Greetings,
After what has been a long and contemplative hiatus, I'm content to report I've decided to resurrect Boullabaisse Brain. My intention is to still keep it food-centric, with reviews on occasional different topics. Instead of assigning anything specific, I'm giving myself the freedom to review anything I feel strongly/specific about. In order to give it some focus, and to avoid a resurrection crash-and-burn, my promise to the overall blog theme is: quality, not quantity.
I started the blog back in 2009, because ever since I can remember I've had a driving need for expression. Since I wasn't afforded any necessarily creative talents, the expression took root verbosely, or via written word. And it is that simple.
I don't make claims on being excellent at anything. That's why I started to give up on Boullabaisse Brain in 2011. With the new year around the corner, time moves faster, and value systems shift. Following your bliss, perseverance, and vitality become more important than perfection or excellence.
Regardless, I continue to hope you enjoy what I have to say, as much as I enjoy writing it!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Fiona Apple: Minneapolis, July 16th 2012.
Fiona Apple returned to Minneapolis at the Orpheum Theater for the first time in 6 years on July 16th, 2012, touring for her new album, The Idler Wheel...I (along with many others, I assume) was very curious and in anticipation of Apple's return, as past reviews have not been exactly in her favor. I have been a big fan ever since the beginning of her career, as most of us have, with my personal favorite album being When The Pawn...I gave The Idler Wheel a few listens, and admittedly found it to be a challenging listen. So I approached the performance with mixed feelings, but wiped the slate clean and opened up to the experience.
The following are my thoughts on certain songs that I especially enjoyed.
She started off strong, with a bright version of Fast As You Can. Spinning around in strobe -style lights to the opening drums, with precise articulation of the complicated lyrical structure the song holds, it did the trick to disarm the audience.
She then delved into On the Bound. Belting out "You're all I need" with a desperation greater than what is conveyed in the album version. The neediness and insecurity of the song was raw and ever present in her performance.
Shadowboxer was up next, and it was a lush lament on lost love and abandonment. Soulful and thick.
Paper Bag was a gem. Whimsical and pessimistic all at once, she emphasized phrases with wormy twists and rigid foot stomping, in her eccentric little Fiona way.
Get Gone was next, and was one of my favorite performances of the night. Headstrong, raw and scornful. The part where she sings "fucking go" gave me the chills, which it never has with the album version.
Sleep to Dream was awesome. With guitarist Blake Mills holding the reigns, the song began with it's natural groove, and expanded. The way Fiona sang the song in her classic way, while also adding her new, grown up self to it made the song shiny, but reflective. Extraordinary Machine was passionate and reflective. The way she sang "I'll make the most of it, I'm an extraordinary machine" was no longer for the sake of being sing-songy and indulgent. She sang it with a self assured tone that made you feel honestly happy for her.
I Know was captivating, mournful, and quietly bittersweet.
Every Single Night is her newest single on rotation here in Minneapolis. While my impression of it at first was difficult, I found it well composed and focused live. "I just wanna feel everything."
Carrion was towards the end of the night, and was incredibly powerful and stunning. It was slightly improvised vocally, primal, and self righteous. Hearing her howl "I've gone away" gave it a crescendo, and Blake broke through every exterior with his awesome guitar.
Criminal was the last song before her encore. I was surprised she chose to play it, and by the end I was pleased she chose to play it (unlike some artists who will never play their big hit live/Thom Yorke\) It was everything your old favorite is not. Comfortable in its own skin, Fiona reclaimed it and made it her own. Because after all, it IS hers, and hers alone....
As you can see, she played many old songs, which I interpret as making up for lost time and greatly appreciate. She played a total of 4 new songs on a 17 song setlist. Regardless of any comments about her appearance, her performance was triumphant. Her voice was often booming, jittery,(love or hate it, it's probably her style now), in tune, and raw in sections. Many times she would stand, wound up tightly and stamping her foot to her words, but eventually she would dance and spiral with fervent unconstraint. Nothing was ever forced, she was mostly confident, passionate, ardent, and reflective. Before her last song (a Conway Twitty song) she announced that it was to be her encore, and we should pretend she went off stage and came back on. A classy end to the night.
