Sunday Southern Home Cooking - Lobster Mac & Jalapeño Cornbread

A while ago (and I mean a LONG while), we visited a fish market and bought lobster meat (we think)... it could have been crab meat, but regardless... this morning I finally took it out of the freezer and decided to make some *lobster* mac n cheese! And what goes better with mac n cheese than CORNBREAD!

I selected Food Network's Lobster Mac and Cheese (the ingredients appealed to my taste) &  AllRecipes.Com's Absolute Mexican Cornbread because I wanted jalapeño cornbread.

I started with the cornbread since it takes 1 hr to bake. I wish I had listened to Dominic when he suggested we buy fresh jalapeños. That was the ONLY disappointment. The cornbread was not spicy AT ALL! You couldn't even tell that I put jalapeños in the darn thing! 

However, this recipe makes for the BEST cornbread I have EVER tasted. That includes NOLA's House of Blues jalapeño cornbread, the surprisingly tasty cornbread at Nervous Nellies a few weeks ago, Atlanta's Mary Mac's and seriously, any other cornbread I've ever eaten! 

If only it had that jalapeño taste / kick I was craving!
Ah, that only means I have to make it again sometime soon!

I made a few substitutions to the "mac n cheese" recipe to make myself feel a little better about eating a meal prepared with 3 sticks of butter by using "vegetarian" macaroni pasta & low fat cheddar cheese. It did not change the flavor one bit. I also don't think it made a difference in this calorie bonanza! Dominic and I seem to disagree on how "fishy" the lobster flavor was. He would have preferred to not include the lobster into the mac n cheese after he cooked it. I thought the Gruyere Cheese mixture had such a strong taste that it took away any "fishiness" from the lobster.

Even though I enjoyed my meal, I do not think this mac n cheese is something I would cook again. It was EXTREMELY rich and Dominic was not keen on the lobster flavor. It also makes for a LOT of servings. I made enough to fill two 8" x 8" pans and we only ate half of one (froze the other). The cornbread was done in a 9" x 13" pan and is good for 4 people since everyone will want seconds!

Monday Night is Trivia Night @ The Pub at the Mercato

A few Mondays ago, Lauren Janelle, also known as "Bandit's Mom" at Camp Bow Wow  was going with some friends to The Pub at The Mercato to play Trivia. Dominic knows I've been dying to play trivia at either The Pub (Mondays at 7:30pm) or at the Boston Beer Garden (which I thought held it on Tuesdays, but there's nothing currently on their website) but no one ever wants to go! So off I went to meet Lauren and her two friends.

You can play trivia at any table in the restaurant, but I would recommend you sit inside if you want to hear the questions and the music better. They have several Happy Hour specials but most of them end at 7pm so you may want to arrive a bit early to take advantage of the great deals. I think the "fish & chips" was 50% off... tempting, but I decided against it.


Instead, I ordered the Buffalo Chicken Sliders with blue cheese and the steak fries. I have ordered these before and love them. They cannot adjust the heat on the buffalo sauce which is a negative for me since I love a nice kick and these are very mild, but they are still quite tasty.

 

I never think of The Pub's food as outstanding, but it is enjoyable and since the atmosphere is always great, I never complain. The Pub is great for people watching, a nice cold beer and trivia was a blast! MUST REPEAT! ... Anyone?

Nervous about Nervous Nellies, but how could we resist live reggae?

A Saturday with no work is a blessing. So this past Saturday, we woke up whenever and took our time getting moving. Eventually we headed out to Fort Myers Beach to meet up with our friends Jen & Josie at a rented beach house.

The day was sunny & gorgeous. To us, this is paradise! We took our time as we drove up US 41 and took Bonita Beach Rd up to Estero Blvd. We stopped at doggy beach and talked to a few people about Camp Bow Wow. Then as we approached Downtown Ft Myers Beach, we tried to decide on where to eat. 

Dominic had a craving for "coconut shrimp". He had suggested The Beached Whale, but the only time we ate there, I thought their fish was very salty and not fresh. Parking around that area was also a concern so I headed over to Matanzas Inn where we've had amazing "coconut shrimp". Since the parking entrance at the Matanzas Inn is confusing, I ended up in the parking lot of Nervous Nellies. As we approached the restaurant, we could hear the sweet melodies of live reggae. We were a bit hessitant because it looks a bit too "Margaritaville" but the menu gave us a big indication that the owner of Nervous Nellies used to own Icabod's (in the Old Dwyers Castle on US 41 in Fort Myers).

"This could be good or bad" we said to ourselves. We had eaten at Icabod's once during a concert and the food did not impress us. In my opinion, the owner finds a great location, puts together a HUGE menu, provides quality entertainment and promotes the establishment throughout all forms of media. But that big menu is VERY confusing and I wonder how the kitchen staff can "perfect" over 200 dishes!

