Passport Foodie - Knife, Fork and Nikon!

Mamounia Lounge, Knightsbridge: Groupon is Actually Useful

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:15:00 +0000

For about two years now I have been subscribed to Groupon, the hugely popular service that in essence spams you 90 times a day with so called "deals". Until now I have never actually bought any of the deals. Call me crazy but I haven't really needed pedicures from fish, or all-inclusive holidays that seem to cost more than if I were to purchase them on my own with some good research. However, just as I was about to cancel the "service" I got a gem of a deal from them; a meal for two at one of the best restaurants, apparently, in London, Mamounia Lounge in Knightsbridge. RIGHT in Knightsbridge. This beautiful restaurant is directly across the street from Harrods. Well, not directly across the street, take it easy Google Map junkies, it's about 200 yards past it. But you can see it from the restaurant.

The restaurant itself is magical inside. It really looks the part. There are gold decorations adorning every wall and everything has the Mamounia logo embroidered, or carved into all the surfaces. It must of cost a fortune to decorate it. But it's well worth it. It was a bitterly cold day in London and even though we were sitting at the furthest table from the window, except for the upstairs tables which were closed until dinner, we nearly lost our lives due to frost bite. However, we were saved less than an hour later when our scrumptious Tagines arrived and warmed our bellies. But I'm jumping the gun.

The menu at Mamounia is a vast, complex beast with many items on it that none of us had ever heard of. I loved it. Far too often I'm staring at a menu with all the usual suspects: Pork Belly, Filet of Steak and the not very sexy, Roast Chicken. After fumbling around like amateurs for what seemed like an hour we finally ordered. My Kibbeh, which is Deep Fried Wheat, Stuffed with Lamb, Onion and Pine Nuts was sensational. Simple, clean and very flavorful. The great part about these types of foods is that they're great for sharing. We had several starters on the table including: Fattouch, which is Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumber, Red and Green Peppers, Sliced Radish, Mint Leaves, Mixed with Toasted Lebanese Bread with Lemon and Olive Oil Dressing. We also had Bourek, a very delicate Filo Pastry Casing Stuffed with Vegetables and a Mango Salad, with Pomegranate Seeds, Red Onion, Coriander, Lemon and Olive Oil Dressing. All were incredibly fresh, vibrant and bursting with flavor.

But it was the main courses that really got me excited. Just thinking about them makes me want to hop on the Southern Railway service to Victoria Station and endure that long walk through Sloan Square, Sloan Street and onto Brompton Road. We had: Chicken Tagine with Chicken Leg and Breast with Potatoes, Preserved Lemon and Olives... OMG! A Lamb Tagine with Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder, Served with Prunes, Apricots and Almonds... Drool, Drool, Groan, Groan. And a Lamb Meshwegeh, which is Skewered Medallions of Lamb, Grilled with Baby Onions Marinated with Olive Oil and Lightly Seasoned.

I'm sad to say that this was the first time I'd had that many dishes from those regions. That is, Lebanon and Morocco. I have made numerous Tagines and various other Moroccan dishes, but never had I had the pleasure of trying that many all in one place.

Needless to say, I loved every dish we had at Mamounia. However, without the Groupon discount I'm not sure how many times I'll return. Mains were £19.50 and starters were between £6.50 and £7. It's certainly not the most expensive restaurant in the world but expect to pay at least £30 per person when all is said and done. With the Groupon discount we ended up spending less than £15 a head. Add on some drinks, couscous and rice and it was a bit more. Well worth what we paid, but I'd have to really think about it again to spend £19.50 on something I can very easily make at home.

Please visit my professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

Best Pizza in Venice: Pizza Ae Oche, Santa Croce

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:20:00 +0000

I'm a foodie. I love all kinds of foods. But I take a lot of heat for showing so much favor to pizza and burgers. Guess the kid in me still exists. I think many lambaste me because they simply haven't searched out and enjoyed the same types of pizza and burgers I have. This is certainly true in England, where most foodies agree finding a great burger is like trying to find the golden ticket in a bar of chocolate. It simply doesn't happen very often. But I'm not English, I'm American. I was born in a country that worships and idolizes the burger. We've perfected it to an art that has now become a science. But this isn't a blog about burgers. So pray, let us move on.

If you've been to Pizzeria Trianon in Naples, as I have, you know what ultra-stupidly-brilliant pizza tastes like. And now you have another pizza joint to search out and find; Pizza Ae Oche in Santa Croce, Venice.

After four days of searching far and wide for Ae Oche we finally found it on our last day. With several hours to kill until our flight was leaving and an hour before our water bus (Alilaguna Blue Line) was set to depart we decided to give Ae Oche a try. This turned out not to be the best idea as lunch took quite a long time, apparently this is where all the local builders eat, and we had to literally run from Santa Croce to San Marco to catch the water bus.

Although my ribs ached with cramps and my wife nearly fell over from a combination of fullness and a stitch in her side, we do not regret eating at Ae Oche. It's a restaurant that normally would of been completely off my radar and had I seen it without knowing how special it was, thank you New York Times Travel Section, I would of just walked right past it. It screams chain-restaurant! And, as anyone who knows me can attest, I despise chain-restaurants. With the exception of Thomas Keller's growing Bouchon chain and Sullivan's Steakhouse, of course! My Mangiafuoco Pizza with Spicy Salami, Chili Peppers, Paprika, Tabasco Sauce and Rocket, which I added for an additional €1 was painfully delicious. As was my wife's Estiva Pizza with Rocket, Parmesan Cheese, Cherry-Tomatoes and her €1 addition of Onions.

Both pizzas were as good as anything we've ever eaten in a restaurant before. I still prefer our homemade pizza though. Which is basically just variations of this River Cottage recipe. Pizza Ae Oche is certainly worth risking getting lost for a few hours while you try to navigate the 117 islands and about 400 bridges that make up Venice. And it's relatively inexpensive, except for the bloody coperto that awaits you at every table in Italy... Grrrrrr!

Please visit my professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

Hugh's Fish Fight: The Ethical, Responsible, Healthy Alternative to the Chippy

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:48:00 +0000

Many of you have probably watched, or heard about Hugh's Fish Fight, the recent Channel 4 documentary in which food activist and wholesome, country-chef, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall shows us the devastation that our insatiable, unstoppable appetite for fish is taking on the world's oceans. I was stunned by the information Hugh discovered on his journey. For instance, half of all fish caught in the North Sea are discarded because of silly European laws, apparently trying to curb over-fishing by creating insane limits on certain fish. When a fishing boat reaches its limit for that species, they must discard them... DEAD!If they don't, they will be fined for going over their limit.

Hugh has made it easy for us foodies to find fish that is truly being sourced ethically and sustainably. With videos and apps it is now easier than ever to eat only those species which are not over-fished, or tossed overboard because of legal limits.

Like most people living in Britain, I love fish and chips. Perhaps no other dish defines the UK more than fish and chips. Yet our love of this quintessentially English dish is causing havoc in the seas. Unfortunately, we eat mostly only three species of fish and two of those are a constant offer at the chippies, Cod and Haddock. As a result, stocks are low, or at least they appear to be, leading to EU laws and regulations on haulage limits.

Rather than giving up on one of my most favorite dishes I have begun to research alternatives. And I've found one that is not only more ethically responsible, but healthier and cheaper as well. That is; Line Caught, Icelandic Breaded Cod Fillets, with Organic Oven Chips from Waitrose. Throw in a good handful of Organic Garden Peas and you have yourself a meal that according to Hugh's iPhone app is completely fine to eat, with less calories than a normal take-away and it's nearly all organic. As well as being delicious.

There are of course more choices available. Marks and Spencer has a sustainable Breaded Cod and Haddock, but it doesn't state on the box whether it's line caught, or not and they don't have organic chips. I have yet to try the other UK supermarkets, but will in due course.

Alternatively, you can go to your local fishmonger and get the fish from him, batter and fry it as well as cut and fry the potatoes yourself to make the chips. This is without question the better method, but this entry makes it easy for anyone to eat fish and chips ethically, regardless of cooking skills.

Unfortunately, this entry is only targeting those in the UK, but I'm sure with a little research you can find ethical, sustainably sourced fish and chips in your local area.

Let's all please get behind this. We only have ONE ocean. Let's protect it!

Please visit my professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

Osteria Enoteca San Marco, Venice: One to Search Out and Find

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:26:00 +0000

It's been almost 10 years since I was last in Venice. My idea of good food has changed markedly since then. So when I heard that Venice had crap food I was more than just a tad scared. This trip was to be a belated anniversary present to my wife and she, even more then me, thrives on fabulous food. The guidebooks didn't help either. There is very little information on which restaurants in Venice are great and normally the descriptions are jam packed with expletives such as, "expensive, tourist trap, not worth it, extortionate." However, in the four days my wife and I spent in Venice we did manage to find one or two little gems that are simply not mentioned enough when looking online, or in the guidebooks for fantastic Venice gastro-fare. One such restaurant is Osteria Enoteca San Marco near, you guessed it, Piazza San Marco.

We were warned numerous times to stay away from any restaurant near the Piazza, but I'm glad we didn't heed that rubbish advice. Osteria San Marco looks and indeed is, quite expensive. So if you're going to Venice on a budget and want to eat on a shoestring, skip this review. If however, you want to try one of the best restaurants in Venice, pray continue.

Mixed amongst the high-roller stores such as Prada, Gucci, Burberry and Versace rests a little, seemingly unassuming wine bar. There are hundreds of them in Venice, but Osteria San Marco is a very special place. We arrived there quite early for Italian standards, 6pm sharp. And except for the two Japanese tourists toting Louis Vuitton and Gucci bags, we were the only ones in the restaurant. We sat at a quaint little table by the window and watched everyone as they walked from Piazza San Marco towards even more high-end shops and ultimately, the Rialto Bridge.

Several glasses of superb local Cabernet and Prosecco later and we were ready to order. And this is where the fun really began. Minutes after ordering, my Aubergine Pudding with Anchovies and Blue Cheese arrived and I dove in head first. The Aubergines were tender and tasted of buttery Filet Steak. The Blue Cheese and Anchovies added a multi-dimentional flavor to the dish that I really appreciated. My wife's Scallops with Creamed Spinach and White Truffles could of been slightly more intense, but she and I usually say that about any dish. It understandably wasn't, due to the delicate flavor of the White Truffles. Still, a gorgeous dish.

We asked to take a momentary break, grabbed our wine and stood outside watching all the tourists look at the menu, glance at each other, shake their heads and then walk away. We suspect it was because they figured they'd find something better. Well, they're wrong, as we were when we did the same thing and wound up in a small, family run restaurant near Piazzale Roma. We have regretted it ever since.

Our mains arrived shortly after we ordered them upon coming back inside and it was more of the same. My Mixed Fried Seafood with Vegetables was exactly what I came to Italy for. Loads of fresh, incredibly tasty seafood. My wife's Sesame Seed Baked Plaice was another story. She was envisioning a delicate piece of fish with only a sprinkling of Sesame Seeds and what she got was a piece of fish drowning in Sesame Seeds that completely overpowered this, one of the most delicate fish of all. So, I got to eat most of it and my belly was happy. However, I agree with my wife, it didn't need to be beat up with Sesame Seeds, it just needed a pinch. They need to learn what I've learned from my wife after many accidents in the kitchen, sometimes... less really is more.

Osteria Enoteca San Marco is a jewel of a restaurant, located in one of the most lovely areas in Venice. I highly recommend it. This is what I think about when I think about brilliant Italian food.

If I have one piece of advice to offer when looking for a really good restaurant in Venice, it's this; be prepared to spend a lot of money on your meals. If you're not, you will go home feeling cheated by all of the sub-par, and downright shitty restaurants on the island. After all, it's Venice, people aren't going to stop coming here because the food sucks. So be careful, do your research and you'll eat some of the finest food available. Start with Osteria San Marco and go from there.

Please visit my professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

Marco Pierre White: Wheeler's at the Chequers Inn

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:40:00 +0000

I have said it before and I'll say it again, I am seriously impressed with restaurants and pubs in the South East of England. They continually satisfy my deep down, innate desire to consume awesome food at a good price. Marco Pierre White's Wheeler's at the Chequers Inn in Maresfield is just such a restaurant.

One thing I must note is that, to my total shame, I have never been to a Marco Pierre White restaurant. I don't know why, the hair, the bandana, the 'tude. Something about him just rubbed me the wrong way. But, he's a British institution, so, like black pudding and wellies, I had to give it a try.

The Chequers Inn doesn't look like much from the outside. I had passed it dozens of times on my way to Eastbourne and just thought, "oh, that looks like a nice building." It wasn't until I saw the name Marco Pierre White that I got interested. And my interest stayed high the entire meal. And it had little to do with the drawings of an altogether sexual nature. Note the middle picture in the second image from the top above, a man on top of a woman and a police officer shining his light on his subjects. The restaurant is adorned with all types of artwork. It was like being in a museum.

We had come for the set menu; 2 courses for £16.50. However, the fine print stated that it was only available from 6pm-7pm and our reservation was for 7pm so we couldn't partake. Which was actually a good thing. Because, instead we we served some of the best food I have had in a long time. Not since Paris have I tasted such exquisitely prepared dishes.

First up was my Panache of Foie Gras and Duck Egg, served on Brioche. And oh how glorious it was. The Foie Gras melted in my mouth like it was warm butter and the Duck Egg and Brioche was like a winter duvet that cuddles you in the night. Wrapped around my Foie Gras it took my senses by storm. But so did my wife's and mother-in-law's Parfait of Foie Gras, Raisin Sec en Gelee de Madere. My father-in-law, in true Northern style was having the Morecamb Bay Potted Shrimps with Brown Bread and Butter. And I thought him to be a silly fool. With all the choices why would one choose that? Because it was delicious, that's why.

With our starters slowly being digested and our palates completely ready to accept more, our main courses were served by a woman who had clearly just started that week and wasn't quite clued up on dining protocol. Looking the diner in the eyes and speaking clearly would be useful in the future.

My Scottish Ribeye Steak with l'Escargot and Herbs, served with Bearnaise Sauce and Triple Cooked Chips was something out of a dream. It evaporated in my mouth like water boiling over. The Bearnaise Sauce was done to an exquisite standard with just enough Tarragon. My wife's Roast Rump of Lamb a la Dijonnaise with Dijon and Chives was also a lovely dish, however, after trying the steak my tastebuds were spoiled and nothing would compare. The Dauphinoise Potatoes did let the dish down though. It was quite possibly the saltiest thing I have ever put in my mouth. Upon questioning the chef he said it was slightly over seasoned, but that it was most likely the cheese they use. Fair enough, but you might want to consider changing it to another cheese that doesn't taste like the Atlantic.

The final dish from our exceptional meal was my father-in-law's Braised Oxtail and Kidney Pudding with Swede Puree. Not much to look at, but it delivers on taste. Huge, powerful flavors in a rich, reduction sauce. A nice effort!

I'm not sure how much input Marco Pierre White actually has in his growing chain of Wheeler's restaurants. What I do know, is that if they are all like the Chequers Inn in Maresfield, this food blogger is going to be visiting a few more of these little gems. My prediction is that once people catch onto this restaurant prices will rise and it will be very hard to get into. Grab a table while you can and enjoy the meal. I did.

Please visit my professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

The Griffin Inn, Fletching: Where to Go When You Know Where to Go

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:27:00 +0000

The Griffin Inn in Fletching rests atop a sweeping, panoramic hilltop village in the heart of East Sussex. This is the place countryfolk come when they want to eat uber-cool, ultra-succlent pub-grub in an environment that is not chockablock with tourists and rabble-rousers. It is a strange place though. One that I have yet to figure out. The bartenders look like they belong in the latest issue of Mens Italian Vogue. They are usually tall and wearing tight pink long sleeve shirts that look like they were tailored on Saville Row. They conform to the bodies of these fit, athletic supermen like a glove and even I find it hard not to forget my drink order when I look at them. And I am a very happily married man.

The women who wait the tables are equally untouchably attractive and they're usually wearing short, thin skirts that look like, with just a spattering of wind in the wrong, or right direction, depending on how you look at it, would blow the skirts up and over their heads. But they never do. These girls dance around the pub and garden like they're walking on water. Never really looking anyone in the eye. They're just that unobtainable. Like I said, this is an odd place. A sort of magical, wildly appealing place, that I just can't seem to get enough of at the moment.

On this occasion, we were celebrating my wife's birthday. England decided to let us have a break and it didn't rain for the first time since the 16th century. So we had the pleasure of eating outside, overlooking the Ouse Valley. This is far more appealing than the inside, which is normally dotted with locals that usually look at me like they know my whole life. And especially that I'm American and can't possibly understand the true intrinsic value of a good 'ole fashioned pint of Harvey's.

After the floating, fairy ballerina waitress took our orders it wasn't long until I was cutting open the ethereal Tempura Courgette Flowers, Stuffed with Goats Cheese, Basil, Chili & Red Pepper Sauce. I know I have a tendency to exaggerate, note the sentence about the fairy ballerina above, but this dish was truly magnificent. It was light, flaky and once I got down to the Goats Cheese, full of flavor. But I wasn't the only one to order a brilliant starter. My wife's Ham Hock with Caramelized Apple & Roquefort was very special as well. So special that everybody else at the table had that, while I was eating the Courgette.

The starters had been impressive, but the mains were nothing short of brilliant. My Molasses Marinated Rump of Romney Lamb with Sweet Potatoes & Pistachio Crumb was perhaps the best piece of Lamb I've had in, I'm not sure how long, a very long time though. The Sweet Potatoes were a perfect accompaniment to the massively intense, concentrated reduction sauce that gently gathered around my Lamb, like the moat that surrounds Bodium Castle.

My sister-in-law's Roasted Monkfish with Peas, Crayfish, Sampshire & Saffron Risotto was equally as impressive and so was my mother-in-law's Slow Roast Belly of Pork, Mashed Potatoes, Black Pudding and Crackling. I could go on and on about each dish, but I will not belabor the point. Which is, this is not a pub to be taken lightly. It is a diamond in the rough and doesn't fit into any category that I can think of. It is like trying to put a label on your best friend. You don't know why you get along so well, you just do.

And despite the fact that every time I come here I am faced with one, or two people that have attitude usually reserved for snooty gallery openings and nightclubs in Manhattan's Meat Packing District, I still enjoy my time here.

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

Zapatas, Tunbridge Wells: Finally, Great Mexican Food in England!

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:36:00 +0000

Finding good Mexican food in England is like finding the golden ticket in a bar of chocolate. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fans will like that little similitude. I have eaten Mexican food in numerous towns and cities all across the UK. And I've been disappointed with each. Wahaca in London is perhaps the closest I got to finding truly great Mexican food. But even they let me down with their infernal dining room, tapas style portions and Dutch waiter.

I had almost given up when, by chance, the wife and I decided to take a leisurely Sunday drive to the posh town of Tunbridge Wells, also known as, spoken in a haughty English accent, Royal Tunbridge Wells. This shouldn't of surprised me. I have only on rare occasion been displeased with RTW, as my mother calls it. We Americans like to abbreviate a lot: AT&T, IBM, P. Diddy, L.A., NYC, Mickey D's. It's what we do.

When we entered Zapatas I was expecting the usual; Guacamole from a jar, Salsa that was no better than Old El Paso, Tortilla Chips from a bag, Refried Beans, Orange Cheddar and stale Onions. What I got was so much more pleasing

My Chicken and Chorizo Burrito was delicious. Although, like the town it was made in, it was obscenely posh. The filling was not lovingly wrapped in a large Flour Tortilla, but instead, it was stuffed into a cone shaped Tortilla. There were two on my plate separated by an estuary of Salad and a river of Sour Cream. I balked at it at first, "Blah! Great sweets, we've come to another trendy Mexican restaurant that defies all authentic Mexican recipes and opts instead, for posh, uber-cool, tapas-Mexican." But I was silenced by my wife's boot and the glorious taste of fatty, spicy Chili and Meat.

Humbled and looking for more, I snatched up one of my wife's Shredded Mexican Chicken Quesadillas cooked on a Panini griddle. Interesting way of doing it. And then I ate another... and then another. Each time lapping on the Sour Cream, Guacamole and Chipotle Chili Salsa they had given me with my Tortilla Chips. Which, by the way, we were charged £2.20 for. You see, unlike in the US where Chips and Salsa are free, the English have chosen to charge for that. And not just a little, we paid over £6 for them. Thinking they were free, or inexpensive, I ordered them for some filler. The kind woman asked how hot I liked my Salsa. Naturally, I said, "As hot as they can make it, but the wife likes it mild." To which she responded, "I can bring both if you'd like." And being a naive American, I thought she was being gracious and giving us two for the price of one. Not so. The Chipotle Salsa was £2.20, the Salsa Mexicana another £2.20 and £1.50 for the Tortilla Chips.

Despite my little mistake, I left feeling very good. I had found an exceptionally tasty, affordable Mexican restaurant in England. Zapatas may be posh and they may do things their own way, cone Tortillas were odd, but they have won me over. I may just retire from this tedious work of restaurant blogging. I would be happy to after that achievement. But then my wife would have no more excuses for forcing us to go out and spend obscene amounts of money on food that only makes our stomachs grow and our bank account shrink.

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

The Cat Inn, West Hoathly: Well Earned Bib Gourmand

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:33:00 +0000

I've been to The Cat Inn in West Hoathly, many, many times. I consider it my local even though it's miles from my house. I haven't reviewed it before because I normally go at night, when the light isn't ideal for photos. Anyone who has read my blog knows that the images I take of the food are as important, if not more important to me than what I write about it. I know full well that I am a better photographer than writer and so, whenever I can, I try to eat in restaurants I'm reviewing in the day, when the light is best. Actually, I've written an article on the best way to take food photographs when shooting for blogs, Facebook, etc. You can find that here.

With an introduction like that, you've already guessed that The Cat Inn is a great pub. I've spoiled it right from the get go. See, I told you I was a better photographer than writer. But there is more to The Cat than I've captured in the images above. The Cat has recently won a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its stunningly simple, yet intensely delicious fare. And unlike many pubs and restaurants in England who have obtained Michelin Bibs, Stars, etc. The Cat has stayed relatively grounded. Unlike, say, the Dukes Head in Crawley Down, which has reached super-star status in this local area, but has also gotten very sloppy (more to come on that at a later date), The Cat seems to follow a fundamental principle amongst very good restaurants, keep it simple. And they have a superb frequent diner card. For every £200 you spend you get a free two-course meal. With steak costing £18.50 the rewards can be substantial.

For a starter we had Rare Roast Beef Rolls with Coriander and Mint Salad with Vietnamese Dressing. It was fresh, vibrant and original. For my main, I had the Traditional Steak, Mushroom and Ale Pie with Greens and Chips. The pastry was separate from the filling, which I found to be both strange and welcome. I don't eat much gluten and this allowed me to eat mostly filling and only take small bites of the pastry. It was gorgeous! Tip top filling. Big, explosive flavors and loads of meat. My wife's Anchovy Marinated South Downs Rump of Lamb, Minted Crushed New Potatoes, Greens and Jus took top prize for dish of the day. What else is new? The Lamb was tender and succulent and the Minted Crushed New Potatoes added just the right amount of kick to help separate the flavors. And finally, Simple Foodie's Rare Roast Beef and Horseradish Sandwich with Salad and Crisps. An uncomplicated little dish, done to a very high standard.

With its incredible food, its beautiful location, frequent dining card and attentive staff, The Cat Inn is hard to beat. There are plenty of pubs in West Sussex one can go to. But there are few that equal The Cat for pure dining pleasure. I highly recommend it. Maybe I'll see you there.

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

Casa Alberto: Madrid's Oldest Taberna circa 1827

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Tue, 17 May 2011 13:46:00 +0000

When I first moved to England I was surprised by the enthusiasm evoked by the English folk when they spoke about Spain. I quickly learned that Spain to Britons is like Florida to Americans. We use Florida as a dumping ground. We fly down from the North East, or wherever, and bake in the sun all day long, at night we go out and do things we wouldn't dream of doing in our home towns. Getting wildly drunk in the streets of Miami and hurling vulgar language on the natives. But, the English are so polite and reserved, you say. Not in Spain, they're not.

When I visited Madrid in April I regretted not checking the football schedule. I happened to arrive on the same day that Real Madrid was playing Tottenham. And what I witnessed will be seared into my memory forever. Beer soaked, drunken, pasty, Englishmen yelling at their mates from across the Plaza Mayor, singing "England... England..." at the top of their lungs on the Calle Mayor, outside the bars. The Spanish on the other hand, were drinking wine and chain smoking, seemingly unaffected. They were so amused actually, that they were taking photos and videos of the slovenly Englishmen on their phones.

But this is a food and restaurant review, so my commentary on English behavior in Spain shall now come to a close. Now onto the food.

I do now understand why the English speak so highly of Spain. The weather is, when I went in April anyway, perfect. It reminds me of San Diego, California, where I was born. The food is simple, but prepared in a way defies all logic. I found myself stopping mid-bite and saying aloud, "But I don't understand, this is just a piece of meat on a plate. How can it taste so good?" and "Wait, this is nothing more than shrimp in an orange bowl. It looks like piss and throw up, but tastes like little fairies dropped it from heaven." Yes, my best meal in Spain was Gambas Pil Pil, in a little hole in the wall joint that we called, Cardigan's, because the owner wore the same grey cardigan every day we were there and we couldn't remember the restaurant's actual name.

Casa Alberto was no different than anywhere else we ate in Spain. And that is what makes it so brilliant. It is the oldest taberna in Madrid, but isn't any better than Mr. Cardigan's. When we entered Casa Alberto, we were immediately attacked by a fiery Spanish waiter. He clearly recognized us as American and spoke to us in broken English, telling us what we'd like as we clearly had no palate for proper Spanish food. And I'm eternally grateful that he did. He brought us out a selection of tapas that makes my mouth water and my stomach gurgle every time I look at the images from that meal.

Calamares Plancha con Cebolla Confitada (Grilled Squid with Candied Onions), Cod with a gorgeous Red Pepper sauce, Albondigas (Beef Meatballs), yum, yum, drool, drool, Pork Scratchings, a Mixed Salad and swarthy, mysteriously dark Olives. A perfect end to our over 1,000 mile road trip across the South of Spain. The food at Casa Alberto cannot fully be appreciated unless you eat there. The flavors are so simple, yet so fresh. They are so perfect in fact, it feels like a higher power ordained them to be married in that particular dish. There is no other explanation.

Is Spanish food my favorite? No. I still prefer the complex dishes that the French are so good at. But, I have to admit, Spain is a close second. And Casa Alberto is a wonderful introduction to tapas and life in Spain.

Restaurant Botin, Madrid: The OLDEST Restaurant in the World

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 09:32:00 +0000

What do Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin and Johann Sebastian Bach have in common? They were all alive to see, if they fancied a trip to Spain, Restaurant Botin, the world's oldest restaurant according to the Guinness Book of World Records, open in Madrid in 1725. Imagine if they had all been present during the opening of Botin. It would be the 18th century's answer to Dinner, Heston Blumenthal's new London joint. But unlike the restaurant and celebrity chef explosion that grips us today, Botin, as far as I can tell, opened without fanfare. It simply opened. And has been pleasing diners for almost 300 years. Longer than any other restaurant on Earth.

