Blog Sluts

We've moved to a new blog. We didn't even properly break up with this one, but we're over this is. Come visit us at Partyinmytummy.com. Supposedly Shellby will be moving are archives to the new blog. If I do it, It would probably be one long post. Come see us.

Carma’s Café

Carma’s Café

This past weekend (March 23, 2012) I finally tried a local Café that I pass by at least once a week (since 2005), Carma’s Café tucked away in Charles Village community. Is Carma’s Café worth a trip to eat and relax with friends?  The simple answer is…. You have to read the whole review.  Carma’s Café is located in Charles Village on 32nd Street between Charles & St Paul closer to the St. Paul Street.  Seating is available outside or inside, it’s a combination for spring/summer/fall evenings you can sit outside enjoy the breeze. Parking is tricky so be prepared to walk. Once inside the lighting is low but comfortable almost like instant relaxation.  The specials are located off to the right and written on plates.  Along with the breakfast menu is on the chalkboard in the center, which includes Icelandic Granola and frittatas.  They offer several delicious beverages from sweet tea, tea lattes, to Hot Chocolate.  

As I stated previously, I finally decided to stop in and try some of their food.  I have always walked by eying the people who ate there, everyone I saw seemed to enjoying themselves. I would be slightly envious because I was always in a rush to work or school to stop and try the food.  I must say, I love excellent customer service. The cashier was friendly and patient with me, while I decided what to order from the menu for at least 5 minutes. I end up ordering the Apple Alexander Sandwich and a side salad (I am a sucker for apples and cheese combos), Sweet tea with a wild berry syrup, a mini black bottom cupcake and a pink Dalmatians cookie. My entire meal was 10.87.

Now to the good part my salad was cool but was lacking some oomph but it's a field salad with one olive. I was not sure if I was supposed to have more than one olive or not. The sandwich was sufficient the sandwich had granny smith apples, honey and Brie melted on ciabatta bread. I would have loved more apples and honey. The sweet tea with wild berry Morin flavor was sweet and good and the wild berry made feel like I was drinking an special made Arizona tea. 

The best part of the meal was the Pink Dalmatian cookie! It was the best part of all good things sweet! The white chocolate chips were huge but played off the tangy flavor of the cranberries. I loved the cookies so much I went back and brought a dozen of Dalmatian cookies and a hot Chocolate. I am not proud to say this I almost ate a dozen cookies in one sitting. Overall, go try the pink Dalmatian cookie it is amazing.  The food is pretty good for a quick evening meal. I enjoyed the atmosphere of Carma’s Café. They also offer breakfast all day and have some vegan friendly options such as the split pea soup.

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Ra Ra Ra Oh La La... Sushi!

Please forgive the next cheesy expression “Ra, Ra, Ra, ah, ah/ Yum Yum, umm umm/ Gaga oh la la/ Want some Good sushi!” If you noticed this was suppose to be a verse from Lady Gaga Bad Romance. But in turn I talked about Good Sushi! I had the honor and privilege to go to Ra Sushi earlier this month.  From my previous post, one would gather I love sushi. I do love sushi, it one of the few things I can eat due to diet restrictions and I can enjoy it like a fat kid loves cake (line from 21 questions by 50 cent).  My coworker had a ½ birthday gift card from Ra sushi and she invited me. (Another reason to love RA they give 1/2 birthday gift certificates!)

            

When we first arrived, the restaurant seemed busy and super fast paced, the whole restaurant was crowded. I was expecting a long wait, but the hostess quickly found us a table and was pleasant the whole time. We were seated, within seconds our server came over with a smile on her face and greeted us enthusiastically. She showed us the happy hour specials, along with the regular menu, and drink menu. She asked if we wanted anything to drink and offered suggestions such as the "Blushing Geisha" which includes cold lemonade mixed with Skyy Raspberry vodka, raspberry liqueur & Sprite. I was unable to try this one since I had to drive, but it sounds marvelous!

 The cool thing about Ra is they have two kitchens that the food comes out so your entries come out at different speeds. So you never know which item you order will come out first.  The vibe of the restaurant will remind you of a fast pace New York City Restaurant. It is very crowded and loud but still intimate with the lighting. The music played is top 40 with different DJ mixes.  Lets get to the good part of review , the food!!!

Wasabi Mash Potatoes

I love Mash Potatoes some places either make them too bland, too salty or rely to heavily on seasoning. I will be honest I was skeptical of putting wasabi in mash potatoes but the Chefs at RA proved me wrong. The potatoes were soft and fluffy. The wasabi flavor did not over power my taste buds and was a surprise burst of flavor at the end of each bite. The reaction in my mouth went like this potatoes, hints of garlic and butter than BAM Wasabi!!!!  I loved how each bit followed the same formula. This was one dish that was left spotless. 