Her new songs were well portrayed and focused live. I get a feeling that there is a bit of genius behind these songs, not easily grasped with the naked ear. One could get the sense that our fragile Fiona is going to be (gasp!)....alright.
Setlist: Fast As You Can / On the Bound / Shadowboxer / Paper Bag / Anything We Want / Get Gone / Sleep to Dream / Extraordinary Machine / Werewolf / Tymps / Daredevil / I Know / Every Single Night / Not About Love / Carrion / Criminal / It's Only Make Believe (Conway Twitty cover)
The following are my thoughts on certain songs that I especially enjoyed.
She started off strong, with a bright version of Fast As You Can. Spinning around in strobe -style lights to the opening drums, with precise articulation of the complicated lyrical structure the song holds, it did the trick to disarm the audience.
She then delved into On the Bound. Belting out "You're all I need" with a desperation greater than what is conveyed in the album version. The neediness and insecurity of the song was raw and ever present in her performance.
Shadowboxer was up next, and it was a lush lament on lost love and abandonment. Soulful and thick.
Paper Bag was a gem. Whimsical and pessimistic all at once, she emphasized phrases with wormy twists and rigid foot stomping, in her eccentric little Fiona way.
Get Gone was next, and was one of my favorite performances of the night. Headstrong, raw and scornful. The part where she sings "fucking go" gave me the chills, which it never has with the album version.
Sleep to Dream was awesome. With guitarist Blake Mills holding the reigns, the song began with it's natural groove, and expanded. The way Fiona sang the song in her classic way, while also adding her new, grown up self to it made the song shiny, but reflective. Extraordinary Machine was passionate and reflective. The way she sang "I'll make the most of it, I'm an extraordinary machine" was no longer for the sake of being sing-songy and indulgent. She sang it with a self assured tone that made you feel honestly happy for her.
I Know was captivating, mournful, and quietly bittersweet.
Every Single Night is her newest single on rotation here in Minneapolis. While my impression of it at first was difficult, I found it well composed and focused live. "I just wanna feel everything."
Carrion was towards the end of the night, and was incredibly powerful and stunning. It was slightly improvised vocally, primal, and self righteous. Hearing her howl "I've gone away" gave it a crescendo, and Blake broke through every exterior with his awesome guitar.
Criminal was the last song before her encore. I was surprised she chose to play it, and by the end I was pleased she chose to play it (unlike some artists who will never play their big hit live/Thom Yorke\) It was everything your old favorite is not. Comfortable in its own skin, Fiona reclaimed it and made it her own. Because after all, it IS hers, and hers alone....
As you can see, she played many old songs, which I interpret as making up for lost time and greatly appreciate. She played a total of 4 new songs on a 17 song setlist. Regardless of any comments about her appearance, her performance was triumphant. Her voice was often booming, jittery,(love or hate it, it's probably her style now), in tune, and raw in sections. Many times she would stand, wound up tightly and stamping her foot to her words, but eventually she would dance and spiral with fervent unconstraint. Nothing was ever forced, she was mostly confident, passionate, ardent, and reflective. Before her last song (a Conway Twitty song) she announced that it was to be her encore, and we should pretend she went off stage and came back on. A classy end to the night.
Her new songs were well portrayed and focused live. I get a feeling that there is a bit of genius behind these songs, not easily grasped with the naked ear. One could get the sense that our fragile Fiona is going to be (gasp!)....alright.
Setlist: Fast As You Can / On the Bound / Shadowboxer / Paper Bag / Anything We Want / Get Gone / Sleep to Dream / Extraordinary Machine / Werewolf / Tymps / Daredevil / I Know / Every Single Night / Not About Love / Carrion / Criminal / It's Only Make Believe (Conway Twitty cover)
Sunday, December 4, 2011
I went to Portland, OR.
Greetings! I've been back a month now, and have finally gotten together my report on Portland. Enjoy!
Firstly, my hotel was fine. It isn't in the greatest area, and there are a lot of cheap motels around there. I found The Monticello to be clean and spacious, with little to no extras (no lobby area, just a small office off the rooms. No coffee, breakfast, internet e.t.c.) It is however, clean, spacious, and within 3 blocks of the MAX station, which was beneficial.
