Restaurant Widow

Indonesian Chicken

The first time I had Indonesian chicken was at this years International Student event at OSU.  I had the privilege of being a judge, and the food from all of the student groups was really great, but one of my favorite things was the chicken made by the Indonesian student group.  I have been meaning to recreate it forever, so tonight I finally did!

Halfway through eating the dish, I thought to myself "this would be great with some pineapple," but I didn't have any in the house, so I'll have to save that for the next time.

This is a really easy recipe, and if you eat a lot of chicken in your household and are looking for some ideas, it's exotic without being difficult.

Katcup Manis is a wonderfully sweet and salty condiment made from soy sauce, sugar, and lemongrass.  You can find it in Asian Markets.  Start with a small amount of chile past, because you will be reducing the sauce and you can always add spice later.

I like chicken thighs, because they have flavor.  you can buy boneless, skinless thigh filets, which are just as easy to work with than breasts, but again - with flavor.  This sauce will be very sticky; use a nonstick or cast iron pan.

Indonesian Chicken - serves 2
1 Tbsp lard (or oil, but I'm on a lard kick at the moment)

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or with skin), cut into thirds
1/2 cup katcup manis
1 cup water
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 tbsp garlic chili paste
1/4 cup chopped parsley
a few scallions or chives (I only had chive blossoms, which are delicious), slivered.

Heat the lard over high heat and place the pieces of chicken in the pan, being careful not to crowd them. Brown for about 1-2 minutes and then flip over each piece and brown for another minute. (If you are using chicken with skin, place it skin side down the first time; browning time will be longer. Brown until the skin is crisp, then turn over and proceed.)

Add the katcup manis, water, lime juice, and chili paste to the pan. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to medium. Keep at high simmer for 20 minutes.  Turn the heat back up to high and allow the sauce to reduce to the thick maple syrup consistency.  Turn the heat off.  Serve the chicken over hot rice, garnish with the parsley and scallions.

Updates

I know some of you really don't like it when I talk about myself, but I feel the need to apologize for how my lack of inspiration (for a long time) has affected this website.  

But the good news, I think I've cut the infected part of my life out (it's nothing serious - not Husband or anything!)

Here's hoping I get my mojoe back.

If you'd like to read more, you can do so on my personal blog.

Husband in Spain, with Swine

Some of you might be aware that Husband is currently jetsetting around Spain!  It's a wine trip, he earned it. I thought some of you might enjoy a peek of what he's doing.  Click on the picture to read Husband's thoughts.

First All Local, All Market Lunch of the Year!!

Let's see if I can write this post without getting egg yolk or butter on the keyboard...

So, this was pretty much the official opening day of the markets.  It was so good to see some of the farmers I haven't seen since last fall!

I will do a longer market report here in a few minutes, but I just wanted to brag about this awesome lunch I had!!

First of all, this past weekend I was at a great wine event new Cinncinati; the coolest thing about this event was the wine distributor invited all sorts of local producers to come in and show off their products.  I learned there is a caviar producer on the Ohio River; we had some awesome cured salmon, some really great goat cheese, mushrooms, lamb - lots of great stuff.  At the end of the show, there were some big tubs of lard with a note to "please take me home." Well, you don't have to ask me twice.  I'll talk more about that later.

So, here it is, my first all local lunch, fresh from the market. It might not be the most beautiful thing in the world, but it was pretty delicious.  Eggs from Elizabeth Telling Farm fried in the aforementioned lard (the whites first, and then the yolks added at the last minute, which is why they look weird).  I had a sea salt bagel from Petite Boulangerie, and some homemade raw butter. Everything was topped off with a sprinkling of chive blossoms from Toad Hill Organics.  If you haven't tried chive blossoms yet, you must! They are delicious!! And they are beautiful.  Last year I dried some in the dehydrator, and this year I plan to make chive blossom vinegar (before and after), thanks to the fabulous Ms. Foodie.

Market report to come!!

Things to do in Columbus::May 20th Edition

Wow! Columbus is in full summer mode now! Last weekend there were so many things to do I rushed around and didn't get to half the events I wanted to!

The weather is lovely, this Saturday will mark the beginning of the rest of the farmer's markets, I bought some strawberries today at the Pearl Alley market, and it's summer summer SUMMER!! I love this time of year. The winter is close enough behind us that we can really appreciate the lovely weather, everything is growing, and we're just a hair away from the last chance of frost for the year (technically, that's today, so we'll see).

At any rate, let's talk about what there is to do in Columbus this week.  Alas, it's Memorial Day weekend, so there aren't a ton of events, but the few there are, are quality.

