Gardening: Oregano

Last summer, the sage and the thyme died after many years of survival. OK, what herb will not go away...Oregano. There is so much oregano, I gave some to my neighbor and I'm drying the rest.

Farmer's Market Find: Tomatoes = Gazpacho!!!

So what do you do when you have a bunch of PERFECT tomatoes on a hot day?

Make Gazpacho!!!

Score the bottom of each tomato and dunk in boiling water for a few seconds, then put in an ice bath. You're not cooking the tomatoes, just trying to release the skin.

Perfect job for the husband.

OK, at this point, squeeze the seeds out and put in the food processor. Now, there are a million recipes for gazpacho, but like many things at my house, we WING IT!

So, add a little red onion, garlic, bell pepper, olive oil, red wine vinegar...blitz!

We did not add bread this time. However, you can if you want to.

OK, salt, pepper, a little more olive oil...taste. YUM!

Garnish with chopped bell pepper, cucumber, red onion...Slurp away !!!

Serve your gazpacho with grilled bread rubbed with garlic, olive oil, and then topped with serrano ham, manchego and a chilled glass of rose.

YUM!

Breakfast at Cafe Presse

It was such a beautiful sunny morning, so off we went to find a breakfast spot. Cafe Presse, here we come!!!

John had the Ham, Gruyere, and Eggs. Smelled great, but I didn't have a bite.The cheese plate is a perfect blend of great cheeses.

Yes, I had a Chocolate Tart for dessert with breakfast.

Very Happy ending!

Eastside Eats: Earls Restaurant and Bar, Bellevue

Well, once you get past all the hostesses at the door, Earl's isn't bad. The decor is retro-ish in a uber-modern way. We tried eating at Earl's once before, but were under-impressed with the menu. We politely said, "We were meeting people, but are at the wrong place". Lame, I know.

OK, OK, we came back. The food isn't bad. The service needs a little help.

To Start: Leroy's Crispy Dry Ribs
These are awesome. Seriously. Salty, tender, I could eat a platter of these.

Hickory Back Ribs & Cajun Chicken
served with warm potato salad and cole slaw

Interesting. Not authentic, but good.

Steak & Frites

Good, Steak fine, fries ok.

One Pound Wings
Hate to say it but these wings are REALLY good. All you need is a side of napkins a a cold beer. Order 2 of these, people at the table will want to try one, then you'll have less for yourself.

Dessert: Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding
Do not leave Earl's without trying this sweet mess.

YUM!

Tamarind Tree

Who would have thought this lovely departure from the ID hustle & bustle, in the back of a strip mall off Jackson, would be the perfect "quiet" place for great food. Welcome to Tamarind Tree.

The dining room is packed, but Tamarind Tree has creatively arrange the room so every table seems private and intimate.
Settle down with a little tea.
OK, time for cocktails!!!
If you like gin, the Kumquat Crush with brown sugar & lime juice on the left and for the tequila-lover, the Tangerine Martini with grand marnier,
fresh honey tangerine & lime juice is for you (and me!!!) on the right.
OK, sit back enjoy your cocktail and get ready for a treat...here it comes.

Stuffed Squid: Marinated ground pork, clear vermicelli noodle, and black mushrooms stuffed in a grilled squid served with fresh lime chili sauce.
So Good!

Duck Salad: Shredded cabbage, carrot, and fresh herbs, pickled onion, roasted peanuts topped
with skinless/boneless duck in house dressing served with ginger sauce.

Co Ngu Crispy Shrimp: Deep fried sweet potato and shrimp served with lettuce, green herbs, and mixed fish sauce.

Indochine Estate Coffee from Vietnam in condensed milk served with a light, crunchy cookie with the Tamarind Tree logo stamped right on the cookie...nice touch!

Perfect ending, but wait...dessert is still coming!

Grilled Banana Cake
Grilled Sweet rice and red banana served with warm coconut milk, topped with roasted peanuts.

Eastside Eats: Forecasters Public House at Redhook Brewery

Finally, a perfect day for a COLD Beer.

The sun is back, so what do we do in the Northwest...EAT OUTSIDE!!!

For some reason, summer has come very late. June was drizzle, drizzle, brrrrr. Seriously.

If you find yourself in Woodinville wine tasting, cycling, or just hangin o'ut and you want a bite in a casual setting, go to Redhook Brewery.

The relaxed dining room is great, but the patio is awesome.

I thought I wanted a burger, but one HUGE downfall about Redhook Brewery, no french fries on the menu. I will only mention this once, but if I'm going to eat a burger or brat with a beer, I am going all the way and eating fries too. OK, no fries. Big problem.

OK, so this sexy, cold blond helped me calm down about the french fries situation. I don't care what the rest of the world says, but "Washington Microbrews ROCK-a-roni!!!"
We may not have started the whole microbrew craze, but we put it on the map.
So many choices, what to do, what to do.

We started with the hummus plate. What do you expect, I would've had hot wings, but...no fries.

So I split a brat with my husband. The brat came with a Caesar salad...WHAT???

The brat was good, would've been better.

We got a side of Tim's Potato Chips. Kinda like fries.

OK, the patio and a cold beverage was all I really wanted out of this experience, so I'm happy.

I'll be back, only on a sunny day.

Eastside Eats: Boom Noodle for Lunch

I know, I know, I've already blogged about Boom Noodle. I don't care...have you gone there yet? If not, what the hell are you waiting for?

This is the best lunch EVER!!! Wild Salmon Udon. A big bowl with Udon Noodles, Smoked Wild Salmon, Shiitake Mushroom, Tamago and Miso Broth.

Eastside Eats: Topolino's Pizza

If you don't mind a little garlic, try Topolino's Pizza. OK, this isn't NOT one of those chic new pizza places, barely any seating, unless it's nice outside and you want to sit in the make-shift parking lot seating. You can create your own pizza with the traditional toppings, or try one of the house specialties with the classic combinations. The crust is really good, crispy and chewy.

Most large pizzas are under $20.00. Vegetariano: Mushroom, Bell Pepper, Onions, and Olives
Clam & Garlic: Baby Clams, Garlic, Parsley, Olive Oil and herbs
Carnivoro: Pepperoni, Sausage, Bacon, Chicken, Salami, Ham, and Meatball

YUM!