My very first Portland thing that I did was hit up Lucky Devil strip club for my friends birthday. As you may know, Portland has A LOT of strip clubs. I had a blast, and saw girls do things I have never ever seen in a strip club before. Nothing nasty, but as my Portland friend says.."There should be a Strip-U for up and coming strippers here." And he ain't kiddin'.
My 2nd day in Portland, I headed downtown to wander, and eventually go to the Chinese Gardens. I stopped in for lunch at the Morning Star Cafe, and ordered a vanilla latte (my first in Portland, and it was gorgeous) and the Felipe sandwich (turkey, cheddar, stone-ground mustard, cilantro, onion and tomato $8.00) which was tasty. It was not at all dry, and the hint of cilantro with the mustard was a lovely assertive pairing. I fueled up for my trek through old Chinatown (which is barren and mostly empty), and for the Chinese Gardens!
The Chinese Gardens were lovely. A small circular area with a combination of outdoor nature, asian architecture, flowers, walkways and indoor spaces with art and setups of old fashioned rooms. They have a tea room which serves food and has a serious selection of teas, and styles of serving it.
Meeting up with a friend of mine later on, we chose 50 Plates. It was on my list as a good happy hour spot, so we went around 10 pm to take advantage. 50 Plates is quite trendy and modern. We sat at the bar, and got our own glass bottle of water, adorned with the 50 Plates logo. Very nice. For the happy hour, I ordered a modified version of the Dark and Stormy (dark rum, ginger beer and lime. $5) and opted for vodka instead. My company opted for the regular Dark and Stormy. Both cocktails were excellent, and served in a solid short glass, with rocks of ice. I was drinking in style. Our bartender was very friendly, humorous and knowledgable. Off the happy hour menu, we ordered Hush Puppies ($2) and the Cheeseboard ($5). The Hush Puppies were soft, savory and very comforting, and the Cheeseboard was refined and share-able. After that, we ordered an Old Guardian Barley Wine (him) and a dirty martini (me.) We left there a whopping $28 lighter. Afterwards, we stopped into the Rogue Distillery and Public House, and then 'round the corner onto the upstairs bar at Touche for some drinking.
The next day, I had crepes on the brain. Chez Machin was on my list, so I headed downtown, and then got a Radio Cab to the SE quadrant. One problem with my list of places is that many of them were in that area, and that ended up being a bit far from my hotel. I found the surrounding area to Chez Machin to be quaint and nice, with a ton of little cafes and such. Inside Chez Machin, I ordered the french onion soup ($4, cup) and the La Percheronne (Black forest ham, brie, avocado, mushrooms & crème fraîche $10.) The french onion soup was excellent, very savory and cheesy! I did not care for the crepe, unfortunately. I found the mushrooms and brie to be overpowering, and the creme fraiche on top added nothing. The crepe itself was a little bland, and not as soft as I thought it could be.
Afterwards, I decided to head back downtown for some happy hour at Clyde Common. I'm the type of person who wants a happy hour that offers something I normally would not be able to afford to drink, and Clyde Common meets that criteria. After a 20 minute search by foot (the only time I got a little turned around in Portland, a miracle for me), I found they were closed, due to what seemed like a wedding party. No one was inside, but there were people outside in wedding attire, having pictures and video taken. I wasn't too crushed, as Clyde's looked very upscale, which isn't my thing anyways.
In need of something close, a drink, and to sit down, I ended up around the corner at Mothers Bistro. I found Mothers to be very organic feeling, earthy and refined. I ordered a Moscow Mule, and then a Vesper (Aviation dry gin, Crater Lake vodka & Lillet Blanc, served up with a twist.) The bartender suggested a drink in between, which I received and did not care for. She happily offered to make something else. Very classy, and friendly.
For my farewell lunch, my friend and I went to Mio Sushi. Mio is a cute little sushi place, which felt very inviting. We ordered a coffee (that comes in your own little french press), the Shumai/Gyoza appetizer ($4.50), a spicy salmon and unagi nigiri (2 for each of us), and a Super Eel roll (Crab, cucumber, avocado inside, eel, sesame seeds, unagi sauce outside -$8.95). I was overall not impressed, and thought the sushi tasted too fishy. The shumai and gyoza were fried, which caught me off guard, and were a little bland without the dipping sauce.
