Travel

Houston, We Don’t Have a Problem

0 · Oct 20, 2014 · Leave a Comment

It feels so good to be back on the blog! Last time I posted, I was dreaming about Houston and all the incredible food and culture I was about to experience. Now after two months of living here, I can truly say “wow” to this incredible city.

For those of you who may have seen on social media, we successfully colonized Sigma Kappa at the University of Houston! Now that the recruitment and colonization process has ended, I am returning to a somewhat more normal work schedule and getting into my groove of everyday life working with the colony. I work daily with the new members to educate them about the organization and help them transition into running as a new chapter. Now that I have (a teeny bit) more free time, I want to resume content on the blog! I’m hoping to weave in travel and restaurant showcases, recipes I try and general food/lifestyle posts about latest inspiration.

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Meet leadership consultant Gabriela Rodiles! #GR Gabriela is a recent graduate from the Theta Omicron Chapter at Arizona State University. When she was a collegiate member she served as the vice president of membership. Gabriela writes a food blog called Gourmet Gab. @gourmet_gab When she travels, she likes to try traditional foods or favorite restaurants in the cities she is in.

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I am still debating how to even recap the amazing food I’ve experienced over the past two months. Or how to explain the incredible diversity and culture present here. I’m eating the best BBQ, Tex-Mex and pho of my life, and I don’t even have to leave a 20 mile radius to do so. I’ve had the best fried chicken and waffles (sorry, Lo-Lo’s) for breakfast one day and then Louisiana seafood for lunch the next. I’ll post recaps here and there of some amazing eats I’ve experienced so far and some fun experiences I have had. There are restaurants, and good restaurants, on every corner. The people are friendly. They are Southern and say ya’ll, yes ma’am and yes sir. It’s has only been two months and I am feeling like I’ve found a niche. Eating lots of food, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures here is going to make this a memorable year. Houston, we certainly have no problems!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Houston, Texas Here I Come!

0 · Aug 4, 2014 · Leave a Comment

I could not be more thrilled to announce that I am moving to Houston, Texas for the year to start a new chapter of Sigma Kappa sorority at the University of Houston. Two other consultants, Danielle (left) and Bianca (right) will be helping me with publicizing the new sorority on campus and I am so excited to work with them!

Reading up on the city has made my excitement double every day. Business Insider ranked it the number 1 city in America. The New York Times wrote about how Houston should become a dining destination. Food and Wine condensed a list of must-visit places for every occasion. The ethnically diverse population of Houston lends itself to an amazing international dining scene. Andrew Knowlton wrote on Bon Appetite, “What’s not to love about a town where you can get a life-affirming bowl of pho in the morning, a stellar goat biryani at lunch, juicy soup dumplings as a snack, and the freshest Gulf seafood for dinner, then cap the evening with an expertly poured cocktail?” Needless to say, I cannot wait to explore.

My dad grew up in Houston and actually even attended UH for a year, so my placement seems completely suiting. I cannot wait to visit the neighborhood he grew up in, eat Cuban food with his friends and explore the place he called home for many years. Did I mention that my favorite artist, Beyonce, also calls H-town home? Sounds like fate to me!

While the upcoming months will be packed with commitments, I will be sure to blog as often as I can to keep you in the loop of my Houston experiences. Good ole barbeque is on the top of my list, as well as fresh sea food. (Have you heard of Reef? It was named the #1 Seafood Restaurant in America by Bon Appetite!) I also am anticipating that an authentic pair of Texas cowboy boots will be necessary for this Arizona girl. Think I can pull them off?

These, among many other experiences, will make this year one to remember. I cannot wait to bring you along on the journey. You can catch quick stories and thoughts through my tweets and Instagram as well, if you don’t already. If you are familiar with the city, please send any advice or suggestions my way!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Gab’s Latest Eats II

0 · Jul 31, 2014 · Leave a Comment

I’m back with more of the Gab’s Latest Eats series! After exploring more of the Indianapolis eats for the past 2 and a 1/2 weeks, I’ve compiled a list of some of the delicious food that were a part of my trip. I love how each of these foods brings up a memory with the women on my Leadership Consultant team. I think I will always be one of those people who associates some of my favorite moments with favorite meals.

First up, the pizza at Napolese Pizza at the Fashion Mall at Keystone was a perfect outdoor meal on a gorgeous summer evening. The combo of prosciutto, arugula and balsamic reduction drizzle will never fail me. Paired with the melon, cucumber and bacon arugula salad (bet you would’ve never guessed that combo, right?)…I was a happy woman.

Harry and Izzy’s Steakhouse was a treat after a long day of work. Although the steaks looked amazing, I was craving the Fettuccine Alfredo a much-needed comfort food. The grilled shrimp was a nice compliment to the rich house made sauce and a glass of buttery Chardonnay was the cherry on top.

Now we venture to the complete opposite side of the dining spectrum…Chick Fil A breakfast. Some of the women on my team do not have a Chick Fil A near them, so trying the famous Chicken Minis (mini chicken nuggets tucked inside a fluffy bun) was a must. I have to admit they hit that spot that morning, especially when dipped in a little Chick Fil A sauce–similar to the flavor combination of mayo, honey mustard and BBQ sauce!

An absolute must for long days of training is a fully stocked snack selection. This usually includes sweet, savory and crunchy items we can munch on all day. When we were given these adorable individual packaged popcorn bags with Cheddar and Caramel popcorn, they disappeared almost immediately. P.S. I love the entrepreneurial story of the twin sisters behind Just Pop In!

Until next time, hope you enjoyed this Indianapolis edition of Gab’s Latest Eats!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

The Las Vegas Experience

0 · Jul 19, 2014 · Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago I had the amazing opportunity to spend three days in Las Vegas with the women from my work team. It was the trip of a lifetime to say the least. We ate some of the best food I have experienced, lounged at the pool and enjoyed the nightlife. My three favorite meals were brunch at Caesar’s Palace, Japanese at Nobu and Happy Hour at Giada De Laurentiis’ new restaurant, Giada. I will tell you a little more about it! Let me apologize first for the poor photo quality. I only had my iPhone but wanted to make sure I captured the dishes!

First up, the blueberry pancakes served with fresh berries. The fluffy, sweet pancakes were complimented by scattered blueberries, slightly warmed from the skillet. The mimosa was one of the best I have ever had. Light orange juice and amazing champagne creating the perfect bubbly refresher.

