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Entries in foodie (3)

Tuesday
Jun152010

Burgers and Wine 12 Ways… Happy Dad’s Day!

“A tie! Gee thaaaannnks… I’ve never seen that shade of, uh, green before… I love it!”

As firm believers that ties should go the way of pantyhose, into the dark reaches of the closet to feed the boogeyman, it’s time to get some inspiration about what your Dad really wants on his day – Sunday, June 20. Chances are it’s much simpler than choosing a tie.

The foodie side is a barbecue breeze thanks to Food Network Magazine for their scrumptious 50 Burgers article and booklet insert in the June issue. The wine pairings are a celebration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the Great Wine Captials Global Network. All nine world-renowned Great Wine Capitals' countries are represented in the World Cup!

 aries
march 21 - april 19

Hoisin Burger (#23)– with hoisin and soy sauce, rice wine and honey; on a Asian-spiced bun with broiled scallions and mayo! Exotic, spicy, at the head of the table, just like Aries Dad. Let him put his mega-mojo on it and don’t worry about the 3-foot flames, it’s his day.
Wine pairing: Porto - Port
Gift suggestion: A silver-plated, engraved fire extinguisher with a quick release wall mount.

taurus
april 21 - may 21

Bison Burger (#28) – grilled to perfection with a toasted bun and onion dip. Simple, yet complicated to honor his many contradictions. Don’t forget the sweet potato fries!
Wine pairing: Bilbao | Rioja - Rioja Reserva

Gift suggestion: Patio massage chair and 4-hour gift certificate to Gardeners-4-U.

gemini
may 22 - june 21

Chipotle Corn (#32) – toss corn kernels and bell peppers with lemon juice, olive oil and salt; mix into burger and dust with cumin before grilling; serve on crusty bun with Chipotle mayo! It’s two burgers in one… a true veggie burger!
Wine pairing: Mainz | Rheinhessen - Riesling
Gift suggestion: The new iPhone 4, nuf said!

cancer
june 22 - july 22

Creole Crab (#38) – crab cakes on a roll with Creole slaw! What could be more comforting than breaded seafood on bread? Your Dad will come out of his shell for this amazing creation, just give him a distraction to keep him out of the kitchen until it’s ready.
Wine pairing: Cape Town - Sauvignon Blanc
Gift suggestion: A great piece of sports memorabilia from his favorite team.

leo
july 23 -august 21

Chile (#17) – classic burger mixed with diced roasted poblanos topped with sharp cheddar! Top with salsa verde and sliced chiles. Don’t forget the ice cream!
Wine pairing: Chianti – via Firenze!
Give suggestion: Celebrate their flair for vanity and promote cardiac health with a monogrammed gym bag.

virgo
august 22 - september 23

Portobello (#49) – wow this burger would make a vegetarian out of a Leo! Season two Portobello caps, fill with 2 slices Muenster cheese, and secure with toothpicks. Dip in beaten eggs, then panko and fry in hot oil until crisp. Serve on soft bun with his favorite condiments!
Wine pairing: Christchurch | South Island - Pinot Noir
Gift suggestion: A luxurious Turkish bath robe… something he won’t buy for himself, but will completely appreciate!

libra
september 24 - october 23

Pesto Chicken (#46) – chicken burgers (#45) topped with sliced mozzarella melted on at last minute. Mix up equal parts pesto and mayo for the bun and top with tomato and arugula.
Wine pairing: San Francisco | Napa Valley – Zinfandel
Gift suggestion: A subscription to Zagat.com to keep up on the best restaurants and a gift card to iTunes for new music!

scorpio
october 24 - november 22

Smashed Onion burger with French Onion twist (#35 & 36) – season thick onion slice and brown on one side in hot cast-iron skillet, flip, separate rings and smash hamburger meat on the rings. Brown on both sides and serve on crusty herbed bun with 2 slices of gruyère cheese.
Wine pairing: Mendoza - Pinot Blanc
Gift suggestion: Handset-style police scanner with bar mount attachment.

sagittarius
november 23 - december 22

Thai Pork (#34) – this is a mixed up international sensation… you’ll have to click on it to believe it... you had me at pork!
Wine pairing: Bordeaux – Cabernet Franc
Gift suggestion: A weekend getaway that includes his favorite sport and visit to a nearby weird monument (World’s Largest Ball-O-String!).

capricorn
december 23 - january 20

Turkey (#39) – just like our Caps, this steadfast bird meets Dad’s Day with aplomb! Mix with green apple, scallions, and seasoned panko; grill and serve on whole-wheat bun with his favorite fixin’s.
Wine pairing: San Francisco | Napa Valley - Chardonnay
Gift suggestion: An engraved silver money clip or a first edition of How to Win Friends and Influence People.

aquarius
january 21 - february 19

Trattoria (#20) – innovative, yet perfectly classic… spread a thick, well-seasoned burger with gorgonzola and serve on an Italian role topped with arugula, pomi tomatoes and fried pancetta!
Wine pairing:
Firenze - Super Tuscan
Gift suggestion:
An eco-friendly Lava Lamp and a lifetime subscription to Popular Science.

pisces
february 20- march 20

Scallop Sliders (#37) – sear sea scallops in butter, serve on mini buns with fresh avocados and mayo spiced with hot chili sauce. Dreamy!
Wine pairing: Bordeaux - Sémillon
Gift suggestion: Fantasma's Deluxe Legends Of Magic DVD Set.

