Asheville Food & Restaurant Blahhhhg

        Anybody who knows me or has ever eaten out with me knows my reputation as the ultimate hard-to-please food/restaurant/atmosphere/service etc; etc; critic... AND that  I am also extremely and outwardly complimentary, appreciative, and grateful for excellence!!             Yesterday I was meeting a friend for lunch and decided to have a long overdue try at a new (-ish they've been open for a little over a year) little place in Weaverville called "The Glass Onion -Global Italian" (from the Beatles song)  The location formerly the Sunnyside Cafe and others over the years.   The treasured little town of Weaverville, slightly north of Asheville, is experiencing a sort of  "boom" right now.  It's bustling with shops and places to eat and cool businesses like Curtis Wright the fly fishing place, the Well Bred (wonderful) Bakery/Cafe, a new Creperie (more on that later) upscale outdoor outfitters, art galleries and pottery studios. I have always loved it up here so I'm really happy for the attention it's getting. I know the Glass Onion is sort of upscale so I for that I am prepared.  I have read that the owners are two chefs from "The Hamptons" that chose Weaverville out of all the places in the "whole country" for their personal venture, so my food expectations are high!  As I pull into town, I see the busy bustle I am used to seeing around here these days. We are meeting at noon with no reservation ...this is my first test as I HATE more than anything to walk into a restaurant and the FIRST thing they say is "do you have a reservation?"  My friend is late so I decide to go on in alone to get a table. There's hardly anybody in the place so I get the best table in the front window. (too bad they have put up big signs in the windows so you can hardly see out!) The specials on the sidewalk board sound amazing. The chef makes a fresh unique ravioli every week so I'm excited about the artichoke and sundried tomato ravioli which is my absolute favorite flavor combination and the Steak salad with bleu cheese also another fave. I order a glass of wine ($7-$8)  and check out the menu while I await my companion. The owner bio description is "Simple delicious meals made of top quality ingredients, expertly prepared, promptly served and courteously priced." (Also locally sourced when possible)                              I always check the burger price as a gauge... 12 dollars. (Amazing favorite burger in town -loaded Kobe beef burger at Biergarden 12.95 -Lobster salad burger at Wicked Weed, bursting at the seams with lobster at 13 dollars!) OK... I really want to like this place! ... several really good looking appetizers, truffle fries (Yum) for 5 dollars, an eggplant stack for 7.  Glass tabletops, linen napkins, nice, warm, friendly waitress. My friend arrives and our server comes to describe the specials. The ravioli I was excited about has a pesto sauce which turns me off with the artichoke and sundried tomatoes- she offers a different sauce but I don't want to be difficult. She describes the Steak salad as romaine with steak and bleu cheese. "what else is on it?" I ask. Maybe some tomatoes- maybe he puts some green beans in there...hmmm not sounding so great. I'll stick to the regular menu. There's a curry chicken salad with dried cherries and apples and chicken salad is my favorite food so I order that, the truffle fries are shoestring and I can't resist them and they have gazpacho -which I love to try every where I can- this one with grilled corn. My friend orders something called Grilled organic Chicken Diablo which was highly recommended by our server. The truffle fries are fantastic! It's a bowlfull and I would come back just to have these and a glass of wine. The rest, I'm sorry to say, was disappointing. The presentation of both our chicken dishes was pretty. But the large plates full of fruits and vegetables with a small amount of chicken were both extremely heavily overdressed. I think I found 2 or 3 cherries and walnuts and a few more pieces of chicken in my pool of heavy, tangy, green mayonnaise-y dressing surrounded by lots and lots of thinly sliced green apples over a big foundation of spinach. The server offered more spinach but I believe it would have taken a whole bag to use up the amount of dressing on this salad!  -Were I the chef what would I have done???  Marched right out there into that nearly empty restaurant, snatched that plate up lickety split, returned it to the kitchen and redressed it. Simple. (Instead he chose to take a glass of wine off the bill) The Diablo was similar. Had great flavor but was a little bit of chicken slices atop a bed of fruits and beets swimming in a sweet, spicy puddle of sauce. Did I say the gazpacho was nothing special? There are some pretty amazing gazpachos around here (White Duck Taco, LAB, Corner Kitchen etc etc) Not much more to say. I usually make the mistake of going right in as soon as a new place opens because I'm so excited to try it, then I get disappointed and never go back. As I mentioned, this place has been here over a year.  Lunch $10-$14 Dinner $16-$25  -I would definitely go back for the fries!

