Saturday, May 19, 2012
Recipe Recipe: Tempeh Qunioa Stir-Fry
Posted by Kelly Davis on Sat, May 19, 2012 at 9:00 AM
- Kelly Davis
- Tempeh and Qunioa Stir-Fry
Stir-fries are the first thing I think of when I get a hankering for an Asian-inspired meal. They're so incredibly simple, healthy, and easy to make. You can literally make a stir-fry with most anything in your fridge. Well, except leftover birthday cake. What I mean to say is that you can make a stir-fry with most any vegetable, grain, and protein in your fridge.
- Kelly Davis
- The simplicity of a stir-fry
When I first started cooking meals for myself as a junior in college, stir-fries were one of my go-to's (Note to Mom: I did eat actual meals in college, Mom. They were just of the easy-mac and dining hall variety).
Back then, I lacked creativity. Every stir-fry, without fail, consisted of chicken, rice, green peppers and soy sauce. It was only more recently that I've changed my stir-fries up quite a bit, and that includes adapting my sauce of choice (soy sauce) to something a bit more unique. Trust me, fig jam sounds a bit odd in a stir-fry recipe, but I assure you, it's very tasty and adds a slight sweetness that makes this dish.
In this particular recipe, I chose the powerhouse duo of protein: tempeh and quinoa, but if you prefer chicken, by all means, use chicken. If you would rather enjoy the traditional rice, feel free to make that substitution as well.
Stir-fries are flexible like that.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Food News Photos: 5Church
Posted by Kimberly Lawson on Fri, May 18, 2012 at 10:26 AM
A new restaurant in an old spot,5Church opens to the public today. Executive chef Jamie Lynch, most recently at Barrington's, is manning the kitchen, serving up traditional yet technique-driven American cuisine. And let me tell you, from what I've tasted, IMHO, this place is going to do quite well.
5Church is located at the corner of 5th and Church streets. Anyone who's been in Charlotte a few years knows this spot to have been a number of other concepts. Before Patrick Whalen, Alejandro Torio and Mills Howell took over, the location was a Scottish pub. But any remnants of those previous tenants have been completely wiped away with a total makeover. And we're not just talking a few coats of paint and new chairs. No, the vibe in this spot is uptown sophisticated, with a splash of artsy cool and geek chic.
But the food. That's why you're reading this post, am I right?
Last night, we had the opportunity to sample some of the dishes that will be on 5Church's menu. All night long, all I heard was good reviews. Here's what we had:
First Course
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Events The 3 B's of goodness: Tonight at Queen City Q
Posted by Laura Camilo on Wed, May 16, 2012 at 2:23 PM
If there's one thing we can all agree upon in Charlotte, it's good beer and BBQ. But our bourbon drinkers should get some love, too. Tonight, they, at Queen City Q , they can. Bust out the wet-naps and come with an appetite - this event is setting out to ensure sauce stains and satisfied stomachs. And maybe even a few alcohol-induced hiccups.
Starting at 5 p.m., the restaurant will feature BBQ plate specials, along with craft beer and bourbon flights to wash it all down. Play a few rounds of cornhole while you sip your brews, or enjoy the live music as you chow down. Either way's a tasty way to spend a Hump Day afternoon.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Eating With Your Dollars: The best fast food money can buy
Posted by Vani Hari on Tue, May 15, 2012 at 9:34 AM
Sawadee ka from Thailand!
Drinking fresh raw organic vegetable juice is one of the fastest and easiest ways to stay in tip-top shape while vacationing. It also happens to be one of the best ways to "Eat With Your Dollars." It's something I do no matter where I am in the world (including here in Thailand) and do almost daily back home. And I'm not talking about opening a can of V8 or buying a ready-made juice like Naked that has been pasteurized. I'm talking about drinking the juice of this many vegetables (see photo below) at one sitting - raw, fresh and straight out of a juicer.
