When Dining is an Experience

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Katharina

Hello hello everyone! I’m so happy that you all enjoyed my “orders”! I think if bosses gave out orders like that well… no one would ever complain. Did anyone try making any of the recipes yet? Because I’d love to hear about it if you did. On another note, I hope the week has been kind to you, and perhaps filled with exciting surprises. My evening last Friday was filled with lots of the like. Ahh yes… I have quite a dining experience to share with you all.

Last Friday, during Richmond's Restaurant Week, my step-dad and I went to a wonderful little restaurant I've had my eye on.

Secco Wine Bar is the kind of restaurant that gets creative with food, and knows its food… and wine and beer if you’re so inclined! They’re the kind of place where you sit and imagine what the minds behind the menu were thinking. So that when you are served and take your first bite… you have an “a-ha” moment. A place where food is meant to be enjoyed, and your company is most likely sitting in their own pleasurable experience as well. Enjoyment all around! We opted to sit down in the casual lounge seats along with two to other women who sat in the seats next to us. What a great set-up to make new friends because that night we did! We delighted in our casual conversations, and the night just seemed like the perfect way to unwind from a busy week.

This pretty much sums up our relationship hahaha!

Meet our charming waiter!

For Richmond Restaurant Week, the participating restaurants had come up with a three-course menu. And without further ado, our first course…

Behold this masterpiece: a salad of spring vegetables & greens, Caromont Farm fromage blanc, pine nuts & meyer lemon dressing.

A moment of silence...

I didn't know where to start with this beautiful plate, that was equally delicious.

This was such a refreshing salad–everything seemed to be floating on air. From the mild onion flavor of the chive flower, to the freshness of fromage blanc I was present for every bite. The moments felt as beautiful as this salad.

My step-dad ordered a smoked duck terrine with spring onions & dried apricots, dressed frisée with hazelnuts & mustard seed.

After taking our precious time enjoying our first course, and discovering new flavors it was time for our second course; in which we got to select two dishes from the menu.

Sformato with aged gruyere and Japanese spinach, sorrel sauce

A sformato is basically an Italian quiche. I was a bit nervous about this dish because my stomach tends to raise its fist at me when I eat eggs. Luckily, it didn’t seem to be too eggy, mostly spinach. Most importantly, it was a simple and tasty dish. It was funny because later that night when I went to the store I saw sorrel leaves for the first time. How appropriate to see it after I ate it.

And my step-dad ordered a seafood sausage... this may sound funny but I've never seen a sausage look so clean.

He kept exclaiming how delicious it was. After we were done with our plates part two of our second course came out.

Asparagus fritter, roasted morel mushrooms with fresh thyme, pickled spring garlic

Brimming with goodness on the inside, and deliciously crispy on the outside.

I was expecting another eggy dish, but I think it was called a fritter because it was fried. This was so full of flavor, and I made sure to make the last bite the very best by saving a bit of everything. Ahh… And who could forget the third course: dessert!

Pistachio gelato and pistachio brittle with lavender-plum cake

One word: divine. In my dreams gelato would never melt unless it’s into a cup so I could drink it as a delicious elixir. Then I’d garnish it off with this very brittle!

My step-dad got a very northern Italian dessert: cheese, bread, with a drizzle of honey.

If you clean your plate down to the very last finger lick you can spy... well, if that's not a compliment to the chef then I don't know what is!

After we spoiled ourselves with wonderful food and new friends, we went for a leisurely walk around historic Carytown. The next morning I had to get up early for a fashion photo shoot! I wanted to give one of the Super products a try: the 3-Minute Facial! I thought it was appropriate for the day.

I started to feel the tingle from the ginger.

“Ginger has warming properties that stimulate circulation for radiant, glowing skin.” So this would help hydrate my skin and make it glow… just what I need before I was going to step in front of a camera! My face actually did feel and look refreshed, even for an early morning. This isn’t a product I would use on a daily basis, but rather for days when you feel like you really need a pick me up or maybe there’s something special and you want to look your very best!

