Archive | food network RSS feed for this section

A pleasantly simple burger, Thank you Shake Shack

18 Dec

The Shake Shack in Madison Square Park is on my embarrassingly long, list for restaurants I must TRY.  Naturally, when it opened in Coral Gables this summer I was stoked to visit. It only took about 5 months for me to actually go but, now I can say I FINALLY eaten there.

I’ve read about Shake Shack at least a dozen times and heard that even my lover Anthony Bourdain ate there (so it must be awesome).  My spoiled younger brother also told me the shakes are indeed the “bomb.”  Damn, I mean anything that’s the bomb and involves Anthony Bourdain has got to be phenomenal.  My expectations for this burger shack were sky high.

Yesterday, after a LONG day of shopping  (even though it was a mere 2 hours, if one person shops at Dadeland Mall -the melting pot of insane shopping addicts- it is beyond exhausting and extremely painful) My BF Joey and I  just wanted a snacky snack.  We first tried to go to Chipotle, but like I suspected it was crowded with UMIAMI students.  Seriously, I’ve yet to eat there because, I for one refuse to wait on a 1/2 mile long line for a frekin’ burrito. So, I quickly remembered Shake Shack was on our way home and very, quickly grew ravenous in excitement!

Inside

From my first sight I could easily tell that this joint is not just some quick burger stop.  It looks very modern inside and apparently they are green friendly.  According to the website, it is constructed with recycled and sustainable materials, “the tables are also reclaimed bowling alley lanes handcrafted in Brooklyn, NY, as well as window seating with wooden counters made from river-recovered cypress. ” This “pit stop” is set up in a classic take out way where you order at the register behind the counter which is also kind of the kitchen.

Everything is extremely clean too.  The ketchup bar was far cleaner than a Lil Kim Song.  I would not think “spotless or cleanliness”,  from the slight  image of an obese American biting into a juicy cheeseburger, followed by drinking a necessary and refreshing cold beer.  Again though, this is Miami and most females here really do not eat.  Shout to Lindsay Lohan- maybe when you get of jail you should highly consider relocating, I mean there also is a giant history of cocaine here too,so you will fit right in!  ANY WHO…the inside is pretty big, not overly huge or overwhelming.  This restaurant makes everything pretty simple, which I was not really expecting.

There is this new burger frenzy that restaurateurs are quickly picking up on.  For these (sometimes), stupid reasons burger dine ins are really trying to elevate and change the image of a plain old good cheeseburger.  Their menu descriptions no longer read cheese and burger.  They now are about like 50 words long that can include ridiculous toppings (sometimes ridiculously good) like wasabi mayo, guava jelly, smoked something aioli, candied apple-wood bacon….I could go on and ON.  I am a very indecisive person and it typically takes me at least 20 minutes to figure out what I want to eat on a date (I would not be able to date a guy who cannot share).  My point is that Shake Shake has a simple menu and simple concept that my scatter brained self greatly appreciates.

Unlike these new overly gloried upscale burger joints, Shake Shack has ketchup, mustard and their house sauce and that’s about it. On the menu their 100% Angus beef burgers all include their own brewed Shack Sauce.  The burgers include:

  • ShackBurger: the signature and classic includes only cheese, lettuce and tomato
  • SmokeShack: things get a little messier, with the Niman Ranch, chopped red pepper and apple-wood smoked bacon
  • ‘ShroomBurger: they are taking veggie burger to a whole new level with a crispy fried portobello full of muenster and cheddar cheese ….even the tree hungers can eat here!
  • ShackStack: can’t decide? Well, this stack has it all.  It’s got a ‘shroom (not that kind) and a cheeseburger under one bun!

If you’re really hungry, any customer can double their patty and add more bacon, sauce, cheese etc…Shake Shack also has a hot dog and puppy food menu, none of which I really care for since I rarely eat neither...dog food is a tad too salty for my taste.  For my fellow winos, this Shack might not be a shack after all, there is a god…and a wine menu. Also, if you’re just reading my blog – obviously this place has beer because, why the hell would I eat a burger and not wash it down with a beer (5 Guys, you need to strongly think about that statement ).  They only had a few beers and draft, as well as some bottles.  When I say only, I mean this is in the greatest way possible because, Magic Hat #9 was on the list which is all I need.  

can you tell I love condiments?

can you tell I love condiments?