After we ate, we stopped at a place for some coffee that I cannot remember the name of! It's a little coffee place across/down the road from Miho Izakaya on Interstate. I bought some Be Bop biscotti to take home, and my friend and I sipped and reminisced.
I didn't get to do even a fraction of the things i wanted to. Unfortunately, many of the restaurant in my list were in the SE area, which was a bit far from my hotel, requiring cabs, or many MAX and bus transfers. My biggest misses were Le Montage Bistro, Gold Dust Meridian, Pok Pok, The Art Museum, Ground Kontrol (an old school arcade!!), Tasty N Sons (which I was going to go to, but they were closed due to a shooting of Good Eats...), and I never did get to eat any Mac and Cheese! I did get to spend a few hours strolling through the entire Saturday Market, which was a highlight of my trip! I loved the festive and funky environment. I walked past a street performer who was singing my very favorite Sublime song. I bought a few little things, and got to see the food truck scene booming in front of me. I didn't get to eat any food truck fare, but the variety and choices are dizzying! Reindeer sausage! Porketta! Pho!
I did walk past Powells and Voodoo Doughnut. Voodoo Doughnut seems to be just..a bakery. Which would mean more to me if my sweet tooth were a little stronger, I suppose! I would have gone into Powells, but it's HUGE and I really had to pee (almost impossible when wandering downtown. Thank you Noodles and Co, for letting the public use your bathrooms.) I walked by Pause and Saucebox, but never got to go in.
Overall, Portland exceeded even my highest expectations for it. I felt comfortable, happy, and was able to get around with little to no problems, which surprised me because I am very directionally challenged! I liked the weather (remember where I am from), the funkiness, the cleanliness (first dual flush toilet I've ever seen!), and of course the plethora of places to eat and drink! Most of all, I really liked the people. The people were friendly, genuine, and open. And no one was bothered about the fact that I was just visiting. I intend to make this a yearly (at most) vacation spot, and will consider the possibility of moving there someday.
I still miss Portland, even a month later.
50 Plates cheeseboard
Chez MacHin
Chez MacHin crepe
Benson Bubblers, downtown! <3
Scholars Study
Signs with funny sayings on them everywhere.
My best Portland girl, Elise.
Me on the MAX, with messy hair.
Mio Sushi Shumai/Gyoza appetizer
Mio Super Eel roll, and nigiri.
Morning Star Cafe. <3
My Nebs, at 50 Plates.
Saturdaaaay Market!
I bought the red pair, 3rd row, on the left.
I am a sucker for ceramic glaze-y mugs and pots. :-(
Firstly, my hotel was fine. It isn't in the greatest area, and there are a lot of cheap motels around there. I found The Monticello to be clean and spacious, with little to no extras (no lobby area, just a small office off the rooms. No coffee, breakfast, internet e.t.c.) It is however, clean, spacious, and within 3 blocks of the MAX station, which was beneficial.
My very first Portland thing that I did was hit up Lucky Devil strip club for my friends birthday. As you may know, Portland has A LOT of strip clubs. I had a blast, and saw girls do things I have never ever seen in a strip club before. Nothing nasty, but as my Portland friend says.."There should be a Strip-U for up and coming strippers here." And he ain't kiddin'.
My 2nd day in Portland, I headed downtown to wander, and eventually go to the Chinese Gardens. I stopped in for lunch at the Morning Star Cafe, and ordered a vanilla latte (my first in Portland, and it was gorgeous) and the Felipe sandwich (turkey, cheddar, stone-ground mustard, cilantro, onion and tomato $8.00) which was tasty. It was not at all dry, and the hint of cilantro with the mustard was a lovely assertive pairing. I fueled up for my trek through old Chinatown (which is barren and mostly empty), and for the Chinese Gardens!
The Chinese Gardens were lovely. A small circular area with a combination of outdoor nature, asian architecture, flowers, walkways and indoor spaces with art and setups of old fashioned rooms. They have a tea room which serves food and has a serious selection of teas, and styles of serving it.
