Operacaffe - Gaslamp, San Diego

We had the good fortune of discovering this wonderful little Italian Restaurant near Horton Plaza the other night and we were very pleased!

The restaurant is cozy and cute with exposed brick walls and antique furnishings. The owners, Roberto and Patrizia, are a Florentine husband and wife team with a passion for authentic, fresh food. Apparently, Roberto was part owner of La Strada, also downtown, for many years. We felt both the atmosphere and the food were reminiscent of Florence. To start, we had the I Coccoli, fried pizza dough with stracchino cheese, and prosciutto di parma. It was devine! I didn't catch the Italian names of our meals but I had large ravioli filled with shrimp and crab with a creme sauce.  The portions were large and the dish was fantastic. My fiance had penne with Italian sausage and a vodka cream sauce. It, too, was excellent. We both had glasses of wine and were happy with the quality and selection. We were stuffed and a little disappointed that we couldn't take our leftovers (we were going out afterward). The prices here are very reasonable especially in comparison to nearby restaurants in the Gaslamp. I am looking forward to returning to Operacaffe again soon.  www.operacaffe.com

A great sunset near downtown San Diego

My future brother in law's great sunset at his new place...

http://ethanback.blogspot.com/2010/07/sunset-with-angie.html

Summer trip to Arkansas (Home)

Last week and weekend took me to Arkansas where it was in the high nineties and very humid. I must admit, I do not miss the humidity and the bugs were big enough to carry us away. My parents live in a small country town and the insects and tree frogs were so loud, you almost had to yell to hear over them. I did enjoy seeing some lightening bugs which I haven't seen in quite some time. It was quite rainy during my visit too so that made for sweltering temps and anxious drives. I guess it has been many years since I have visited during the summer. It's only been 4 years since I left Houston but how easily we forget...I am certainly spoiled to the wonderful weather here in Southern California. I enjoyed my visit with my family though - my parents, my beautiful sister and my smart and gorgeous niece. Miss you guys already!!

The Ice House Cafe, Herdon, VA

A couple of months ago, I made a trip over to the D.C. area for business and found myself in Herndon, VA. I was referred to a restaurant that was in walking distance from my hotel and after walking quite a few blocks (the hotel said three; it was more like 10!), I made it to the Ice House. The place is upscale but not stuffy. In fact, I really loved the atmosphere which was cozy, and I felt comfortable dining there alone. I had the Asparagus Oscar, a crab appetizer that was simply some of the best crab I've ever tasted (and I've eaten a lot of crab in my time), made with a Maltaise sauce (Orange-Flavor Hollandaise). For the main course, I had the Grilled Seafood Salad which was wonderful. The scallops were delicious. The service was impeccable. The wine list offered was great, too. Earlier this month, my fiance found himself in the area and after my referral, he dined there as well and loved it. I love almost all food but he is a little more particular so if he gives it good marks, I know it is good! If you find yourself in the area, give this place a try. Lovely :-)

Fresh fruit

There's a place in Clairemont called the Fruit Stand - located at 4330 Morena Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92117, across the street from Costco. This is a great place for fresh fruits and veggies. It's in a warehouse and isn't fancy, but there's plenty of parking. I go usually once or twice a week. Their berries are great and I find the prices very reasonable. Turns out they have been there for over 20 years so they must be doing something right!

BTW, they are open 7 days a week and they take credit cards!

Big Bear Lake, Memorial Day Weekend

It was a beautiful weekend here in Southern California. We went up to Big Bear Lake for some hiking.

I love these!! Roasted peppers have made my life so much easier!

TIP:  Have you tried roasted red (or red and yellow) peppers yet? They are my new favorite must-have in the kitchen. They are sweet and fresh, healthy and add beautiful color to your meals. I also eat them sliced cold on salads. There are a million ways to use these and they are so much easier than roasting your own. They're located in the area with pickles, olives, etc. in a jar. I use local California grown but there are several out there. Try 'em!

Great, easy recipe for sausage and peppers!

Here is a quick sausage and pepper meal that's easy and delicious.

Purple onion
Green onions
Roasted red peppers (I use the kind in a jar already roasted)
Garlic, 2 or 3 cloves
Tomatoes
Sausage (My favorites for this recipe are chicken apple and Italian hot)
Olive oil
White wine, 2 TB
Salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
A dash of Italian seasonings (dried oregano and basil)
*Amount of veggies depends on what you like. Add as much or as little as you want.

Cut all the vegetables into thin strips. Heat oil in a skillet and add vegetables. Add salt, pepper and Italian seasonings. Saute for about 10 minutes on low heat, adding two or three cloves of sliced garlic toward the end so they don't burn. Add white wine and saute 5 more minutes.

Prepare sausages either on the grill (preferred) or saute in a skillet, cut into coin sized pieces. Serve sausages on a bed of pepper and onion mix. Excellent and pretty healthy too!

North Park Restaurant Row

http://sdnews.com/pages/dtn_home

Click on current issue and check out pages 9 & 10 for my recent article on North Park restaurants.

 

San Diego Downtown News - Funky Garcias Restaurant Review

http://sdnews.com/pages/dtn_home

Click on Current Issue and see page 14 for a review of Funky Garcias Bar & Eatery, by Angie Harman

Roasted Garlic Herb Vinegar Recipe

http://www.ehow.com/how_2225443_roasted-garlic-herb-vinegar.html

Strawberry Eclair

This little beauty is a treat from Arley's French Bakery in Clairemont. So yummy :-) The light fluffy pastry is filled with bavarian and cream and topped with fresh strawberries. They also have great breakfasts and lunches.

