Not surprisingly the historic Black Horse Tavern on State Street in Newtown closed—it was about time! Mishaps occurred on our last two visits—one incident involved spilling an entire glass of red wine on Russ. Red flag number one. But accidents happen, right?

Red flag number two occurred on our follow up visit as we sat starving and waited over an hour for our dinner to arrive. To everyone’s shocked dismay, the chef came out of the kitchen and started break dancing in the dining room, kid you not! To appease the disgruntled diners, they plied us with several glasses of free wine. (I think the chef plied himself with several free glasses too.) Neither scenario left us wanting to return for more. And online comments from other patrons left similar scathing reviews.

Luckily, in late August of this year, it opened under new ownership as the Thyme Bar & Grill, and we were game to try it out. Their menu includes lunch and pub fare with crab towers, ahi tuna, lobster roll, duck quesadillas, as well as burgers, truffle fries and wings; while dinner options range from jambalaya, sea scallops and rack of lamb, to king crab cakes and pork chops.

We were seated at a two-top next to a wall in the crowded upstairs dining room. It had been redecorated in soft gray tones with gauze fabric and tiny lights undulating through the rafters. The old stone fireplace prevailed and remains a focal point along with a large gilded mirror on the back wall.

The waitstaff was very attentive, although you could tell they were still smoothing out the kinks toward becoming a well-oiled machine. Our chosen bottle of red wine was not in stock, but we were given an upgrade to a pricier selection—a nice touch indeed.

For starters we enjoyed one of three choices of Flat Breads. Ours came topped with Boursin cheese, baby arugula, garbanzo beans and Kalamata olives. I must admit, I was a bit concerned about chickpeas on my flatbread, but it was very good; and the arugula added a nice peppery bite. Our one criticism would be the bread itself was slightly thicker than we prefer.

Luckily, there was no lapse in service under the new ownership. Our entrées arrived shortly after consuming our appetizer. Russ loved his perfectly cooked to medium-rare Twin Filets topped with sautéed greens and crispy herbed potato croquettes, resting on a bed of their silky house steak sauce.

I was in a seafood mood and finally settled on their Seared Sea Scallops that came plated floating on a puddle of creamed sweet corn, tomato jam and braised greens. While it may not seem like a whole lot, I was pretty full from the flatbread and took half of my meal home—which made for a perfect reheated lunch a few days later.

This “Thyme” the dinner was a winner!

The history of fajitas is short, flavor is not. Most folks aren’t hell-bent on pondering the origin of the foods they like, but I occasionally like to go back and figure out how they came into being. The word “fajita,” as a reference to a particular food, didn’t even appear in print until 1975, about the time I became obsessed with Mexican cuisine. Yet, within a decade, it had become the hottest food craze in the country.

BTW, the word derives from the Spanish “faja,” for “girdle” or “strip”—thus the less desirable cut of meat. Technically, only beef has a fajita, but over the years, the term has been corrupted to mean any kind of meat or seafood wrapped in a tortilla. Its popularity lies in the fact that it’s a delectable combination of flavors and textures, and can be assembled with such ease.

Yes, you can buy the prepackaged stuff, but if you make homemade seasoning, not only does it taste really good, it’s cheaper than buying pack after pack of store-bought, lasts for ages and is full of only what you put in there—herbs and spices!

It’s really impressive if you have a fajita skillet that you can bring to the table sizzling hot. Although we pretty much have every other cooking vehicle, that is one we lack. But don’t fret, it’s just as easy to make them in a cast-iron skillet—and the fajitas taste just as amazing; and they are in actual fact, very healthy.

The most important thing when making fajitas is the marinade. This not only makes the ingredients incredibly tender, but also full of flavor. If you are feeling really adventurous, go ahead and make a side of Bobby Flay’s Avocado Crema. It adds a cool soothing note to the spicy fajita marinade. Recipe follows at the end.

We happened to have some already grill-charred long hot green peppers. I slit them in half, removed the seeds and stems, chopped them up and added them to the skillet at the end—they provided a nice little kick. If your meat seems a little too rare when you slice it, don’t worry, it will cook a bit more in the last stages when you add it back to the skillet with the peppers and onions.

Juicy grilled pork chops make a perfect, quick meal and dry rubs are a terrific way to season them. Be sure to select chops of close to an inch in thickness—nothing flimsy—then grill them over steady, medium heat.

Opt for rib chops over the center-cut variety when cooking outdoors because their greater fat content helps keep them moist, and bone-in chops are preferred for their juiciness. You could add a barbecue sauce on the side, but we relish their crispy surface unvarnished.