• First of all, this weekend is my favorite festival of the year (for eating, anyway); it's the Asian Festival!!  Get there early to find good parking, and be sure to bring some extra cash for eating, because everywhere you turn there is amazing food.  I only wish the marketplace would be a little bigger; I'd also love a traditional tea house set up.  But that's just me.
• At the Wexner Center this week is an event I'm heartbroken to miss - a documentary about my favorite Columbus celebrity, Jeff Smith. Seriously, if you haven't read Bone yet, you must do so immediately. It's a great story no matter your age.  The film will be introduced by director Ken Mills and Mr. Smith himself.  You should go because I can't. I have to work. *sigh*   
• The same night, in pretty much the same building, Amy Tan will be in town (seriously, I'm banging my head against a wall, all these great people in town and I'll be slinging hash). Ms. Tan will be reading from the Joy Luck Club and discussing her work. 
• On Monday, you can be among the first to see the newly-renovated Lincoln Theatre.  The theatre has recently undergone a $12 million renovation, and from what I hear it's beautiful.
• There are 2 great events at the Hills Market this week.  The first is Thursday's Ice Cream Social with Snowville Creamery, and this Saturday is the Salmon Roast.   This is one of their great events throughout the year, and I hope to make it out for once!! 

Bella Beads Studio at Agora!!

Our featured event this week is Agora Columbus; specifically, Bella Beads at Agora.  Agora is a large art gathering. Aside from art, there is performance art, food, and vendors. I have never been able to attend one, but I really hope to do it this Saturday.  More events to come...

Market Report for May 10th

Saturday marked the first day for the Worthington Farmer's Market!  It was also the annual plant sale. Alas, I was in the middle of a really busy weekend at work and just didn't have the energy (or money!) to shop for plants.  But I knew there would be rhubarb and asparagus out this week, so I headed out for a brief trip.

I stopped by Pop & Judy's farm to pick up some dried beans.  I hoarded last year's so long that this year I tried to buy lots and lots.  I probably would have cleaned out their whole supply if there hadn't been nice people in line behind me waiting to get their own.

That brings me to another farmer plea: please, more farmers grow beans! please! I'd love to see lots of beans this fall, especially black and green lentils, those are favorites of ours.  I'd even love to see some simple cannolini beans; I love those too.  

At any rate, I picked up two large bunches of rhubarb and some red popcorn, along with about five types of beans - calypso, marrow fat, black turtle, soldier, and then 1-2 other beans I didn't know the names of.

I was then off to the North Market, because Farmer Jim had emailed to let me know that he would be back with his yummy shitakes! I even took them to Hocking Hills where friends were equally impressed with the yumminess.

That was pretty much it for me this week.  After the weekend in Hocking Hills, I am pretty much working for the rest of the week, so there won't be very much cooking for me.

So, kitty cats, what did you get this week?

Weekend in Hocking Hills

 

It's funny that the Hocking Hills are just under an hour away and yet I hardly ever go there.  A few weeks ago, a coworker suggested that all the girls get out of dodge and spend a few days communing with nature.  

What a great idea! I began looking for cabins and finally settled on this: Natural Rock Cabin (which alsois  for sale, just in case you'd love to buy it for me).Although we were in the woods, we wanted something like a real house, not a mildewy cabin.  Natural Rock was very nice, and came with a hot tub.  Not to mention the very cool fact that the house was built into a rock formation, so the entire wall on one side of the house is made of rock.  That was pretty cool.  The only thing we wanted for (besides internet access) was a fireplace.

We tromped around the woods, took lots of pictures, and ate lots of yummy food.  We saw tons of pretty trees, including these with cool roots growing together over a big rock. doesn't it look like something from Lord of the Rings?

We were all surprised by how inexpensive it was.  The five of each chipped in $70 for our 2 night stay.  It's a great getaway for those watching their pennies; it's less than an hour away, most of the cabins come with full kitchens so you don't need to go out to eat, and there is plenty to do for free in Hocking Hills.

We all kept saying how we felt so far away and yet we were so close to the city.  It was a great weekend, and we are certainly going to do it again.

Also, the weather was amazingly beautiful.  I think this morning might have been the most beautiful day I've ever seen.  We were at an antique store in a house in the middle of nowhere just looking out over the green of the hills, the sun was shining, the birds were singing, a a lovely breeze was blowing.

Here are a few things we did while there:

grilled grass-fed burgers from Up the Lane Cattle

 

went to Old Man's Cave

drank pina coladas (a first for me, since it's kind of in the bartender's code of conduct manual that you would never order a frozen drink as a guest)

saw a man dressed as Jesus in Athens, complete with crown of thorns, just walking down the street

had some ginger-infused vodka with ginger ale at Casa Nuevo

had a snack at restaurant Salaam, formerly cheffed by Barbara from Tigers & Strawberries. Alas, she's no longer there.  We had a Mezze Platter and an order of garlic-doused shrimp. Their Turkish pide bread was amazing, with lots of little nigella seeds in.

went to an everlasting garage sale - just a house with tables set up all over the yard, in the garage, and around the out buildings. One of us bought some super cool old cameras (alas, not me); I bought some cool old jars, a little set of small glasses, and a nice set of old keys.

Built a fire and had s'mores

I had to rescue a millipede from the house because everyone else was scared of it. Before I let it go outside I had to take a few pictures, of course.

If you have a few days but not a lot of dollars to spare, I totally recommend checking out Hocking Hills.  It's really beautiful.  You can see the full set of pictures on my Flickr page.

Various Crumbs and Tidbits

What a week it's been!  My internet has been in and out all week, so if you are waiting an email reply from me, please be patient! Right now it's up and I'm trying to respond as soon as possible.

