I was thinking about my recent Spezia post when it occurred to me that I had written this gem, a few years ago. So, yeah, I am feeling a tad smug right now.
Let's see what you can do, Riccardo!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
WTF: Can I Get Some Help Here?
As mentioned previously, one thing that really bends my tines is when people add an apostrophe s ('s) to any restaurant name, regardless of whether that's the name of it or not.
Well, I just happened to visit Spezia for the first time in quite a while for dinner and noticed this gem hanging on the front door:
Note the spelling. Granted, this particular poster is an advertisement for Angry Orchard cider and was most likely printed up by the distributor to promote the product. But, REALLY!
In related news, dinner sucked. With the exception of decently priced salads for lunch, these guys are sucking air. I made the utter mistake of ordering pasta in a place that tries to feature Italian food. The pasta was blah. The arrabiata sauce was more than vaguely reminiscent of a too-sweet jarred pasta sauce. I am not sure why I was asked how I wanted the steak on it cooked, because I got medium well and it was cold to boot. Utter fail.
Interestingly enough, it appears Riccardo Tarabelsi is back as manager. He was GM at Westward Ho Country Club. Not sure what happened there, but I am hoping he can turn the place around and up a notch or two. Rumor has it, he is revamping the wine list to feature, GASP, Italian wines. There's a thought. I hope to see some good things. This town needs some decent Italian.
Well, I just happened to visit Spezia for the first time in quite a while for dinner and noticed this gem hanging on the front door:
In related news, dinner sucked. With the exception of decently priced salads for lunch, these guys are sucking air. I made the utter mistake of ordering pasta in a place that tries to feature Italian food. The pasta was blah. The arrabiata sauce was more than vaguely reminiscent of a too-sweet jarred pasta sauce. I am not sure why I was asked how I wanted the steak on it cooked, because I got medium well and it was cold to boot. Utter fail.
Interestingly enough, it appears Riccardo Tarabelsi is back as manager. He was GM at Westward Ho Country Club. Not sure what happened there, but I am hoping he can turn the place around and up a notch or two. Rumor has it, he is revamping the wine list to feature, GASP, Italian wines. There's a thought. I hope to see some good things. This town needs some decent Italian.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
The Deadly Sin of Gluttony
I stopped in at local watering hole for a little libation. I perused the menu and noticed this:
It's a challenge item, which I presume means the softball team cannot come in and order this concoction. Instead, if one chooses to accept the mission, you order it and try to hork it down in 45 minutes. That's a lot of food, all of which will add plenty plaque to the old arteries. Eating all that, fast mind you, should also present a certain level of crisis to the old g.i. tract.
I understand there are other challenges in town. Like this. (Thanks Cory! BTW: Check out Food Falls!) Eat a bunch of stuff fast and immortalize yourself on the old Wall O Fame.
This trend, if it is one, is the natural consequence of television shows like Man v. Food with Adam Richman. Or, the Nathan's Hot Dog eating contest featuring the likes of Joey Chestnut and that guy from Japan who battle to see how many hot dogs can be downed in a certain amount of time.
Whatever this trend is, it's stupid. And, if I may say so, a little shameful. It's just gluttony. Here in the United States, we are absolutely blessed with an over abundance of food. Good, wholesome, pride of producer grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, seafood, and animals-- and not just the overly processed crap that we turn all of it into. We have it much better than the rest of the world. The fact we are too arrogant or stupid to realize and respect that is a whole different topic. I digress.
To me, gluttony implies a notion that one can obtain so much that one can be as wasteful as one wants, to the point where one really doesn't care about the fact others go without. That's a sin. It should be. Really, watching an eating contest on television where competitors see how many hot dogs they can down in 5 or 10 minutes and beaming it around the world somehow instills patriotic pride?
This kind of thing is just stupid. Sincerely. Eat three pounds of chips and waffle fries? Complete with yellow cheese goo? That's a challenge? I decline.
