Taste Test Tuesday: Friend of a Farmer

Last week, a new friend from SPI and I set off to explore our new, New York neighborhood in search of a good meal. Well, we walked and walked, and then it started raining, but we finally found what we were looking for in the rustic-chic Friend of a Farmer.

An upscale cozy cafe with vintage-inspired decor, Friend of a Farmer brings down-home comfort food to the big city. It's a bit pricey, with most entrees upwards of $15, but it was absolutely worth it after our hour-long trek. After a quick survey of the menu, my friend and I both ordered the fried chicken.

When my meal arrived I was almost overwhelmed by how much food was on my plate. I'd been expecting one piece of meat and was presented with three golden-brown pieces atop a plateful of fries with ketchup and honey dipping sauces.

The chicken was crispy and juicy if ever-so-slightly under seasoned, and the leftovers made a wonderful lunch the next day. Overall, I definitely recommend Friend of a Farmer for dinner--apparently their brunch is quite well-known as well!

Does anyone have any good (cheap) suggestions for restaurants in the Gramercy area? I'm trying to cram as much as I can in the next few weeks!

Taste Test Tuesday: The Grilled Cheeserie

Last Saturday, the Grilled Cheeserie sat in Centennial Park amid guitar-strumming hipsters and deafening cicadas in equal-sized crowds. A staple of Musicians Corner, the large black food truck parked mere feet away from a Ben and Jerry's cart. It was enough to inspire fear in sufferers of lactose intolerance.

But my parents and I weren't there for the music, we weren't there for the ice cream, and we most certainly weren't there for the cicada serenade. We were there to try the cheesey food truck taking Nashville by storm.

Started in November of 2010 by Crystal De Luna-Bogan and her husband Joseph Bogan, the Grilled Cheeserie is a mobile restaurant bringing its customers the best of hand-held comfort food. "I knew I had to do something I loved to make or I'd get sick of it," said chef Luna-Bogan in an interview with The Nashville Scene  last fall. "It's really good bread and really good cheese."

She's not just tooting her own horn. These sandwiches are tasty and decadent with a hint of homemade flavor. While there are several "Specialty Melts" ($7), including a clever tuna casserole melt and a traditional Croque Madame, my party and I opted to make our own. I started with a base of sourdough bread and cheddar cheese for $4. Extras like tomatoes and local Benton's bacon brought the total up to $5.50. Add a side of homemade tater tots with a smokey tomato ketchup and a cool IBC root beer, and my meal totaled just over $10.

The sandwich was gooey and rich, a grown-up version of my childhood favorite, but the real stars of the show were the tots. Crispy on the outside, hot and mushy on the inside, these fried potatoes were perfectly seasoned and paired well with the truck's homemade "Tot Sauce."

My parents ordered soup as their side ($2 for a small cup), a tomato bisque infused with smokey-bacon flavor that was perfect for dipping. I might go so far as to say I liked the sides more than the sandwich!

With active Facebook and Twitter followings, the Grilled Cheeserie uses social media as its main form of communication with fans. Daily updates inform where the truck will park for lunch and dinner, and specials are always posted as well.

Readers, has the food truck trend taken over your city? What do you think of a mobile meal?

Taste Test: Roasted Asparagus

With a basket of home-grown asparagus and a little inspiration from The New York Times Magazine, my mom and I whipped up an extremely simple, seasonal side dish for dinner last night.

All you need are a handful of asparagus stems, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, Parmesan cheese, one lemon and a pinch of salt and pepper.

1.) Bend the asparagus stalks until they snap near the ends. 

2.) Place asparagus in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil.

3.) Season liberally with salt and pepper.

3.) Roast in a 450 degree oven until slightly crisped.

4.) Garnish with lemon juice and Parmesan cheese.

Bon Appetit!  
What are your favorite summer recipes?

More than a Mason Jar

How cute is this centerpiece? A graduation party from this past weekend had one of these on every table. I thought it was the perfect touch to an outdoor barbecue!

P.S. Check out La Petite Fashionista's recent post for more mason jar inspirations!

Kat Macleod Illustrations

My sweet sorority lineage gave me a basket of goodies as a graduation present, and hidden amongst candles, candy and wine glasses was this fun book of cocktails. Even more than the drink recipies, I loved the whimsical illustrations by Kat Macleod.Wouldn't they look lovely in simple black frames?

Lilly Pulitzer Animal Crackers

Brainfood doesn't get much cuter than this! :) What's your favorite study snack?

Style of a 20 Somethign Elsewhere: Review of Willow's Bistro

Wake Forest Readers be sure to check out my review of Willow's Bistro in this week's Old Gold and Black!

Click here for the article!

Taste Test Tuesday: Mozelle's

This weekend I went out to a girl's dinner at Mozelle's, a cute bistro in downtown Winston-Salem that specializes in modern Southern fare. The restaurant's quaint green decor was perfect for St. Patrick's day weekend, and the food was so fresh and flavorful. The menu is a bit pricey for everyday, but Mozelle's is great for a special occasion.

