Spicy Tomato Soup a la Farmgirl Gourmet

I gotta admit, I've been a bit lazy in terms of cooking this week, so I decided to change that by making a comforting soup that should last us through the week.  As I've been having luck with getting great inspiration through my Pinterest boards, I once again turned to them - specifically my Healthy Eating board.  

The recipe I'll tell you about comes from a fabulous blog called Farmgirl Gourmet, which I follow on Pinterest, and it's all about wholesome, responsibly grown food.  This particular recipe also happens to be gluten free, so to all my gluten free friends, this one's for you.

Although, I followed Farmgirl's recipe almost to a t, there's a few things in there that I switched around, such as substituting fat free Greek yogurt for the cream cheese that she recommends.  I also omitted the sour cream and added some fresh basil and a little bit of parmesan cheese instead.  Both worked beautifully, and so did the little drizzle of truffle oil that I put on top.  The smokiness from the chipotle peppers and the adobo is divine and nicely clears your sinuses.  

The soup is enjoyed with a warm piece of pita bread.  Happy fall, Astoria!
Chipotle Creamy Tomato Soup recipe, courtesy of Farmgirl Gourmet blog

New Veggie Dish at Astor Bake Shop

As fall is almost here, I'm loving all the heartier foods available on local menus.  I noticed this lovely veggie option available today at Astor Bake Shop, which made me hungry.  Check out this beautiful stuffed baby eggplant, featuring quinoa, red pepper, onion and mozzarella cheese.  

In case this doesn't whet your appetite, there's always their signature burger, which comes on a fluffy brioche bun and can be topped with your choice cheese and bacon.  The latter is deliciously thick, lean and smoky - I highly recommend it.

It behooves you to get a seasonal dessert too such as their fruit and nut tarts and pumpkin desserts.  Rumor has it that they've got a lot of other seasonal sweets and drinks in stock.  Hope you enjoy your visit.

Astor Bake Shop - 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria NY 11102
N/Q Train to Astoria Blvd

718.606.8439

astorbakeshop.com

A Light Turkey Meat Sauce Hits the Spot

For those of you who know me personally can vouch for how much I love hearty foods.  One of my favorite things to eat is pasta with meat sauce, but who are we kidding, we can't eat that way all the time.  The recipe I'll tell you about shortly combines hearty (gnocchi) with light (turkey meat sauce), which I think makes for a great combination.

I got the original recipe from the September edition of Martha Stewart's Everyday Food Magazine, which actually called for a full fat, ground chuck meat sauce.  Altering it to my liking with a 99% lean turkey version and omitting all that parmesan cheese, it turned out quite well and something we ended up freezing and using for other things such as pizza sauce, hero sauce, pasta sauce and the like.

The sauce was delicious when served fresh but even better when you let it sit for at least a day or two.  Hope you enjoy it during the cold fall/winter months that are up ahead.  Dig in, and do let me know what you think.

Turkey Meat Sauce with Gnocchi recipe, courtesy of Martha Stewart's Everyday Food Magazine

Bistro's Fall Menu is Here

As the weather chills out a bit and the fall season officially enters, restaurants are changing their menus, serving heartier dishes that'll warm your bones.  While lots of places feature seasonal root veggies, places such as Bistro 33 are incorporating heartier proteins into their fall offering.  Just take a look here...

Bistro 33 Fall Menu:
Foie Gras & Pork Belly with chestnut bread pudding
Pork Porterhouse with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted granny smith apples, caramelized onions 
Roasted Salmon sancho potato pancakes, baby bok choy, sake soy reduction
Pheasant & Sweet Breads rosemary fingerling potatoes, chinese broccoli, sour cherry sauce
Short Rib miso daikon, roasted fuji apple, red wine sauce
Bistro Burger now 10 oz.

And...
Old favorites like Lobster Mac & Cheese, Crawfish Tempura and Steak Frites still available

Bistro 33 - 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105

718.721.1933

N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

www.bistro33nyc.com

Bear Republic Beer Dinner At Alobar

Image by Alobar

Another reason I love fall is because it's a great time for beer and of course heartier foods that go along with it.  I was excited to learn that Alobar is combining just those two things in an upcoming beer and food pairing event next week.  The event is called the Bear Republic Beer Dinner, and it includes 5 American Craft beers by Bear Republic Brewing Company.  The dinner looks absolutely scrumptious (but is also fit for more adventurous foodies) so take a look, make your reservations and have a ball!

Bear Republic Beer Dinner at Alobar
Thursday, September 13th
5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Rabbit Rilette Patty Melt - with white wine, smoked onions and Jarlsberg cheese
Bear Republic XP Extra Pale Ale

Potted Chicken Liver Mousse - with red wine, bacon jam
Bear Republic Rebellion IPA

Black Molasses Glazed Quail - with braised cabbage and squash puree
Bear Republic Heritage Old Ale

Duck Confit Shepherds Pie
Bear Republic Peter Brown Tribute Ale

Sticky Date Toffee Pudding
Bear Republic Big Bear Black Stout

5 Courses for $50 (excluding tax and gratuity)

Alobar - 46-42 Vernon Blvd, LIC NY 11101
718.752.6000
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.alobarnyc.com 

More Fall Food Goodness at Bistro 33

Speaking of fall food, I wanted to add another place on to your radar when cruising for new fall menus.  This one comes from Western Astoria joint, Bistro 33, which I frequent on occasion, especially when I want a bite of something comforting  (they're excellent at soups!).  Here's a peek at their new fall menu, which I hope sparks your interest:

Split Pea Soup - with smoked hamhock
Foie Gras - with berry jam and sea salt flat bread
Poached Salmon - goat cheese mashed potatoes, carrots & vidalia onions, rosemary cream sauce
Southern Fried & Biscuits  - free range poussin (young chicken), drop biscuits, sausage gravy, hominy grits
Hog Shank - miso daikon, roasted fuji apple and more...

If you'd like to visit, please note they've changed up their hours a bit:

Sunday - Monday: 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday: 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Friday: 5:00 p.m. - Midnight
Saturday Brunch: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Bistro 33 - 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105
718.721.1933
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.bistro33nyc.com