The reasons to drink vegetable juice seem endless to me, but here are just three reasons why adding this habit to your repertoire is the key to ultimate health.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Events Event: Eating Local in the New South
Posted by Kelly Davis on Sat, May 12, 2012 at 8:30 AM
On Thursday, May 15, from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., the Levine Museum of the New South will host a lecture about the eating local movement in the Charlotte area.
The event will be hosted by Dr. Tom Hanchett and will feature Cassie Parsons of Grateful Growers Farm of Lincolnton and Harvest Moon Grill of Charlotte, as well as Kristin Davis of Mecklenburg County Cooperative Extension. Speakers Parsons and Davis will both discuss how local eating and farming has affected the region while participants enjoy wine and a Southern buffet dinner from Mert's Heart & Soul.
Cassie Parsons, who wears many hats as a business owner, farmer and chef, will specifically speak about the history of the locavore movement and the economic potential created by this movement. She believes that the Charlotte region has a unique opportunity due to our close proximity to farmland and, thus, quality local products created by these farms. Parsons will also address how Charlotte is the perfect place to bridge the gap between farms and the culinary arts, championing the collaboration between farmers and chefs and its potential for limitless positive effect on the local economy.
Parsons also will provide details of how Charlotte residents can participate in the local foods movement. Her joint business venture of both farm and restaurant has a 1.4 million dollar economic impact on the local area and she stands by the fact that every dollar spent on local foods has a multiplying effect on the local economy. Her ultimate goal at this lecture is to illustrate an opportunity to create a win by connecting farmers, the community, and the chefs.
This event is free for Museum members, $10 for non-members and includes program, wine and buffet. The lecture and dinner is presented by Marsh Properties, sponsored by Mert's Heart and Soul, The Charlotte Observer and WFAE 90.7.
Reservations required. RSVP by calling 704-333-1887 ext. 501 or rsvp@museumofthenewsouth.org.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Events Going green: VegFest venerates all things veggie
Posted by Laura Camilo on Fri, May 11, 2012 at 10:30 AM
"Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." -Michael Pollen
They say you are what you eat. Few can claim total ignorance to the importance of eating fresh, unprocessed foods, but the task of finding prepared food that's delicious without being dependent on animal products can leave many would-be vegheads beefin' pretty hard. Saturday's VegFest should take care of all that.
Sponsored by Eco-Licious and Charlotte Veggie Business Union, Charlotte's first VegFest gives fest-goers a chance to enjoy food provided by several local veggie restaurants, check out lots of local vendors, jam out to local musicians and participate in several other family-friendly activities. There's even a vegan dessert competition, and you can be one of the judges. Dessert that's good for you? Sign me up.
The event's proceeds will go to the North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue.
May 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1916 Commonwealth Ave.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Recipe / Dinner Recipe: Peanut Tofu Noodle with Greens
Posted by Kelly Davis on Thu, May 10, 2012 at 3:55 PM
Back when I was a poor college student, I had the good fortune to discover that as an elementary education major, I could make double what most college jobs paid by tutoring kids. A friend of mine worked as a tutor to the children of a Korean family and told me about another Korean family who wanted a tutor for their children as well. It wasn't long before I had several families to which I offered my services. I have to admit that I was partial to one particular family - 1) because the children were darling and 2) because the mother was an excellent cook.
She was also an adventurous cook. So while most of the families served me traditional Korean food, she served me what I refer to as "Asian fusion." Eating at her house (which I did every single week) was such a treat. I never knew what to expect. A lot of the ingredients she used were familiar, but the combinations were unique.
And this is where I discovered my love for not only Asian fusion cuisine, but the culinary blending of cultures.
- Kelly Davis
- Peanut Tofu Noodle with Greens
When I first met my husband, Brad, I soon learned that he loved Asian fusion as much as I do, so we have had a lot of fun over the years cooking for one another, trying new things, and sharing what we know about Asian food with each other.
