Salt City Girl

Raves and rants about the Salty City's food, film and alcohol.

Monday, July 28, 2008

El Menos

Ah...Mexican! My love of Mexican food is great. In fact, I would say anything that is cheesy, greasy, spicy and cheap is delicious. I love Mexico, the food, the people, the culture and the soaps.

El Menos is a little family restaurant on 1700 South at about 300 East. The atmosphere is amazing. The little girls are playing tag with each other in the restaurant while the parents are in the back cooking. The glass bottles of Pepsi, the mismatched tiled table tops and the cement floor make you feel like you've stepped into Mexico.

There is something about this place that makes me want to go back. Perhaps, it's the old men lazily watching futbol on the TV or the little girls running through the tables. I'm not sure, but there is something about El Menos that makes me feel at home.

Our service was decent. Our waitress is the owner's 14 year old daughter. She was very patient with my gringo friends and I as we struggled to ask questions about the all Spanish menu. She was also very shy, but give her some time and she will be an excellent waitress.

The food is cheap expect to pay about $8 for an entree, arroz, frijoles y cola. The have a small market of Mexican treats and toys at the front counter as well. So if you'd like to pick up some plastic tops or ancho chiles you can.

El Menos food is hardy, delicious Mexican. The family feeds you like you are one of their kids home for a visit. The experience is unmatched by any other restaurant I have been in Salt Lake. El Menos makes you feel right at home even when you can barley say, "no hablo espanol." I can't wait to go back. See you there!

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Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The Steve Special

This is recipe I have made many different times. Each time I make these steaks it comes out a little different so don't be afraid to make changes until you find the perfect combination of yum!

Hardware:
1 spatula
1 skillet
2 bowls
Fork
Spoon
Tablespoon
Teaspoon
Chef's knife
cutting board

Ingredients:
2 New York Strip steaks, thawed (about 2 inches thick)

Spicy Steak Rub
1 Tbs. paprika
1 Tbs. fresh ground black pepper
1 Tbs. kosher salt
1 Tbs. garlic powder
1 Tbs. onion powder
1 Tbs. dried oregano
1 Tbs. dried thyme
1 Tbs. dried rosemary
1 tsp. cayenne pepper

Sour Cream Sauce
8 oz. sour cream
2 Tbs. horseradish
2 Tbs. Dijon or spicy brown mustard
1 Tbs. fresh chives, chopped
1 Tbs. fresh ground black pepper

Instructions:
First, combine paprika, pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, rosemary and cayenne in a small shallow bowl. Use a fork to gently stir the mixture.

Heat the skillet over a medium flame. Using your hands, rub the spicy steak rub into your thawed sirloin steaks. Make sure the rub is on all sides of the steak. Now, add the steak to the heated skillet. Let cook for 5-7 minutes, until pink in the middle.

As the steak is cooking, use your chef's knife and cutting board to chop the fresh chives. Put the sour cream in a small bowl. Add the horseradish and mustard. Stir with spoon until mixture is even and smooth. Add the chopped chives. Stir until the chives are evenly mixed in with the sour cream mixture.

Flip the steak. Let steak continue to cook for about 5 minutes. When the steak is done cooking, remove from heat and let rest for about 5 minutes. The resting is key to a nice juicy steak--it allows the steak to reabsorb much of the juices that were lost during the cooking process. Now, serve with the sour cream sauce and enjoy.

This is a great steak to serve with baked potatoes or green beans. It also goes very well with a stronger red wine, like a Bordeaux.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Atlantic Cafe

Mmm...sums this place up. I've been to the Atlantic Cafe a few times now. And I love it. My favorite is their margarita pizza. They use mozzarella fresh, sweet tomato sauce, sweet fresh basil and plenty of fresh garlic. The sandwiches are delicious. Roxanne really enjoyed the chicken dish she ordered last time. (I think it was a gyro.)

Although, the cafe has a large menu it isn't overwhelming. The prices are excellent. A downtown location where you can get lunch for under $10 is tough to find. But, Atlantic is the answer.

Atlantic Cafe boasts one of my favorite patios. The patio is covered with trees making it cozy while still being spacious enough you don't elbow strangers. I've never even bothered with an indoor table at this place.

The restaurant is very clean. They always have an open table, so you never wait to be seated. Plus, they will never rush you out the door. Be warned: you will need to take your ticket inside to pay when you're ready to leave.

The atmosphere is very relaxed. Unfortunately this means, the service isn't as prompt as I typically expect. The server may take a few extra minutes to notice you. The servers' friendliness and the foods' yumminess make it worth the extra wait.

The owners are passionate about food and people. It shows in their cafe. The food is great and it is apparent the servers want you to enjoy yourself. The owners are always working in the restaurant. I've been checked on every time by them. My table is always having a good time and enjoying the food.

This place always has many different people with many different accents. The decor and market make it feel like you've left Salt Lake for just a few minutes and are eating at a Mediterranean cafe.

