Archive for August, 2010

Their claim states “There ain’t no better breakfast” and BOY are they right.  While I was in L. A. this June I was told by  fellow food blogger and BBQ dude, Tony Morales that I should definitely check out The Serving Spoon.  He knew I had an affinity for soul food and simply said it was the best ever.  How could I pass that up?  Also, it was merely a 15 minute drive from my hotel.

I went on a Saturday morning and it was packed…a line of people waiting outside as well as people waiting  on chairs inside.  I had to be back to my hotel at a certain time to get to my event so I was wondering if I would even have time to get breakfast?  The food smelled so good in there, I wasn’t leaving without at least putting my name on the list and giving my all.  I told the hostess it was just a party of one and I got seated  up at the breakfast bar right away, no waiting!  I really felt bad because there must have been about 20 people or more waiting for tables, but that’s just how they roll and I was happy.

I already knew what I was going to get, crazy I know. However, I had read a ton of Yelp reviews on this place and saw many pictures and decided from there what I would have. I think the server was a little shocked that I ordered right away, so I explained I had come from Arizona and was prepared.  I didn’t know when I would ever be coming back here again, the old adage, “go big or go home” came to mind so I obliged.  I ordered the “Raphael Saadiq” good morning breakfast which came with 2 eggs over medium,  grits, wing drumettes, and cornbread which I passed on since I was getting a waffle as well.  In retrospect, I totally should have gotten the cornbread that came with the meal, to try a bite.  I just didn’t want to appear too overzealous.

Im in breakfast heaven

Talk about some perfect grits…these were it.  Loved that they used margarine as a topping instead of butter. I seriously felt like I was sitting down in in my grandma’s kitchen instead of a restaurant.  It was really great.  The wings were unlike any I have ever eaten.  I liked that they were simply breaded, no sauce.  The breading was super crunchy and perfectly seasoned and you could tell it was a homemade batter.  My waffle was a whole other magnificent story.  It was soft and slightly chewy with a light crunch around the outside of the waffle. The sprinkle of cinnamon on top totally rocked it, with a dab of margarine and warm maple syrup…OH MY!

whoa, what a waffle

Before I paid my bill I was running over the weekend plans in my mind to figure out when I could get back here again?  What an amazing, homemade, and delicious meal.  Unfortunately, too much vodka that same evening made it near impossible to return the next day However, I will be back Serving Spoon, mark my words. If you’re in West Hollywood, type their address into your GPS and just go, no excuses or you’re missing out.

Chicken Curry Noodles-comfort in a bowl

Really wish I could have gotten this picture larger for you guys, but enough is enough!  My favorite Thai meal of all time HAD to get on the blog now.  Lemongrass Thai Cafe is a quaint restaurant in a little known strip mall in Tempe.  Located on Broadway Blvd, just past Hardy Dr. , just look for the bright green and yellow signs and you will find your destination.

I came here about a year ago for the first time on a recommendation from my friend Christy who is a Thai food fiend, so I trusted her word.  That night I got to sample a few of Lemongrass’ amazing dishes.  The sheer size of their menu is daunting at first, but if you know what you like you can find it or something quite similar somewhere on their menu.  My second trip in is when I ordered the chicken curry noodles, the dish that ruined me for any other Thai dish  for the rest of my life.

yummy Thai Iced Tea

There is simply nothing in the world like these noodles, even in 110 degree weather.  Like last night, in steep desert temps, I will get in my car and drive from Fountain Hills to Tempe to get my fix. Yes, I said fix because this comforting Thai soup is an addiction that I will never kick.  Imagine a creamy, thin, brothy, spicy, chicken noodle soup.  Next, picture incredible flavor with raw red onion slices, thin sliced chicken, ramen noodles, and a panang broth.  This is fill your soul, curl up on your couch, feel good food.  I order it spicy and get a Thai Iced Tea to drink as a refreshing cool down from the heat of the curry.  Think the lime wedge on top is just useless decoration? Don’t set that baby aside, it is crucial in the final flavor of the dish.  The lime gets squeezed all over the top of these curry noodles that adds the perfect zing to the creamy spicy broth.  I’ll put up a few pics of the dishes that came before the Curry Noodles, and they were delicious, but if I’m driving 28 miles round trip, I am going to get my noodles on.  They are heavenly every single time.  I LOVE Lemongrass Thai Cafe.

