Pork Chop Wednesday & Friday - Perry's Steakhouse & Grille (Houston,TX)

Imagine 5,000 pork chops being served during lunchtime just two days a week across nine restaurants!  Add to that the five-day process to prepare them.  If you think that is a bit much the team at Perry's Steakhouse & Grille will disagree with you because they take pride in this tradition since the restaurant originally started over 30 years ago as a butcher shop.  In 1979, Mr. Bob Perry opened Perry's Butcher Shop and Deli which has grown into one of Texas' most famous steakhouses with nine location throughout the state.

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille infamous Pork Chops

One of the most famous traditions for as long as I can remember growing up in Houston has been Pork Chop Wednesday!  Starting in the Clear Lake location, people--self included--used to stand in a line which went out the front door.  Getting one of the much coveted seats during lunch takes great tactical skills!  According to Assistant General Manager in Clear Lake, Kirk Baird, "[Mr Perry] added Fridays so that we could meet the demand...pork chop Friday is our lunch special at all locations including Austin where patron[s] still wait in line to get a seat."  If you want this $11.95 Pork Chop special on both Wednesday and Friday then you have to go to the Clear Lake restaurant because it is the only location where this is offered both days.




The Five Day Process

• Use Perry salt cures the chops and create "Texas sized" portions
• Season with special BBQ rub
• Slow smoke with pecan wood for 18 hours
• Caramelize with sugar
• Finish in the oven

Once all of these steps are complete, the chops are then served to the anxiously waiting patrons with Perry's famous herb-garlic butter, whipped potatoes and homemade applesauce.

Other Favorites

Perry's has an extremely delicious menu but if you are looking for something on the lighter side then I highly recommend the following:


Perry's Signature Fried Asparagus
This is one of my favorite appetizers EVER.  I have been eating it for years and I am still not over it.  The jumbo lump crab meat with butter and lemon makes this an unforgettable dish.

Fried Asparagus Appetizer

Warm Spinach & Shrimp Salad

One of the Entree Salad selections, the spinach & shrimp salads is very filling.  With pieces of bacon and sweet onion throughout, you will not be disappointed.

Warm Spinach & Shrimp Salad

The Sweets
I once again found myself too full to enjoy my favorite part of every meal!  If I would have been able to enjoy dessert I would have chosen the following:


Mont Blanc a la Frisc
The Mont Blanc is one of Perry's "Signature Flaming Desserts" and it also happens to be one of my favorites.  When I lived in Houston, I would sometimes make a special visit just to eat this particular dish.  It is a homemade sponge cake with vanilla ice cream and strawberries.  But it does not stop there!  It is then topped with flambeed Belgium white chocolate sauce with Bailey's Irish Cream.  All of this is done right at your table--I once thought my hair was going to catch on fire!


Dessert Trio
Vanilla Bean Creme Brule, Grand Marnier Chocolate Truffle and Praline Cheesecake.  I think the picture speaks for itself!  My favorite of the three is the Praline Cheesecake.  If it is your birthday, this dessert trio is part of your special day!

Dessert Trio (courtesy of Perry's Steakhouse & Grille)

There are nine Perry's locations throughout Texas.  Six in Houston, and one in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio.  Perry's is starting a new "Sunday Dinner" tradition.  You can enjoy any Salad Pork Chop & Dessert Trio for $24.95 between 4PM - 9PM.  If you can't make it to Pork Chop Friday then I highly recommend you visit a Perry's Steakhouse & Grille near you so you can enjoy a nice Sunday Dinner.


Gourmand Girls' Conclusion: 5 VIPs
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille's Pork Chops get our highest rating of 5 VIPs!

Avocado is as Avocado does - Dos Caminos (New York City)

In honor of the 2012 California avocado season I went to Dos Caminos to learn all about avocados with the California Avocado Commission and one of my favorite people, Chef Ivy Stark--who I am quite impressed with since she showed up for the festivities AFTER running the Brooklyn Half Marathon!

California Hass Avocados

One thing I will take away for sure is that I will NEVER look at avocados the same anymore.  I learned so many things but here are my highlights:

1. All avocados are NOT created equal!
2. If you are going to purchase avocados, please make sure they are California grown--90% of the nation's avocados are grown there.
3. Dos Caminos uses California Hass Avocados in their spectacular guacamole.
4. Avocado cocktails do in fact exist!  
5. Although my guacamole did not win the "Guac-off", there was fierce competition among my fellow foodies and we all had a fantastic time!

Whenever I hear that Dos Caminos Corporate Executive Chef Ivy Stark is going to teach a class AND that I can eat whatever she makes you can always count me in!

