|
|
Collection of the ‘news’ Category
For the Love of Food! Eating Around the Bay 4/6/12
This week on Food Nation Radio Network (WWBA/WXMR) we talked about what produce is ready right now. However, we’ve been holding out on you, because we’ve been growing our own veggies/herbs with a tower from Prodigal Organic Towers. 
The whole container recycles the water in it, there is no soil, no bugs and it’s on a timer. They couldn’t make it any easier to grow your own organic plants at home. Here is their website for more info: http://prodigalorganictowers.com/
In addition to growing things, I’ve been cooking up some menus for the Easter holiday. Here’s a couple of tested menus you can access right here at http://elizabethdougherty.com:
http://elizabethdougherty.com/2011/06/09/spring-pea-soup-with-lime-crema-chicken-breasts-poached-in-red-wine-and-star-anise-and-five-spice-fingerlings/
http://elizabethdougherty.com/2011/06/10/herb-encrusted-rack-of-lamb-with-a-buerre-rouge-potatoes-dauphinoise-with-gruyere-and-spring-aspargus-with-roasted-garlic/
More and more, I’m so proud and excited to live in the Tampa Bay area with chefs and restaurants that are really dedicated to providing fresh, local food. Yes, we eat healthily for the most part, but sometimes you’ve got to just let go and live a little.
This is the Mezza Luna from Bella’s in South Tampa. It’s fried from their fresh Mezza Luna (half moon) pasta stuffed with cheese, however, it still manages to stay light and the sauce has that rich tomato taste without being too acidic.
There are many things I love about this restaurant, there are too many to list. It’s not that it’s full of snooty culinary masterpieces. That’s not the point of this place. It’s a true neighborhood restaurant. When you walk in, you feel warmly at home. The servers are friendly without being intrusive and the food is generally very good. (The tiramisu, which I’ve written about before, is the best I’ve ever eaten.)
The pizza oven does not disappoint with crispy pizzas served all day and on their late night menu. (The only change I requested is I wanted the prosciutto put on after the pizza was baked, otherwise it gets a little tough.)
If you have kids and you are looking for some house-made meals instead of the super-salty overly processed choices, check out Outback. Have you been lately? My son swears by their version of mac n’ cheese made with penne pasta. I tried it too. So cheeeesy. 
I had always been taught that when you want a great steak, go to one of those very expensive steakhouses where they tell you the whole story of the cow’s life and how long they age their steaks, etc. When I found out that Zagat had rated Outback’s steaks as the best in the country by a chain restaurant, I wanted to taste it for myself. I hadn’t eaten at an Outback in years, and my last impression was “meh”. That has all changed now.
The filet with a wedge salad is a reasonably priced, very flavorful dish. The filet I tried was fork tender and perfectly grilled over wood. It had that smoky flavor going on in the background and the cool, blue cheese dressing on the wedge was a great counterpart. There are some dishes where simple is just fine by me, as long as the quality is there. This is one of them.
If you want a special night out, away from the franchises and chains, check out one of my favorite restaurants in Tampa, Pane Rustica. These people have a habit of making their meat dishes brontosaurus-sized. About a week ago, I tried their short rib and there was nothing short about it. It was huge and tender and savory and completely satisfying. Wow. I just had a little flashback there. Here’s a picture so you can share the yearning with me. 
That’s not all I had that evening. Have you ever had a veal cheek? I hadn’t either and I dig when restaurants use all the “parts” and don’t waste anything. It’s what being a good restaurant/chef is about. That’s the challenge and they really stepped up with this veal cheek and pasta dish. Just when I thought the short rib was the most outstanding part of my evening. This was love on a plate. 
You probably already know by now, neighborhood Italian places always have a soft spot in my heart. Well, recently we had Bill Murphy on the show. Remember those great one-tank trips he put together? Yep. That’s the guy. You can still find his books around town. I found some at Haslam’s, but I digress. Bill recommended this little Italian restaurant in St. Pete Beach called Gennaro’s. 
It’s not big. It’s not fancy. The food is exactly what you would expect and hope for. The red sauce is made with love, the garlic bread is an actual loaf of Italian bread smeared with garlic butter and baked until toasty hot, the baked pasta dishes are overflowing with cheese, bubbly and browned on top and it’s not expensive. I really debated not even writing about Gennaro’s because I want to go back and I don’t want it to be too crowded! This was my manicotti, hot and steaming right from the oven.
