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| the hot line at Fresh Starts Catering |
As a chef, I am always torn between being “in the moment” and planning ahead. The nature of cooking and running a big kitchen is all about being right there, in that moment directing the wild “dance” that is commercial cooking. Over a cacophony of, “We need more plates!”, “Fire four sirloin, two mid, one mid-rare, burn one!” and “Entrees dying in the window, pick up now!”, we somehow made it work, night after night. The “looking ahead” came with ordering and menu planning. This time of year, chefs and many others see a slow start, a chance to (maybe) take a break and a ramp up for that hearts and flowers holiday called Valentine’s Day. This year, join me in looking ahead to plan for a get away for two, a relaxing break with a friend or a new “cheap eats” spot for you. Our team at Standards of Excellence shared some great ideas for 2011 fun.
Frank Fromme, SOE San Rafael shared:
“Marcie and I recommend the Breakers Inn in Gualala, California. The rooms at the Breakers are spectacular with the best views on earth. The sunsets are works of art every night and the ocean is relaxing day or night with the sound of the waves keeping you company while in town. While staying in Gualala it would not be a complete trip without visiting St. Orres for dinner.
The menu at St. Orres is special every night and every dish is a new taste surprise. While eating at St. Orres it would be tragic not to try our favorite dish, Phyllo with Stilton Blue Cheese, Fresh Apple and Sugared Walnuts. Every trip to Gualala for us must have this treat on the schedule!”
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| a soothing sunset for Shane |
“The best thing I ate in 2010 had to have been the Scalloped Potato & Fennel that my good friend (and awesome cook) Dennis made. To make it yourself, find the recipe here. My favorite ‘Cheap Eats spot’ is Tacos De Acapulco in Chico off 5th & Ivy, just a little hole in the wall that you will never forget! Five bucks gets you a Mondo Burrito that will serve two. Whenever our territory rep is in Chico, I ask him to stop by and pick up a "Puerco en Chile Colorado" on his way back to Sacramento. By the time he gets back, I immediately chow down! (Thanks Nick!) My favorite winter get away is anywhere on the shore of Lake Tahoe at sunrise...without a doubt.” (Shane, I can picture it now!)
John O’Meara, SOE San Rafael shared:
My “best bite” of 2011 was a splendid Linguini Bolognese at Lumas Restaurant in Petaluma...and, of course, the fresh lobster Rachelle always makes for me when she visits. (He has asked for lobster for years, but I have yet to come through!) The “best cheap eats” around is the new Mi Pueblo Market in San Rafael, off of Bellam. (I agree, going there is like taking a trip to Mexico!) and my winter get away is golf!” (Sounds soggy, but fun!)
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| a kitchen to LIVE for by Standards of Excellence Appliances! |
Not surprisingly, many of our Standards of Excellence team found that their “best bites” of 2010 were eaten right at home. Lori Ballew of SOE Reno found her husband Rick’s Paella to be the year’s best and having cooked with that man, I believe her! They both love to escape to Cabo San Lucas and eat at a magical place called Gardenias. Candy Thompson of the home office in Rohnert Park had an unforgettable bread pudding with caramel sauce and found really cheap eats at El Pollo Loco. She recommends the Taquito with Avocado Salsa and a simple Loco Salad. She also reminded me that the office loves the new Michael’s Sourdough on State Farm Road. Katya Vilchyk, also in the home office, had the best Lemon and Black Pepper Encrusted Chicken Breast made by her fiancé and has yet to “get away” for the winter. (Who needs to “get away” with a fiancé like that?!)
So, if you do want a Valentine’s treat or a winter mini- trip, start planning now. If you are like many of us, who are passionate about home kitchens and about the cooks that love them just go buy a bag of groceries and make your own, best bite-cheap eats-winter get away right at home!
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