If you're looking for an excellent meal that is as relaxing as a spa, Atlantic Cafe is for you. This cafe is always worth the trip, time and dime.

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Monday, July 14, 2008

Cowboy Steak with Mango Salsa

Alright this recipe needs a little work it definitely didn't come out as good as I had hoped so any suggestions are definitely encouraged. Let's get to work!

Hardware:
Chef's knife
Paring knife
Wooden cutting board
Two small bowls
Two forks
Tablespoon measurerer
Teaspoon measurerer
Skillet or grill
Spatula
Plate

Ingredients:

Cowboy Steak
Four rib eye steaks, thawed
1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbs. fresh, ground coffee
1 Tbs. fresh, ground black pepper
1 Tbs. thyme
1 Tbs. rosemary
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. granulated sugar
1 tsp. kosher salt

Mango Salsa
2 tomatoes, diced
1 mango, diced
1/3 C. onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. fresh ginger, minced
1 Serrano pepper, seeded and diced
1 Tbs. fresh lime juice
1 Tbs. fresh cilantro, chopped
1 Tbs. kosher salt
1 Tbs. fresh, ground black pepper
2 tsp. cumin

Instructions:
In a small bowl, use a fork to combine the coffee, pepper, thyme, rosemary, cayenne, sugar and salt. Now take your Cowboy Steak rub and rub it on the rib eyes. (Yes, use your hands and massage it in.)

Let the steak rest for a few minutes. Heat you skillet over medium flame. Coat the pan with E.V.O. let heat until the oil begins to smoke. Place the steaks on the skillet. Let cook for about 5-7 minutes a side for medium rare.

As the steak cooks begin dicing the ingredients for the salsa. Dice the tomatoes using your wooden cutting board and chef's knife. Place the tomato in a small bowl. Next, slice the skin off the mango. Now, dice the mango working around the pit in the center. Add the mango to the tomato.

The steak is probably read to turn now. Using your spatula, quickly flip each steak over. Let the steak continue to cook for another 5 minutes or so.

As the steak cooks, dice a small onion or a few slices of a larger onion to get about a 1/3 of a cup. Mince the garlic and ginger and add to the mixture. Carefully, seed and dice the Serrano pepper. If you would like more heat in your salsa include the seeds. Add the pepper to the salsa. Slice a lime in half. Squeeze the juice from one half into the mixture.

Turn the heat off under the steak. Use you spatula and place the steak on a plate. Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes as it reabsorbs it's juices.

Chop fresh cilantro and add to the salsa. Now, add the salt, pepper and cumin to the salsa. Using a fork mix all of the salsa ingredient together. Mix until well-blended, being careful not to over mix and mush the tomatoes.

Serve the steak topped with salsa. The steak went very well with baked potatoes topped with guacamole. Happy eating!

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Friday, July 11, 2008

Blue Plate Diner

First, I want to apologize for making the faithful few wait an extra day for this. Second, can we start eating out more often? Maybe, I should make some more friends, jeez. (If you don't know why that's funny send me an email and we'll go to dinner.)

Now, on to the review.

Blue Plate Diner

Guy Fieri of Food Network recently visited this joint to feature it on his "Diners, Drive-In's and Dives." Guy goes to tons of places all around the country and it's about time he stopped in Salt Lake City, and there is no question why he chose this diner: the decor.

Blue Plate has a great vibe. Johnny Cash and Elvis memorabilia make the 1950's juke box look right a home. Post cards from around the world are strung up all around the diner to make anyone visiting from anywhere feel comfortable. The patio is painted so brightly it instantly makes you smile. This is a diner straight from the owner's soul and the decor doesn't apologize.

The service was okay. We were there around 9 p.m., so I was happy they would seat us. The waitress was young and seemed a little inexperienced. She was very friendly and kind. In a couple years, she'll be an excellent waitress.

This City Weekly Best Breakfast Winner, didn't woo me with their food. The home fries were burnt and greasy. Yes, there is actually something that is too greasy for me. I know, I was surprised.

On the other side of the plate, the omelet I ordered was cooked to perfection. The egg was perfectly done, the veggies were crisp and tender. The avocado garnish was fresh and delicious.

Blue Plate will cost you between $5 and $10 a plate. They serve breakfast all day and have an extensive menu. Although, Blue Plate isn't enough of a favorite for me to go regularly it is definitely worth the 1950-esque experience at least once. So if you haven't been, get on over to 2100 South and 2100 East and try some breakfast!

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Monday, July 7, 2008

The Morning After

Whew! What a weekend! I was up early all week, which got me thinking about breakfast. My love of coffee, eggs and pancakes is great. Fruit is always a great option. Of course, without a standby like toast I would starve to death most mornings--so why not do more?

