of an overly generous dash of Rose Water. This was, if anything else musty, old, dead roses. Something awful, almost putrid. Not remotely related to the divine and sweet goodness that is Kheer.
I thank my lucky stars that there was a bit of Naan and sauce left on my plate. I was able to, very discreetly (I was a in a corner booth of the restaurant) spit the Kheer into my napkin. To rid my palate of the Kheer, I soaked the piece of Naan in the Mango chicken sauce and chewed on it for enough time to sort of wash away most of the unpleasantness. This was followed by a quick trip to the ladies to rinse my mouth (thank heaven for those little disposable finger toothbrushes).
All in all, Kanishka has lovely food, great prices and a polite and efficient staff. The buffet is one of the freshest, most authentic and varied Indian spreads on the Eastside (and a hit with the Microsoft peeps). But for the love of cheese, stay away from the Kheer!!!
Kanishka Indian Restaurant
16101 Redmond Way
Redmond, WA
(425) 869-9182
The Olympics are over. Wasn't it just the other day we were talking about the Opening Ceremonies, Athená and Phèvos and the Marathon? Gone are the Rhythmic Gymnastics, Water Polo, and Fencing competitions. No more Synchronized Swimming nor Diving. Not for four more years anyway. Ohh well, it was great while it lasted!
So, in the spirit of all things Greek, Olympic and yummy I made, again, my favorite Greek sauce (more of a dip really), a garlicky and refreshingly cool Tzadziki. We had this for the Opening Ceremonies (part of my very own home Greek foodie celebration) two weeks ago and made it again tonight for the Closing Ceremonies. I used (of course!) Fage Greek Yogurt (do not even think of using any other kind, it just won't do) and the rest is easy peasy! One thing though: I love garlic so my tzadziki is quite garlicky. Also, the cucumber is not processed in the Cuisinart but chopped small, by hand, to keep it crunchy and to add a little green to an otherwise white-as-milk dip.
Seattle Bon Vivant Olympic Tzatziki
7 ounces Fage Total Classic Greek Yogurt (it is full fat, whole milk yogurt. It should render an creamier, richer tzadziki)
1 large cucumber, chopped finely
2-3 cloves garlic, grated (In a pinch I use Trader Joe's Dorot Crushed Garlic Cloves
Juice of half a small lemon
Light drizzle of olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
Salt to taste
Add all other ingredients to the yogurt. Stir. Refrigerate a couple hours or overnight. Serve with warm, grilled or toasted pita bread or Lavosh crackers. Serves 4.
Re: Dorot Crushed Garlic Cloves: One cube equals one ready peeled and crushed garlic clove (you do not defrost before use, just pop out as you would ice from a cube tray) . If you have never used these run, don't walk to your nearest Trader Joe's and buy 4-5 trays. They also offer Parsley, Coriander and Basil but sadly, Trader Joe's does not carry the Coriander in the same format. It is better than fresh in that it is pre-measured and fresh frozen, always at your fingertips. I swear by these! By the way, not only are they Imported from Israel but they are also Kosher/Parve
The moment we've all been waiting for happens tomorrow. The soft opening of Trader Joe's newest Seattle area store, in Capitol Hill. I went by there last week and had a quick update from one of its "crew members".
The store will open tomorrow morning at nine sharp and will have its Grand Opening the following week. And with Labor Day Weekend fast approaching, food shopping prospects are brilliant!
So now you know. Starting tomorrow, downtowners and Capitol Hill residents have yet another great option for gourmet shopping at discounted prices and another Trader joe's, closer than ever, to shop at. No more up hill drivign to Queen Anne. No more traffic on I-5 to Roosevelt Way. My mind is already racing with the shopping possibilities: Orchids, Fage Authentic (Whole milk) Greek Yogurt, Cheese, Bread, Wine, Sparkling Water, Mâche, Milk, Juice, Eggs, Niman Ranch Meat & Free Range Chicken, Nuts...Ahh!
As one who has been following the construction of this TJ's for a few months now and an unabashed Trader Joe's fan I say Finally! My list is ready!