Dinner at Nobu in Caeser’s Palace was a dream. The sushi was the most flavorful, unique and gourmet I have ever experienced. The Lychee Martini completely set the tone. It was sweet, but not too sweet, made with fresh lychee juice. Would love to recreate it at home. Next was the Tuna Tataki with ponzu (Japanese citrus sauce), scallion, miso and garlic chips. So flavorful I couldn’t get enough of it. The two pictures below the tuna show the Wagyu Beef cooked table side over stones with liquid flame. Quite the spectacle! Not pictured, but another favorite, was the Yellowtail Jalapeño with soy, cilantro and garlic. I loved the slight kick of spice with the yellowtail sashimi. If you ever have the opportunity, Nobu in any city is a must.

Last but not least, one of my favorite experiences was going to Giada at The Cromwell. I have been following the process of establishing the restaurant via social media and was so excited when I found out it would be open on my birthday! Everything down to the little details had Giada’s classy touch. Golden “G” monograms were everywhere–on the menus, plates and even on top of the cocktails. Upon walking into the restaurant you could immediately view the line chefs creating fresh pastas and hand-made pizzas.

The environment was welcoming, sophisticated and touched with Giada’s glamour. The food was better than I could have imagined. Since we had a group dinner planned later, we got a couple appetizers. The creamy, soft Burrata cheese with incredible olive oil and balsamic salt (!!!) was a favorite, as well as the Orzo Meatballs, which were light, moist and so flavorful. I can’t wait to go back one day to experience a full meal and (fingers crossed) meet “G” herself. Thanks for making my birthday celebrations so wonderful, Giada!

I am so lucky that I got to take this girls trip to Las Vegas and dine at some of the best restaurants thus far. Hope you are inspired to check out a couple new places next time you’re in the city, too. More travel adventures to come!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Gab’s Latest Eats

0 · Jun 30, 2014 · 1 Comment

If you have been following me on Instagram, you have probably seen that I have been traveling a lot lately. For my new job as a Leadership Consultant for Sigma Kappa Sorority, I have been spending time in Indianapolis, Indiana at our national headquarters for training. My team of consultants and I were also in Las Vegas last week for our National Convention…another post to come on that soon. My idea for “Gab’s Latest Eats” is to give you an insight into what I’ve been eating as I travel. I’ve discovered some great foods on the road and I hope you are inspired to replicate the flavors yourself at home.

McAlister’s Deli Peach Tea

McAlister’s is like the Paradise Bakery or Panera of Indy. Their lunch combos always hit the spot, but the signature of McAlister’s is their Sweet Teas. I loved the Peach Tea so much that I look forward to going back when I’m in Indy in July. Craving to make some on your own? Try this Peach Tea recipe with real peaches.

Brics Blackberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

After a long day of work, a bowl of ice cream really hits the spot. Brics Ice Cream is in Broad Ripple, the cool college town outside of where we stay in Indy, and they have unique rotating ice cream flavors. The combo of blackberry and chocolate is a favorite of mine and if you haven’t tried it, please find a way to pair the two together. You could even cool down this summer by making your own Blackberry Chip Ice Cream by Ree Drummond.

In N Out Animal Style Cheese Burger

While I can’t say this is the first time I’ve tried In N Out, it was so fun watching my coworkers from the South taste their first bite while we were together during Convention. Ordering the burger “Animal Style” means it’s slathered with their special sauce (kind of like Thousand Island dressing) and topped with fried onions and pickles. For anyone anxious to try this combo until they can get out to the West Coast, Food Network did a replication that looks almost as good as the original.

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

A Day in the Life of a Food Network Intern

0 · Jul 17, 2013 · 1 Comment

Today I’m offering a sneak peak of what it looks like to be a twenty-something living in the city interning at the Food Network. There’s a very good chance this run-down is 100% unique to me, but I thought it would provide a fun insight into what my summer weekdays look like. I have to step back every day and remind myself not to get too used to this routine because I only have 2 and 1/2 weeks left. New York City has stolen my heart and I cannot wait to return after graduation. But until then, here’s a day in the life of Gabriela. Want to read how I got the internship? Here’s how!

gourmetgabatwork — Me and my favorite C Wonder Monogram Mug at the office on a sunny morning.

7:30-8:00 am
Time to rise and shine! Let’s be honest, I snooze until 8:00, which gives me around 30 minutes to get ready, pack up my lunch and get out the door.

8:30 am
kitchen-confidential Leave for work and enter the madness (aka: the sidewalks full of rushing New Yorkers).The minute I leave the lobby I have to merge into the sea of walking traffic and get to the subway. Subway ride usually consists of reading on my Kindle (just started Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential), listening to music/the weekly Joy the Baker podcast.

9:00 am
Arrive at Chelsea Market and head up to the Food Network offices. I’m always surprised by the quietness of the market in the morning, but enjoy the closeness to serenity because during lunch and after work it is bustling with chaos. Once I make it to my desk, I immediately grab my mug and head to the break room to get coffee. I always get excited walking past the edit bays in the hallway on my way to get coffee because I get a momentary peek of Food Network shows they are editing for television.

9:15 – Noon
Work, work, work! This typically involves answering emails, writing captions for photo galleries, fact checking, meetings and catching up on new FN Dish and Healthy Eats posts. Around 12:00 is when the combatting of hunger for lunch begins and I try and stretch it out as long as I can so I don’t get hungry again at 5:00.

12:30 – 1:00 pm
30 minutes of fighting against the desire to eat lunch and I finally give in. Lunch typically consists of Honey Roasted Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich, summer produce salads or leftovers (my favorite).

1:00 – 6:00 pm
This time frame is typically fueled by hours of Beyonce and Justin Timberlake Pandora music. Is that inappropriate for the office? I will admit I often have to quench the desire to bust out moves in my office chair when one of my favorite songs comes on. How awkward would that be one of my editors came over as I was shimmying to Crazy in Love? A second round of coffee usually comes around 2:00pm when the afternoon sleepiness hits. I can’t forget to mention the snacking on samples (yesterday there were Levain Bakery cookies up for grabs, but some other favorites have been Raleigh Cake Pops, Perugina Chocolate and Sanders Fine Chocolates).

6:00 pm
When the work day is wrapping up, I quickly browse FoodNetwork.com for dinner inspiration. I love how New Yorkers only grocery shop for what they need, when they need it. I have adapted to this type of meal planning and after work I typically grab the things I need to whip up whatever I’m in the mood for. The Manhattan Fruit Exchange is my favorite place to shop. Since it’s right in Chelsea Market it’s the most convenient and means less intimidating lines than Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.

stirfry

6:30 pm
Time to get cooking in our tiny apartment kitchen. Lately I’ve been loving Couscous and Feta-Stuffed Peppers, Pasta with Marinara and Veggies, Stir Fry, and Roasted Veggies with Brown Rice. While eating I usually catch up on an episode of the Newsroom (my new favorite series) or Food Network Star.

8:00 – 10:30 pm
Relax, read, blog, answer regular-life emails and get ready to repeat the day over again tomorrow!

