Sunday, February 21, 2010

Greenhorn


So as my culinary journey continues it has brought me to my first job in a real kitchen. I am working along side Executive Chef Chris Ropp at the Kenwood Country Club. Chef Ropp was my Cooking 1 chef instructor at the Midwest Culinary Institute.

With this being my first job in a kitchen, there is not much room for screw-ups by the new guy. Last weekend was my first weekend, and the pace was crazy quick. Not only quick but long for a fat guy like me. Although I must say that when the adrenaline gets pumping there is, nothing more fun and I love it for sure. The flames, the yelling, and satisfaction of a job well done. Did I mention the yelling, I love it.

Not sure if anyone from work reads this, but if you are let me say thank you for your patience and understanding. Also thank you for keeping the hazing to a minimum.

Get out and eat the world

Saturday, February 20, 2010

When Fish Sing

Well it is Lent and you know that that means, one crazy singing fish!


Thursday, February 18, 2010

The On-Going Saga Of The Lunchbox

I am the Lunchbox..coo coo ca choo....


According to the calendar it is winter and well let’s say it is living up to expectations, and actually exceeding those expectations. Any how I have been spending time indoors, which means I have been cooking and eating and eating and eating. This however is not good because unfortunately I am not eating well. If you know me this is an issue. Now I will spare the self pity. I don't eat healthy it’s pretty simple.

So I find myself a little wider than normal by this time of year. Now don't worry I am not at biggest loser size but if I ate what I really wanted I would be for sure. My biggest issue is that I don't move my booty enough. Now I do dance like mad man or at least when I am watching DVR'ed episodes of Ellen. But one minute a day is not even burning off the creamer I had in my coffee this morning.

So why no exercise? First of all you should know I am pretty lazy by nature. Yeah I am that guy who sits on his arse and then complains about being a wide human. I have always worn this label well. Now I do, as the weather gets warmer, get on my bike and move the muscles and lose weight and go into my wanna be Lance mode. Just wait for it; this will rear its ugly head around the middle of April. Be prepared to set your watch to it and enjoy a laugh and point a huge L in my face.

So how do I change this pattern? I am not sure and I don't have some boring list of BS I intend to do differently because at this point I realize I will not follow it, and I will still remain a wide human.

My hope is that the numerous folks who frequent this blog will be able to offer up some suggestions. So watcha got?

Meanwhile I will be wearing my badge of the Lunchbox.... and the saga continues.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

What Authentic Really Tastes Like

As you can see from the new look of my blog that I am a big fan of the Findlay Market. I believe it to be one of most overlooked gems of downtown Cincinnati. A great place to fine thefreshest fruits and vegetables available anywhere locally, it has became one of my favorites places around. I joke with my friends and tell them I consider it my Graceland.

So let me tell you what I love to do upon arriving to the Findlay Market. Before I start filling my bags with fresh meat and vegetables for that evening’s dinner, I have to stop by one of my favorite places on earth. It is called Taste of Belgium so I can get my waffle fix. Yes waffles, that’s right but don't be fooled these are very different than your, just add water variety of waffles. No, No, this is an authentic Liège waffle. The city Liège, Belgium is known throughout Europe for its waffles. The owner Jean-François Flechet should know because he grew up near Liège and was handed down this tradition of making some of the tasty waffles I have ever had in my life.
So what makes them so tasty? There are some basic differences you will find in ingredients and equipment that is used to produce these incredible waffles. First, they are made from thick dough and a coarse Belgian beet sugar. This creates a very unique caramelized sticky and delicious waffle. In addition, the waffles are pressed by a solid cast iron press, which also contributes to the caramelized sticky perfect waffle. This waffle has a rich vanilla flavor and is made to be eaten as an "on the go" item when wrapped in paper when served.



There are many ways you can dress your waffle with fruit and whipped cream or both. It makes a great snack or a fun dessert to be shared with someone else. Did I just say share? What am I thinking, get your own.

So what if waffles are not your thing and you want something else Taste of Belgium has just what you need. Crepes, yes crepes made to order in a variety of different flavors and fillings. You can get sweet of savory ones depending on time of day. I have had the banana and Nutella crepe and it was simply amazing.


Can't get down to the market but you want a waffle? No problem you can pick up them up all over town at these following locations:

◦Market house at Findlay Market
◦The Coffee Shop on Madison in O’bryonville
◦Coffee’n'Cream in Fairfax
◦Pleasant Perk in Pleasant Ridge (weekends only)
◦Whole Foods Market (Hyde Park & Mason)
◦Bigg’s (Hyde Park & Mason)
◦Daveed’s
◦Mokka
◦Lookout Joe
◦Mammoth Coffee
◦Coffee Emporium (Hyde Park, Downtown & Xavier)
◦Sidewinder




Still cannot make it out to pick them up no problem you can have them shipped to you. Just call 513-381-3280 or email at info@authenticwaffle.com.

Taste of Belgium can also can cater your next morning meeting email them or call for details.

Follow Taste of Belgium:

Facebook
Twitter

Hours: Tue-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm

It is hard sometimes in life to slow down and enjoy every moment. So next time you are close, stop by the Findlay Market and visit The Taste of Belgium and take some time to enjoy what authentic really tastes like.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Tweetup At Findlay Market


Do you twitter?  If not you should, it is a great place to meet new people and network with some of the coolest foodies around.  I twitter, you can find me at kendurbin, sign up and add me and I will include you in my foodie friends feed list that I have on my blog.

So hopefully you signed up on twitter by now so know I can invite you to the Tweetup At Findlay Market.  Saturday 2.6.2010 at High Noon.  We will meet at the Internet Café and Art Gallery across from Silverglades.

Tweep Specials: Taste of Belgium--savory crepe and a waffle with toppings for $9, World Food Bar--buy $10 get 1lb. of a salad free, Daisy Mae's Market--free bananas with $5 purchase, Dojo Gelato--Purchase a pint, get the second for $5.25.

So use the link below to sign up and join us and eat and be marry!

http://twtvite.com/8s7b8a