Trader Joe's
(Mark O'Connor-Captain)
Daily 9am-9pm
1700 East Madison
Seattle, WA 98122
(Parking Garage on West side of Bldg)
206.322.2814
"Instruments are so over", says Björk about her latest release, Medúlla (="Marrow"). Well, I would not be so sure about that.
If you enjoy a capella and throat singing music, you might like Medúlla. But this album is as experimental (only track #14, Triumph of a Heart sounds the most commercial-ish, clubbish like) as it gets and even for Björk's fans, it will be quite the departure. It is at once obscure and obtuse, ingenious and perhaps a little too creative for its own good.
Initially, I had a hard time listening and enjoying the music fully. As hard as I tried, I just could not get into it the album's vibe. Mind you, the songs are beautifully arranged. Vokuro comes to mind.
At times, the moaning (Take for instance "Ancestors". What was that all about? A PBS soundbite on ancient Icelandic mating practices?) and bird-like sounds can get at times a bit repetitive, convoluted and distracting. But by track #8, Desired Constellation, I could no longer tell what was voice and what was instrument. Quite a feat! If only that momentum could have been sustained throughout.
Call me old fashioned but after listening to the complete album preview on MTV.com ( free streaming audio preview of the whole CD, all 14 songs in their entirety) I am happy to conclude that while this Cd is at once difficult, gorgeous, uneven and original, instruments are not over at all.
Is Björk talented and cuttting edge? Definitely. But you already knew that! Brave too. You can tell she is in a place in her career where she can and should take more risks and can afford to be a little more "out there" (which, for her, is always an understatement). Is Medúlla a must buy? I'll leave that up to you.
Björk
Medulla
(Elektra)
Release date: 08.30.04
I've always read and appreciated film reviews. Whether from fellow bloggers, the New York Times, Rotten Tomatoes or magazines like Film Comment (a very good and a tad high brow cinematic criticism magazine). I just think there is a lot to be gained by getting as much information as one can about a film from as many sources as possible, be it the Internet, the written press or Entertainment Tonight (unless it is a M. Night Shyamalan film) That being said, I've always done so with a simultaneous and very generous sprinkle of salt.
In the end, as the ultimate film fanatic, I'll see any movie I want to see, regardless of what the critics have to say about it. The rationale behind this is not only the inherently relative, opinionated and personal nature of the film criticism process but because of what I call a movie's ultimate redeemable quality. The certain something that most films possess, even those bashed and at times even overlooked or quickly dismissed by the critics and press, that makes them worth my while (most of the time).
Garden State, happily, has proved to be (to me at least) what most critics have said until now: A refreshing and soothing film. A delightful first cinematic effort from a young actor, writer and director. This is a film about life and living. About death too, but mainly about trying to be in the moment. About being human, with all its challenges and sadness (the loss of a pet or a parent) and also its joys (finding love, doing good, forgiveness). At times a bit clichéed and melodramatic (I could have used one Puff) but never tiresome.
The film was funny and moving, with a big heart. Eccentric and goofy yet engaging, with characters that you liked (the kids) or disliked (the father) immediately. There were a couple scenes the director could have done without. Gratuitous sex and drug use that sort of messed around with the pacing but, as a first time director, one can ignore those two sequences and look at the, no pun intended, big picture.
By closing credits and Frou Frou 's "Let Go" (the soundtrack featuring Coldplay, Nick Drake, Thievery Corporation, Simon & Garfunkel among many others, is divine) I was sad to see these characters leave the screen. I wanted to stay with them a little longer. I cared about their messed up lives and family dysfunctions, their overmedication, their sadness and inability to cry or to love and above all their potential to do and be better. I wished them well on their self-discovery, on their journey, hoping that they all figure it out somehow. I think they'll make it.
Could Garden State be this year's Lost In Translation? I strongly feel Zach Braff's film has a very good chance of winning the IFC Spirit Award next February, not to mention other awards in a few categories (Natalie Portman and Peter Sarsgaard were amazing). Zach, better get those shirts ready for Santa Monica.
