Pick of the Week 4-29-09:

Classic Macaroni & Gravy for the Italian in Everyone
Leo’s Grandevous, Hoboken Nj

If you are looking for a place to find a traditional Italian meal, you know the one that your grandmothers use to serve up? Look no further. Leo’s Grandevous is just the place. Opening its doors in 1939, Leo and Tessie DiTerlizzi have served generations of Hoboken families, not to mention the greats, like Hoboken’s own Frank Sinatra… need I say anymore? Most that are familiar with Leo’s, or are from the area, come more than once a week, as a matter of fact most in Leo’s are known by name. The extended family atmosphere is a great complement to their Italian cuisine.

To start, the warm Prosciutto & Mozz Insalate is melt in your mouth delicious, and for only $9, it is well worth every bite. The combination of warm cured prosciutto with a mild mozzarella is one for the books. Followed by traditional appetizers like clams on a half shell, warm antipasti, and mussels, you are just warming up your taste buds for the main course. I had the lasagna, which was one of the specials that evening, and I understand why. One word Phenomenal! I chose to accompany it with a side of meatballs/ sausage, and Brocoli-rabe I couldn’t decide between them. Overwhelmed by the portion size, I dug in. It had layers of aldente noodles, classic gravy (red sauce), loads of luscious cheese, and crusty bread. The sides were everything you would expect from a place run by a first generation Italian couple. If you still have room, they do have a variety of desserts, I will be back to try them.

The ambiance and the reputation of this classic establishment can overwhelm the size of it. We were very close to our neighboring table, and actually struck up a conversation. They no longer lived in Hoboken, but when they come into the area, Leo’s is where they eat. There are no reservations and there is rarely an empty seat in the house. The wait is not bad, you can sit at the bar for drinks and listen to the sounds of the past, Sinatra and the boys are always playing. I would suggest getting there for an earlier dinner, before 7, or get there right around 7-7:30 so the wait is not too long. I will say it is defiantly worth it, and I will be waiting often for another taste of Leo’s Grandevous!

As Always, Enjoy ~ K

Price: Affordable ( $50- $75 for a couple includes Alcohol)

Leo’s Grandevous (Leo’s)
No Reservations/ Cash only

Visit: www.leosgrandevous.com
Phone: 201-659-9467
Address: 200 Grand Street Hoboken, NJ 07030

Mon-Fri: 11:30am-2:00pm and 5:00pm-10:00pm.

Sat: 5:00pm-11:00pm & Sun: 4:00pm-10:00pm

Looking for a great way to experience the beautiful weather this weekend? Explore the Shawangunk wine trail in the Hudson Valley Region. Experience Traditional winemaking that has been celebrated for over 300 years established by the French Huguenot. These intimate winery’s have a distinct take on both red and white that range in all areas of the wine spectrum.
Enjoy the weather and the wine!


Shawangunk Wine Trail: Wine Tasting and Picnic Hike
Saturday 5/2 @ 9:15 AM - 5:30 PM

host:
Dynamic Outdoors

where:
Shawangunk Wine Trail: Upstate New York

price:
$65 - Included: r/t Transport from Manhattan. Tasting at 2/3 wineries (4/5 wines at each)
rsvp:
online

rsvp/contact:
email or call 917 656 0501

Restaurant Review- Would you like a Delicious Hamburger

Pick of the week - Located in the suburbs of Philadelphia (Exton, PA), Ron's Original Bar & Grill is serving up a menu and atmosphere you will not want to miss. With an early evening full of friends and family, that later transitions into a great bar atmosphere, and live entertainment(Fridays & Saturday), This restaurant has something for all. Traveling on the PA turnpike, I ventured off exit 312 (Downingtown/Exton) and stumbled into the best Burger I have had in years! The Kennett Swiss. A perfectly broiled 1/2 lb Angus burger smothered in Swiss cheese and mushrooms. Built on a toasted bun, this burger packed more flavor then my taste buds could handle! Talk about a flavor overload. The menu has a huge variety from traditional Italian antipasti and Parmesans, to any kind of steak or sub you could possibly create. Asking around, the patrons of this bar swear by its menu and ambiance... Judging by the crowd, I would have to agree. Kudos to the Chef and staff, for making the experience one to remember, I only wish we had one in NYC. So if you live in the area, or are planning a trip that takes you down or up the PA turnpike, make sure Ron's is on your agenda.

