Thursday’s Side Dish: Crispy Lechon Roll

A twist on a Filipino mainstay

Yes, the Mixed Stew crew was able to get its hands on an actual lechon roll.  Look at the breath taking image!  The folks at Mama Rosa Rotisserie & Grill have really outdone themselves with this crispy-fried pork roast, which is made from a slab of pork belly.  It’s also fairly and moderately priced at $ 35.00.  You will hear the crispy pork skin cracking under the pressure as you cut slices of this yummy Filipino specialty.  The meat and skin is lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and lemon grass.  Mama Rosa Rotisserie & Grill also provides a generous serving of traditional Filipino Lechon Sauce aka Sarsa para Litson. 

Mama Rosa Rotisserie & Grill

836 Middle River Rd, Middle River, MD 21220
     

Friday's Last Spoonful: Food Surf

Sweet and Sour Dynasty

Food Surfing will feature fun food links from around the Blogosphere, including leads to hardcover helpers. These recommended links may give you other interesting ideas for making your life taste better. The Mixed Stew crew likes hunting through cookbooks for a good recipe or three.

The Mixed Stew crew recommends Sweet and Sour: Life in Chinese Family Restaurants by John Jung for a peek into the kitchen of an Asian gastronomical phenomenon.

As Sweet and Sour recipes go, this “Old School” one by Viet World Kitchen just may take you back a bit with its inclusion of pineapple and large veggie tidbits.  Yum!

Finally, this informative site is about the National Museum of American History’s efforts to preserve and curate Chinese-American history in the U.S.A.  You may learn a thing or two.

Friday's Last Spoonful: Food Surf

Taro for two or more

Food Surfing will feature fun food links from around the Blogosphere, including leads to hardcover helpers. These recommended links may give you other interesting ideas for making your life taste better. The Mixed Stew crew likes hunting through cookbooks for a good recipe or three.

Yummly provides a number of recipes for preparing this root with sweet notions.  The Taro Ice Cream and Taro Coconut Tapioca Dessert are just starters.

Ever tried Poi?  This is a Hawaiian mainstay that’s a healthy starch dish.  NPR provides a cultural snapshot.

Lastly, Kau Kau Kitchen provides a truly Hawaiian perspective on taro and some rustic but traditional recipes.  

Friday’s Last Spoonful: Field Trip

El Agave Mexican Restaurant: Catonsville, Md.

The Mixed Stew crew likes this Mexican restaurant.  Patrons are greeted by a warm atmosphere upon entering ElAgave.  We started with the Ceviche ($ 11.95) and Raul’s Jalapenos ($ 6.50).  The jalapeno peppers come stuffed with melted Chapala asadero cheese that’s infused with smoked chipotle sauce.   We also tried the Chili Verde ($ 12.95), Tres Amigos ($ 10.95) and Carnitas ($ 12.95). Every meal comes with refried beans and Mexican Rice.   Tres Amigos consists of three different enchiladas that are stuffed with chicken, pork, and poblano peppers.  Meanwhile, the Chili Verde is classic with tender pork braised in green tomatillo sauce. The texture and flavor are as if it's been slow cooked for hours.  We suggest the Carnitas if you like crispy-fried pork that’s well-marinated.  El Agave also features traditional margaritas.  Enjoy the Tres Leches Cake ($ 5.50), too.

1016 Ingleside Ave
Catonsville, MD 21228

(410) 788-1430

Friday’s Last Spoonful: Field Trip

Lighthouse Tofu & BBQ: Ellicott City, Md.

Yes, by now, our faithful readers that we’re big lovers of Korean Cuisine.  That’s one of several reasons why we recommend The Lighthouse Tofu & BBQ.  What sets this joint apart from the others?  Patrons can order from several dinner combos.  These meals include spicy soups laden with meaty Korean BBQ dishes.  The soups come in mushroom, tofu, or beef depending on your tastes.  Also, diners can choose between jae gui (aka pork gui), bulgolgi, and chicken gui.  The combo meals range in price between $12.99 and $17.99.  Expect a yummy selection of banchan dishes with every visit, too.  The restaurant can also take large dinner parties. 

9380 Baltimore National Pike
Ste 105
Ellicott City, MD 21042

410-461-6560

Thursday’s Side Dish: T.O. Williams Virginia Smoked Link Sausage

A porky item that’s hot, too

We admit to getting a hankering for smoked sausage on more than one occasion in the course of a month.  This food item caught our attention during a recent visit to the grocery store.  T.O. Williams brand Virginia Link HOTSausage.  A 16 oz package 8 links comes reasonably priced at $2.99 and above so do hunt around for the best price.  They’re really produced in Portsmouth, Virginia.  Look forward to seeing their “red color,” which is a trademark.   The Mixed Stew Crew likes having these sausages for breakfast as a serving of meat instead of the usual bacon or true breakfast sausage.  We also suggest chopping it up and placing it in baked beans, gumbo soup, or even fried rice.  Yes, the heat will get you so eat with caution.

