♥ A Typical Spanish Breakfast

Good Afternoon Tasters!

 

I hope you enjoy another guest blog post by my sister, Kim, who is living in Madrid, Spain. She has been gushing about the dining differences between the US and Spain. Breakfast, being something that stood out most! Today she is sharing her sweet and savory Spanish Breakfast experiences in Madrid:

 

Breakfast has always been my favorite meal of the day. I honestly don't think I can survive the day without it.

 

Back home, I could easily eat everything on the menu-- in one sitting-- and still be hungry for more. Yes, I know it seems like a lot, but I believe that everything you eat for breakfast burns off by the end of the day. Right?! Or maybe that’s just my little excuse I like to gorge myself J.

 

Since moving to Spain, I have had to make some simpler (and sometimes sweeter) adjustments to my normal breakfast feast.

 

A typical Spanish breakfast usually consists of sweet treats, coffee and some fruit. It is not unusual for someone to have churros and chocolate for breakfast or even a Sabao, which is a type of cake-- similar to a pound cake soaked in butter (Yikes!), which I have tried to keep my distance from. The kids love those things. Sometimes chocolate milk and biscuits (aka cookies) is an option too. As a fan of the more savory fair, I usually don’t care for super sweet things in the morning; I picture myself with lots of energy and then a sudden crash in the afternoon.

 

Just when I thought I was doomed to a sugar rush and crash for the next ten months, a savory (and healthier) option was served on the breakfast table one particular morning. I thanked the breakfast gods!

 

This particular morning I was introduced to something quite different, but delicious nonetheless. A tomato purée made with tomatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper, and sometimes garlic atop crispy toast; so simple, unique and so delicious. On a couple slices of toast, add a few squirts (yes squirts, putting olive oil in a pump bottle gives you the perfect amount of olive oil with each pump) of high quality olive oil first, then spread chilled tomato purée and you have yourself a delicious and healthy Spanish breakfast. This has become my favorite breakfast; and I cant seem to get tired of it!

 

 

 

Putting my healthy and reasonable side away for a minute, lets address the fact that I cannot ignore my sweet tooth as the rest of the day goes on. With as much walking as I do in the city on a typical day, I don’t feel as guilty stopping into a nearby bakery for a decadent snack. Mallorca, a well-known bakery here, is full of sweet culinary delights. I am especially familiar with their croissants because the children’s grandpa brings over these warm, freshly baked croissants every Saturday morning for breakfast. So, when I stopped by for a snack I decided to try the chocolate ones. Not only were the buttery, edges dipped in chocolate but it was also filled with chocolate ganache on the inside. 

 

 

 

There’s nothing like a good balance of sweet and savory throughout the day.

Ciao <3

 

♥ Tastytown tries 'una barbacoa en Madrid'

As some of you may know, my sister, Kimberly, recently moved to Madrid, Spain to not only work as an Au Pair but also to immerse herself in the Spanish language to better prepare herself for teaching. She works for her room and board and earns supplemental income by taking care of two children. Although I miss my best friend being so close and being able to see her regularly, we keep in touch via our many online medias and iPhone apps (if you have a friend or family member abroad, you should really download WhatsApp-- it allows you to text for free!). We are constantly texting/emailing/skyping about the amazing cultural differences in Spain, especially within the culinary world and my mouth is almost always watering. So we decided to join forces and take Tastytown to Madrid! Ole! Starting with her first guest blog post today!

Look out for many many more updates on her travels and foodie experiences in Spain.

Enjoy!

 

***

It’s been almost two weeks since I moved to Madrid, Spain and I am happy to say that I’m beginning to feel like part of the family. Although I do not work on the weekends, my host mother always makes the effort to invite me to any activity or event that they will be attending. So when she mentioned a “family barbecue”, I could not turn down the offer (being the true Texan that I am). 

As most of you know, Texas BBQ’s usually consist of finger-licking ribs, juicy brisket, potato salad and local Texas beer, as well as wet wipes-- a sheer sign of good times and great food. As I prepared myself for a night where I could really feel at home again, I put on a cool and comfortable cotton dress with a little breathing room. I was a bit bummed because I didn't even have my cowboy boots to show my true Texas nature, but that wasn't going to stop me, l could already smell the reminiscent smokiness in the air!   

When I walked into my host mother’s parents house, I immediately noticed a colorfully decorated table with bright, crisp linens. Alongside the fine china and glassware were at least 10 different bottles of wine opened and breathing to prepare for the night ahead.