This burger stop is not quite a sit down restaurant, all you do is order, they give you one of those vibrating hand holders, and when your food is done it lights up and all that mumbo jumbo nonsense.  It took about 5-10 minutes for our food to be ready.  My boyfriend and I split the double SmokeShack burger and and 1 order of the crinkle cut Yukon potato fries.  On the website I just discovered the fries are 100% free of artificial trans fat and contain 25% less trans fat than the average fries!  I was tempted to try the fries smothered in cheese and bacon but, I needed to save some stomach space for Pollo Tropical night (and by that, I mean large amounts of YUCA fries and curry mustard sauce)

After my wand was shooting fireworks for me to get my food, I approached the counter to pick up my food and suddenly remembered I forgot to order honey mustard. I love myself some honey mustard on my french fries (I mean I would say, truffle salt but, I need to take in account that most economical burger restaurants do not have this handy).  When I asked the nice lady on the other side for some honey mustard, she told me a dreadful response, “No Ma’m.” Umm…do I really look like a ma’am  I am 22 years old not 22 going on 44.Oh right, and she said NO :(  While walking over to a table with my head down, I told myself I would still live.  As soon as I placed my tray down, I immediately returned to the register and ordered a side of the house sauce.  I was hoping this could cure my honey mustard crisis.  It did…. AND THEN SOME.

This burger definitely met all of my qualifications, the bun was warm, slightly toasty and the beef quality was superb with lots of flavor. I highly enjoyed the chopped red peppers, Shake Shack totally stole my burger with chopped red pepper v-card.  Of course, I do have some criticisms… it was much too greasy for me.  I’m thinking it could be because, of the bacon and cheese combo in general, or maybe the cook forgot to drain the oil from the bacon or maybe that is just the way they do things there (we do live in the like the fattest country). While chewing, I also realized a major thing about my palette ...I don’t like bacon on my burger.  I never thought I would use the words “don’t like my bacon on…,” but I don’t dig the burger bacon combo and bacon usually works for me.

Crinkle Fries

Crinkle Fries

My Landshark was oh so cold and acted as the perfect chaser, but  I think next time I’ll go for a classic Shack Burger   Now, the crinkle fries-that’s a different story.  Just looking at the crinkle fries made me think of a bag of frozen fries however, when I bit into the fried potato that imagery went straight down the drain.  The fries were not too salty and perfectly crispy.  There is nothing worse than a soggy or burnt potato people.  If you dip a fry into the dipping house ShackSauce it is a home run foodie must.  The sauce has a slight smokiness and pungent flavor.

All in all, I must first say this location is an absolute gold mine.  It is right across University of Miami and who does not want a cheeseburger when they are hungover.  I think I appreciate the idea of Danny Meyers original Shake Shack much more than the chain it is becoming. I did not order one of their famous shakes so I also feel this review may not even worthy..I mean the place is called, Shake Shack.  The fries and Angus beef certainly qualify for an exceptional cheeseburger quick stop.  The customer service definitely beat any other burger place I have been to (including sit down restaurants, where service should always come first).  The manager came around to EVERY table asking how they were and informed every customer about refills.  She was incredibly nice and seemed sincere which nowadays is hard to find.  Great customer service ALWAYS appeals to me, and is ALWAYS just important as food.  

Ironically, Union Square Hospitality group wanted Shake Shack to be the “anti-chain,” however there are now 2 locations in Florida and 5 in New York.  I think Shake Shacks will spread like wildfire in the United States, and has the utmost potential to go global. Who doesn’t like a burger and shake? Now, I’m not comparing Shake Shack with some McDonalds empire but, I think the world would appreciate a cooler, modern, Eco (and dog) friendly, sort of healthier cheeseburger paradise.  Whether Danny Myers likes it or not, he may have gotten himself into a pickle.

GO CANES!

Go Canes

My Light and Tight BBQ Chicken Ya’ll

30 Jul

Barbeque is something I don’t eat very much but, when I crave it….I need to have it…like that very second. 

Like every other thing that tastes good, BBQ Chicken will cost ya some calories.

Not anymore! 

I have one solution that will make you dive into this American, summer must and the best part is you will still look super hot in your FAB bikini body.

Shredded chicken is definitely an underestimated dieting idea- If you follow my way.

Throughout, my college years I struggled to make cheap dinners that ALSO did not contain grossly obscene amounts of sodium or carbohydrates such as Ramen Noodles or Kraft’s (I’m gonna bust out of my clothes soon) blue box.  While eating out one day, I had a succulent, pulled chicken that was tossed into a salad.  In my head I thought hmm….and YUMM.  I never thought about pulling a chicken and had no idea how to go about it.  The next day after googling shredded chicken, I realized people don’t only poach eggs.  I found out poached chicken has like no calories and no fat resulting in a pure protein form…double whammy.  Now to this day, I love experimenting new flavors into poached chicken.  