I am not normally a fan of tourist traps, and believe me, Botin is like Disneyland in restaurant form. When we arrived at 7:50pm, 10 minutes before the restaurant opened, there was already a line of, and I'm not using hyperbole here, at least 80 people. Most of them clutched Rick Steve's Guide to Spain in their sweaty hands. And most, if not all had Birkenstocks, those pants that turn into shorts with a quick undo of the zipper and giant backpacks with large tubes of hand sanitizing wipes. As you can tell, I am not a fan of the Rick Steves does Europe crowd. His cronies were pushing their way into Botin and the polite maitre'd had to explain in his best English, "we no open 'til 8 'clock. Fank you." Reading that, you'd think it was an Asian restaurant. Just imagine the maitre'd speaking broken English to the Rick Steves bunch and you'll get what I mean.

As camera flashes went off in my eye and the crowd grew, we were finally let into the restaurant and it was like Moses had parted the Red Sea. A throng of Rick Steves devotees pushed and shoved their way threw the narrow, ancient doors, nearly toppling the poor bastard in charge of seating everyone. When it was our turn, that is, after the Asians cut in front of us, and it was once again our turn, we were led upstairs to the less crowded, less touristy section of the restaurant. We were seated between a table of 20, mostly Spanish, and a table of Germans. If ever you wanted to see a contrast, this was it.

There is really only one thing you come to Botin for; the Roast Suckling Pig. Cooked in the same oven Newton would of had his Pig cooked in had he eaten here. But first, an order of Fried Aubergines with Salmorejo, an Andalusian dish, similar to Gazpacho to accompany our dark, delicious Olives and a bottle of Rioja. The Augergines were brought out at the same time as the Suckling Pig. That's right, the entire Pig is brought out, head and all, and then it's dissected. Large pieces of Pig are gingerly placed on plates, with Potatoes and then the juices of the Pig are ladled lovingly onto the skin. Truly a magical sight to behold.

But man does not live on smells and sight alone. How did it taste? Exquisite. So pure and fresh. The Crackling was one of the best I have ever had. No doubt, a result of perfect cooking temperatures and a well seasoned oven that comes from being nearly 300 years old. How many Pigs have been cooked in that oven? Enough that Botin knows what they're doing when it comes to Roast Suckling Pig.

But what restaurant review would be complete if all three of us had Roast Suckling Pig? Knowing that no one else would give up the opportunity to try this coveted dish, I had the Roast Baby Lamb. And I have regretted it ever since. As far as Lamb goes, this was top notch. But it isn't Suckling Pig now is it? Still mouthwatering and succulent, it lacked the deep, intense flavor that the Suckling Pig had. And at the same price, there's really no reason to get the Lamb over the Pig.

Botin is a tourist trap. It is crowded, expensive and in Spain, there are better meals to be had at every corner. But, to dine where Hemingway, Greene, Fitzgerald and untold others have eaten, in this small nook just off the Plaza Mayor, on Calle de Cuchilleros in Madrid, is a privilege that I wouldn't trade for the fanciest Three Star Michelin restaurant.

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Etoile: More Michelin Stars on the Horizon

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 07:37:00 +0000

With 26 Michelin Stars, master chef Joel Robuchon is definitely in a class of his own. In fact, no chef on Earth even comes close. So, when my wife and mother surprised me with a weekend trip to Paris, I made reservations at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon as quickly as I could. But, I didn't make reservations at the newer L'Atelier on the Champs Elysees. I made reservations for Joel's Two Michelin Starred L'Atelier in Saint-Germain. However, when we arrived we were told we hadn't made reservations there and to go to their sister restaurant, the NO Michelin Star Etoile. As my wife would say in her Queen's English, "one was not amused."

Being the upbeat, positive souls we are, we brushed off the defeat and staggered up the Champs Elysees cursing under our breath and hoping the woman who turned us away hadn't made a mistake. But if she had, my God, there would be emails flying into the inboxes of every executive in Joel's company. And indeed, that is exactly what happened. We did get an apology, but nothing else.

Beaten and weary, but looking forward to L'Atelier Etoile we clambered to our barstools and began the arduous task of translating the menu from French to English. With a little help from our waitress, we ordered and prayed that nothing was lost in translation. And nothing was. The meal that followed will be seared into my memory and imprisoned on my taste buds for a very long time.

Our palates were cleansed with a Foie Gras Mousse, topped with Parmesan Foam, that was light, refreshing and intense. My Beef Tongue starter was more of the same. It was accompanied by small Green Bell Peppers and mild Japanese Peppers. My wife's Spaghetti was, and I want to try and say this as eloquently as possible, stupidly, insanely tasty. Unlike any Spaghetti I have ever had. The Aubergines tasted like a thick Filet of Beef and it was topped with a Ricotta that was so vibrant I nearly stood up and Riverdanced. Rounding out the delicious appetizers was my mum's Foie Gras. It was light, creamy and delicate. Lots of care was put into creating this dish.

If the meal had ended there, we all could have walked away sated and ready for the long drive back to England. But there was more. My main course, Steak Tartare with Frites was a classically prepared example of this French bistro staple. Just the right amount of acid and tart to round and bring out the the raw beef flavors. My mum's Quail, which rested on a mound of Foie Gras, nearly gave me a coronary, but it would have been worth it.

But, the real champion of the meal, was my wife's Steak. Why is it that she always orders the best thing on the menu? At 45 Euros, this was also one of the most expensive on the menu. Maybe I just answered my own question. It was, without question, or reservation, the best steak we have ever had. Huge, tender, flavorful and apparently, German. That's right, the steak used at L'Atelier Etoile does not come from France, but Germany. The chef had clearly only shown the flame of the grill to the steak, because it was raw, raw, raw. Exactly how it should be. I wonder how many people, seeing how raw it was, have sent it back to be charred. Poor chefs. As raw as it was, there was no blood. Just clear juices and red, raw meat. The fat was charred slightly on the edges, which produced explosive flavor. I will compare this steak to every other steak I eat from now on.

Too full to eat dessert, we left L'Atelier, still upset about the nasty woman in Saint-Germain, but bellies sated and happy. In fact, I wouldn't of done it any other way. L'Atelier Etoile was delicious, friendly and vibrant. There will no doubt be several more Michelin Stars on the horizon for Joel. Highest marks!

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

The French Table: A Surbiton Shocker

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:29:00 +0000

When I think about fine dining, the last place I think about is the London suburb of Surbiton. Actually, that's not true, Tarpon Springs, Florida probably holds the title of fewest fine dining establishments in the world. But, certainly, Surbiton is not high on the list. It would probably surprise you, dear reader, to learn that Surbiton is home to The Good Food Guide's top restaurant in London, The French Table. If that statement caused milky tea to come flooding out of your nostrils and onto your computer screen, I am deeply sorry. I did the same thing when I heard that little shocker. But it's true.

My wife and I were invited to The French Table by our very good friends, Surbiton residents actually, and since going, they are even better friends. It's always nice to have friends that introduce us to great restaurants. So often, my wife and I get dragged to local dives and suffer through lifeless, limp meals in order to placate the unknowing, or un-gastromic friends of ours.

Seating is tight in The French Table. It's one of those restaurants where in order to go to the toilets, you have to brush your bum across the shoulder of another diner to pass in between the tables. Either that, or suffer the other end being brushed against you. I never know which way to go. But, luckily, I was so enthralled by the meal, that toilet breaks and bum brushing wasn't on my mind.

Our first course was brought out in good time. My wife and I shared the Parfait of Chicken Liver and Foie Gras with Toasted Brioche and the Mille-Feuille of Rabbit with Baby Spinach, Parma Ham and Green Peppercorn Sauce. Both were delicious. The Mille-Feuille of Rabbit was my favorite of the two though. It was light, crispy and the Rabbit added a delicate gamey flavor. The other diners shared the exact same dishes and judging by the licked clean plates, they both enjoyed them.

For my main I had the English Rump of Lamb with Braised Shoulder, Sweet Potato Puree, Pastilla of Vegetables and Rosemary. Although good, it wasn't incredible. For that, I needed to dance my way across the table and steal some of my wife's Caramelised Pork Belly with Jerusalem Artichoke Puree, Croustillant of Pork and Red Wine. Ahhh... yes. This is why I dine out. Because I simply could not make this at home. Stunning. And so was the Calves Liver, with Mushrooms on a dainty pillow of Mash Marly was enjoying. And although I am a fan of Seabream, the Seabream with Leeks and Crab Fondue, with Pomme Darphin and Champagne Sauce Del was having just wasn't at home with the rest of the dishes. Perhaps that's because I tried it last and my taste buds were already saturated with big, juicy, meaty fats and sauces from the other dishes. As such, a review would be impossible. Next time.

For dessert we shared two between us all. The Duo of Chocolate and the Ginger Bread and Butter Pudding with Poached Pear. Anyone, who reads this blog knows I am not a fan of dessert. I would take savory over sweet any day of the week. However, I found myself shoveling forkfuls of both desserts into my mouth at a pace that Jenson Button would adore. To illustrate how little I know of Formula 1, I just had to look up his name as I spelled it Benson. HAHA! Benson Button. Does it get any better than that?

The French Table is an exceptional restaurant. It is clean, thorough, and priced very well. Three courses set us back £22.50. Add a carafe of the house red, a large bottle of sparkling water and an iced tea and we were all out £30 each. A bargain for London's "BEST"restaurant. Highly recommended!

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

Talula's Table in Kennett Square: The Restaurant with a One Year Waiting List

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 09:58:00 +0000

"There are two kinds of people who dine at Talula's Table; those that come because it's hard to get into and those that like good food." One of the chefs told me as we sat at the Chef's Table, tucked into the back of the minuscule, but extremely efficient kitchen. We were the latter. Although it's pretty surreal to be eating in a restaurant that has a one year waiting list, we weren't there for that. We were there for the food.

Talula's Table is just that, a table. One long farm table in the middle of the cafe-restaurant-gourmet food shop. However, there are also half a dozen seats in the front of the building where you can take your morning coffee and delight in their uber-delicious cookies, tarts, cakes and macaroons.

When we arrived, it was closed, save for the diners participating in the farm table. We were seated in the front section of the restaurant. The plush corner booth was all that separated us, from them. And I'm glad there was a barrier. As the other diners ushered in, tall, good looking people, designer watches, suits and blazers on full show, looking down at the little people who weren't dining at the farm table that evening, we realized these were clearly the prior. Those that came because it had a one year waiting list.

Within minutes we were brought the first of 3 canapes. Shortly after that we were taken back into the kitchen to meet the chefs and take our seats at the Chef's Table. The meal that ensued will be seared into my mind for a very long time. We dined for over 3 hours on 8 incredibly well thought out dishes. We chatted with the chefs like they were old college buddies. And we took photos in a totally unpretentious environment.

I will not go into every detail of the menu that night. Instead, I have listed it out here:

• Bisque of Hand-Harvested Maryland Shrimp, Shrimp Puppies, and Seafood Andoullie.

• Snail Caesar, Burgundy Snails, Braised Lettuce, Parmesan Crisps, and Garlic Toast.

• Raclette Gratinee, Potatoes, Speck, and Smoked Almonds.

• Virgina Bass, Squash Broth, Wild Rice Risotto, and Brown Butter Vinaigrette.

• Tender Pheasant, Sauerkraut and Apples, Riesling Sauce.

• Confit of Meadowset Lamb, Ribbony Rosemary Noodles, Sourdough Breadcumbs and Sheep's Milk Ricotta.

• Winter Cheese and Cottage Condiments from Vermont.

• Milk Chocolate Pudding Tarts, Banana Brulee and Dogfish Rum Sauce.

Although each and every dish was mouth watering, we all preferred the Confit of Meadowset Lamb over anything else. The Pasta that rested beneath the Lamb was stunning and the Lamb itself was mind-blowing. Not a dish for those that can't handle intense, deep concentrated flavors. If there was one dish that could have been eliminated without thought, it would have been the Virginia Bass. However, if everything else had not been so ultra-delicious, I wouldn't even mention it. But when compared to the other dishes, this lacked depth.

One could take any of the dishes listed above and write a dense review of it. Dissecting every gastronomic molecule. Let us just say, that Talula's Table is doing it right. In every way possible. My highest recommendation.

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

Burger 21, Tampa, Florida: In-n-Out Meet Your Match

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 16:25:00 +0000

What does it take to make a truly tasty burger? Just ask Chris Ponte, Executive Chef at Burger 21 in Tampa. Chef Ponte has sated this foodie's appetite for a good burger. I only wish it was in West Sussex, England and not Tampa, Florida. Living in England since last year, I have not enjoyed nearly as many burgers as I would like. Actually, that's not true, but because England still hasn't mastered what's needed to make a great burger, I haven't had many that were good. The Hinds Head in Bray is the only restaurant in England to deliver something that resembled a decent burger. But even then, it was glorified and made regal by using Balmoral Venison.

There are many who have commented on my blog about my obsession with the great American hamburger. Nearly every time I post on a burger I get floods of comments and emails. People either hate them, or love them. One reader actually insulted not only all American's, but the entire burger industry saying, "burgers are for children, people that can't use cutlery and Americans." And, they're right. When you haven't tasted a proper hamburger, that's the impression that you get.

And then there's Burger 21. A gourmet burger bar that serves burgers with names like The OMG!, The Tex-Mex Haystack and The Gyro Burger. A great burger is not the same without great sauce to go with it. And to that end, Chef Ponte provides not just one type of sauce, but 8. Thai Ketchup, Apple Cider, Chipotle Mayo, Ragin Cajun, Toasted Marshmallow, Honeycomb Mustard, Mustard, and of course, regular, good 'ole fashioned Ketchup.

On this visit my fellow diners and I had the BBQ Bacon Burger with Lettuce, Tomato, Applewood-Smoked Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Crispy Onion Strings and a Hickory BBQ Sauce on a Brioche Bun. We also had the Tex-Mex Haystack with Lettuce, Tomato, Applewood-Smoked Bacon, Smoked Cheddar Cheese, Guacamole, Crispy Onion Strings and Chipotle-Jalapeno Sauce on a Brioche Bun. And finally, the Gyro Burger; Burger 21's Burger of the month, it had Mediterranean-seasoned Lamb with Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion and Lettuce topped with Cucumber Tzatzki Sauce.

It is fair to say, that Burger 21's burgers were the best I've ever had. In fact, they make In-n-Out, based on the West Coast of the U.S. look like a mediocre, half-assed operation. And that takes some doing.

For all of those out there that think burgers are for children, people who can't use cutlery, or American's, please take a trip to sunny Tampa, Florida, you'll become a believer and nothing will satisfy your craving for tasty, messy food quite like a good 'ole fashioned hamburger.

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

Wallace Station: Good Eating in the Heart of Horse Country

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:20:00 +0000

My wife and I recently took a trip to Lexington, Kentucky to see an old friend. She lives in an area that, from what I can tell, has three main sources of entertainment: food, bourbon and horses. A deadly combination if enjoyed in that order. I was lucky enough to get my fill of all three. Our trip started with lunch at Wallace Station Deli. A local favorite, this tiny restaurant in Versailles, pronounced VER-SALES, lies literally right in the heart of horse country. There is horse paraphernalia everywhere. It's on all the walls, in the bathroom and on the menu. My friend, Simple Foodie even got asked if he was a Jockey. He did what anyone would have done when being called small, "yes, I am." He answered.

Ordering was fairly easy. I noticed on the wall a spray painted sign that said Guy Fieri had been here and rated the Wallace Station's Big Brown Burger as one of his top 5 burgers on his show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. "I'll have that one," I told the uncommonly nice woman behind the till. The others ordered and we sat down. I had heard that Wallace Station was always extremely crowded, but on this occasion, we were the only diners there. After a few sips our of Ale-8-One, a Kentucky soft drink that tastes like ginger and caffeine, our food arrived.

I was a little disappointed with my Big Brown Burger. At first sight it doesn't appear to be much. But when I bit into the Giddled on the Bun Burger with Ham, Bacon, Tomato and White Cheddar Mornay I became a believer. The meat is tender and juicy and the Bacon and Ham add extra layers of flavor. This is not a Burger for those on a diet. This is a serious, calorie infused monster that will have you wishing for sprouts and apples for a week. But it is delicious!

Simple Foodie's Mediterranean Burger with Creamy Feta, Local Lettuce, Roasted Peppers, Olive Salad and Thin Sliced Red Onion was the best of all of our meals. There was still that huge, juicy, tender burger meat, but with the delicate, fresh flavors from the Vegetables and Feta. I much preferred it. My wife was struggling with her enormous Bourbon Trail Triple Crown with Roast Turkey, Cheddar, Bacon, BBQ Sauce, Mayo, Lettuce and Tomato, which is stacked three layers high, so I decided to help her out. Once we dislodged the middle layer of bread we could actually get our mouths around it and it was quite tasty. A little boring, but it would do in a pinch.

And finally, I tried Picky Foodie's Santa Anita Club with Roast Turkey, Pepper Jack Cheese, Bacon, Guacamole, Lettuce and Tomato. Picky Foodie got her name because she simply cannot make up her mind in a restaurant. We have to go around the table umpteen times before she's finally ready to order. And when she does, she usually asks the poor waiter to change one, or more of the ingredients. Case in point, we went for BBQ and she asked them if they could use only white meat. It was no different at Wallace Station. She opted to have the Guacamole left out of the sandwich, which left it tasteless and dead. She regretted it later. And so did I. But that's why we love her so much! Dining with Picky Foodie is always an adventure.

To round out the meal we had a giant Ginger Cookie, which helped settle my stomach after so many calories and different meats.

If I lived in Versailles, or near it, I'd probably be a regular at Wallace Station. There's nothing spectacular about their food, but for a quick lunch, it's pretty darn good y'all.

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

La Teresita Restaurant, Tampa: A True Taste of Cuba

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:26:00 +0000

I don't pretend to know much about Cuban food. I probably know as much, or less, than most of you reading this. Thankfully, there's not a lot to know. Cuban food is built on simplicity. Which, for this food blogger, is a welcome respite from my often uber-fantastic, ultra-expensive restaurant reviews. Like Mexican food, Cuban food is best when it's served as it is served in its native country. That is, in a street stall, or in the case of La Teresita in Tampa, in a cafe style bar. The restaurant was humming with locals, mostly sitting alone on the high bar stools, eating their lunch and staring at all the tourists entering and exiting. Most of them probably had no idea what they just had, or how lucky they were to eat there.

