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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

Travel Culinary Adventure: Sioux City Eats @ Woodbury

Travel Culinary Adventure: Sioux City Eats @ Woodbury

As part of my culinary adventure through the city, I found myself seeking both a work refuge and a well cooked dinner. The Warrior hotel, a 1920 gem, turned out to be the perfect back drop for both. There is a soft jazz melody whispered […]

Notes from the Garden; Tropical Fruit Salad: a Taste of the Season to Come.

Notes from the Garden; Tropical Fruit Salad: a Taste of the Season to Come.

There is a point in the year where the spring hesitates and summer leans in. Currently spring winds have a cold bite. The days are getting longer and as iIam capturing notes from the garden, I crave color. The combination of tropical fruits is a […]

Notes from the Garden. Brussels Sprouts on the Stalk: A Letter to the Roasting Season

Notes from the Garden. Brussels Sprouts on the Stalk: A Letter to the Roasting Season

There is something deeply grounding about roasting vegetables, espically Brussel sprouts. Not bagged, trimmed, pre-halved. The Stalk- full, hearty, awkward and in its natural form.

Roasting Sprouts on the stalk is a favortie ritual when the weather cools. The Foil wrapped is a gift from the top shelf of the grill, steam escaping like a whisper. the sprouts crisp at the edges while still al dente inside, gently infused with maple syrup, olive oil and black pepper.

Lately I have been on the road traveling for work, chasing swim stories, and new flavors in places far from my kitchen. There is a calm being at my kitchen. a smooth rhythm after weeks of moving from place to place.

Sure Brussels sprouts are out of season tight now. Farmers markets are staking stalks. But thinking ahead and writing in the quiet on the road.

TJ Brussels Sprouts Stalk

Roast Vegetable
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 43 mins
Course Entremetier
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • oven to roast
  • aluminum foil paper

Ingredients
  

  • 1 stalk of Brussels sprouts TJ
  • 3/4 cup Maple Syrup
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • fresh cracked pepper
  • sea salt
  • Fresh pomegranate Seeds Garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350F. Trim any unsightly parts. Rinse well in fresh water.
  • create a base in Aluminum Foil. Place the stalk in the center fo the aluminum foil base.
  • whisk the oil and syrup together. cover the stalk with the mixture. add pepper and salt to taste.
  • cover with a lid of aluminum foil and pinch together the base and lid.
  • this method is inspired by en papillote
  • roast for 45 minutes. serve with fresh pomegranate seeds.
Winter in Stonehaven Scotland: A Gem Worth the Journey

Winter in Stonehaven Scotland: A Gem Worth the Journey

Tucked into Scotland’s rugged northeast coast, Stonehaven is a destination that captivates with its charm, history and breathtaking scenery. Whether arriving by train or taking the scenic drive from Aberdeen, visitors are greeted by a picturesque harbor, a warm sense of community, and bracing sea […]

Travelers Culinary Pilgrimage: St.Louis BBQ @ Salt + Smoke

Travelers Culinary Pilgrimage: St.Louis BBQ @ Salt + Smoke

Every culinary journey is, at its core, a search for the elusive holy grail – perfection, innovation and great service. Its about finding those places where tradition meets creativity, where local flavors are elevated with out loosing their soul. In St Louis that journey led […]

Travelers Culinary Adventure; Westward bound

Travelers Culinary Adventure; Westward bound

Our journey west begins in Kaintuk, heading toward St. Louis, where culinary exploration meets proper boondoggle. While scouting for pools in preparation for the upcoming water polo tournament, mindful eating remains a not only a priority but an ethos – though my team, ever light hearted, have their own take

Leaning into that Poseidon persona, i stopped at Grace Meat + Three, a Diners, drive-ins and dives spot known for bold southern flavors. With mindful eating in mind, i went in for crayfish and cornbread, paired with a side of gumbo. the restaurant was bustling, full of energy, yet dining a moment of introspection – thinking about the orgins of the ingredients, the craftsman ship in assembling each dish, and the balance of tradition and technique on the plate.

The Cray fish and cornbread leaned Creole in style on the menu. Rather what came out was a bechamel – based gratin. I picked my way through, appreciating the depth. The Gumbo was tight – an unmistakable sighn that the roux had been cooked through – but could have used adjustment. The real star? The three andouille sausages nested in the dark, rich flavor.

To Truly savor St. Louis means giving it another go. I’ll be back – for the catfish.

Travelers Culinary Adventure, the Coffee Shop; Stonehaven Scotland.

Travelers Culinary Adventure, the Coffee Shop; Stonehaven Scotland.

tea at Stone havens coffee shop is proper for any event.

Product

Product

For Some, tinned sardines are a humble pantry staple. For others, they are a nostalgic nod to a bygone era- one where characters like Belker from Hill Street Blues unapologetically devoured sardine and onion sandwiches. Inspired – i set to try the world of tinned […]

Garden

Garden

Recipe from Chef G

Sun Ripened Tomatoes with shallot and basil Vinaigrette

Sun Ripened Tomatoes with Shallot and Basil Vinaigrette

Chef G
Recipe from the garden
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 147 kcal

Equipment

  • mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 8 6×6 Tomatoes
  • 1/2 Cup Soya Oil
  • 1/3 Cup White Whine Vinegar
  • 1/4 Cup Chopped Celery
  • 1/4 Cup Slice Green Onion
  • 1 Tablespoon Finely Chopped Pimento
  • 1/4 Cup Chopped Shallot
  • 1/4 Cup Chive
  • 1 Teaspoon Fresh Cut Sweet Basil
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Fresh Chopped Rosemary
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Dry Mustard
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Honey

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Skin and core the tomatoes. Cut into 1/4 inch thick slices and place in a shallow dish.
  • In a mixing bowl, mix dry mustard, honey, garlic salt and all herbs. Add onion, Oil and vinegar. Mix Well. Pour over the tomoatoes and chill for 2 hours prior to serving.
  • remove tomatoes out of the marinade, arrange 5 slices on a salad plate. decorate with red leaf lettuce, basil, celery leaves and a scallion.
    Serve the dressing in a small soufflé cup separately.
Keyword pantry setup
Travelers Culinary Adventure: Johnshaven Scotland

Travelers Culinary Adventure: Johnshaven Scotland

The Anchor hotel is one of the many must stops in Johnshaven when in Scotland.