 

It's a shame this photo didn't turn out better--I had the salmon with pesto and orzo pasta. So yummy!

 You can see straight past this patterned counter top into the kitchen!

 How gorgeous are these scallops? My friend ordered them as an appetizer.

If you're super hungry or craving comfort food, I definitely recommend the mac and cheese. It was so rich and creamy!

Quick Pic: Simplyummy Lunch

There's nothing better than an "X-Rated" bacon, tomato and cheese sandwich from Simplyummy with a side of grammar homework.

What was on your plate this afternoon?

Willow's Bistro Satisfies Without Blowing the Budget

 

This weekend my friend Kristi came to visit, so naturally Saturday brunch was a must. After a quick trip to Wake's women's lacrosse game, our group headed downtown to Willow's Bistro, an art-filled cafe in the heart of Winston-Salem. I'd been dying to try Willow's for a while now, and it definitely didn't disappoint.

Affordable, with a variety of menu options, Willow's is perfect for college students tired of  traditional cafeteria fare. The restaurant's walls feature a rotation of work by local artists, and the intimate dining area feels cozy, but not cramped.

When we sat down at our table, my group and I were verging on the literal meaning of starving, so we ordered three appetizers: the hummus platter, grilled asparagus drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette and crostini topped with a mixture of cheese, olives, red peppers, artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes.

I'm not the biggest fan of olives, so the crostini wasn't exactly my cup of tea, but the chewy house-made pita chips combined with chili-cilantro hummus were the perfect start to my meal.

For my entree, I ordered the fried green tomato BLT. Willow's menu describes the sandwich as "applewood-smoked bacon, goat cheese, balsamic sun-dried tomato aioli and lettuce on wheat berry bread," but I'd rename it southern-fried ecstasy on a plate. I ditched the goat cheese and this sandwich became a contender for one of the best things I've ever eaten between two slices of bread.Not to mention the damage to my bank account was minimal. The over-sized sandwich with a heaping side of home-made sweet potato fries only set me back $7. Add a drink, and my share of the three appetizers, and the grand total still came in under $15. Not too shabby.

Grace and Laura at brunch!

 

I had a bit of order envy--Doesn't Grace's crab cake sandwich look awesome?

I loved their glass window with an abstracted Winston-Salem skyline.

Readers--where are your favorite eateries for brunch?

Dessert for a Deal

My roommates and I had a small get together the other day and served these cute mini desserts from Whole Foods. They're such a steal at 12 for $10, and you can mix and match to get a variety of tarts, mini cupcakes and chocolate treats. Not to mention, they taste divine!

Readers, what are your go-to foods for entertaining?

Paris versus New York

Last fall, French graphic designer Vahram Muratyan began a series of "friendly visual matches" between Paris, France and New York City. His bilingual blog, "Paris versus New York" took off, and now several of his illustrations are available for purchase!

Wouldn't these colorful comparisons look perfect framed in a kitchen or breakfast nook? 

 

Holiday Taste Test: Buche de Noel

Over my winter break, I was determined to make a traditional holiday treat, the buche de noel, also known as a yule log. As the name implies, this cream-filled cake roll is supposed to resemble a log in the snow. I used this recipe and coated the cake with a simple chocolate ganache and sprinkle of powdered sugar. I definitely recommend this recipe, but only if you have some serious time on your hands! It took close to 3 hours to complete the dish, but it was totally worth it.

 

 

 I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Readers, what food traditions did you take part in over the holiday?

Taste Test Tuesday: Vosges Haute Chocolat

Salty paired with sweet is a classic food combination, but Vosges Haute Chocolat took the bold flavor profile to the next level with their "Mo's Bacon Bar." A mix of Applewood smoked bacon, Alderwood smoked salt and 45% cacao deep milk chocolate, the bar is an exotic experience for your taste buds. I picked one up on a whim last week when I was shopping in Whole Foods, but forgot about it until I found it in my purse this afternoon.

The chocolate bar was much better than I expected. The intense chocolate flavor of the rich cacao was quickly followed by a hint of salt and a bold, smokey aftertaste. The flavors heightened each other creating a savory eating experience that can best be described as intense.

Unfortunately, as the creamy chocolate melted in my mouth, the bits of bacon and salt became chewy and stuck in my teeth.

While the Vosges product was an interesting taste test experiment, it's more of a novelty food item than an realistic snack.

Vosges specialty chocolate truffles are available in most Whole Foods grocery stores and on the brand's website: http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/

Readers, would you try a bacon chocolate bar? What's the craziest food you've tried recently?

Gift Guide #1: Stocking Stuffers

With my exams almost finished, I'm finally starting to get into the holiday spirit. This post marks the first in a series of gift guides I'll be writing to help last minute shoppers find the perfect presents for their loved ones. I figured I'd start small, so today's guide is all about stocking stuffers!