I must confess, the pork chops I purchased were over 2″ thick!! My choice at the supermarket was either boneless chops—which I wasn’t looking for in this case—or very thin bone-in chops, which I knew would dry out. Obviously, cooking times need to be lengthened to accommodate the extra thick meat, but the directions below cater to a 1″ thickness.

In order to get the desired cross marks and a perfect doneness, sear over direct heat on both sides, then move the chops to the indirect heat side of the grill until they reach 135°. Carryover cooking will cause the temperature to continue rising after being removed from the heat source, so knowing when to pull the pork chops off the grill is critical. Pull from the grill and allow to rest on a cutting board, tented with foil, for about 5-10 minutes. Spot check the internal temperature after about 5 minutes to be sure you’re at, or almost at the target temp of 145°F.

Alas, the best laid plans… due to an emergency, I had to freeze the already seasoned chops until two weeks later. And it was raining the evening we actually had them for dinner, so I used another sure-fire method to cook the chops. Just sear both sides on high heat in a carbon steel or cast iron skillet. Then put the skillet directly into a 400° oven until they reach 135°. Tent with foil for five minutes to let the juices redistribute, and voila, juicy pork chops!

As I mentioned, our two-chops-in-one were over 2″ thick, so they took nearly 20 minutes in the oven to come to temp. But they came out with a perfect light pink interior and crispy exterior. Our sides of crispy/creamy baby roasted potatoes and savory, tender kale completed the meal. Not surprisingly, we had a lot of leftover pork which, when sliced down, came in handy for lunches and munchies…

Recipe adapted from Cheryl and Bill Jamison, found on Epicuious

Corn season is on the wane here in the Northeast, but while you still can, make sure to try the following creamy and tangy recipe. This Mexican Corn Salad from Cook’s Illustrated features charred kernels whose nutty, slightly bitter flavor complements corn’s natural sweetness. It was a perfect companion to our main entrée of Grilled Cedar-Planked Salmon with Lemon Thyme Rub.

The corn is dressed with a mixture of sour cream, a touch of mayonnaise and some lime juice. Chopped cilantro and spicy serrano chiles add bright colors and fresh flavors. A half dozen ears of corn yields enough for 6 to 8 guests, but if you have any leftover, it’s still very good when reheated slightly.

Cotija is a Hispanic-style cheese named after the town of Cotija in the Mexican state of Michoacán. This hard, crumbly Mexican cheese is made mainly from cow’s milk, and is white, fresh and salty thus bearing an immense resemblance to feta cheese, which would make a suitable substitution. However, with aging it becomes hard and crumbly like Parmigiano-Reggiano.

We served our corn salad at an outdoor BBQ along with Cedar-Planked Salmon with Lemon Thyme Rub.

Has to be one of the top three BEST steaks I’ve EVER eaten! And to think I was a bit concerned when I saw it was basted with fish sauce. But then I started thinking fish sauce is umami, which pairs beautifully with steak. (Curiously, the Italian word bistecca is actually borrowed from the English “beef steak.”)

When it comes to the meat, it’s best to order a 1-1/2- to 2-inch-thick porterhouse that weighs in at 2 1/2 to 3 pounds a piece (figure about 3/4 lbs. per person). But the thickest I could get my hands on was 1 1/2″ thick and weighed in at 1.6 pounds. With that knowledge, I chopped off a few minutes in the grilling process to make sure it wasn’t overcooked. Ended up being the perfect amount for the two of us.

Porterhouse is the best cut (and usually the most pricey); failing that a T-Bone, and failing that, a strip steak. Absolute purists say that the T-bone should have filet on one side, and sirloin on the other. One piece of meat is expected to be shared between two and four diners—depending on how much it weighs. You’d be wise to contact your local butcher and ask to have the meat cut and weighed to your exact specifications ahead of time.

The meat should sit out of the refrigerator for at least an hour before starting. Okay, that being said, here’s another takeaway on resting steak at room temperature: Don’t bother. Rather, dry them very thoroughly on paper towels before searing. Or better yet, salt them and let them rest uncovered on a rack in the fridge for a night or two, so that their surface moisture can evaporate. You’ll get much more efficient browning that way.

I’ve also read when cooking thick steaks, start them on the cooler side of the grill and cook with the lid on until they reach about ten degrees below final serving temperature. Finish them off on the hot side of the grill for a great crust. Just the opposite of what this recipe calls for. I’ll leave you to have those arguments with yourself… I followed the recipe as listed below, and our steak was heavenly!

