I appear to be quite a lush, as many of my blogs seem to be inspired by a good drink I've had at a certain venue. Truth be told, I don't drink that often, but when it's been a particularly long week, the first thing I want to do is imbibe. I already mentioned that I adore a good mojito, and today I'm thinking about the wondrous pomegranate mojito I had at Scalo on Central just west of Carlisle.
Yes, you read right, I'm indeed referencing the Italian restaurant, a place you'd hardly think to order a Spanish drink. But I'm cool like that, and like to mix it up. I'm glad I did, because those drinks are good! You can also order more Italian concoctions such as Limoncello. As an added bonus, Happy Hour on Friday includes free snacks- which include fresh bread, olives, a hot pasta dish that you can help yourself to, and, last time I was there, hard boiled eggs. They are mighty thoughtful at Scalo, and would prefer you not stumble out too wasted.
If you're headed to Scalo looking for a classy dinner, you're at the right spot. As a restaurant, it's a little more upscale than your everyday kind of restaurant, but you do get what you pay for. The food is incredibly flavorful, and the chefs here like to create interesting dishes. Case in point, I recently had their pear pizza with goat cheese, and I had a hard time not licking off the plate. The daily specials are usually where the chefs show off a little- indulge them and try one of the specials. The ingredients tend to be seasonal, and therefore at their peak of freshness. About a month ago, I tried their stuffed squash blossoms and was quite pleased. Speaking of fresh, Scalo makes their own pasta. For those of you who've tried fresh pasta, you know what I'm talking about. For the rest of you who think that pasta comes out dry from a box, this is a taste experience you MUST try. Nothing beats the fresh stuff.
- A brief side note: I just googled Scalo to make sure I was spelling it right...and they have a website. www.scalonobhill.com. I swear, I just drooled a little on my keypad.
In terms of dessert, I have no idea, except that they have a cheese plate. I've never bothered trying anything else, so I really can't say. All I know is that they serve a mean cup of decaf (or, if you prefer, an aperitif), and that cheese makes me insanely happy.
Have a drink or posh dinner special or cheese plate at Scalo, and you'll be insanely happy too.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Sassy (An Interlude)
Like my new background? I realized that the original one was headache inducing if you were reading my longer blogs...sorry about that! This background is much easier on the eyes, not to mention pink and girly. You may be wondering if a pink and girly background is a good choice for a food blog. In a word, yes. Because I am pink and girly and I write the blog, so I can do what I want. Ha! So there. I am a little disappointed that my penchant for glitter can't be realized on a background...but alas, glittery cupcakes don't seem to exist.
Enjoy my sweet new look, as well as some forthcoming sweet new blogs. :)
Enjoy my sweet new look, as well as some forthcoming sweet new blogs. :)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
How to Unwind (Chama River)
There are some days, when all you can think about is getting off of work and finding a nice, cold beverage du jour. Of late, my choice drink is the mojito. So, when a wonderful version of one finds me (it can be a rare thing to find), I make note and return often. Recently, Chama River Brewing Company seduced me with a pear blackberry mojito...and I think of them often.
Chama River is generally known for their various fresh-brewed beer, and I have to say, the beer is amazing. I highly recommend trying out their sampler, where you are presented with 8-10 small glasses sampling each of the brews. They range from super light to the deepest dark, and include everything in between. With the exception of my aversion to IPA (of any kind), I have been thoroughly pleased with every beer I've tasted there. If you're going to order the sampler, be sure to get an appetizer or two, or, if you're a teetotaler like me, you'll be on your ass in no time.
As I mentioned above, Chama River holds its own on all alcohol fronts. They probably make the best plain mojito in town, as well as devilish margaritas and a super sinful (and luscious) liquid bananas foster. The bartenders know what they're doing here. Plus, you have the option of purchasing your own growler of beer to take home...AND they're refillable! It's like the boxed wine concept, only better.
Once you have satisfied your drink cravings, you really should consider sticking around for dinner. I have made meals out of shared appetizers, and have also ordered from the dinner options- either way you go, you won't be leaving hungry. On cold nights, I highly recommend the guinness fondue, served w/ veggies, bread, and fruit to dip in. That alone is hearty enough to discourage your body from getting tipsy. Adding their calamari (ask for the aioli instead of tartar) and the fried shrimp, and you'll be happily set. If you're out with more than two people, I also suggest any of their salads, or the truffle fries (sprinkled with bacon, bleu cheese, and green onions).
