Daily Loaf

Whether you are a food blogger or Food Network mega chef, you always have someone with whom you seek “foodie” counsel. This person is in essence a foodie`s foodie, and is great at pointing out new foods/experiences based on their experience. Being a CL food blogger gives me the fortune of having some pretty savvy food and wine people at my fingertips, which became quite evident when I planned a weekend getaway to Sarasota.

It was a beach and food trip, and I’d done research and was convinced that I had found a great fine-dining spot for dinner. I made my reservations and packed the Nexium. Then, in passing, I mentioned my culinary plans to my friend Taylor, who suggested I touch base with CL food editor Brian Ries. He immediately had me change reservations to the relatively new Mozaic restaurant in downtown Sarasota.  Armed with his advice, I placed my fate in the hands of Chef Dylan Elhajoui. Read the rest of this entry »

These Lamb Burgers are packed with flavors from the Middle East. Cumin, mint and parsley bring out the best in the lamb, while a sauce of tahini and lemon is a savory stand-in for mayo. Served on warm flat bread, the tiny burgers are very moist, even when cooked through. A Cucumber-Feta Quick Pickle adds bright flavor. In the same theme, delicate eggplant fries are served alongside. Frying the eggplant brings out sweetness that works well with the tangy flavors in the burgers. Read the rest of this entry »

Most of my last weekend was spent in a medical conference. 15 hours in a hotel conference room listening to pharmacy laws, regulations, zzzzzzz. You get the drift. Cuisine was not a focus; I mustered up the enregy to try the turkey sandwich offered at lunch and the stale bread left me with a jaw that felt like it had been hit by a gorilla. Not surprisingly, I forgot lunch on Sunday and walked away with a hell of an appetite. I craved some something on my grill, but what? Red meat seemed heavy and chicken had worn out its welcome, but lamb, however, was just right.

I always get my lamb at our neighborhood Whole Foods and my favorite cut for grilling are shoulder chops, however they were fresh out (2nd time in a  row, whats up with that!) so I settled for 2 racks. I also picked up an apricot brandy grill sauce made by Napa Valley BBQ Co. Don’t ask me why I got this; most of my friends know I always make up my menus and marinades last minute or on the fly. I was hungry, it seemed interesting, and it was coming home with the lamb. Necessity would force me to come up with a good rub for this lamb. Read the rest of this entry »