The 20 minute resting time is an excruciating waiting period because it smells absolutely divine; so let’s face it, we had to “taste-test” by dipping our pinky into the juices. This caused an automatic reaction of grumbling stomachs and salivating tastebuds. When it’s finally time to cut the meat off the bone, you are practically ravenous. But gather yourself together enough to slice those slabs against the grain and divvy up amongst the dinner plates. It’s probably a wise idea to have some crusty bread on hand for mopping up any stray juices, it’s just that good!

Along with some grilled long hot green peppers, I made an herby side salad of sweet multi-color cherry tomatoes freshly picked from the garden, and seasoned with oregano, minced shallot, olive oil, red wine vinegar and salt and pepper.

There’s only one 100% reliable way that I know of to guarantee that your meat will be perfectly cooked every single time, and that’s by using an accurate instant-read thermometer like the Thermapen by Thermoworks.

They can be a little pricey, but you will quickly make that money back by never overcooking another piece of expensive meat again, no matter how big it is, how fatty it is, or how many beverages you might have indulged in beforehand. In true Tuscan fashion, the steak should be eaten rare, but these directions are for medium-rare (125°)—just don’t go any more well done than that. Be prepared to oooh and aaah throughout the meal…

Bistecca recipe by Ignacio Mattos found on Epicurious.com

Autumn was right around the corner, and it was a beautiful and warm evening when we hosted an end-of-summer, al fresco BBQ. The party started with some appetizers on the patio, namely the simple-yet-elegant Gambas al Ajillo in a cazuela, compliments of Russ. The other two appetizers arrived via Rosanne. The Pea Pesto Crostini (recipe courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis) not only was gorgeous to look at, but tasted great! And her yummy little skewers were a mix of spicy sausage, and sweet for those with a more delicate palette.

A sliced baguette is a must with this sizzling garlic shrimp dish to mop up all of the luscious EVOO.

One of the guests was originally going to bring dessert, but the couple had to back out so Russ did a little online investigating and found this Lemon Posset with Berries on the Cook’s Illustrated website (recipe follows). The description of a silky, rich British dessert with bright citrus flavor caught his attention. The fact that there were only four ingredients made it that much more appealing.

Wendy and Rosanne keep me company in the kitchen as I prepare the Mexican corn dish.

According to Wikipedia: A posset (also historically spelled poshote, poshotte) was originally a popular British hot drink made of milk curdled with wine or ale, often spiced, which was often used as a remedy. In the 16th century the drink evolved into a cream, sugar and citrus-based confection, which is still consumed today as a cold set dessert—somewhat like a cross between custard and pudding.

Add a small shortbread cookie on the side for some crunch factor.

Using just the right proportions of sugar and lemon juice is the key to custard with a smooth, luxurious consistency and a bright enough flavor to balance the richness of the cream. Pairing the dessert with fresh berries for textural contrast helps keep it from feeling overly rich. One reviewer commented he added a pinch of Moroccan mint and a star anise pod, claiming the subtleties were delicious and totally complimentary to the lemon—although we did not include those touches.

Zesting and juicing the lemons for the posset.

Before dessert however, we enjoyed a main course of Cedar-Planked Salmon with Lemon Pepper Rub, Mexican Corn and Wendy’s cheerful tossed salad brimming with lots of healthy ingredients and containing almost every color in the rainbow.

A side of horseradish chive sauce is served with the salmon.

Footnote: We made another Posset the following weekend for more company. It was lime-based and topped with fresh raspberries, shown below.

There is no need to wax poetic on the benefits of kale, because there has been so much good press on the power-veggie over the last few years, you’d have to be a hermit not to be aware.

One night for dinner, to go along with my extra-thick, spicy pork chops, I wanted a simple side recipe for kale. A version of this one popped up on NYT Cooking website by Sam Sifton. I made several adaptations however, and they are incorporated into the recipe below. Sam said this is a technique that elevates basic sautéed greens into something even more savory and tender, so I was game to try.

No need to toss the kale stems, just chop them up along with the leaves and sauté them as well. The NYT recipe called for red-wine vinegar, but I substituted an aged tangerine balsamic vinegar (other options are lemon or orange juice.)

As far as the olive oil, a 1/4 cup seemed a bit excessive for one bunch of the greens, so I reduced it to 2 tablespoons; I upped the number of garlic cloves slightly, and included one minced shallot. My burners tend to run very hot, so I adjusted the setting from high heat to medium to prevent burning, which I noted in the directions bellow.

