Flour & Wine ... Yes Please

Great Place, Great Food, Great Company – Flour & Wine

 

So if you are ANYTHING like me you LOVE going out to eat.  It is one of my favorite things to do (especially for brunch or dinner) and I spend countless hours doing “restaurant research” to scout out new places to try.  One of the biggest honors is having someone ask me for a recommendation of a place with some good eats!  Living right outside of Chicago is great, because the restaurant industry there is fantastic … and only getting better!  From hole in the walls to trendy spots opened by famous chefs and Top Chef alums … there is NO shortage of new and exciting places to try.  Yet lately delicious restaurants have been migrating to the burbs --- THANK GOODNESS, because sometimes you don’t want to brave the traffic, wait a month to get a reservation, or you simply want to support your local community!  So now I wish to share with you one of my favorite places and recent addition to downtown Glen Ellyn, IL that serves up fresh ingredients, homemade mozzarella cheese and pizza dough and an extensive wine and beer list.  While I recognize this may not apply to ALL readers I feel like it’s an opportunity for you to share some of your favorite, local HOT SPOTS and give some of our readers some ideas when they venture across this country in search of mouthwatering spots to grab some grub!  Plus … as the weather warms I am going to try one of the recipes out and attempt to recreate my FAVORITE dish (so stay tuned).  And now … for FLOUR & WINE!

Now to start, flour and wine is designed with sharing in mind.  Now some of us (MZ … cough cough) would rather eat the entire plate of butternut squash tortalacci without worrying about a fork sneaking across the table OR if you’re like my father … you are just DOWN RIGHT CONFUSED!  “Wait, I can only eat a bite of this?  How will I get full?  Why is my plate so small?”  But for a group of about four girlfriends or a couple out on a date night … it works out PERFECTLY!  And keep in mind they have plenty of gluten free options, which works out GREAT because I have several friends who are often limited with gluten free intolerant menus!

Here are just a few of my FAVES … let the drooling commence!

Zucchini Fries – MZ, Brittney and I order these EVERY time without fail!  They are the perfect thing to munch on as you sip a good wine and peruse the menu while trying to narrow down all of the delicious choices!  They aren’t greasy or heavy, come with a homemade ranch dipping sauce --- and make sure to ask for fresh grated parmesan cheese to be shredded on top.

 

Rock Shrimp & Crab Fritters – OMG!  Now my dad is allergic to ALL seafood so it was only when I was older that I realized those sea creatures were the most delicious things around!  This was the only dish my out of town mother said she wished she could have hogged all to herself.  They are FULL of shrimp and crab meat, not too bready, and come with delicious sautéed spinach and butternut squash.

 

Prosciutto & Mozzarella – Now this may seem simple, but do not be deterred!  As I previously mentioned, they make their own mozzarella IN HOUSE!  Now if you haven’t had fresh mozzarella you will be astounded at the difference in taste.  And thanks to the influence of my lovely sister … nothing is better than prosciutto.  PLUS the bread comes already perfectly toasted and drizzled with olive oil.

 

And the PIZZAS … OMG the PIZZAS!  They are thin brick oven pizzas that taste smoky and warm!  The fresh ingredients have an explosion of taste and are all interesting yet delicious combinations (don’t worry they have the classics too).  Now I don’t have any pictures because they tend to get snatched up THAT FAST!  However, I highly recommend the ROCKETMAN (which features fresno chilis) and the PARMA CLASSIC (umm prosciutto and arugula … HELLO!)

And now for my favorite … simple, delicious, a little different and something I can’t wait to try to make at home THE GRILLED ROMAINE – it consists of half a head of grilled romaine lettuce, giving a warm, smoky taste.  Combine that with tomatoes, gorgonzola cheese, leeks and pancetta …. Ummm … done and done!  It is fabulous shared or get it for yourself if you’re feeling rather selfish!  This is one dish that as soon as the grill gets rolled outside I am testing out for myself!  Do you think it will be as good made at home as it is at the restaurant?  Stay tuned to find out!

 

So if you are in the area, close by or just visiting … check this spot out!  I promise it won’t disappoint!  Because sometimes we all just need a LITTLE break from cooking! :)

 flourandwine.net

California Food Tour

The husband and I recently returned from a getaway to the west coast. We had had enough of winter, and it was time for some Southern California sunshine. Here's a little photo diary of a few of our food adventures in the Los Angeles area...

Euro Pane Bakery, Pasadena

I wanted to try every single item in the display case at this bakery. I snagged this piece of almond toast to eat in the car on our way to see Conan O'Brien. One of the most delicious car breakfasts on record. 