If you are more interested in an actual dinner menu item, stick with the meat selections. Their ribs are awesome- though if you're with a date you'd like to impress, I wouldn't recommend them only due to the mess. You can also get an appetizer serving of the ribs if you don't want sides. The burgers here are cooked to order and have a whole slew of toppings to choose from...so you can create a masterpiece. The prime rib is also a good choice for meat lovers and my mother seemed to like hers a lot when she ordered it. All meals come with your choice from the roving bread basket- I suggest you try all the breads because they are pretty tasty, and take away any tummy rumblings waiting for food.
To be honest, I can't remember if Chama River offers good dessert options...mostly because I'm usually too full and tipsy to think about asking. I would imagine that they have sweet things, and based on the other food, they are probably tasty too. If you're afraid to try one without my recommendation, just order another drink and call it dessert. :)
If Chama River doesn't fill your need for a good drink and some scrumptious food, I don't know what will...
Chama River is generally known for their various fresh-brewed beer, and I have to say, the beer is amazing. I highly recommend trying out their sampler, where you are presented with 8-10 small glasses sampling each of the brews. They range from super light to the deepest dark, and include everything in between. With the exception of my aversion to IPA (of any kind), I have been thoroughly pleased with every beer I've tasted there. If you're going to order the sampler, be sure to get an appetizer or two, or, if you're a teetotaler like me, you'll be on your ass in no time.
As I mentioned above, Chama River holds its own on all alcohol fronts. They probably make the best plain mojito in town, as well as devilish margaritas and a super sinful (and luscious) liquid bananas foster. The bartenders know what they're doing here. Plus, you have the option of purchasing your own growler of beer to take home...AND they're refillable! It's like the boxed wine concept, only better.
Once you have satisfied your drink cravings, you really should consider sticking around for dinner. I have made meals out of shared appetizers, and have also ordered from the dinner options- either way you go, you won't be leaving hungry. On cold nights, I highly recommend the guinness fondue, served w/ veggies, bread, and fruit to dip in. That alone is hearty enough to discourage your body from getting tipsy. Adding their calamari (ask for the aioli instead of tartar) and the fried shrimp, and you'll be happily set. If you're out with more than two people, I also suggest any of their salads, or the truffle fries (sprinkled with bacon, bleu cheese, and green onions).
If you are more interested in an actual dinner menu item, stick with the meat selections. Their ribs are awesome- though if you're with a date you'd like to impress, I wouldn't recommend them only due to the mess. You can also get an appetizer serving of the ribs if you don't want sides. The burgers here are cooked to order and have a whole slew of toppings to choose from...so you can create a masterpiece. The prime rib is also a good choice for meat lovers and my mother seemed to like hers a lot when she ordered it. All meals come with your choice from the roving bread basket- I suggest you try all the breads because they are pretty tasty, and take away any tummy rumblings waiting for food.
To be honest, I can't remember if Chama River offers good dessert options...mostly because I'm usually too full and tipsy to think about asking. I would imagine that they have sweet things, and based on the other food, they are probably tasty too. If you're afraid to try one without my recommendation, just order another drink and call it dessert. :)
If Chama River doesn't fill your need for a good drink and some scrumptious food, I don't know what will...
Monday, November 10, 2008
True Love (Flying Star)
Here's a haiku of love...
Addiction defined:
Flying Star pumpkin pie with
Whipped cream...magical.
That's all you're going to get in terms of a Flying Star review. I know, you're wondering why. I worked there. I ate there every day for nine months. I can't bring myself to review a place I worked for. That said, I still eat there quite often. Fear not, readers, FS is a place I still fully endorse. Especially for the pumpkin pie.
Addiction defined:
Flying Star pumpkin pie with
Whipped cream...magical.
That's all you're going to get in terms of a Flying Star review. I know, you're wondering why. I worked there. I ate there every day for nine months. I can't bring myself to review a place I worked for. That said, I still eat there quite often. Fear not, readers, FS is a place I still fully endorse. Especially for the pumpkin pie.
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