It made a great side dish for the Spice-Rubbed Grilled Pork Chop dinner.

Four days after Labor Day, my longtime friend Merry Sue (MS) and her “seestah” Susan (maiden name Fritz) and I made a road trip to Cape Cod. Susan owns a house in Orleans, MASS and needed to address a few things up there, so Merry Sue and I decided to tag along for a girl’s weekend. (The title of this blog was inspired by a passenger’s T-shirt graphic on our ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard.)

Doing some shopping at the Artist’s Shanties after buying our Hy-Line Ferry tickets in Hyannis. And yes, those are purple sandals I have on, and purple sunglasses, pocketbook, nail polish…

Wicked Pissah is a slang phrase in the New England area; perhaps most frequently heard in Boston, and used as an adjective to describe something totally cool or awesome—like our trip. However; the phrase can be used in the sarcastic sense too. Wicked Pissah is also a New England Style IPA, described as cloudy with a thick white head, strong tropical fruit aroma with notes of pineapple, citrus fruit and mango—although we didn’t indulge in any.

Anyway, being a food blog and all, I’m going to mention a few highlights and lowlights from our culinary adventure, starting on the day we arrived for lunch at Yardarm, a local spot for many since 1972. Now if you’re a local, and not a wash-ashore like us, it would be pronounced “yahd-ahm.” The place was packed for a Friday afternoon off-season, but we didn’t have to wait long for a table.

Kind of like the “Cheers” of Orleans… “every town has one, that neighborhood gathering place where friends meet for a drink, some conversation and conviviality, where upon entry, you are greeted with a smile and a thanks for coming; and where, when you get hungry, a table is waiting, and the food is home cooked as is the service.”

Local color abounds, from fishermen to physicians, tradesmen to tourists, all rubbing elbows at the bar and extending conversation from table to table while the Red Sox or the Patriots appear on their many TVs.

Being on the Cape, the Fritz sisters (above, MS on the left, Susan on the right) both yearned to try their Clam Chowder; and while I will indulge at times, clams are not one of my faves, so I ordered their Chili Con Carne with Cheese, which I luv-luv-loved! Susan got a cuppa chowdah with a side of coleslaw (which she did not like at all); Merry Sue got the bowlful, both sizes came with a packet of oyster crackers.

Apparently, Susan was told by her daughter-in-law—who worked for years as a waitress on the Cape—that all restaurants get the same chowder base and therefore every eating establishment basically serves the same thing. MS and I found that hard to believe, but if it’s the case, I’m hypothesizing that they at least doctor it up with additional ingredients to put their own stamp on it. Anyone know for sure?

After Yardarm we went grocery shopping to purchase breakfast, lunch and snack items because we didn’t intend on eating out for every meal. Plus we all brought along some vittles, like the ingredients to make my famous guacamole, which you can make yourself following the recipe at the end of this blog.

Our first dinner out was at the Barley Neck Inn, a small independently owned resort based in an old sea captain’s 1868 home in the rural village of Orleans in the elbow of Cape Cod. Even though it was the Saturday after Labor Day, MS and I thought it prudent to make reservations. Thank goodness we did because it was packed when we got there and they were turning people away, or they had at least an hours wait—and it was already going on 8 p.m.

With glasses of wine ordered from our friendly waitress with an obvious accent (she was from London), we scanned the menus and munched on the crusty bread served with a spiced olive oil.

Figuring appetizers would be too much, we went right for the entrées and Merry Sue chose from the Special Additions Menu and ordered the Day Boat Cod topped with lemon-thyme crumbs resting on a lemon butter sauce, served with sides of rice pilaf and tender asparagus stalks. No complaints from her.

Susan and I both had a hankering for the Grilled Boneless Salmon Steak with a Marseille butter sauce, steamed broccoli and the same rice pilaf. The bright magenta orchid blooms were an attractive touch to each serving. We just about licked our plates clean, except for Susan’s carrot medallions, a veggie she doesn’t care for unless they are very soft.

The following morning we took the Hy-Line ferry from Hyannis to Martha’s Vineyard. After a bit of shopping in Oaks Bluff, we took a bus to Edgartown and ended up for lunch at the quaint Among the Flowers Café. Their outdoor patio (which was packed therefore we had to sit indoors) is nestled under a blue and white awning with views of Edgartown Harbor. Apparently it is a little goldmine because for nearly 40 years they have served fresh, healthy, homemade dishes at reasonable prices and the folks keep piling in.