Chef Ivy Stark shows us how to properly cut a California avocado

We learned how to properly select, ripen, cut and store an avocado as well as different ways to serve them.  Now for the food:

California Avocado Aperitif & California Avocado Margarita

Avocados are not just for eating, you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail using them as well.  Just think of it as a healthy cocktail since avocados are sodium free, have all the good fats and act as a nutrient booster. 

California Avocado Margarita & Aperitif

Crab Molotes

These little "torpedoes" or "bullets" as some people like to call them are delicious with the California Avocado Tomatillo Salsa.  I had to sneak a bite off of my friends plate--I don't think he noticed!

Crab Molotes

California Avocado Tacos - Baja Style

Avocado tempura--need I say more?!

California Avocado Baja Style Tacos

California Avocado Honey Lime Ice Cream

Are you salivating?

California Avocado Honey Lime Ice Cream

California Avocado GUAC OFF

As I said before, the competition for the Guac Off was fierce.  My partner and I had some really tough competition and although our "Rodeo Roundup" Guacamole did not win we had so much fun creating it.  With over 20 ingredients to choose from, the contestants had limitless options.  I believe the BLT Guacamole won.

Gourmand Girls' Rodeo Roundup

If you are interested in different recipes with avocados then be sure to check out "Dos Caminos' Mexican Street Food: 120 Authentic Recipes to Make at Home" and California Avocado Commission on twitter (@Ca_Avocado) for the latest avocado news and creations.

Cinco de Mayo Patron Dinner at Del Frisco's Boston - Boston, MA

What is the first thing you think about when you hear Cinco de Mayo?  Be honest.  It probably has something to do with drinking, right?  For me it is tequila, which is why went to the Patron Tequila Dinner at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse Boston.

Del Frisco's is known for fulfilling some of my fantasies.  I really should not have been surprised that Derek, Greg and Anthony would come up with such a unique and fun way to celebrate "El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla" which is the battle when the Mexican Army defeated the French; this is often confused with Mexican Independence Day which is actually September 16th.  I am done with the brief history lesson, so let's move on.

Del Frisco's Boston Patron Dinner

Patron Silver Cocktails & Appetizers

• Smoked Salmon Tostado, Citrus Vinaigrette, Salsa Fresca, Cilantro
• Local Oysters on the Half Shell, Spicy Tomatillo Mignonette
• Patrón Silver Cocktails: Resposado Margatini & Silver Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita

Silver Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita & Local Oyster on a Half Shell

First Course: Patrón Silver

Atlantic Cod with Spicy Heirloom Tomato, Margarita Butter & Basil-Mint Oil.  All of this with a nice shot of Patrón Silver--or at least my group thought it was a shot so we took it straight up.  Unfortunately, I am not able to share with you exactly how the Patrón Silver and Cod complemented each other but I can assure you that both were great!

Atlantic Cod

Shot of Silver

Second Course: Patrón Reposado

Crisp Duck Breast with Ancho Chile Mole and Blackberry Sauce.  I am so glad that the people I was sitting with didn't mind the finger licking going on!  OMG, the duck was orgasmic delicious--eye roll and all!  The Patrón Reposado is aged in oak barrels for two months and is smooth and sweet--truly the perfect accompaniment to the duck.

Ancho Chile Mole Duck Breast & Patron Reposado

Third Course: Patrón Añejo

Roasted Garlic Stuffed Filet Mignon with Poblano Chimichurri & Toasted Goat Cheese.  My dish won over the communal table since I did not eat my filet.  With the assistance of Mike and Cory, they made sure I had a happy plate.  The Patrón Añejo  went straight to the chest!  It was a little too strong for me but it did help bring on a good buzz.  I learned that this particular tequila is aged for twelve months minimum which pairs well with rich meats, hearty vegetables and pasta dishes.

Roasted Garlic Stuffed Filet Mignon & Patron Anejo

Fourth Course: Gran Patrón Burdeos

New Zealand Lamb Chop with Mango-Mint Demi-Glace, Avocado & Roasted Sweet Corn.  This was my FAVORITE course.  I got the feeling the rest of the table liked it as well.  The lamb chops were so good people were actually sucking-on-the-bone!  No shame there, I do not blame them at all.  For once, I was happy that I was able to do the thing that I think about often but never do.  I get the phrase "finger lickin' good".  The Gran Patrón Burdeos was AMAZING.  We tried to convince our waitress that she accidentally missed our table just so we could seconds--did not work but it was worth a try!  This particular tequila retails for $450 a bottle!  If you order it directly from Patrón online it will only cost you $649 BUT that price is all inclusive.