PINEAPPLE CHEESE WONTONS

Pineapple Cheese Wontons is a twist on the classic Wonton. It was pineapple over top of cream cheese fried to a delicate crisp factor. I loved the sweetness of the pineapple with a little hint of heat. I wasn’t thrilled by the pineapple dipping sauce was but I the wontons were very delicious and tasty. 

CRAZY MONKEY ROLL

The Crazy Monkey Roll is Smoked salmon, mango and cream cheese topped with avocado, red beet tempura bits & cashews; drizzled with mango and sweet eel sauces. I must be honest the first taste is shocking like its slimy and sweet it plays with your taste buds. I do not remember the Salmon but I do remember the sweetness of the Mango and Avocado. This is for the Brave foodie, if you are not brave than stick with the traditional rolls. I enjoyed the Crazy Monkey but I do not think I will re-order it; there are just too many other rolls to try.  The sauce used on the roll was slightly overpowered by the mango but it was still enjoyable.

GARLIC SUGAR SNAP PEAS

Sugar snap peas were sautéed in an Asian seasoning and garlic.  This was another appetizer that was sampled while at RA. The Sugar Snap were okay, nothing really amazing or great about them. They tasted like sugar snap peas in garlic butter.  I ended up taking most of the plate home to eat as leftovers. If you get an appetizer try the pineapple wontons or the Wasabi Mash potatoes.

I don't know remember which Roll this was so this is the end of this post.

Ra Sushi does have a number of events coming up for February!

Sushi 101 - Feb. 12 at 2PM

RA Sushi’s crash course in sushi. Class includes sushi rolling lessons, a beverage, edamame, miso soup and a pre-stamped lunch card good for a complimentary lunch.

Mardi RA - 2/21

Join us in the RA and celebrate Fat Tuesday as we bring you a taste of the Big Easy. From 7 p.m. to close, dress in your favorite Mardi Gras attire and come celebrate….“Mardi RA” style.

Sushi 102 - Feb. 26 at 2PM

Want to take sushi making to the next level? Introducing Sushi 102, a class exploring the art and technique of sushi making, Japanese etiquette and sake pairings. 

Every Sunday From 8 pm-12 am they have Flying Fish Lounge. 

http://www.rasushi.com/baltimore

Sushi! Sushi! Sushi! A review of Joss Sushi and Cafe'

What the best way to End 2011? SUSHI!!!!

So last year as my last hoorah(sp.) with friends I invited all my close friends out to get happy hour sushi.   I must confess I love Sushi!  I have been to almost 50% of Sushi restaurants in the Greater Baltimore area. Last year I had the honor of going to Joss Sushi located at 413 North Charles Street.  So when you first enter the ambiance is peaceful and quiet. The Sushi bar is located to your right, with tables around the restaurant. Joss has two levels with the restrooms located downstairs. Now in order to get Happy hour prices you have to sit at the bar.  The menu was extensive with some creative items.   Below is the California Hand Roll and signature happy hour drink. The signature Happy Hour Drink was a Raspberry Vodka mixed with Sprite. Both were very yummy, but the hand Roll was delicious. I love how they took a traditional roll and made it like an ice cream cone. I didn’t need any soy sauce and this roll filled me up quite nicely. 

Next up the Scallop Wontons:  When the server brought them out they were artfully placed on the plate with wasabi sauce around them. I must say they came out the kitchen piping hot.  Each wonton burst with flavor and deliciousness. Furthermore, each wonton was just the right amount of crispy and was not over oily. I would suggest this dish to anyone who visits Joss. 

Finally the best part of the meal dessert.  I shared a dessert with one of my friends which were the Fried Banana Tempura with Vanilla Ice Cream.  I am not a fried banana person, but this was actually quite tasty. Again the dessert was brought out still hot and fresh out of the kitchen. The banana held its flavor and did not just taste like fried dough.  I actually enjoyed every bite and would go back to get this a second time or at least try the fried Cheesecake which also was on the menu. 

So overall I really enjoyed everything on the menu I ate. My Friends seem to enjoy their food also. For service I will say 3.9 out 5 smiles. The server was very knowledgeable and was prompt.  The chef at the bar was also nice. I must be honest I made him blush several times either from embarrassment or because of my jokes. I would definitely suggest Joss Sushi as a first date place it quiet and it would be easy to hear each other.  During Happy hour the prices are decent it will not break you budget, but in order to get Happy Hour Prices you must sit at the bar. The drinks are okay not too strong but nothing super memorable.  The food and company was the shining spot of the night.  If you want a chill first date during early spring and even summer this is an excellent place to go. You can go for a walk up to the Washington Monument and sit and talk.  I hope this review is helpful and I hope you will go try Joss Sushi and Café. 