 This was not the kind of BBQ I was used to but I was in full support of its amazing potential for the evening. I closed my eyes and tried to picture in my head what a classy BBQ would look like and then opened my eyes; this was it!
 

 Before I knew it, the first course was beginning and plates of sliced artisan cheeses, Spanish ham (even better than prosciutto, if you can imagine), shrimp, prawns and crabs came pouring out of the kitchen. 

I was in heaven...

Until out of the blue, lightening and thunder struck and it started to rain! I couldn’t believe it; was I in Texas? This was so typical of Texas weather. The day you want to have a BBQ it rains! Everyone ran to bring all the plates under the patio and of course the 3 liter bottle of wine that was casually popped open. Without hesitation, everyone filled up their wine glasses and gathered around the patio to begin the feast, rain or shine.
 

Soon after, the meat was ready. Huge pieces of beef were brought off the BBQ, I wondered how it would ever compare to what I was used to back home, but I was extremely satisfied. Juicy steaks and sausages were passed around and quickly disappeared.

 

My stomach was at full capacity, but one more glass of wine did not hurt! It may not have been a ‘Texan BBQ’ but it was 'una barbacoa en Madrid’ and it was wonderful! 

 

Tastytown... welcome to Madrid! More to come!

♥ Ciao!

Kim

♥ Tastytown dishes: Gluten-Free Fried Chicken and Waffles at Thrice Cafe // Thai Fresh

Thrice Cafe // Thai Fresh

909 West Mary Street Unit B

Austin TX 78704

(512) 494 6436 

Lately it feels like its hard to find a hidden gem restaurant in the Austin area. Most new joints get so much talk and chatter that an hour long wait just to be seated is just not even worth it. But have no fear, because I think I have found my favorite gem. 

Every time I go to Thrice Cafe // Thai Fresh, I cant help but walk in and just feel a cool, relaxed mood come over me. It's difficult for me to pinpoint exactly why; maybe its the open windows and natural lighting or the Feng Shui arrangement of tables or maybe its simply the friendly, laid back vibes the staff gives but either way, i walk in almost instantly feeling at peace. It helps that the food is absolutely amazing! The chefs really know what they are doing when they combine the traditional Thai flavors with local produce.

But today, Tastytown is dishing about a particular dish that has sort of moved mountains in my mind in terms of some of my favorite dishes in Austin. And that is their Gluten-Free Fried Chicken and Waffles. The flavors are so deliciously combined that it's extraordinarily unexpected--especially in a Thai restaurant, you will probably consider seconds.

I know there are a lot of restaurants in Austin claiming to have the best chicken and waffles; and honestly I dare someone to challenge me on my claims that Thrice Cafe // Thai Fresh makes THE best! If I'm not mistaken, I believe both the waffle and chicken batters are both gluten free. The chicken is juicy on the inside with a delicious crisp on the outside and the waffle is perfectly fluffy, but it's the light ginger, maple, lemongrass syrup that packs the perfect punch of saucy flavor. Topped with cilantro and this dish is heavenly.

I'd also like to mention that this place offers cooking classes  which I'm considering trying and also writes up a pretty stellar blog! 

Please! Go! Taste it for yourself and try some of their amazing Curry or Pad Thai while you are there! 

I dare you! 

♥ Taste On!

Mel

♥ Apothecary Wine Bar

Apothecary Wine Bar

4800 Burnet Rd Ste 450

Austin, TX

(512) 371-1600

When Mike was living off of Burnet, Apothecary Wine Bar quickly became a staple in our diet

and restaurant choices. Without fail, we would order the cheese plate upon being seated; it’s just a delicious start to prepare your palate. The plate is a combination of flavorful soft cheeses, candied fruits like guava and juicy grapes, served on crackers with your choice to drizzle sweet honey. Paired with a light rosé, this could be a meal in itself. But that would not follow Tastytown etiquette to quit after apps. So we continue..

It just so happened that the last time we visited Apothecary, it was the anniversary of Elvis' birthday. So after we shared a fresh summer salad, and chowed on pulled pork sandwiches and a pesto BLT classic, we managed to look up from our plates, only to notice the chef standing by the bar -iphone in hand- taking photos of what looked like a dessert sandwich (?)… Needless to say, we were intrigued and had to inquire. He politely told us that he had made, his own spin on Elvis' favorite Peanut Butter-Banana-Bacon sandwich, ONLY he had replaced the PB with Nutella and added a honey drizzle inside. Eyes wide, and watering mouths he kindly let us have a bite.