Studio Cafe Magazzino, Burbank

The owner of this little cafe was a gem. She was sassy and funny and made a darn good sandwich. I'd go back just because of her. No, I'll be honest...I'd go back for another goat cheese sandwich. Rosemary bread, a generous schmear of goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic sauce. So simple, but oh-so-good.

The Market on Holly, Pasadena

Donut muffin. DONUT MUFFIN. Two of the most awesome breakfast foods combined into one. Well, I obviously couldn't pass that up. And they make a mean cup of tea at this little shop. They steep it for you so it's just right. You don't have to worry about forgetting the tea bag and turning your lovely mug of English Breakfast into bitter sludge. Oh, no. They have a timer, and they do all the dirty work for you. Which leaves you more time to enjoy your donut muffin.

Le Pain Du Jour, Santa Monica

An almond croissant is really one of the most lovely ways to start the day. When it's perfectly tender, perfectly flaky, and perfectly sweet all at once, well, then I'm just over the moon. If you're in Santa Monica, please drop by this out-of-the-way storefront and snag one of their almond croissants. Your tastebuds will thank you.

Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery, Santa Monica

After strolling the beach in Santa Monica all day, the husband and I dragged our sun-burned selves to this fabulous deli. First I'd like to mention how much I love delis: I love delis. And Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery was as delightful as I'd hoped. I should warn you, though, this place is bonkers. Bodies are packed three-deep around the deli counter, waiting to order their favorite sandwich or salad. You grab a number and make your husband wait in line while you wander the store admiring their gourmet crackers, olives, and cheese. Even their pop (ok, soda) selection is fascinating. When it was time to order, I told the friendly fellow behind the counter that I wanted a sandwich with prosciutto. "What do you want on it?" "Uhhh," I hesitated. "You want me to recommend something?" "DEFINITELY." So he made me a Don Corenzo. Apparently, this is like a caprese salad on a sandwich with prosciutto piled on top just to rock your face off. Oh, Don Corenzo. You've got it goin' on. 

Yogurtland, Santa Barbara

This place is great. You fill your own gigantic bowl full of frozen yogurt, then ladle on as many toppings as you can handle. You pay according to the weight of your creation. I've been to several fro-yo places with the same business model, but Yogurtland seemed more reasonably priced than all the others. After the husband and I weighed up our mountainous creations (mine towering with cookie dough and peanut butter cups, his, admirably, with fruit), I was expecting a bill of $12. Seriously. When the total was only $8, I almost loaded on more toppings!

Blenders in the Grass, Santa Barbara

In Milwaukee we specialize in things like frozen custard, butterburgers, and bratwurst. I can't think of a single smoothie shop around. Suffice to say, sipping a Tropical Mango Smoothie in the sunshine made my day. Maybe my year.

Mac's Fish & Chip Shop, Santa Barbara

While the husband enjoyed the crispy fish and chips Mac's had to offer, I was more interested in something else on their menu: Mushy Peas. Yep, that's what it says on the menu. "MUSHY PEAS." How could I not try something called "Mushy Peas"? I asked the fellow behind the counter to explain this side dish. "It's like pea soup, but thicker." And it was. Exactly like pea soup. But thicker. Delicious. Why doesn't every restaurant serve Mushy Peas? Oh, I know. Probably because they're called Mushy Peas. 

So, now it's your turn. What's your favorite California eatery? I'll add it to my list to try next time. 

I went to the Big Apple, and I took a big bite.

A few weeks ago, the husband and I spent a long weekend in New York City with Ryan and Niki, some of our dearest friends.  Although our trip was booked months ago, we happened upon an insanely gorgeous weekend at the end of October. It was 80 degrees and sunny the entire time. It was like fall took a hiatus just for our trip. Holla, fall. Thanks for watching our backs on that one.

Although we enjoyed the Statue of Liberty, Cirque du Soleil, and plenty of shopping, one of our primary agenda items was exploring the culinary delights of NYC. And explore we did.

We totally dorked out and took pictures everywhere so I could share our food adventures with the you folks here at Hot Dinner Happy Home. Hope this inspires you to take your own culinary tour, even if it's just around your own town. Good food is there for the eating, people.

The Doughnut Plant
Check them out online: www.doughnutplant.com
Dear hipsters, thanks for taking one of my favorite breakfast foods and making it oh-so-cool. We couldn't even handle ourselves at The Doughnut Plant. I wanted to try absolutely everything on the menu, and, between the four of us, we almost did. Although I am admittedly a cake doughnut kind of gal, the Creme Brulee doughnut was something magical. It was creme brulee. And doughnut. At the same time.