Hope you enjoyed a sneak peek into my humble life in the Big Apple. Looking forward to sharing more adventures that take place in the next few weeks before I head back to reality.

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Want to know how I got the dream job interning at Food Network? Read my post here!

Turning Twenty One

0 · Jul 10, 2013 · 3 Comments

Can I just say how amazing it is to be 21? New York City truly comes to life once you can explore the city through food and drinks. I had such a fun-filled birthday weekend two weeks ago…sorry I’m a little behind! My dad and step-mom visited the city for the weekend to celebrate with me. Here’s a little recap of our adventures. First stop: Cookshop in Chelsea. We had such a scrumptious birthday brunch complete with specialty Bloody Mary’s (pictured above).

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Cookshop was absolutely packed with people on the beautiful sunny Sunday. The wait was worth it because I had the best poached eggs ever (pictured above). A big slice of toasted sourdough bread was topped with summer squash and two perfectly cooked poached eggs. A creamy tomato sauce oozed over the layers, bringing all the flavors together. Replication of this recipe–or as close to it–coming shortly. Another favorite of the table was my dad’s order of the Cookshop scramble served with a homemade biscuit, which was incredible. Highly recommend!

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After brunch we walked along the High Line, one of my favorite things to do on a gorgeous day. My family was fascinated by the renovated rail-road tracks filled with greenery and loved the picturesque views of the city. Some more walking lead to an afternoon of shopping in SoHo. We went in and out of boutiques for hours and my dad was such a trooper!

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The best part of Sunday was the rooftop bar called The Press Lounge at the Ink48 hotel. The views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline were unbeatable. We had a glass of wine before dinner watching the sunset–it was beautiful. Rooftop bars are some of my new favorite places in the city. I cannot wait to continue exploring them drink by drink over the summer ;)

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Every meal over weekend was exceptional. We loved the restaurant Gigino in Battery Park, which had an amazing view of Lady Liberty and served authentic, fresh Italian food. I ordered the melon and speck salad (pictured below) and it was perfect for a hot afternoon with bubbly Prosecco. Dinner at Barbuto in the West Village was fantastic on a bustling Saturday night. Huge garage doors open creating an indoor-outdoor dining room, plus I had a view of the open kitchen busy with action. The flounder with a chile powder sauce was a huge hit at the table. My birthday dinner at Azul Bistro in the Lower East Side was complete with lots of white sangria, flaky and buttery empanadas, a freshly seared meat platter and a flan-topped chocolate cake. The salsa music set the tone for our large, energetic group. We ate and drank for hours, and loved every minute of it!

I am so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing friends and family who made the celebrations so special. Memories of exploring the city through food and drink are the best, and I have so many from my 21st birthday weekend. Now, let the party continue!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

4th of July Weekend: Picnics, Malts and Peanut Butter

0 · Jul 8, 2013 · 1 Comment

With our picnic snacks and blankets packed, my girlfriends and I ventured to Central Park for an afternoon of sun, stars and stripes. People watching in the park was such a fun way to spend the Fourth of July. Thank goodness blue skies held out for us without rain!

My friend Erin from work made these delicious little pepper poppers. She said she simply cut the mini sweet peppers in half (you could also use jalapeños), filled each with a teaspoon or so of cream cheese, sprinkled a little grated cheese and crumbled crackers on top (breadcrumbs would work, too), seasoned with salt and pepper and baked them. They held up well in a plastic container and were a fun finger food to nibble on!

Central Park amazes me every time. It is such an oasis away from the chaos of the city and the greenery is refreshing. Looking forward to more picnics in Sheep Meadow and afternoons of people watching this summer.

Burgers, French fries and milkshakes sounded like the perfect all-American dinner for Independence Day. My friends and I dined at Islands Burgers and Shakes in the Upper West Side before heading to the firework show. The black-and-white malt (pictured below) was seriously heavenly. The sides were drizzled with a thick chocolate sauce so you got a nice big slurp of it at the end.

The malt was the perfect sweet balance to salty, crispy thick cut fries (YUM) and a tender, juicy burger. Making a burger choice was so difficult considering the dozens of options ranging from decadent to hot. I went with the Tijuana burger topped with jack cheese, guacamole, sautéed onions and crispy bacon. Needless to say, I couldn’t finish it all, but ya have to splurge every once in a while! Fireworks over the Hudson River that evening were incredible! I’ve never seen any show like it. It is a must-see on the 4th of July and has set my expectations very high for next year.

Over the weekend my roommate and I enjoyed the sunshine (and humidity?) by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. My recommendation is to start on the Brooklyn side so you can see the views of Manhattan as you walk. And watch out for the zooming cyclists–they are cruising along the narrow paths.

My roommate and I were in the exploring mood so we decided to hit up a destination we had on our bucket list called Peanut Butter & Co. We walked through Lower Manhattan up to Greenwich Village (and eventually back home to Midtown–5 miles total!) to get there, but it was so worth it. For peanut butter fanatics like ourselves, this was the perfect lunch. They make classic and unique peanut butter flavors ranging from “Smooth Operator” to “Mighty Maple” and then put them on creative sandwiches and into milkshakes and baked goods. You can also find their blue-topped peanut butters in local stores!

I ordered the Cinnamon Raisin Swirl sandwich (pictured below). Normal PB & J sandwiches will never taste the same again. Toasted wheat bread was slathered with cinnamon raisin peanut butter on one side and vanilla cream cheese on the other, then layered with thin slices of tart green apples. It was out of this world. The cream cheese tasted like vanilla frosting and the PB was bursting with cinnamon specks and chewy raisins. Eating it on a mini-picnic in Washington Square Park (right around the corner from the shop) was so perfect I didn’t want it to end. PB lovers, please drop what you’re doing and go to Peanut Butter & Co. right away!

I would say it was a pretty all-American, patriotic 4th of July weekend full of delicious NYC memories! Looking forward to happy hour at a rooftop bar this week, eating fried chicken and waffles with the roomies, and finishing up a Thanksgiving project at work. Have a great Monday!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

My First Food Network Byline

0 · Jun 17, 2013 · 3 Comments

Summer in New York is in full swing. The rainy days are dying down (fingers crossed) and the city is buzzing with energy. I was thrilled to write a few articles for the Food Network website and work on mouth-watering photo galleries. Yesterday, the Healthy Eats blog post Weekend Breakfast: Hash Browns went live and my name is attached to it! I also got to write the article How to Eat More Whole Grains recapping some easy ways to incorporate delicious whole grain recipes into your meals. For summer recipes, check out this Fresh, Healthy Summer Recipes gallery I wrote a few captions for. It has been such a great experience, plus there are more delicious projects I can’t wait to share.