 
Wine pairings inspired by: Great Wine Capitals Global Network
Wine pairings assist from: Nat Decants fantastic FREE mobile app!
Photos by: Tina Rupp (Food Network Magazine)

 

Monday
Mar012010

If not now, when? 2010!

- a dash of info for your health... SALUTE!

Your StarLites give you a quick glimpse into your strengths and weaknesses where food and exercise are concerned. Awareness is the key… you can make healthy choices and still honor your astro-influenced individuality. There’s no fun in fighting your foodie quirks, just understand yourself and make smarter choices.

aries

march 21 - april 19
ruled by
: mars / status: I am

StarParts: head, face

StarLite
:

  • You can’t always fight illness with willpower… force yourself to rest more to keep energy charged.
  • Hungry in a hurry isn’t a healthy combination, try to plan for meals ahead of time to mitigate crankiness!
  • Make sure you have lots of bright color on your plate: spices and ethnic foods, or just put purple food coloring in your oatmeal!

taurus

april 20 - may 20
ruled by: venus / status: I have

StarParts: neck, throat

StarLite:

  • Stick to your dogma of not being rushed and chewing slowing, they can wait.
  • Explore the vast world of non-starchy vegetables, err on the green side!
  • Unplug your iPod and buy a Wii or Guitar Hero to get off the sofa. Or better yet, join a community garden and grow non-starchy vegetables.
  • Take the time to enjoy your practical hobbies... work is not officially a relaxation.

gemini

may 21 to june 20
ruled by: mercury / status: I think

StarParts:
hands, arms, shoulders, lungs

StarLite
:

  • Monitor caloric intake by watching portions… all those quick meals add up!
  • Make sure you’re as physically active as you are mentally; use a personal trainer (your alter-ego doesn’t count).
  • Respect the “no snacking while spinning” rules at the gym.
  • Increase your intake of Vitamin B complex to sustain nervous system and maintain energy.

cancer

june 21 - july 22
ruled by: the moon / status: I feel


StarParts:
heart, back, spine

StarLite
:

  • Go out to eat more often, you’ll be forced to eat portions.
  • Add a gym extension to the kitchen and set your timer!
  • Use demitasse spoons to taste test while cooking.
  • Find hobbies that don’t revolve around food, I know it’s hard, but you can do it!

leo

july 23 -august 22
ruled by
: the sun
/ status: I will

StarParts: heart, back, spine

StarLite
:

  • Monitor your intake and portions of sauces, casseroles, and ice cream!
  • Yes, we know you're not inclined to veggies, but force yourself to eat more colors!
  • Get a personal trainer and wear Prada to the gym!

virgo

august 23 - september 22
ruled by: mercury / status: I analyze
 

StarParts: intestines, colon

StarLite:

  • Not too many indulgence issues here… just try to control portions of grains and starches, try eating outside of the granola box for fun!
  • Lighten up on the personal perfection trip; stress will melt and life will relax.
  • Embrace your nature walks by sharing them with friends, they would love to have more of your company!

libra

september 23 - october 22
ruled by: venus / status: I balance
 

StarParts: kidneys, adrenal glands, lower back 

StarLite:

  • Are you eating out too much?  Focus on fresh veggies and salads while at home.
  • Join a walking group or find a cardio-buddy at the gym.
  • Find healthy ways to cope with the stress from being alone (and that doesn’t mean making plans to go out with someone).
  • Keep your spaces in serene harmony and pamper yourself regularly at the spa or golf course!

scorpio

october 23 - november 21
ruled by: mars / status: I create
 

StarParts: heart, back, spine

StarLite
:

  • Pay close attention to what you eat; your all or nothing approach can backfire!
  • Fussy eating habits cause stress, find your grey area and embrace it.
  • Total emersion physical exercise is great for you… focus your passion and commitment on your health.

sagittarius

november 22 - december 21
ruled by: jupiter / status: I understand

StarParts: hips, thighs, liver

StarLite
:

  • Overindulgence you say! Excess sugar and fat are bad for the liver!
  • Try to curb the nibbling habit – taste... but don’t eat all those carbs.
  • Your innate positive outlook helps to quickly overcome illness, use it to your advantage.
  • Satisfy your urge to travel, walk 2 miles a day!

capricorn

december 22 - january 19
ruled by: saturn / status: I use

StarParts: joints, knees, bones

StarLite
:

  • Monitor the starchy comfort food you love so much, it won’t help a gloomy mood.
  • Choose more seafood restaurants by a busy harbors for light meals, it will help with a new look on life.
  • The need for calcium is a no brainier for you… make sure vitamin D and magnesium are the side dishes.
  • Structural and physical exercise is the prescription for those bones and joints, climb to the top of the gym!

