In keeping with the travel theme I started yesterday, today I will post about my recent travels to a coffee shop in Denver. No, not THAT Denver, I'm talking about Denver, NC.
The other day I drove across the Catawba River, and headed to the Dilworth Coffee in Denver. It's sorta hard to find. Nestled in a little crook of the strip mall, to the left of the Harris Teeter, it took me a second to find.
It's a small coffee shop, configured in a triangle(ish) shape, one wall has the table, one has the coffee bar, and the other is mostly windows and has a couple of big comfy chairs. When I walked in I noticed a mural on the wall saying "Home of the Royal Moose." I'd learn what the royal moose was in a few minutes.
I waited in a slow moving line about three customers deep (it probably wasn't too slow, but when I'm waiting for coffee I get cranky). While in line, I checked out the display case -- nothing looked great until I spotted what looked like a yummy cinnamon roll. So, when I got to the cashier, I ordered the cinnamon roll, and a caramel mocha. The cashier looked at me and said, "Oh, a Royal Moose." Apparently they revere my favorite coffee drink to such a high extent, it has been elevated to a position of royalty!
After I paid for my breakfast, I took the cinnamon roll to the microwave, and nuked it for just over a minute. After I got it to my table, my coffee was ready. The Royal Moose was delicious, but almost a little too sweet.... almost. Next came the warm, gooey, cinnamon roll. Aside from Cinnabon, this was the greatest cinnamon roll that I've ever had. The frosting wasn't too sweet, and slightly warmed, it soaked into the roll making it moist, sweet, and gooey, all at the same time. What a way to start the morning!
Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 3/5 (average speed at the register)
Total: 11/15
Price: $ (Coffee and cinnamon roll for less than $10)
Conclusion: If you're in Denver, this is a great option for morning coffee. The interior is small, but feels cozy, and the cinnamon rolls and coffee are darned tasty!
Restaurant Info:
Dilworth Coffee House
145 Cross Center Rd
Denver, NC 28037
704-827-0007
http://www.dilworthcoffee.com/
The original (and maybe only) blog that focuses on the restaurants and foods of the Lake Norman Area. I discreetly visit area restaurants and post my own unbiased reviews. I hope you enjoy. Bon Appetit!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Foodie Travels: Richmond, VA
Late last week my wife learned that she'd be traveling to Richmond, VA, during the weekend, for work. Being the dutiful husband that I am, I yelled "ROAD TRIP!" and started giggling to myself that I'd be getting out of the house. Yeah, I invited myself. But it wasn't until a few minutes later that it hit me -- I'd invited myself to a weekend in Richmond, VA. Not my idea of the most culinarily refined city, and definitely not someplace where I'd voluntarily plan to spend the weekend.
So, yesterday (Sunday), when we were looking for brunch, I was starting to get a little worried. We stopped by the hotel restaurant and weren't too impressed. So we asked the concierge where we should go, and he recommended a restaurant that was a couple of blocks away. We went there, and were informed that there wasn't an open table for another three hours!
After this news, my wife turned to me and said, "Lets go exploring!" And we did. Now keep in mind, it was late morning, and I hadn't had my coffee yet, so I was cranky. Very cranky. And my wife is leading me on a search for food through side streets that have no open restaurants, or traffic on them. As we walk, we come across the "Canal Walk" of Richmond. A nice, and relatively new pedestrian area along a local canal. It's a miniature "River Walk" in Austin, TX, minus the restaurants, stores, and people.
An hour later, we've walked the full length of the canal walk, and we're on the other side of the tracks -- literally and figuratively. We make a left onto 17th street, go down a block, and we run into a neighborhood of restaurants, cafes, and stores. And we go into the first place we see -- the River City Diner. After a five minute wait at the bar, we are seated, and my rumbling tummy began to relax.
This River City Diner (from what I can tell it's a local chain), is decorated with a revitalized urban feel. The brick wall is exposed, with old style painted signs and properly distressed plaster. There are chalk boards on the walls giving the daily specials, next to flat screen HDTVs. This place mixes new and old with a refreshing hip style. Oh, and they played the best music ever -- 80s.
So, now I'm relaxed, the caffeine from the coffee is entering my blood, and my omelet appears. It's huge, and takes up half of my plate. Filled with ham, cheese, peppers, and onions, this is one hearty omelet. In addition, the hash browns were fantastic. I didn't see any onions or spices in the hash browns, but there was plenty of flavor. I suppose it came from grease, onion salt, garlic powder, etc. My meal also came with a rather plain biscuit, but all in all, I can't think of anything to complain about.
Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 3/5 (Standard diner food)
Service: 4/5
Total: 11/15
Price: $ (most entrees less than $10)
Conclusion: This diner, in an urban neighborhood that is turning around, was a great find. I was quite happy with the food and service. When I'm in town again, and I'm looking for a quick, cheap, and delicious meal, I'll be heading there again.
Restaurant Info:
River City Diner
7 N 17th St.
Richmond, VA 23219
804-644-9418
http://www.rivercitydiner.com/
So, yesterday (Sunday), when we were looking for brunch, I was starting to get a little worried. We stopped by the hotel restaurant and weren't too impressed. So we asked the concierge where we should go, and he recommended a restaurant that was a couple of blocks away. We went there, and were informed that there wasn't an open table for another three hours!
After this news, my wife turned to me and said, "Lets go exploring!" And we did. Now keep in mind, it was late morning, and I hadn't had my coffee yet, so I was cranky. Very cranky. And my wife is leading me on a search for food through side streets that have no open restaurants, or traffic on them. As we walk, we come across the "Canal Walk" of Richmond. A nice, and relatively new pedestrian area along a local canal. It's a miniature "River Walk" in Austin, TX, minus the restaurants, stores, and people.
An hour later, we've walked the full length of the canal walk, and we're on the other side of the tracks -- literally and figuratively. We make a left onto 17th street, go down a block, and we run into a neighborhood of restaurants, cafes, and stores. And we go into the first place we see -- the River City Diner. After a five minute wait at the bar, we are seated, and my rumbling tummy began to relax.
This River City Diner (from what I can tell it's a local chain), is decorated with a revitalized urban feel. The brick wall is exposed, with old style painted signs and properly distressed plaster. There are chalk boards on the walls giving the daily specials, next to flat screen HDTVs. This place mixes new and old with a refreshing hip style. Oh, and they played the best music ever -- 80s.
So, now I'm relaxed, the caffeine from the coffee is entering my blood, and my omelet appears. It's huge, and takes up half of my plate. Filled with ham, cheese, peppers, and onions, this is one hearty omelet. In addition, the hash browns were fantastic. I didn't see any onions or spices in the hash browns, but there was plenty of flavor. I suppose it came from grease, onion salt, garlic powder, etc. My meal also came with a rather plain biscuit, but all in all, I can't think of anything to complain about.
Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 3/5 (Standard diner food)
Service: 4/5
Total: 11/15
Price: $ (most entrees less than $10)
Conclusion: This diner, in an urban neighborhood that is turning around, was a great find. I was quite happy with the food and service. When I'm in town again, and I'm looking for a quick, cheap, and delicious meal, I'll be heading there again.
Restaurant Info:
River City Diner
7 N 17th St.
Richmond, VA 23219
804-644-9418
http://www.rivercitydiner.com/
Friday, February 6, 2009
Recipe Friday: Pulled Pork Tacos
Here is a recipe I've been using for the past few years. It takes about 4 hours to cook, and about 30 minutes to prepare.Not only is it one of my favorite meals, but it's also the only Mexican-ish meal my 7yr old likes right now. So, this is getting made about every other week, and usually the leftovers last us another 1-2 meals.
boneless pork shoulder (2.5 lbs approx)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons ground and dried cumin
1/2 cup apricot jam
2 jalapeƱos - seeded and diced
1 red onion - chopped
Over a sheet of aluminum foil, rub the pork with the salt, pepper, and cumin (I combine them all into one bowl, then rub the mixture onto the entire exterior of the pork). Then place the apricot jam, onions, and jalapenos onto the pork, and wrap in the aluminum foil.
Now here is something important to note: baking all of this in the oven creates a LOT of liquid, that needs to stay inside the aluminum foil, as it keeps the pork moist and tender. So, make the aluminum seam along the top, and if needed wrap it in aluminum again, just to make sure.Cook it for at least 4 hours at 325 degrees, until it's fork tender and easy to shred. I recommend you serve it with tortillas, cilantro, guacamole, and lime slices, and your favorite cerveza.
