Christine and Mark's Place

Doesn't that sound like a great name for a great little side-of-the-road eatery?  Well, for those of us in "the know," it's a private residence where Jon and I indulged in some great rib-eye steaks, asparagus--prepared expertly, I might add...and a salad that hinted of fresh ingredients from the host/hostesses garden.  

Yes, the food was great...steaks grilled to perfection.  But, what really stood out was the graciousness of the hosts:  Christine and Mark.  Just a fun, low-key couple who are getting married in November!  Yay!  Christine's gown is gorgeous, by the way, but I can't get into detail since Mark needs to be clueless about this ever-so-traditional secret.  Here's a clue, though Mark:  She's going to look ROCKIN' AWESOME!!!

Anyway, I brought some Cream Puffs, and the story goes that after a dozen served for 4 people last night, there was only one left this morning.  Mark..........

Ok.  Next dinner:  Our place.

Hugs you guys.  You're some of the best there is.  

Coconut Curry Fish Soup

Sometimes, I'm just inspired by hunger.  Or a desire to lose a few pounds.  Or a longing for some comfort food.  This time, I just had some pantry items I wanted to use.  So without further ado, tonight's dinner creation.

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 chopped Vidalia Onion

1/2 cup brown rice

32 ozs. College Inn Thai Coconut Curry Broth

2 tablespoons Sabra Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

1 cup frozen peas

2 Orange Roughy Filets, cut into bite-sized pieces
7 ounces chopped clams with liquid
Frank's Hot Sauce* (Read back a few blog posts...you'll see my admiration of said sauce)


In a heated stockpot, add olive oil and butter over low heat.  When butter has melted, turn heat to medium/high.  Add onion and cook until transparent.  Add rice and stir until coated.  Add broth and bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked; about 1/2 an hour.  


Add hummus, peas, clams, and fish; cover and heat until fish is cooked through and tender, about 3 minutes.  


Spoon into bowls; top with a good dose of Frank's.  Seriously.  Enjoy.  


I won't tell you how many servings this makes since, well...........if you're like me.......you get it.  

Pam's Spa-Tini

PAM'S SPA-TINI

This drink combines the sophistication of a martini with the refreshing taste of mint, cucumber, and basil...and oh yes...just a hint of ginger.

2 tablespoons mint simple syrup* 

1 1/2 teaspoons crystalized ginger 

2-inch piece of cucumber--peels and seeds removed

1 large basil leaf

2 ounces Grey Goose vodka

Mint or basil sprigs for garnish

Muddle or blend syrup, ginger, cucumber, and basil together.  I combine those ingredients with the vodka in a glass measuring cup and use my immersion blender to process.  Add mixture to a cocktail shaker with ice.  Cover; shake until mixed.  Pour into a well-chilled martini glass.  Garnish with mint or basil.  

Makes 1 "Healthy" martini!  :~)  Enjoy

*Simple Syrup

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 large mint sprigs

1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Dissolve the sugar into the boiling water, stirring constantly.
3. Once the sugar is dissolved completely, remove the pan from the heat. (Note: Do not allow the syrup to boil for too long or the syrup will be too thick.)
4. Add mint sprig to syrup while allowing to cool completely. Pour in a glass container and refrigerate.

French Apple Tart Recipe at Epicurious.com

French Apple Tart Recipe at Epicurious.com:

'via Blog this'

PAZZO!

I know, I know.  I've been absent...again.  Those of you who actually follow my blog are probably suffering from Rip Van Winkle syndrome and falling asleep waiting for the next posting.  Ok, here it is.

I've been to quite a few wonderful restaurants here in Naples-land.  But, the most recent has proven to be the most accurately representative of great Italian restaurants "Up North."  Drum roll......PAZZO!

The word translates to mean, "crazy, bonkers, daft, cuckoo..." you get the idea.  I'm not sure why the owners chose this name for this wonderful restaurant, but, hey.  Who cares!  This place has homemade pasta, delicious sauces, gravies, desserts...and, the atmosphere is friendly, warm, and classy.  What else do you need in a restaurant?

I'm going to skip right to my entree: Pollo Vodka Penne
Grilled chicken tossed with penne pasta, crispy prosciutto and
hearts of artichoke in a cream and fresh basil pesto
finished with a vodka kissed tomato sauce

Ok.  So this was BEYOND fabulous.  I brought half of it home for the next day...my date had one of the specials...and oh, what a special it was!  A HUGE veal chop Parmesan.  This dish was not only cooked to tender perfection, it was enormous!  And the sauce...just the right amount of marinara, mozzarella, and fresh basil.  So....so...North.

I highly recommend PAZZO! to anyone visiting the Naples area.  Their website is below:

http://www.pazzoitaliancafe.com/

Evan Andrew

The newest member of our family...the SWEET Evan Andrew, born to Greg and Maggie.  Little brother to the scrumptious, Jackson!  Love you all!  XOXOXOXO
Auntie Puma  

The Island Pub

Well geeze.  Here I am, a food blogger....a deadbeat one, but still.....and I haven't mentioned Gary, John, Jeff, and the Island Pub!  For shame!  This place is a gem...tucked away in a little enclave as part of an intimate resort, the Pub provides great food and an equally great atmosphere.

My NJ girlfriends and I were treated to personalized places at the bar....Gary and John make sure that everyone entering feels special.  The food is yummy....the staff is warm and enjoyable...the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxing.  It's south of Pine Ridge; off of Neopolitan Way.  If I tell you anymore, I'll have to kill you.  Just stop by....say "Hi" to Gary and John.  They'll be glad to see you.

The Island Pub

Mira Mare

For an unforgettable dinner...attentive service...and lovely atmosphere, you can't go wrong with Mira Mare on Venetian Bay....Naples, FL

Last night's monsoon...tornado watch...heavy downpours...gusty winds....could not keep this diner away.  The company was delightful, and the dinner was delicious.  Background piano music adds to the relaxing atmosphere.

Thank you for the umbrella that shielded me from the evil rains as I ventured to my car.