AMC Pacific Place 11
600 Pine S. Ste. 400
Seattle, WA 98101
(206)652-2404
What does Queen Anne/Fremont/Ballard, University/Montlake, Downtown/Pioneer Square, Madison Park/Columbia City, Capitol Hill, Greenwood/Wallingford, Belltown/Pike Place, Bellevue/Kirkland have in common? Savor Seattle Dinner at 8 that is! From September 1-30, on Sunday through Thursday nights, one can have a starter, main dish and dessert for $20 at any of the participating restaurants. Now that's something to look forward to.
There was a card in our building's cubby hole today. A postcard from Alexandria's on 2nd ("Upscale Southern Cuisine"). They offer a Sunday Brunch from 11am to 3:30 pm. These are some of the offerings:
Omelets, Ham, Bacon, Turkey Sausage, Catfish, Fried Chicken, Creole Chicken, Grits, Roasted Potatoes, Rice, Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens, String Beans, Candied Yams, Waffles, Sweet Potato Muffins, Pound, Cake, Peach Cobbler, Pecan Tarts, Danish/Pastries, Salad, Fresh Fruit, Coffee/Tea, Fresh Juice.
Sounds good, huh? Those sweet potato muffins are calling my name...
Alexandria's on 2nd
Lunch M-F 11-3
Dinner 5pm-2am
Sunday Brunch 11-3:30
2020 2nd Avenue
(2nd & Lenora)
Seattle
206.374.3700
My friend Alfie called yesterday. Actually, it was one of a few conversations we had during the day. As on most days, it was quite the animated chat, a mishmash of everything we can think of talking about (movies, books, fashion, makeup, perfume, shopping, Olympics, food and wine, our Netflix Queues), as if we are on a timer, against the clock.
Alfie: "I found this this recipe I have to tell you about. It's Ina's (Garten). Fabulous! You should make these. Palmiers. Easy peasy! I made them today and they were a hit and were scarfed down immediately".
Me: Of course, shoot!" As we are both on the computer she tells me where to look up the recipe (Food Network.com) I copy it (the Ina Garten Palmier recipe has dissapeared since, overnight! It shows as an expired recipe on the site. Aww!) , print it and promise to make them and 'report later"
I was thinking: I'll give it a go and what's the worst that can happen? That they do not come out right? Right! So…off I went, to defrost the puff pastry dough I had in the freezer. The one purchased on Sunday from DeLaurenti (their own, at $2.99 per package) and that I love to keep around at all times for last minute dessert or appetizer ideas and because, let's face it, I am just too lazy to spend all day making my own.
I get the marble ready, the rolling pin, the cardamom (ground and oh so fragrant! Purchased from The Souk, at Pike Place Market) and cinnamon. With the oven pre-heated to 450F, the Exopat and Baking Sheet (both from City Kitchens) ready and plenty of sugar to roll away with, I start the Palmiers.
The process was simple, quick (the store bought puff pastry dough made all the difference) and very enjoyable. I made two batches of four Palmiers: one with cinnamon and one with cardamom. It made the kitchen and my hands smell absolutely delectable.
In the oven, at 450F, 6 minutes of baking was not enough to get the Palmiers to their golden crusty yet soft center point. So I gave them a turn and baked for 3 more minutes. The cookies looked lovely, albeit a bit unshapely. Somewhere along the way I must have not rolled them out properly or perhaps they were not chilled enough as the little curls opened up and out a little too much. The looked more like hearts than what Palmiers are supposed to look like.
But you know what? The second I took a bite of my first home made Palmier I was hooked. This first batch would never win any Blue Ribbons for looks but oh my! The flavor, the flakiness, the crunch, the tender center! Cardamom and Cinnamon, two of my favorite spices, infused these babies with such flavor and fragrance it was just impossible to resist the impulse to eat them all. By the time I thought about reaching for the camera to take a photo, the Palmiers along with a tall glass of milk were half gone.
Although I have not been a big cookie eater since my Sesame Street, grade school days, I ate all the 8 Palmiers I made last night (ok, I was home alone and they came out tiny, so there!). I'll keep practicing my rolling of the dough skills and improvising of sweet and savory flavorings and fillings for future batches (later this week). But for now, the trouble with Palmiers is that they are, for the most part, too easy to make and just too tasty to have only one.
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