My experiences with steaks have always been hit or miss. Sometimes I get cheap little Denny's t-bones that are tender and juicy. Other times I get fancy/expensive steakhouse cuts that are tough and hard. It seems like its always based on chance whether or not I get a good steak. So I've finally decided to educate myself on what make a good steak, a good steak.
A couple weeks ago I went into Valley Farms Market looking for a good cut of steak, I was quite clueless. I know that more fat equals more flavor but after that all the cuts look the same to me. I couldn't figure out why one was 8.99/pound and an identical one was 13.99/pound. The butcher asked me if I needed help and I told him that I was trying to pick out a good steak for grilling but I didn't know a thing about steak. Of course he recommended the most expensive one, the porter house. He also recommended that I get two pounds. He said that in addition to the nice marbelization, the marrow from the bone adds flavor. When I saw that the price came out to thirty-five dollars I felt a little bamboozled. I was wary to not ruin thirty-five dollars worth of meat so I went home and carefully followed all of the butcher's instructions: "let the meat thaw to room temperature for forty-five minutes, lightly coat with olive oil and lightly sprinkle Montreal seasoning, grill on medium-high heat for seven minutes on each side, and then allow it to turn over for another seven minutes. What ever you do, don't close the grill." I did just as he instructed and it was well worth the extra cost. It was the tenderest, juiciest tastiest steak I've ever tasted!
Today I went back to Valley Farms and I asked the butcher what the difference is between a standard t-bone and a porter house t-bone. He said that the smaller side of the t-bone is the filet mignon, so since the porter house is cut near the center it has a much larger area of filet mignon. The difference became obvious, because I do remember the smaller side being my favorite part. He added that if I go to a fancy steak house and order a porter house they will give me a much larger porter house from a Texas Longhorn Steer. He added that his steaks were much better because they are cut from a smaller more stocky cow, an Omaha Angus. He said that Omaha Angus coined the original term "butterball," because of their stocky build and buttery taste. Also if I drive though the country I will see them lying down on their left sides. Since they use their right side to get up, the meat from the left side is much more tender.
So now I can't wait to go to a fancy steakhouse and order a porter house steak. I'll ask if it's from a Texas Longhorn or an Omaha Angus and whether the cute is from the right or left side. I'll sound so smart!
[I also found this very straight forward website that breaks it all down in lame men terms. It even includes how each piece should be seasoned and cooked! Steak Definitions ]
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Grimmly Ever After
I've been reading the Grimm Brother's versions of fairy tales and I think I've figured out why my generation is so messed up. Our expectations are a little too high. Original versions of fairy tales typically feature women in competition for patriarchal approval, whether they be wicked step-sister, or evil step-mothers. Many of these tales were collected though the Grimm Brothers works in linguistics and published in 1860. The Grimm Brothers went into village pubs around Germany and compiled these tales, many were refined to communicate important life's lessons for a girls living during that era. Disney took it a step further and made the prince the fulfillment of a young peasant girl's dreams. Disney also left out vital elements of sexuality, unwanted pregnancies, death and abuse that are typical in the Grimm versions of these tales.
Snow White
Contrary to Disney's Prince who wakes Snow White with "true loves kiss," the original prince bumps Snow White's crystal coffin on stone causing her to regurgitate the poison apple lodged in her throat. Furthermore, at first the dwarfs refused to let the prince purchase Snow White because he intended to keep her as his "most prized possession."
The Little Mermaid
After allowing the sea witch to cut out her tongue, the little mermaid had to either marry the price or die. He married someone else and she died. Her consolation was to become a cloud for 300 years. The prince often referred to her as "my dumb foundling."
Beauty and the Beast
Similar to the Disney version, the beast begs Bell to marry her day in and day out, but she refuses because he is an animal. When the Beast nearly dies, Bell realizes that not only does she pity the beast, she values his friendship and platonic love. He turns into a handsome prince and the good fairy notes that since Bell was able to see past looks, their marriage is based on virtue, hence it will be long, happy and fulfilling. The story is intended to teach young girls that are entering arranged marriages that if they submit to their less than desirable husbands, they will be rewarded.
