Shane and Keena's Amazing PBJ Food Cart

PBJ's Grilled

The Best Tri-Tip in Berkeley

There is an obscenely colorful shack on the corner of University and Walnut Ave. If you have ever wandered down that area you know exactly what I am referring to because it is the only random free standing structure located in the parking lot of Mike's Bike's Cyclery. I have walked passed it a million times, but never stopped to check it out. According to Yelp, Brazil Cafe has over 300 reviews averaging at 4.5 stars. Order #84 with a fresh fruit smoothie (acai or mango). You will be happy you did.


That's the owner Pedro. He is a sweetheart.

Squid Ink and Smiling Faces

Pop into any bakery in Taipei and you'll find baked goods so black you can't help but wonder what it is.

We picked up a Garlic Chicken filled Squid Ink roll from Champs-Élysées Bakery. Sooooo good!



Other bakeries carry baked goods that make you smile with just one look.

I just paid $8 for Numpang

I must be in New York. Numpang serves American-Cambodian sandwiches. Ratha please don't be offended, but I still prefer Lee's Sandwiches at $1.50 a pop.


Photo courtesy of Patrick Andrade

Back to Basics: Cobb Salad Sandwich

Some days are longer than others and today happened to be one of those days. By the time I got home from the gym, I wanted to whip up something quick and satisfying. Sandwiches immediately came to mind as they involve minimal prepping, cooking and dish washing. With hard-boiled eggs already sitting in the fridge, I decided on making a cobb salad sandwich with my favorite sliced bread (Trader Joe's Oat 'n Nuts Whole Wheat. It's made with roasted almonds and hazelnuts, honey and brown sugar. YUMMM!).Here goes .. ENJOY!

- Blue Cheese*
- Spicy brown mustard
- Turkey bacon
- Hard-boiled egg, sliced
- Avocado, sliced
- Chicken breast, sliced
- Romaine lettuce, torn
- Roma tomato, sliced

*Feel free to use a rich blue cheese (i.e. Roquefort) or even use your favorite blue cheese dressing.

The BEST Philly Cheesesteak in the City

I'm not a huge fan of philly cheesesteak to begin with, but this panini style sandwich from The Grove Fillmore makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Thick, tender strips of Niman Ranch beef, swiss cheese(?), grilled onions and mushrooms - and the bread TO DIE FOR. The portions here are pretty hefty in size. What's not to love? The venue itself is unpretentious yet hip, busy but still manages to be quaint. As if that wasn't enough, the staff are genuinely helpful and the cafe is dog friendly. We also ordered the Berkeley bowl. Don't be turned off that it comes with Ranch. The dressing is very subtle and oh so yummy.

**I highly recommend ordering food to go and chowing down at the new AMC Sundance Theater (balcony seating only).

***UPDATE***I tried the same sandwich over at the Chestnut Street location (Marina). Just as I was ordering, I noticed the chalkboard menu didn't mention use of Niman Ranch beef, but didn't think anything of it. Let's just say, they probably omitted that for a reason because the sandwich wasn't nearly as good. I guess the cafes are created equal.

Leftover Turkey Blues

What to do with leftover turkey?? Curry Turkey Salad

1 turkey leg and thigh, cooked and cubed
1/4 cup celery chopped
1/8 cup yellow or green onion chopped (optional)
1 gala apple
1/2 cup Trader Joe's Golden Berry Blend (dried cranberries, blueberries and golden raisins
1/2 cup roasted pecans
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
1 teaspoon curry powder (if you're not a huge fan of curry, try only 1/2 teaspoon)
2 tablespoons Best Foods mayonnaise

Mix everything in a bowl and let it sit for at least a few hours, if not overnight ...

Enjoy it as is, or put it into a buttery croissant with lettuce and tomato. If croissants aren't your style, try a dutch crunch, french or sourdough roll - toasted or untoasted ...

Yay!

Almuerzo in Palermo Soho

Check out this spot the next time you're in Palermo Soho and need a shopping break ... good looking people and great tasting food..

Wasabi Mayonnaise

WTF?! Look, don't knock it until you try it ... perhaps in a Roast Beef sandwich with Trader Joe's Oat and Nut bread, Gulden's Spicy Brown Mustard, slices of Harvati Dill, tomatoes, jalapenos, and baby spinach. Serve with sliced fruit and salt and vinegar Kettle chips.

Yeah .. that's what I thought.

You're welcome.

Open Face Jalapeno Tuna Melt

1 can of Chicken in the Sea's white chunk tuna
2 slices of Milton multigrain bread
1 jalapeno, diced and seeded
2 slices of medium cheddar cheese
2 slices of baby swiss
Land O' Lakes salted butter
1/2 teaspoon of Best Foods mayonnaise

1. Drain can of white tuna (make sure to drain everything!!!)
2. Add mayo and diced jalapeno to white tuna in strainer and toss around some more
3. Butter slices of bread and throw into a frying pan on low/medium heat
4. Top bread with slices of cheese, tuna and jalapenos
5. Cover pan until cheese is melted and underside of bread is golden brown
6. Serve warm

MMMmmmm.. enjoy!!

Comfort Foods: Grilled Cheese Sandwhich and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Winter's here!!! Everyone's sick, the malls are packed, and snow has yet to fall .. yech... Stay indoors and enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich (or tuna melt) with a side of creamy tomato basil soup.

Soup:
1- 28oz can of crushed tomatoes
1- 11.5 oz can of V8
1- 14.5 oz can of chicken broth
1 bunch of fresh basil leaves
1 cup of heavy cream
1/4 cup of salted butter

1. Combine crushed tomatoes, V8 and chicken broth in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 30 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and add in thin strips of basil
**OPTIONAL** puree mixture
3. Add in heavy cream and butter
4. Return to medium heat until butter has melted
5. Enjoy!

*Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar and cheesy croutons to your soup! YUMMM..

Grilled Cheese Sandwhich:
2 slices of Alfaro's Micro-Bakery Santa Cruz Sourdough
Butter
Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese