Gimme A Gimlet!

I first discovered my love for gimlets after Mad Men's Betty Francis (then Draper) cooly ordered one several seasons ago. Intrigued, I ordered a vodka version the next time we happy-houred and it turned out to be right up my alley: tart, a little sweet, and almost too strong.

Well, I've fallen in love again. Alongside a dinner of Crab BLT Sandwiches (similar to the ones here), these Cucumber-Mint Gimlets are cooler than white shades in the summer. In addition to the refreshing cucumber and mint, this drink gets zing from lemon juice and sweetness from agave (instead of sugar, which is called for in the recipe). Although I usually prefer vodka, gin's unique juniper essence perfectly balances the sharp citrus and the mellow cucumber.

I think this may be my signature summer drink. What's yours?

Happy Searching,

Banh Mi!

It's time to ketchup, mustard! Seriously, this hiatus has gone on too long. So, in no particular order, get ready for a marathon of updates. Because there haven't been any posts since January, but there have been many delicious meals.

Of late? I tried my hand at some Banh Mi (which autocorrects to "Bang Mi"...glad I caught it. That would be awfully misleading).

My inspiration was a relatively new place on South First called Elizabeth Street Cafe. They offer French Vietnamese Cuisine and although we haven't been, I stumbled upon a recipe for the pork sandie around the same time I heard about the restaurant and thought I'd try it out.

I made a few adjustments (used thinly cut pork chops instead of tenderloin--cheaper, required less pounding, nearly as lean), but otherwise pretty much followed the recipe. There are quite a few steps (like pickling the radishes and carrots) that may seem complicated, but are totally worth it.

I'll be curious to see how ours rivals Elizabeth's...I'll have to document when we go and let you know. Any good sandwich discoveries lately?

Happy Searching!

Dreaming of Carne Asada Fries

So, my resolution to write more has been off to a slow start. Can you believe it's nearly February?!? January has been full of busy days and yummy meals. We are slimming down our diets (with hopes of slimming down ourselves) following a "health hiatus" that ensued over the holidays.

One of the many holiday indulgences was from our old SD fave, El Portal (previously featured here around this same time last year). Their El Portal fries (which are delicious by themselves) are covered in crispy carne asada, creamy guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese. After adding our own sprinkle of cilantro and hot sauce, these fries were a dream come true...

Oh, El Portal Fries, I think of you when I'm on the treadmill...you are both by punishment and my reward. Any guilty pleasures you miss when you're on a health kick? :)

Happy Searching!

Happy Thanksgiving!

A few weeks back, one of my sweet students presented me with some adorable, edible acorns.

Aren't they precious?! Who knew that Hershey's kisses, Nilla Wafers, pretzels, and chocolate frosting could result in such a heartwarming and delicious nibble.

Happy Thanksgiving and as always...

Happy Searching!

Thing for Wings

Remember when I told you how I get food crushes? You know, when you can't get enough of something and it's all you can think about? Well, the hubs has had a thing for wings recently. Fortunately, his hankering translates into some deliciousness for me, too!

He followed the Hooters technique of coating the wings with flour and then refrigerating them for an hour (since we've both reluctantly admitted they are our favorite wings). Once they were fried, he tossed them with hot sauce and butter.

Crispy, just the right kick, totally crush-worthy.

Happy searching,

Happy Hallow-eating!

Can you believe it's almost November? But before retailers rush us into decorating for Christmas (before we've even had Thanksgiving), there is a delicious day upon us. Candy? Clever snacks? Creative cocktails? It must be Halloween. And the mister's absolute favorite holiday. Why? See above, beginning with candy...

Ryan created our menu this year, but I did contribute in the way of assembling (and eating) some treats!

First up? Yummy Mummy Dogs.

We followed this recipe, but used garlic breadsticks instead of Crescent Rolls. Very tasty, especially with  a spooky cheese drizzle and fresh blood (or ketchup...whatever you have on hand)!

To wash it down? A crisp apple cider martini. The hubs mixed my childhood favorite beverage...

...with vodka, muddled apple & lime, a splash of maple syrup. Complete with an apple slice garnish. Fall-icious!

Notice the Spooky Snack Mix in the background...the mister's own Munchie mix of pretzels, potato chips, gummy worms, and Cheetos.

Do you have any tricks or treats up your sleeve this Halloween?

Happy searching!


p.s. Instead of trying to catch up and fill you in on everything since the last post, I'm starting with the present. And hopefully, someday, I will have a few extra moments to fill you in on our delicious summer and early fall adventures. 'Cause they were tasty. :)

Vacay

Lately, I've been on extended vacation--from just about everything, except spending time with family, friends, and food.

My vacation has taken me to Colorado where I visited my parents and celebrated 32 years of being in this fabulous food-filled world...to San Diego where I bridal-showered with my best friend and enjoyed my hometown and the company of my in-laws...and to Vegas where I broke even on the slot machines but hit the gastronomical jackpot.

I'll give you a bit of a preview...an amuse bouche, if you will. There have been burgers...

and bacon milkshakes...

and Happy Hours...

and pastries...

and pizzas...

and giant ribeyes.

So, stay tuned for some tasty tidbits!

Happy Searching,