AMAZING CRISPY BAKED EGGPLANT STACK

                     Amazing Crispy Eggplant (yeah!!) Stack

                   It's snowing outside this morning so I have a perfect opportunity to share this. I have been working on this recipe and I am really anxious to get it out to ya'll. I think it's one of the most amazing things I have ever come up with! It's somewhere between eggplant parmesan and eggplant lasagna but really different. I really like eggplant ... WHEN it is done well. I DON"T like it when it is greasy or mooshy or seedy or tough. Those are all reasons why this is so great. This is sliced THIN and BAKED in the oven! One regular eggplant will make four large servings. I make my regular red sauce but add 2 cans of the new "fire roasted" style tomatoes. Be sure you don't use the "tex mex" style because there are jalapenos in them and the sauce will get REALLY hot! I used them in some chicken chili last month and whoa baby was it hot! I couldn't figure out what in the hell I had put in it to get it so hot til I pulled the can out of the trash and read the ingredients. I also used about a half a bottle of good red wine and we like our sauce on the sweet side so I always add some brown sugar to taste. The slightly sweet sauce goes really good with the eggplant. (You could use jarred sauce if you must, then just doctor it up with these additions) I'd be happy to share how I make my sauce if anybody wants me to -just ask. I let the sauce cook all day uncovered to really reduce it to a super thick, intensely flavorful deliciousness. Wash your eggplant really good then with your peeler, peel off alternating strips lengthwise so you leave some skin. Cut it in half lengthwise and using a mandoline, slice LENGTHWISE sideways in skinny, super thin (like 1/8th") strips. Then repeat with 2nd half. Lay all the strips out in a single layer on a sheet pan or cutting board. Sprinkle lightly with salt and cover with paper towels. This will sweat some of the moisture out. You can set up a dredging line while they sweat. 3 wide dishes; in one, plain flour; in one, 2 beaten eggs; in the last one mix together 2 cups panko breadcrumbs, zest of a lemon, a heaping tablespoon of fine yellow cornmeal and salt and pepper to taste. I am not a real big salt user and you have already salted the eggplant to sweat. Plus you'll have cheese which is salty and a good flavorful sauce too. Set some racks (your cookie-cooling racks are perfect) on some cookie sheets. Blot the eggplant with the paper towels and blot with some more dry paper towels if they're still wet. Dip the strips in the flour, then the egg, then the Panko, turning and pressing the Panko on to coat well. Gently place the coated strips onto the prepared racks and let them air dry for awhile...the longer the better. An hour is good, all day is great. Drizzle them with a tiny bit of olive oil just before you bake them in a 375 degree oven til they are light golden brown and really crispy -about 20 minutes or so and turn them once during that time. You can pull one out and dip it in your sauce to taste for doneness/crunchiness. (This also makes awesome appetizer/snacking food!) Each serving will be 6 pieces. Next I move them on the racks close together into 3's and cover them with mozzarella. Move them up to the broiler to melt the cheese. Now you're ready to plate! Pick a pretty plate that will set off the red sauce. Ladle a puddle of sauce across the plate and sprinkle it well with some good grated parmesan -I ALWAYS forget this step!  Then set a "threesome" of eggplant on the sauce, ladle more sauce -don't smother it! -you want to see the stack- sprinkle more parm then set another set of eggplant- crosswise from the first and top with a nice spoonful of sauce and a little more parm. EAT IT NOW!!!

Get out your meat fork!