Saturday was a glorious, picturesque day. My roommate and I started it off by going to the Union Square Farmer’s Market (pictured above). We scored some incredibly fresh produce–radishes, cucumbers, bok choy and apples–for so inexpensive. My favorite part was buying organic milk in a glass jug! I’m looking forward to making the market a weekly routine.

Next was a venture to Brooklyn for the infamous Fort Greene Brooklyn Flea Market. Walking to the market I found this mural of the rapper Notorious B.I.G.. How great are all the colors! The Flea Market was super cool. Too pricey for my wallet, but fun to explore and people watch. The food there was so diverse and surprisingly inexpensive. I’m saving my funds for the Smorgasburg food market, which is also in Brooklyn but exclusively for food! I’m scoping out the grilled corn with chili, lime and cheese and the famous Dough Hibiscus doughnuts.

I tried some new favorites this weekend. The Taro bubble tea in Koreatown was scrumptious, but left me craving an adventure in Chinatown. Taro is described as being similar to sweet potatoes, but I loved the lavender color! LT Burger was a fun spot to meet girlfriends for Happy Hour. The sliders were so delicious and the perfect sampler of their best burgers. They also have an impressive gourmet shakes menu including Caramel Popcorn and Macaron. I tried the S’mores shake, complete with a toasted marshmallow on top. Next I want to try their melted Gouda curly fries.

This week is going to be filled with lots of activity! I get to help the prop stylist at a photo shoot on Friday, and my family comes to visit on Saturday to celebrate my 21st birthday. Every week just keeps getting better and better in this magical city!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

30-minute Cayenne Pepper Chili

0 · Jun 10, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Yes, it’s summer. Yes, it may be hot outside. Yes, you may think chili is only for winter.
No, I disagree.

I whipped up this 30-minute ground turkey and cayenne pepper chili for dinner and had a fiesta in my mouth. Pre-cutting the peppers made preparation a breeze. While the turkey was browning and peppers sautéing, I opened the cans of tomatoes and beans, chatted with my roommates and soaked up the aromatic smells.

One of the many snazzy benefits of working at a food company is sampling new products. I was fortunate enough to take home 3 August Kitchen meal-starter samples, 2 for burgers and 1 for chili. I also have a bottle of Morris Kitchen’s Earl Grey Syrup calling my name for cocktail experimentation (but that can only happen after June 23rd–my 21st birthday)!

The J-Chili starter really took the pressure off of seasoning the chili because all the sweet onion and spicy cayenne flavors are packed into the concentrated sauce. I simply stirred it in and had a top-notch dish in no time. Plus, the sauce is preservative free so your healthy chili is not being negated by a fake sauce.

Here’s my very informal recipe for 30-minute Cayenne Pepper Chili:

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground turkey
2 peppers, one red and one green, diced
1 can of tomato sauce
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 can of kidney beans, rinsed
J-Chili Chipotle Spicy Cayenne and Onion chili starter (or any version of a chili starter)
1/2 cup of water
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Directions

Brown ground turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat and season with salt and pepper. At the same time, sauté diced peppers in olive oil using the pot you will use for chili.
Once the peppers have charred and softened, add browned turkey to pot.
Add in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili starter and water.
Cook on medium heat for 20 minutes.
Serve in bowls and enjoy! (Serves 3)

I hope this inspires you to defy the winter chili stereotype and whip up a simple batch of spicy chili this summer. Some cold cheese and crackers and a refreshing drink would pair perfectly with this hearty soup. Thanks for the samples, August Kitchen!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Authentic Chinese Dining in Queens

0 · Jun 6, 2013 · 1 Comment

The sounds, smells and sights of Flushing, Queens transported me to China last weekend. After only a thirty-five minute subway ride, I felt like I was in a whole different world. Authentic markets, food and language filled the streets. I was completely immersed in a culture I had yet to experience.

I met up with some close family friends at Biang, originally a fast food restaurant that expanded its brand to a full waiter-service location. The exposed brick walls, hip music, modern pendant lights, graphic posters and deep wood tables immediately set a positive precedent for the cuisine. We started off our meal with tofu and lamb skewers. The lamb was phenomenal…tender and well-seasoned.

The garlic bok choy and cold cucumber salad were both phenomenal veggie dishes, which I don’t have pictures of because I was too busy savoring them. The mini bok choys were cooked with thin slices of garlic that allowed the natural taste of the greens come out. The cucumbers were bathed in Szechuan pepper oil and black vinegar sauce. Going to try replicate both if possible.

Then we ventured into the flour-based dishes. The fresh house-made noodles were excellent, varying in consistency and taste. The first noodle dish we tried was cold. The noodles had a thick texture and were topped with a spicy red sauce and tofu. The second noodle dish was the best thing I ate all night: stewed oxtail flavored with a stew sauce, green onions and greens. The thick hand-ripped noodles were so fresh and almost slightly sweet, and the sauce was so flavorful we almost ordered rice to soak up every last drop.

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The last course was quail eggs on sausage with toasted mantou slices. These mini “tapas” were like a Chinese version of a gourmet breakfast sandwich. The yoke of the sunny-side-up eggs oozed into the ginger spiced sausage patties. Finally, the taste of the sweet and soft steamed buns left you wanting more.

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I was so impressed by Biang that I am anxious to bring friends back for a second dining experience. Next time I venture into Chinatown I will tote my grocery bag to grab fresh cherries from the street vendors and inexpensive noodles for stir fry from the market. I also want to try authentic Boba tea. Any suggestions for flavors? Special thanks to Michael, Brian, Jenny and Julie for guiding me through my first experience in Flushing. I can’t wait for more adventures this summer!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Lately in New York City

0 · May 31, 2013 · 1 Comment

It has been a week and a half full of adventures in the big city! Lately in New York I have adventured around Central Park, in both sunshine and shade, eaten the best macaroons of my life and road tripped to the Hamptons. Read on for the details…

I got to experience Central Park in two lights this weekend: on a rainy, chilly Saturday and on a sunny Memorial Monday. The park really takes on a whole different personality when the skies are blue. You can practically feel the vibrance and energy of the community. My friend and I sat on a bench people watching–and dog watching–for hours! I am not even an animal-loving person, but the dogs in the park were so precious I think I’ve been converted. I am looking forward to picnics on the grass lawn this summer and running on the paths on the weekends.

Another recurrence this summer will be trips to Laduree, the famous macaroon shop in the Upper East Side. My friend, Cathy, and I went to sample them for the first time and I can say with complete confidence that they are the absolute best macaroons I have ever tasted. Every flavor melts into your taste buds sending you to momentary bliss. Rose was the winner for me. If someone would have told me I was eating fluffy rose petals, I would have believed them. The caramel with salted butter was chewy, soft, sweet and savory as if I was eating a real gooey caramel. A trip to the Upper East Side is completely worth it to experience these luxurious French macaroons.