- Kelly Davis
- Top with whichever nut you prefer to add some crunch to this dish
One of our very favorite things to make is peanut sauce, which is generally associate with Thai food. Brad makes a mean peanut sauce, but I think I make a pretty tasty version myself, which I've incorporated into the recipe below.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Events Discovering culture on Jane Jacobs Walk Munching Tour
Posted by Kelly Davis on Tue, May 8, 2012 at 5:12 PM
On May 5, hundreds of Jane Jacobs Walks happened all over the world, including one here in Charlotte. These walks are held to celebrate the life and work of Jane Jacobs. Here in the Queen City, a group of people, myself included, set out to learn more about the diversity, the culture, and the food of a very small area on Central Avenue - via a munching tour.
- Kelly Davis
- Dr. Tom Hanchett challenges the group to take in their surroundings
Jane Jacobs Walks attempt to engage communities in a reflective sidewalk ballet - one that encourages learning and reflection, not merely participation.
- Kelly Davis
- A waitress serves salad spring roles at Ben Thanh
- Kelly Davis
- Shrimp spring roll at Ben Thanh
The tour began at Ben Thanh, an authentic Vietnamese restaurant. Here, walk participants greeted one another and enjoyed salad spring rolls stuffed with either shrimp or tofu. Before beginning, tour leader Dr. Tom Hanchett of the Levine Musuem of the New South and Mary Newsom, associate director of the tour sponsor PlanCharlotte, introduced participants to the work of Jane Jacobs. Neighborhood residents and participants of the walk also provided some insight about the local culture and population.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Recipe Recipe: Strawberry Salsa
Posted by Kelly Davis on Fri, May 4, 2012 at 10:21 AM
When warm weather rolls around, I love to making fresh salsa for parties, cookouts, or just any ol' weekday dinner. The essential definition of salsa is a spicy sauce of chopped, usually uncooked vegetables or fruit, especially tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers, used as a condiment. Fruit is an especially tasty and creative way to take salsa to the next level. And since strawberries are so abundant right now, I decided to use them this week to make a sweet and savory salsa.
- Kelly Davis
- Strawberry Salsa
This delicious, and might I add gorgeous, salsa is a wonderful way to incorporate fruit and vegetables into your meal simultaneously. You can eat it with some tortilla chips, add it to fish tacos, or spoon it over some grilled chicken.
I was extra creative today at lunch and spooned it over a spinach salad with chickpeas and feta cheese. The options are endless!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Smorgasbord / Events Another gulp of The Big Brew Ha
Posted by Kelly Davis on Wed, May 2, 2012 at 9:49 AM
The second annual Big Brew Ha, which took place at the Mint Museum Uptown on Friday, April 27, was held to benefit the historic St. Peter's Church of Uptown Charlotte.
The church is one of Charlotte's most treasured historic landmarks, dating back to 1893. Participants of The Big Brew Ha not only supported the preservation of St. Peter's Church but were treated to an array of delicious heavy hors d'oeuvres, a variety of international beers, and artisan coffee, as well as games and prizes.
Coffee was brewed upon order using the pour over method by Counter Culture Coffee, from Durham, N.C. The folks from Not Just Coffee, a coffee stand in 7th Street Public Market were also there assisting with the brewing.
Recent Comments
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Re: Recipe: Tempeh Qunioa Stir-Fry
This article is showing good representation regarding software overviews. But do you know every steps…
- on May 19, 2012
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Re: The 3 B's of goodness: Tonight at Queen City Q
Can we maybe hear about these kinds of events in advance, with a date and…
- on May 17, 2012
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Re: Eating With Your Dollars: The best fast food money can buy
Great insight!
What type of juicer do you use? And what juicer would…- on May 16, 2012
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Re: Discovering culture on Jane Jacobs Walk Munching Tour
Kelly, thanks for a wonderful review of our Saturday munching tour. Tom Hanchett was a…
- on May 11, 2012
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Re: Veganomics: The top eight animal-free entrées in Charlotte
Growler's veganator is a joke. I hate to disparage any place offering vegan options but…
- on May 9, 2012
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Re: Veganomics: The top eight animal-free entrées in Charlotte
Zizi's is not mentioned at all? Shame!
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on May 9, 2012
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