Menu Planning

Tonight our dear friends Chris and Kelly Reynolds are coming over for dinner. We have had many lovely dinners with the Reynolds fam, like when we experimented with Thomas Keller, or when we had an 8 course Valentine's Day.

Tonight's meal is a little different. Nothing super experimental, although there are a few new items that will be first attempts. Tonight, you see, we say farewell to these dear friends. I wish we were just saying "Bon Voyage" and could welcome them back in a few weeks, but no, that is not the case. Tonight we say goodbye to living within 15 minutes of each other, to watching embarrassing TV shows together every week, to singing (screaming) along to old-school mix tapes while stuck in traffic... to a great couple that was willing to try all sorts of new things with us -- from stinky cheese and mussels to Kelly letting me run alongside her for her first half marathon.

To Chris and Kelly: We will miss you dearly, but boy are we gonna have fun tonight! And with that, I present this evening's menu. Double click to make it big enough to actually read.

Finally Becoming a 'Regular'

*image courtesy of www.sdurbankitchen.net*

I, like most of us, have always wanted to be a 'regular' at a restaurant I love. When Glenn, Matt and I would go to C-Level for what we dubbed "Month-End Dinner" -- I thought that would be our place. Didn't happen. I think it's too big, so even though some of the servers recognize us, there are far too many sections to be seated in and far too many servers to get to know one or two of them well.

Enter my new favorite 'casual but still delicious' eating establishment in San Diego -- Cucina Urbana. I had kind of been sick of the San Diego food scene, with the exception of Market, and frustrated that the one place I loved would cost me $300 every time I ate there. THEN I read something about Cucina Urbana, saw that reservations were hard to come by (always a good sign), checked out the menu online (everything is under $20! what! i must go!) and turned 28. The turning 28 piece is relevant because Matt and Jessica took me out to dinner for my birthday, and let me pick anywhere I wanted to go... naturally, I had to pick this hot new place I was dying to try.

It was a week before we wanted to go, and the only reservation they had available for the date was 9:45pm. I made it. For some reason I decided to check OpenTable the day of our reservation, and someone must have had a last minute cancellation because a 5:45 slot had opened up! I promptly switched times, and boy am I glad I did, because Cucina Urbana is a place you want to be able to spend hours.

In the *heart* of Banker's Hill -- aka right between Little Italy and Balboa Park -- Cucina Urbana is fresh and modern, but also cute and cozy. They have a bar and common tables for those who weren't lucky enough to secure a reservation, as well as tables along the walls and throughout the restaurant. The space is filled with decorative pillows, low-hung chandelier-like lights, and vintage magazine and poster prints. Jessica, who has the most discriminating atmosphere taste of all of us, instantly fell in love.

We took our seats and our waiter, Gabriel, introduced himself to us. He described his favorite dishes in each section of the menu, explained that sharing everything is his favorite way to go (sharing food! my love language!), and recommended a wine in the under $30 range he said would be excellent for what we wanted. ARE. YOU. KIDDING. ME?!?!?!?! It was my turn to fall in love. Not with Gabe, as we now know him, although he is our favorite server and we have since requested him and learned more about his life and loves, but with the place as a whole.

In true birthday fashion, we ordered half the menu. I have my food soul mate, Matt Hughes, to thank for this. "Why wouldn't we get 5 appetizers, 4 entrees, a bottle of wine, and dessert?" My sentiments exactly. It's not gluttony, it's enjoying life and the abundance God has blessed us with.

The stars of the evening were the gnudi (not quite as good as Spotted Pig's, but still delicious and better than this attempt), the goat cheese and apricot spread (which, unfortunately, they have removed to make room for new spring flavors), the fried squash blossoms, the pork chop, the black cod, and the ravioli. Yes, we did order more than what I just listed out.

Since this fabulous birthday treat of an evening, I have had the pleasure of returning to Cucina Urbana 3 more times. Every time has been equally exciting, and every time I have tried something new. The burger is out of this world -- in a category of its own as far as I'm concerned. The dessert menu is boring, or so you would think by reading the descriptions, but I tell you it rivals Extraordinary Desserts as most delicious sweets in San Diego. The service is always excellent, especially when you have the pleasure of sitting in Gabe's section. And the ravioli, perfect pillows of pasta that pair excellently with pinot noir. Tried to include more P's in that sentence but I didn't want to push it.