Also on last weekend’s agenda–road trip to the Hamptons! My roommate from college, Katie, is visiting her mom in NYC for a few weeks so luckily we have been able to get together a few times. She invited me to take a road trip to the Hamptons with her mom and best friend, Belle, a full-of-life Italian girl from New Jersey.

The towns were exactly like I pictured them to be–quaint, charming and quite literally perfect. (Sorry I don’t have any snapshots of them!) I could just imagine Ina Garten walking down the street shopping or grabbing coffee. (Why didn’t I run into her!) The people in the Hamptons were some of the most beautiful people I think I have ever seen. Every man and woman seemed to have effortlessly pieced together an East Coast beach ensemble finished with a designer scarf, coordinating loafers and classic shades.

I got to sample two of the Hamptons’ staples–fresh warm Lobster Rolls (pictured above) and Seafood Bisque (below). The buttery sauce on the lobster roll was dangerously good and the seafood bisque full of chunky seafood was just the right amount of richness. I could easily fill up on these for a long day in the water and sun.

The beach was better than I could have dreamed of. Miles of soft sand and salty ocean left the city far from my mind. Katie’s mom is a certified yoga instructor, so we couldn’t help but must a few moves on the beach. Too bad it was chilly and overcast or I would have dove right into the water! The girls were the best tour guides over the weekend and I will always treasure my first New York memories with them.

The past week has been amazing. New York has already stolen my heart! I cannot wait to see what other adventures are yet to come. I have stories to share about celebrity and blogger sightings that I will save for next time! Until then…

Gabriela

Five Lessons Learned During My First Week in NYC

0 · May 25, 2013 · 1 Comment

1. People don’t make eye contact on the streets. It’s game face from point A to point B. No smiling, no saying “sorry” and no chit-chat. I’ve got places to go and people to see!

2. Just because you get off at the right Metro stop does not mean you can walk up the closest flight of stairs and magically be at your destination. Your next challenge after navigating the subway is finding the right street exit. In the 10 times I have taken the metro to or from work this week, I have ventured on a different route every time. On Friday I finally figured out which one works best…finally!

3. The noise never stops. Cars driving, subways rushing, feet walking. Judging from the noises I hear from my apartment window, I can tell sirens and horns are going to be the soundtrack of my summer.

4. Even if you’re not in a hurry, walk fast and act like you are…it’s more fun. Plus, there is always a sea of humanity bumper car racing around you. Might as well win the race!

5. Never leave for work in the shoes you actually plan to wear all day, unless they are absolutely 100% pain-free. Women carry their work shoes and wear a pair of sneakers or flip-flops regardless of the clashing outfit combination. It makes the commute much less fussy and saves the tootsies from unneeded blisters.

Any plans for Memorial Day weekend? Unfortunately it’s been chilly and rainy here, but I’m hoping to catch some sunshine rays by Sunday or Monday. Central Park is calling my name. I may even get to visit the Hamptons…cannot wait to share! Safe travels.

Love food. Love self. Love life.

Gabriela

Food Network Intern Diaries

0 · May 22, 2013 · 4 Comments

Greetings from the Big Apple! I am beyond thrilled to announce that I will be working at the Food Network and Cooking Channel this summer as an Online Editorial Intern. I will be eating my way through the city, exploring the incredible culture and learning from the best culinary resource in the media. I completed two full days so far and already love the people I work with, talking about food for 8 hours a day and especially Chelsea Market.

Chelsea Market will be my stomping ground for the next few months. It’s a food court slash boutique slash office complex. Originally it was home to National Biscuit Company so it still has the old-fashioned factory-like charm, exposed brick walls and rustic touches. Right when you walk in you can see what other companies are housed upstairs. I spy Food Network!

It is honestly surreal to think that I am working in the same office as the people who run my favorite channel! I am optimistically hoping that I will run into Bobby Flay in the Food Network Test Kitchens or get to talk to Giada De Laurentiis, my all-time favorite Food Network icon. Who knows, maybe I’ll get behind-the-scenes scoop of The Next Food Network Star or get to sample the creations from Chopped. Fingers crossed!

I promise to share everything that I am working on, like photo slide shows I create or Healthy Eats blog posts I edit. You just have to promise to follow along in my adventures and recommend fun things to do or amazing places to dine in the city. I haven’t been to New York since I was ten, so I am ready to absorb the East Coast lifestyle and jump into the quick-pace lifestyle!

photo-22

The weather has been rather cool and breezy lately, minus a few days or rain–not my favorite. My curly locks have expanded into a fluffy little fro thanks to the humidity. I cannot even imagine what my hair will look like at the end of July! Pictures to come, even at the cost of my potential embarrassment.

Tonight my friend and I walked along the High Line, a public park that spans two miles along old railroad tracks on the West Side in Chelsea. It is so unique and was filled with people soaking up the evening sunset. Rows of beautiful plants and trees line the tracks and every once in a while, a piece of public art pops out. I loved the colors in this remake on the classic V-J Day in Times Square photo.

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This is only the beginning of an amazing two and a half months in the Big Apple. I will be sharing stories, restaurant experiences and travel posts with you while I am here, so make sure to check back regularly! Since I am surrounded by recipes all day at work, I hope I pick up a good handful of cooking tips to share with you. I am so excited for all that is to come!

Love food. Love self. Love life.

Gabriela

P.S.
I will be Tweeting and posting Instagrams on @Gourmet_Gab, so be sure to keep up with me there! Don’t forget to like the Gourmet Gab Facebook page, so you can see photos and posts.

The Hidden Gems of Eugene, Oregon

1 · Feb 19, 2013 · 1 Comment

Eugene, Oregon has certainly found its niche in the world of cuisine. The city’s locally owned, speciality restaurants thrive–and thrive off customers who are willing to take old classics to new levels. Last weekend I visited my boyfriend, Alexander, at the University of Oregon and we had so much fun exploring the food joints that add their own spin to the menu.

Off the Waffle left an impact on me that keeps my mouth-watering. Their sweet, savory and off-the-wall Liege Waffles sounded crazy on the menu, but turned out unquestionably genius. Alexander ordered the “Goat in the Headlights” with avocado, sunny side up eggs and fresh basil. I ordered the “Be Brie-Peared” (so clever!) with pear, caramelized onions, melted Brie and a maple-balsamic glaze. Both were incredible and included the most interesting, complementary flavors.

Two brothers started Off the Waffle to share the authentic Liege waffles that they grew up eating in Belgium. Liege waffles are special due to the chunks of pearl sugar that crystalizes in the batter during cooking. I am on a mission to learn how to replicate these pastry like waffles. They brought me back to my trip to Brussels, Belgium last year!