Friday’s Last Spoonful: Ramen vs. Simon

Relatives that have a similar effect

These two types of Asian noodles and soups seem to be used interchangeably; in fact, the Mixed Stew crew substituted ramen noodles for somen in this week’s recipe.  What makes them truly different from each other?  Both types of noodles contain water and wheat flour but Ramen noodles also contain eggs as a main ingredient.  Ramen noodles appear yellow in color and somewhat curly or wavy.  Meanwhile, authentic somen noodles are white in color and are comparable to angel hair.  Somen noodles also tend to be more light and delicate.  Saimin specifically refers to the rendition or offshoot of Asian noodle soup that’s popular in Hawaii.      

Friday’s Last Spoonful: Field Trip

Yukon Korean BBQ & Sushi Bar: Dover, DE

The Mixed Stew Crew really likes this Korean BBQ and Sushi bar establishment in Dover, DE.  The casual dining room includes a full bar with modern ambience.  Yukon has the menu items that connoisseurs of maki rolls and bbq beef kalbi will enjoy.  The Mixed Stew crew recommends their lunch specials aka bento boxes, like teriyaki beef, beef kalbi, or grilled teriyaki salmon.  The bento boxes range between $ 8.99 and $10.99 depending on the main entrée.  Each lunch special comes with a side salad that’s dressed in a sweet thousand-island dressing.   Meanwhile, checkout Yukon’s sushi selection for some unique and spicy maki rolls that can really tempt your appetites.     

865 N. Dupont Highway

Dover, DE 19901-2013

302-734-4100

Friday’s Last Spoonful: Field Trip

Honey Dumpling: Catonsville, Md. 

A new Lotte Plaza recently opened in Maryland if you’re in search for Asian/ International food items. The Mixed Stew crew noticed that one fun and yummy food vendor is conveniently located within supermarket. Honey Dumpling serves eight flavors of steamed rice cake buns. Each bun is carefully stuffed (almost overstuffed) and handmade. You can even watch the staff make the buns, too. Each one costs $2.00 each. Spicy flavors include pork, chicken, curry, and kimchi. An order comes with light and sweet soy sauce for anyone needing an extra taste drizzle.

Honey Dumpling (inside Lotte) 
6600 Baltimore National Pike 
Catonsville, MD 21228 
443-341-6188

Friday’s Last Spoonful: Food Surf

Brussels Sprout Tango


Food Surfing will feature fun food links from around the Blogosphere, including leads to other interesting sites. These recommended links may give you other interesting ideas for making your life taste better.

Martha Stewart lists refined brussels sprout recipes, such as sautéed brussels sprouts with raisins and brussells sprouts with kimchi and bacon.

Look for yummy dishes, like roasted brussels sprouts w/ sun-dried tomato pesto or brown butter and dill brussels sprouts on Eating Well’s site.

Finally, The Chalkboard identifies several restaurants in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago with noteworthy brussels sprout fare.

Thursday’s Side Dish: Green Tea Kit Kat

A delightful Japanese variation

A member of the Mixed Stew crew was lucky enough to pick up two boxes of these special Nestle Kit Kat brand chocolate treats at Narita International Airport in Tokyo.  These are made specifically for the Japanese market in celebration of Cherry Blossoms.  Crunchy cookie wafers come coated in white chocolate spiked with matcha green tea.  There’s plain green tea and green tea flavored with strawberry, apple, or watermelon.  Also look for the unique green hue that’s very different from the usual brown and white that’s standard fare in America.  A case will cost you 3000¥  or a little over $30.00.

Friday's Last Spoonful: Field Trip

Cazabe Restaurant: Jessup, Md.

Don't let the plain exterior of this eating establishment fool you. Cazabe serves really good Latin American fare along with several pasta dishes. Expect a spicy kick in most of their menu items. We recommend the Masita de Cerdo (fried pork w/ sauteed onions), which costs $ 14.95. The Chicharron de Cerdo (fried pork $17.95) is also a hit with The Mixed Stew crew. Not in the mood for crispy fried pork? The beef taco salad ($ 8.95) had real beef steak instead of ground beef so we'd order it again. The seafood dishes, like shrimp in garlic sauce w/ rice or the lobster meat ravioli, also caught our eyes. If you have room for desert, we tried their tres leches cake and it's "to die for!"  

8801 Washington Boulevard  

Jessup, MD 20794

(240) 456-0888 

Friday's Last Spoonful: Food Surfing

Wade through this high tide

Food Surfing will feature fun food links from around the Blogosphere, including leads to hardcover helpers. These recommended links may give you other interesting ideas for making your life taste better.


 

The Mixed Stew crew likes hunting through cookbooks for a good recipe or three. We recommend The $5 Dinner Mom Breakfast and Lunch Cookbook by Erin Chase for food lovers and families on a budget.

 

Reed Hearon’s Bocaditos is a fun book about the small dishes of Mexico.  Look out for this book that can really cause a sizzle.

 

Would you like to sample the recipes and food served in a Kosher home? June Hersh shares her recipes in The Kosher Carnivore.

Note: If you order via the links above, The Mixed Stew creators will get a tiny referral fee.