Our waitress, Deana (I think) was wonderful. She tried helping us make choices from the menu and she told us that the "house beer" was good so we ordered a very tall glass (22oz?)  for $3! She also brought us a basket of complimentary "corn bread". I was initially disappointed because I wanted it to be warm, but even though it was room temperature, it was sooo delectable!

Of course we ordered "coconut shrimp" which came out lighting fast. They were big and juicy, but hardly tasted like coconut. The dipping sauce was ok, but we were just too disappointed by the lack of coconut.

Then we decided to split the "Chicago Beef" since Deana said it had a "kick". Wow! ENORMOUS! We're so glad we split it! It was very very very good. The fries were seasoned so nicely that we didn't want any ketchup. In the background, No Way Jose played good music by the water.

Lazy Sunday at Home - Slow cooked pork & guava & cheese empanadas!

  Many, many Sundays, we spend lounging around the house doing very little. Some times we do a few chores, we watch TV, sunbathe a bit and cook throughout the entire day!

I woke up this morning and opened the fridge / freezer and started taking out whatever was taking up space that could be consumed! Started off the morning with a very nice Yoplait Frozen Smoothie. Then took out the Crock-Pot and threw in chunks of pork that had been previously seasoned and stored with chopped onions. I poured a beer into the slow cooker and set it for HIGH. A few hours later, the meat was tender to the touch so we chopped it up. Then, with a strainer spoon, we put the pork on buns, topped it with provolone cheese and put it under the broiler for a few minutes.

But when the pork tasted bland, I warmed up a bit of the secret weapon... La Victoria "Salsa Jalapeña". Careful, it is VERY HOT... that's why you need two (or four) ICE COLD BEERS!

While the pork was cooking, I finally made "Guava and Cheese Empanadas" from one of my favorite cookbooks, Steven Raichlen's Healthy Latin Cooking

Substitute pastry dough for wonton wrappers, regular cream cheese for fat-free, bake don't fry and leave the guava alone... let's draw the line there! 

 

They were DELICIOUS! I wonder how "healthy" they are when you eat about 10 of them!

Great FRESH seafood in a casual setting - Grouper & Chips

To be honest, I had seen "Grouper & Chips" several times, but I was never curious to try it. Its located at 338 9th St. N (aka 41 / Tamiami Trl) in a simple strip mall a few blocks from 5th Ave S. The building's exterior is uninteresting and the name "grouper and chips" made me think of unsavory "fish & chips", Long John Silver's and English food. Oh! Was I wrong! 

Lately, we had heard a few people talk about "Grouper & Chips" and then a few days ago, Ashley Scouller, from Pucci & Catana Luxury Pet Boutique (647 Fifth Avenue South) "checked-in" on Facebook and bragged about what an "amazing find" it was! Dominic and I couldn't stop thinking about finally trying it out. So Friday night, after a LONG hard day at Camp Bow Wow, we headed over.

The restaurant has less than 10 tables. Your can see Francis, owner / chef, along with 2 other cooks in the kitchen. Pam, his wife and their daughter wait on the customers. We felt like we were in their home and that we were old friends sitting at their diner table. 

We started off ordering the "hush puppies". We were so hungry that we started scarfing down on them before remembering we had to take a photo for this, our blog! So... the order starts with 8! It comes with a mayonnaise-based dipping sauce, which while it's tasty, I requested a side of honey, which is how they come when you order them at The Shrimp Shack. Even though these were good, I prefer the ones from the 'Shack.

Pam insisted that we order at least one fried item from the menu, so I went with a classic and ordered the "fried grouper sandwich". Wow! It was crunchy, flaky, juicy and obviously fresh. Nothing is ever frozen at this place. The bun was heavenly. I loved it. The portion was just right! It's a shame that I forgot all about the Tartar Sauce until the end because it was very tasty!

Some people refer to this restaurant as a "hole in the wall", but that may make you think that it is dirty and sub-par, two unfitting adjectives. They have creative specials and rare dishes like their "Bouillabaisse" (Mussels, shrimp, scallops, grouper & lobster in a tomato fennel broth with a hint of saffron, served with garlic bread). I noticed it on the menu and pointed it out to Dominic. All of the ingredients were among some of his favorites.

With so many appealing choices, he was thoroughly confused, but when we asked Pam for her opinion, her daughter let out a sigh and jumped into the conversation saying how it was one of her favorites! How could he not order it with that reaction!     

The Bouillabaisse is a very large dish, but the broth is light. They do NOT skimp. Half of a decent size lobster tail and plump juicy shrimp stood out. Because of this, Dominic is now dying to try their fried shrimp!  The dish comes with "garlic bread". Another patron claimed it was the "world's best garlic bread". 