Lunch at Cafe Zenon was classy, gourmet and just right for a chilly afternoon. I ordered the grilled cheese and loved the simple pairing of house-smoked cheddar cheese and crisp, buttery white bread. The side soup of French Onion Lentil with Sausage was bursting with flavor. Meshing the saltiness of fresh onion soup with zesty sausage took a potentially boring lentil soup to a gourmet level.

Papa’s Soul Food Kitchen transported me from Eugene right into the heart of the South. With classics like BBQ pulled pork and chicken, fried okra, mac-and-cheese, and Kool-Aid, it wasn’t hard not to feel the authenticity of the food. I ordered the BBQ Chicken Sandwich, which was awesome. The meat was tender, the sauce was sweet and the crispy cole slaw added the perfect crunch.

How clever is Papa’s menu design? It completely beats a boring list of food typed in Times New Roman. (Graphic design nerd alert!) Make sure to arrive before the dinner rush, seating is sparse and the food is popular!

Have you visited Eugene, Oregon before? If so where are your favorite restaurants? I am looking forward to doing some more research and exploring the other hidden gems that make Eugene’s food community stand out.

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Gourmet Gab’s Best of 2012

0 · Dec 29, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Happy Almost 2013! Time always flies by during the year, but especially when we are cooking up delicious things in the kitchen. Two-thousand-twelve has been full of highlights for me. Gourmet Gab moved to its new home at thegourmetgab.com, I entered a new decade (hello 20’s!), I studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain and traveled Europe! What were highlights for you? Personal, cooking-wise, career-wise or with others?

Here is a wrap-up of some of my favorite Gourmet Gab posts from 2012. I hope this inspires you to go back into the archives and find your old favorite recipes and posts.

Lox and Toast with Pesto

Lox and Toast with Pesto

Blackberry Cheesecake Fudge Brownies

Blackberry Cheesecake Fudge Brownies Mozzarella Grilled Cheese

Mozzarella and Roasted Red Pepper Grilled Cheese

Cantaloupe, Prosciutto and Arugula Salad

Honey Cucumber Lemonade

Study abroad extravaganza begins!
Madrid and Toledo, Spain

The best Mojito I have ever had.
Ibiza, Spain

Wine, pasta and gelato. (I could live on this cuisine.)
Pisa and Florence, Italy

The Chronicle of Double-Priced Lobster (and amazing views).
Cinque Terre, Italy

Indulging in the “sweet life” of the city with famous pastries.
Lisbon, Portugal

Waffles, chocolate, mussels, French fries and beer.
Brussels, Belgium

5 foods I never expected to eat.
Sevilla, Spain

The holly, jolly Christmas markets of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
Prague, Czech Republic

Cheers to 2013! Let’s make it another FABULOUS year. Any new years resolutions in mind yet? I’m ready to cook up a storm!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

10 Snapshots from Prague, Czech Republic

0 · Dec 21, 2012 · 2 Comments

If you are looking for a place to get in the jolly and wintery Christmas spirit, Prague is the place to go. Alexander and I visited the Czech Republic a few weekends ago and were absolutely enchanted with the city. Christmas markets, Nativity scenes, brilliant trees and Czech carolers were scattered all over. Bundled up, Alexander and I explored the city everyday getting more and more anxious for Christmas to arrive!

Here are a 10 quick snapshots of our festive and delicious weekend in Prague.

Traditional Czech dessert sold at the Christmas markets…it’s called Trdelnik!

I loved this dessert…It tasted like a sweet pretzel rolled in cinnamon sugar and toffee!

Gingerbread cookies decorated to perfection.

Peace and Love from the iconic John Lennon wall.

Czech potatoes sold all around the Christmas markets. On the left is potato dumplings with cabbage and ham. On the right is potato chunks with sausage and a spicy cheesy sauce.

The famous Czech beer, Pilsner Urquell. A new favorite.

A Gingerbread Nativity Scene in the city center. I loved how Nativity scenes were scattered throughout the city. It was a great reminder about the true celebration of Christmas…Jesus’ Birth!

Alexander and I in the city center surrounded by the markets and the most dazzling tree I’ve ever seen!

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas celebrating with friends and family, and of course indulging in the most delicious sweets and eats! I am heading home to the USA early tomorrow…I can’t wait to spend a few days getting ready for Christmas and hopefully sneaking in a bit of baking. My time in Sevilla, Spain has been life-changing and I feel so blessed to have had this experience. It’s not a goodbye, it’s a see you soon!

Love food, love self, love life.
Gabriela

Spanish Jamón and Wine Tasting

0 · Dec 5, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Let’s play a quick game….which kind of ham do you think is the more expensive? The plate of the left or the right? After I give you a quick recap of what I learned, I’ll reveal the winner!

There are two main types of ham, Jamón York, like Canadian bacon, and Jamón Serrano, the real stuff. Both are incredibly prominent in the cuisine of Spain, but especially in the southern region of Andalusia. The special breed of Iberico pigs are fed with only acorns for the last 6 months of their life…quite the diet, huh?! Apparently the acorns give the ham a sweet, salty and buttery flavor, which should be prominent in the high quality jamón. The less expensive versions lack the complexity of flavor and simply taste like salty meat.

Scroll back up to the top quickly and compare the distribution ham. The ham on the right has swirling veins of fat running through it, while the ham on the left only has chunks of fat on the sides. What do you notice about the color? Pinkish, almost transparent on the left and rich, deep red on the right. All these signs lead to the right plate winning the award for best quality. One leg of this meat sells for about 250-300 euro! The flavors were incomparable–I could really tell how the acorns impact the flavor of the meat. It truly was buttery, salty and a bit sweet!

Next came the wine tasting. I took vigorous notes again to retain all the information. We tried 4 Spanish wines: one wine and three reds, all varying in age and price. I need to learn the official techniques of the swirl, smell and tasting process (this was much more informal), but I loved pretending I knew what I was doing ;)

My favorite was the Hacienda Zorita, made with grapes from Northern Spain and aged for 6 months. The best part – a bottle only costs 6 euro! I could see myself having girlfriends over for an evening of fruit, cheese, bruschetta and this wine. Splendid.

I loved the experience of sampling locally produced jamón and wine from Spain. I have such an enriched appreciation for the food and drink that makes Sevilla the culinary hub that it is! I only scratched the surface of all there is to learn. Now I’m excited to visit Napa, California in the upcoming years!

Love food, love self, love life.
Gabriela

Flamenco and Tapas

0 · Dec 3, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The lights dim, the guitarist begins his preliminary strums, the singer warms up his voice and the hand clapping starts. Once the performers enter a trance state of mind, the harmony of dance, song, clapping, foot stomping and guitar begin.

