New Texas Spirits

Ever since the release of Tito's Handmade Vodka out of Austin, there has been a mini-boom of Texas distilleries pumping out some new products. Here's a good article on Rebecca Creek Distillery's new product: http://www.mysanantonio.com/life/food/article/Distillers-put-Lone-Star-stamp-on-whiskey-2217657.php#photo-1679711

Fried Green Tomatoes w/ Remoulade and Cold Boiled Shrimp

I got this idea from the restaurant I work at in New Braunfels (McAdoos Seafood Company). It is on hour Happy Hour Menu (3:30-6:30, M-F). It's pretty simple and inexpensive. If you can't find green tomatoes, small tomatoes on the vine will work. Make sure they are firm.

6 green tomatoes

Thirty 41-50 cold boiled shrimp (41-50 refers to the size, meaning 41-50 per pound)

Seasoned flour

Remoulade sauce (homemade or store bought is fine)

Frying oil

Buttermilk

Chives (for garnish)

Slice the tomatoes (about 1/4 inch thick) and soak in buttermilk for about 30 minutes (just enough to cover the tomatoes). Heat peanut oil (canola or vegetable is fine too) to 350 degrees. Fry the tomatoes, about 2 minutes per side. Drain the tomatoes on a paper towel, then top with remoulade and one of the cold boiled shrimp. Serves 4-5 people. I served mine with some left over risotto, but anything from dirty rice to steamed veggies will work. It's up to you.

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More Bad News for Gulf Seafood

Although the shrimping industry futures off the Texas Gulf Coast appear to be okay, this article isn't good news for oysters or the environment. Read more here: http://www.mysanantonio.com/default/article/Seafood-industry-can-t-catch-a-break-2228934.php

Il Sogno Osteria

Recently for our anniversary, my girlfriend and I visited Il Sogno Osteria, a new Italian restaurant in the renovated Pearl Brewery. Il Sogno Osteria is the second restaurant venture in San Antonio by Andrew Weissman. His flagship, Le Reve, is located on the Riverwalk and a little out of our price range (3 courses: $85; 4 courses: $95; 5 courses: $105). Il Sogno Osteria ranges from $18-$36 per entree. I have never been to Italy, but the food is categorized as very authentic and I have no complaints with that description (but what do I know?). I called for reservations the night before and was told that there was only one seating left, at 9. So I took it and we decided to go early to walk around the newly renovated northern Riverwalk. After checking out the new construction we went early for our reservation thinking maybe there would be a place to sit and have a drink. The restaurant is very small and there isn't much room to wait, but we lucked out and were able to be seated early. After looking at the extensive wine list (all Italian), I only recognized 2 or 3 selections. Thankfully they employed a sommelier and he set us up with something off the menu and perfect for what I described as our taste preference. We started off with a gnocchi appetizer made from semolina flour and parmesan. It was a nice, light alternative to a traditional gnocchi. For the main course Ashley had a shrimp and parmesan rissoto and I had the osso bucco. I was pleasantly surprised with the demi-tasse spoon that accompanied my meal so that I could spoon the marrow out of the bone. We were stuffed, but we decided to share their signature dessert (also Le Reve's signature dessert), the Nutella Tart. I highly recommend Il Sogno Osteria for it's simple approach, fresh ingredients, and reasonable price. Be sure to call a couple days ahead for reservations. They do not have a website, and the menu changes about 4-5 times a year. The atmosphere and the renovated brewery also were a nice surprise. We will go back.

Where Did Apple Come From?

Just a shout out today to Steve Jobs. http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/shortorder/2011/10/steve_jobs_food.php