The bread was very good with Parmesan cheese and chives giving it a stand-out taste. However, as a half-Cuban, I have had many many great pieces of "pan con ajo". Dominic's Italian background has exposed us to great garlic bread / knots. Finally, having worked at Bob Chinn's Crabhouse, home of the best garlic rolls in the world ... I cannot give this garlic bread the label of "world's best"... good & different, yes!

During this wonderful meal, Francis came out of the kitchen to say hello and talk about the dog they rescued a year ago. Pam's service and hospitality were outstanding. She sent us home with a yummy slice of key lime pie. We cannot wait to return and wish them much success during this Summer Season!

Best Burger in Naples - Lindburgers and Bottles Downtown

Looking to redeem ourselves after the previous night's disappointment (for Migue, not for us!), we knew we had to pull out the big guns. We headed over to Lindburgers and Bottles for lunch, which is located on 41 (Tamiami Trl) about 1 1/2 blocks North of 5th Ave S.

We first heard of Lindburgers from our Camp Bow Wow customers, Ellen & Dennis Demeritt. So a few months ago, during our friend José's visit, we decided to try it. I'm usually very boring with my burgers. Ketchup only, maybe a bit of mayonnaise (FIVE GUYS = YUMMY!!!), but every once in a while I like to try something different.

We were in one of those moods where we just wanted to be surprised and asked Todd, the owner, for his recommendations. Dominic ordered a burger with peanut butter and bacon. José and I agreed to split our burgers so we ordered "The Farm"... burger patty with pulled pork on top and then a fried egg... the kind of stuff you always want to order but are afraid to. We also split a bison burger with peppers on top. All three burgers were outstanding! The ingredients were fresh and exciting! 

Todd Brooks aims to please! Customers can call ahead and ask them to prepare their favorites. Give Todd a few days notice and he'll be sure to pick up the freshest produce for your meal.

During Migue's visit, Todd teased us with some decadent madness ... something about a burger patty between two doughnuts... I stopped listening after that... I floated to heaven for a second. I wasn't in a brave mood that day, but... I will be back for it... a day when I can nap right after!

Since I wasn't craving a burger, I ordered the "buffalo & blue cheese grilled chicken sandwich". Although the perfect size and portion for me, the chicken breast looked small on that gigantic heavenly bun. I think a man would be disappointed with the size, but I was happy despite the initial surprise. It was exactly what I was in the mood for... the chicken was very juicy and I enjoyed the strong blue cheese.

Dominic ordered something I was eyeballing on the menu. We think it was called the "KC Burger" but we cannot remember. It had grilled onions, jalapeños & smoked sausage. I didn't order it because I usually do not care for sausage, but I am glad Dominic did! I took a bite and wanted more! It was not overpowering. It was outstanding! The jalapeños gave it a great slight kick and a nice crunch!

 Migue went with the "peanut butter & bacon" burger that Dominic had ordered during our first visit. My brother, who I am starting to think is a big food snob (hahaha j/k), lives in Atlanta, home of "The Vortex", a famous burger joint. At "The Vortex", they serve the "Elvis Burger", which has the same ingredients but in addition, it has bananas. I got the sense that he would have loved some bananas in his burger. I bet you Todd would have given Migue bananas had he asked!

To top the afternoon, a couple of ladies sat at the table next to us. It turned out that they were Linda & Marsha, Dominic's neighbors from his childhood home in Illinois. We had not seen them since they moved to Naples and here we were running into them! The ladies had eaten at Lindburgers when it was owned by the previous proprietor and had been disappointed. However, after reading a glowing article in the Naples Daily News about the new owner and the mouthwatering menu, they decided to give it another try! I am sure they will return!

Migue's in town. Let's get some Cuban!

My brother Miguel flew in from Atlanta and immediately, we headed to Fernandez de Bull for some Cuban food. Migue and I grew up in Puerto Rico, but in a Cuban household. Mom & Grandma (and our Puertorrican Grandma) are three of the best cooks in the world, but they are miles away. This is why we love going to latin restaurants... to fulfill that longing for a nice home cooked meal.

I wanted to take them to El Morro, at 5575 Golden Gate Parkway @ Santa Barbara, but it was out of the way and every one was starving so we headed to the 1201 Piper Boulevard (Immokalee & Airport) location of Fernandez de Bull. We have been to the 1265 Airport-Pulling Rd S (Ste #19) location near the Davis Blvd intersection, but never to this one.

Dominic had the brilliant idea of ordering a "piña colada" and I jumped at that! Migue ordered his favorite: "malta", a type of non-alcoholic beer / soda. Then the garlic bread arrived... warm and buttery... yummmmm!