I originally found this recipe on the Realsimple.com website, and I highly recommend their site for easy-to-prepare, yet healthy recipes.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Pho Nam
I was first introduced to Pho (a Vietnamese soup with rice noodles), by a friend. He lived near his parent's restaurant and one night we raided the kitchen, and he introduced me to this dish. I was hooked. And from that moment on, I've had Pho cravings every couple of months.
So after living near Lake Norman for over a year without Pho, you can understand the serious cravings I was having. Fortunately, a friend recently introduced me to this restaurant that is only a few miles from my house, and as far as I can tell, it's the only one in the Lake Norman area.
Pho Nam is a small restaurant, in a small strip mall on Catawba Ave. The restaurant doesn't really stick out, and the interior is sparsely decorated. Fortunately, the restaurant is big on taste! Once we entered we were able to choose our seat, and started looking over the menu. The first thing I found was the Ca Phe Sua Da (Cafe Soy Da), which is a vietnamese coffee served with condensed milk, then poured over ice. I have to order this iced coffee drink whenever I'm in a vietnamese restaurant -- I think it's an addition. Next I found the Pho Chin, which is the vietnamese noodle soup served with well done beef in it.
First came the Ca Phe Sua Da, it was delicious, and gave me a much needed afternoon caffeine and sugar rush. Next came the Pho, and I added all the necessary sides to my soup; these includes bean sprouts, basil leaves, jalapeno slices, and limes. I also added the plum sauce and chili sauce that were already at the table. I know it sounds like a LOT to add to a soup, but from the little I know about Pho, it very standard. The serving was huge, and the soup kept me full until dinner.
In addition, I had a bite of my friend's meal, it was a pork dish which looked like a soup that was missing the liquid (meat, noodles, and veggies only). The pork was fantastic, and had flavors that reminded me of a Korean BBQ. I'll have to try that the next time I go.
The restaurant is small, and seems to be a family affair. The owner works the small kitchen, and a woman, who I presume is a family member works the dining room. Both of them are very friendly, and make you want to come back.
So after living near Lake Norman for over a year without Pho, you can understand the serious cravings I was having. Fortunately, a friend recently introduced me to this restaurant that is only a few miles from my house, and as far as I can tell, it's the only one in the Lake Norman area.
Pho Nam is a small restaurant, in a small strip mall on Catawba Ave. The restaurant doesn't really stick out, and the interior is sparsely decorated. Fortunately, the restaurant is big on taste! Once we entered we were able to choose our seat, and started looking over the menu. The first thing I found was the Ca Phe Sua Da (Cafe Soy Da), which is a vietnamese coffee served with condensed milk, then poured over ice. I have to order this iced coffee drink whenever I'm in a vietnamese restaurant -- I think it's an addition. Next I found the Pho Chin, which is the vietnamese noodle soup served with well done beef in it.
First came the Ca Phe Sua Da, it was delicious, and gave me a much needed afternoon caffeine and sugar rush. Next came the Pho, and I added all the necessary sides to my soup; these includes bean sprouts, basil leaves, jalapeno slices, and limes. I also added the plum sauce and chili sauce that were already at the table. I know it sounds like a LOT to add to a soup, but from the little I know about Pho, it very standard. The serving was huge, and the soup kept me full until dinner.
In addition, I had a bite of my friend's meal, it was a pork dish which looked like a soup that was missing the liquid (meat, noodles, and veggies only). The pork was fantastic, and had flavors that reminded me of a Korean BBQ. I'll have to try that the next time I go.
The restaurant is small, and seems to be a family affair. The owner works the small kitchen, and a woman, who I presume is a family member works the dining room. Both of them are very friendly, and make you want to come back.
Score:
Atmosphere: 3/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 11/15
Price: $ (Most entrees are under $10)
Conclusion: It's a good vietnamese restaurant with friendly service and tasty food. If you're in the mood for Pho, or other vietnamese cuisine in the lake norman area, I highly recommend it.
Restaurant Info:
Pho Nam
18059 W Catawba Ave.
Cornelius, NC 28031
704-892-9133
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Brixx (Birkdale)
I love pizza. It is quite possibly the most perfect food ever invented. Really. Just think about it, where else can you get all the food groups in one slice of yummy deliciousness? Breads? Crust, check. Dairy? Cheese, check. Vegetables? Tomato sauce, check. Meats? Pepperoni, check. And for gourmet-style wood-oven pizzas, Brixx is a great choice.