Excellent News!

Baltimore Restaurant Week!

Starting January 20th, 1 of the two most wonderful week of the year starts. Get yourself some yummy food in your tummy!

(for a damn good price)

Go to: http://www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com

Asparagus Simple and Delicious!!!!

Reasons you should eat more Asparagus:

·          Low in calories,

·         Contains no fat or cholesterol.

·         A good source of potassium.

·         An excellent source of folacin, thiamin and vitamin B6. 

·         Contains glutathione (GSH). 

·         It’s an Aphrodisiac that right there is enough for me!

Over the Christmas Holiday I made some Roasted Asparagus for my Granny. She loves Asparagus and I don’t mind making it cause well look at the above list. I found a very nifty recipe from Better Homes and Gardens Recipe App. I decided to give it a try. Traditionally, Asparagus is steamed, roasted or grilled. One can add a little olive oil, butter or lemon just to enhance the flavor. I omitted the Parmeasan Cheese and replace with onions and peppers with a squirt of Fresh Lemon Juice.

• 1 pound of asparagus
• 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon of Mrs. Dash
• 1 Tbsp of Olive Oil
• ¼ cup of Onions and peppers
• Squirt of Fresh Lemon Juice ( 1- 2 teaspoons)

1. Preheat the oven to 450* F
2. Place the asparagus, onions and peppers in a 2-quart baking dish drizzle the olive oil over top. I may have used more than 1 tablespoon. I am kind of heavy handed.
3. Spinkle the Mrs. Dash and Black pepper over top of the Aspargus.  ( add the lemon here if you want but you don’t have to)
4. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes. Tossing about 8 ½ minutes into the baking process. Allow to cook for the remainder of the time left.
5. Remove from the oven and serve!

* I added a little bit of water to the bottom of the pan about a Tablespoon. I was afraid it would burn.

Reference:

http://www.asparagus.org/maab/nutrition.html Date Accessed 29 Dec 2011

http://www.bhg.com/recipe/appetizers-snacks/roasted-asparagus/  Date Accessed 25 Dec 2011

A Healthy Party in my Tummy: Glazed Carrots

I have been dreaming of Carrots for a while now since October.  I love their natural sweetness and the crunch factor. Most restaurants I go to only make them steamed which is OK, but they are not the same as making them at home. I found this recipe in Martha Stewart's Magazine and I did modify it because I wanted more of a glaze.

Glazed Carrots with Thyme from Food Everyday: A Martha Stewart Magazine.

·         ¼ cup of granulated Brown Sugar

·         ¾ stick of unsalted butter (cut into Slices)

·         1-2 ½ lbs of Carrots (in sliced in sticks)

·         1 tsp of Honey

·         1 tablespoon of Fresh Thyme or Dill (optional)

·         Coarse Salt and Pepper, some Mrs. Dash
*I sliced my bag of carrots but you can also use baby carrots also. 

1.      In a large skillet add 1 1/3 cup of Water, Brown Sugar , Honey and Butter. Allow them to boil.

2.      Add the carrots and cover, also reduce the heat.

3.      Partially cover and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. For a softer carrot than allow to cook four up to 15 minutes.

4.      Toss the Carrots often so they won’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

5.      Add in the Thyme or Dill  than cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

6.      Take the Carrots of the stove and add some salt and pepper than serve.

The original recipe is below in case you find my recipe to be to sweet or daring.

·         3 Tbsp dark Brown Sugar

·         ¼ cup unsalted butter

·         2 ½ lbs of Baby Carrots

·         1 tablespoon of Fresh Thyme or Dill (optional)

·         Coarse Salt and Pepper, some Mrs. Dash

Follow the same instructions up top just omit the honey.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Sorry no pictures this time I need a better camera.

P.S. Here some Scientific Facts from my Brain! Carrot gets its characteristic and bright orange color from β-carotene, which is metabolised into vitamin A in humans when bile salts are present in the intestines. Lack of vitamin A can cause poor vision, including night vision, and vision which can be restored by adding it back into the diet. If you do not have a genetic eye condition or macular degeneration.
Reference:

Stewart, Martha. "Glazed Carrots with Thyme." Everyday Food November 2011 issue 87: pg 86. ( not correct formatting)