Ron's Original Bar & Grill

Check out the menu at: http://www.ronsoriginal.com/

For reservations call: 610.594.9900

Located on: Route 113, just North of Rout 100 - 74 E Uwchlan Ave.Exton, PA 19341

As Always, Enjoy! ~ K

Cupcake or Brownie

Hi All,

I have a question that needs to be answered. Please let me know.

Cupcake or Brownie?

Look forward to seeing the results. I will let you know the reason for the question why after the results come in...

As Always, enjoy! ~ K

Restaurant Pick of the week: NYC Cuban!!!

Hey Folks,

Great restaurants think alike! Last week I reported to you about Alma de Cuba, a Starr restaurant located in Philadelphia... Well believe it or not I found the little cousin to this restaurant in NYC--- Havana Alma De Cuba! Located in the west village at 94 Christopher street, this intimate setting packs a big punch. With traditional Cuban and Spanish influenced cuisine, Havana Alma De Cuba, bring no shame to this familiar name. Gerardo Tlapa serves up classic dishes seven days a week like Arroz con pollo criollo, A dish comprised of shredded chicken and yellow rice with a medley of vegetables infused with classic Cuban spices, this dish will take you right into the heart of Havana. Beyond the cuisine, this little getaway truly brings a small Cuban village straight to you. With live music every weekend (Thurs-Sat.) until 11 pm, a great happy hour mon-thurs. from 4-7 serving up your favorite mojitos and sangria for only $5, and a killer Brunch served Sat. & Sun. from 11-4 Havana Alma de Cuba really has it all. One more thing the creme de la creme for cigar enthusiast. Jose Martinez has been rolling cigars for the past 30 years, and loves to share his expertise with you. The best part about it... The cigars are complementary! So if you are in the west village, and are searching for a intimate but lively setting inside or out, you know where to head, Havana Alma De Cuba, Enjoy!

Havana Alma De Cuba

94 Christopher St. New York, NY 10014 (Between Bleaker & Bedford St.)

212.242.3800

For Reservations please visit:

www.havananyc.com or call 212.242.3800

* Reservations must be made three days in advance, highly recommended for brunch

Holidays, & Beer Tastings

I hope that everyone’s holiday celebration was delicious. If you had any great recipes that you would like to share, please feel free to do so. Also here are some beer tasting events to get your pallet going to start living the new trend of beer pairing... Please enjoy responsibly

New York: Ommegang Tasting @ Rattle 'N' Hum
Tuesday - April 21, 2009 @ 05:00PM / ends @ 09:00PMBeer Tasting @ Rattle 'N' HumNew York, New YorkPatrick Patrick@rattlenhumbarnyc.com (212) 481-1586

Philadelphia: 11th Annual Brew Extravaganza
Saturday - April 25, 2009 @ 01:00PM / ends @ 05:00PMBeer Festival @ Manayunk Brewery And RestaurantPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania(215) 482-8220

As always... Enjoy, ~ K

Responses to Easter Recipes

Hello Everyone,

I have had a couple of inquiries on my facebook wall, also called "The Foodie in You", about different recipes for Easter. I would like to share them with you. Have a great weekend.

2C’s (Creamy Crunchy) Mac & Cheese

There are 3 steps to this recipe, the cheese sauce, the noodles, and the topping.

Noodle
1½ lb elbow macaroni or similar pasta (cavatappi)

Cheese sauce
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
1 Small box Velveeta Cheese cubed
¼ cup Romano or Parmesan cheese
½ stick butter
3 tbsp flour
1 egg
¾ cup milk
2 cloves of garlic (crushed)
1 small white onion diced small
1 cup crispy bacon (optional)
Salt, pepper, dried parsley

Topping
½ cup Cheddar Cheese (separate from rest of topping)
¼ cup Ramano or Parmesan cheese
½ stick butter
½ sleeve of Ritz crackers crushed (topping)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large pot bring water and a dash of salt to a boil and cook pasta to al dente (still a little firm). The pasta will finish cooking in the oven) once cooked strain and lightly oil to prevent sticking and set aside)

In a separate pot over medium heat, cook the onion, garlic, and butter until onions are translucent. Then add in the flour and stir continuously until the flour dissolves and the mixture is a light brown with no lumps, this is a rue. Then stir in the milk. Once combined add in the tempered egg (take a little bit of the hot liquid and add it to the egg, then put egg mixture back into pot) this prevents scrambled eggs… eeeh.