The dancers move passionately to the intonations of the song, slowing down and speeding up in perfect unison. The skirts twirl, the ruffles wave, the fingers articulate with emotion and feet tap rapidly. The passion and storytelling of the Flamenco infuses the room.

Alexander and I went for tapas, drinks and Flamenco last week to “T de Triana” on Calle Betis, a famous street by the Guadalquivir River. I enjoyed my favorite tapa–Jamon Tostada–fresh bread, extra virgin, salmorejo (a tomato and garlic soup/paste) and Spanish ham.

The walk along the river with reflection of the Torre del Oro was stunning. It is hard to image that I only have three more weeks of soaking in the culture and cuisine of this beautiful city. Sevilla has truly become my second home and it is going to be so hard to leave. Until then, time to pack it all it!

Love food, love self, love life.
Gabriela

5 Reasons Why I Love the Spanish Lifestyle

1 · Nov 19, 2012 · 2 Comments

The Spaniards do things quite different from Americans. After living in Sevilla for 3 months, I have come to love the little things that characterize the Spanish lifestyle.

1. Coffee is enjoyed in the moment.
Americans are accustomed to drinking coffee on-the-go, but you will hardly ever see a Spaniard walking around with a cafe con leche in hand. Drinking coffee is a social activity here that is paired with the conversation and company of others. For about 1 euro (give or take) you can order the classic cafe con leche: espresso with whole milk served in a mini-mug or glass.

I can’t wait to incorporate the coffee culture of Spain into my lifestyle back at home. I’m currently searching the web for cute little mini mugs, or “tazas,” to purchase for my apartment!

2. Bread + Olive Oil = Breakfast.
Breakfast in Spain is half the size of that in the US. In the mornings we warm a chunk of bread in the “sandwichera” (kind of like a George Foreman panini press) and smother it with Spanish olive oil. My host-mom has been buying bread from the neighborhood “paneria” (bread shop) about twice a week for 20 years. She knows exactly what time to go there to buy the bread that’s fresh out of the oven.

You’ll also find “tostada” with fresh tomato paste or jamon. The combination of soft bread with a crispy toast, locally produced extra virgin olive oil, fresh tomato spread, and salty aged ham is golden.

3. Meals are shared together, always.
Families wait to eat lunch together almost every day of the week. I love that although people may have sports, activities, work and meetings, it is so engrained in the culture to break bread together as often as possible. It was a beautiful reminder to me that sharing meals with those you love should be a priority no matter how crazy a day or week may be.

4. It’s often cheaper to order beer or wine than water or soda.
Spaniards rarely order water, and if they do it’s usually carbonated. “Un tinto de verano” (wine with a dash of orange or lemon soda) or “una cerveza” (beer) is basically the same price and obviously way more worth the money!

When Spaniards drink beer, they drink it icy cold. It’s popular here for groups of young people to go to bars that sell inexpensive buckets of beer. For only 3 euro, you can get 5 cervezas! Smoking deal.

5. Dinner portions are smaller and are eaten later.
When Spaniards say they are going out for dinner it means they are going out for appetizers or “tapas.” Lunch is the biggest meal of the day, so evening tapas are the perfect way to sample a few small plates with some drinks at the end of the day. “Mondatitos,” or tiny sandwiches, are a popular tapa. My favorite montadito so far is made of a slice of tender beef, a slice of jamon (Spanish ham), sautéed green pepper, salmorejo (tomato sauce spread) and freshly warmed bread. Don’t forget potato chips and a beer!

These are just a few things that make me grateful to be learning from the Spanish way of life. I can’t wait to incorporate these, and more, into my American life back at home in January. Time is flying by so quickly, I just wish it would slow down!

Love food, love self, love life.
Gabriela

Brusselicious

0 · Nov 14, 2012 · 2 Comments

Every minute of waiting on a 5-hour layover, sprinting through the airport without shoes on, and sweating like a madwoman to make it on the plane was worth it. Belgium waffles were everything I dreamed of and more.

The insides of the waffles are filled with a chewy, crystalized dough and the outsides are slightly crispy. You can find the waffles anywhere on the streets, but the cheapest we found were by the Manneken Piss. Only 1 euro for the simple ones and 2+ euros for fancy toppings!

Belgium French Fries were a warm snack to munch on during the chilly afternoon. Here’s a video Alexander and I look to share with you all. Sorry for the low quality!

Lunchtime called for famous Belgium mussels. Drenched in a white wine broth with celery, onion and parsley, these mussels were better than I could have imagined. We paired them with a Jupiler beer and fresh-baked bread to soak up the broth. The huge pot of mussels from Arcadi Cafe cost about 19 euro, a bit expensive, but reasonable for splitting.

Brussels Park was my favorite park of the city. Giant statues of chocolate, mussels, beer and french fries were lined among the picturesque Fall leaves. We loved walking hand-in-hand taking in the autumn beauty and taking fun photos. Brussels Park is located across from the Royal Palace, which was amazing, too.

Chocopolis was my favorite chocolate store we visited. We were lucky to get samples (free chocolate!!). I loved the Caramel Pistachio, Raspberry Rose and Honey the best. They were so unique, so rich and simply heavenly!

We read about the authentic Belgium restaurant Fin de Siecle online because it had rave reviews. It really was all and more than I expected! The experience began by waiting in line for about 25 minutes and enjoying a traditional brew (I loved the Blanche). The menu was written on a giant chalkboard in French, but we remembered the words stoemp (sausage and mashed potatoes) and carbonade (beef stew) after reading them online! The food was incredible; I barely touched my fork to the meat and it fell apart. If you travel to Brussels you must make a stop at Fin de Siecle. Great service and memorable experience!

Delirium Cafe in Brussels holds the Guinness World Record for having over 2,000 beers in 2004. Alexander and I had a great time with friends enjoying some more of the Belgium speciality.

There were so many people inside, which created a lively atmosphere. The walls and ceilings of Delirium were covered with beer tray decorations and memorabilia. So unique!

As much as I loved my trips to Italy and Portugal, Belgium certainly became my favorite because of its friendly people, lovely language and over-the-top food! I’ll forever be dreaming of the waffles, chocolate, french fries, beer and mussels. Cannot wait to return!

Love food, love self, love life.
Gabriela

5 Foods I Never Expected to Eat in Sevilla

0 · Nov 10, 2012 · 2 Comments

When I came to Spain I was ready to dive into the authentic cuisine, even if that meant pushing myself way out of my comfort zone. Little did I know that these five very “American” foods had found their way into the everyday lives of Spaniards…

1. Hot dogs
I hate to admit it, but the hot dogs or “perritos” in Spain are dang good! My host mom makes diagonal slices on the top of the dogs, fries them in olive oil and then places two of them side by side on a toasted bun.

