Due to rising fuel costs, wedding saving and good old saving...the FFF has taken a serious foodie hit....We've been too broke to enjoy our fancy feasts!
Alas, this is very sad, but our hope for hitting up some more gourmet experiences...will never die. :)
This has also force us to be more creative. I realized that being a foodie doesn't always have to be about dining in fancy schmancy restaurants...it is about enjoying fabulous food!
Even if it is considered, "too healthy" or you are on a budget...it can all be fabulous!
Today I went to the brand new Asian market, Park and Shop (E.30th street downtown off Chester) with my lovely co-worker Jean. I was on the hunt for Tofu Shirataki noodles (I read about them on HungryGirl.com they are very low calorie, low carb noodles and I am trying to fit into a gorgeous wedding dress). I did not find the noodles, which at first made me very sad. What I did find, ahhhhh so much better.
I found 0 calorie 0 carb noodles, called, Yam Noodles! I have read that these don't taste like much, but they absorb any flavor you can throw at them! I can't wait to try these out in a stir fry or with some peanut sauce.
But wait there is more....
The Park and Shop Market was awesome! They had a whole room devoted to noodles, and the entire store is as large as a normal supermarket. I wish I would have had more time to shop there. Everything was amazing! There was rows and rows of tea, exotic fish, meat and vegetables, a prepared food section that had everything from the fantastic looking (I think I drooled a little) Roast Duck (Only $9.75 for a whole duck mmmm dinner for me and Steve) to the extremely odd...Cuttle Fish. I think I am going too avoid that one. :)
Best of all, everything is very inexpensive! I even saw one of my healthy staples, Laughing Cow Cheese for only $2.55 (normally $3.99 at Giant Eagle).
I am very excited to head back, and am taking the lovely foodie Amy with me next chance I get!
Krista
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Star at Playhouse Square
I adore Playhouse Square. I have the fondest memories of heading there when I was a “little Krista” to see the Nutcracker at Christmastime or the summer my Mom bought us a multi-show pass and we got to see everything from, Little Women to The Hobbit. Fortunately, these days I am often lucky enough to receive tickets to many shows at fabulous PHS courtesy of my office. Thanks office! ;)
Last night, my Mom, Brittney and I were headed to the State Theater to see, Mama Mia (It was amazing! It is my new favorite musical!). We decided to stop at Star restaurant before the show. Brittney and I have been once before when we went to see the Lion King (also an awesome show…not just for kids!), and enjoyed it very much, but I was dying to try it again.
I love the Star restaurant; it is not only extremely conveniently located in Playhouse Square, but the ambiance, food and service is remarkable! I love any restaraunt that features live piano playing. It is also a very romantic spot for a date, if you can wrangle your man into seeing a play (I never have that problem with Steve :) ). We were greeted by an incredibly friendly server and the rest of the experience went by way too quickly. We all ordered salads, I was incredibly happy with my Bibb Salad with fresh goat cheese and toasted pine nuts topped off with balsamic vinaigrette. As Brittney put it, “You adore salads like this in restaurants, and you never make them at home.” Well, I’ve definitely tried to repeat these at home, but they are never as good. Brittney and Mom ordered the Spinach Salad with red onion, strawberries and feta cheese, tossed with apple cider vinaigrette. They both enjoyed them immensely.
For the main event, we all enjoyed the lighter side of the menu. Mom ordered the Ahi Tuna crusted with sesame seeds and bok choy, Brittney ordered the Chicken with ratatouille tomato with olive tapenade and I ordered the Salmon with greens, citrus, cous cous and roasted red pepper sauce. Of course, we all shared our fabulous entrees. The most adventurous dish for me was Brittney’s and I was instantly a little jealous. According to my sister, I often order the wrong thing and then fall in love with someone else’s entrée-be prepared if you go out to eat with me. I also enjoyed my salmon very much, it was not fishy-just salty, and sweet and went perfectly with the roasted red pepper sauce. Mom’s entrée was also very good and once Steve hears about it, he will be quite sad he missed out on it (he loves Ahi Tuna).
Our time began to run out, because the show was starting, but we still wanted to check out the dessert menu. Due to my desire to want to save money and shrink inches from my waist (wedding), I opted out of ordering any. I did get to try a bite of the Cheesecake Britney ordered and the Mango Tear Drop (a gelatin/flan-like dessert) Mom ordered. The Mango Tear Drop was amazing. I believe the desserts there change regularly for the seasons…so I would head to Star and try that Mango Tear Drop before it disappears.