           Get out your meat fork -it's time to make "Mom's" pecans!    Yes, that is what the recipe actually says...and guess what?  It just happens to be the absolute perfect tool for the task!   (Is that sort of a metaphor for Grandmothers are always right or something??)        There's a heavy frost this morning covering the pasture and making it look like winter outside. I have a nice fire. I thought I'd cozy up here because it feels like such a romantic and frivolous thing to do and go over my plotting and planning for December -which starts the day after tomorrow. I get a kind of funny feeling thinking it's the last month of the year. My birthday is the fifteenth, I'll be turning 54. About three or so years ago, months and years started whipping really fast. It was real obvious, like a light switch. Does that happen to everyone? Is it the idea of ones' mortality from hitting the mid-century mark? Or was it when the economic times changed and life started getting harder instead of easier? It's not just me is it?     2013... (if we survive past December 21st that is)... It sounds like something from a song..."in the year 25 25 if man is still alive"... Will this thirteen be lucky or unlucky?  Lucky I hope, I sure deserve it!    So, back to the pecans... I had this great Grandmother. I can say that now, 10 years after her death. She had Dementia for a long time before she died and wasn't so great for that long time. Sick thing about Dementia, it sneaks up on you. It's taken me five (yes- countem' five!!) personal experiences with Alzheimers/Dementia to start understanding it. This month my Father died. He completely cut me out of his will. After spending most of my life as the perfect daughter and consummate over-achiever, not to mention the daddy's little girl part of it. The pain is hard. The hurt cuts deep. But life goes on and I have a personal mantra to try to tip the balance of life (my life at least!) to the positive side. I've had a LOT of practice!      So now, ten years later, I can enjoy my happy, life-enriching memories of my Grandmother. She had the greatest Thanksgivings's EVER!!!!  What memories all my cousins and I have of the great long table that spanned three rooms. -And the food...and the funnyness...and the misbehavior (albeit mild) That was what family was supposed to be. Or what my fantasy was. Oh! I loved it so much! My Grandmother a/k/a "Mom" to some "Gramma" (how did that happen??? -it was those islanders!!) to others and Garnette to the rest of the world was a pretty amazing woman that we were all lucky to have as a role model. (More on my awesome female role models later) She used to tell stories about how my Grandfather, the mighty hunter would show up in her kitchen with unexpected bushels of food. Be it fruit or ducks...yes bushels of ducks...he, after all, was a founding member of Ducks Unlimited  in America and something like that in Canada too. (Family members please feel free to correct or add there!!) Anyway, she'd just "have at it" and butcher and can or turn into a beautiful gourmet dinner or whatever, whatever it was. I wanted to be like that- self-sufficient, industrious, strong, capable, amazing...Oh yeah, I am!   One of her trademarks embedded in my self was her annual special "man-gift". I always felt a little jealous when she showed up on Christmas day with all the little special candy pecan presents "for men only". I really didn't even like pecans when I was little but I kept tasting those because it was like the forbidden fruit. Ultimately, it was just such a cool thing that she made this tradition of giving the grown-up guys their own special little present. Pretty little specially packaged tins or jars or bags of crispy, crunchy, salty & sweet candied pecans. One of so many of her recipes I use regularly but this one I use in the bakery constantly because they make a beautiful garnish for many of my desserts. -And they are also an irresistible (and pretty) munchie!! I gift you the recipe, from my Grandmother, through me, to all of you. Here's to tradition!  "Garnettes Pecans": For 1 pound of good quality pecan halves, I use 2 egg whites and 1/2 cup sugar (Garnette says "sifted sugar") and beat til stiff.  Oven 350, Melt 3/4 stick of butter on a large sheet pan in the oven. Toss the nuts in the egg white til all covered well then put them on the butter & toss em around a little. From here on out is where the meat fork comes into play! Use it to poke em around the pan to gently separate them. Mom says "bake for 10 minutes, stir with meat fork, bake 10 minutes longer stir with meat fork, continue this way til they are turning golden brown. Sprinkle with cinnamon and salt & toss around to coat. (this is to taste- you have to try it to see what you like but I will say about 2 tsp cinnamon -some kind of shaker works good and use your salt shaker like you'd salt your food) Bake them just a little longer so the cinnamon and salt get baked on and they look dark golden and irresistible ... Not for men only!      

I am WOMAN!

I don't know how people actually have a life and find time to "blog" regularly! I have decided to challenge myself to once a week. Just what I need- another personal challenge jeez! why don't I leave myself alone!!! ...I have a fire in my belly. I always have the feeling I'm in a huge hurry and that fire in my gut just drives me and drives me. At some point I recognized it as motivation. I'm glad I have it. Considering the alternative is my brothers...I am learning to take a breath in the midst of my busyness and enjoy how much I love what I'm doing. Years ago when I changed from the "old" Brookes to the "new improved" Brookes, one of my favorite quotes that became one of my mantras is "A good day is when I control my thoughts - a bad day is when my thoughts control me." It is an amazing thing to recognize that I am in control... and when I am beginning to lose it!! Sometimes I look at what I accomplish in a day and I blow my own mind!   I was never a morning person. I always say the happiest day in my life was Evan's last day of high school because I would never have to get up early again! Ever since I opened the bakery I can hardly wait to get out of bed and down here to turn on the oven and get something going!! I am getting busier. Every week seems to bring something new and I am excited. The travel Channel was at the cafe that I bake for in downtown Asheville on Friday. It was one of my busiest days so far. I had a cake to frost,decorate (Birthday cake above- had trouble w/ the writing frosting took toooo much time!!!) and deliver first thing in the morning, 3 kinds of cupcakes to bake and frost, 2 cheesecakes to top and prep for delivery and a 3 layer cake to bake for Saturday morning. I came down to the bakery early with my coffee, turned the oven on to warm the place up and turned around to the computer to check in for the day. A few seconds later I heard a popping fizzing sound coming from the oven. -Opened the door and the element was burning like a firecracker fuse!!! OH MY GOD!!! Unreal!!! Of all days right??  Called one appliance guy and left a message (still hasn't returned my call!) Called Lowes who referred me to a local appliance supply, called them, (this is 8AM) super nice lady answered, gave them my info and they had my part in stock! YAY! Finished up the cake, delivered it and set off across town. Picked up the part, picked up a few quick groceries and headed back. Unplugged the oven - that sucker gave me a 220 shock when we put it in dammit so I'm scared of it! Got out the tools, removed the burned out element and installed the new one. It worked!! I did it!!! All by myself!!! hahaha I am so proud!! I am woman hear me roar!!! One of the 3 flavors of cupcakes was not good so I had to do them over. Cut my finger. Got everything done by 4:30 (did not bleed in the food) and headed over to the barn to get the stalls done and the horses in so I could get myself decent for the TV interview and head out of here by 6PM. PHEW!  ...Mr. perfect came pulling in the driveway shortly thereafter. Left work early to help me (of course) and he finished up the barn so I could get ready. Cracked a Heineken and took a breath. I guess we'll see if I looked OK if I ever get on TV!!!