Meeting up with a friend of mine later on, we chose 50 Plates. It was on my list as a good happy hour spot, so we went around 10 pm to take advantage. 50 Plates is quite trendy and modern. We sat at the bar, and got our own glass bottle of water, adorned with the 50 Plates logo. Very nice. For the happy hour, I ordered a modified version of the Dark and Stormy (dark rum, ginger beer and lime. $5) and opted for vodka instead. My company opted for the regular Dark and Stormy. Both cocktails were excellent, and served in a solid short glass, with rocks of ice. I was drinking in style. Our bartender was very friendly, humorous and knowledgable. Off the happy hour menu, we ordered Hush Puppies ($2) and the Cheeseboard ($5). The Hush Puppies were soft, savory and very comforting, and the Cheeseboard was refined and share-able. After that, we ordered an Old Guardian Barley Wine (him) and a dirty martini (me.) We left there a whopping $28 lighter. Afterwards, we stopped into the Rogue Distillery and Public House, and then 'round the corner onto the upstairs bar at Touche for some drinking.
The next day, I had crepes on the brain. Chez Machin was on my list, so I headed downtown, and then got a Radio Cab to the SE quadrant. One problem with my list of places is that many of them were in that area, and that ended up being a bit far from my hotel. I found the surrounding area to Chez Machin to be quaint and nice, with a ton of little cafes and such. Inside Chez Machin, I ordered the french onion soup ($4, cup) and the La Percheronne (Black forest ham, brie, avocado, mushrooms & crème fraîche $10.) The french onion soup was excellent, very savory and cheesy! I did not care for the crepe, unfortunately. I found the mushrooms and brie to be overpowering, and the creme fraiche on top added nothing. The crepe itself was a little bland, and not as soft as I thought it could be.
Afterwards, I decided to head back downtown for some happy hour at Clyde Common. I'm the type of person who wants a happy hour that offers something I normally would not be able to afford to drink, and Clyde Common meets that criteria. After a 20 minute search by foot (the only time I got a little turned around in Portland, a miracle for me), I found they were closed, due to what seemed like a wedding party. No one was inside, but there were people outside in wedding attire, having pictures and video taken. I wasn't too crushed, as Clyde's looked very upscale, which isn't my thing anyways.
In need of something close, a drink, and to sit down, I ended up around the corner at Mothers Bistro. I found Mothers to be very organic feeling, earthy and refined. I ordered a Moscow Mule, and then a Vesper (Aviation dry gin, Crater Lake vodka & Lillet Blanc, served up with a twist.) The bartender suggested a drink in between, which I received and did not care for. She happily offered to make something else. Very classy, and friendly.
For my farewell lunch, my friend and I went to Mio Sushi. Mio is a cute little sushi place, which felt very inviting. We ordered a coffee (that comes in your own little french press), the Shumai/Gyoza appetizer ($4.50), a spicy salmon and unagi nigiri (2 for each of us), and a Super Eel roll (Crab, cucumber, avocado inside, eel, sesame seeds, unagi sauce outside -$8.95). I was overall not impressed, and thought the sushi tasted too fishy. The shumai and gyoza were fried, which caught me off guard, and were a little bland without the dipping sauce.
After we ate, we stopped at a place for some coffee that I cannot remember the name of! It's a little coffee place across/down the road from Miho Izakaya on Interstate. I bought some Be Bop biscotti to take home, and my friend and I sipped and reminisced.
I didn't get to do even a fraction of the things i wanted to. Unfortunately, many of the restaurant in my list were in the SE area, which was a bit far from my hotel, requiring cabs, or many MAX and bus transfers. My biggest misses were Le Montage Bistro, Gold Dust Meridian, Pok Pok, The Art Museum, Ground Kontrol (an old school arcade!!), Tasty N Sons (which I was going to go to, but they were closed due to a shooting of Good Eats...), and I never did get to eat any Mac and Cheese! I did get to spend a few hours strolling through the entire Saturday Market, which was a highlight of my trip! I loved the festive and funky environment. I walked past a street performer who was singing my very favorite Sublime song. I bought a few little things, and got to see the food truck scene booming in front of me. I didn't get to eat any food truck fare, but the variety and choices are dizzying! Reindeer sausage! Porketta! Pho!
