How To Grill A Steak

15 Thursday Jul 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Food Prep, Grillin' and Chillin', Interesting Information, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?

I am a subscriber to an email newsletter from Sizzle On The Grill from Char-Broil. [The photo to the left is from them, not me. )-;] I really think this is a good article and think you should read it. It is informative! Here is an excerpt of the article.

It’s all about temperature
According to the cookbooks I’ve used to research the standard cooking temperatures at which specific methods are most effective, here are some thing I’ve come to learn and use in all of my cooking adventures.

Basics
Water boils at 212F degrees at sea level. The temperature needed to make it “boil” goes down as the altitude goes up. BUT 212F is the temperature needed for cooking. So if I’m at a higher altitude and trying to boil water for pasta, that’s what I’m going to be looking for. The temperature of the water. I know that sounds pretty silly to start out with in a post about grilling steaks, but that simple knowledge is really the basis for just about everything you will ever do in the kitchen – outdoors or indoors.

Read the rest of the article by CB at Grilling Steaks: It’s All About Temperature. Cheers and Happy Grilling!

"the Buzz" – Semillon/Grenache Wine Dinner

14 Wednesday Jul 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Party Time, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Things To Do, Wine Dinners

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So, here we go again. Another wonderful wine dinner at the Buzz! The July Wine Club dinner featured Semillion and Grenache and a full dinner. Not really my favorite varietals, but one must learn to enjoy them. Besides, it’s always good to see what happens when you try these wines with food – as all wines are designed to accompany food.
The photo to the left are two of three additional wines. “Additional” wines are usually served before the party begins. So, tonight we had nine wines and a full dinner all for $15 per person! Here are photos of the dinner selections and the wines that accompanied each plate. My ratings are in parenthesis (17) and rated out of 20 possible points. Percent alcohol and prices are also listed.

We started with a Summer Vegetable Pancake with Basil Chive Cream. (The Basil Chive Cream would be awesome with smoked salmon) This was an incredible dish. To accompany the dish, we had a 2009 Falling Star Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc from Argentina. 13%. $10. (17) This was a sharp wine – briar, lemon, earthy with lemon grass.

Jerked Chicken Kabobs with Water Chestnut Appetizers and Mango Cucumber Salad. This was so delicious and went very well with a 2008 L’Ecole Semillon. Washington state. 14.2%. $13. (18). This wine accompanied the Jerk Chicken and the spiciness of the chicken very well. It enhanced the Mango Cucumber Salad and did not overpower it. The cucumber went very well with the wine. The wine had hints of cinnamon and citrus with the water chestnut.

Turkey Lettuce Tacos. Wow! Another delightful plate. 2008 Tapena Grenache 13%. $11. (18). This was a surprise. Pepper and chocolate. Well balanced with spices. Great with the different taco.

Andalusian Gazpacho. What a wonderful cold soup. Great on a hot summer day. It went extremely well with a 2007 Las Rocas Garnacha. 13%. $13. (19). My favorite wine of the evening. Cherry overtones. Old World style. Went very well with the soup and balanced the spices that were present in the gazpacho.

Cucumber Tomato Quinoa Salad and Fennel Pork Burgers with Grape Relish. You know, Cristi and Tom, you out did yourselves here!! The Fennel Pork Burger with Grape Relish should be on your Bistro menu.

Frozen Chocolate Cheesecake Squares. Anything with chocolate has to be Yum-O! This was no exception. And the wine? A Bitch Bubbly Grenache. $13. (17) Actually, the red pie cherry of the wine went well with the cheesecake.

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So there you have another exciting evening at the Buzz. If you missed this event, you just gotta make the next one. Remember: The Second Tuesday and Wednesday evenings of every month. Just call for reservations. And the same wines and meal are presented each evening, so if you can not make it on one of the evenings, it is repeated on the next. Do enjoy and cheers!

The World of Mushrooms

12 Monday Jul 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Mushrooms, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?

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I know, everyone doesn’t like mushrooms. But you should! Full of vitamins and “good stuff” and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here is a link to Mushroom Recipes. There are literally hundreds of recipes at this source. At least take a look and see what is available. If you click the Header, you can go directly to their web page. From the recipe page of the Mushroom Council,

This collection of recipes highlights the versatility of mushrooms. A delicious and nutritious ingredient, mushrooms can be added to many different types of cuisine. Whether adding a touch of class with delicate enokis or heartier texture with white buttons, mushrooms are your go-to ingredient. Browse our selection to find a way you can use mushrooms today … Mushrooms are low in calories, fat-free, cholesterol-free and very low in sodium, and they provide several nutrients, including riboflavin, niacin and selenium. No wonder we call them Nature’s Hidden Treasure! Mushrooms are the leading source of the essential nutrient selenium in the produce aisle and are also a source of ergotheioneine – both are important antioxidants that help protect the body’s cells from damage.