If you enter the Birkdale Brixx on a Friday night, consider yourself lucky to get a table within 20 minutes. This place gets absolutely packed, there isn't an empty chair at the bar, and they even seat people on the heated patio. The place looks very chaotic, with children running around, parents trying to keep up with their children, and waiters and waitresses who are carrying large trays of food. But somehow it all works out. The food arrives within a reasonable amount of time, and no children are run-over.
This restaurant gets loud inside, and I prefer it in the summer when I can sit on the patio, eat, drink, and relax. But during the winter, expect the inside to be loud during the busiest hours, and conversation can be difficult at times.
But lets face it, if I wanted conversation, I'd choose a small and quiet restaurant -- I'm here for the pizza! So, I order a pepperoni pizza, with a bruschetta appetizer to be served at the same time. The pizzas at Brixx come in only one size. I'll call it an individual plus. It's slightly too big for one person (though I've eaten a whole one before), but not quite big enough for two people to share. Hence, the bruschetta. Combine the two, and you've got a great two person meal.
The food arrives, and my mouth is watering. We've ordered a Cabernet Sauvignon, and it's only whetted my appetite. The pizza crust is crisp along the edges, though the middle of the crust is somewhat soggy. The sauce tastes homemade, and tonight's pizza seems to have more cheese than usual -- EXCELLENT.
I take my first bite, and the flavors of the cheese, pepperoni, sauce, and crust, all accentuate each other. After my first slice, I reach for the bruschetta, but I don't put it on the toasted bread that comes with the dish. I instead put it on the pizza and take a bite. Absolute Perfection. Combine that with the wine and while I'm eating that bite, I'm in heaven.
Score:
Atmosphere: 3/5 (This score would be higher if I was eating on the patio in the summer)
Food: 4/5
Service: 3/5
Total: 10/15
Price: $ (Most pizzas and sandwiches under $10)
Conclusion: I'm rather partial to the Brixx in Birkdale, it's laid back atmosphere and good pizza are the reasons I go there often. However, their service can be spotty at times. If you're looking for a quieter venue on a Friday night, I suggest you pick up your order to go. That way you can have the same great food, but a little more conversation.
Restaurant Info:
Brixx Pizza (Birkdale)
16915 Birkdale Commons Parkway
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-894-0044
If you enter the Birkdale Brixx on a Friday night, consider yourself lucky to get a table within 20 minutes. This place gets absolutely packed, there isn't an empty chair at the bar, and they even seat people on the heated patio. The place looks very chaotic, with children running around, parents trying to keep up with their children, and waiters and waitresses who are carrying large trays of food. But somehow it all works out. The food arrives within a reasonable amount of time, and no children are run-over.
This restaurant gets loud inside, and I prefer it in the summer when I can sit on the patio, eat, drink, and relax. But during the winter, expect the inside to be loud during the busiest hours, and conversation can be difficult at times.
But lets face it, if I wanted conversation, I'd choose a small and quiet restaurant -- I'm here for the pizza! So, I order a pepperoni pizza, with a bruschetta appetizer to be served at the same time. The pizzas at Brixx come in only one size. I'll call it an individual plus. It's slightly too big for one person (though I've eaten a whole one before), but not quite big enough for two people to share. Hence, the bruschetta. Combine the two, and you've got a great two person meal.
The food arrives, and my mouth is watering. We've ordered a Cabernet Sauvignon, and it's only whetted my appetite. The pizza crust is crisp along the edges, though the middle of the crust is somewhat soggy. The sauce tastes homemade, and tonight's pizza seems to have more cheese than usual -- EXCELLENT.
I take my first bite, and the flavors of the cheese, pepperoni, sauce, and crust, all accentuate each other. After my first slice, I reach for the bruschetta, but I don't put it on the toasted bread that comes with the dish. I instead put it on the pizza and take a bite. Absolute Perfection. Combine that with the wine and while I'm eating that bite, I'm in heaven.
Score:
Atmosphere: 3/5 (This score would be higher if I was eating on the patio in the summer)
Food: 4/5
Service: 3/5
Total: 10/15
Price: $ (Most pizzas and sandwiches under $10)
Conclusion: I'm rather partial to the Brixx in Birkdale, it's laid back atmosphere and good pizza are the reasons I go there often. However, their service can be spotty at times. If you're looking for a quieter venue on a Friday night, I suggest you pick up your order to go. That way you can have the same great food, but a little more conversation.
