Categories
Daily Dose Reviews

Eating Up Dallas

Last night, I was treated to such a superb meal! There were $1 Bellinis, plenty of laughs, and the tastiest of morsels.
As I stand in solidarity with my fellow foodies, I just had to share! This is definitely a new fave of mine in the Big D!

We flocked to Patrizio’s and noshed on several delectable dishes. Obviously, we started with an appetizer. Technically,  we ordered FOUR:

Cauliflower Steak – A breaded and fried vegetable to confound the tastebuds. I actually plunged a forkful of the breaded yumminess into the Beau’s mouth before he could put up a fight. When told it was cauliflower he couldn’t believe it. Yes – this dish is that good!

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Tender & Juicy, with a hint of a crunch from the Spinach

Garlic Cheese Bread – This is quite a standard option for an Italian food establishment, but what makes this notable is their take on a marinara sauce. The Marzano tomatoes make a world of difference and bring a sweet tang to the cheesy bread, when paired.

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Tender & Juicy, with a hint of a crunch from the Spinach

Bruschetta – Navy. Beans. I’m a HUGE fan of beans. I was thrilled when the bruschetta plate came up with both an eggplant mixture and a bean mixture, as well as the traditional version. The navy bean aspect of the trio was partially mixed with parmigiano

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Bruschetta Trio

Calamari – Personally, I do not enjoy the full squidlets. I do however love the rings. The breading on this calamari could use an upgrade and reimagining. It is good, but not nearly as wonderful to the palate as the other dishes on the table. The marinara sauce and garlic aioli was perfect, and – quite frankly – I’d have been displeased had they ruined these two basic (and completely crucial) condiments.

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No amount of cheese could have made this better. Well, maybe a bit more cheese…

The need to try a plethora of options meant that each of us ordered a different dish. My Fettucine Pappagano choice was too salty for my taste, but I was able to doctor the leftovers with some heavy cream, broccoli florets, french green beans, and julienned carrots. The bacon in this dish was too much and overpowered the light sauce on the perfectly cooked pasta.

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This dish easily had a half pound of chicken atop it. Chunks, people. Huge, clunking pieces. Not sexy.

The Beau and Jules opted for the two lasagne choices. These pictures speak for themselves, but in case you don’t speak food and prefer to ogle, I should tell you that the chicken mushroom version is far superior to the three meat traditional. The chicken was succulent, supported by slightly wilted spinach, and a cream sauce that could damn near sing me a lullaby.

Our friend ordered the Chef’s Special for the night. It was apparently so delicious he refused to wait for anything further than a quick picture. There was not a speck of sauce left on the plate from this seafood scampi. The aroma was just the right tinge of garlic-meets-cream, with generous amounts of basil, lemon, tomatoes, and purple onions.

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Some people don’t like their food cooling while a picture is snapped.Sorry for the blur. 

Overall, Patrizio’s in Uptown was splendid! The food was right for the price, and (mostly) caressed my foodie passions in all the right ways. I strongly recommend you visit this quaint location, in the heart of Uptown, as soon as humanly possible. The atmosphere is lovely, there was no need to yell over our meals, and the waitstaff was swift and courteous. All great things.

Much love,
Cerebellum Chef

Categories
HealthyFit

Why I’m Fluffy: An Excuse for the BMW (Big Mexican Woman)

What do you think about the new logo?
What do you think about the new logo?

Over the past few weeks I’ve had to explain several Hispanic traditions to many non-Hispanic friends. Realizing Hispanics celebrate Christmas and Thanksgiving much like the stereotypical “American” family, well – it baffles the heck out of them. Sure, we throw in tamales, barbacoa, bunuelos, calabaza con pollo and enchiladas between the turkey, ham and green bean casserole…but who’s judging? We like our options. Unfortunately, let’s face it, heftiness and bovine qualities are a serious issue in America; even worse in the Latin-American families. The statistics are shocking and we all blame one thing – genetics.
To be fair, genetics does bring a lot to the table, but it is possible to work your derriere off and shed those unruly pounds. Yes…even the last 10 from that incredibly denigrating tummy pooch that you hate oh-so-much.