Thursday’s Side Dish: Cranberry Seasoned Smoked Salmon

A fruity twist in every bite

We recently picked up a nice piece of specially smoked salmon flavored with dried cranberries from NEOPOL Savory Smokery.  Lovers of smoked food items can find a yummy array of smoked seafood, such as trout, rockfish, and shrimp.  Also, look for unique flavor varieties – like candied ginger, Thai rub, and caramelized onion.  NEOPOL charges a premium price per pound for their smoked treats. It's $25 per lb. for their smoked salmon so we treat ourselves sparingly. The cut shown here was a little over a quarter lb. and cost $10.  Non-seafood items include NEOPOL’s smoked bacon, turkey breast, and even smoked salads.

Friday’s Last Spoonful: Field Trip

Pho Pasteur: Catonsville, Md.

A recent craving for piping hot bowls of Vietnamese pho brought us to this fairly new restaurant. The casual yet charming décor is warm and inviting at Pho Pasteur. A regular bowl of their Pho dac biet with eye round rare steak, well-done brisket, tendon, and tripe runs for $6.50 (and the large costs $7.50). We also enjoyed two deep fried pork eggrolls, an appetizer, at $3.50 per order. Other yummy menu items included a variety egg-noodle soups and seafood flavored soups. Not in the mood for pho? A short list of grilled meats or grilled shrimp with rice and salad may appeal to your taste buds.

710 N. Rolling Rd.
Catonsville, Md 21228
410-744-7220

Friday’s Last Spoonful: Field Trip

Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries

Sitting down to eat a meal at Boardwalk Burgers and Fries usually means heaping servings of fries and very satisfying burgers, which are made to order. David and Fran DiFerdinando founded their restaurant chain 1980. The brothers were inspired and sought to bring the classic and trademark boardwalk fries to places other than the boardwalks of Ocean City, Md. Look for medium-cut fries made from Idaho potatoes that are fried in peanut oil then lightly salted. Cooks leave the skin on and that adds an extra bite to every fry. Guests can add vinegar, black pepper, or Old Bay Seasoning to their liking as beachgoers do on the boardwalk. Meanwhile, signature (Mushroom Swiss or BBQ Bacon) and customized burger sandwiches can also be made-to-order. The single burger platter includes a medium-sized heap of fries and a regular- sized drink for under $10.00. The Mixed Stew crew recommends that you ensure that you ask the cooks to toast the bread when placing your order. Not in the mood for burgers or fries? The menu also lists chicken tenders, hot dogs, and salads. Look for a franchise near you.

Friday’s Last Spoonful: Field Trip

Kelsey’s: Ellicott City, Md.

This restaurant is modeled after a typical Irish pub. Expect décor and an atmosphere worthy of traditional Irish favorites, such as Fish-N-Chips or Irish Stew with tender chunks of lamb and loads of potatoes. Kelsey’s also has a “neighborhood restaurant” charm. Sandwiches and burgers come with your choice of fries, potato chips, or applesauce (for those on a diet). The Mixed Stew crew ordered their hot Rueben ($9.99), a BIG Cheeseburger ($10.99), and their Lamb Gyro ($9.99). We also shared an appetizer special of Mussels in Cream Sauce W/ Garlic Bread. Everything is fairly priced with more than filling portions.

Kelsey’s Restaurant and Pub
8480 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, Maryland 21043
410-418-9076

Friday's Last Spoonful: Field Trip

The Mixed Stew is on hiatus for the holiday. We are serving up oldies but goodies (re-runs) for the whole week. Happy Holidays!

Post originally from April 1, 2011

Mama Rosa Rotisserie & Grill: Middle River, Md. We’ve been excited since discovering this Filipino Restaurant just north of Baltimore. Mama Rosa Rotisserie & Grill provides authentic Filipino fare. The array of ready-made entrees behind the glass-covered counter can be mouth-watering for those familiar with the cuisine. Patrons can order one to two dishes with two cups steamed rice or garlic-seasoned fried rice for $6.99. We especially recommend the Lechon Kawali (crispy pork belly), Crispy Pata, or Chicharon Bulaklak. Also, look for the daily special and roasted chicken. The stewed entrees, such as Dinuguan (Pork Blood Stew) and Kare Kare (tender beef oxtail in a peanut butter flavored broth) were also done well. Mama Rosa has some of the sweet treats, like Halo Halo to tempt your dessert taste buds. 836 Middle River Road
Middle River, MD 21220
443-865-8677

Friday’s Last Spoonful: Field Trip

Crumbs Bake Shop: Union Station, District of Columbia

The Mixed Stew crew likes their trademark cupcakes, which are decadent and lavishly decorated. Crumbs Bake Shop first opened its doors in 2003 on the Upper West Side of New York City, but other shops have opened across the U.S. Classics flavors, like carrot, red velvet, and vanilla come with loads of soft cake and thick a layer of icing to boot. Meanwhile, Dulce de Leche, Black Bottom Cheese Cake Brownie, and White Hot Chocolate are just three of their fancier-flavored cakes. A dozen cupcakes will costs you $24.00, so order them with careful consideration for the next little shindig at the office or the next birthday party.

Train Concourse

40 Massachusetts Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20002

202-408-1001