Restaurant Info:
Brixx Pizza (Birkdale)
16915 Birkdale Commons Parkway
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-894-0044
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Comments not working
I got a few e-mails today from people who tried to post a comment, but were unable to. I've reported the glitch to Google, and hopefully the problem will be solved soon. But until then, feel free to send me comments at lakenormanfoodie@gmail.com
Mama Mia Too
About a month after a bad experience at another italian restaurant, my wife and I decided to go out and try to find a good local italian restaurant, again. We settled on Mama Mia Too, located in Downtown Huntersville. Honestly, I had no desire to go there -- the name reminded me of the Abba play which I truly despise. Despite this initial reservation, I'm quite happy we went.
We entered the house (yes, the restaurant is in an old home), and we were promptly seated in a room that appeared to be the outside patio at one time. The room was decorated in an older style, reminiscent of something a grandmother would do. It should be noted however, the several other dining rooms (and there are many) in the home had a nicer and more elegant feel.
After scanning the menu, I ordered the Veal Parmesan -- one of my favorite italian dishes. The salad, which was included in the price of the entree, consisted of fresh romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and some shredded carrots. Though the salad appeared small in a large bowl, there was plenty to eat. In addition, they have a large array of dressings to choose from, and I chose the Parmesan Pepper Cream. This was an excellent choice.
The bread which came to our table was fresh, warm, and quite tasty. And the Veal Parmesean entree was huge. The veal, which was pounded flat, breaded, and topped with a health portion of cheese and sauce, was accompanied with a side of potatoes au gratin, and a small bowl of thin spaghetti noodles topped with tomato sauce that appeared to be homemade. This meal was so large, it could have easily been two.
In addition, the service was great. If our waiter was taking care of another table, the other staff at the restaurant dealt with our needs quickly. One incident, in particular, stands out in my mind. My wife and I both like large portions of parmesean on our entrees. While the waiter was sprinkling parmesean on the meals, he noticed this, and after he had finished he returned to the table with a bowl of parmesean for us to use at our discretion! This man quickly became my favorite waiter in the area!
After our meals, we made some extra room in our stomachs for dessert. The New York Style Cheesecake was good -- but not great. However, the flavorful (and somewhat strong) decaf coffee was a nice surprise. If it weren't for the fact that I was yawning during the drive back home, I would've thought it was regular coffee.
Score:
Atmosphere: 3/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Total: 12/15
Price: $$ (Most entrees between $10-$20)
Conclusion: The meal was quite good, and it's the best italian food that I've had yet in the area. In addition, the service was fantastic. To quote Abba, "Mama Mia... how can I resist you?"
Restaurant Info:
Mama Mia Too
101 Maxwell Ave.
Huntersville, NC 28078
(704) 875-0575
http://mamamiatoo.com/
We entered the house (yes, the restaurant is in an old home), and we were promptly seated in a room that appeared to be the outside patio at one time. The room was decorated in an older style, reminiscent of something a grandmother would do. It should be noted however, the several other dining rooms (and there are many) in the home had a nicer and more elegant feel.
After scanning the menu, I ordered the Veal Parmesan -- one of my favorite italian dishes. The salad, which was included in the price of the entree, consisted of fresh romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and some shredded carrots. Though the salad appeared small in a large bowl, there was plenty to eat. In addition, they have a large array of dressings to choose from, and I chose the Parmesan Pepper Cream. This was an excellent choice.
The bread which came to our table was fresh, warm, and quite tasty. And the Veal Parmesean entree was huge. The veal, which was pounded flat, breaded, and topped with a health portion of cheese and sauce, was accompanied with a side of potatoes au gratin, and a small bowl of thin spaghetti noodles topped with tomato sauce that appeared to be homemade. This meal was so large, it could have easily been two.
In addition, the service was great. If our waiter was taking care of another table, the other staff at the restaurant dealt with our needs quickly. One incident, in particular, stands out in my mind. My wife and I both like large portions of parmesean on our entrees. While the waiter was sprinkling parmesean on the meals, he noticed this, and after he had finished he returned to the table with a bowl of parmesean for us to use at our discretion! This man quickly became my favorite waiter in the area!
After our meals, we made some extra room in our stomachs for dessert. The New York Style Cheesecake was good -- but not great. However, the flavorful (and somewhat strong) decaf coffee was a nice surprise. If it weren't for the fact that I was yawning during the drive back home, I would've thought it was regular coffee.