It's a challenge item, which I presume means the softball team cannot come in and order this concoction. Instead, if one chooses to accept the mission, you order it and try to hork it down in 45 minutes. That's a lot of food, all of which will add plenty plaque to the old arteries. Eating all that, fast mind you, should also present a certain level of crisis to the old g.i. tract.
I understand there are other challenges in town. Like this. (Thanks Cory! BTW: Check out Food Falls!) Eat a bunch of stuff fast and immortalize yourself on the old Wall O Fame.
This trend, if it is one, is the natural consequence of television shows like Man v. Food with Adam Richman. Or, the Nathan's Hot Dog eating contest featuring the likes of Joey Chestnut and that guy from Japan who battle to see how many hot dogs can be downed in a certain amount of time.
Whatever this trend is, it's stupid. And, if I may say so, a little shameful. It's just gluttony. Here in the United States, we are absolutely blessed with an over abundance of food. Good, wholesome, pride of producer grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, seafood, and animals-- and not just the overly processed crap that we turn all of it into. We have it much better than the rest of the world. The fact we are too arrogant or stupid to realize and respect that is a whole different topic. I digress.
To me, gluttony implies a notion that one can obtain so much that one can be as wasteful as one wants, to the point where one really doesn't care about the fact others go without. That's a sin. It should be. Really, watching an eating contest on television where competitors see how many hot dogs they can down in 5 or 10 minutes and beaming it around the world somehow instills patriotic pride?
This kind of thing is just stupid. Sincerely. Eat three pounds of chips and waffle fries? Complete with yellow cheese goo? That's a challenge? I decline.
Monday, August 6, 2012
WTF: Sushi Gone Wild
In case you haven't noticed, Sioux Falls has apparently gone absolutely ape over raw fish. There was a time when you could only get it at Sushi Masa. Now you can get it at the Empire Mall. A breakfast/lunch joint (Whisk & Chop) closes and a sushi joint opens in its place. I was driving down a stretch of W. 41st Street yesterday and noticed yet another sushi and hibachi joint opening in a strip mall. Seriously, what the hell is going on and how much of this can this town support?
I was wondering exactly that when I went to lunch today. Yes, a Monday. As much as I don't believe in ever eating sushi on a Monday, the Secret Soup Spoon had a real sushi jones going. So, we hit the 57th and Louise branch of Tokyo right at noon. Normally there is a sign on one of the two doors at most Tokyo restaurants advising diners to "Use Another Door." No sign today and you couldn't use any door. Hmmmmm.
Like I said the SSS was craving sushi, so off to Fuji at 41st and Kiwanis. Noon. Hardly anyone in the place. Either the SSS and I are among the half dozen idiots, or so, who eat sushi on a Monday or this town has hit the saturation point.
Any info?
I was wondering exactly that when I went to lunch today. Yes, a Monday. As much as I don't believe in ever eating sushi on a Monday, the Secret Soup Spoon had a real sushi jones going. So, we hit the 57th and Louise branch of Tokyo right at noon. Normally there is a sign on one of the two doors at most Tokyo restaurants advising diners to "Use Another Door." No sign today and you couldn't use any door. Hmmmmm.
Like I said the SSS was craving sushi, so off to Fuji at 41st and Kiwanis. Noon. Hardly anyone in the place. Either the SSS and I are among the half dozen idiots, or so, who eat sushi on a Monday or this town has hit the saturation point.
Any info?
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Dog Days of Summer at the Farmer's Market
Summer. Among other things that means Farmer's Market here in River City. The Farmer's Market has really caught on here. Which is good. Really. Supporting local producers of great product is critical to the viability of the local agricultural community. Take care of these people and you will always have a good source of good potatoes, beets, flowers, etc. And the community has done a great job of making sure there is a great location for the producers to come sell the bounty of their harvests. The facility is beautiful and fairly functional. Mostly.
Unfortunately, getting decent produce is now somewhat of a competitive sport. Here are a few tips and bitches about the whole situation. Okay. One tip. Three bitches.