What do you do the night before or morning of a special day? Anyone have any special rituals?

I’ve Got Questions; Have You Got Answers?

Posted on March 2, 2010 by Katharina

Wow, March definitely crept up on us… actually this whole year seems to be flying by so far. This just means spring is making its way here sooner! My weekend was spent re-working my sculpture, writing essays and proposals, and squeezing in some much needed hang out time. Also this weekend, some of my friends were playing at a Haiti Benefit house show–DIY style! My Monday actually started out on a strange note; when I awoke I was greeted to the sight of swollen face… well the right side anyhow. Since I wanted to get that checked out by a doctor right away I had to miss my make-up critique, but I’m not stressing out about it. Health comes before school!

Nom nom--cheers to that!

Betty Lou’s Apricot Fruit Bar Pie = deliciously sweet and tangy, especially crumbled over yogurt, caramelized banana slices, and Sunland’s caramel peanut butter. I love how crumbling the bar makes it really resemble a pie of sorts. That morning’s breakfast’s “placemat” was an old magazine I was flipping through. While browsing, I stumbled across an interesting article that stressed the importance of eating throughout the day to keep energy levels up. I think most of food bloggers are into the habit of eating every few hours, but it seems that most people don’t. Lots of times I overhear people say that they haven’t eaten all day or since breakfast, and I wonder if they’re totally exaggerating or if they’re zombies. My body’s hunger cues chime in like clockwork, or sometimes even earlier. Lately, I find that my body is requiring even more than before. Am I turning into a boy? Hehe! Anyway, if my belly calls for something earlier than usual than I’ll have a snack to hold me over, and the hunger usually comes back around my usual mealtimes anyway. Works like a charm!

Actually, this brings me to a question I have for all of you: What are some savory snack ideas, and what are some of your favorite filling snacks?

Some dried fruits I've been enjoying: mangos, cranberries, and figs!

Now that my schedule has gotten even busier, more on-the-go meals have been had.

Usually, I don’t care for leftovers, but now they are a blessing. I get to enjoy home-cooked food on the go! I packed a bunch of steamed kale, sweet potato with cinnamon, a cute little jar filled with coconut butter for the potato, and the butternut squash casserole. I also packed a Cranberry Apple Boomi Bar (reminded me of how delicious autumn tastes). I actually got in trouble for eating in class; is it my fault I came prepared? Just kidding! Anywho, this new class is during one of my usual mealtimes and I don’t like to wait to the point where I’m starving. My hunger escalates pretty quickly so I’m hoping I won’t get in trouble for bringing a more snacky-looking meal. I’m thinking Greek yogurt, a dense bar, and some fruit/veggies. It presents to be an issue on Tuesdays because I literally have a class right after. I’m open to any ideas you all have!

MORE PIE!

This time around I tried the Betty Lou’s Blueberry Fruit Bar. I had this with yogurt, banana slices, and warmed up cashew butter. Holy yum! Now I’ve officially tried all their fruit bar flavors, and I must say that I was truly pleased with every single one of them. I don’t know how they managed to make them gluten-free and taste like a yummy slice of pie, but they did. If you look into their products you will see how many allergies they take into consideration; they take people into consideration. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with one of Betty Lou’s sons and I can tell he has a genuine passion for life, family, health, and people; and yes, Betty Lou is a real person and also seems to have a zest for life from what I’ve heard. Companies like this are hard to find, but when I do, I definitely stand behind them!

My new cheese mistress, Fontina, makes her debut.

And she went all out! Dare I say, I think this may be the best pizza I’ve ever had. The thick crust the focaccia gave it reminded me of Sicilian pizza–so good!

Melted over the last of my homemade focaccia, tomato sauce, tomato slices, caramelized onions and butternut squash, and cracked pepper.

I've been putting my hemp protein powder to good use!