Here are a few things to remember this weekend:

Saturday is the Ohioana Book Festival!  The event is free and features lots of great authors. Barnes & Noble will be there selling books; there will be food, reading, book signings - all sorts of things.  I am hoping to get there for at least one panel discussion!

Saturday is the official start of the Worthington Farmer's Market!  The North Market and Clintonville Markets began (officially) last week, and this week Worthington kicks off as well with the big plant sale!  This is a great chance to get a head start on your gardening - there are tons of herbs, flowers, and vegetables.  Usually there are also lots of great flowering baskets and garden items.  I hope to be there really early - but we'll see how it goes...

What else can you expect at this week's markets? Asparagus! all sorts of lettuce and greens, and rhubarb.  I also bought a preying mantis next last week, but it seems to have been eaten or carried off by some sort of critter. The stalk is still there, but the nest has vanished!! (you can buy these from Anderson's Orchards at the North Market.)

Last night was Taste of the Independents put on by Dine Originals Columbus, and it was a great event.  It was great to see all of the restaurant owners and chefs there, and drink great wine.  There was plenty of space, the weather was perfect, and the event seemed very well planned and executed.  This is definitely one I'd recommend saving up for next year.  Please support independent restaurants!

Also, have you been following Columbus' Peregrine Falcon Nest? The chicks are a week old! Check them out on the Ohio Division of Wildlife's site.

Get out there and enjoy the city!  After working Mother's Day brunch, I'm spending the weekend in Hocking Hills with all of the Brunch Ladies - we hear there were morels sighted there this very week!  There will certainly be all sorts of great food and wine with this group!

The Big Brunch Hunt::Banana Bean

In our quest to find the best brunch in the city of Columbus, the Brave Brunching Big Ladies met up at Banana Bean last week.  Banana Bean began life as a tiny little spot on Whittier Street in German Village where you didn't have a hope of getting in for brunch unless you had a reservation a week out.  That success allowed them to open a second location on Greenlawn avenue close to Thurns.

I arrived late as usual (I'm sorry, girls. it's the last time I promise). When I arrived the girls were working on a plate of sweet potato fries with a dipping sauce close to remoulade. Yummy!

One nice thing about brunch at Banana Bean is they have brunch options as well as sandwiches, so if you are dining with people who are more into lunch than breakfast, there are tons of options.

We ordered a few more appetizers - the eggplant fries (yummy; I love eggplant fries) with a sweet and quite spicy dipping sauce, as well as an order of fried oysters.  The oysters were really tasty.  They also came with a great dipping sauce!

On to the main events.  Lady 1 ordered the crab cake eggs benedict, her favorite thing!  She's always trying to find those (pictured at the top of the post).

Lady 2 opted for the Cedar Key Shrimp and Grits, which looked very tasty.  I tried to convince everyone we needed an extra order for the table but alas (next time, for sure):

Lady 3 chose the lunch option, going for the shrimp po boy:

Lady 4 ordered the Bananas Foster French Toast. Oh. My.  I'm not usually a "sweets for breakfast" kind of person but seriously, this was amazing.  Lady 4 was probably getting a little irritated with our forks invading her plate every 45 seconds. The syrup is a Captain Morgan sauce, and it's amazing. As I tweeted during brunch, I could have sipped it through a straw, it was that good.

And Lady 5 (that's me, by the way) opted for the special of the day, fried green tomato eggs benedict!  What a great idea!  The special came with a pork chop, but it was a little early in the day for me to have a pork chop, so I ordered some bacon on the side.  The fried green tomatoes were sitting on top of an amazingly delicious biscuit - so light and yummy!

Being a table full of foodies, we took a full 2 minutes to photograph our food before consuming.  @bellasmommie and I immediately tweeted our plates.  

So the coolest thing happened at brunch.  I tweeted a desire I had, not even thinking about it, and about 45 seconds later, our server came over and said "um, who's Lisa the Waitress?"  The chef had prepared exactly what I wanted after reading my tweet!  We all laughed and thanked the chef and had a good time laughing over the power of Twitter!  So Thanks @BananaBeanCafe!!

For those of you out there who think you don't need to embrace social media, think twice! You get free instant feedback.  It was super cool.

The new Banana Bean space is reallyl nice - decorated to look a beach bar, there are umbrellas on the tables even inside.  Service was great, with our poor waiter, Patrick, catering to our every request for more coffee, more coffee, more coffee...we really try not to be typical horrid ladies who brunch, but I am sure we were a pain.  I thought he might faint when he offered to split our checks and we told him we'd figure it out! (Women never put their food on the same tab, even when they order the same thing.)

Banana Bean was a winner and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a yummy brunch.  We'll certainly hitting it again after we've made the rounds of our list.

If you would like to join our brunch crew rotation, please don't hesitate to send me an email.  We're having new peeps join us for the next few brunches.  Sorry boys - ladies only!

Info:  Banana Bean Cafe two locations - we visited the Greenlawn Ave location (340 Greenlawn Ave in the Brewery District 614.443.2262); and the cozy German Village (410 E Whittier 614.443.2266)