Sitting at the bar made for terrible photos. Not just because everyone was looking at me like some gringo they'd like to kill and shred up into little pieces that would later go into the the deep fryer, but also because it was crowded and messy up there. This is not a very clean restaurant. Keep that in mind and don't blame me if you go and are expecting something it isn't.

After trying to speak our best Spanglish, we finally got one of only a handful of proper tables, near a window. Ordering was fairly easy. And within literally three minutes we had a mountain of food served to us, along with a Malta. A sort of fizzy, sugary, malty, molasses drink. Which by the way, I will never drink again.

With so much food on the table I found it very hard to choose which to dive into first. So... I simply went around the table and took small forkfuls of everything. With no particular plan of attack. I just ate! My Rabo Encendido, Ox Tail in Sauce, served with Yucca and Frijoles Negros, Black Beans, was one of the most tender pieces of meat I've ever eaten. Using only a fork I made short work of it. Tender, spicy and gloriously hearty. The Yucca had too much garlic in it for me, but was tasty all the same. And the Black Beans, were just Black Beans. We've all had them a million times. There was nothing special about them.

There was something special about my wife's Puerco Asado, Roast Pork. It was equally as good as the Ox Tail. It too, was so tender a knife was only there to scoop sauce, meat and onions onto our fork. Her Croqueta de Jamón, Ham Croquettes, were outstanding. And so were her Plátanos Fritos, Fried Plantains. In fact, the Fried Plantains were my favorite side dish. They were sweet and terribly flavorful. And lastly, Simple Foodie's Sandwich Cubano. I'm not going to translate that for you because if you're reading this blog, you have some food knowledge and know what that is. This part of the meal was a let down. Simple Foodie accidentally answered yes when our waiter asked us in Spanish if he'd like the Sandwich to be... well, more American. That isn't what he said, but in Spanish that's what it meant. And because he answered yes, his Cuban Sandwich came with Lettuce and Tomato, which to me, is a giant NO, NO in Cuban Sandwiches. And it altered it to the point where it wasn't enjoyable.

The bill for all of this food came to about $35 with tip. Which was perhaps the best thing about this incredible, simple, authentic Cuban restaurant. You can have all of your Gastro-Cubano joints like Cuba Libre in Philadelphia, and Alma de Cuba, also in Philadelphia. Give me the Cuban food that the Cuban people actually eat. Because $40 for an entree at Alma de Cuba is simply robbery and not something this foodie ever intends to partake in.

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

Taco Bus, Tampa: Addictive Mexican Food!

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 14:01:00 +0000

I sit here, completely sated and calm. My Mexican food addiction, in check for now. It has been over a year since I had proper Mexican food in a restaurant. Since moving to the U.K. last year, I have struggled to find authenticity in Mexican cooking. The closest I came was Wahaca, which actually shouldn't be called Mexican at all, but Tex-Mex, with London prices. It took a trip to the good 'ole U.S. of A. in order to get my Mexican fix. Like a drug addict, I crave Mexican food on a daily basis. And it was the Taco Bus in Tampa, Florida that acted as my Mexican drug dealer. Pushing authentic, high quality Mexican food, served out of a converted bus. The Taco Bus is open 24/7, which is incredible considering the location. Not exactly prime Tampa real estate.

It's one of the coldest January's in Tampa history, but there stood an army of loyal Taco Bus followers, who were, just like me, waiting in line for their fix. There is a hand written slogan on the bus, which reads: Taco Bus - Broken English, Spoken Perfectly. The bus itself is tired, rusted and dirty. I was in heaven. An older Mexican woman exited the bus and started taking orders from the hungry men and women waiting patiently in line. We had to act fast. I quickly scanned the menu and ordered for the three of us.

To the side of the bus are about six outdoor tables. Each adorning two large plastic containers of hot sauce; green and red. At the front of the bus, on what used to be the grill, sat a large stainless steel sink and to the left of that a soap dispenser. We waited no more than 10 minutes for our food before it was brought out to us on Styrofoam plates, with plastic cutlery. I dove head first into it. I don't remember eating anything so quickly in my life.

My Beer Battered, Fish Taco, with Crema and Chile de Arbol Sauce on the side instantly relieved my wild craving for authentic Mexican food. It was gone in ten seconds and I was onto my next dish. The Beef Tongue Taco with Tomatoes, Onions, Cilantro and Shredded Cabbage made me want to stand up and dance like a Mariachi. It was that good. And so was the Carne Asada Taco, which is Grilled Steak with Mexican seasonings that has been diced up and placed into the perfect delivery system for Meat, the Soft Corn Taco Shell.

Tacos are not the only thing awe inspiring about this no frills, rough and tough restaurant. The Puerco Asado Burrito with Grilled and Seasoned, Diced Pork was one of the best Burritos I've ever had. If not the best. The Meat was so flavorful and the tastes so fresh, I don't imagine it will ever be topped by anything outside of Mexico. And lastly, my wife's staple, a Chicken Quesadilla, with a mountain of Onion, Cilantro, Tomatoes and Cheese.

The Taco Bus in Tampa is one of those restaurants that redefine your expectations of what a particular food should taste like. It has raised the bar on what I expect from Mexican food. If I was a harsh critic before, this certainly will not help those poor restaurants in England that serve sad, lifeless, expensive Tex-Mex.

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

The River Cafe, London: A True Taste of Italy in Hammersmith

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:50:00 +0000

There are very few restaurants that actually impress me anymore. Call it vanity, or just experience. But it's true. In order for a restaurant to rate highly on my gastronomic-excitement meter it needs to be fairly brilliant. The River Cafe in the borough of Hammersmith in London is just that kind of restaurant. And it's no wonder when chefs like Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall have called this place home.

Being American, my guests and I were slightly early, as usual. This annoyed the attractive girl that checked us in but only for a moment. We were seated at their very long bar and asked several times if we'd like a drink. As it had just passed noon we declined the offer. At this time the restaurant was completely empty, except for the three of us and the staff, who were having a meeting near the open plan kitchen.

As the minute hand got closer to 12:30pm, the time in which The River Cafe actually opens, the restaurant became filled with anxious, hungry diners. Our waitress ushered us to our table, which was in the middle of the restaurant and I threw a mini tantrum. Exclaiming to her that I had expressly asked for a table by the window and that this simply wouldn't do. Scenes from American Psycho reverberated through my mind, "I'm on the verge of tears by the time we arrive at Espace, since I'm positive we won't have a decent table. But we do, and relief washes over me in an awesome wave." With a few exhalations of slight annoyance she led us to another table that was not only by the window, but right next to the kitchen and more importantly, the stunning wood fired oven.

After I got over the shock of seeing the extortionate prices, £30-£36 for an entree, I ordered for the table. We all watched expectantly as our first course was served, Calamari ai Ferri-Chargrilled Squid with Fresh Red Chili & Rocket. At most restaurants Calamari is served in tiny, thin strips, all tangled together. These were chunky, beautiful, busty strips that reeked of freshness. The spicy Chili was a fine compliment to the delicate Squid.

If I had left the restaurant at this point I still would have rated it very high. But there was more. My Pernice al Forno-Whole Partridge Stuffed with Sage, Wood-Roasted in Amarone with English Porcini Bruschetta was one of the best dishes I have ever had the pleasure of putting into my mouth. And it was cooked 5 feet from my face. The meat was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The English Porcini Mushrooms were soaked in butter and olive oil, but had a sort of Utopian flavor.

My fellow diner's were also in awe as they sat there enjoying and contemplating each and every bite. I inched my fork ever so carefully towards my wife's Coscia d'Agnello ai Ferri-Chargrilled Marinated Leg of Lamb with Salsa Verde, Wood-Roasted Pumpkin, Celeriac, Tomato and Florence Fennel. Which was yet another nonpareil dish.

Could the three of us all been blessed enough to order perfect dishes? The Maiale al Forno-Middlewhite Pork Leg Wrapped in Coppa di Parma, Cooked in Fiano d'Avelino with Fresh Cannellini Beans and Cima di Rape confirmed it. The River Cafe can do no wrong. For dessert we all shared the Caramel Ice Cream. Which is made from burnt sugar and cream. And nothing else! I loved it.

I left with one regret. That I didn't have a tree that grew endless amounts of money. Because if I did, I would be at The River Cafe every day of my life.

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

An Ode to Burough Market, London SE1

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:25:00 +0000

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale
A tale of a tasty market
That started in this town called London
By a bunch of humbly bumpkins
With wine and fish and meats alike
3 friends used to frequent it like every freaking night

There's more to love than drink me think
They have Wright Brothers Oyster & Porter House
And Neal's Yard Dairy
Let's not forget the Ginger Pig
And the big reds of Burough Wines
May all you traders live long and happy lives

This is the tale of Burough Market
That sits on the mind of thee
And me

So join them there every Thursday
And Friday if you care
But don't go on a Saturday because that's when I am there

My rhyming is a little rough
For that I am sorry
I don't mean to tarry
But the Burough Market in London Town is where I got my starty

So if you like good food than go get in the cary

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

Wahaca, Covent Garden: Tex-Mex is Not Mex!