What do you eat early in the morning after a late night? Something hearty and something yummy! My favorite: omelets! Eggs are another one of those great foods, like pasta, potatoes and bread, that provides a blank canvas for you to combine your favorite ingredients to create a delicious dish. This weekend, I created a pepper, mushroom, spinach, tomato omelet.

Hardware:
One small mixing bowl
One fork or whisk
One small skillet
One spatula
Non-stick spray
Chef's knife
Wooden cutting board

Ingredients:
1/4 C. red bell peppers, sliced
1/4 C. button mushrooms, sliced
1/4 C. fresh, baby spinach, sliced
1/2 Roma tomato, quartered
3 whole eggs
1 Tbs. milk
A pinch of Kosher salt
1 tsp. fresh, ground black pepper
1/4 C. mozarella cheese, shredded

Instructions:
First, slice all of your veggies on your wooden cutting board, using your chef's knife. Next, spray your skillet with a thin coat of the non-stick spray. Now, heat the skillet over medium heat on your stove. Add the red bell peppers to the pan. Let them cook stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes. Next, add the mushrooms to the skillet. Stir the mushrooms and peppers together. Let cook for about 5 minutes.

As the peppers and mushrooms are cooking, crack the eggs into a small mixing bowl. Add the milk, salt and pepper to the eggs. Whisk until all ingredients are combined.

Add the spinach to the peppers and mushrooms. Give the skillet a quick stir. Now, gently pour in the scrambled egg mixture. Grate the mozarella cheese onto your cutting board. When the bottom of the egg is cooked, use your spatula and scrape the sides of the skillet. Keep scraping the sides until all of the egg is cooked.

Slide the omelet onto a plate. Sprinkle almost all of the mozzarella cheese on top of the egg. Using the spatula, fold the egg in half. Garnish with remaining mozzarella and tomato slices. Good morning, Starshine!

*For an extra easy twist scramble the eggs instead of omeleting them. (Yes, I'm pretending omelet is a verb and a noun.) The end result is equally yummy, but less attractive.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Chinese Take-Out a.k.a Awesome Late Night Food

I think it's apparent, but I'm going to play Captain Obvious and tell you anyway: I eat a lot. Not only do I eat a lot, I often eat late at night. I don't know why other than I don't feel hungry until 9 p.m. Maybe that's because I eat non-stop from 7 to 7. Maybe it's work, painting, friends and family distancing my face from my food. No, it's definitely my snacking tendencies. Regardless of my eating habits, it is time to talk about the best import since coffee...take-out!

There are three different Chinese fast food places I want to talk about.

SAMPAN
675 East 2100 South #C
801-467-3663
http://www.esampan.com/
The first is Sampan at their Sugar House location. Sampan came highly recommended. As I recall their delivery was quick. Plus, the kid at the door was very friendly and didn't complain about being paid half in cash, half in check. The food was okay, but not much better than Panda Express. Considering the price range, the recommendation, the delivery and the food, Sampan ranks last. You can expect to pay between $10 and $15 a person for soup, egg rolls, rice and an entree each. Honestly what rankles most is the price. If Sampan were half the cost, I would have twice the love.

THE DRAGON DINER
1331 East 3900 South

801-272-9333
The second place we tried take out from was the Dragon Diner in Holladay. This was by far and away my favorite take out. I called at 9:59 p.m. on a Saturday night. They close at 10. The girl on the phone took my order. By 10:45 I had a hot delicious bag of deep fried wonder in my hands. The price is right, too. For about $7 a person you get soup, egg rolls, rice and an entree. The food was very good with lots of vegetables and great flavor. I tried the moo goo gai pan, beef and broccoli and sesame chicken. The sesame chicken was my favorite, but the veggies in the moo goo were cooked to a perfect crispy tender state. They didn't skimp on the broccoli with the beef. I want to order from this place again.

CHARLIE CHOW'S
255 East 400 South
801-328-3663
http://www.charliechows.com/
Charlie Chow's Dragon Grill in Downtown was the third Chinese place we ordered take out from. The boy on the other end of the line was very friendly and helpful. He recommended the imperial chicken. For about $9 a person you get soup, rice, spring rolls and an entree each. I had the hot and sour soup, the imperial chicken, the orange peel chicken and the sweet and sour chicken.

For the appetizers, I found the soup to be below my expectations. I've had better and the emphasis was on heat rather than a balance of sour and heat. The spring rolls were dry and seemed a little overcooked. The rice was surprising good after the drought of the soup and rolls. Charlie Chow's ham fried rice was easily the best dish of the night.

The entrees seemed to be influenced by an emphasis on spice rather than flavor. The imperial chicken was very heavy on the ginger (pickled, from the flavor). The orange chicken suffered the same fate of over spiciness. The chicken had great flavor, but after three bites I could only feel the spice in my throat. The sweet and sour chicken was my favorite. The chicken is breaded and cooked separately, the sweet and sour served on the side.

The delivery guy was abrupt, but on time. Overall, I will order Charlie Chow's again, if the Dragon Diner goes out of business.

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