Friday, March 22, 2013

The Fremont Diner

Last weekend we went from the wineries of Napa to the slopes of Lake Tahoe with a quick fueling stop at the incredible Fremont Diner in Sonoma. We chose items off of their happy hour menu and our tastebuds were in foodie heaven. We enjoyed it so much that we thought we would share the highlights of our tour de taste with you. We highly suggest visiting the Fremont Diner for a real Southern meal in the heart of California wine country: "It's a place where real Southern food is done with distinct local sensibility." The chef and owner, Chad Harris, can be seen preparing meats and menus alike in his charming hommage to mid-century diners. The ambiance is vintage and the food is classic with a modern twist. Check it out!
Pulled Pork Nachos
Fried Pork Belly
Devilled Eggs
Ham & Biscuit

Happy Drooling,
Paul/a

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Go-To Meal

Recently we have replaced some of our frequent In N' Out visits with a healthy homemade alternative for our hunger pains and lazy days. We decided that we should have certain staples in our kitchen that we can easily whip up into a tasty and satisfying meal. We decided to combine wild salmon, garlic-lemon sauteed kale, and quinoa. You can eat this as a normal meal or mix it all together to make a really delicious 'quinoa bowl.' 

Typically we buy our salmon at Costco in bulk and cut it up into individual portion sizes and freeze it. This guarantees that we almost always have it on hand. Whole Foods also has great sales on their frozen wild salmon (and other fish for that matter), so we usually pick up a few frozen filets when we are there. Trader Joe's has some great organic quinoa options, but you can really buy this item anywhere. We typically buy the kale fresh at whole foods or the farmer's market, but lately we have been picking up extra pre-washed bags of the organic green at Trader Joe's (great for smoothies too!). We would probably live at TJ's if we could...don't get us started on the wine selection! 

Take a look below for some very simple instructions of how to pull this meal together quickly. A dash of hot sauce or siracha can really liven it up and give it a tasty kick. We recommend having plenty of lemon on hand as this really compliments each of these food items.


FOR THE KALE:
-Wash with cold water and place kale in  bottom heavy pan
-Saute with the juice of 1 lemon and 1 diced garlic clove

FOR THE QUINOA:
-Rinse the quinoa in cold water
-Pour water into pot and add quinoa.
-Once the water starts boiling, turn the heat down to simmer
-Cook for 20 minutes

FOR THE SALMON:
-Combine olive oil, pepper, lemon juice and diced garlic in a pan
-Cook for 5 minutes on each side (rule of thumb is 10 minutes per inch of thickness)
-Serve as filet or cut into pieces for a 'quinoa bowl'

As always, feel free to add or substitue to your liking. Remember this is our simple go to meal, nothing fancy, just tasty and healthy.

Happy Tasting,
Paul/a

Friday, March 15, 2013

Paul's Cure-All Tea


The [California] weather has been so warm and pleasant lately, it's hard to believe it is only March.  Ordinarily, we would have shared this recipe during the height of flu season, but the warm weather surprised us early! No matter, as this tea is great for any season of the year. We highly suggest sipping this tea a couple days per week for an immediate immune system boost. Check out the recipe below and prepare to feel (and be) healthy!

INGREDIENTS:

1 echinacea tea packet (we use Traditional Medicinals Organic Echinacea Elder Tea- click here for more info)
Juice from 1/4 lemon
1 tsp of freshly grated ginger root
2 tsps honey
Small pinch of cayenne pepper

1. Combine all ingredients in a mug.

2. Fill mug with boiling water.

3. Let the tea steep for 5 minutes.

4. Drink slowly and enjoy!

Happy healthing :)
Paul/a