Food Bloggers Support For Sandy

 

Just a few weeks ago my younger cousin asked me for my recipe for Macaroni and Cheese. At this point in this young woman's life its important to her that she know how to cook this comforting meal for that special guy in her life. Those few short weeks ago her biggest worry was learning how to cook. This week she is in a city flooded and heavily impacted by hurricane Sandy and her biggest worry is starting over.

Food Bloggers Support For Sandy, #FBS4Sandy, is an event taking place November 8th, 2012 to speread a little comfort. Food Blogger or not, please use any form of social media to display your choice of comfort food to show support to those affected by this natural disaster. This also raises awareness to the world to pitch in anyway you can to help those in need. The Salvation Army , The Red Cross , and Feeding America are always great organizations to donate to because of their proven track record to provide shelter, food, clothing, etc for those in situations such as the aftermath of hurricane Sandy. Please give what you can. September 8, show your support with a comforting meal in the name of our under water neighbors.

What To Get Your Pittsburgh Foodie

Its very rare that I get an awesome "foodie" gift from a non-Foodie friend. That not so good bottle of wine or your Grandma's measuring cup set just doesn't do it anymore. Just like any other gift that pertains to a hobby or interest, its a good idea to give something that will let your Foodie know that, not only have you noticed their love for food, but also support their interest.  So here's a list of things to get your Pittsburgh Foodie... or me. lol

 

Books:

• Comfort Me With Offal by Ruth Bourdain (available Sept. 4)- a very humorous Guide to Gastronomy
• Food Lover's Guide To Pittsburgh (available Sept. 4)

Kitchen Gadgets:

• Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker
• Zyliss 5-way Opener
• Linden Sweden Wire Whisk with Loops

Events:

• Savor Pittsburgh- A celebration of cuisine to benefit the fight of  prematurity at Magee's Women's Hospital. The finest chefs and mixologist compete for coveted titles! 
•             Pittsburgh Restaurant Week- One week out of every season, Pittsburgh celebrates local foods and restaurants with an emphasis on community.
•            Pittsburgh Craft Beers Week- celebration of craft beers and local breweries

Classes:

•  Crested Duck- Hands-on butcher and charcuterie classes
•               Crate- Offers an array of cooking classes.  
• Habitat- interactive classes for every level, covering a variety of topics on the 1st of every month

Drama in Jay Z's Kitchen

So according to The New York Post Page Six, Jay Z and company were in the process of suing his Ex Chef Mike Shand.  Legal action was taken over a secret spice mix for chicken wings served at Jay Z's 40/40 Club. Allegedly, Mike Shand took the recipes that he created for the Manhattan club with him when he was terminated, which is a contract violation. But 4 days later, the beef was buried and settled out of court. Word on the street is that Chef Shand might sue for defamation of character. Food is for everyone... Until it cuts into someone pockets.

Curried Away...

I dont know what everyone else is doing on a Saturday afternoon but I was in my kitchen getting "curried" away. All my friends know about my Jamaican roots, so Im constantly asked to make Curry Chicken for whatever gathering or event they're having. So I decided to share the recipe with all of you. This particular dish is very dear to my heart. When the smell of all the spices simmering envelope my apartment, it reminds me of being a kid in my mother's kitchen with Bob Marley playing in the background.

Clean, cut, and season* chicken breast

Slice onions, tomatoes and ginger. Dice Jalepeno. Chop garlic.

Heat oil and a pat of buttet Sautee onions, tomatoes, ginger, jalepeno, and garlic. 

Add chicken to the pot and simmer until done and tender.

I was nice and decided to make Sweet Cilantro Rice to go with it.

 

What kind of curry dishes are on your plate?

Pittsburgh Restaurant Week - Summer 2012

We are well into the summer season and its that time again: Pittsburgh Restaurant Week Summer Edition. I'm especially excited about this fun filled event because its not only my first time attending but also my first time as a Participating Blogger. Its not just about restaurants promoting their new menus. Its about about the community of Pittsburgh, foodie or not, coming together. This time around they're also highlighting fresh harvesting and outdoor dining.

It all begins August 9 with the first ever Kickoff Party taking place in the Renaissance Hotel's gorgeous lobby. The week continues August 13-19 with awesome deals and events. Be sure to visit the website to see what restaurants are participating, events, and tickets. Here's your chance to experience the many diverse dining options we have right here in the Burgh!

Chain Chain Chain...

I try not to mention chain restaurants here on Plate Pittsburgh, mostly because I want to focus on restaurants that you can indulge only in the Burgh. I doubt I will find anything amazingly different between a Pittsburgh Longhorn and an Atlanta Longhorn. But when I'm pleasantly surprised by a chain I think I should share my experience with you all.

After a long morning of shopping... and spending money I don't have, a friend and I decided to have lunch at Olive Garden, quickly remembering their 2 for $25 deal. (Its a recession! lol) Its a separate menu where you can choose 2 entrees, 2 appetizer or 1 dessert with salad and breadsticks. For my entree I chose the Seafood Brodetto. Now here's the reason why I'm telling you about Olive Garden. THE SEAFOOD BRODETTO WAS AMAZING!! Its similar to ciopinno. This delicate seafood stew contained a fillet of sole, shrimps, scallops, mushrooms, carrots, and spinach all in a white wine saffron broth. It was served with crusty pieces of ciabatta and a grilled lemon half. I walked away full but without that "heavy, I need a nap" feeling. I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch. What chains have you enjoyed recently?

MasterChef's Josh Marks...

I don't know if its his drive or his passion that's more inspiring, but I just might be in love with Josh Marks from MasterChef Season 3. OK... Not in love per say but deeply in like. This season everyones talent seems to be hitting the roof, considering they are all home cooks that have never been formally trained. Monday night I have learned that your passion can carry you a long way.  The 7 foot Chef redeemed himself with a comeback to continue on his mission to win the competition and open a cooking school. I love how his dream is to be a blessing and help others fulfill their dreams. #TeamJosh is who I'm rooting for. Who do you hope to win?