First. Timing. If you want the good stuff, you better get yourself down there early. Now that the whole world knows what heirloom tomatoes are, if you want some, you better have a few in your bag before 8 AM or you are gonna be looking at some slim pickings.
Second. Bikes. Yes, it is a good idea to ride one's bike with a basket full of re-usable grocery sacks down to the Market to purchase organic, locally-grown produce. Here's a tip, though, lock your damned bike up somewhere. Is it really necessary to push your bike through the Market, which is notoriously packed with lookie-loos and the chronically indecisive? You are blocking traffic and really bending my tines.
Third. People with dogs. Look, I love dogs. I own a dog. I do NOT bring my lovable, friendly, well-behaved dog to the Farmer's Market. Is it really necessary that you bring yours? I really don't want the guilt of stepping on your tea cup Yorkie while trying to get to the decent cucumbers. Leave the damned dog at home.
Fourth. Non-food items. Look, I want some decent golden beets and maybe a loaf of something from the German guy. If I wanted a hand-made bracelet, I'd probably think Sidewalk Arts or swap meet. Get to gardening or go home.
Unfortunately, getting decent produce is now somewhat of a competitive sport. Here are a few tips and bitches about the whole situation. Okay. One tip. Three bitches.
First. Timing. If you want the good stuff, you better get yourself down there early. Now that the whole world knows what heirloom tomatoes are, if you want some, you better have a few in your bag before 8 AM or you are gonna be looking at some slim pickings.
Second. Bikes. Yes, it is a good idea to ride one's bike with a basket full of re-usable grocery sacks down to the Market to purchase organic, locally-grown produce. Here's a tip, though, lock your damned bike up somewhere. Is it really necessary to push your bike through the Market, which is notoriously packed with lookie-loos and the chronically indecisive? You are blocking traffic and really bending my tines.
Third. People with dogs. Look, I love dogs. I own a dog. I do NOT bring my lovable, friendly, well-behaved dog to the Farmer's Market. Is it really necessary that you bring yours? I really don't want the guilt of stepping on your tea cup Yorkie while trying to get to the decent cucumbers. Leave the damned dog at home.
Fourth. Non-food items. Look, I want some decent golden beets and maybe a loaf of something from the German guy. If I wanted a hand-made bracelet, I'd probably think Sidewalk Arts or swap meet. Get to gardening or go home.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Bahn Mi Me, Please
I owe my recent infatuation with Vietnamese food to my good friend, the Secret Soup Spoon. The SSS introduced me to Saigon Panda years ago for noodles. I love a good bowl of pho or noodles or fresh spring rolls. And, we are fortunate to have a pretty decent selection of Vietnamese eateries here in Sioux Falls. (Although, I must tell you, if you want the really good stuff, you need to wrangle an invitation to an Asian friend's house for dinner when the friend's mother is willing to whip up a batch of the Real McCoy.)
What we do not seem to have, however, is a place that will crank out a Bahn Mi sandwich. I have seen recipes for these things over the years, but never tried one from a bona fide Vietnamese place.
So, what is this sandwich? From what my research reveals, it starts with a crusty French roll onto which sliced pork or maybe grilled chicken is piled. I've seen recipes that also call for some liver pate. It is garnished with pickled vegetables- onions, carrots- and also maybe some cucumbers and cilantro for sure. It is also going to need some of that good sweet-sour-salty-spicy sauce concocted with fish sauce, and other such ingredients. This whole thing sounds tasty beyond belief.
I found a close approximation the other day on the seasonal menu at Grille 26. There is is called a Thai pork sandwich with slaw. It's on ciabbata bread, no pate, no cilantro, but damn, that is one tasty sandwich, Vincent! In fact, this is how good it was . . . Even the SSS, who is ordinarily not really excited about Grille 26, ordered the sandwich and RAVED about it. High praise indeed.
So, get to Grille 26 and get that sandwich. And, if anyone knows where to find a more authentic Bahn Mi here in Sioux Falls, speak up.