As far as the Mama Mia performance, it was absolutely wonderful and left my Mom dancing to what else, but the “Dancing Queen” in the aisle of the theater. At first I was thinking “Oh I can’t take her anywhere” :) and then I looked over and EVERY Mom was dancing in the aisle. The show is hilarious, cute and full of catchy ABBA songs. Girls, take your Moms to see it, you won’t regret it!
Taking my bow,
Krista
Star Restaraunt on the web: http://www.staratplayhousesquare.com/
Last night, my Mom, Brittney and I were headed to the State Theater to see, Mama Mia (It was amazing! It is my new favorite musical!). We decided to stop at Star restaurant before the show. Brittney and I have been once before when we went to see the Lion King (also an awesome show…not just for kids!), and enjoyed it very much, but I was dying to try it again.
I love the Star restaurant; it is not only extremely conveniently located in Playhouse Square, but the ambiance, food and service is remarkable! I love any restaraunt that features live piano playing. It is also a very romantic spot for a date, if you can wrangle your man into seeing a play (I never have that problem with Steve :) ). We were greeted by an incredibly friendly server and the rest of the experience went by way too quickly. We all ordered salads, I was incredibly happy with my Bibb Salad with fresh goat cheese and toasted pine nuts topped off with balsamic vinaigrette. As Brittney put it, “You adore salads like this in restaurants, and you never make them at home.” Well, I’ve definitely tried to repeat these at home, but they are never as good. Brittney and Mom ordered the Spinach Salad with red onion, strawberries and feta cheese, tossed with apple cider vinaigrette. They both enjoyed them immensely.
For the main event, we all enjoyed the lighter side of the menu. Mom ordered the Ahi Tuna crusted with sesame seeds and bok choy, Brittney ordered the Chicken with ratatouille tomato with olive tapenade and I ordered the Salmon with greens, citrus, cous cous and roasted red pepper sauce. Of course, we all shared our fabulous entrees. The most adventurous dish for me was Brittney’s and I was instantly a little jealous. According to my sister, I often order the wrong thing and then fall in love with someone else’s entrée-be prepared if you go out to eat with me. I also enjoyed my salmon very much, it was not fishy-just salty, and sweet and went perfectly with the roasted red pepper sauce. Mom’s entrée was also very good and once Steve hears about it, he will be quite sad he missed out on it (he loves Ahi Tuna).
Our time began to run out, because the show was starting, but we still wanted to check out the dessert menu. Due to my desire to want to save money and shrink inches from my waist (wedding), I opted out of ordering any. I did get to try a bite of the Cheesecake Britney ordered and the Mango Tear Drop (a gelatin/flan-like dessert) Mom ordered. The Mango Tear Drop was amazing. I believe the desserts there change regularly for the seasons…so I would head to Star and try that Mango Tear Drop before it disappears.
As far as the Mama Mia performance, it was absolutely wonderful and left my Mom dancing to what else, but the “Dancing Queen” in the aisle of the theater. At first I was thinking “Oh I can’t take her anywhere” :) and then I looked over and EVERY Mom was dancing in the aisle. The show is hilarious, cute and full of catchy ABBA songs. Girls, take your Moms to see it, you won’t regret it!
Taking my bow,
Krista
Star Restaraunt on the web: http://www.staratplayhousesquare.com/
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Four rules for the Flying Fig
There are four rules to live by when going out.
1) Bring Friends
2) Everyone order something different
3) Share it all
4) Leave Happy
I put these rules to the test last Sunday at the Flying Fig, a small eatery & bar on the west side. It may be a small eatery, but do not be afraid to bring friends, family, acquaintances, or random people off the street, they have plenty of space for everyone. I love to try as many things as I can when I go out, to the displeasure of my bathroom scale (I would hate to deprive myself of the chance to try a dish). With an ever changing menu full of fresh locally grown delights, the same experience is never had twice. Unfortunately, that also means you had better try that mouthwatering special or seasonal favorite before it is gone.. which brings us to rule 2. The menu is not huge; it is large enough to have all the right things but still small enough to make the choices simple (well everything is good so it is not too simple). There is something for every taste. Basic steak or pork chop for the meat and potatoes type (which are closer to decadently mouthwatering than basic), scallops for those looking for a bit of seafood, or something more exotic.
The best thing about the Fig is the selection of small plates. They allow you to try a bit of everything without breaking your scale, or your wallet. Follow rule 2, and have everyone order a different selection of smalls, then proceed to rule 3. If something in particular jumps off your plate, or your friends, you can always order a second round.