2. Ketchup

The first day I was in Sevilla my host-mom asked me if I wanted ketchup with my chicken. I was so caught off guard! Apparently people love it here. It’s no wonder though, because its much sweeter and sugary. One brand is even marked with an US flag on the label.

3. French fries Fried Egg and French Fries Now this was my biggest surprise. We eat French fries or “papas fritas” at my home stay at least 4 times a week. My host-parents buy fresh potatoes from a beach town in Andalusia, Spain, peel them, cut them into thin slices, and fry them in Spanish olive oil. My oh my are they delicious! Frying things in olive oil makes a world of difference.

4. Eggs for lunch

I was so used to eating eggs for breakfast in the United States that eggs for lunch in Sevilla seemed so strange to me a first! Now I get excited when my host mom serves the fried egg with fried potatoes and marinara sauce on top…muy rico!

5. Store bought flan with whipped cream Spanish Flan For some reason I only thought flan was part of Cuban or Mexican cuisine, but when I saw these mini packaged flans in our Sevilla supermarket I was blow away! They are so fun to open: you tear the lid off, flip in over, and then pull a little tab on the bottom that releases air so the custard slips out. Topped with whipped cream or “nata,” this dessert is scrumptious.

I can’t wait to see what other unexpected foods pop up while I’m here in Spain!. When you were in Spain or Europe did any foods surprise you? Happy Saturday!

Love food, love self, love life.
Gabriela

The Sweet Life of Lisbon

1 · Oct 27, 2012 · 1 Comment

The taste of custard, pastry dough and cinnamon still lingers on my tongue. A crème brûlée like filling is nestled into flaky crust, slightly crystalized and sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon. This famous Portuguese dessert called pastel de nata was the theme of my weekend.

My friends and I even got to visit the most famous pastry shop in Lisbon, Pastéis de Belém, where it is believed that pastel de nata was invented before the 18th century!

Lisbon truly surprised me…I didn’t have many expectations about the city, but it was really a fun place to explore! The Portuguese cuisine was excellent, the people were very friendly, the language was so interesting (sounds like a mix of German and Spanish to me) and the city was full of character.

The city is very reminiscent of an European San Francisco. The steep inclines and hills, the yellow trams, a giant red bridge constructed by the same architect as the Golden Gate Bridge, and waterfront view all made me believe I was in California.

These roosters were all over the tourist shops. I love how they are a “mascot” of Portugal.

One evening for dinner I ate at restaurant called Cervejaria da Trindade, which was originally a 13th century monastery.

The traditional Portuguese dish “bacalhau a bras” was my favorite meal in Lisbon. The combination of salt cod, fried potatoes and scrambled eggs sounds so odd, but it is a match made in heaven. It’s a bit creamy, a bit salty and balanced by fresh chunks of fish. I can’t wait to learn how to make it!

My friends and I were ecstatic to find dozens of roasted chestnut carts in the streets. It felt so much like fall! I really wanted to break out singing “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” but I figured I would look even more like a tourist!

I love the charred exterior of the chestnuts fresh out of the roaster.

The inside of the chestnuts were almost like a sweet, nutty potato flavor. I enjoyed the taste, but honestly the idea of “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” is the best part.

On Saturday afternoon my friends and I ventured to a little fairytale town called Sintra, right outside of Lisbon. The town is known for its grand castles, green hills and charming atmosphere. We felt like we were in a mix of a French and Irish city that was the setting of a fairytale movie!

I had no idea that Portugal takes such pride in their coffee. At a quaint local coffee shop in Sintra, I had the best uma meia de leite, or latte, of my life! I will savor the memory of rich espresso and light foamy milk complimented by a Portuguese pastry forever.

Portugal exceeded all of my expectations and was such a “sweet,” fairytale weekend. I can’t wait to learn how to make pasteles de nata and bacalhau a bras when I return to the States. Next time you are in Europe, make a stop in Portugal…I promise you will be pleasantly surprised!

Love food, love self, love life.
Gabriela

Cinque Terre, Italy

0 · Oct 24, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The ocean side cliffs are colored by shades of pastel. Boats line the shore awaiting the next fishing trip. Green mountains contrast the vivid, cloudy blue skies. This is Cinque Terre.

Tucked along the Italian Rivera, the “Five Lands” of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso each sustain their own quaint charm. The town emerged as a popular tourist spot years ago, but it has managed to hold onto its authentic simplicity.

Alexander and I hiked in the mountains of Riomaggiore and were stunned by the beauty! We found so many rows of grape vines, along with apple and lemon trees.

We didn’t have the best luck in Cinque Terre: the weather was chilly and windy, the hiking trails were closed due to a landslide and, to top it off, there was a train strike on Sunday! Thankfully, we were able to soak in the “lazy life” that the towns are known for and eat our way through all the culinary specialities.

The area is known Genoese pesto because the basil and olive oil are so fresh! I am not exaggerating when I say that I literally drank the pesto off this pizza. It was amazing.

The lobster in Cinque Terre was the freshest I’ve every tasted–sweet and tender, paired with homemade pasta and tomato sauce! (Note to self: Pay attention to prices when splitting dishes. Alexander and I must have missed the “x2” next to the price because we were charged double for sharing the dish! Big learning lesson!)

We had the most amazing view of the sun setting over the Mediterranean during dinner.

While researching the cuisine of Cinque Terre, I read about the gelato “miele de Corniglia.” Corniglia, one of the five towns, was brilliant in combining locally produced Cinque Terre honey with fresh gelato. Alexander and I climbed 400 stairs to reach the hidden town on the cliff…just to try the gelato!

It was so worth it.

This was by far the most amazing gelato I’ve ever eaten. The honey gelato was the perfect combination of natural sweetness and creamy consistency. Paired with a scoop of pistachio gelato and the breathtaking view…divine!

I was so excited to try Limoncino, also known as “limoncello,” for the first time! The instant the pastel yellow liquor hit my tongue, I felt like I was eating a lemon drop. I would love to make it at home back in the U.S.!

Another drink we tried, special to Cinque Terre and very rare, is sciacchetrà. Once the grapes have been over-ripened by the sun, they are put in sheltered sites until they reach the right concentration of sugars and extracts. After wilting, the grapes undergo a soft pressing, followed by a long fermentation. I would describe sciacchetrà as a mix between Brandy and very strong wine. It was a bit too strong for me, but I can tell how it would be typical for eating with cheese and dessert.

Cinque Terre was so picturesque and a true escape from the outside world. One of the towns, Vernazza, calls their lifestyle the “lazy life.” That’s what I think makes Cinque Terre so attractive. In the hectic rush of life, we must remember to live simply and eat deliciously!

Love food, love self, love life.
Gabriela