For my meal, I ordered my favorite since as long as I can remember: "masitas" (fried pork chunks) with white rice and "maduros" (sweet plantains). I also ordered a side of "yuca con mojo", boiled yucca root with a delicious garlic sauce. I had never tried "yuca" until about a year ago when we tried it at the other Fernandez de Bull location. I instantly fell in love. It was delicious! This time, it was good, but not great. The exterior was perfect, but it was a bit too firm in the middle, perhaps because the pieces were so large.

 

Dominic was craving "churrasco" with grilled shrimp and opted for the "moros con cristianos" (aka "congrí, black beans & rice mixed together) with sweet plantains on the side, of course!

Migue went for the "ropa vieja". I have no idea how this dish got its name "old clothes" but its a big favorite in our family. Marco's Cuban Cafe, right in front of Camp Bow Wow on Airport and also on Enterprise, makes awesome "ropa vieja". So did Bello Monte (5612 8th St W # 6, Lehigh Acres, FL) when it was owned by Cubans. I don't know now that it is owned by Puertorricans (still good food, but don't know if they changed the "ropa vieja"). Bottom line, none of us were impressed when Migue's dish arrived and apparently, he didn't much care for it.

Too bad for him! At least my left overs were still scrumptious the next day!

Sushi Thai - Naples Best Asian Restaurants

Three very well chosen locations: 5th Ave S, N Tamiami Trl and our closest at the corner of Airport & Vanderbilt. Their menu is extensive! Thai dishes, Japanese, sushi, sashimi, you name it! www.sushithaitoo.com/

Their lunch special is a great deal. It includes soup or salad, a small appetizer & entree with most dishes under $10.

I'm a big fan of their Chicken in Ginger Sauce. Its light, feels healthy and I love the sweetness of the pineapple!

Dominic's favorite is the Japanese Ceviche (aka Seafood Ceviche). There are over 5 different types of fresh seafood represented. A slight kick from jalapeño spices it up. The lime is not overwhelming. A great dish for those looking for a fresh and healthy meal.

Today we ordered the Crab Rangoon along with Edamame. Both were part of their Happy Hour specials which go from 3pm to 6:30pm every day. I enjoyed both. Dominic didn't care for the Crab Rangoon. He thought it was too creamy.

I also ordered the Tom Kha, a broth-based soup with coconut milk, which I love because it is not too sweet. I like it with chicken, but you can get it with beef or pork or other choices. It also has mushrooms and I asked for it to be spicy! Since this was going to be my main course, I ordered a side of brown rice and dumped it all in the soup. It was great!

  I personally love the Downtown location. Its fun to people watch from their outdoor tables and the inside has a "chic" and "lounge" feel. The others have more of a "restaurant" atmosphere. However, I prefer the service and taste of the Airport & Vanderbilt location.

Breakfast Heaven @ Skillets

Most Sundays we try to get together with our "breakfast club". First Watch is a popular choice with the group, but today, we decided to change things up a bit and head over to Skillets.
They have more than 1 location, but we chose the one near the intersection of Pine Ridge Rd & Airport in the Bed Bath & Beyond plaza. Check out their menu and locations at http://www.skilletsforbreakfast.com/

Skillets gets packed even in the off season so be prepared to wait on the weekends. The hostess was not particularly friendly, but at least our server was very nice and efficient.

Dominic ordered the Corned Beef Hash Skillet and so did our friends Dan & Matt. All three boys were raving as to how delicious their food was with Matt claiming that this was "the best corned beef he's ever had"!
Skillets is known for their potatoes, which come with almost any dish. They shave them and add sour cream and chives (I think). They are irresistible!

Their breads are all made in-house so I ordered a "Croissant Egg Sandwich". This is one of the best croissants I've had... flaky & buttery... yum!
Those who ordered skillets were expecting them to be greasy, but commented on how pleasantly surprised they were to find their dish wasn't.
Never a disappointed tummy at Skillets!

A Weekend in the ATL - Mary Mac's

Almost directly from the airport, we arrived at Mary Mac's Tea Room. This very large restaurant is covered by autographed photos of celebrities that have enjoyed its down home southern cooking. Mom wanted to come. Its one of her favorites.

Dominic ordered the "Sauteed Onions & Mushrooms Beef Tenderloin" with a side of mac n cheese and a side of sweet potatoes mashed.

I went for the "Fried Chicken Breast" with a side of mac n cheese (how can you not) and spiced warm apples. Delish! All of it was super yummy. The mac n cheese was different... fluffy. Weirdly reminded us of my scrambled eggs.

For dessert, Charlie reluctantly allowed us to try his peach cobbler. I wasn't a huge fan, but I did LOVE their Strawberry Shortcake. Great way to end a very lovely meal!

Check out their website at http://www.marymacs.com/