Chef Shogun

Now THAT is a night out. I'd like to think I could pull off something like that, but then, iamnotthestretch.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I use it for: makes a tasty Cuba Libre type drink with a little extra fresh lime added. I don't think I've ever seen it in a bar, but I wouldn't seek it out there, either. The stuff is pretty cheap, just go buy some!

That's ok. There's still the bitter melon!

I vote for tooth enamel melting, insanity inducing, 'communicate with the spirits of those who have gone before and those yet to be' heat. But I can be flexible.

Alright, how about this: how many 'stars' could the home cook reasonably strive for? Consider even a pathological case: a hitherto unknown prodigy at the stove, a kitchen straight out of a Bon Appetite Sub-Zero ad, some neighbor kid in a suit to escort diners to the bathroom, a wine collection built up over generations. That kind of thing. Do 'our' perceptions of a star-rated restaurant allow any stars at all for the ambitious, motivated home cook? The question seems flawed in that it is attempting to hold a home envrionment to the same standards as a restaurant. Edit to grumble: Darn students have me so tied up today everybody made the points I was about to make! Classes are over! Go home!!

Oh DIP, bitter melon! I'm there! We need to make a pact, though: nobody makes fun of anybodies reaction to bitter melon!

It's been a slow week on the board... Not that the 'ado' over which 'much' is about isn't sometimes interesting to read on an inexplicably busy day at work. And then write more about! Mini-burgers are just another instance of 'food item or concept that is everywhere these days'. We see this in higher-brow foods and establishments, too. Read Bon Appetite, Gourmet, and Savuer, and they've all got a hot nut for pretty much the same thing every month. I'm sure the more widely restaurant experianced than I have noticed themes, ingrediants, and foods showing up more than their share of times in higher-end contexts than the lowly mini-burger. You can even be really cynical and say that seasonally-driven cuisine is a sub-type of this effect. Tomato season rolls around and suddenly everybody has tomato salad, or softshell crabs, or squash soup, or whacky fruits in unexpected places. You can't escape them! I don't nessesarily buy into that belief, just I can't resist a good bout of cynicism when opportunity presents itself*. I don't see the hipster-foodie aspect of miniburgers, though, other than White Castle's kitch appeal among the 'artificially faded jeans and trucker hats' crowd. Show me mini-burger with pomegranite chutney, or studded with black truffle, or topped with single-cow cheddar, and then I'll buy it! Until then, it's just a tasty bar snack! * Chef Shogun supports, participates in, and wholly endorses the concept of seasonal eating. I'm Chef Shogun, and I enjoy squash soup. When climatically appropriate.

This is true. Good chicken fingers are one of the finer simple things in life!

Good stuff. I still need my reintroduction to the civilized world! Tasty wine and fried oysters are just the way to do it!

HEY! I wasn't drunk! No, wait.... Alright, I'm sorry, ok? The #3, she is a burger of dark powers. Even though I recall no mention of CK's burgers here, I'll give them the benifit of the doubt. Having voted, how is Five Guys totally spanking everybody else? Thousand Island dressing and pickles. Deeeelish! Don't look at me like that! It's not bad! Alright, so I have no taste today. -- C.S. Not clicking on 'Ms. Pregnant Bikini' Contest on voting page. Not clicking on 'Ms. Pregant Bikini' Contest on voting page.

Chef Shogun: Making The World A Better Place And Helping Guys Score, One Steak Recipe At A Time.

That's just crazy enough to work!

Working. But at least we'll be working where the booze is. ← Wanna trade? I'll be at home in CT, where the booze definately isn't. Edited to recall toasting the New Year 2004 with an Iron Chef marathon and a mini of Dewars.

Yeah...it makes things easier all around.

I'm back! Need to be reintroduced to civilization after a week away. Anybody for happy hour at Firefly tomorrow? Edited to revise: Oh yeah, I can't do Firefly tomorrow....maybe some quick Oyamel, since it's in the area. Ok...Firefly Friday?

Ditto!

I wish, but I'll still be in CT. Been doing pretty well, as far as food goes. Hitting up Super Duper Weenie again for the second or third time this trip, and had some really good Thai the other night. Kind of suprised, really. At least the Thai...tough to come by round these parts. That said, the place was about 90 minutes away! Super Duper Weenie always rules. Been sorely lacking in the tasty beverage department, however. This will have to be compensated for upon my return!

....she does exist!

Going home to Connecticut for Thanksgiving with the family!

I've been reading through this great thread, and have been trying to come up with something to add, but have come up empty. On the other hand, ever since I was fairly young, I have approached eating at peoples houses with abject terror. Something must have happened....I know not what.

*winces, crosses legs*

Dinner at Oyamel tonight with my sister and her boyfriend, who are in town from CT for the weekend. Just thought I'd let you know, because I have nothing new to report on it! Food was good, all stuff that's been discussed before, service was decent. Unfortunately I'm not sure we found anything that my sister really liked besides the flank steak and dessert. Liking oxtail must not be a dominant genetic trait (it also sounds like they had a late lunch). Ah well, we had fun! I'm not sure if it's been mentioned or not (fine, so I lied, there IS something to report), but despite what Steve Klc told us on our initial visit, drinks have been added to the dessert menu. There's standard coffee and tea and such, but you can also get real hot chocolate and cafe de olla. These are served in earthenware pitchers and are enough for two or three. Also, they're really, really good, so get them. Fortunately they don't overpower the desserts.

What happens at Corduroy STAYS at Corduroy! It's always fun when 'Happy Hour' becomes "Happy Quarter Of The Day". Everybody is right about those spring rolls, too! I ordered another plate once the 'second shift' came in and we started over with the food and drink!

On behalf of Crystal City, I'm sorry you had to see that. I've heard that Oyamel is much better than Jaleo. I've been to Oyamel many many times since it opened, but never to Jaleo. I'm going tonight for the first time, so we'll see.

I wish I could make it there this evening. But, alas, someone else will have to be responsible for the besmirching today. ← You can count on me! If there's one thing I'm good at, it's sullying the good names of things. I'll be there around 6:22, depending on if I walk (it's slightly too far) or take the Metro (it's too close!)