I did walk past Powells and Voodoo Doughnut. Voodoo Doughnut seems to be just..a bakery. Which would mean more to me if my sweet tooth were a little stronger, I suppose! I would have gone into Powells, but it's HUGE and I really had to pee (almost impossible when wandering downtown. Thank you Noodles and Co, for letting the public use your bathrooms.) I walked by Pause and Saucebox, but never got to go in.
Overall, Portland exceeded even my highest expectations for it. I felt comfortable, happy, and was able to get around with little to no problems, which surprised me because I am very directionally challenged! I liked the weather (remember where I am from), the funkiness, the cleanliness (first dual flush toilet I've ever seen!), and of course the plethora of places to eat and drink! Most of all, I really liked the people. The people were friendly, genuine, and open. And no one was bothered about the fact that I was just visiting. I intend to make this a yearly (at most) vacation spot, and will consider the possibility of moving there someday.
I still miss Portland, even a month later.
50 Plates cheeseboard
Chez MacHin
Chinese Garden Tea Room
Chinese Gardens
 |
| Gummi Bear Soap! |
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Something cool for you Patrick Bateman fans...
Patrick Bateman’s New York: What Happened To The World of American Psycho.
http://www.scoutingny.com/?p=4259Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Coming soon...restauranteers.com!
Pretty soon, my blog will be one featured at http://www.restauranteers.com/ !! For now, it is local to the Washington area, but they are expanding, and approached me about showcasing my blog on their site! Be sure to check back for links to my actual page, and updates on the new expanded site!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Crescent Moon Bakery's Football Pizza - Northeast Minneapolis
There are few things more adored by Americans than ordering a pizza. It's one of those activities that doesn't judge. You could be alone. You could be with your spouse and 8 kids. You can be with friends. You can be experiencing your first slumber party. For me; pizza, movies and pop (YES, pop) fall in that PB & J category. But sometimes, you have to shake it up a bit. Even if it means carryout. And so one night, I got a little crazy and went for a Crescent Moon pizza.
Crescent Moon is a Middle Eastern restaurant located on the Central Ave strip in NE Mpls. Along with official bragging rights that is was one of the first (because now they're everywhere), it also offers.....pizza. Want a gyro? Perhaps a heaping plate of chicken kourma? Crescent Moon has it for you. Oh, you wanted pizza as well? CHA CHING. Normally, mixed-cuisine restaurants scare me (imagine GYRO-PIZZA-FRIES in flashing neon signs) but Crescent Moon ain't like those suckas.
Advertised as Afghani pizza (or the "football pizza), it really is not as foreign as it sounds. They do offer gyro meat, eggplant, or afghani beef as toppings, but that's about it. The rest is pretty standard. We decided on a large Spinach Lovers (spinach, onions, tomato and garlic) with pepperoni (about $16.)
The picture doesn't do it any justice, as this is BY FAR the best pizza I have ever eaten. The crust is like a thick, more sturdy pita. I don't know what kind of cheese they use, but it is abundant and gooey without being overpowering. The sauce is tangy and a little kicky, and the pepperoni is the best I have ever had on a pizza. It is crispy, smokey and spicy. You must love garlic if you are to love this pizza, and it is served with their signature green chutney as a dipping element. It sounds strange, but that sauce is the best part of Crescent Moon. It is bright, spicy, and acidic. You can ask for them to put it directly onto your pizza, which I fully intend on doing next time I order from them.
While not bizarre, I do like to think of this pizza as being a little exotic. The tangy, bright flavors are a step up from the salty/cheesy/saucy that we're used to.The green sauce is a vibrant compliment to anything you order at Crescent Moon.
If you have never had a football pizza, and live in/around the NE area - YOU GO NOW!
http://www.crescentmoonfoods.net/RESTAURANT.html
Crescent Moon is a Middle Eastern restaurant located on the Central Ave strip in NE Mpls. Along with official bragging rights that is was one of the first (because now they're everywhere), it also offers.....pizza. Want a gyro? Perhaps a heaping plate of chicken kourma? Crescent Moon has it for you. Oh, you wanted pizza as well? CHA CHING. Normally, mixed-cuisine restaurants scare me (imagine GYRO-PIZZA-FRIES in flashing neon signs) but Crescent Moon ain't like those suckas.