Cucina Urbana

505 Laurel Street

San Diego, CA 92101

www.sdurbankitchen.com

Vocalize Your Dreams

I have been thinking about the future, about my dreams, about what in the world my goals are a lot lately. I know my over-arching goal in life is, and has always been, to have a positive influence on people, helping to mold and develop them into the best leaders they can be, and thus help them grow closer to Christ. As for a goal for what I want to "be" or "do" or what not -- I am 28 and still uncertain.

Earlier this week I was reading Jasmine Star's blog (a photographer in Orange County), and was challenged by her three-step approach to moving forward in this area. Here is what she said, with my commentary beneath each step.

1. Set your goal

This seems simple enough, but the more I think about it, the more confused I get. What in the world is my goal? Is my goal to make a living writing about and experiencing foods around the world? Is my goal to work my way up in College Student Affairs and help students grow? Is my goal to be a stay-at-home whatever? Is my goal to be a leadership consultant to small businesses, churches, and other organizations? Setting a goal is a much more difficult task than simply reaching into the hat and picking one.

2. Vocalize your dreams to your trusted allies.

This completely makes sense, and yet is utterly horrifying at the same time. I like that she says to share your dreams with "trusted allies" and not just "vocalize your dreams." There is such vulnerability in saying your dreams out loud, even to people who are close friends. I know when I started this blog, and as I continue to dream about its growth, nervousness creeps over me when I think about telling people what my hopes and aspirations for it are. I mean, what if it doesn't happen? What if they think my ideas and dreams are lame? What if I fail?

This last question is one that haunts me in almost every area of my life. What if I fail?

Failure. Nobody likes it, nobody wants it, and yet we are trapped in mediocre lifestyles because we are so afraid this thing, failure, will take over. Another thing Jasmine Star said in her post was that it was better to fail at something you love than to succeed at something you hate. Ick. The thought of this gets to me on a deep level and totally challenges the things I am doing and ways I am living every day.

3. Create an action plan to make things happen.

This, step 3, seems like the fun part. And the easy part. Once I figure out my goal and vocalize my dream, what is left to lose? All I can do is win, and creating an action plan almost always ends in some sort of win, even if it's just the fact that I MADE the action plan! Of course, this step doesn't come until you've gone through the harder stuff, and of course there is still the chance your dreams will be crushed and you will fail... but I have have have to trust that, even if I fail, I will be the happiest in the long run if I pursue what I love.

I will keep you posted on the further development of these thoughts, as well as some of my dreams (is the entire world wide web a trusted ally? probably not...) as I slowly narrow them down and give them each their own name. Until then, here is a fun picture from a photo shoot I did several months ago for my *new* blog ... courtesy of the fabulous Bronson Pate!

Streeeesssss.

Here's the deal. I'm applying for grad school. I am horrified at the thought of submitting this application, but it's due by Monday of next week.

I'm going to Indigo Grill tonight and am hoping that will relieve some of the anxiety I have in relation to the above. Or, in therapy we do this exercise where you think of a place that has no negative strings attached in any way, and just envision yourself there. Maybe in 5 minutes I can transport myself back here.

Featured on Fine Times!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, I was asked to be a guest writer on the ever-awesome Fine Times! They asked me to write about some great 'pairings' and you can read it HERE!

While you're there, check out the other fun stuff these great guys put together on their blog, and leave them some love!

Wish List

Last night I picked up two bottles of the 2007 Tandem Pinot Noir. I say I 'picked them up' because that is precisely what I did. I received an e-mail from my favorite San Diego sommelier about a great deal on this wine, and as you all know my weakness for a good Pinot Noir, I had to jump at the opportunity. So, as I was thinking about what a beautiful spring evening would look like with me and a few friends sipping glass-fuls of the light red substance, I also envisioned what I would be wearing.

Here is a silly little 'clipping' of what is currently on my 'clothing' wish list, and what I think would pair perfectly with a warm April evening in San Diego. Yes I did just skip right over March. Who needs it? Spring Break is the only good thing it brings.

This list consists of things I have wanted forever (the diamonds) and things I am thinking about spending my birthday money on (the converse). The diamonds are Elsa Peretti, in her most recent Diamonds by the Yard collection which she has decided to market to the poor girls who want to look rich, and now offers in silver instead of only platinum, thus decreasing the cost by a good $1100+ per necklace. What I really want to do is wear 3 of these necklaces, all at slightly different lengths. Two of the 'single' diamonds, and one of the 'by the yard' that has 5 or 6 small diamonds along the chain.

Next up we have Joe's boyfriend fit jean shorts. I have always loved jean shorts (just not on men) and am excited they are coming back!! I have also always loved anything with the word 'boyfriend' in it. I'm not sure why, it just seems comfortable and fun.