DROOOL!

If you make your way up to the Rosedale/ Allandale area of Austin, I highly recommend Apothecary Wine Bar. You’re sure to enjoy the comfortable space, naturally lit with wide windows, and decorative lanterns, and delicious food all paired with great wine.

♥ Cheers,

Mel

♥ happy birthday Julia Child! + Lemon Bars

Today would be the iconic culinary pioneer and influential woman to boot, Julia Child's 100th birthday.

In honor of her birthday celebration, I would like to share with you my attempt at making Lemon Bars.

Though Lemon Bars may not be the first thing you think of when you think of this wonderful woman (ehem...French cuisine.. duh!) To me it makes perfect sense. Because Lemon Bars were the figurative limb that I climbed out on, from my diminutive baking 'tree'. The tree has since sprouted a few new blooms. :)

Not to toot my own horn, but I think they came out amazingly! I took them to work and shared them with the office and everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you Julia Child and all of the amazing chefs/home cooks that inspire me to try new things in the Tastytown Kitchen.

My pet beta fish, Gary the Targaryen (for all you Game of Throne fans out there),
 seems mildly impressed with my amateur baking skills.



I searched for this recipe via Pinterest and also, happily stumbled upon this fantastic blog Kitchen Corners who suggested Ina Garten's recipe!

♥ Happy Baking!

-Mel

 

Ina Garten's Lemon Bars

|ingredients|

1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 cups flour

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

6 extra-large eggs at room temperature

3 cups granulated sugar

2 tablespoons grated lemon zest

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 cup flour

Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

|directions|

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. For the crust: cream the butter and sugar. Combine the flour and salt and, with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Gather the dough into a ball then flatten the dough with floured hands and press it into a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides.
3. Bake the crust until very lightly browned, about 15 minutes.
4. Leave the oven on. While the crust is cooling start making the filling.
5. Whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set.
6. Let cool to room temperature then cut into triangles and dust with confectioners' sugar.

♥ Chen Z Hot Pot + Noodle Bar

Chen Z Hot Pot + Noodle Bar

2700 W. Anderson Lane

Suite 212

Austin, Texas 78757 

Recently, I saw the movie, The Avengers, at the Alamo Drafthouse. I'm a bit of a superhero fan, and to see them all come together in classic superhero form, kept me at the edge of my seat. Personally,  I thought it was pretty stellar in 3D.

Anyway, typically I'm an Alamo Drafthouse food fanatic, despite the fact that it turns into a caloric crunch! They have the best fried pickles, spicy mac-n-cheese and potato skins around!

Thinking with our waistlines in mind, we opted to hop next door to try the new restaurant, Chen Z Hot Pot +Noodle Bar.

We were floored with the impeccable interior design that was put into this new spot. With clean, warm wood panneling surrounding, accented by a natural, limestome wall, the place gave off an elegant and chic design. It always lifts the spirit and the appetite to walk into a restaurant with such amazing lighting as well.

Now, before I go on, I must preface this post with the fact that we did not actually order a hot pot. I know, I'm ashamed to not have even tried their namesake, but we were in a bit of a hurry and the waitress kindly suggested they take a bit longer to come out.

We started off with the Sesame Pockets which is a toasted sesame bun stuffed with soy caramelized pork, tossed with cilantro. They were deliciously sweet and juicy and perfect for sharing! This was probably our favorite part of the meal!

The pork mini sammies were probably the most 'Westernized' dish on the menu, and we were craving the Far East, so we ventured to order the "Noodles in Broth" Jumbo Shrimp style. Self-proclaimed, home-style Chinese cooking, Chen Z is proud of their Pan-Asian noodles, made fresh and in-house daily, so we had to give it a try.

Sad to say, the bland description of the dish, unfortunately matched the flavor. We found ourselves scouring the pot to find the few shrimp that were in the bowl. The broth was a bit watery, and I may have had to sprinkle some spicy red pepper oil, for flavor. I must say that the noodles were thick and delicious and probably the best part of the soup dish.

I have a little sad part in my heart as I write this review, because I havent written a single bad review since I started this blog. I am a foodie at heart and I enjoy trying new things. My palate is always open for exotic and interesting flavors. I am not necessarily giving Chen Z a failing grade, I was simply disappointed. I havent given up hope, Chen Z! I will be back to try your Hot Pots in hopes for redemption.

I want to hear about your experience at Chen Z. Tell me whether or not you liked their cuisine.

 

♥ Ciao!

Melissa