The Sauce and I..

A few weeks ago I hopped in my car.. off to meet a friend and explore a new to me place.

Lately I’ve been swept up on the “New Restaurant” hype. So many places are opening up around Minneapolis and they’ve created an entirely new must try list in my notes app..

So much so that I’ve neglected my long running must eats list..

Friend D brought me back to this wishlist when she suggested we meet at Chimborazo.

Have you been to this intriguing place off of Central in northeast Minneapolis?

It was my first intro to Ecuadorian cuisine… an introduction which will usher in many more dining adventures if Chimborazo has anything to do with it!

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The special called to me that night and while the name escapes me, it was a dish of scallops and shrimp topped with a creamy, spicy coconut sauce…..

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I could just take a spoon to that sauce…. just the sauce and I… alone in a room….hmmm.. OOOO you’re there. oops.

I mean.. enough about the sauce.

The sweet fried plantains on the side didn’t stand a chance either.

Seriously this place is amazing.  The flavors bring me back both to Asia and my (one) trip to Chile. There is such a complexity of flavors here.

If you do not go here… I’m sorry.

Thank you to D for bringing me to a place that has been on my must try list for far too long. I’ll try not to get inappropriate with my sauce explanations next time 😉

The Novice Griller..

One thing I’m not….. is a grill master.

Grilling seems like a challenge to me… and sometimes a complete accidental success.

Like that time I totally forgot to turn down the heat and somehow pulled out the steaks at precisely the right second.

Hmm. Accident or genius?

Experimenting with the grill may be my new thing this summer.

When Blue Diamond sent over the new Sriracha Almonds to try, not only did I devour an entire tin to myself; grilling, shrimp and experimenting seemed appropriate.

I attempted to “entrust” then grill up some shrimp!

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While the flavor was there, my technique could use some work!

But hey, that’s what experimenting is for.

Have you tried the Sriracha Almonds yet?

This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond.

Greek Food for Weeks

How was your weekend? Was it as full of good food, laughter and family as mine?

When family surprises are in store, they come with lots of Greek food.

I mean, Obviously.

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Surprises crave Greek food. Flaming cheese, baba ghannuj , mussels and wine; all required at the table.

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The setting was a favorite due to Sister’s previous employment. Aristos treats us like family and never fails to end our meal with complimentary Tiramisu.

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You never know what you may find waiting at the table……. a tour of Greece, or an out of town family member, Surprise!

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Hello shrimp and feta..

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And just like that, I’ve had enough Greek food for weeks!

Happy late birthday father.

How was your weekend? 🙂

Cravings: Cuban Style

Friday night and its time for Cuban.  After last Friday’s meh so-so fish fry, Friend and I needed a meal redemption.  Something delicious, warm and 100% better than that fish. ugh.

When I think of this city, Cuban is the last thing that comes to mind, but strangely enough, Friend and I had the same Friday night craving.  So off to Cubanitas we went.

Cuban food for me conjures up a fusion of flavors and transports me to some hole in the wall place in Florida; where the music is flowing and the patrons are laughing, dancing and feasting.

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Well Friday night, I think we left the Midwest behind for a couple hours.  You walk in and are greeted with pumping music, warmth and loud conversations.  Probably fueled by the scrumptious mojitos! Hello Mojito Month! The place was packed and we snagged the last open two top by the windows.  A table by the windows gave us a great view of those who also forgot they were in the Midwest for the moment. (Those who think 35 degrees is spring.  You know tank top and shorts weather?  I counted at least three women in shorts, not even sporting a winter coat.)

You know a place is good, when not only is it packed, but you run into multiple Friends who apparently had the same Friday night craving.

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Even the walls seem to exude warmth, and the family portrait style feels comforting.

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We split the shrimp in garlic sauce with yellow rice.

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Fried Plantains.  Creamy sweet perfection.

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Cuban style guacamole with crispy plantain chips. Hmm salty goodness.  We will be back.

Where is your favorite Cuban restaurant?

Cubanitas on Urbanspoon