By the way, if you find yourself at the Columbia Restaurant with out of town friends in Ybor or you just feel like taking in the view at the Pier, it doesn’t mean you always have to have a Cuban sandwich. They have several Italian crossover dishes like their version of an eggplant parmesan pictured here. It’s got capers and olives in it, giving it some extra pizzazz and the sauce a good kick. Did you know they also have a gluten-free menu? All you have to do is ask for it. 
I’ll see what sorts of trouble I get into over the next several days, fork in hand, eating around. Have a tasty week.
THIS week’s broadcast 3/31/12 is on the podcast page!
Spring is here! What should you be eating? Have a listen to Chef Ted from Boca, Sweetwater Community Farm and the Plattsburgh Farmer’s Market PLUS Easter recipes.
This week on Food Nation Radio Network
Special guest, nationally-known author and television host Nathalie Dupree helps me, the biscuit-challenged to make a fluffy biscuit for National Biscuits and Gravy Week.
Food Nation Radio Network Press Release 9/7/11
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Press Contact: Kaytee Smith
Ph: 847-745-5699
E: info@foxrockcommunications.com
FoxRock Syndication Services Serves Up THE FOOD NATION RADIO NETWORK
Chicago, IL, September 7, 2011 – FoxRock Syndication Services, a division of FoxRock Communications Inc. announced today an agreement with THE FOOD NATION RADIO NETWORK with ELIZABETH DOUGHERTY to join its roster of syndicated programming.
“We are all really excited that Elizabeth Dougherty is bringing her great program to a national audience, and we’re proud to be a part of this adventure. Her show is fun and informative, and the perfect weekend escape,” said FoxRock Communications President Matt Smith.
THE FOOD NATION RADIO NETWORK is a one hour weekend show flagshipped on Genesis Communications’ WWBA AM 820 in Tampa, FL. Elizabeth, along with Tampa radio veteran, Michael Serio send listeners on an adventure of “good food, great fun, and the good life”. It is delivered via Internet download and is available on a barter basis. Host Elizabeth Dougherty has an extensive background in food writing and culinary arts training. Her years of experience cooking and writing about food help demystify the concepts of good cooking for good health. She has written articles on food that have appeared in several major publications. Additionally, her website, www.elizabethdougherty.com and Facebook pages, “Elizabeth Dougherty” and “Eat St. Pete!”, are among the most visited in the area, along with a strong presence on Twitter, keywords “FoodNationRadio”.
THE FOOD NATION RADIO NETWORK host Elizabeth Dougherty said, “We are pleased to partner with FoxRock Syndication as Food Nation Radio continues to grow so that we can continue to concentrate on the compelling (and fun) content we provide to our listeners each week.”
Demo materials for THE FOOD NATION RADIO NETWORK can be found on the FoxRock Communications website, www.foxrockcommunications.com. Interested stations can also contact FoxRock by phone at 847-745-5699 or via email at info@foxrockcommunications.com.
FoxRock Syndication Services is a division of FoxRock Communications, based in Chicago, IL. FoxRock Syndication Services distributes programs to thousands of stations and listeners each day. In addition to THE FOOD NATION RADIO NETWORK, the FoxRock Syndication Services family includes: POSITIVE PARENTING RADIO PUBLIC AFFAIRS, THE BLOCK WITH TIM, BATTLE LINE with ALAN NATHAN, THE DR. EVELYN HIGGINS SHOW, THE REMOTE NEWS SERVICE, and the RADIO NECTAR UNSOLD INVENTORY SOLUTION.
####
Mad About Tipping Practices
There are quiet revolutions going on in the restaurant world right now. One of them involves the touchy subject of tipping. Until the last couple of years, most upscale dining establishments in the United States had a voluntary gratuity for the service staff. I don’t think anyone (including me) minds giving a generous tip in the range of 18 – 20% for good service. According to a recent Zagat survey, however, most (including me) would much rather do it of our own accord and greatly dislike being forced to tip via a “service charge” attached to the tab.
Special Report – St. Pete Restaurants Dealing with Today’s Economy
Times are tough. While we are all pushing forward, we see the signs around us. Over the last year, some notable local restaurants have called it quits. Pacific Wave, Diner 437 are 2 examples. Some of these were places (like Cheers) where locals would go and everyone would know your name. It’s sad, really.
Special Report Part 2 – St. Pete Restaurants Dealing with Today’s Economy
We talked about parking and the economy affecting restaurants in the area. What are the restaurants doing to rally back and keep people coming to their establishments? A lot, really.
Final in a Series – St. Pete Restaurants and the Economy
The past few weeks have been interesting, as I’ve collected feedback from both restaurant proprietors and the general public about their views on the dining establishments in St. Pete.