Cinderella
The Grimm version is much like the Disney version except the step sisters cut of their toes and heals to fit into the gold slipper, plus their eyes are later pecked out by doves.
The Grimm Brother fairy tales can be traced back to earlier versions that make no to reference to a charming prince. For example, Snow White is based on the 1620 Italian Renaissance classic The Young Slave. The young slave Lisa is very outspoken and suicidal rather than passive and useful around the house. Beauty and the Beast is based on the Greek Mythology of Cupid and his wife Psyche. Psyche attempts to kill cupid after being ill-advised by her envious sisters. In the original Cinderella tale a young princess consults her fairy godmother on how to avoid marring her grief-stricken father.
Rather than waiting on guys to fulfill silly girl-hood Disney fantasies, we should teach girls to find their own happiness via accomplishment and self-fulfillment. Then they can pick out a "prince" to share their happiness with.
Snow White
Contrary to Disney's Prince who wakes Snow White with "true loves kiss," the original prince bumps Snow White's crystal coffin on stone causing her to regurgitate the poison apple lodged in her throat. Furthermore, at first the dwarfs refused to let the prince purchase Snow White because he intended to keep her as his "most prized possession."
The Little Mermaid
After allowing the sea witch to cut out her tongue, the little mermaid had to either marry the price or die. He married someone else and she died. Her consolation was to become a cloud for 300 years. The prince often referred to her as "my dumb foundling."
Beauty and the Beast
Similar to the Disney version, the beast begs Bell to marry her day in and day out, but she refuses because he is an animal. When the Beast nearly dies, Bell realizes that not only does she pity the beast, she values his friendship and platonic love. He turns into a handsome prince and the good fairy notes that since Bell was able to see past looks, their marriage is based on virtue, hence it will be long, happy and fulfilling. The story is intended to teach young girls that are entering arranged marriages that if they submit to their less than desirable husbands, they will be rewarded.
Cinderella
The Grimm version is much like the Disney version except the step sisters cut of their toes and heals to fit into the gold slipper, plus their eyes are later pecked out by doves.
The Grimm Brother fairy tales can be traced back to earlier versions that make no to reference to a charming prince. For example, Snow White is based on the 1620 Italian Renaissance classic The Young Slave. The young slave Lisa is very outspoken and suicidal rather than passive and useful around the house. Beauty and the Beast is based on the Greek Mythology of Cupid and his wife Psyche. Psyche attempts to kill cupid after being ill-advised by her envious sisters. In the original Cinderella tale a young princess consults her fairy godmother on how to avoid marring her grief-stricken father.
Rather than waiting on guys to fulfill silly girl-hood Disney fantasies, we should teach girls to find their own happiness via accomplishment and self-fulfillment. Then they can pick out a "prince" to share their happiness with.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Forgive and Forget?
This blog goes under the TMI/rant category:)
Lately I've been confronted with the subject of forgiveness. I recently received the worst apology of my life! The ultimatum apology. I didn't even know that such a thing was even possible! "Okay, I apologize. I want to move forward from this, but I need to know right now whether you forgive me or not." It sparked the demon in me and resurfaced all the other crap apologies I've come in contact with. Dictionary.com defines forgiveness as: to grant pardon for or remission. It also defines apology as: a written or spoken expression of one's regret, remorse, or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another. I'm pretty good at day to day forgiveness for things like "sorry that I flaked" or "opps, I bumped your car" but when it comes to crappy apologies for major/repeated offenses, I find forgiveness to be one of the hardest thing to do. I've heard the term "forgive and forget" countless times, but who's idea was that? In Sunday school I recall Jesus teaching about forgiveness but I don't recall him ever saying anything about forgetting. Here are some questions that I have on the subject of forgiveness.
*Should I forgive someone even if they never apologized?
