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Daughter of two professional chefs provides a young adult's perspective on food, restaurants, and eating!! follow us on facebook @Francis Xavier

Author: Chef Francis Xavier

Notes from the Garden, Cereals

Notes from the Garden, Cereals

Cereals write up come from Chef G’s Notes. when one hears the word cereal, what comes to mind first – is it breakfast bowl or grain field? Exactly. Some say that I take grains to seriously…but I can’t wheat to write about them. “The word […]

Travel Culinary Adventure, farmer’s market … an Omaha vignette

Travel Culinary Adventure, farmer’s market … an Omaha vignette

Recent travels took me to Omaha. During a delightful walk about in Old Town I came across a delightful farmer’s market. Among the stalls of fresh flowers, produce and bakery items, the true gem revealed itself. A kiosk of make your own refrigerator pickles. A […]

Travelers Culinary adventure: Sioux City’s SoHo..

Travelers Culinary adventure: Sioux City’s SoHo..

Late Lunch at SOHO: A tenderloin worth talking about

Good evening from a sleepless night, where reflection turns food – and today’s memory is a delicious one from Sioux City. I stopped in for lunch at American Kitchen and Bar, drawn in by its warm, relaxed atmosphere and confident menu.

Originally, i had my sights set on the Reuben – a reliable classic, and one ive been tracking from town to town. But as i chatted with the bartender and weighted options – he stated ‘you must be here for the tenderloin sandwich.

He was right.

what arrived at the table was more that just lunch. – it is a nod to Schnitzel, the kind Chef Hugo would have applauded. The breaded pork tenderloin was crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned. The meat tender and full of flavor. No heavy sauce or distractions – just clean, careful cooking.

It’s always a joy when a recommendation turns into a standout. At SOHO recommendations are worth the detour.

Travelers Culinary Adventure: Tamales at La Mesa Papillion

Travelers Culinary Adventure: Tamales at La Mesa Papillion

Culinary Holy Grail is the pinnacle of culinary artistry because of its complexity, heritage and ceremonial use. The best Tamales are reserved for holidays, weddings and Dia de los Muertos. when made well with hand made masa, traditional fillings and careful wrapping – they become […]

Travelers Culinary Adventure: Where Barbecue Meets Omaha: The Pit Lounge in Papillion

Travelers Culinary Adventure: Where Barbecue Meets Omaha: The Pit Lounge in Papillion

Todays taste for barbeque led me straight to smoke – and the pit lounge in Papillion – delivered in all the right ways. Todays taste led me straight to smoke – and the Pit Lounge in Papillion delivered in all the right ways. Another stop […]

Travelers Culinary Adventure; Papillion’s hidden gem; Caniglia’s A Mano

Travelers Culinary Adventure; Papillion’s hidden gem; Caniglia’s A Mano

A journey brought me to Papillion, Nebraska – a town where the pace slows and local flavors shine. tucked among the neighborhood streets is a spot well worth the stop: Canigilia’s a Mano.

This unassuming local eatery delivers the kind of comfort and quality that only comes from doing things right. I ordered the Sicilian chef salad, thin crust sausage and peppers pizza, and it arrived exactly the way it should: salad fresh and pleasing with perfect dressing, Pizza – crisp-edged, hot, with perfectly balanced layers of savory sausage, sweet peppers and enough char.

There’s nothing flashy here – just hospitality done right, a warm welcome, and food that respects tradition. If you are any where near Papillion and craving something real, this is a table worth sitting at.

As a side note – I also ordered the Sicilian sub, saving it for the next day’s lunch – and it didn’t disappoint. hearty, well layered, and full of bold flavor. it held up beautifully overnight.

Travelers Culinary Adventure: A taste of glamor: Pinky Vanderpump, Las Vegas

Travelers Culinary Adventure: A taste of glamor: Pinky Vanderpump, Las Vegas

Sparkle and Spectacle of Las Vegas, where dining is as much about the atmosphere as it is the food. This time the venue is Pinky Vanderpump – a place that doesn’t just embrace drama, it choreographs it. Ordained in flamingo motifs, the room is dazzling […]

Remote Work, Real Talk: Trader Joe’s Tuna Wrap

Remote Work, Real Talk: Trader Joe’s Tuna Wrap

On the Move – where office is remote, the coffee is wherever one can find it, lunch is prepackaged, and the fridge is reusable Ice. Today’s on the road meal is Trader Joe’s Tuna Wrap with whole wheat tortilla, and while it may not make […]

Travelers Culinary adventure: Pickled Deviled Eggs elevated: Breckenridge Brewery

Travelers Culinary adventure: Pickled Deviled Eggs elevated: Breckenridge Brewery

I recently stopped by Breckenridge Brewery, and while the peach ale is excellent, it is the pickled deviled eggs that truly stole the show.. As someone who’s long admired the James Beard take on pickled eggs, I wasn’t expecting to be surprised – but these took the classic to the next level.

Bright, tangy and beautifully balanced, each bite delivered that satisfying deviled richness with vinegary snap and hint of horseradish that is bold and refined.

it is always exciting to see familiar dish reimagined with intention.

Travelers Culinary Adventure: Breakfast with a view: City Park Tavern

Travelers Culinary Adventure: Breakfast with a view: City Park Tavern

Mornings in Denver still surprise and delight – especially when they begin at City Park Tavern. Tucked into one of the city’s most scenic corners, this spot isn’t just a restaurant – it is the front row seat to Denver’s Money Shot View. The Breakfast […]