Know Your Wings

So why does a classically trained chef appreciate chicken wings so much? Frankly sometimes the simplest prepared foods can be the most delicious, and even the most popular. Today it's serious business; books, TV shows and restaurant chains exist with wings at the center of the plate. BTW, my favorite spots for wings are at Rowdy Hall in East Hampton, N.Y. and Southampton Publick House in Southampton, N.Y.

So what makes a great wing? First, start with fresh chicken. Once frozen, it toughens the meat. But honestly it’s all in the finish- the magic is in the sauce. Don’t think you’ll pass along that bad hot sauce in a bottle and tell me you have good wings! It's a combination of a few flavors; a little heat, tomato, garlic, a bit sweet, but have the bite of vinegar and a touch of fruit. Wings don’t have to be fried. Lesson the fats by oven roasting or better yet fire up the grill. Oh, and adding a pint of IPA doesn’t hurt! Southampton Publick House's IPA is my personal favorite. So what about you- how do you enjoy your wings?

Rome Italy: The Big Sandwich

When In Rome, the first sights that most people want to see are the Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, or the Coliseum. However, some noteworthy sights are not found in a guidebook.
I couldn't help but take a closer look when walking on Piazza Barberini, after this cleaver and inviting window display caught my eye. You don't normally think white bread sandwich with location Rome, Italy in the same sentence. Well, here's evidence that the Big Sandwhich has presence in Rome. 
It is so great to see the amount of effort and passion put into something so ordinary as a sandwich. This was just another example of Italian artistry worth a capture and maybe a little wine too.

Pepy's Bar; Corner of Piazza Barberini and Via del Tritone, Rome, Italy

Yang Sing: Dim Sum

Dim Sum is more a style of eating, than a part of a menu; usually served as a late breakfast, lunch or brunch meal. It is comprised of small, individual prepared snack plates, sort of a westernized chinese food version of tapas. Although Dim Sum can be found in all parts of the world, it's predominantly found in concentrated Asian communities. 

What to expect? It's a food frenzy of organized chaos. Dim sum people take their dim sum seriously. First rule, don't be late, seats fill up fast. Orders are usually picked very quickly off rolling carts stacked with hot steamy dishes. It's helpful to go with someone who knows the ropes the first time you dim sum. The cart pulls up, you point, they serve and stamp the card on your table noting what items you selected off their cart. Note, the small plates can add up by the end of the meal, but understand it's pretty healthy and affordable food for eating out. So what's on the menu? Plan on a variety of dishes ranging from pastry to barbecued meats and seafood to buns and dumplings served with a pot of hot jasmine tea. Oh, and some deep fried items. My favorite is called Char Siu Baos, a fluffy warm bread (bun) with honey glazed BBQ pork and dipping sauces. Some of my other favorites are Shu Mai and Har Gow; dumplings with vegetables and shrimp.

Where to find Dim Sum? One of my top stops when on the west coast, in San Francisco is Yank Sing. Doesn’t this menu description from Yank Sing get you hungry? “Peking Duck- a house-roasted Peking Duck served as a deem sum appetizer, Crispy paper thin honey-coated skin and tender slices of succulent meat stuffed in a steamed seashell bun, accompanied with finely slivered scallions and smears of tangy hoisin sauce.”

Can’t make it to SFO this week, then try Chowhound for one of the 17,000+ Dim Sum choices near you! How about you- where's your favorite dim sum?

 

Making Whoopie

It's really not pie, nor a cake. The origin of this chocolate treat is said to have it's origin from the Pennsylvania Dutch region on up to Maine, with no concrete ownership or claims on them. Call-em what you wish, these hand-size round cakes, think Drake's Devil Dog only round, AKA Gobs. For most people, they bring back wonderful childhood memories. Their true delight is in the chocolate cake with the creamy filling. These pics bring back great memories of my Nana Rose in her kitchen making biscotti. You go girls!