Score:
Atmosphere: 3/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Total: 12/15
Price: $$ (Most entrees between $10-$20)
Conclusion: The meal was quite good, and it's the best italian food that I've had yet in the area. In addition, the service was fantastic. To quote Abba, "Mama Mia... how can I resist you?"
Restaurant Info:
Mama Mia Too
101 Maxwell Ave.
Huntersville, NC 28078
(704) 875-0575
http://mamamiatoo.com/
Monday, February 2, 2009
The V-Day Conundrum
Ok fellas, Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and lets face it, you haven't made restaurant reservations yet. Heck, aside from knowing that you'll need to get flowers, you don't know what you're going to do.
Are you going to suck it up, and go see a chick flick? Or are you going to take her to a concert?Only you know the answer to those questions (or you will soon, if you don't want to get into trouble)
However, if you want to save some cash, and make a meal at home, keep reading. Here's a quick and easy recipe that minimizes money, but maximizes flavor.
Suggested Entree:
Filet Mignon with Avocado and Olive Oil
Sides:
Risotto and Asparagus with Red and Yellow Peppers
Dessert:
Chocolate Bundles (Recipe by Paula Deen)
Directions:
1) Rinse asparagus, and break-off the ends by hand. Also, slice thin strips of red and yellow bell peppers. Then set aside, and wait for #6.
2) Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in skillet (cast iron if possible)
3) Once oil is hot, sear all sides of two filets for about 2 minutes
4) Place filets in oven at 350, for 30 minutes (well done), and less time for more rare meat
5) Once the filets are in the oven, begin making a box of risotto, follow the directions. (usually takes about 20-30 mins)
6)With risotto cooking, Slice one avocado in half lengthwise. Remove pit, then slice avocado while still in skin with dull knife.
7) grab asparagus from step 1, and place in medium-high heated skillet with 1 Tablespoon olive oil.
8) After asparagus cooks for about 1-2 minutes add peppers, and then season to taste. I suggest a small amount of soy sauce and honey.
9) Remove fillets from oven, and place on heated plate, top filets with sliced 1/2 avocado, and drizzle with olive oil.
10) Place health portion of risotto and vegetables on plate, and serve. I suggest a bottle of Merlot with this meal.
11) Consult the directions on the Chocolate Bundles dessert for the appropriate cooking times. The Chocolate Bundles will take about an hour (including thawing time for the dough), so plan accordingly.
Coming Tomorrow: Review of Mama Mia Too (Huntersville)
Are you going to suck it up, and go see a chick flick? Or are you going to take her to a concert?Only you know the answer to those questions (or you will soon, if you don't want to get into trouble)
However, if you want to save some cash, and make a meal at home, keep reading. Here's a quick and easy recipe that minimizes money, but maximizes flavor.
Suggested Entree:
Filet Mignon with Avocado and Olive Oil
Sides:
Risotto and Asparagus with Red and Yellow Peppers
Dessert:
Chocolate Bundles (Recipe by Paula Deen)
Directions:
1) Rinse asparagus, and break-off the ends by hand. Also, slice thin strips of red and yellow bell peppers. Then set aside, and wait for #6.
2) Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in skillet (cast iron if possible)
3) Once oil is hot, sear all sides of two filets for about 2 minutes
4) Place filets in oven at 350, for 30 minutes (well done), and less time for more rare meat
5) Once the filets are in the oven, begin making a box of risotto, follow the directions. (usually takes about 20-30 mins)
6)With risotto cooking, Slice one avocado in half lengthwise. Remove pit, then slice avocado while still in skin with dull knife.
7) grab asparagus from step 1, and place in medium-high heated skillet with 1 Tablespoon olive oil.
8) After asparagus cooks for about 1-2 minutes add peppers, and then season to taste. I suggest a small amount of soy sauce and honey.
9) Remove fillets from oven, and place on heated plate, top filets with sliced 1/2 avocado, and drizzle with olive oil.
10) Place health portion of risotto and vegetables on plate, and serve. I suggest a bottle of Merlot with this meal.
11) Consult the directions on the Chocolate Bundles dessert for the appropriate cooking times. The Chocolate Bundles will take about an hour (including thawing time for the dough), so plan accordingly.
Coming Tomorrow: Review of Mama Mia Too (Huntersville)
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