Experiment: Zyliss Julienne Peeler And Zucchini “Noodles”
August 26, 2013 | Posted in Cooking | By Lisa Wilk
Quick and easy way to get some extra veggies into a meal.
Look closely, this bowl of angel hair pasta is mixed with ribbons of Zucchini. If you have a mandolin, creating fine strands of zucchini is fast work. However, for a quick weeknight meal the heavier equipment usually stays in the cabinet- I want easy to grab and quick to clean up. I recently purchased a Zyliss Julienne peeler to help me make those quickie pasta meals a bit more healthy.
The Zyliss Juileanne Peeler. $8.99 on Amazon, available locally.
I was very pleased with the ease of turning a whole zucchini into a pile of “noodles”. The best technique for me was to lay the zucchini on a cutting board, hold the stem end and run the peeler lengthwise down the veggie, with a bit of pressure. Within a minute that whole zucchini was completed.
A big pile of Zucchini “noodles” from 1 medium sized Zucchini.
I sauteed the ribbons with a bit of EVOO, garlic and seasonings over medium heat. Within 5 minutes the zucchini was cooked through and made a great addition to my whole wheat angle hair pasta. The diameter of the julieanne cut was comparable and a quick saute garnered similar texture to the whole wheat pasta. For hubby, I mixed half zucchini to half pasta. For me, I used mostly zucchini and just a bit of pasta.
While I know there are other, larger machines out there to make different types of veggie “noodles”, I see no need for them in my kitchen for now. Even if I’m making squash and zucchini “noodles” a few times a week- the Zyliss hand held peeler makes prepping quick work, is a great buy on Amazon.com for $8.99 and takes up little to no room in my gadget filled kitchen. I’ll keep my mandolin tucked away for now.
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Oblivion Serves Up Tasty Pub Grub
August 25, 2013 | Posted in Around Town, Dining out | By Lisa Wilk
By now you know Oblivion Taproom offers up some of the best craft beers around town. Their expansive selection of beers and ciders extends from their taps to an impressive list of hard to find and coveted bottles. Last night several of Cigar City’s Marshal Zhukov’s Imperial Stout and Life is Like Milk/Sweet Stout were spotted around my group. If you are a craft beer enthusiast, chances are you are now reworking your plans for this afternoon.
Beyond the many excellent beers, Oblivion’s kichen has Chef Bruno at the helm preparing a cool and inventive menu. Obilivion does a stellar job of getting the word out every afternoon via Facebook and Twitter. I say this as a person who had seen their advertised specials including Taco Tuesday and Wing Wednesday come across her feed and then immediately texted Hubby and friends. Well played, Oblivion.
Last nights specials included an Italian Beef sandwich and a pair of Chicago Dogs with a choice of sides. Hubby and I opted for burgers off the regular menu, jalapeño bacon for him and pretzel cheese for me. Whether specials are ordered or you go with menu favorites, Chef Bruno and Oblivion aim to please.
Brunching: Cask & Larder
August 24, 2013 | Posted in Brunch, Dining out | By Lisa Wilk
Brunch menu items available on Sunday at Cask & Larder. Frittata topped with Short Ribs, Bakery Board and The Dip made with Smoked Pork were stand outs.
Brunch is a beautiful thing: a leisurely weekend meal, filled with decadent ingredients served around the noonish hour. Cask & Larder’s Sunday brunch menu features items to satisfy those wanting breakfast items and those who are hunting for more lunch type items and plenty of sweet treats. My recent visit had our table of six ordering many things to share and savor. The French Toast topped with peaches and mint could easily double for dessert with it’s summery richness. We enjoyed a bakery board, offering a nice assortment of freshly baked treats. Keeping ahead of nationwide culinary trends, the Croissant-Doughnut was served with a lighter than expected caramel cream sauce. The biscuits and gravy were table favorites, with light and airy biscuits served with a perfect sausage white gravy.
The Milk Braised pork was tender pork set atop creamy grits and served with a coddled egg. The Frittata was a nicely cooked base of scrambled eggs, topped with cheese and slowly braised shredded short ribs. Another savory meaty option would be The Dip, crusty bread filled with smoked pork and served with roasted potatoes and a flavorful Au Jus to dip. I enjoyed The Muffin- candied collard greens, soft scrambled eggs topped with poached lobster clawas and a light hollandaise.
Cocktails at the Cask & Larder never fail to impress, brunch is no different. The Bloody Mary is lovely- the right notes of savory tomato and zippy spice and for those looking for a bubbly option the delicious Seelbach is your brunch beverage. Offering a kick of Ambler Old Scout Bourbon, Contreau then smooths the drink out before bitters and sparkling wine are added. Check the Cask & Lader website for the current menu, as items are updated regularly based on seasonal availability. Reservations available through Opentable. Reservations recommended.
The Seelbach cocktail offered at Brunch and on the lunch and dinner bar menu.
