Varasano's Pizzeria -- Brunch

The Half Moon Dolce
(Fontina, Capicola, Dates, Walnuts, Honey & Minced Rosemary)

This pie was practically begging for a glass (or bottle) of wine.  Sadly, we were too early.

Note to self:  Delay all future brunch meals til noon or later.

It felt a bit lonely.  But, [...]

Guava Soda @ World Market

Bundaberg Guava Sparkling Soda

We’re fans of just about all things guava.  And, we were drawn to the gorgeous pinky peach color of this soda.  We weren’t disappointed.  This is guava in a bottle with a nice bit of fizz.  The one downside?  It is super sweet.  That’s ok.  We’ll [...]

H&F Bottle Shop

Barolo Chinato
(Antica Ricetta di Giulio Cocchi)

This Barolo Chinato was an instant grab.  Instant Win.  Cocchi Barolo Chinato makes a lovely after-dinner digestif to sip… as well as a delicious addition to many cocktails.  The sharp (yet well-rounded) bite it adds can make a great cocktail even better.  Or, it [...]

Bitters & Mixers -- Toco Giant

Amargo Chuncho

One of the mandatory ingredients in a Pisco Sour.

Pisco Sour
serves 2

4 ounces Peruvian Pisco
1-2 ounces simple syrup
2 ounce lemon or lime juice
1 egg white
dash of chuncho bitters

Combine all in a bar shaker with ice and shake vigourously.  Strain and pour into two [...]

Hobnob

Shortrib & Lamb Pizza

This pizza is full of flavor.  Tender, braised shortrib is one of my all-time favorite things.  It has a luxurious buttery quality that underlines all the positive attributes of beef.  The tender shreds on this pizza illustrate that point beautifully.  Coupled with red pepper, crumbled goat cheese and [...]

Feast

Fried Chicken with bacon bleu risotto

Wow, this is the sort of meal that should require a disclaimer:  Don’t make plans for today… you’ll need a nap… soon.  The bacon bleu risotto was incredibly rich, buttery, creamy, and smooth.  A generous dotting of bacon added smoke appeal and depth of flavor.   [...]

Twisted Taco

Chips & Salsa

Tacos filled with crab balls and blackened fish

I’m not a huge fan of tacos.  And, the tacos here aren’t Tex-Mex or even Tex-Tex, for that matter.  They’re just stuff stuffed inside flour tortillas.  But, it is tasty stuff in generous quantities.  The blackened fish was [...]

Ri Ra’s Irish Breakfast… great day-after food

Single French Press Pot

This might not be the best cup of coffee in town.  But, it’s strong & better than diner coffee.

Potato Cake Benedict with a side of more potatoes

Some might find this to be excessive potato usage.  But, I enjoy simple food for breakfast (especially after [...]

Absinthe Tasting… next up

St George

St George — Absinthe Verte

We first conducted a limited tasting of absinthe in June of 2008 with the candidates at our local wine shop.  We tasted Lucid and Kubler.  Now, every time we step into the shop, we see a new offering.  St George will be [...]

Creme De Violette

Creme de Violette

As a fan of old movies, the first scent out of the bottle brought back memories of my introduction and appreciation of classic cinema.  In my teens, I had zero appreciation.  The lack of color, hokey accents and magnified personalities were laughable to me.  But, over the years, I’ve [...]