Example: If you read my Haunted Beach House blog then you know that my brother recently passed away and we didn't end on good terms. He stole from me as I struggled to support the two of us. A week before I moved back to the US I attempted to clear the air in our relationship. He turned everything around on me and accused me of being a malicious person. He died six months later. So...he never apologized, am I'm still obligated to forgive? [The petty thievery wasn't the problem, they way that he turned the situation against me is what took me for a loop.]
*Should I accept an apology that lacks responsibility and accountability?
Example: One day I awoke to this in my inbox:
"Hi we don't have to be friends or anything but I am doing a lot of soul searching. I did know at the time you and kyle were an item.... and you had every right to be upset. My apologies." This apology was for asking my boyfriend to meet her in Mexico for a weekend of sex while her boyfriend was in Canada with his dieing father. [Maybe I'm just stubborn, but I took this casual apology as an insult.]
*And what about the reoccurring apology?
I can forgive people that are within my circle of trust fairly easily but when it comes to people that I am forced to experience life with I find the act to be more difficult, especially for repeated offenses. Every time that an apology is in order trust has been broken. The forgiveness may come easier, but the trust takes time and conscious effort to restore.
I've been taught that I should forgive for my own sake, to prevent harboring resentment, but in extreme cases I find it easier to just exchange resentment for indifference. Any thoughts?
Lately I've been confronted with the subject of forgiveness. I recently received the worst apology of my life! The ultimatum apology. I didn't even know that such a thing was even possible! "Okay, I apologize. I want to move forward from this, but I need to know right now whether you forgive me or not." It sparked the demon in me and resurfaced all the other crap apologies I've come in contact with. Dictionary.com defines forgiveness as: to grant pardon for or remission. It also defines apology as: a written or spoken expression of one's regret, remorse, or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another. I'm pretty good at day to day forgiveness for things like "sorry that I flaked" or "opps, I bumped your car" but when it comes to crappy apologies for major/repeated offenses, I find forgiveness to be one of the hardest thing to do. I've heard the term "forgive and forget" countless times, but who's idea was that? In Sunday school I recall Jesus teaching about forgiveness but I don't recall him ever saying anything about forgetting. Here are some questions that I have on the subject of forgiveness.
*Should I forgive someone even if they never apologized?
Example: If you read my Haunted Beach House blog then you know that my brother recently passed away and we didn't end on good terms. He stole from me as I struggled to support the two of us. A week before I moved back to the US I attempted to clear the air in our relationship. He turned everything around on me and accused me of being a malicious person. He died six months later. So...he never apologized, am I'm still obligated to forgive? [The petty thievery wasn't the problem, they way that he turned the situation against me is what took me for a loop.]
*Should I accept an apology that lacks responsibility and accountability?
Example: One day I awoke to this in my inbox:
"Hi we don't have to be friends or anything but I am doing a lot of soul searching. I did know at the time you and kyle were an item.... and you had every right to be upset. My apologies." This apology was for asking my boyfriend to meet her in Mexico for a weekend of sex while her boyfriend was in Canada with his dieing father. [Maybe I'm just stubborn, but I took this casual apology as an insult.]
*And what about the reoccurring apology?
I can forgive people that are within my circle of trust fairly easily but when it comes to people that I am forced to experience life with I find the act to be more difficult, especially for repeated offenses. Every time that an apology is in order trust has been broken. The forgiveness may come easier, but the trust takes time and conscious effort to restore.
I've been taught that I should forgive for my own sake, to prevent harboring resentment, but in extreme cases I find it easier to just exchange resentment for indifference. Any thoughts?
Friday, July 1, 2011
San Pedro's BEST according to Celeste
I have a reputation for working out a lot. Most would assume that I'm a fitness/health nut, actually I just love food. I burn excess calories just so I can eat more. I'm constantly researching new recipes, trying new dishes and eating out. One thing that I definitely look forward when I visit Belize is the the food. Everything in Belize is grown locally, free of preservatives, so eating in Belize in an entirely different experience. Here is a list of all the things that I crave 11 months out of the year and some new gems that I discovered on my recent visit.