My favorite of the smalls is the Medjool Dates-plump dates wrapped in smoked bacon and stuffed with chorizo (I almost had to break rule 3, well in fact I tried, but one was poached while I was distracted). These beauties fill your mouth with the sweetness of the date, smokiness of the bacon and the slight spice of the chorizo. It is a dish to be savored, allowing first one then another flavor spread over your tongue until you lose track of where you are where you came from; excited about where it will take you next. When you finally find yourself back to your seat, it is time for another bite.
The seared scallops with braised beef are also very good with a delightful contrast between the scallop and beef, although the spotlight of the dish is stolen by its side dish. If, you can really call the horseradish potato puree a side dish. It is simple yet packs a lot of flavor; I have even tried to remake it at home with varying degrees of success. It is not uncommon at the Fig for a side to steal the show.
The Sautéed Plum Creek Farm Chicken Livers, which were done to perfection, were served on a bed of spinach with caramelized onions, smoked bacon, and creamy goat cheese (which thankfully, I was able to escape without sharing, we will not tell rule 3).
The homemade Kim Chee, while a little less spicy than expected, offered a nice contrast to its main dish the crusted Tofu. Yes tofu, I know what many of you are thinking. "Tofu is bland and only fit for those health nuts on a calorie counting diet" ..well you would be wrong. This tofu has flavor, let me repeat that, it has flavor. It is good, trust me, and if you do not want to trust me go with someone who does and sneak a bit. I will not be looking, but remember, I told you so.
One down side to sampling a bit of everything is when the time for dessert comes around. You may be too full... do not let this happen to you. Pace yourself, and always remember there is more to come. It would be a shame to reach the final stretch and have to watch as your friends dig into their fig ice cream or molten chocolate cake.
If you follow rules 1 through 3 I promise number 4 will take care of itself.
Cheers,
Steve
1) Bring Friends
2) Everyone order something different
3) Share it all
4) Leave Happy
I put these rules to the test last Sunday at the Flying Fig, a small eatery & bar on the west side. It may be a small eatery, but do not be afraid to bring friends, family, acquaintances, or random people off the street, they have plenty of space for everyone. I love to try as many things as I can when I go out, to the displeasure of my bathroom scale (I would hate to deprive myself of the chance to try a dish). With an ever changing menu full of fresh locally grown delights, the same experience is never had twice. Unfortunately, that also means you had better try that mouthwatering special or seasonal favorite before it is gone.. which brings us to rule 2. The menu is not huge; it is large enough to have all the right things but still small enough to make the choices simple (well everything is good so it is not too simple). There is something for every taste. Basic steak or pork chop for the meat and potatoes type (which are closer to decadently mouthwatering than basic), scallops for those looking for a bit of seafood, or something more exotic.
The best thing about the Fig is the selection of small plates. They allow you to try a bit of everything without breaking your scale, or your wallet. Follow rule 2, and have everyone order a different selection of smalls, then proceed to rule 3. If something in particular jumps off your plate, or your friends, you can always order a second round.
My favorite of the smalls is the Medjool Dates-plump dates wrapped in smoked bacon and stuffed with chorizo (I almost had to break rule 3, well in fact I tried, but one was poached while I was distracted). These beauties fill your mouth with the sweetness of the date, smokiness of the bacon and the slight spice of the chorizo. It is a dish to be savored, allowing first one then another flavor spread over your tongue until you lose track of where you are where you came from; excited about where it will take you next. When you finally find yourself back to your seat, it is time for another bite.
The seared scallops with braised beef are also very good with a delightful contrast between the scallop and beef, although the spotlight of the dish is stolen by its side dish. If, you can really call the horseradish potato puree a side dish. It is simple yet packs a lot of flavor; I have even tried to remake it at home with varying degrees of success. It is not uncommon at the Fig for a side to steal the show.
The Sautéed Plum Creek Farm Chicken Livers, which were done to perfection, were served on a bed of spinach with caramelized onions, smoked bacon, and creamy goat cheese (which thankfully, I was able to escape without sharing, we will not tell rule 3).
The homemade Kim Chee, while a little less spicy than expected, offered a nice contrast to its main dish the crusted Tofu. Yes tofu, I know what many of you are thinking. "Tofu is bland and only fit for those health nuts on a calorie counting diet" ..well you would be wrong. This tofu has flavor, let me repeat that, it has flavor. It is good, trust me, and if you do not want to trust me go with someone who does and sneak a bit. I will not be looking, but remember, I told you so.
One down side to sampling a bit of everything is when the time for dessert comes around. You may be too full... do not let this happen to you. Pace yourself, and always remember there is more to come. It would be a shame to reach the final stretch and have to watch as your friends dig into their fig ice cream or molten chocolate cake.
If you follow rules 1 through 3 I promise number 4 will take care of itself.
Cheers,
Steve
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