Lunch for two under $50: Everything Chicken at Nando’s March 29, 2009

Located in NE (3333-32nd Ave NE, which means you’ll have to drive over there), Nando’s is a chicken flame-grill place where you can have a simple good lunch for two for around $35. Nicely decorated (the place boasts the artwork of a local artist, Elena Xu), Nando’s is one of those strange crosses between a fast-food and a chain restaurant. You’ll have to order the food at the counter: mostly flame-grilled chicken, with a choice of spicy-ness. The waiter brings the order at your table. A main dish of two grilled chicken legs (double leg) with french fries and coleslaw is about $15 (a bit cheaper if you only go for only one sides). Nothing fancy, but a nice place and very yummy food.

Eating out: Dinner at Parker House March 24, 2009

Parker House Grill and Wine is located downtown, in the Lougheed building (131 6 Ave SW, Calgary). It has opened quite recently (2008) and boasts a seafood specific. In terms of design, the restaurant is really nice and there was a jazz live band playing in the evening. Elegant yet simple, the place would be popular in any major metropolis.

However, I wasn’t impressed by the food at all. First of all, the idea of a seafood restaurant in a land-locked province wasn’t that appealing. Although we were told most of the fish and seafood comes frozen from BC, this failed to convince us. The restaurant also offers three types of Alberta beef steaks – ranging from the ‘common’ meat to the ‘organic’ one (and of course, the most expensive, up to around $40).

I went for a lamb dish with saffron rice and asparagus (braised lamb shack, $25). Although not bad, the lamb was not impressive either – too dry, without any special spice or flavour to entice your palate. My companion opted for a ham dish, which was not very impressive either (sugar baked ham, $20). Generally speaking, the prices for main dishes (dinner)  range between $20 to $40.  With a glass of wine, dinner for two may go up to $70 or more (depending on the wine). Although I loved the looks of the place, I wouldn’t recommend it for the food.

Marinated Cross Rib Steak March 23, 2009

A cross rib (beef shoulder) steak is a good choice of a week’s lunches. In my experience, beef can be quite problematic, especially when roasted in the oven, because it tends to get dry and hard to chew on. This recipe ensures that the beef stays tender and moist, and it’s very easy to follow. You’ll need: a cross rib steak, 1/2 cup cooking wine, 1/2 cup oil, 1 tbsp. thyme, 2-3 garlic cloves, salt and pepper.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the marinade: mix cooking wine, oil, thyme, salt and pepper, and 1 garlic clove. Put it in the fridge for 20 minutes.
2. Prepare the meat: wash it with cold water, then make small incisions and stick the garlic cloves (peeled and cut in 2, lengthwise) in them.
3. Pour the marinade over the meat and let stand in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
4. Put in the oven (400F), covered with aluminum foil for 45 minutes. Remove foil and reduce heat to 350F, allowing the steak to roast for some 30 minutes more,  constantly brushing it with the marinade. Turn once or twice.

Orange Jam and Walnuts Cake March 13, 2009

It will only take you some 10-15 minutes to prepare this cake, then leave it in the oven for about an hour. It combines the sweet-bitter flavor of orange peel jam and the distinct taste of walnuts – try it with tea or milk! You’ll need: 2 eggs, 2 tbsp orange peel jam, 6-7 tbsp sugar, 12 tbsp flour, 100 ml milk, 100 ml oil, baking soda and walnuts. Optional: raisins, rum.

Instructions

1. Mix eggs with sugar.
2. Gradually add milk and oil. Add baking soda (1 tsp dissolved in a bit of lemon juice).
3. Incorporate flour. If you’re using a bit of rum, incorporate now, as well as the raisins. You can soak the raisins into rum for a few minutes then toss in the batter.
4. Pour into pan.
5. Sprinkle with walnuts and the orange peel jam. To release the flavor of walnuts, you can roast them beforehand in a frying pan for some 5 minutes on the stove. If the batter is quite thick, the walnuts and the orange jam won’t sink in.
6. Put in the oven (350F) for one hour (or until golden).

Saffron Ricotta Pockets March 10, 2009

Red Saffron Threads

I have long wanted to try cooking with saffron, so when I saw the Greek saffron available at Maria market (for a pricey $8.50…), I just had to try it. After learning a bit about cooking with saffron (see link under Useful Cooking Tips), I’ve settled on saffron ricotta pockets as my first attempt. The dessert turned out simply delicious, with a special perfume and smell that I cannot truly describe. Here’s what you’ll need: 1/2 tsp saffron threads (or 1/4 saffron powder), 1 pack of phyllo pastry, 250 gr. ricotta cheese, 6 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp of white flour (optional, depending on how watery your cheese is), 2 tbsp of sour cream and some melted butter for the pastry.

Instructions

1. In a small cup, mix together the saffron threads/ poweder with 1 tbsp lemon juice. Let stand for 20 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, mix cheese, sugar, flour and sour cream. After the saffron has soaked in the lemon juice for 20 minutes, incorporate into the cheese mixture.
3. Take 3 phyllo sheets, and cut them into three parts. Repeat with 3 other sheets (you’ll have 6 pockets in the end).
4. Melt the butter, then gently brush each phyllo sheet. Put 3 sheets together, then drop 2 tbsp of the cheese mixture. Fold, brush with more butter and place on baking sheet, folding down. Repeat for all 6 pockets.
5. Heat oven at 400F and bake the pockets until golden. Decrease heat to 350, sprinkle some sugar and leave for 2-3 minutes in the oven. Serve hot.

Lunch for two under $50: Saigon Pearl March 9, 2009

A few days ago, I went out for lunch with a friend to Saigon Pearl. The little Vietnamese restaurant is located in Harvest Hills (9650 Harvest Hills Boulevard NE, Calgary, AB T3K0B), next to the T&T store. You’ll need to drive over there, as it’s quite inaccessible otherwise. But the place is nice and cozy, we liked the food and our waitress was nice and helpful.

The menu is varied, and you can choose appetizers like spring rolls and soups, or main courses, primarily with chicken, pork and seafood. My friend went for a noodle salad with chicken and vegetables. I chose a marinated pork and quail rice dish. I loved the pork as it was tender and very very tasty – but I had reservations about the quail. Each dish was around $9-10. We also treated ourselves with a dessert – fried bananas with ice cream and chocolate syrup… delicious!

The bill came at $26 (without gst and tip).