Row 1 (L to R):
Taylor Swift's Speak Now (Amazon, $8.99)

Bliss Grape Seed Hand Cream (Sephora, $8)  
Behind the Hedge Cuff (Lilly Pulitzer, $68)

Row 2 (L to R):
Jeweled Headband (J. Crew, $26.50)
Tory Burch Leather Wristlet (Nordstrom, $125)
Milk Chocolate Gingerbread Man (Godiva, $6)

Row 3 (L to R):
Minnie Muse Notepad (Forever 21, $4.80)
Set of 6 Polka-Dot Coasters (Kate Spade, $20)
Set of 5 Fifi Lapin Notecards (Fifi Lapin, $15)

Tea Time!

When it's bitter cold outside, there's nothing better than a piping-hot cup of tea. I think it was my semester across the pond got me hooked on the British pastime of afternoon tea, but to be perfectly honest, I'd drink practically anything out of these gorgeous sets from Anthropologie!

Readers how do you like your tea? Do you take one lump or two?

(Image Credit: all from Anthropologie Home)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!

 

(This picture was taken over parent's weekend at my sorority's father/daughter beer pong tournament! haha!)

Spotlight on Winston-Salem: Breakfast of Course (Mary's Too)

This past weekend was parents weekend here at Wake Forest, and it was a whirlwind of activity. Between sorority events, a football game, and a family trip to Old Salem, my parents and I barely had time to eat! When we finally took a breather, Breakfast of Course, the new location of Winston-Salem favorite Mary's of Course, satisfied our hunger pangs with a healthy serving of comfort food in an artsy atmosphere.

The Trade Street restaurant opened in June of 2010 when the Mary's of Course location could no longer adequately serve its hoards of hungry patrons. "Mary's Too" occupies a larger, slightly less eclectic space, and maintains different hours, but its large portions, friendly service, art-covered walls are definitely reminiscent of the original eatery. 

After a lengthy perusal of the brunch menu, I finally settled on an egg scramble with bacon, spinach and cheddar cheese accompanied by sourdough toast and hashbrowns for $9.50. This scrambled egg dish was large enough for two people, but that didn't stop me from trying to finish it myself. Simple yet satisfying, the build-your-own options at Breakfast of Course are they way to go if you're looking for an individually tailored breakfast experience. With a list of over 40 "elements" to customize your scramble, omelet or eggs benedict, these menu options ensure your plate will arrive cooked to your specifications.

My mom ordered a more refined scramble with goat's cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, while my dad opted for the "apple butter baby" sandwich, a house specialty, pictured above. On my next trip to BoC, I hope to try some of their "punny" menu options, which include the Breakfast Club, a BLT sandwich with fried egg, avocado and pesto and the Full Monte Cristo, a ham, turkey and cheese sandwich served on french toast.

Overall, the food was wonderful and well-worth the 45-minute wait. I highly recommend the restaurant to Wake Students, tourists and Winston-Salem residents alike!

Breakfast of Course is located at 723 Trade Street, Winston and is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.

For more images of my visit to Breakfast of Course, click below:

I Say Tomahto

Let's be honest. Tomato-themed art is all well and good, but the best part of this festival is the food. After all, it is an event celebrating a fruit. Armed with growling stomachs, my mom and I hit East Nashville full force this morning searching for the perfect tomato dish. This is our illustrated food diary.

 

Appetizer: Guacamole BLT from The Heirloom BLT Stand
This savory sandwich was an excellent way to commence our culinary adventure. I mentioned in an earlier post that I love bacon, so the traditional coupling of tomatoes, bacon and lettuce left me satisfied. The unique guacamole added a touch of flavor and was a healthy alternative to the expected mayonnaise spread. My one complaint? The sandwich was slightly messy, making it difficult to eat while exploring the festival.

Palate Cleanser: Cherry Ice Pop courtesy of Mad Donnas
An unexpected addition to our dining itinerary, this cherry ice pop was of the standard, grocery store variety. That's not to say it wasn't appreciated! Unfortunately I forgot to snap a pic :(

Entrée: Fried Green Tomatoes with Crab Meat Salad from Margot's Cafe and Bar
This is one of the best things I've ever eaten in my entire life. The tomatoes had a perfect crust and the crab meat was cool and refreshing. Everything was seasoned perfectly--just thinking about it is making my mouth water. My mom and I each ordered the dish, and we both had to restrain ourselves from licking the plates clean. Margot had a special menu this afternoon in honor of the tomato festival, but if the dish ever shows up on the menu again, I highly recommend it.

Dessert: Chocolate Ice Cream from Pied Piper Creamery
Located in a converted house on South 11th Street, Pied Piper is known for punny flavor names and excellent ice cream. My mom went out on a limb and ordered a small Chai Curious while I kept it simple and stuck with chocolate. At the end of a hot day, it was just what I needed. Rich and creamy, this ice cream hit the spot.

Even though we didn't eat there today, Mas Tacos deserves a mention. If I had unlimited space in my stomach, I certainly would have ordered a chicken taco. We also passed up The Jolly Rogue and I Dream of Weenie this year (See a previous review here), but they both had specialty tomato-themed menus that looked enticing. Unfortunately, there's just not enough time in the day!

We came, we saw, we conquered. Overall, a successful Tomato Fest :)