Our choices included Lynn’s Asian Chopped Salad arriving in an asymmetrical white bowl filled with mixed greens, grilled chicken, Napa cabbage, edamame, red and yellow peppers wasabi peas and lightly tossed with a Thai peanut dressing. It was soooo good, I ate every last morsel!

A chalkboard listed some daily specials, one of which was a Mushroom & Spinach Quiche that Susan ordered. She liked the quiche enough, but had to pick out the raw carrots from the side salad. MS went for the Soup & Salad Combo, choosing New England clam chowder that was served in their signature clay mug. These for-sale colorful mugs and mini bud vases lined all of the windowsills and some counters.

Our other dinner on the town was at Chapin’s in Dennis. We chose that because it was close to the Cape Cinema Theater founded in 1930, and they were featuring The Wife, starring Glenn Close—a great movie BTW. The auditorium is designed in the style of Art Deco and includes 317 individual arm chairs of black lacquer and tangerine suede. American painter and illustrator Rockwell Kent designed the massive 6,400-square-foot mural for the auditorium’s ceiling (below), featuring a colorful representation of the heavens and constellations.

The movie ended at 4:00, and Chapin’s opens at 4:00 which is WAY early for dinner  IMHO, but we considered it a late lunch/early supper meal. And believe it or not, we weren’t the first patrons to arrive on that Monday afternoon. Once seated, we were given multiple menus, one listing the specials which had a Surf N’ Turf option, and included two steak tips and a grilled lobster tail served with a choice of sides.

I hadn’t indulged in lobster since we’d been on the Cape, so my mind was made up. Seems Susan had the same idea. Well, it was a huge disappointment. Problem was, Susan’s steak was overdone as was both of our miniscule lobster tails—not succulent at all. (Must have been leftovers from the weekend.) My steak on the other hand, was a perfect medium-rare and the side of broccoli was cooked just right.

Miss MS chose the Chapin’s Baked Stuffed Cod chock full with seafood stuffing, lobster sauce, Cheddar Jack cheese, chopped bacon and topped with seasoned bread crumbs. My goodness, that was a big portion! She tried her best to finish it, but in the end had to succumb—couldn’t even take a doggie bag because we were leaving for home early the next morning when we’d have to wash back ashore.

Lynn’s Holey Moley Great Guacamole

Tuna Noodle Casserole—Either you loved to HATE it, or you hated to LOVE it, am I right? This homey dish either conjures up warm childhood memories or evokes gagging grumbling groans. In my case, I hated it as a child, but finally started to develop a liking to it when I entered my twenties. (Of course, my limited bank account back then may have had something to do with it.) Then when I got married to my Ex, he pretty much barred any, and all, casseroles as a dinner option. Apparently that was the only meal his previous girlfriend seemed to know how to make.

As you may have well experienced over the years, many tuna-noodle casseroles suffer from overcooked noodles and feature a soggy, bland topping. Here’s a tip: Rinsing the egg noodles after boiling removes any residual starch that would otherwise make the casserole pasty and also halts the cooking process, preventing them from overcooking within the casserole. Finally, adding the fried onion rings as a topping lends a satisfying crunch and great additional flavor in every bite.

A fan or not, Tuna Noodle Casserole dates back to the 1950s when casseroles were a popular dinner item. Originally, this dish was made with non-perishable pantry ingredients as a cheap, wholesome dinner that didn’t require a trip to the store. Yes, you could make the celery soup portion from scratch, but I know pretty much everyone of you don’t, or won’t, do that, so buying a can of the condensed saves a whole host of steps, and probably a portion of your sanity.

I like the fact that there are a fair amount of veggies in the mix with the peas, tomatoes and celery. If you want your casserole on the wetter side, increase the amount of milk slightly and perhaps even add a bit more condensed soup. And if you prefer a browner, crunchier top, leave it in the oven for an extra five minutes, like I did.

BTW, if you have leftovers, add a little milk to your portion before reheating it in the microwave to loosen and moisten it.

It was a beautiful summer night—mercifully without rain or high humidity—so we were mulling over places to dine al fresco when Russ suggested the “new place” in Newtown. Recently opened in mid-April of 2018, The Grey Stone, (formerly known as Lavender Hall or 552 Restaurant), has been renovated with a redesigned interior to give it a modern look that maintains the historic charm and presents an upscale casual dining experience.