Advertised as Afghani pizza (or the "football pizza), it really is not as foreign as it sounds. They do offer gyro meat, eggplant, or afghani beef as toppings, but that's about it. The rest is pretty standard. We decided on a large Spinach Lovers (spinach, onions, tomato and garlic) with pepperoni (about $16.)
The picture doesn't do it any justice, as this is BY FAR the best pizza I have ever eaten. The crust is like a thick, more sturdy pita. I don't know what kind of cheese they use, but it is abundant and gooey without being overpowering. The sauce is tangy and a little kicky, and the pepperoni is the best I have ever had on a pizza. It is crispy, smokey and spicy. You must love garlic if you are to love this pizza, and it is served with their signature green chutney as a dipping element. It sounds strange, but that sauce is the best part of Crescent Moon. It is bright, spicy, and acidic. You can ask for them to put it directly onto your pizza, which I fully intend on doing next time I order from them.
While not bizarre, I do like to think of this pizza as being a little exotic. The tangy, bright flavors are a step up from the salty/cheesy/saucy that we're used to.The green sauce is a vibrant compliment to anything you order at Crescent Moon.
If you have never had a football pizza, and live in/around the NE area - YOU GO NOW!
http://www.crescentmoonfoods.net/RESTAURANT.html
Brasa - Northeast Minneapolis
Having been a resident of NE Minneapolis for about twice as long as Brasa has been open, Mr. C and I figured it was about time we paid Brasa a visit.. I mean...the place has already been visited by every critic in the city, along with some Food Network celebs. So keeping true to my late bloomer pattern, off we went on an early weekday evening.
Brasa is a smallish cafe-style restaurant located on East Hennepin. Entering the restaurant, I felt a bit claustrophobic. The seating is a bit cramped, and the overall space is modest. We chose a window spot a little off the beaten path, and were seated immediately.
Brasa's theme is simple. Southern style cuisine, with the focus being on roasted meats - rotisserie chicken, slow roasted pork, e.t.c. They offer sides mostly foreign to the Midwest. Rice and beans, pigeon peas, yuca, cornbread, greens and yams being among them. I would recommend this to any vacationing Southerner, and would be eager to hear the assessment of these Southern staples. Being the sandwich girl I am - I settled on the Slow Roasted Pork sandwich (ginger mayo, cilantro, and pickled vegetables - $9) because I appreciated the Southern bahn mi integration. Mr. C chose the special, which was the beef brisket. Also ordered were chips and guacamole (small - $2.95), and my curiosity couldn't be denied for a spicy masa corn cake with cheese.
As we waited, an older man and woman sat down at the table next to us, about 4 feet away. What slowly unfolded made us a little uncomfortable. When I dine out, I'm not faint hearted. Albeit the Midwest, it is the city after all. But when a grown man 4 feet away from you starts to display increasingly aggressive behavior in regards to his coffee not being hot enough (literally. He wasn't just being some spoiled d-bag. This guy had some sort of mental illness going on, where he obviously found it difficult to control his anger), your dining experience becomes a little uncomfortable. His companion kept trying to soothe and reassure him that everything was going to be ok. When the waitress came to ask if there was a problem, he loudly told her that the coffee was lukewarm and he wanted another pot made right away. He was visibly agitated. He knocked a fork on the floor once. Mr. C and I just sat quietly...
Until our chips came:
With chips that are warm, and guac that is creamy but punchy with salt, garlic and onion, all was well again.
Spicy Masa Corn Cake
While I didn't detect any hint of spice, this corn cake was satisfying. It was a little cheesy, and the corn flavor came through with a good touch of char. It's the size of a small pancake, and can't be beat at only $1.95.