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 20:14:00 +0000

Growing up in California taught me one thing; appreciate the sun, because one day if you move to England you may never see it again. Ok, maybe it taught me two things. California taught me the importance of Mexican food. I haven't done the research on this but I'm fairly confident that California has more Mexican restaurants than people. That was a joke. Take it easy fellow Californians.

I now live in the South of England. A place where Mexican food simply has not caught on. In my town I have one Mexican restaurant. And by the looks of it on a Friday night, bare, desolate and unappreciated, I'm sure very soon we'll have none. The Brits just don't get Mexican. I think it's because you have to use your hands and really get involved with your food. None of this, fork in your left hand, over turned, scraping individual peas onto it with your knife. Having trouble picturing that? Me too. It's not easy. My pinkies hurt after each meal.

When I heard of this incredible "authentic" Mexican restaurant by various bloggers and friends, each extolling the virtues of the Mexican Street Market model, I was more than a little intrigued. A 45 minute train ride to London and I was there. Sitting in the basement that is Wahaca. Hot. Bright lights gleaming down on me and my fellow diners as I scrutinized the menu. Our blond, Nordic waiter gave us our menus and began describing it in great detail.

We ordered the Wahaca selection: 3 Pork Pibil Tacos, 2 Broad Bean Quesadillas, 3 Chicken Mole Tacos, 2 Black Bean Tostadas and 2 New Potato Taquitos. We then waited patiently to see what the results would be. And I'm happy to report that we may have a winner. However, and this is a giant, monstrous however. This is NOT an authentic Mexican restaurant. Nor is it street food. This is Gastro-Tex-Mex in Tapas style and with UK Tapas prices. But it is delicious. The flavors are all very clean and refreshing. I especially liked my Mole Tacos. They brought me back to my youth. A little brat sitting on my tricycle, sucking down Tacos from the Mobile Mexican Truck that used to frequent my area in Glendale, California.

But, that being said, I wouldn't go back. It's too commercial, too pricey, too hot (temperature-wise), and doesn't even come close to the average Mexican restaurant in California. Give me a $1 Tripe Taco with a little bit of Cilantro and Lime and send me on my way.

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

The Black Pig Pub & Dining Room: A Royal Pub in a Royal Town

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:28:00 +0000

I love pubs. But you know that already. The old furniture, the musty smells, the regulars who frequent the same pub every night for a lifetime, and of course, I love the food. Simple and tasty. Since moving back to England with my wife in May I have embarked on a mission to seek out the best pubs in the South East. It's a large task. One that seems repetitive and monotonous at times. I have often wondered if I'm wasting my time. Should I be reviewing the bounty of Indian restaurants in the area? Or the myriad of Thai restaurants? What about the one Mexican restaurant? That's just sad. ONE Mexican restaurant in my area. The answer is, yes. However, pubs in England are currently undergoing a very special revitalization and I can't help but be swept up in their attempts to create fabulous, locally grown gastro-food.

And so it is with The Black Pig Pub and Dining Room. Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells and owned by Julian Leefe-Griffiths, the same man that owns The George and Dragon in Speldhurst. I knew that going in and my expectations were high. From the outside, The Black Pig doesn't look like anything special. In fact, I had seen it numerous times and hadn't been drawn to it. That is, until I found out that Julian owned it.

As I sat with my fellow diners in the almost empty dining room staring at the nearly wholly exposed, tiny kitchen, I wondered if Julian had faltered slightly. When our Pigeon Breast with Caramelized Lentils and Truffled Mash came, my worries were calmed. It was rich and beautifully prepared. But man does not live on Pigeon Breast and Truffled Mash alone. When the mains arrived I was beginning to believe Julian was a gastro-God. My Sussex Red Steak Burger with Red Onion Confit and Black Pig Chips was a mighty effort. The Caramelized Onion added a sweetness to the clean, dense Burger meat.

My wife's Kentish Hop Sausages, Truffle Mash, with Spinach and Red Onion Confit made me believe in a higher power. And his name was Julian. Is it wrong to have a man-crush on someone I've never met? When he makes food this good, I don't think so. The last main I tasted during the meal was the only letdown of the day. The Harissa Marinated Chicken with Black Pig Chips and Salad reminded me of being in the Bahamas. It felt out of place. Like they were just looking for an excuse to put Chicken on the menu. And although it was tasty, it felt incomplete.

Once again, Julian Leefe-Griffiths has shown me how simple it is to make excellent food when you use quality, locally sourced ingredients. Even if it's made in a kitchen the size of Nissan Micra.

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

Bibury Court Brasserie: Old English Gastronomy

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:53:00 +0000

The village of Bibury, which lies 22 miles southwest of Cheltenham, is about as idyllic as English villages get. There's Arlington Row. A row of weavers cottages built from the local stone. The Bibury Trout Farm on the River Coln. And, nestled into the woods stands one of the prettiest hotels I've ever seen. The Bibury Court Hotel. This former monastery was built in the 16th century, but fell into disrepair before being bought for a family home in the 1920s and converted into a hotel in 1968.

Like most old English hotels it felt cold and aloof. However, the brasserie, a conservatory built in 1998 is another story. The all glass building is cozy and warm. With picturesque views of the garden. Two types of bread were presented to us, however only one of them stuck in my mind. The Guinness bread. It was tremendous. The roasted barley that came through on my palate was staggering. I felt like an Irish goat herder leaning into a hearty meal in my thatched roof cottage on the Dingle Peninsula.

And it only got better as the meal wore on. Our Salmon and Herb Fishcake with Pea Puree and a Poached Egg was an amorous starter. However, my main was something I still think about often. Bacon has become this thinly cut piece of fatty, sad meat. Not at the Bibury Court Hotel. My Pan Fried Calves Liver with Real Bacon, Mashed Potatoes and Caramelised Onion Sauce was the real deal. Monolithic in both size and taste. The Bacon must have been at least 18 inches long. It was a meal in itself. The entire dish was extremely well done. Caution, do not attempt to try this if you have high cholesterol, or heart trouble. If I had to guess I would say this was probably one of the most calorie laden meals I've ever had. But well worth it.

My wife, however, was not quite so daring to her waistline. Her Braised Shoulder of Lleyn Lamb, with Champ Potatoes, Green Beans, Glazed Carrots, Tomato and Rosemary was tasty, but I wouldn't go out of my way to have it again. It had the look of a shiny, posh school lunch meal, or a mid-week suburban family dinner. It gave me the creeps. Reruns of The Andy Griffith Show popped into my head and suddenly I was dining with Opie, Andy and Aunt Bea. Barnie was in the kitchen rustling up some more Guinness bread.

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

The Swan at Southrop: Please Sir, Can I Have Another?

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:27:00 +0000

How many restaurants have I been to which warranted a return visit? Moreover, how many of those were worth driving two hours to get to? The answer, not many. But, The Swan at Southrop is one of those restaurants. Tucked into a small hamlet on the southern end of the Cotswolds, this 17th century inn has now been taken over by Sebastian and Lana Snow. The Snow's moved to this Elysian village from London in 2008. Before coming to Southrop they owned another revered restaurant, Snows on the Green, located in West London. Sebastian Snow is the head chef. His philosophy is simple, Turf to Table. A sentiment very close to my heart.

On our first visit we were greeted by a friendly, attractive woman in a very short black mini-skirt. Actually, on both occasions we were greeted by alluring women in black mini-skirts. Clearly, this being Kate Moss' local had rubbed off onto some of the staff. Whatever the reason, I can't say I was horribly offended. She lead us to our table, skirt clutching to her upper thighs for dear life. Nestled into our corner, we scrutinized the menu thoroughly before deciding on the two course, set menu. Accompanied by a pint of Cornish Ale for me and a glass of house red for my wife.

The food was ordered and in no time we were nose deep into Carpaccio of Tuna, Ginger and Avocado, with a Soy and Lime Dressing. The flavors were pristine. The Soy and Lime Dressing lending a little acid and salt to the fresh Avocado and Tuna. The Goat's Cheese Tart with Saffron, Pear Chutney and Hazelnut was equally creative and tasty. A short break followed, but it wasn't long until I was confronted with the best Fish and Chips this foodie has ever tasted. I'm not going to try and romanticize Fish and Chips into something it isn't. What it was, was delicious and a classic example of what fresh produce and meat does when incorporated into even simple dishes. Continuing in the Asian theme that had begun with our starters, we were presented with a Marinated Duck Breast in a sauce of Soy and Honey with a Warm Salad of Couscous, Mango, Cucumber and Coriander Salsa. The Duck was done beautifully, the crispiness of the charred fat and the freshness of the Mango and Cucumber married nicely.

After that meal, we decided we needed to go back. And soon. We thought that perhaps they just got lucky and created four dishes that were all delectable, or they may have made the set menu extra tasty that day. There was some other factor here, which we were determined to get to the bottom of. Or, we simply wanted another day in the Cotswolds and used that as a good excuse to take a day trip.

The second time around was a very similar story. Same restaurant, same parking space, same weather, same ultra compact, black mini-skirt on ultra compact, arresting young women. This time we did things slightly different. No starter. Nope, straight in for the kill.

