copywrite 2017 by me

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

Recent Posts

Back to the view: Breakfast at City Park Tavern

Back to the view: Breakfast at City Park Tavern

Some places just settle into rhythm with out asking. City park tavern is on of those for me. I’ve been before, and i’ll go again – because every time, it delivers what i expect: Good breakfast, great views, and kind service that make you feel […]

Travelers Culinary Adventure: Louisville, Nebraska; Casa del Sol Azteca

Travelers Culinary Adventure: Louisville, Nebraska; Casa del Sol Azteca

A thoughtful nod to tradition. Tucked in the heart of Louisville, casa Del Sol offers warm welcome and colorful plate. I stopped in and ordered the enchiladas – i dish i have come to judge with a cautious eye and hopeful palate. Flavor wise, they […]

Notes from the Garden: Lebanese Cucumber Salad

Notes from the Garden: Lebanese Cucumber Salad

Notes from Chef G

The name of Lebanese style cucumber salad – comes from thin skinned, crisp and sweet cucumbers. Profiles like lemon, garlic mint are across the cuisine.

Some recipes come with history. Others come with a name – and let you wonder. This one, no foot notes, No story. Just a title and a taste.

Lebaneses Cucumber Salad

No story, no foot notes. the kind of salad that
Travelers Adventure: Swim Across Distance and Time

Travelers Adventure: Swim Across Distance and Time

From Louisville to the Midwest, One Lap at a Time Leaving Louisville, Kentucky, and driving west, I carry more than just road miles—I carry the rhythm of the water. Each pool I’ve swum in has left its mark, each stroke part of a larger journey. […]

Travelers Culinary adventure : a Scotland Story

Travelers Culinary adventure : a Scotland Story

Scotland PreludeIt is a rainy day in Sioux City—a good day for reflection, with field coffee in hand. I stay somewhat dry as I stand in the rain, reminded that Scotland’s latitude is above Alaska’s. Long summer days, short winter nights. One does not go […]

Travel Culinary Adventure: Sioux City @ Rebos Grill

Travel Culinary Adventure: Sioux City @ Rebos Grill

Walking through the historic district of Sioux City expecting a quiet stroll to take in the architecture- I was surprised and delighted at the discovery of Rebo Grill off 4th Street. What followed left a big impression. I found tacos, really good tacos. The mid west hospitality is the start, however the Caribbean inspired carintas tacos were the star – and then the rhythm of conversation and music .

The carnitas? Absolutely perfect. Slow roasted until impossibly tender, then finished with bold Caribbean flavors, just the right amount of sweetness and a bit of char. No frills needed.

This is one spot that belongs on your list.

Notes from the Garden. Dressing, Sweet-Sour Curry

Notes from the Garden. Dressing, Sweet-Sour Curry

Notes from Chef G The accompany that pulls together – what makes the Tropical Fruit Salad more than a fruit bowl – is the sweet-sour curry dressing. Turmeric and just the right amount of warmth. A tang of lemon juice, a hint of sweet and […]

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 palate reset. The ripest fruits that can be found gets the spotlight.

This salad does not require much, just attention, sharp knife and willingness to eat with your hands. Best served cold.

a thought pulling it all together – what makes it more that a fruit bowl- is sweet -sour curry dressing. Golden tumeric and just the right amount of warmth draped over the fruit like sunshine.

Tropical Fruit Salad

Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Pineapple
  • 1 Apple Medium, Thinly Sliced
  • 1 Orange Medium, Sectioned
  • 1 Banana Medium, Sliced
  • 1 cup Grapes Seedless
  • Lettuce Leaf

Instructions
 

  • With a sharp knife, Cut vertical slice from side of the pineapple.
    If necessary, cut a slice from the opposite side so the pineapple sits flat.
  • Hollow out the pineapple, leaving 1/2 inch walls. Cube pineapple and reserve 1 cup. Combine reserve pineapple, apple slices, orange sections, banana slices and grapes. Line the pineapple shell with lettuce leaves and arrange the the fruit. Serve with sweet-sour curry dressing
Keyword tropical
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 […]