What? don;t believe me?

Let me guess – the idea of saying “NO” to another taco, more barbacoa or that last slice of pastel… is outrageous?
I mean, how dare you!? Right?

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She doesn’t want more comida? Ay no! Que trajedia!

WRONG!

You tell that sweet-peddling, delicious pastry-baking, guilt-tripping family member to get to steppin’!
If you’re constantly trying to eat, just to make sure your comadre, Tia, or Suegra doesn’t get offended, then you’ve resolved to be a fata**.

Definitely not sorry for slapping you with this bit of harsh reality.

[Which reminds me, much love for OM. He’s awesome and always makes me laugh. ]

Seriously, go visit The Opinionated Man.
Confidence is one thing, but please – wear clothes that fit. Not those that make you look like a snausage. Eww.
Seriously, go visit The Opinionated Man.

Honestly, it’s no wonder why we set weight-loss goals for the new year when we gorge ourselves to close off the previous one. Again, gluttonous much?

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Ignore the flying spoon…someone was dessert induced and forgot we needed to snap this picture!
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Sushi @ Kumori
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Sweet Georgia Brown BBQ

You and I, we are foodies.
When you eat like we do, you can’t blame genetics – but you can bet that extra doughnut you’ll gain a pound every week if you eat lard and think you won’t gain an ounce.

Remember "chew like you have a secret!"
Remember “chew like you have a secret!”

Stop making excuses.
I have none, nor should you!
This fitchick loves to eat! No shame in that.
But we need to relish the flavors of yummly foodles and then make sure to keep balanced by working out.

What NYEs did you make this year? How’s your progress going?

Much love,
CerebellumChef

Categories
Daily Dose

Foodie Christmas – Knock the Pants Off Your Chef!

As my first official year in the “big girl” world, I can finally stop drooling over anything that suits my kitchen fancy.
Sadly, there is a huge difference between being “able to buy” something and being able to “afford” it.

Between student loans, bills and my car payment…it’s difficult to splurge on kitcheny goodies. Thankfully, I know plenty of wonderful peeps who lurve me bundles and are looking to get me some new gadgetry. I highly recommend the following nummly-makers for the chefs in your lives. They’re kitchen masters who, like myself, want to drop some serious bills at Williams Sonoma, Uncommongoods, or Crate&Barrel. Anytime I see something I don’t have in my kitchen, I want it! These beauties are on my Christmas list:

1. Herb Infuser
For all the yummy flavors melded into one dish. Cooking with herb-infused (or veggie) oil lends to some amazing dishes! Think salads, chicken, beef…pretty much anything you can imagine. Throw in a sexy wok and some wine – you’re in business!

2. An espresso maker
One at a much more affordable price. The money-savvy side of me can’t bear to spend hundreds of dollars on an espresso maker. I mean, seriously…who can do that? This little guy has pretty positive reviews and comes in under $40. I may just love this contraption.

For the Coffee Genius
For the Coffee Genius

3. A Dutch Oven
Wonderful for casseroles, pot roast, pasta dishes…well – practically everything! It’s a spectacular way to go from stove to oven and melds a cacophony of flavors together. Mmmm!

Find this one at Crate and Barrel
Find this one at Crate and Barrel

4. A Mandoline
One of these babies turns into a chef’s best friend, especially when trying to get just the right shape for chips or Julienne veggies. Personally, I <3 sweet potato baked fries, but they’re hell to make because of the hard potato. Quite a pain the rear, truly. A mandoline makes kitchen life easier, therefore – I love it!

5. Nerdy Serveware (I ate some pi)
Just because! Any nerdy cook will heart you bundles for adding extra smiles to their kitchen. These plates look super cute and would be even better with my homemade chocolate cake on them!

