I've been scheming about brunch menus since we first found out we got the place. Something about the big windows, and the location (walking distance to the farmer's market, good coffee). But today was the first time we actually made it happen though, and it was wonderful!
Beautiful rainy day outside. Great company. Also, our puppy, Elmo, just came home with us Friday night. She's learning quickly and spent the whole meal sleeping contentedly in her crate. She's a chihuahua-jack russell mix (we think), and a total sweetheart.
The menu:
- Alderwood smoked salmon & pita crackers with a range of topping options: creme fraiche, fresh dill, chopped chives, capers.
- Asparagus & Crab egg cups: fresh asparagus, canned crab, spring onions, beaten egg, paprika, salt & pepper in little ramekins (about one egg per cup). Baked 30 minutes with the crisp.
- Roasted potatoes (following this Chow recipe, but parboiling the potatoes before roasting)
- Strawberry-Apple Crisp, again based on the maple-wanut apple crisp with half strawberries, (though it takes more than 30 minutes to brown!)
- A double recipe of white sangria with the addition of a granny smith apple & Grand Marnier (in addition to the brandy mentioned in the recipe), soaked overnight. This was my first time making this, and I did half the simple syrup called for, which was perfect. If I were doing it again in the spring, I would probably use lemons & strawberries, instead of lime & raspberries (which were delicious but more summery). I used frozen raspberries this time around.
- Fresh coffee!
Yum!
Showing posts with label spring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spring. Show all posts
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
My weekend
It's Spring!
This weekend:
- 2 new (to me) restaurants: 900 Grayson (loved it) & Ozumo (liked it & will try it again). Had breakfast at 900 Grayson. The space itself was cozy, like a french farmhouse kitchen. I just had a basic breakfast, but everything was super high quality and fresh. Plus, our waiter was super-cute and attentive, I felt like a guest in someone's home. I can't believe I haven't been here before! Later, on to Ozumo, the new sushi spot in Uptown Oakland. We just stopped by for a snack and a cocktail, and it was tasty! The bar space is nicely styled (industrial-japanese luxe) but a bit cavernous. I liked it enough to go back again sometime.
- L & I adopted a puppy! Through "CURE". She's a little itty bit: she'll be 15lbs full grown. Part Chihuahua, but mixed with...? Square jaw, white fur with orange patches. Super snuggle bug! She's too young to come home with us yet; we have to wait 2 weeks! Now, searching for a name.
- Farmer's market! Highlights: strawberries, "breakfast pizza", baby onions & leeks, organic artichokes (mmm!), English Peas, red snapper under $9/lb.
This weekend:
- 2 new (to me) restaurants: 900 Grayson (loved it) & Ozumo (liked it & will try it again). Had breakfast at 900 Grayson. The space itself was cozy, like a french farmhouse kitchen. I just had a basic breakfast, but everything was super high quality and fresh. Plus, our waiter was super-cute and attentive, I felt like a guest in someone's home. I can't believe I haven't been here before! Later, on to Ozumo, the new sushi spot in Uptown Oakland. We just stopped by for a snack and a cocktail, and it was tasty! The bar space is nicely styled (industrial-japanese luxe) but a bit cavernous. I liked it enough to go back again sometime.
- L & I adopted a puppy! Through "CURE". She's a little itty bit: she'll be 15lbs full grown. Part Chihuahua, but mixed with...? Square jaw, white fur with orange patches. Super snuggle bug! She's too young to come home with us yet; we have to wait 2 weeks! Now, searching for a name.
- Farmer's market! Highlights: strawberries, "breakfast pizza", baby onions & leeks, organic artichokes (mmm!), English Peas, red snapper under $9/lb.
Monday, March 30, 2009
1st Dinner Party
Successful 1st dinner party (cooking for guests in the new pad).
A very seasonal menu:
- Garlic Loaf from Feel Good Bakery
- Spinach & Pea Soup
- Artichokes with a mustard-aioli dip
- Seared Sea Bass with Garlic Sauce (substitute dry sherry for dry vermouth)
- Couscous
- Sauvignon Blanc
Dessert:
- Strawberry-Apple Crisp, which was essentially a maple-wanut apple crisp with a few substitutions: half the fruit was strawberries, half the syrup was blood orange bitters, and pecans instead of walnuts.
Yum!
The soup & the crisp were both particularly delicious. But really everything, including the company, and having friends over in our home, was lovely!
A very seasonal menu:
- Garlic Loaf from Feel Good Bakery
- Spinach & Pea Soup
- Artichokes with a mustard-aioli dip
- Seared Sea Bass with Garlic Sauce (substitute dry sherry for dry vermouth)
- Couscous
- Sauvignon Blanc
Dessert:
- Strawberry-Apple Crisp, which was essentially a maple-wanut apple crisp with a few substitutions: half the fruit was strawberries, half the syrup was blood orange bitters, and pecans instead of walnuts.
Yum!
The soup & the crisp were both particularly delicious. But really everything, including the company, and having friends over in our home, was lovely!
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