Gran Patron Burdeos

Lamb Chop with Avocado and Roasted Sweet Corn

Fifth Course: Patrón XO Cafe Dark Cocoa

Dark Chocolate-Goat Cheese Cake with Strawberry Sauce.  No one knew what to expect when they brought out the dessert.  My table had mixed reviews--what did I think--I thought it was good but I still prefer Del Frisco's famous "Half and Half".  The Patrón XO Cafe Dark Cocoa was the perfect match because while the cake was not too sweet the tequila had a nice sweetness to it.

XO Dark Cafe Patron & Dark Chocolate-Goat Cheese Cake

Conclusion

I have to give Patrón and Del Frisco's credit for extending my knowledge of tequila.  I will NEVER think of it as something in a rap song again--it is so much more.  Thank you for the amazing gift bags!

Awesome Gift Bag!

I still can not believe that Del Frisco's Boston has only been open for a little over a year! The baby of the Del Frisco's Steakhouses, it is living up to the high double eagle standards.  This location is part of the hot scene of Boston and they are always hosting events and tastings.  Be sure to sign up--click here--to stay in the loop about all of the awesome upcoming events Mister Anthony Valletta is planning.  The next tasting is a Glenlivet Scotch Dinner on May 16th.  You do not want to miss it.

Gourmand Girl’s Conclusion: 5 VIPs

Patrón and Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse Boston both get our highest rating of 5 VIPs!

Bond Restaurant & Lounge Spring Dinner Menu - Boston, MA

As you know I am a BIG fan of the Metropolitan Tea at Bond Restaurant & Lounge so when I had the opportunity recently to sample some of the new items on the 2012 Spring Dinner Menu at Bond Restaurant & Lounge with some of my fellow foodies, I did not hesitate to accept the invitation.  It was a sexy evening with Jazz singer Gian Farone and fantastic food.  

Some of the new items include:


Stracchino Cheese and Heirloom Tomatoes
Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic.  This was nice and lite.

Grilled Baby Corn w/ Espelette
Cotija Cheese, Aioli and Lime, very delish.

Sweet Soy and Ginger Chicken Wings
This is one of my favorites!

Crispy Point Judith Calamari
Sweet Chili + Black Sesame + Cilantro = PERFECT combo

Vietnamese Fresh Rolls
Shrimp, Chicken and Spicy Peanut Sauce.

Flat Bread Pizza
Great Hill Blue, Grilled Stone Fruit; Pancetta and Arugula

Lobster and Chorizo Quesadilla
Queso Blanco and Sweet Corn.  Very good but also filling.

Sticky Toffee Pudding
Brown Butter Ice Cream, Bookers Whiskey Caramel.  I am drooling again just thinking about it!

Strawberry Rhubarb Gratin
Mascarpone Mousse, Mint, Black Pepper Sable.  Now that I am a rhubarb pro I was really excited to try this dish.  Very, very tasty.

Chocolate Tasting
Smoke Chocolate Cake, Milk Chocolate Powder, White Chocolate Brulee, Guanaja Ice Cream.  This is just a little sneak peek into the Chocolate Shangri-La also known as the Chocolate Bar on Saturday's at Cafe Fleuri!

If you are in Boston or are planning a trip, a visit to Bond Restaurant & Lounge is worth it--I promise!

The Stanton Social: Part I "The Cocktails" - New York City

Someone once asked me how do I know a restaurant is "really" good?  My answer, I know it is good anytime I go there more than once in a week.  For The Stanton Social, I ate there four times in one week!  A bit much?  Probably, but I just could not get enough!  There is far too much to write about in just one post so I decided to break it up starting with what originally caught my attention--the cocktails!

The Fantastic Cocktails at The Stanton Social

The Stanton Social has a ridiculous adult beverage menu and they even have a wine wall!  There are so many selections even the pickiest person--ahem NOLA--will be able to find something.  They have:

• Wine by the Glass
• Cocktails
• Wine Selections

The first time I saw the cocktail menu, I knew that I had to try them all!  There are 15 items on the menu, all of them are super delish but with a lot of hard work and some strong disagreements with my pals, I was able to come up with my "Fab Five Faves"

1. Amiguita's Old Fashioned

Amiguita's Old Fashioned

I am a sucker for the Old Fashioned.  This is my new girlfriend and it is made with tequila!  What a great twist on one of the best classic cocktails ever!

2. BASIL-LIME GIMLET

What exactly is a Gimlet?  It is one of those cocktails from the  "good ole days" and I think it is one of the best things I ever drank!

Basil-Lime Gimlet: 2nd Place

3. 1940s CHAMPAGNE JULEP
Wow--that is all I have to say!

1940s Champagne Julep

4. THE SOCIAL GREEN TEA
You know that I love my teas.  The best part of this one is the orange-honey marmalade treasure at the bottom.

The Social Green Tea

5.  THE MANHATTAN SIDECAR

Take two classics and let them have intercourse and you get this masterpiece!