6. The (that’s right, the one and only!) Stand Mixer
I bake all the time. At least once a week. This beauty would make kitchen duties that much more fun. I’m sure I could cream butter and sugar for hours if I had one!

Instant Kitchen-O! A standing-O that is!
Instant Kitchen-O! A standing-O that is!

7. A kitchen torch.
This may not be for anyone with mini-pyros in the house, but I can’t think of many foodiefreaks that don’t desperately want one of these gadgets! Think of the Crème Brûlée (Ree’s may be my fave), my friends! Just revel in visions of sugary goodness. NOMS!

Buy more, save more - save up to 25% + Free shipping *Use code: SAVENOW

8. An Immersion Blender
I’ve wanted to make smooth butternut squash soup, tomato soup and even some yummly gravy, but alas…it’s seriously difficult without one of these puppies. I end up with lumpy portions of deliciousness, which just makes me sad. I need beautiful, not just finger-licking good dishes. Hence, my need for this!

Buy more, save more - save up to 25% + Free shipping *Use code: SAVENOW Gift of the Day! Come back every day to see a new great deal >

9. CookwareThe beau and I still use the same cookware we bought in college. Sure, that wasn’t too long ago, but these guys are over 3 years old and really need to be put to rest. The crazy thing? Buying pots and pans can get insanely pricey! We’ve looked all over for just the right set and usually fall head over heels for upwards of $400 sets. Again…insane! But here we have a pretty great set, dishwasher safe and over safe to 450 degrees. Perfect for browning off fish fillets and steaks.

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10. Ramekins
My next baking adventure will be soufflé! As I love all things wintry and filled with deserts, these snowflakes are simply gorgeous! Sigh. What I’d give to bake with these.
Now, head out and get one of these wondermous tools for your fave chef. They’ll love it and you’ll love what they make you with your gift. Because if I’m certain about one thing…it’s that a foodie creator will love to whip up anything for their fans.
Trust me on this.
Much love,
CerebellumChef

 

Categories
Daily Dose

Don’t Panic [bring the sandwich]

The weather got pretty snarky in the DFW area. It drizzled on and off most of the day – then WHABAM!

Tornadoes.

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Copyright Pixar

I  just made my dinner (a scrumptious breakfast plate) and sat down to eat when the sirens started wailing.

My immediate thought was: “Don’t Panic.” For some reason, all I could visualize was Mike, running around – panicking.

The beau, always good for it, broke the tension by opening the patio door to take a step outside.
Him: “I don’t know what the big deal is. It’s not even windy. It’s calm.”
Me: “Yes, babe. That’s where the phrase ‘the calm before the storm’ comes from. Please get inside. “

[Our life. Seriously.]

We shuttled into the bathroom with a candle, lighter, flashlight and our phones/laptop. Our apartment rumbled a bit – mega creepy – and then, my tummy spoke up.
I left my avocado sandwich behind!

Hindsight: Shouldn’t have made the beau go out and save my sammich.
But…

Life over limb situations should never go up against food. That’s just plain un-fair! Besides, I’m a foodie.
Food wins – Every. Single. Time.

Here we are, in the middle of a twister’s playland, when all I can think of is Helen Hunt handing out steaks. [I must have been hungrier than I thought]

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Helen Hunt
[Twister Movie Still]

 

Thinking about steaks…well, I started an image search and found this juicy piece of meat.
RAWR!

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Jack Astor’s
Sherway Gardens

::drool::

I’m hitting up this place in Ontario, as soon as I can! 😀
For now, I’ll roll up my tongue and move on to making healthier meals.
I started with cupcakes. Tomorrow, my pretties. Tomorrow.

Tonight – it’s late and time for bed.
Be ready and excited for my next post!

I’ve got a step-by-step tutorial for Making Your Own Pallet Garden! [we made ours last weekend]!

Also…molten chocolate cupcakes. Smack those lips!
Mmm!

 

Happy Noshing!

<3
CC