I love pie. Chicken and Ham Pie, Steak and Mushroom Pie, Horse Liver Pie, Brain Pie. Ok, I've never had a Brain Pie, or a Horse Liver Pie. But I would. So when my Steak and Kidney Pie came out looking like something out of The Louvre, statuesque, crowned with Rosemary, I took a deep breath and tried to remain neutral and unbiased. "A Pie doesn't make a restaurant great. There are other factors involved." I reminded myself. Bullocks! This Pie exemplified what this restaurant is in full. It was absolutely stunning. A shining example to all Pies around. The Meat was tender and juicy and absolutely stuffed to the crust. The Kidney was big, bold and awe inspiring. And the Caramelized Root Vegetables tasted like they had been taken from the garden across the road that morning. Awesome stuff!

I decided to be fair and try the offerings presented by the other diners. My wife's Crisp Confit of Kelmscott Pork Belly with Fennel, Mushrooms and Confit Potatoes put up a good fight for best of class. Beating out the Pork Belly at the George and Dragon. Not an easy task. But the flavors were just that much better. The crispness of the fat, that much crispier. The Potatoes and Veg were just that much more fresh and flavorful. Yup, I'm afraid the G and D has slipped a notch. And finally, my best friend's Roast Rump of Cotswolds Beef with Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Potatoes, Root Vegetables and Homemade Horseradish. An authoritative example of this classic Sunday Lunch dish. Wonderful.

I stand here, totally humbled and awe struck. The Snow's have impressed this foodie and left an indelible impression on me. The Swan at Southrop has no Michelin Stars and the food doesn't carry a lavish price tag. It simply does great, local, classic food, for people who love to eat. I give them my highest marks.

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

Lords of the Manor Hotel: Cotswolds, Michelin Star. What Else is There?

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 14:06:00 +0000

My wife recently had a milestone birthday and to celebrate I whisked her off to the Cotswolds for a seductive mini-break. I'd never been before. Oh, I heard stories and read articles about all the famous supermodels and actors who kept homes there, but it always seemed so far away. The Cotswolds to me had always been this fairytale land filled with postcard picturesque beauty and untouchably attractive people. And I was right. Driving along those ultra compact back roads, I felt like I was in the Beverly Hills of England. I imagined that at any moment Kate Moss would step out into the road, cigarette in one hand, bottle of Champagne in the other, rolled up £100 note and compact mirror in the other. Ok, bad joke. But I think you get the point. Beauty is everywhere here and in all forms.

Our dinner reservations were for 7pm and I couldn't wait to eat. All that country air had done wonders for my appetite. We headed straight for the dining room and before we could enter we were apprehended by a rather curt Englishwomen named Rachel. She asked if we had a reservation and I told her yes. She then told us to follow her into the bar and have a drink before dinner. I told her in no uncompromising terms, "NO thanks," and began to push my way past her into the dining room, but Rachel was too quick for me. She stepped in front of me with lightning speed and said, "right this way, sir." I gave in and followed her, but not before taking a few vociferous breaths in her direction. Just to make my point.

Almost as soon as we sat down we were handed the menus. We ordered quickly and within minutes of doing so our waitress brought us a handsome looking, although tiny Fish and Chips plate. All Fish and Chips should come in this size. Imagine a world where all the blokes ate Fish and Chips out of newspaper with their pinkies. That's a world I'd like to belong to. It would cure obesity in a week. It was a clever, tasty beginning to our meal. Once we'd finished our minuscule ration of Fish and Chips we were finally let into the dining room.

Because we had ordered in the bar our appetizers took no time at all to reach us. My Roasted Quail Breast with Scottish Girolles, Caramelized Onions, Pan Fried Foie Gras, Pink Grapefruit and Sauternes Jus was delicate, but with a nice richness. It wasn't over the top like I'd imagined it to be when I read it on the menu. All the flavors were distinguished from one another wonderfully. My wife had the Caramelized Diver Caught Scottish Scallops with Crayfish Tails, Chicory, Orange, Artichoke and Vanilla. Again, all the flavors were nicely paired and the chef managed to extract all the flavor he could from these often insipid Mollusks.

When our appetizers were licked clean, we took a moment to sip the startlingly good 2006 Les Tourelles de Longueville. The second wine of Pichon Lalande. I'm a fan of Lamb. I love it. I order it whenever I see it on a menu. Except of course when I see something outrageous, or out of the ordinary like Horse Burger, or Tripe Tacos. However, the Lords of the Manor wasn't serving Tripe Tacos on this particular occasion, so instead I had the Lighthorne Farm Lamb Loin with Braised Shoulder Boulangere Potatoes, Crushed Peas, Marjoram, Wild Mushrooms, Artichokes and Lamb Jus. Again, the flavors were fully extracted from each item and they all worked together harmoniously.

About six inches from me there was an odd looking dish, which I still can't quite understand. My wife's Rabbit Poached in it's own Consomme with Lettuce Ravioli, Peas, Hand Rolled Macaroni, Cep and Tarragon was in my opinion, something the chef came up with one sleepless night when he was thinking about zany food amalgamations. The Macaroni had no business associating with the Rabbit and the result was a disaster. The beautifully put together, dainty pasta was completely overshadowed by the wild, delectable flavors of the Rabbit. The combination of textures and flavors confused my palate and I've not been forgiven since.

For dessert I chose my usual, a wonderful array of British cheeses with Grape Chutney and Homemade Biscuits. My wife, on top form, had Raspberry Souffle with Lords' Eton Mess, and Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream. Both desserts were dismantled with ease and adoration.

The Lords of the Manor Hotel restaurant is a fine example of a One Star Michelin restaurant. It wasn't mind-blowing, but it held its own. However, it was hot, priggish and Rachel still has a lot to learn about hospitality and customer service. Would I go back? No. Once was enough for me. But I did thoroughly enjoy my food. Once again, it was the employees who let the restaurant down, not the food.

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography

Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Brownie Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Passport Foodie) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:58:00 +0000

My wife and I have recently renovated our flat and after four months of cooking in kitchens not our own, we are finally able to do what we enjoy more than anything else, make yummy food in our own home. This past week there has been a torrent of activity in our new kitchen. Pizza with homemade Tomato Sauce, Basil and Raw, Organic Vintage Cheddar from Plaw Hatch Farm. Tortellini with Bacon, Sage, Lemon Juice, Lemon Rind and Garlic Cream Cheese. Fresh, Organic Hummus. Seeded, Whole Grain Bread. Lemon Meringue. And most recently, Spicy Dal and Gluten Free Brownies for dessert.

You wouldn't be able to tell from reading my blog, but I actually have a sensitivity to gluten and I should stay away from it as much as possible. Of course I don't, and instead I eat as much as I possibly can. My favorite foods all include gluten. Lots and lots of delicious, gooey, tractable gluten. However, on the odd occasion when I do stick to my gluten free diet, I tend to make uber-yummy food. I just can't stomach the gluten free crap sold in supermarkets. I found this Gluten Free Brownie recipe on a brilliant site called Gluten Free Goddess. I modified it slightly to include chunks of milk chocolate, instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Unless you like your desserts ultra rich, do not attempt this. It was too rich, even for me.

Ingredients (makes 9-12 squares)

5 ounces organic dark chocolate (I used 77% Green and Blacks)
1/2 cup organic butter
2 organic, free-range eggs
1 cup fairtrade light brown sugar
1/2 cup organic almonds, processed into a fine meal
1/4 cup rice flour (I like Dove's Farm, which combines white and brown rice)
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional:

1/2 cup milk chocolate (chopped into chunks, if you're a decadent fool) or
1/2 cup extra semi-sweet chocolate chips (just a few on the top of each Brownie)

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius, 350 F. Cover an 8x8 inch square baking pan with foil and using your finger coat it with a thin layer of butter.

In a mixing bowl, or food processor, beat the eggs until frothy. Add the brown sugar and continue to beat until the texture is smooth and creamy.

Place the chocolate, broken into chunks, into a glass Pyrex (or similar) bowl.

Boil water in a saucepan and place the glass bowl on the top of the saucepan. This will melt the chocolate without burning it. Another way to melt the chocolate is in a microwave. But I don't use microwaves for reasons listed here. Once the chocolate has melted add it slowly to the sugar, egg mixture. Continue to beat all the ingredients for at least a minute.

If using whole almonds, blend in a food processor until you've achieved a fine meal.

Combine all of the dry ingredients: rice flour, almond meal, fine sea salt and baking soda into a bowl and whisk them all together. Add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture beat for at least a minute. Add the vanilla and beat for another minute or so.

Your brownie batter is now ready.

Spread the batter into your baking pan and shake lightly to even it out.

If using chocolate chips, or chunks, sprinkle them onto your brownie batter (use sparingly) and press them gently into the batter so half of them are still showing.

Place your brownies in a preheated oven for 33-35 minutes. I cooked mine for just over 30 minutes and they were a little too gooey. Still gorgeous, but they could have used a few more minutes. But don't overcook. They'll be crumbly and dry.

Cool on a wire rack and chill before serving.

And there you have it. Healthy, organic, gluten free brownies. Well, maybe not so healthy, but all the rest. Enjoy!

My professional photography website: Taylor Young Photography