BEST Margarita and Bloody Mary-
TripAdvisor.com superstar Ivan Luna of Palapa Bar makes the best margaritas in the world, hand down! I've traveled north, south, and central Mexico and I have yet to find a margarita quite like Ivan's. Even in Rosarito where Margaritas were invented, they don't measure up. Ivan squeezes fresh limes into each Margarita to ensure that it has the freshest lime taste possible. Ivan has shared his secret margarita recipe with me countless times but I still have yet to duplicate it. I was never a Bloody Mary person until Ivan converted me, his Bloody May recipe includes: fresh limes, Worcester sauce, Marie Sharps, Season salt, black pepper and V8 juice. It has a distinct acidic spicy taste that can not be found anywhere else on the planet. Ivan's Bloody Marys nursed me through my career as a sales person at Reef Village.
BEST Frozen Drinks-
I spent an entire month patronizing Wayo's Bar. On my last night Trevor mentioned that his forte is mixed frozen drinks. I jumped off my bar stole and headed to four different produce stores in search of fresh mint leaves. I came back with fresh cantaloupe, watermelon, mangoes and mint leaves. Trevor immediately went to work chopping up the fruits in the kitchen. He made me a blended watermelon mojito, a coconut rum smoothie, and a frozen mango daiquiri. They were all amazing just as he had promised. When you go to Wayo's, go bearing fresh fruits.
BEST Belizean Home-style Cooking.
Bernadine Reid is famous for her Belizean home cooking. She can be found next door to Wayo's Beernet and she will cook you a feast anytime, day or night, by simply knocking on her door. I ordered my lunches and dinner's from her daily. Her menu includes: lobster, t-bones, pork chops, fresh fish, jerk chicken and anything thing else you can think of. All of her food is delicious but her cassava pudding is beyond exceptional! I know that I will be craving it until next year, when I make my way back to San Pedro.
BEST Seafood Tostadas
I've eaten at Waruguma countless times but I never thought to order tostadas because I like to orders foods that are more exotic. I had no idea what I was missing out on. I can't even describe what made this tostada unique because I ingulfed it so quickly. I didn't even get a chance to snap a quick pic of it. I think I recall the shrimp being sauteed in butter, garlic and black pepper, then covered with a layer of mozzarella cheese, but I'm really not too sure. All that I can say is that it was amazing! The coconut cream shrimp is also on the top of my to do list when I'm in San Pedro.
BEST Chocolate Cake
I'm very particular about chocolate cake. I usually find it to be too sweet, so much so that the sugar overpowers the delicate cocoa. Finally someone agrees with me. The fine San Diegans at the Ambergris Brewing Co, have perfected black forest chocolate cake. Their cake is so moist, fluffy, rich yet not too sweet. Hands down the best around! Even San Diego's renowned Extraordinary Desserts can not compete with this chocolate cake.
BEST Pulled Pork
Cooked for 14 hours, Palapa Bar's pulled pork sandwich is nothing short of perfection. The pork is so tender that chewing is optional, each bite just falls apart. Plus I'm not a huge fan of BBQ sauces because I find them to be overwhelmingly salty and spicy, but not this one, Palapa Bar's sauce has the perfect combination of sweet and spicy without being too pungent. It compliments the perfection of the pork.
BEST Teriyaki Burger and Chicken Wings
Cori at Lola's Pub doesn't mess around when it comes to beef. She mixes crushed red peppers and cilantro, among other things into her beef patties. Cori prides her burgers in being the juiciest on the island. I knew that I was in for a treat when I placed my order and I saw Cori walk out the front door and quickly return with a fresh pineapple in hand. In addition, I've had okay wings, good wings and then I had Cori's wings. I've sampled at least a few dozen varieties of wings in my culinary life time but none came close to Cory's Vietnamese chicken wings. When you go to Lola's Pub, add a dollar to the wall and say that Celest-tay of Barracuda Bikini sent you.