Cask & Larder
565 W Fairbanks Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
321-280-4200
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Top 5 Friday
August 23, 2013 | Posted in Around Town, Uncategorized | By Lisa Wilk
On my radar this week:
EatLocalOrlando attends a preview of Magical Dining menu at Luma on Park
I’m inviting @kokocooks to assemble my next cheese board for entertaining
CRONUTS! Pastry treats coming from unexpected Winter Park favorite: Peterbrooke Chocolatier
GNO: Bellydancing at Orlando Bellydance
August 22, 2013 | Posted in Around Town | By Lisa Wilk
A large Peacock feather fan sets the mood in the dance studio.
A friend brought up how much fun she had at her bellydancing class at Orlando Bellydance- School of Middle Eastern Dance when she attended classes last year. I distinctly remember my curiosity was piqued at the time. So, when she brought up attending a class this past week, I signed up without hesitation. I was ready to don a scarf and shake my groove thang. In my head. As I worked through my first class, I was more Elaine from Seinfeld at that Christmas party– awkwardly and non-rhythmically jutting, not in time with the music…and maybe people started shaking their heads and trying to look away. Ok, it wasn’t really that bad, but it certainly felt that way!
In reality, the large dance studio was filled with first timers with the same look of initial apprehension- who all moved through the stretches and steps that were expertly taught by the exotic instructors. We were in a safe space, encouraged and guided by talented and fabulous teachers who reminded us to breathe, smile and channel our inner divas. By the end of the class, I had left my inner-Elaine behind and enjoyed a good work out in the process.
Front door details.
Classes are $12 per session, no commitment or registration needed, though it’s recommended that you start at the beginning of a class series. (The first class was spent introducing the concept of isolating specific muscles to movements you probably have never considered possible.) If you think you are going to be attending a series of classes, there are packages of classes available for a discounted price. Attire ranged from shorts, yoga pants, leggings and T-shirts with some class members wearing the ornate scarves over their clothes. Don’t have a bellydancing scarf laying around at home? Not a problem, you can purchase one in the lobby store or find them very easily online. The class is performed barefoot, so most gals wore sports sandals or flip flops to class. Bring a bottle of water with you or water is available for purchase.
Bellydancing scarves are available for purchase on site.
Orlando Bellydance- School of Middle Eastern Dance
6900 Aloma Ave
Winter Park, FL 32792
(In The ALOMA BUSINESS CENTER)
407-579-9765
Ralphie, Sam and Tigger
August 21, 2013 | Posted in Home life | By Lisa Wilk
I thought it was time to introduce our pets- Ralphie, Sam and Tigger. Life gets interesting with these guys around. We rescued our cat, Tigger, from the trash in front of our house. Hubby brought him in, bathed him (really), trimmed his nails (seriously) and stayed up all night defleaing him. I’m allergic to cats, but through the wonders of AllerPet Cat formula, Tig became our first pet together, 9 years ago. Time flies. He’s extremely sociable, fetches, sits on command and loves Greenies. He is the Alpha of the house and we are glad that he allows us to live in his domain. In other words, he’s a cat.
Tig, the ultimate chill cat
I grew up a dog girl, the opposite to my cat-loving Hubby. One day I was drawn to the Pet Rescue by Judy website and honed in on a puppy. His name was Ralphie and he was just turning 8 weeks old.
Sweet Ralphie at 8 weeks
I stalked Ralphie on Facebook and saw that he, along with his eight litter mates and Mom, were at the University of Doglando, a local training and boarding facility. Pet Rescue by Judy had rescued the pregnant Mom who was at a kill shelter and they had partnered with Doglando to get the Mom and pups adopted out. The owner of Doglando birthed the litter, Pet Rescue By Judy foster moms then raised the newborn pups while integrating them through the Doglando puppy program. After filling out the adoptions forms and going through a screening process, we met Ralphie and (of course) fell in love, taking him home the same day. He is our sweet pup, loving and completely obsessed with toys, playing and his many human and dog friends at Rangers Pet Outpost. Ralphie is also a 60 pound lap dog who lives for snuggles.
Are you ready for some lovies?
That brings us to our newest member of the family, though he’s the oldest; Sam the pug. He’s my folks fur child, who they adopted through the Pug Rescue of Florida. Sam loves pillows, cuddling and as pugs tend to…he lives for food, or the chance that food might show up- wait do you have food?! Sam’s a sweet guy, who came to live with us this past fall when my folks relocated to Orlando. Their new community didn’t allow dogs on property, so Sam lives with us while “officially” remaining my parents dog. We call it dog time-sharing. Happily, the folks visit frequently and often enjoy some one on one time with him while the hubby and I are at work. Tigger and Ralphie adjusted pretty quickly to the new addition, which means that Sam and Ralphie understand that Tig is the boss and has first dibs on the most comfy dog bed.
Sam the Pug
So, that is our menagerie. We couldn’t imagine life without them!
Hubby getting some serious love from Ralphie and Tig.
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The Flour Shop
August 20, 2013 | Posted in Around Town | By Lisa Wilk
Whether you are picking from the case or creating your own cupcake, The Flour Shop will have something to satisfy your sweet tooth!