4961 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego

Great new wine discovery! Cab Franc

Jeff Runquist Winery, 2008 "R" Cabernet Franc, Salman Vineyard Clarksburg - I just tried this wine for the first time and it is great. In fact, it won a Silver medal at the San Diego International Wine Competition this month!

Average price - $15-20 - I got mine at San Diego Wine Company - $16

For other results of the SD Wine Competition - http://www.sdiwc.com/

Wasabi Coleslaw Recipe

Ingredients:
1/2 head of cabbage
2 TB mayonnaise (real mayo, not the other kind)
A dollop of wasabi (to taste)
1 tsp of lemon juice
Sea or kosher salt and ground pepper to taste
Makes 2 - 3 servings

I know, the ingredients seem very simple but this is the best coleslaw ever!!  This is my mom's recipe from years ago with a kick! Shred the cabbage (I use a hand grater and make the pieces very small) and no, you can't use the precut coleslaw from the veggie section - it won't taste the same! Add the mayo, salt and pepper to taste, lemon juice and stir all ingredients together. Then add a little wasabi or a lot depending on how much of a kick you want - start with about a quarter of a teaspoon just to be safe. This side is complemented very well with teriyaki chicken or pork chops. Bar-b-que chicken would also go great with the cole slaw. Very good the next day. Enjoy.

Photo of the Day

Golden Gate Bridge in fog, San Francisco

Afternoon Tea in the Library

I recently took afternoon tea at the lovely Grand Del Mar in Carmel Valley with a friend. I had not been to the Grand Del Mar before and the entire experience was just delightful. I drove through the gated area, past parts of the exclusive golf course and the very exclusive villas to the main entrance of the restaurant called the Addison. I valet parked (there's really no choice) and strolled through the absolutely gorgeous lobby of this Italian themed hotel, surrounded by opulence. By now, I was really glad I'd decided to wear a dress. There are large fireplaces, cozy seating areas, and grand views. Afternoon tea is served in the Library. Decorated in warm hues and dark woods, surrounded by books, I was loving it. Elegant music played in the background, as we ordered the standard tea (there is an option to add champagne), and I tried two different teas. The aromatic vanilla oolong was wonderful. The finger sandwiches were also quite good with smoked salmon and dill, egg salad and bacon (delish), smoked chicken salad and of course, cucumber cream cheese. The scones were fresh and tasty, especially served with the Devonshire cream, fresh preserves and a lemon cream. Desserts included an assortment of pastries that were good but not spectacular. The best part about this afternoon tea was the atmosphere and the company of a good friend. I would recommend this as a fun afternoon out for the girls (or guys too, if you choose). Tea served Friday through Sunday, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. The Grand Del Mar | 5300 Grand Del Mar Court | San Diego, CA 92130 | 858.314.2000|www.thegranddelmar.com.

The trick to cooking delicious scallops

I am a big fan of Sam the Cooking Guy. If you are a local in San Diego, you surely have seen his television show. He is entertaining and funny, and he shows us how to cook with simple ingredients and make tasty but uncomplicated dishes using ingredients we already have or can easily get.

The other night I turned on the show and caught most of a segment in which he is preparing scallops. I guess I tuned in a little late, because I didn't know they were Ginger Scallops. I saw all the other ingredients and already had them at home, so I planned to make the dish for dinner. When I got ready to start and actually looked up the recipe, I realized that the recipe was for Ginger Scallops. Naturally, ginger is a key ingredient in the Ginger Scallops recipe...imagine that. No problem - I would just wing it and substitute the ginger. Truth be told, I rarely follow recipes. I am a southern girl and I learned to cook mostly from my mama. When my mama cooks, the measurements consist of "a pinch", "a smidge", "a dab" or even "a pretty good amount" of something. So following recipes has never been a priority for me. I use recipes as guidelines and then experiment. Sure, once in a while the dish comes out disappointing, but that's rare. And experimenting is just part of the adventure.

So I made the recipe using a teriyaki baste/marinade, just a dash :-) and they turned out beautifully. I haven't attempted to cook scallops often, and in the past, I have sautéed them in olive oil, butter, lemon, wine or whatever else I could think of. That was definitely not the way to cook scallops. The trick, I have now learned, is to get your pan very hot and simply sear them on either side in a little olive oil. They come out beautifully browned and taste as good as (and sometimes better) those in restaurants where I order them. You can add other ingredients about a minute before taking them off the stove. Oh, and Sam the Cooking Guy's other tip for scallops is hugely important. Don't overcook them! 1 or 2 minutes on each side does the trick. I served the scallops with a variation of Pasta with Clear Sauce (another Sam recipe) and a glass of refreshing Fumé Blanc.

Sam the Cooking Guy's Ginger Scallops recipe http://thecookingguy.com/cookbook/recipe.php?id=318

Welcome to my Blog and my first post!

Intro...

My name is Angela. I like to cook but I really love to eat. I am fortunate enough that I have been writing freelance articles in the travel, food and wine areas for quite a few years now (part time). Since I am currently reviewing and publishing restaurant and winery reviews here locally, I thought this would be an excellent place to share some of my discoveries with you, my fellow foodies.

The San Diego area offers a plethora of great restaurants, many of which I have yet to try. My goal is to try them all...eventually. In the meantime, perhaps I can share some of my favorites, new restaurant news, reviews and maybe even some of my own culinary experiences. I also plan to touch on travel and how it relates to food and wine. I hope you will enjoy reading. Cheers.