The 300-seat, full-service restaurant includes a reception area with a grand staircase, the main dining room with 70 seats, a bar and lounge area with fireplace and comfortable seating, a second smaller bar area and two private dining rooms, one on the main floor and an 80-seat room upstairs. Not to mention a ginormous outdoor patio with untold capacity for seating.

Before we left the house, I googled The Grey Stone to read reviewers comments on their experiences. The responses ran the gamut, from “the food is great,” “it took forever to get our meal” to “don’t bother wasting your time or money.” So we did harbor some concern but figured maybe they had worked the kinks out since the opening over three months prior.

When we pulled into the large circular driveway with valet parking, it was packed (a good sign) and cars were spilling out onto the main road giving us hesitation, but one glance at the half-filled patio made us think we had a chance of getting seated. Once inside, the hostess asked if we had reservations and when we responded “no, but we want to sit outside” she looked doubtful (a bad sign) and commented that she’d have to see if there was any availability. What? There were clearly at least 20 available tables out there…

Stock photo of the unoccupied inner dining area.

The band, center, plays some bluesy music in the large patio area.

But the crisis was averted when a younger hostess guided us through the filled-to-capacity inner dining room to a pleasant outdoor four-top along a wrought-iron fence far enough away from the live band for quiet conversation, yet close enough to see them perform. And I have to commend them on table placement, at least outside, where the tables are very generously spaced apart giving patrons breathing room and waitstaff plenty of serving room.

At its bar, The Grey Stone features 33 taps for craft beer, wine and mixed cocktails. In addition, they have cold brew coffee and cold brew latte on draft. We ordered a bottle of red from a semi-lengthy list of varying-priced wines, while perusing the fixed and specials menus.

Their offerings are an eclectic mix of comfort foods featuring modern and classic dishes that seem to highlight every American ethnicity. Selections include everything from chicken, fish and seafood to veal, pork, beef and vegan dishes. Apparently they start you with a bread basket, but we never experienced one. The “bread-women” came by three times, the first to ask if we wanted bread, and then twice more to say she’ll be right out with it—but it never happened. Not that we needed the carbs, but we feared it set the tone for the evening.

Uncharacteristically, I was in the mood to try one of their burgers (something I rarely choose when eating out); while Russ had a similar mind-bent and went for a pork sandwich, both of which came with a choice of homemade potato chips, hand-cut fries, or you could substitute a cup of soup for a nominal fee. Since the soup-of-the-day was a Manhattan Crab Chowder, that’s what we intended on getting. But wouldn’t you know it, they were already out of it by the time we ordered, so we both went with the hand-cut fries.

The band (I think they were called Two Plus One) was off to a good start, playing some bluesy Eric Clapton among other artists. But as the evening wore on, many of the tunes sounded the same and it got a bit monotonous. The evening did wear on indeed because it took nearly one hour and fifteen minutes to get our sandwiches! Although Russ did get his cup of Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho, shown below, in a timely manner.

And as suspected, my burger was more well-done than I had ordered… but I wasn’t about to send it back and wait for another… For some reason bacon does not agree with me and I should have asked them to put it on the side. As it was, I gave most of it to Russ, but because it was quite dark out, I unknowingly ate some of it and suffered later on that night. I also pretty much tossed the bun aside because it was too much bread for me. (Probably a good thing “bread-women” forgot us.)

Lynn’s loaded Fireball Burger was made with certified Angus beef and topped with ghost pepper cheese, two cream cheese stuffed jalapeño poppers, jalapeño bacon, a guacamole-stuffed onion ring, with a schmear of sriracha aioli on a brioche bun. Yes, it was good, but I probably wouldn’t get it again. And those fries were delicious at first, but not so much as they cooled down—like most fries, I guess.

Russ ordered the Slow Cooker Roasted Pork sandwich which came mounded with broccoli rabe, sharp provolone and Italian long hot peppers, on an onion poppy seed brioche bun and a side of jus for dipping. He really liked it.

There definitely were some missteps that night, but we’re willing to give it another shot, mainly because it’s close to home and we really love the outdoor dining area. Next visit, we’ll concentrate on some of the entrées and keep our fingers crossed that the food is not only well-prepared, but served in a timely manner to boot!

Fast forward several weeks, we again dine at The Grey Stone, this time on Sunday night of Labor Day weekend. It was decidedly much less crowded, and again we opted to eat out on the expansive patio—us and only two other couples, and no band. Thank goodness the service was much more attentive, although there were still some missteps.