Has anyone tried these converse? They are "low" and have a thinner sole than the normal converse, thus making them more 'streamlined' (their word, not mine) and, I am thinking these would look great with jeans, shorts, or casual skirts and dresses. What say you? This is probably the most 'realistic' purchase on this list, as I can actually afford them with above mentioned birthday money.

Gap grey cardigan. Hello. I bought this cardigan in navy blue and wear it EVERY day. It's a problem. I absolutely need it in more colors, and grey is the perfect 'go with anything' spring choice! Plus, my sister works for Gap so she alerts me to any special 'family and friends' days... this is definitely on the list of must haves for my next shopping splurge.

Navy striped flowy tee from, where else, Anthropologie. I need to stop stepping into the store, or going to their online store, because every time I do I leave with a list of $2000 worth of items I could convince myself I need RIGHT. NOW. I love the stripes and where the seam changes in the middle. Flirty, fresh, fun. Just like bubble gum!

Michael Kors gold watch. Need I say more? I love gold. And I need a watch. There, I said more.

An Evening with Thomas Keller

A few years ago, for my birthday, Blair bought me The French Laundry cookbook. I was enthralled and longed for the day I would be crazy enough to make something out of it. This year, for Christmas, Glenn bought me the Bouchon cookbook. Same super-chef, a little more do-able. I was so inspired by reading all of Thomas Keller's secrets to making simple food taste the best it possibly can I decided to host a small dinner party where everything we ate would be from the Bouchon cookbook.

The day started with garlic infused olive oil, which I would use for the mussels later in the meal. You cook the garlic in olive oil over extremely low heat, until the garlic is so soft it will spread with a butter knife, and the olive oil is perfectly garlicky.

At this point I had also made a brine for the chickens I would be roasting. Typically when I have brined meats I have done a very simple mix of salt, water, and a few seasonings. This brine was much more complex and included a lot of garlic, onion and spices, which I brought to a boil and then allowed to cool to room temperature. Of course I didn't realize it needed to cool to room temperature until I was already behind, so I surrounded the pot of warm liquid with ice (in the sink) and that helped cool it off nicely. I placed the chickens in the brine, and let it all hang out in the refrigerator for about 5 hours.

While the garlic and chicken in brine were resting, I prepared the almond cake (topped with strawberry compote, which I also prepared at this time). Once the cake was finished baking, I immediately placed sliced toasted almonds on top of it so they would stick. As the cake cooled, I dusted it (quite heavily) with powdered sugar and let it and the compote hang out until it was time for dessert.

Our 1st course was a lovely hericot verts salad with fresh tomato and a perfectly boiled egg. We all devoured our salads so quickly I was not able to snap a photograph!

We moved from salad course into a first course of mussels with saffron and white wine - a classic Bistro dish. This was my friend Kelly's first time eating mussels. I had her help me pull off the beards and she was really going for it, until she realized the mussels were still alive at that point, and she screamed and threw the mussel she was holding back in the sink. All mussels died peacefully in a perfect steam of butter, white wine, and fresh herbs, and Kelly was able to eat them with plenty of crusty bread.

I firmly believe the key to this chicken being so flavorful is all in the preparation. The chickens were removed from the brine and then I trussed them. I have been intimidated by trussing, as well as anything else involving tying or cutting up a whole bird/animal, so I just had to convince myself this was something I was capable of and would learn to do well. Thomas Keller explains trussing quite well, and after only 2 failed attempts, here are my trussed chickens.

Pretty good for my first trussing! The only seasoning the chickens require is a liberal sprinkling of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. They are placed on the stove (in an oven-proof pan) over high heat with about a tablespoon of olive oil, then immediately placed into a 450 degree oven for approximately 45 minutes. All Keller tells you to do once the chickens are finished cooking is baste them with the pan juices once or twice and then sprinkle with fresh thyme. Here is a great picture of half of one of the chickens once it had been plated a top a medley of sauteed mushrooms.

This picture is super blurry, sorry about that, but you can see a few more details of the chicken. I also topped it with a bit of fresh flat leaf parsley, on Keller's recommendation.

After all of these courses (and of course a couple of glasses of unoaked chardonnay to accompany this lovely meal!) we sat back and prepared for a little slice of Bouchon heaven - almond cake with strawberry compote, topped with sweetened, whipped, creme fraiche. I don't think any words are necessary once you see this picture, but I will tell you it was absolutely the most fantastic ending to my Very Thomas Keller evening.