 

aquarius

january 20 - february 18
ruled by: uranus / status: I know

StarParts: ankles, circulation

StarLite
:

  • Try harder to eat on a schedule and watch salt intake (invent a sodium level monitoring watch)!
  • You can’t save the world if you don’t stay fit… exercise!
  • Keep your hunger tantrums in check, your friends are immune to them!
  • Make sure your weird food combinations include lots of vitamins and magnesium.

pisces

february 19 - march 20
ruled by: neptune / status: I believe

StarParts: feet, hormonal system, immune system

StarLite
:

  • Flip on the caution light with your intake volume on everything from bread to champagne; food does not replace love!
  • Turn up your iPod while dining; creating a satisfying atmosphere will help curb caloric self-indulgence!
  • Dreamers need a consistent regime of holistic fitness to care for body and soul, embrace some structure.

 

Sunday
Oct182009

all-star Pasta Month astro-pairings!

In honor of pasta month (Oct) and pasta day (Oct 26), we are twirling with joy to post our top 12 pasta and wine pairings for our all-star Sun Signs!

The how, what, when, and why we all compose each meal is heavily influenced by our astrological Sun Signs and birth charts. A big component is also who we eat with (if given the choice). This research process elevates the entertainment of people watching to a whole new level! It also brings back fond memories of growing up with a gypsy spirited, astrology-nourishing Mom.

I've been eating pesto since I was a little kid. My older brother and I used to shriek “goodie goodies” with the announcement of "green spaghetti" for dinner! Mom had discovered a little can of pesto Genovese on a shelf with other unfamiliar items at a tiny neighborhood Italian deli. Back when authentic delis were not the cool places to be seen with fancy espresso cups in hand. Back when pasta was still spaghetti and mac and cheese. Green spaghetti was like bringing Star Trek onto your TV tray! Thanks Mom!

 

 

 

ARIES
Cowboy Spaghetti and a peppery Merlot

- hearty, smoky, outside the pasta-box, easy, fast
Thanks Rachel Ray!

TAURUS
Beefy Mac & Cheese with a full bodied Pinot Noir

- thick and homey, of course you’ll want to add garlic toast!
(You don't need a recipe suggestion; you’d just change it anyway.)

GEMINI
Rigatoni half and half: Marinara and Mizithra and a buttery Chardonnay

- the perfect side-by-side of sweet tomato bliss and salty-tart cheesy heaven!
Inspired by The Manager’s Favorite at The Old Spaghetti Factory

CANCER
Ricotta gnocchi with fennel & sausage and a lighty fruity Rosé
- rich, cozy comfort food with flair…
Thank you Mario Batali!

LEO
The Ultimate Lasagne with a robust Chianti Classico Riserva

- saucy, cheesy, hot and bold
Thanks Tyler Florence!

VIRGO
Whole Wheat Spaghetti Carbonara with a crisp non-oak Chardonnay

- yummy, healthy and it makes total sense!
Thank you @FareToRemember!

LIBRA
Fusilli alla Puttanesca Rustica paired with a spicy Zinfandel

- choices and textures… a party in a bowl!
Here’s an amazing sauce recipe from Michael Chiarello

SCORPIO
Kick-ass San Marzano Marinara, Parmigiano and Pepperoncini with a rich and powerful
Châteauneuf du Pape
- dark and mysterious with a zesty twist!
Merci beaucoup @MrGnocchi!

SAGITTARIUS
Pappardelle with Boar Ragu with a Super Tuscan Cabernet

- exotic and abundant; perfect for spirited gatherings
Thanks again Mario Batali, you know how to do this one with valor!

CAPRICORN
Turkey Tetrazzini and a dark-fruit Syrah

- traditional and fundamental; yet perfect self-indulgence!
Emeril Lagasse kicks it up a notch…

AQUARIUS
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe, Clams and Sweet Italian Sausage and a bright Sauvignon Blanc

- inventive and eclectic, but hits all the right notes!
Tyler Florence blends this recipe with soul…

PISCES
Pumpkin-Peanut Curry Noodles with Five-Spice Seared Scallops and Shrimp paired with a fantastic Viognier

- romantic and cheerful; a great meal to share!
Thanks Rachel Ray!

Mangia!
Happy Pasta-licious Month!
Chef Cosmo and paSous