We put in a food order at the same time as our beverage choice, a dry rosé, just in case there was going to be a long lag time, which mercifully there wasn’t. We even got bread right away—and the seasoned dipping oil was fantastic! The bread however was more like a warm hamburger bun, instead of a chewy crusty loaf, which would have been preferable.

Russ started with a small bowl of their homemade Broccoli and Cheddar Soup. I commented that it looked a bit “thin” but he said that’s how he likes it, and when I took a small taste, it was full of flavor.

The night’s special menu contained three additional appetizers and three more entrées, one of which, the Grilled NY Strip Steak Chimichurri accompanied with roasted potatoes and Mexican street corn was my first choice. But then I was told that they were already out of it. How could that be when it was still relatively early and there were many empty tables (at least outside)?

Oh well, always have a Plan B, which was the Cayo Hueso Crab Cakes, the very same meal that Russ decided to order. Our dinners came within minutes of Russ finishing his soup. Two good-sized cakes came plated sitting atop a schmear of key lime remoulade (we asked for more) with sides of Spanish rice and jalapeño bacon Brussels sprouts adorned with sweet baby corn shoots and micro-greens.

All components of the meal were quite tasty and the patties were filled with a lot of lump crab, although I would have preferred that they weren’t so crisp on the exterior. Russ was the recipient of my bacon pieces from the sprouts because it usually doesn’t sit well with me for some reason, and I had not-so-fond memories of the bacon reaction from my past burger. With no room for dessert, and a doggie bag for me, we sauntered out into the night to retrieve our car from their free valet service.

The Grey Stone is conveniently located on Route 532 between Newtown and Washington Crossing and within easy access to Interstate 95.

Here’s an intimate, yet quick dinner that’s sure to impress your seafood-loving significant other—especially one who appreciates bold flavors. Try this fragrant, easy-to-make rub for fresh shrimp and tuna steak kebabs. You can grill them outdoors or on a grill pan inside, depending on your preference—or the weather.

A side of jasmine rice cooked according to package directions but with homemade shellfish stock (instead of water) and sprinkled with sliced scallions made a perfect bed for the fish. Add lemon wedges for garnish and a few ripe tomatoes mixed with fresh basil chiffonade to complete. Then light a few candles, play some soft background music and game on!

Truth be told, this ended being a lot more filling than I expected. One skewer each containing 3 tuna cubes and 2 jumbo shrimp was more than enough for dinner with all of our sides (we also added roasted Brussels sprouts). But it worked out nicely that we had some leftover for lunches the next day (shown below).

If you want to make this for four people, increase the tuna to a full pound and buy 8 jumbo shrimp. Keep in mind, if you like your tuna more well done, skewer the tuna and shrimp separately and cook the tuna several minutes longer than the shrimp. Try to cube your tuna into as uniform pieces as possible to cook evenly.

Yes, there are a host of corn salads out there (including on this blog site) that provide recipes for fresh, uncooked ears of corn. But what about those leftover cobs that were already cooked but not eaten? For goodness sake, don’t toss them in the compost bin just yet—make this riff on Cooked Corn Sauté with Peppers and Shallot.

For starters, slice the kernels off the cob in a rimmed baking sheet. This ensures that they don’t go flying every which way off the counter. Then you can package and refrigerate for another day, or proceed with something close to the outline below. The idea here is to use up whatever produce you might have leftover or in your herb bed.

Once in the hot skillet, it is important not to stir the corn for a few minutes to give it a chance to brown. This caramelization enhances the sweetness. The lemon juice at the end will deglaze the pan and loosen all of the brown bits adding more flavor.

We plated ours with some leftover baby back ribs reheated in the oven. Simple dinner.

Akin to a crustless quiche, frittatas can hold their own as a brunch item, a light dinner entrée or paired with soup or salad for lunch. Whatever the occasion, just make sure you use a full-fat diary like heavy cream, crème fraîche or cream cheese to mix with the eggs.

Husband Russ is known to often whip together a weekend frittata with whatever might be on hand leftover in the fridge veggie- and cheese-wise. This particular time, we actually thought ahead and purposely bought the spinach and mushrooms while grocery shopping. The other ingredients we had on hand, and the fresh herbs came from our raised garden bed.

About the cheese. Raclette is a semi-hard cheese made on both sides of the French and Swiss Alps. While you can use whatever cheese you want, try to make an effort to include it in this frittata. The cheese itself is firm with a fairly unremarkable flavor when cool, but the magic happens when melted, Raclette develops a nutty, full sweet flavor with a crisp, delightfully chewy crust.