green curry and beef

On August 3rd Red Robin began their fifth annual Kids’ Cook-Off which is a contest children ages 6-12 can enter for a chance to win their burger recipe on the Red Robin menu and Red Robin gift cards for one year! The grand prize winner also wins a family trip for 4 to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.  This summer debuts last year’s cook-off winner Emma and her winning “Spicy Honey Glazed Bacon Burger.” 

I had the chance to preview this delicious burger the day before it hit the menus on August 3rd.  Emma’s burger will be on all Red Robin menus until September 12th and from now until September 12th children can enter the cook-off for their burger to be in menus next summer.

Spicy Honey Glazed Bacon Burger w/Havarti cheese

I’ve always been a fan of Red Robin, from their Red Robin Royal burger with the over easy fried egg on top, to the bottomless steak fries, you simply can’t go wrong.  I have to honestly say, that this spicy honey glazed burger thought up by a four year old, is the BEST burger I have ever had at Red Robin.  No joke, it was more than good, it was fantastic! I think it all has to do with the honey cayenne mayo that is on the bun.  This sweet,  spicy, and creamy sauce adds so much character and extra moisture to the taste of the burger itself.  You can’t get a Red Robin burger medium rare like I normally order my burger, but you can get it with “some pink” and with the glaze it was very juicy.  The bacon and the havarti cheese were a perfect combo also to accompany the burger.

Another great thing about the Kid’s Cook-Off burger is that fifty cents of each burger ordered will go to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.  NCMEC is an organization that Red Robin is passionate about fundraising for.  Since 2006, Red Robin has donated over $310,000.00 to this cause through the Kids’ Cook-Off as well as other programs.

The Food Tramp Diaries and Red Robin would like to give one of my readers a chance to win a $10.00 giftcard to Red Robin as well as a burger cookbook, “50 Gourmet Burger Creations From Kids Across the Country”. This will give you a chance to go in and try out Emma’s burger for yourself and give to a great cause.  I know you’ll LOVE this burger.

cookbook and giftcard

I will be running this giveaway until Saturday midnight.  Entry is per usual, follow ALL of these steps and you may enter as many times as you like.

1) Fan Red Robin on Facebook & follow them on Twitter (if you have Twitter)

2) Fan Food Tramp Diaries on Facebook and follow her on Twitter (if you have Twitter)

3) Suggest Food Tramp Diaries to two friends on Facebook

4) Leave a comment after this post of what you top your favorite burger with.

Good Luck!!!!!!!

This years much anticipated annual food and wine fest for Southern California is almost here!! The almost week long event kicks off on Wednesday November 17th with the San Diego Wine Rave, hosting 25 of the edgiest wine and spirits on the market today.  Events for the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival will continue with the most coveted Grand Tasting happening on Saturday November 20th.  The festival ends on Sunday November 21st with the Celebrity Chef Luncheon & American Institute of Wine and Food “Big Bottle Auction”.

Some of the highlights of this year’s festival include:  170 Wine & Spirit Purveyors , 70 of San Diego’s Top Chefs Celebrity Chefs, Cooking & Wine Tasting Classes, Big Bottle Auction, Continuous Food and Wine Tastings, Over 800 Wines and the $50,000 Chef of The Fest Competition. 

Click here to see a schedule of events

Click here to purchase tickets (Last year’s events were TOTALLY sold out)

To get up to the minute information on the festival, fan them on Facebook  AND follow them on twitter!!

Last year I was suppose to attend this event, but had to back out last minute due to my daughter’s illness.  I am excitingly looking forward to attend the 2010 San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival this year with no snafus.  I will be keeping you up to date on Celebrity Chefs attending, new up and coming restaurants getting ready to strut their stuff at the festival, and anything else related to the November event.  Many people attend this festival from out of state, so if this is you, click here for hotel and travel information.