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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

Recent Posts

Travel Eats – City Park Tavern

Travel Eats – City Park Tavern

Favorite Breakfast place with a view. Currently a favorite breakfast eatery is the City Park Tavern and we ventured to the lunch menu. During the week of travel – the quest is for a really good Rueben sandwich. It is an adventure worth undertaking. Thick […]

Travel Eats – Jack Quinn

Travel Eats – Jack Quinn

Jack Quinn’s snug Irish pub in Colorado Springs evokes a sense of warmth and familiarity at the first visit. It is a haven inside a busy room away from a busy city. Warm lighting, good service, and a feeling of contentment. The decor echoes the […]

in search of

in search of

Searching for the “holy grail” in food items involves seeking the perfect combination of flavors, textures in experiencing a product. While it is ideal chocolate with chili, perfect cuppa’ coffee the quest for gastronomic satisfaction is driven by desire to find that elusive delight. Today my subjective preference in the ideal tamale is the quest.

A flawless tamale boast a masa well prepared and a delicate balance between moistness and firmness. The filling contributes to the balance of texture and flavor. the filling ratio from masa to filling is crucial ensuring neither overshadows the other. The Corn Husk wrap serves as an integral part of the adding subtle aroma to the tamale’s appeal.

Achieving the perfect tamale is a craft beyond technique. Each bite should transport to the place where tradition of the tamale converge in harmonious flavor.

The search for the “holy grail” of tamales lead to trader joes. In a recent article in Bon Appetit it stated what foods at trader joes one should try. I would definitely add the Beef tamales to the try list. But that being said i will continue my holy grail tamale journey.

Travel Eats – Old Chicago Pizza on Friday

Travel Eats – Old Chicago Pizza on Friday

Exploring different cuisines during travel is a adventure. This Friday I am on the search for comfort and consistency. Having a familiar flavor and reliable dish when on the road. Savoring a well -done pizza brings satisfaction. Old Chicago’s Chicago 7 single serving adds consistent […]

Travel eats – Omaha Prime

Travel eats – Omaha Prime

Traveling in Omaha, one can find a variety of delights. I still look for the 3 main criteria: what’s on the plate, atmosphere in the restaurant and service. We tried the classic Steakhouse in Old Market arts district. Omaha Prime is an upscale dining experience […]

Notes from the Garden – Lists

Notes from the Garden – Lists

lists are invaluable tools for for efficient preparation. Starting out with Key items and breaking them down for clarity. This list is ingredients of productivity and preparation for service

  • Fish
  • Baked Bass with Cucumber and Cashew Sauce
  • Baked Fish garden Style
  • Orange Butter Sauce
  • Asparagus Mousse
  • Remoulade Sauce

Baked Bass

notes from the garden list
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • Bake the bass with Chervil over the fish
  • add fish stock and butter
  • sauté garlic, shallots and cucumber
  • add cashews and cook for 2 minutes more.
  • add veloute and adjust accordingly
Keyword List

Baked Fish Garden Style

Notes from the garden list
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Notes

in a greased casserole dish sprinkle with shallots and place seasoned fish surrounded by julienne vegetables. sprinkle with white wine and bake. Brown under the salamander
Keyword List

Orange Sauce

Notes from the garden list
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • concentrated orange juice
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 tea dry mustard
  • fresh basil
  • dash f bitters
  • finish with butter
Keyword List

Asparagus Mousse

Notes from the garden list
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pound fresh asparagus
  • 1 1/2 T butter
  • 2 T flour
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 egg yolk slightly beaten
  • 2 tea lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup drained tofu

Instructions
 

  • blanch the asparagus
  • melt the butter, add the flour. add the sour cream and cook until the mixture thickens
  • take off the heat. add the yolk. return to heat. do no allow the mixture to come to the boil.
  • add the well drained asparagus and the tofu to the mixture and place into processor
  • add the sour cream mixture to the processor.
Keyword List

Remmy Suace

Remoulade Sauce for fish
Course Sauce
Cuisine American

Notes

in a blender add one yolk, 3 teasoons mustard, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, slowly add 1/2 cup of oil. Fold in 1/2 cup sour cream. Add parsley, capers, chives and 1/2 tea dry vermouth
Keyword List
GARDEN PAVILION NOTE BOOK – Bean Sprout Salad

GARDEN PAVILION NOTE BOOK – Bean Sprout Salad

Note from the garden -Bean Sprout Salad. Bean Sprout salad is a light and refreshing dish that brings a crunchy texture and another garden nutritional benefit to the table. Packed with vitamins and minerals, beansprouts salad offers a crisp bite.

GARDEN PAVILION NOTE BOOK – Baked Halibut with Tomato and Bay Shrimp

GARDEN PAVILION NOTE BOOK – Baked Halibut with Tomato and Bay Shrimp

Quick notes from the Garden. Baked Halibut is a delectable dish that showcases the delicate flavor and flaky texture of this white fish. Seasoned with Chili powder and lemon, the halibut is then baked to perfection, creating a moist result. Served with watercress shrimp and […]

Shells & Sauce

Shells & Sauce

Shells and Sauce is a great find. It is an Italian Bistro around the nestled the neighborhood around the corner from the Denver Botanical Garden – in the heart of Congress Park. We had stopped in after the lights at the Botanical Garden. The Neighborhood Italian Bistro exudes warmth and charm. Its is a haven where friends and families gather to share delightful meals. “Small spaces and Good People” was the saying from our waitress. We started with a Classics Caesar and finished with Classic Pepperoni Flatbread. It was done well and entices to work your way around the menu.

Corn Bread

Corn Bread

Quick Corn Bread is a side accompaniment for Hoppin John on new years day.