BEST Margarita and Bloody Mary-
TripAdvisor.com superstar Ivan Luna of Palapa Bar makes the best margaritas in the world, hand down! I've traveled north, south, and central Mexico and I have yet to find a margarita quite like Ivan's. Even in Rosarito where Margaritas were invented, they don't measure up. Ivan squeezes fresh limes into each Margarita to ensure that it has the freshest lime taste possible. Ivan has shared his secret margarita recipe with me countless times but I still have yet to duplicate it. I was never a Bloody Mary person until Ivan converted me, his Bloody May recipe includes: fresh limes, Worcester sauce, Marie Sharps, Season salt, black pepper and V8 juice. It has a distinct acidic spicy taste that can not be found anywhere else on the planet. Ivan's Bloody Marys nursed me through my career as a sales person at Reef Village.
 |
| The Famous Ivan |
BEST Frozen Drinks-
I spent an entire month patronizing Wayo's Bar. On my last night Trevor mentioned that his forte is mixed frozen drinks. I jumped off my bar stole and headed to four different produce stores in search of fresh mint leaves. I came back with fresh cantaloupe, watermelon, mangoes and mint leaves. Trevor immediately went to work chopping up the fruits in the kitchen. He made me a blended watermelon mojito, a coconut rum smoothie, and a frozen mango daiquiri. They were all amazing just as he had promised. When you go to Wayo's, go bearing fresh fruits.
 |
| Trevor of Wayo's Bar. |
BEST Belizean Home-style Cooking.
Bernadine Reid is famous for her Belizean home cooking. She can be found next door to Wayo's Beernet and she will cook you a feast anytime, day or night, by simply knocking on her door. I ordered my lunches and dinner's from her daily. Her menu includes: lobster, t-bones, pork chops, fresh fish, jerk chicken and anything thing else you can think of. All of her food is delicious but her cassava pudding is beyond exceptional! I know that I will be craving it until next year, when I make my way back to San Pedro.
 | |
| Bernadine of Nadine's Kitchen |
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| Bernadine only cooks up the freshest catches |
BEST Seafood Tostadas
I've eaten at Waruguma countless times but I never thought to order tostadas because I like to orders foods that are more exotic. I had no idea what I was missing out on. I can't even describe what made this tostada unique because I ingulfed it so quickly. I didn't even get a chance to snap a quick pic of it. I think I recall the shrimp being sauteed in butter, garlic and black pepper, then covered with a layer of mozzarella cheese, but I'm really not too sure. All that I can say is that it was amazing! The coconut cream shrimp is also on the top of my to do list when I'm in San Pedro.
 |
| Waruguma's Coconut Creme Shrimp |
I'm very particular about chocolate cake. I usually find it to be too sweet, so much so that the sugar overpowers the delicate cocoa. Finally someone agrees with me. The fine San Diegans at the Ambergris Brewing Co, have perfected black forest chocolate cake. Their cake is so moist, fluffy, rich yet not too sweet. Hands down the best around! Even San Diego's renowned Extraordinary Desserts can not compete with this chocolate cake.
 |
| A touch of San Diego graces San Pedro's beachfront |
Cooked for 14 hours, Palapa Bar's pulled pork sandwich is nothing short of perfection. The pork is so tender that chewing is optional, each bite just falls apart. Plus I'm not a huge fan of BBQ sauces because I find them to be overwhelmingly salty and spicy, but not this one, Palapa Bar's sauce has the perfect combination of sweet and spicy without being too pungent. It compliments the perfection of the pork.
 |
| Post Pulled Pork Sandwich at Palapa Bar |
Cori at Lola's Pub doesn't mess around when it comes to beef. She mixes crushed red peppers and cilantro, among other things into her beef patties. Cori prides her burgers in being the juiciest on the island. I knew that I was in for a treat when I placed my order and I saw Cori walk out the front door and quickly return with a fresh pineapple in hand. In addition, I've had okay wings, good wings and then I had Cori's wings. I've sampled at least a few dozen varieties of wings in my culinary life time but none came close to Cory's Vietnamese chicken wings. When you go to Lola's Pub, add a dollar to the wall and say that Celest-tay of Barracuda Bikini sent you.
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| Lola's Pub |
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| Lola's Dollar Wall |
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