Showing posts with label menu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label menu. Show all posts
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Dinner at Fogo de Chao Featuring the New Brazilian Inspired Cocktail Menu
The salads, meats and cheeses were fresh and delicious...and they paired perfectly with our cocktails. Michael opted for the Superfruit Lemonade, and I had the Passionate Caipirinha. The Superfruit Lemonade is flavored with Veev Acai Spirit, Grand Marnier Rouge, lemon, and fresh strawberries or blueberries. Caipirinha is a classic Brazilian cocktail made with sugar, lime and a sweet rum called Cachaca. Add some passion fruit puree, and youve got a Passionate Caipirinha. As you can see, both of drinks were fruity, refreshing and delicious!
We finished our drinks and were given a round card that was green on one side and red on the other. Our hosts explained that when we were ready for the meat to start arriving, we were to put the green side up. When we needed a break or were done for the night, we simply had to turn the card over to red to signal no mas. It was so much fun to learn about the different cuts of beef, pork, chicken and sausages that the various servers came by to offer us. They expertly sliced the meat to our preferred degree of doneness and provided us with a lot of great information about the cooking techniques history in Brazil. Michael is a meat lover, so this kind of dining is right up his alley!All of the meat was perfectly roasted and so juicy. However, our favorite cuts of meat were the Filet Mignon, Alcatra (sirloin) and the signature Picanha (top sirloin) cut. They were full of flavor and seasoned just enough to let the natural flavor of the meat shine through. We took our time enjoying each cut of meat, and we even opted for second helpings of our favorites. Because its one price, we were able to do that.
The Fogo de Chao menu price includes a variety of delicious side dishes that are served family style. We especially loved the warm, gooey cheese bread and the fried polenta fingers. We sampled a few bites of each of the sides, but we tried to save most of our room to enjoy plenty of the delicious meats!
Of course, we save thismuch room for a shared dessert. Our server recommended their creme brulee. I have to confess that Im pretty picky about my creme brulee, but our server was right. It was perfectly creamy and rich! Michael and I battled for the last bite and agreed it was some of the best creme brulee weve ever eaten. It was the perfect ending to our meal.
We left Fogo de Chao full and happy! We felt that they charge a very fair price, considering both the quality and quantity of food that is served. Friendly, knowledgable staff...delicious food...and an all-you-care-to-eat policy make Fogo de Chao a great place for the carnivores in your life. For those who dont eat meat, they can order just the salad bar for a reduced price. With 30+ items to choose from, theyll find plenty to fill them up as well.
Disclosure: Fogo de Chao provided us with two complimentary dining experiences, along with cocktails and dessert, to facilitate this article. The opinions expressed are my own. All photographs are copyright Michael K. Garcia; they may not be copied or shared without prior permission.
Holiday Menu Item Turkey Two Ways Part I Turkey for Two Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
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| Turkey for Two: Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast |
This turkey was so tender and juicy it was falling apart. I used a fresh 5-pound Butterball bone-in turkey breast, which is perfect for 2 to 4 people. For 2 people, there will be leftovers and leftover turkey makes a great sandwich the next day or even a turkey pot pie.
This recipe was definitely inspired by Ina Gartens Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast with just a few modifications because Im not in my normal kitchen and didnt have everything at my disposal.
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| Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast |
I used an adjustable rack fitted inside a disposable pan to roast the turkey breast.
Turkey for Two: Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
adapted from Ina Garten
Serves 2-4
Oven 325 degrees F
Ingredients:
5-pound bone-in turkey breast (I used a fresh Butterball)
2 Tablespoons butter, room temperature
4 leaves fresh sage, minced
2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary, leaves only
1 Tablespoon fresh thyme, leaves only
2 large cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt
fresh cracked pepper
1 cup white wine
Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels, then place skin side up on rack in shallow roasting pan.
In small bowl mix butter, sage, rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Using your hands place some of the butter mixture under the skin of the breast and spread the rest evenly on top. Pour the olive oil in the palm of your hand, rub together then pat the outside of the turkey to distribute. Then sprinkle with salt and pepper, including the cavity.
As I often do, I forgot to add the garlic to the butter mixture until just after I had placed in the oven. I quickly pulled it out, added it at that time, and it was fine.
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| place some of the butter mixture under the skin |
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| spread the rest evenly on top |
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| with the garlic, the way it should have been |
Pour the wine in the bottom of the pan and place in oven. Roast for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the muscle reads 170 degrees F. If turkey is browning too much, cover loosely with aluminum foil. When turkey is done, remove from oven and allow to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
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| just out of the oven |
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| So juicy and tender, and the rosemary really comes through. |
Stay tuned for Part II of Turkey Two Ways.. Turkey for 10 with a Twist.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Holiday Menu Item More Suggestions
In case youre looking for a few additional ideas for menu items to add to your holiday meal - here are some more of my favorites..