The cheese has got a thin, brownish-orange colored rind and a pale yellow pate with a few scattered open holes. It is has a very distinctive pleasant, aromatic smell with a creamy texture, similar to Gruyere cheeses, and does not separate even when melted.  While Switzerland supplies 80% of Raclettes, French Raclettes are slightly softer with a smooth and creamy flavor.

The fresh tender herbs are finely chopped before adding to the egg mixture.

For brunch one Sunday, we served ours with a small chopped heirloom tomato and fresh chive salad.

Boneless chicken thighs get treated to sweet, salty, and gingery flavors. Sake, a Japanese rice wine, balances the bold flavors of garlic and soy sauce with its subtle savory-sweet notes. The smaller florets on broccolini are great for mopping up the vibrant sauce, though broccoli works well, too.

In case you have never imbibed, sake—also spelled saki—is a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. There are many varieties of this light colored, non-carbonated beverage, which has a sweet flavor, and contains up to 18 percent alcohol. Sake is often mistakenly called a wine because of its appearance and alcoholic content; however, it is made in a two-step process similar to that for brewing beer.

As with any ingredient, the higher the quality, the better the outcome and taste. So don’t purchase a bottom-of-the-barrel brand, although no need to buy the most expensive sake either—unless of course that’s what you happen to have in stock 😉

What I love about this meal is not only the ease of making it and the memorable flavors, but the fact that pretty much everything is done in one pan, (except for the rice if you’re serving it). So get your Japanese on, and make some Sake, Garlic and Ginger Chicken with Broccolini real soon!

Sayōnara

Recipe adapted from Abby Simchak Donovan

Voted again in 2017 as one of the best restaurants by the Bucks County Courier Times, the Canal Street Grille has been an endeared dining establishment for decades. Nestled in a back alley in historic quaint downtown Yardley, this casual BYOB offers great Greek and American comfort food, with tranquil views overlooking the Delaware Canal—not far from where I used to reside for 25 years.

It’d been well over a decade since we patronized this little gem, and I had heard through the grapevine that the former owners recently bought it back and totally redid the interior. Gone are the old-world spindle chairs, dark paint and checkered tablecloths (if my memory serves me correctly.) Now, it’s a bright, airy dining space with soaring ceilings, swathed in a muted color palette with sparse modern touches such as the stacked stone feature wall lit with twinkling sconces. And love all those windows!

We were seated at a four-top next to a window overlooking the canal.

Our dining companions were Brad and Barb (The B’s), former Yardley neighbors and the folks we were with the last time we ate here prior to the renovation.

Canal Street offers many homemade specialties, from soups, colorful salads, pita sandwiches and burgers, to fresh seafood, grilled meats and, I’ve heard, some of the best wings in town—although we didn’t try any this time around. They also offer daily lunch and dinner specials, as well as various vegetarian and gluten-free options.

While sipping our adult beverages, we got down to the serious business of making dinner choices. When ordering entrées, for an additional $4 fee (over which we were a bit perplexed), you can get a Greek Side Salad which Lynn and Russ chose, or a cup of soup offered in two options that night, either Manhattan Clam Chowder which Barb selected, or Chicken Orzo. Brad refrained altogether.

For starters, Russ and I shared an appetizer (orektika) of their Greek Meatballs that came plated with five golf-balled sized, ground beef orbs. They were made with Mediterranean seasonings, drenched in a marinara sauce and drizzled with a feta cheese fondue, and were served along with two warm pita wedges. OMG, they were good!!

The B’s opted to share the Spanakopita, a classic greek spinach pie in a crusty phyllo. Nary a crumb was left on that plate!

When it came to the entrées (kuria piata), I was intrigued enough to order the Autumn Chicken, two large breasts pounded down and sautéed in a fabulous orange, dried cranberry and sage sauce, then garnished with toasted walnuts and served over an ample portion of rice with a side of perfectly cooked fresh green beans enhanced with pieces of red bell pepper. Delicious!

My other three dining companions were all on the same page as they each chose the Greek dish of Classic Meat Moussaka, comprised of layers of ground beef, eggplant, potato, and topped with a parmesan béchamel sauce; also served with a side of those tasty green beans. While they all thoroughly enjoyed it, they said it was very filling.

I am all-to-happy to add another local ethnic BYO to our list of dining establishments. Keep in mind that they only take reservations for parties of six or more, but apparently their rush is over by about 7:00 p.m. so getting seated after that time (which is more typical for us) is not an issue. Yup, we will be back…