Slow Roasted Pork Sandwich
The sandwich came, and I was admittedly skeptical about the plain jane in front of me. But after the first bite, I was a goner. Not only was the architecture spot on, the flavors and textures were extremely gratifying. In one bite, you get soft chewy bread along with tender clusters of shredded pork. In another, you get a pop of cilantro, along with the same savory pork, and then brightness and sweet pickle of the vegetables. For a place that focuses on comfort meats, this sandwich was refreshing. Not too heavy, but not too light, it hit almost all my sandwich benchmarks. This is the plain jane you take home to mom.
Special - Brisket and Slaw
A brisket savant, I am not. As a former Texan (is this even possible??), Mr. C knows brisket, and unfortunately this disappointed on many levels. Mr. C reported it was gristly and tough. Even the few bites I had seemed bland and dry. Mr. C even said..."When will I learn not to order brisket in Minnesota?"
I would definitely recommend Brasa to anyone who favors meat and southern style comfort foods, and also does not mind a somewhat claustrophobic setting when dining. I personally would not revisit for a dinner, but I can see a lovely obscure lunch in my future.
http://www.brasa.us/menus_eat.aspx
Brasa is a smallish cafe-style restaurant located on East Hennepin. Entering the restaurant, I felt a bit claustrophobic. The seating is a bit cramped, and the overall space is modest. We chose a window spot a little off the beaten path, and were seated immediately.
Brasa's theme is simple. Southern style cuisine, with the focus being on roasted meats - rotisserie chicken, slow roasted pork, e.t.c. They offer sides mostly foreign to the Midwest. Rice and beans, pigeon peas, yuca, cornbread, greens and yams being among them. I would recommend this to any vacationing Southerner, and would be eager to hear the assessment of these Southern staples. Being the sandwich girl I am - I settled on the Slow Roasted Pork sandwich (ginger mayo, cilantro, and pickled vegetables - $9) because I appreciated the Southern bahn mi integration. Mr. C chose the special, which was the beef brisket. Also ordered were chips and guacamole (small - $2.95), and my curiosity couldn't be denied for a spicy masa corn cake with cheese.
As we waited, an older man and woman sat down at the table next to us, about 4 feet away. What slowly unfolded made us a little uncomfortable. When I dine out, I'm not faint hearted. Albeit the Midwest, it is the city after all. But when a grown man 4 feet away from you starts to display increasingly aggressive behavior in regards to his coffee not being hot enough (literally. He wasn't just being some spoiled d-bag. This guy had some sort of mental illness going on, where he obviously found it difficult to control his anger), your dining experience becomes a little uncomfortable. His companion kept trying to soothe and reassure him that everything was going to be ok. When the waitress came to ask if there was a problem, he loudly told her that the coffee was lukewarm and he wanted another pot made right away. He was visibly agitated. He knocked a fork on the floor once. Mr. C and I just sat quietly...
Until our chips came:
With chips that are warm, and guac that is creamy but punchy with salt, garlic and onion, all was well again.
Spicy Masa Corn Cake
While I didn't detect any hint of spice, this corn cake was satisfying. It was a little cheesy, and the corn flavor came through with a good touch of char. It's the size of a small pancake, and can't be beat at only $1.95.
Slow Roasted Pork Sandwich
The sandwich came, and I was admittedly skeptical about the plain jane in front of me. But after the first bite, I was a goner. Not only was the architecture spot on, the flavors and textures were extremely gratifying. In one bite, you get soft chewy bread along with tender clusters of shredded pork. In another, you get a pop of cilantro, along with the same savory pork, and then brightness and sweet pickle of the vegetables. For a place that focuses on comfort meats, this sandwich was refreshing. Not too heavy, but not too light, it hit almost all my sandwich benchmarks. This is the plain jane you take home to mom.
Special - Brisket and Slaw
A brisket savant, I am not. As a former Texan (is this even possible??), Mr. C knows brisket, and unfortunately this disappointed on many levels. Mr. C reported it was gristly and tough. Even the few bites I had seemed bland and dry. Mr. C even said..."When will I learn not to order brisket in Minnesota?"
I would definitely recommend Brasa to anyone who favors meat and southern style comfort foods, and also does not mind a somewhat claustrophobic setting when dining. I personally would not revisit for a dinner, but I can see a lovely obscure lunch in my future.
http://www.brasa.us/menus_eat.aspx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)