And lastly from the Mushroom Council, some interesting folklore.

Folklore
Mushrooms, the plant of immortality? That’s what ancient Egyptians believed according to the hieroglyphics of 4600 years ago. The delicious flavor of mushrooms intrigued the pharaohs of Egypt so much that they decreed mushrooms were food for royalty and that no commoner could ever touch them. This assured themselves the entire supply of mushrooms. In various other civilizations throughout the world, including Russia, China, Greece, Mexico and Latin America, mushroom rituals were practiced. Many believed that mushrooms had properties that could produce super-human strength, help in finding lost objects and lead the soul to the realm of the gods.

There you are. Interesting information and great recipes. Enjoy!

From Cupcakes To Soup

11 Sunday Jul 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Recipe: Bob and Robin Young, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?

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We have had some requests for these two recipes, so here are the two links that go directly to our recipe “book”. Do enjoy these and please let us know how much you enjoy them. The soup is made from fresh garden goodies and is a good way to “eat your greens” without all the fuss. We start with the cupcakes – “Life Is To Short, Eat Dessert First!” Cheers!

1. Black Bottom Cupcakes – These are an awesome cupcake that Robin has modified by using fresh cherries to make something like Black Forest Cherry Cake.

2. Mac’s Leafy Green Soup – Marnie’s boyfriend, Mac McNeil, came up with this recipe. It is really a very good soup. Add whatever herbs and spices you like. This has no cream in it, so it will probably keep for a while. Eat it hot or chilled!

Common Ground Farm, Surprise Valley, Boise

08 Thursday Jul 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Boise Adventures, Common Ground Farm, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?

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So Wednesday July 7 was a busy day for us. Falcon Watch in downtown Boise all morning, blog photos to work on, Fox TV interview and the Common Ground Farm opening in East Boise in Surprise Valley. This is one more in a growing community garden theme for the refugees coming into Boise. They grow the produce and make these picnics and we attend and buy dinner and fresh vegetables. They are productive and earn an income and we get to eat some fantastic cultural food. Look at these photos for a sampling of the event.

Rice Pilaf and Kabob. Made right here in the picnic grounds and it was very good.

I’m sorry, but I don’t know the name of this dish, but it too, was prepared fresh at the picnic.

Here is Michael Boss, Behind The Menu, tasting fresh honey right off of the comb. It was delicious!

Some of the crowd that was there. You can see the garden in the background and it is very large. They are going to put in another 5(?) acres across the street.

Michael Boss and his wife, Patrick and Barbara Mahre and Robin. I’m taking the blurry (Oops) photo!

Cheers and maybe we will see you at the next one. Every Wednesday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

"the Buzz" Bistro Opens

06 Tuesday Jul 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Appetizers, Bistro, Party Time, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

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On July 5, 2010 the Buzz started their new menu and style. Monday through Saturday after 4:00pm they will be serving Bistro Style dinners. Monday – Thursday: 4pm – 9pm; Friday and Saturday: 4pm – 10pm. Closed Sunday. Their menu is displayed below. Along with the bistro, they are also serving a wide variety of affordable wines. Here are some photos of the first night. Cheers!

Here is the menu for the bistro. (Left Click to see a larger picture) You can see that the prices are great and there is a wide variety of choices. Robin and I spent $32 which also included a very good $12 bottle of Rosé.

Robin is enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of the Buzz. On the weekends (Friday and Saturday), they usually have live music from 7 – 9.

Cristi suggested this fine bottle of French Rosé. She was right. The wine went very well with the food selections we made. Light and fruity and not expensive.

Crab Nachos. A delightful change from your standard nachos. These come with tortilla chips topped with crab, blend of cheeses and black olives. Big enough for two!

Flat Iron Steak Salad with Thai Dressing. I really liked this. (Robin and I shared each others selections) The steak was done just perfect – slightly pink as you can see. This is served with chopped romaine, red onion, cucumber and tomato tossed in a Thai dressing. This is an excellent salad.

Tuna Salad with Fennel. Again, not your everyday style of tuna salad. The fennel gives it an extra boost. Served on romaine leaves and the tuna has been blended with fennel and cucumber and seasoned with tarragon. Wonderful!

Unusual Lemon Meringue Pie. Yes … yes … yes! The pie was made with puff pastry. Cristi – You have a winner here!

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If you want a relaxing and fun evening out, the Buzz Coffee and Wine and Bistro is a good place to go. Take your friends. Hope to see you there sometime. And don’t forget their 2nd Tueaday and Wednesday wine dinners. Awesome!