Manhattan Sidecar

LIBATIONS
The only reason the other 10 didn't make it on my top "Fab Five Faves" all comes down to preference.  They really are all fantastic. I mean, I created The Stanton Social Cocktail Pinterest Board!

• Strawberry Fields -this one almost made it until I tried the Manhattan Sidecar 
• Pineapple 75 Martini
• Cucumber-Vanilla Cosmopolitan - Ms. "A" is going to be upset that this one didn't make it! (I will buy you one on our next visit)
• Pink Grapefruit-Mint Martini
• Bea's Gin-Lemon Mojito
• Cranberry Flower - I really liked this one also but the Julep 
• Blood Orange-Jalapeno Margarita - They make their jalapeno infused tequila in-house!
• Brooklyn Lemonade
• Black Magic - I had a heated debate with a guy at the bar for not liking this drink but I stand by my decision!  RANDOM DUDE, I DO NOT LIKE BEER THEREFORE I DO NOT LIKE THIS DRINK!  I am sure if I DID like beer it would be "da bomb" as you stated.
• Ruby Jack

NOT ON THE MENU
There is a drink that is not on the menu and does not have a name so I decided to give it one.  I think it might be a bar experiment but nevertheless it is fantastic.  I like to call this little beverage the "D-D & R-M" after David & Dante (drink creators) and Rae & Mallory (the two sweethearts who kept my glass flowing)!

"D-D & R-M"

Stop by and try the cocktails and grab a bite, I am interested to see if you agree with my rankings.  Part II is all about the food which I can't get enough of!

Epicurean Girl’s Conclusion: 5 VIPs

The Stanton Social Cocktail Menu gets our highest ratings of 5 VIPs.

Afternoon Tea in the French Room - Taj Boston

"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea" --Henry James

Afternoon Tea in the French Room

The 100th anniversary of Fenway Park and the one year anniversary of Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse brought my sister and me to Boston.  The highly regarded Afternoon Tea in The French Room brought us to Taj Boston.

Taj Boston Hotel

The Afternoon Tea in the French Room offers a fantastic experience from the outstanding service to the delicious tea.  The violinist does not hurt either.


AFTERNOON TEA SELECTIONS
The menu offers several tea offerings to someone's liking; they even have something for the kids.  The selections include:

• Taj Royal - tea service with sandwiches & canapes, scones & sweet treats
• The Duchess - tea service with scones & sweet treats
• Traditional Cheese Tasting - tea service with cheese & crackers, baguettes and fruit
• Children's Tea - hot chocolate, pb&j and sweet treats

Because my sister and I have minor delusions of grandeur--we both believe that we are somehow part of the bloodline of Cleopatra or Nefertari--we chose the Taj Royal.

Sandwiches & Canapes

The savory finger sandwiches and canapes are delectable.  I do not have a favorite because I love them all!

Cucumber & Cream Cheese

Lobster Profiterole

Prosciutto & Mellon

Traditional Egg Salad

Smoked Salmon and American Caviar

Scones & Sweet Treats

Dani D and I did not have to fight over the scones and sweets.  I was a fan of the Current Scones and she was infatuated with the Lemon Thyme Scones.  They both paired nicely with the Devonshire Cream and the Lemon Blueberry Curd.

Current Scone with Devonshire Cream

The sweets, the sweets, the sweets!  Between my lovely welcome gift, the Taj Chocolate Strawberries and the Opera Torte; I found it difficult to stick to my two sweet limit.  I failed miserably but it was so worth it.

The Sweets

THE BOSTON TEA PARTY

I can now state, without pause, that Tealeaves is my numero uno tea family.  I can not call them just a company because the love and passion all of their employees pour into each cup is unprecedented.  I recently sat through one of their tea seminars--which lasted over four hours--and was completely blown away by the minute detail involved in the dying art of blending.

Tealeaves Selections

At the tea seminar I learned all about the "sniff and slurp" method for tasting but I felt that The French Room at Taj Boston was not the appropriate venue, and so I made sure to be on my best behavior.  I selected the Taj Blend Spicy Chai and the only thing I can say about it is that Tealeaves knocked it out the park with this one.  I am going to place an order of this tea for my home collection.

LAGNIAPPE

If the tea sandwiches, canapes and sweets are not enough for you then you should take a short walk over to Ashley where she will design the perfect crepe just for you!  

Crepes while you wait!  Thanks Ashley

Also, if you are celebrating a special occasion, be sure to let someone from the Taj team know because they have several sweet surprises just for you!

 

Celebratory Treats

Welcoming Treats

I have to admit, we were sad to leave our wonderful tea experience but we promise to return on future trips to Boston.  I guess I will also visit some other Taj locations to see what their afternoon teas are all about.