Breakfast: Hash Brown Potato Pancakes
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| Hash Brown Potato Pancakes |
Appetizer: Creamy Artichoke Habanero Dip
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| Creamy Artichoke Habanero Dip |
Salad: Aarti Sequeiras Massaged Kale Salad
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| Aarti Sequeiras Massaged Kale Salad |
Accompaniment: Peas Au Gratin
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| Peas Au Gratin |
Dessert: Paula Deens Crunch Top Apple Pie
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| Paula Deens Crunch Top Apple Pie |
Warm wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving~
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Restaurant Spotlight Johnny Carinos Introduces Their Expanded Gluten Free Menu
Johnny Carinos Italian restaurants recently expanded its gluten-free menu to a whopping 23 items, including items from their kid’s menu. With demand for gluten-free food options on the rise, theyre introducing gluten-free versions of fan favorites like the Skilletini and Spicy Shrimp and Chicken. The new gluten-free menu has been confirmed by Analytical Food Laboratories as meeting FDA guidelines to be considered gluten-free. This extensive process took place under the guidance of Vice President of Culinary Development Chris Peitersen. “I developed the new recipes by utilizing gluten-free ingredients, consulting nutritional experts and working in conjunction with Analytical Food Laboratories to conduct the actual scientific testing of the menu items,” says Peitersen, who started with the company as a line cook at the very first Johnny Carino’s in 1995.
Creating gluten-free zones in their kitchens and using separate utensils for handling gluten-free dishes are just some of the steps the Texas-based chain has taken to prepare their new gluten-free menu items. The new menu items are now available at all participating restaurants nationwide, and Johnny Carinos recently invited us out to try out some items from the menu.
Michael and dont have issues with gluten, but we were very curious to see how the gluten-free items stacked up against their traditional menu items. We were pleasantly surprised! We ordered three items from the gluten-free menu, a shared bowl of soup and two salads. We opted to try a bowl of their Italian Chili. It was zesty, flavored with Italian sausage, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, diced onions, and select herbs. It came to the table garnished with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. We really enjoyed this soup...it was just spicy enough and very hearty. As great as this was on a warm Summer evening, I cant wait to try it as the weather turns cooler in a few months.
Michael and dont have issues with gluten, but we were very curious to see how the gluten-free items stacked up against their traditional menu items. We were pleasantly surprised! We ordered three items from the gluten-free menu, a shared bowl of soup and two salads. We opted to try a bowl of their Italian Chili. It was zesty, flavored with Italian sausage, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, diced onions, and select herbs. It came to the table garnished with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. We really enjoyed this soup...it was just spicy enough and very hearty. As great as this was on a warm Summer evening, I cant wait to try it as the weather turns cooler in a few months.
Michael opted to try the beautiful and tasty Italian Wedge Salad. This creative salad features a generous iceberg lettuce wedge topped with applewood smoked bacon, candied pecans, gorgonzola, Roma tomatoes and green apple. It came drizzled with roasted garlic ranch dressing. This salad was bursting with flavors and textures. We absolutely loved it!
I selected a main dish salad from the gluten-free menu for my entree, the Honey-Pecan Crusted Salmon Salad. This salad features a wood-fired salmon fillet topped with a sweet honey-pecan topping. The salmon was served on a bed of romaine, with sun-dried tomatoes, tomato wedges, purple onion and a refreshing lemon vinaigrette.
I really enjoyed the sweet-savory flavor of this salad! It was the perfect dinner for a warm Texas evening. The salmon provided a generous portion of lean protein, and the big-flavor toppings brought a great mix of flavors and textures.
As much as we enjoyed the gluten-free menu items we tried, we also sampled a few items from Johnny Carinos extensive traditional menu as well. We just couldnt resist a mini order of their Sicilian Fire Sticks. These culinary firecrackers feature tomato-basil tortillas rolled around Italian sausage, chicken, bacon, roma tomatoes, jalapenos and Italian cheeses. These addictive little bites were served with a spicy marinara.
As much as we enjoyed the gluten-free menu items we tried, we also sampled a few items from Johnny Carinos extensive traditional menu as well. We just couldnt resist a mini order of their Sicilian Fire Sticks. These culinary firecrackers feature tomato-basil tortillas rolled around Italian sausage, chicken, bacon, roma tomatoes, jalapenos and Italian cheeses. These addictive little bites were served with a spicy marinara.
We really loved this appetizer! We also decided to try one traditional pasta dish, the Lemon-Butter Shrimp Pasta.This is NOT a gluten-free item, but those with gluten sensitivities could certainly substitute gluten-free pasta. The shrimp were plump and sweet, and the lemon-butter sauce had a perfect acidic kick. The dish was topped with diced tomato and green onion. As you can see, the portion was quite generous!
Disclosure: Carinos sent me a gift card so we could try their gluten-free menu items. The opinions expressed are my own. All pictures are copyrighted by Michael K. Garcia.
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