What we do not seem to have, however, is a place that will crank out a Bahn Mi sandwich. I have seen recipes for these things over the years, but never tried one from a bona fide Vietnamese place.
So, what is this sandwich? From what my research reveals, it starts with a crusty French roll onto which sliced pork or maybe grilled chicken is piled. I've seen recipes that also call for some liver pate. It is garnished with pickled vegetables- onions, carrots- and also maybe some cucumbers and cilantro for sure. It is also going to need some of that good sweet-sour-salty-spicy sauce concocted with fish sauce, and other such ingredients. This whole thing sounds tasty beyond belief.
I found a close approximation the other day on the seasonal menu at Grille 26. There is is called a Thai pork sandwich with slaw. It's on ciabbata bread, no pate, no cilantro, but damn, that is one tasty sandwich, Vincent! In fact, this is how good it was . . . Even the SSS, who is ordinarily not really excited about Grille 26, ordered the sandwich and RAVED about it. High praise indeed.
So, get to Grille 26 and get that sandwich. And, if anyone knows where to find a more authentic Bahn Mi here in Sioux Falls, speak up.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
The Egg (Burger) and I
I recall an episode of one of Tony Bourdain's television shows where he was eating some sort of sandwich and commented to his companion that there is probably no food item that cannot be improved by the addition of a runny egg. So true.
Case in point: The Croque Madame. What is it? A ham and cheese sandwich, of course. Well, actually, the Croque Monsieur is the ham and cheese sandwich. Good bread, (brioche, if possible) good swiss cheese, good ham, and mornay sauce toasted in clarified butter. But if that doesn't tighten up your chest, serve it open faced and add a couple of eggs over the top. Voila! Croque Madame. I am telling you, there is just something about letting that golden yellow egg yolk ooze all over the cheese and ham and soak into the bread. Phenomenal.
As it turns out, that oozy, gooey yolk can also work wonders on the most American of sandwiches, the burger.
I recall way back when the Hamburger Inn was a little joint that served small burgers or dogs at the counter on waxed paper. There were several Fenn's ice cream signs on the wall. That place was the best. It was one of those places you were kind of scared to eat at until you tried it. I miss that place so much. I vaguely recall the option to have a fried egg on a burger and I recall thinking, "who the hell would do something like that? Yuck!" Oh, how foolish.
In more recent history, the definitive place to get an egg burger has been the Little Coalinga on 8th and Indiana. If you haven't been there, drop everything and go. Now. The Colinga is THE definitive dive bar in Sioux Falls. (Sorry, Crow Bar. If you were still at 22nd or Minnesota, you'd have a shot.) The Coalinga is divine. Cold beer. Strong drinks. Great food- especially burgers, a great juke box, and great people hanging around. The owner, Jane, is the best. Get to know her. But anyway, yes, egg burger.
The most recent egg burger addition to Sioux Falls? JL Beers on Phillips Avenue. JL Beers is tiny- 47 seats. Many beers on tap and more in bottles. Great burger. These aren't whopping half pounders, but smallish all beef patties cooked on a flat top grill. And they are cooked lightening fast. You probably can't finish a pint of beer before your burger is delivered. Hot, juicy beef on a bun that feels like a feather pillow. And, yes, the option to get a Humpty Dumpty- a cheese burger with egg. I added grilled onions to mine for like another 75 cents. One interesting commentary on the JL menu. Burgers are cheap- about four bucks. But there's a catch. If you want some fries, they are separately ordered. Actually, the friendly server will probably recommend you try the chips- a potato that has been spiral cut and fried up. They are seasoned with jalapeno cheese seasoning or seal salt. Those are $2.39. And you ain't done yet- one more potential up charge coming- dip. For another buck sixty nine you can get ranch, cajun, etc and for a buck ninety nine you can get cheese sauce. So, that cheap burger just rang up to over seven dollars with the fries. Anyway, it's good. Try one. Get there early and sit at the bar. Oh, and drink beer, because you are going to pay $1.50 for a bottle of water. Damned good burger.