I decided to try a recipe that was actually written on the bag: berries, banana (I opted for the fruits to be frozen), milk (whichever you prefer), and the hemp protein powder of course. I’ve already repeated this recipe, and feel free to change up the fruits if you wish (but I suggest keeping the banana). Anyone have any hemp protein powder recipes they’d like to share?

While browsing through Ayurvedic recipes I stumbled upon this little charm...

Date + ginger powder + almond. I’ve also tried this combo with cashew butter, and I highly suggest you try it! When I was reading on Ayurveda, I stumbled upon a very interesting article that I thought was worth sharing: “The Spirit of Cooking”. I agree with a lot of points Harish Johari brought up, and I was introduced to new information as well: “if it weren’t for spices, America might never have been discovered.”

I’ve got quite a few things to look forward to this month: the fashion show coming up on Saturday, my mom is flying into town on Friday. I’m also taking a road trip with one of my best friends down to Florida for spring break. Then at the end of the month I’m going to see Wicked! I hope March has been treating you all well so far!

Dinner is served

Posted on May 14, 2009 by Katharina

Yesterday I told you guys that I would be posting yesterday’s dinner today. Did that sentence make sense? Just double checking!

I think mealtimes are very important parts of our day. Of course there are times when we are rushed, and scarfing down food is something I try to avoid. Some times I’ll make meals the night before if I know that I will be pressed on time. Anyway, back to dinner. My family is the kind of family that sits down together for meals. I definitely don’t ask to be excused, because why would I? I’m lucky to feel connected to my family and enjoy their company. Yesterday was so nice. My parents helped set the table outside, since I prepared the food. We ended up sitting out in the backyard for a couple of hours just talking. Matilda also joined us. It was so cute watching her. She would scurry around the patio like she was hunting for the pack. Then she’d come sit upright at my feet like she was reporting for duty.

For dinner I made

Avocado Mac and “Cheese” over super high protein pasta (23g!!!)

Sweet Balsamic Portobello Mushrooms with Parmigiano Reggiano over a bed of spinach

I served it with some fruity berry tea. We usually have teas with our meals. I also had some of the Almond and Black Sesame Seed spread with some dipping foods. I finished dinner off with a So Delicious Vanilla frozen sandwich. The meal was a hit with my parents, but the avocado mac and “cheese” was the real star of the show.

Not sure if you noticed the little set up going on behind the table. Last summer break was when I put together what I call the “shrine”. I was so proud of myself when I completed it. It had a lot of greenery going on and fresh herbs. However, my parents didn’t exactly take care of it while I’ve been away at school. I guess I’ll have to start over again?

I’m not sure if you can see, but on the “frame” (I just made it into a chalkboard) I had written “Please take care of me!”

After dinner I had to go on a 12 hour fast to get blood work done this morning. Even though I would be asleep through most of it, I was starting to get impatient. Luckily, I was in and out of the doctor’s office in no time! It was nice because my family was able to sit down and have breakfast together on a weekday. That usually doesn’t happen because I normally eat breakfast around 9. I made my parents some overnight oats. This time I decided to put in some golden raisins, pistachios, and orange blossom water. For myself I made a bowl of warm oats with chocolate protein powder and banana. I also mixed in some coconut oil and peanut butter. I also spread some more coconut oil on a slice of arequipe filled banana bread. I almost forgot! I made a papaya and mora smoothie as well. My dad also made a juice that consisted of kale, apples, beets, ginger, and carrots. Here’s to rosy cheeks!

I decided to catch some rays this morning and start reading a book I brought with me. It’s called Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs. So far I’m enjoying it.

Well I have to go! I’m about to meet up/catch up with a friend and try Jamaican food for the first time! My friend said they had vegetarian options for the patties. I’m so excited!

This weekend I’m going to be watching a show called Tango Desnudo with some family friends. Beforehand we’re going to meet up at their place to have dinner and it’s going to be a small potluck. I’m thinking I might make an Indian recipe.

Does anyone have a vegetarian/vegan recipe that has amazed non-vegetarians?