After my boyfriend was so responsive to my buffalo chicken, I decided to test out a healthier BBQ chicken.  This dish had my THREE E’s:

  • economical,
  • easy and
  • exceptional. 

The awesome thing about pulled apart pieces of meat is that they are extremely versatile.  You can throw it on a salad, sandwich, pasta, cake ,(if you are some sick, sweet genus) your boyfriend’s abs, or just bloody eat it by itself.  For dinner, my boyfriend cooked up steamed veggies and we just ate it alone.  We then completely counter accounted out the healthy dinner and devoured 8 cookies.  That’s how we roll….we tried to be healthy…kind of.   

Keep it light and tight for 5 and buy:

  • 3 boneless chicken breasts, make sure your lover does not bring you home the things with the bone in unless you want to floss while eating
  • lots of boiling water in an obnoxiously, large pot
  • spice up your life with Salt, Pepper, Creole Seasoning (Tony Chacare) and the funnest word to say ever Paprika
  • Garlic cloves to keep away potential hickies from your partner
  • Kraft (ironic much?) LIGHT BBQ Sauce or any other brand of ”light” sauce  
  • 3/4 c. minced onions to add a crunch
  • Tabasco because, it simply makes everything better (even though my uncle says it actually takes away the taste from everything, which is probably 100% true)
  • Optional: Any type of bread of you want to make it into a slammin’ sandwich, or lettuce to create a salad *

*To  make one of my favorite salads get lettuce, corn, tomatoes, scallions, light white shredded cheese and use my chips and toss it all together*

If you are as A.D.D and scatter brained as I, this dish is totally for you.  You don’t really have to keep a close eye on it, so you can relax, paint your nails, watch the latest Kardashian episode, grab a quick peak at some Lochte action and then make your way to the pot.  Since, I don’t really follow the whole “time” thing that is going on right now…I can’t give you an exact estimate on how long it takes…but, all in all it will take about 30 minutes to cook.

  1. Bring a large pot of enough water to cover up the hens, throw a bit of salt and olive oil in it.  Also, throw in some chunks of garlic to add some flavor.  Yum…garlic water. 
  2. While it’s warming, season the chicken with salt, pepper, creole seasoning and paprika.  Yeah Yeah…maybe I’m a tad of an over spicer but, I promise it tastes …edible. 
  3. Once the water starts to bubble over the pot, you can now adjust the heat to medium or lower so it’s not bubbling like a cauldron.
  4. Now, while this is boiling do whatever you want for about 15-20 minutes…find out the daily neighborhood gossip on your weird, new neighbor, have a dance party by yourself, take a shot, play Twister with your fish or sing kareoke with your pet…I don’t care what you do just don’t leave your place for longer than 30 minutes unless, you want to come home to a fire.
  5. When you return to your pot, turn the heat off and let the chickens chill out in the water because, they’re as hot as David Beckham.
  6. While you are waiting for it to cool, cut an onion up, get a large bowl, throw them in there and season with salt, pepper and paprika. 
  7. Ok, so there are 2 ways you can do this.  Put the chicken on a plate, hold it down and take a fork and start stabbing the breast up and down. 
  8. Or you can get HANDy in your kitchen(I hope you washed your hands…who knows what you were doing in that 15-20 minute window).  Take your hands and pull like you have never pulled before.  If your hands feel like they are burning because, the chicken might be hot, take a break and let your hands do a little dance. 
  9. Now, that is all stripped off (in the bowl with the onions) add some MORE spices because, chicken tastes like pretty much nothing if you don’t add stuff to it.
  10. Last but not least,  add your light BBQ sauce, Tabasco and toss it right round baby.  IF you really really like garlic, I like to take the garlic from the boiling water  and mash up with the chicken too.  It should be super soft at this point so it’s easy to mix in.  ALSO, keep in mind, the light sauce will add up in calories the more you cover your chicken in. 
    Put in the fridge to keep cool and it will stay good for a couple of days…I think.   
    My drink of choice to pair with: Red Wine Basil Sangria

 

Leftover Ideas: 

This protein is great to have in your fridge to make quick sandwiches, wraps or throw in a salad.  You could even go crazy and make a BBQ chicken pasta…whoa. Another idea is to add maybe a bit of mayo and make a BBQ chicken dip.  You could use celery, carrots or chips to dip into which is a great party idea and PUURRRFUCCT for to bring to a barbecue.  God, I am just so full of ideas today! 