Stir in all of the cheese except for the portions reserved for the topping. Mix until completely melted. Add bacon at this time if desired. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley to taste.

Once the mixture is smooth and creamy, fold in the macaroni and place into large casserole dish, and then sprinkle remaining cheddar over the dish.
Melt the remaining butter in a pan and add the Ritz crackers stir until mixture is toasted. Top the macaroni with the mixture. Then sprinkle remaining Romano/ Parmesan cheese on top
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove and let sit for 5-10 minute. Enjoy!

Breakfast Stratta
2 loaves of french bread
4 eggs
1 & 1/2 grated cheese (your choice)
3/4 cup milk
1 small onion
1 green pepper
1/2 cup roasted red peppers

Dice the bread, veggies, and red peppers, and place into a baking dish along with cheese. then combined the milk eggs, and seasonings to taste (garlic, salt pepper, parsley) and pour over ingredients and stir.

Place the dish into a 400 degree oven for 30-45 minutes. once it is bubbling on the side, and golden brown on the top it is done. let it sit for 10 minute and enjoy

Additions to Deviled Eggs
Try using a spicy brown, or horseradish mustard instead of yellow mustard, along with a dash of cumin for a smoky and spicy deviled egg.
Another Avenue you could go would be to use a Dijon mustard with avocado whipped in for a more mild and cool tasting egg.

As Always... Enjoy!
~ K

This weeks restaurant highlight

Alma de Cuba, Philadelphia PA
1623 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

In 2009 look out for this hot new trend. Thanks to Philadelphia's own Steven Starr, Restaurateur, Cuban is the new Mexican. Move over El Vez, your brothers in town. Starr along with the company of the renowned pioneer of Nuevo Latino Cuisine, Douglas Rodriguez, Alma de Cuba is serving up variations on traditional dishes like ceviche (a citrus marinated seafood salad complemented with such flavors as cilantro, chilies, mango, and pineapple). This is a refreshing 1st course that will get your taste buds ready for a rumba! As you continue your journey into the Havana night you are likely to enjoy refreshing cocktails such as Mojitos and Caipirinhas, variations on muddled lime and cane syrup with different flavors and liquors infused. These libations will compliment any Entree, might I suggest the Lechon Asado (Pork with seared crispy skin with a traditional garlic-oregano mojo and black bean broth, this dish is accompanied by a salad of yucca and marinated cabbage). Not only mouthwatering, but it also melts in your mouth. If you are dying to get rid of those winter blues, this is the place to go. Like all Starr restaurants, I highly recommend making reservations.

Opening at 5pm for dinner and cocktails, please visit their website at: http://www.almadecubarestaurant.com/, or call (215) 988-1799.

All Steven Starr restaurant reservations are available through http://www.opentable.com/

Visit http://www.starr-restaurant.com/ to see a complete breakdown of the 11 Starr restaurants located in the Tri-state area.

Please share

Good morning Foodies,

Every week, I will be posting a "best recipe" that will be determined by a study group. If you think you might have a great recipe for that weeks topic, please share. This weeks topic is traditional vs. modern Easter dinner recipes... be creative, I am sure your family will be happy about the change. Look forward to hearing about your dishes.

~ K

Loving the food experience!

Hello everyone, and welcome to The Foodie in You. If you love food, this is the blog for you. I decided to create this blog to share with you all of the great experiences you can have with food. Dining out, Cooking in, and experiencing all of the elements of the culinary industry when you are a self proclaimed Foodie. I look forward to sharing with you different experiences, recipes, and restaurant reviews to make all of your culinary experiences delicious!!! Hope you are hungry... K