Simple Joys

I've been making egg salad for my whole life it seems. My Mother used to make egg salad and tunafish (solid white only!) sandwiches for dinner sometimes when she was real busy creating outfits in the sewing room with my Grandmother. She made them on white bread and cut the crusts off and cut them all perfectly on the diagonal. There would be a big plate of them in the fridge 1/2 and 1/2 covered with saran wrap. We LOVED it! That soft white bread and the soft filling mmmm you could eat so many and it was fun too. Later on (when I was a newlywed and subsequently a new Mother) she and I would have lunch together all the time and we'd have them on toasted bread and she'd put like 4 layers of green or red leaf lettuce and we'd have Hellmans on one side of  bread and Miracle Whip on the other side- ready at exactly 1pm and we'd watch All My Children. Ahhh those were the days! She's gone now and I never eat an egg salad or tuna sandwich without thinking of her. Today I made the egg salad with my own eggs. I got my own chickens in April and had a personal vow not to love them. I was absolutely positive that it would be a disaster and that the dogs would eat them or the hawks would get them or something horrid. Well it's November and all 10 are thriving. I love them. I love their beautiful pure whiteness. I love their little noises. When I pull in the driveway and get out of my truck they come a runnin'- all ten of them like a bunch of puppies or something. Ten little white friends that love me. Their feathers are like angels wings, their beauty blows my mind. They are a dream come true. I have ALWAYS wanted fowl in the barnyard but was always too afraid to try. Today the horses were out loose grazing in the yard with the chickens all around them. It warms my heart!!! It's like the lion laying down with the lamb type of thing. Peace in the kingdom....And then there's the eggs! sometimes 10 a day! All the baked goods in the bakery seem much more special. The color of the cheesecakes and yellow cakes is amazing. Sharing them is amazing! -and simply making egg salad with them is amazing! Standing at the kitchen sink peeling them hard boiled- seeing them and feeling them in a whole different way. Wishing Mom was here to share it. Feeling nostalgic over egg salad! I mixed in a little of my homemade "Aunt Margie's Zucchini relish too.YUM!

The view from the top of our land

This is the view from the top of our land. It is the most peaceful place I know. In the distant river valley you can sometimes hear the train. Nostalgic and sorrowful

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A Normal Day?

I thought today was a stay home and catch up day-boy! was I wrong...I got a call first thing to go teach a riding lesson 30 miles away at noon. It's near Jeff's office so I called him and arranged to hit the wood stove store then have a quick lunch. Before I left the farm I turned the horses out; did one of three stalls; tended to the chickens and dogs and got myself presentable.Stopped on the way at the store for cake supplies- I have an order for an "army" cake friday. -Not really my thing but I'm not turning down and order and it should be kinda fun. Met Jeff, taught the lesson got done at 1:35 and headed back to town to meet my hay broker at 2pm. Loaded my hay, stopped at the feed store for some bandaging materials- one of the dogs needs some sores wrapped so she can't irritate them more than she already has.Then I headed home.Let the dogs out- Jet was a bad dog, stole pie off the counter and broke a dish even though I left him with a nice bone-spoiled brat!!! he was mad I'm sure because i took Mugsy with me.Got the rest of the barn chores (stalls etc) almost done just in time for my afternoon lesson to show up. Beautiful children who can't wait to collect the eggs. A thrill for me to share! Got EIGHT eggs today. We put a light in the chicken coup to imitate longer days and it's working GREAT!! groomed Cain with the kids then taught a lesson -rode a little to demonstrate. Put the horse away sent the family on their way, finished up the barn chores and now Jeff is pulling in the driveway. I have steaks thawing and I headed upstairs to treat myself to the hot tub and a glass of wine. Hopefully Jeff will join me. Looks like I'll just make it in mefore the sun goes down across the river Phew! A productive day!!