Now you can have your BBQ Chicken and eat it too guilt free! 

 

 

 

 

Take your Eggs to Ellie Day’s Extreme Level

12 Jul

For my fellow readers: I am sad to report the meatballs were finished off last night.  Today, I knew the start to my day would not be the same without my leftover, morning meatballs, so I decided to move on.  It then hit me…. I shall make eggs Ellie Day’s ’eggxtraordinary’ eggs.   

One my “besties” Ellie Day seriously makes the best eggs ever.  I find it pretty frekin’ bizarre because, her usual, expertise in cooking involves a can of refried beans . 

I honestly think the art of mastering the perfect scrambled eggs is extremely difficult.  I can certainly whip up an Eggs Benedict without blinking but, never scrambled eggs.  I don’t know if the reasoning is my scattered brain self, or the patience thing.  Now, with Iphones and smartphones my eyes become glued to the entertaining device and the next thing I know is,  my eggs are burnt and glued to my pan.  Ok, so now ….where is my drink?

You should get pretty excited because, these are not yo’ average eggs.  There are 2 SPECIAL SECRET INGREDIENTS inside them.  No, it is not truffle oil but, my girlfriends and I typically sprinkle the irresistible element on Ellie’s Eggs .

These eggs are perfect for any hangover, or anytime you want to show off your EGGSceptional (had to say it) skills.   These are even better with a Zing Zang Bloody Mary or Mimosa, especially if you had a long, last night or ……just got home, from last night.

Here is the recipe for 2 servings.  

Ellie Day’s essentials:

  •  3 large eggs, use white, brown, pink, black, purple,whatever…. just not duck please-unless you are a quail egg lover like, Mario Batali
  • If you are watching your figure, or rather consume your calories with sugar (like the 4 brownies I devoured last night)…I used 4 egg whites
  • Salt, pepper and a couple of dashes of dried italian seasoning
  • Just enough olive oil to lightly layer the bottom of your pan, or butter, if that’s how you roll
  • 1 tsp. of dried thyme…..yeah you fancy huh?  
  • Get those eggs creamy with some light cream cheese….you need 3 tbsp. 
  • To make your eggs even more light add 2 tbsp. of club soda…get that crazy
  • Throw in some cheese if you love salty goodness oozing out of your eggs…I experiminted with blue cheese, and the results were completely satisfying
  1. The first and most important start: Put whoever you are cooking these exquisite, eggs for on drink duty

    Before I got sidetracked…

  2. When you have your desired, drink in your hand, go ahead and take a sip…now put it down, I did not say you can drink the whole thing…yet!
  3. Get out a non-stick pan, crank the heat to a little, before, medium and lightly cover the bottom in olive oil or butter (if using whites, put on lower)  
  4. Take your cream cheese and start to mash on the bottom of a small bowl with a fork
  5. Crack your eggs into the same bowl and add some pepper, seasoning and thyme
  6. If you used egg whites-save the yolks for a future Caesar Salad dressing
  7. Start whisking the egg mixture and while whisking, add in the club soda, you will shortly realize that your eggs have practically doubled in volume!  Club soda is cheap and can even make you use fewer eggs making your breakfasts even cheaper, take that tip Food Network!
  8. Now, here is where I suck…put your eggs into the pan and you must let them set a bit…I know it’s hard but, according to madly attractive Michael Symon, it’s what ya’ gotta do
  9. As soon as it sets, take a spatula and basically from the end of the pan to the middle start playing with the eggs going back and forth….have some fun with it!  Also, cheeseheads-don’t forget the cheese.  You should throw it in before you start playing. 
  10. You can even toss them around with your spatula flipping the undercooked parts up and down for about 5 minutes (if using whites, maybe a bit more)
  11. Now, put the eggs in 2 separate dishes, add some more pepper and salt for tasting.  If you are on my level, spritz some truffle oil in for an even more elegant, super spectacular, scrambled egg.   

My side suggestions:

  • BACON-what is any breakfast without it
  • Hasbrowns…my girlfriends and I used the frozen ones…but we did fancy it up with truffle oil
  • Toast with preserves or nutella (you can never EVER have enough of chocolate) 
  • Hollandaise- if you are that willing to make and….. are then instantly invited to my next dinner party  

Grab ya’ drank and plate and get ready for a party in your mouth. 

 

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 249 other followers