The Attic has a couple of eggy additions to their menu. There is a burger known as the Artery Clogger that features an egg and peanut butter. Not bad, but the peanut butter is an odd contrast to the egg. Attic has great burgers- nice and thick and lots of fresh toppings. I think there is also an egg on the Triple Bypass- a burger sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches. That's just stupid.
But, although the egg burger is great, I must confess I generally have one problem with the way they are prepared around these parts. They are cooked hard. Basic fried egg. Yolk set and hard. Delicious and packed with protein, but man, oh, man, how much better it would be if that yolk would only ooze all over a juicy pink in the middle hot burger.
Case in point: The Croque Madame. What is it? A ham and cheese sandwich, of course. Well, actually, the Croque Monsieur is the ham and cheese sandwich. Good bread, (brioche, if possible) good swiss cheese, good ham, and mornay sauce toasted in clarified butter. But if that doesn't tighten up your chest, serve it open faced and add a couple of eggs over the top. Voila! Croque Madame. I am telling you, there is just something about letting that golden yellow egg yolk ooze all over the cheese and ham and soak into the bread. Phenomenal.
As it turns out, that oozy, gooey yolk can also work wonders on the most American of sandwiches, the burger.
I recall way back when the Hamburger Inn was a little joint that served small burgers or dogs at the counter on waxed paper. There were several Fenn's ice cream signs on the wall. That place was the best. It was one of those places you were kind of scared to eat at until you tried it. I miss that place so much. I vaguely recall the option to have a fried egg on a burger and I recall thinking, "who the hell would do something like that? Yuck!" Oh, how foolish.
In more recent history, the definitive place to get an egg burger has been the Little Coalinga on 8th and Indiana. If you haven't been there, drop everything and go. Now. The Colinga is THE definitive dive bar in Sioux Falls. (Sorry, Crow Bar. If you were still at 22nd or Minnesota, you'd have a shot.) The Coalinga is divine. Cold beer. Strong drinks. Great food- especially burgers, a great juke box, and great people hanging around. The owner, Jane, is the best. Get to know her. But anyway, yes, egg burger.
The most recent egg burger addition to Sioux Falls? JL Beers on Phillips Avenue. JL Beers is tiny- 47 seats. Many beers on tap and more in bottles. Great burger. These aren't whopping half pounders, but smallish all beef patties cooked on a flat top grill. And they are cooked lightening fast. You probably can't finish a pint of beer before your burger is delivered. Hot, juicy beef on a bun that feels like a feather pillow. And, yes, the option to get a Humpty Dumpty- a cheese burger with egg. I added grilled onions to mine for like another 75 cents. One interesting commentary on the JL menu. Burgers are cheap- about four bucks. But there's a catch. If you want some fries, they are separately ordered. Actually, the friendly server will probably recommend you try the chips- a potato that has been spiral cut and fried up. They are seasoned with jalapeno cheese seasoning or seal salt. Those are $2.39. And you ain't done yet- one more potential up charge coming- dip. For another buck sixty nine you can get ranch, cajun, etc and for a buck ninety nine you can get cheese sauce. So, that cheap burger just rang up to over seven dollars with the fries. Anyway, it's good. Try one. Get there early and sit at the bar. Oh, and drink beer, because you are going to pay $1.50 for a bottle of water. Damned good burger.
The Attic has a couple of eggy additions to their menu. There is a burger known as the Artery Clogger that features an egg and peanut butter. Not bad, but the peanut butter is an odd contrast to the egg. Attic has great burgers- nice and thick and lots of fresh toppings. I think there is also an egg on the Triple Bypass- a burger sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches. That's just stupid.
But, although the egg burger is great, I must confess I generally have one problem with the way they are prepared around these parts. They are cooked hard. Basic fried egg. Yolk set and hard. Delicious and packed with protein, but man, oh, man, how much better it would be if that yolk would only ooze all over a juicy pink in the middle hot burger.
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