Other recommended doughnuts: carrot cake, pistachio (ye gads), vanilla bean, peanut butter & jelly (holy cow), and coconut cream.

Dean and Deluca
Check them out online: www.deandeluca.com
Dean & Deluca is fancy food. It is clean and beautiful and all the produce has been buffed to a high gloss. The people who work there are friendly. They offer you samples of their wares to make sure you're happy with the not-so-cheap cheese you're about to purchase. And you will be happy. Because it's Dean & Deluca.

This is my D & D challenge for you: Ask to sample the ugliest delicious cheese they offer. You will be afraid, your knees make buckle, but stay strong. Just taste it. Savor it. And swoon. Oh, Dean & Deluca.

Street Pizza
Don't pay more than $1.50. Eat it like a taco. 'Nuf said.

Schiller's Liquor Bar
Check them out online: www.schillersny.com
When you walk into Schiller's, you feel like you won a golden ticket to the coolest party in town. People are giving air kisses, and it's not looking the least bit contrived. They're wearing nerd glasses and party dresses. They're tall and gangly and beautiful and awesome. They can't help it; coolness is their natural state. Their fabulousness exudes from them. Whatever you do, try your best not to feel insecure. They are like dogs who smell fear. Just be cool. Just. Be. Cool.

Order a glass of "decent" red wine and something that comes with french fries.

Make sure your significant other orders the sliders so you can eat one. Share a round of deviled eggs. Didn't know deviled eggs were "in" again? Yeah. Me neither. But I'm so glad the people at Schiller's did.

Rue 57
Check them out online: www.rue57.com
Well, hello, Paris! What are you doing in New York? Bustling waitstaff. White linens. Champagne cocktails made for day drinking. We were there for brunch and enjoyed the menu from the breakfast burrito to the omelette Lyon.

The homemade granola is served with Greek yogurt that's been strained to make it extra creamy and then delicately drizzled with honey. I know because I asked.

Molly's Cupcakes
Check them out online: www.mollyscupcakes.com
Say you're wandering the streets of New York, seeing what there is to see, and you stumble upon a little cupcake shop. Neat. Then you note that the cupcake shop has won a contest on the Food Network. You're interest is piqued. When you see that they sell filled cupcakes, you giggle and shimmy and press your nose to the glass separating you from your sugar high. Ladies and gentlemen of Hot Dinner Happy Home, may I present the Cake Batter Cupcake:

Pastis
Check them out online: www.pastisny.com
Again with the French food. I have a thing for it that can't be helped. The French know their way around a kitchen. They have some kind of magic in their souls that seeps out with results like coq au vin. Pastis, oh, Pastis. You need to go there.

Meals at this gem are served with the finest people-watching in town. I don't think Niki and I said a word the entire meal; we were too busy savoring every crumb and admiring the beautiful people strolling past our table.

Order steak frites because it's perfectly French. Sop up the meat juices with crispy, salty french fries and wash it down with a cocktail. Then order the sticky toffee pudding for dessert. You're too full for dessert, you say? Order a coffee and wait a few minutes until you can force it down. It was the most unbelievable thing I've ever tasted. For serious. The clouds parted and angels sang. They sang, "Sticky Toffee Pudding!!" It sounded strangely like Rufus Wainwright.

Berkli Parc Cafe
Check them out online: www.berkliparc.com
When you walk into Berkli Parc Cafe, you become a graphic designer who works out of his home. Or a grad student studying anthropology because her parents have enough money to pay her private school tuition and then support her when she can't get a job. Or maybe you're writing a novel with a heroine named Neve who wears opaque tights. Whatever you're doing, it needs to be done on a Macbook at Berkli Parc Cafe.

Now let me tell you about the Thanksgiving sandwich. In addition to turkey, it boasts cranberry chutney, and, get this, stuffing. It's Thanksgiving leftovers without the hard work. I love.

And if your husband isn't interested in a froo-froo sandwich, he can wander three doors down to a little eatery called Fried Dumplings. He should order...fried dumplings.

Thanks for being all I hoped, New York.

P.S. Thanks to my sister for many of the fabulous recommendations on this list. She is much more awesome than I and knows her way around cool-kid establishments everywhere.

P.P.S. Here's another NYC tip: Make reservations. You're not Jay-Z; there isn't going to be a table and a bottle of Cristal waiting when you walk in the door.

P.P.P.S. If you are Jay-Z...OMG. I have arrived.