The Flour Shop is a locally owned and operated cupcake and cake bakery at the corner of Lee Road and 17/92, in the K-Mart shopping plaza. Walking through the door, the smell of freshly baked goods enticed me to buy several cupcakes, though I was there to pick up an order for a friend.
Along with a selection of freshly baked and tempting cupcakes, you can opt to belly up to the bar- The Cupcake Bar. Here you can have a friendly staff member make and mix your favorite flavors to create your ulitimate cupcake. Pick your cupcake, filling, frosting and toppings from staggering amount of choices. I watched two girls overflowing with excitement as the owner prepared 2 very special custom cupcakes.
Along with my friends order of two dozen mini Pink Champagne cupcakes, I left with Red Velvet, Reeses’ Revenge and Apricot Nectar cupcakes. The cake was moist and each of the frostings offered wonderful flavor without being overly sweet. The ratio of cupcake to frosting was very nice and the texture of the frosting was pleasantly airy. Hubby really enjoyed the intense peanut butter goodness of the Reeses’ Revenge frosting. We both liked the Red Velvet cupcake with Creamcheese frosting and I thought the Apricot Nectar cupcake was a lovely, summery cupcake. When I was picking out flavors, I was told that the Apricot Nectar was a shared recipe from a regular customer. I’d head back just for that lovely cupcake. I was also directed to try the Pink Champagne (check!) and the White Wedding cake (next time!) by two regular customers who were heading out with their own boxes of cupcakes.
The Flour Shop cupcakes held up very well if you buy in advance to eating, I enjoyed one the day after purchasing and another two days after purchasing. Even two days later, the cake was moist and had a nice texture. (The frosting was still great too, no hard or crusty exterior!)
The Pink Champagne cupcakes from The Flour Shop made everyone who tasted them, very happy.
The Flour Shop, Inc.
501 N. Orlando Ave.
Suite 243
Winter Park, FL 32789
Shop Hours
Mon: Closed
Tues: 10 – 6
Wed: 10 – 6
Thurs: 10 – 6
Fri: 10 – 6
Sat: 10 – 6
Sun: Closed
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Magical Dining Month Is Coming! September 1st-30th
August 19, 2013 | Posted in Dining out | By Lisa Wilk
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month is almost upon us! Starting September 1st and running through September 30th, some of the best restaurants in the Orlando metro through attractions areas will offer a 3 course prix fixe menu for $33, tax and gratuity not included.
The listing of participating restaurants is here, along with their Magical Dining menus. Each course offers several menu options to choose from and ranges from an appetizer, soup or salad course, entree and dessert. The Magical Dining Month promotion is a wonderful way to try out some of those restaurants around town that have been on your radar, but you haven’t yet visited.
If you are looking for some venues to explore as a starting point, we’ve enjoyed wonderful Magical Dining meals at Chatham’s, Vines Grill and Wine , Paxia, Bice Ristorante – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, Funky Monkey Wine Co, Tommy Bahama, The Palm, Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, K restaurant, Luma on Park, Mitchell’s Fish Market, Park Plaza Gardens, Le Coq Au Vin and more.
This year, our list of “must visit” includes Maxine’s on Shine, Hamilton’s Kitchen and Dragonfly – Robata Grill & Sushi. Like you, we’ll be sure to check back at Visit Orlando’s website for a complete listing of participating restaurants and their menus at the end of August. Dine along with us on Twitter at @Winechix with the tag #MagicalDining and be sure to check the instagram feed here for meal shots.
Which Magical Dining menu is most tantalizing to you?
Battle: Croissant-Doughnut (like a Cronut) Cask & Larder vs. Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park
August 18, 2013 | Posted in Uncategorized | By Lisa Wilk
Cask & Larder’s Croissant-Doughnut and Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park’s Doughsant and Pepites
Winner: Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park
Why: Cask & Larder’s sauce-filled pastry was not completely cooked through towards the middle, you can see a glob of uncooked dough in the upper picture. Of the three orders (2 pastries per order) at our table, each order had uncooked dough resulting in a yeasty sourness. Everyone liked the taste and consistency of the carmel sauce. The Croissant-Doughnuts are currently offered on the Cask & Larder Sunday Brunch menu.
Peterbrooke offered a large and a small version of the pastry, with a variety of different toppings. Fresh fruit toppings (pureed strawberry sauce and a blueberry compote) were a tasty and unexpected surprise. Most importantly, the dough was completely cooked in each one sampled. Toppings and pastries are still in product development- get ready, these tasty pastries will be available very shortly at the Park Avenue chocolate shop.
Blooming Around the Yard – August 2013
August 17, 2013 | Posted in Home life, Pics | By Lisa Wilk
Belinda’s Dream, Nelson Rose
Gold Medal, Nelson’s Rose
Crepe Jasmine
Angel Face, Nelson Rose
Mexican Petunia
Lucky Nut (Peach)
Dragonfly enjoying the Ginger
Hawaiian Plumeria
Julia Child roses
Ground Orchids
Giant Spider Lilly
Bridal Plumeria
Muskogee Crepe Myrtle (Lavendar)
Tibouchina Heteromalla
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