Mac’s Leafy Green Soup

04 Sunday Jul 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Recipes, Things To Do, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?

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Really now, you have to try this before you say “YUK!” It really is very good!

Mac’s Leafy Green Soup

Adapted by Bob and Robin Young
Original Recipe by Mac McNeil

Ingredients:
4 Small Potatoes sliced
2 Small Carrots sliced
3-4 c Water enough to cover potatoes and carrots plus ½” water
1 Chicken bullion cube dissolved in 1 c water
2 c Chicken Stock
“fistful” of young and tender Swiss Chard
2 c Kale
2 T Butter

Directions:
In the water, cook the vegetables until the potatoes and the carrots are just fork tender. Add the Swiss Chard with the Kale to boiling vegetables. Cover and cook chard will turn bright green. To long and it turns brown.

Blend all vegetables and water in food processor with about 2 tablespoons butter, add salt and pepper to taste. Sometimes it pays to hold a little of the water used to boil the vegetables to get the desired thickness that you like.

July Events For "the Buzz"

02 Friday Jul 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Tasting

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I think July will prove to be an inventive month for Tom and Cristi at the Buzz. Here is their latest bulletin. Enjoy and see you at the Buzz! Notice and Bistro below!

…from Buzz Coffee and Wine (and Bistro)

Well, we have made it into the summer and now the fun truly begins. We hope that everyone who is heading out of town this weekend is safe and sane (or at least safe).

But if you are hanging out in Boise do we have a great month planned for everyone. At the Buzz on July 2 and July 3rd we will enjoy the music of Wendy Mattson and the Dynamite Wines of California. We will also be starting with some of our new dinner menu items, as the weekend passes we will be introducing more and more of our new menu. The big opening night for our new menu is July 5th at 4PM. For our regular customers and their friends see the attached coupon for an extra added value these first few days of the new and improved Buzz Bistro.

Also, do not forget the wine club this month is July 13 or 14 at 6:30 P.M. Reservations required. July will focus on Semillion and Grenache.

We are continuing to “work” our way through the clues in the Murder by Malbec mystery series, it is not too late to join, call or stop in with any questions.

Last but not least Forgeron Cellars will be joining us at the Buzz on July 25th for a BBQ and Wine Dinner. Further information will be coming next week regarding the Forgeron dinner. For reservations or questions contact us at 344-4321 or buzzwine@cableone.net.
Again we wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July. Thanks for everything

Sincerely,
Cristi and Tom Takeda
Buzz Coffee and Wine
2999 N Lakeharbor Lane
Boise, Idaho 83703

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See you at the Buzz – Coffee and Wine and Bistro!

First Thursday In Boise – July 1

02 Friday Jul 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Boise Adventures, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?

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During the summer, there are just so many things to do in Boise. The First Thursday celebrations are no exception. We were looking for a specific art exhibit, but were really disappointed when we found it. So, we had to find a place to eat. We ate at the Cazba, a Mediterranean restaurant – Greek, Egyptian, Lebanon style food. That is where we met Lynette Berriochoa from Cypress Tours, tours of food and wine in Italy.

Here are photos of what we had for dinner.

A huge Greek Salad that Robin and I shared.

Some really great Greek wine. Light and fruity that went very well with our dinners.

A dinner of Moussaka that was big enough for two!

A good evening! Cheers.

A Wildly Varietal Day

26 Saturday Jun 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Anthropology of Food, Oriental Food, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Special Dinners, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?

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We are very lucky in Boise to have so much cultural diversity. We have, and we usually attend, the Greek Food Festival, the Russian Food Festival, Basque Festivals, an awesome wine region, the Snake River AVA, and this weekend many of the wineries had an open house, and the Obon Festival – the Japanese festival on Ontario, OR. And I know I have missed some. But we started at the Williamson Orchards, Vineyard and Winery celebrating the family’s 100 years in Sunnyslope. Cherries are ready and super sweet.

Here is Robin tasting Petite Sirah and Port from the barrell and discussing the art of blending varietals in wines with Roger Williamson.

Can’t have wine without cheese, so we made a stop at Rollingstone Chèvre farm in Parma, ID. Below is a photo of one of the products.

We are going back next week with some friends.

Ah, yes, the Japanese Obon Festival in Ontario, OR.

Here is a Bento Box that Robin and I had. Delicious!!

A very different rice dish.

The counter where one could purchase almost anything they wanted.

All of this delicious Japanese food and no sake!

But wait! We can see a place from our table where we are told they have some very good sake. They were right! We had a really interesting sake tasting.