Posts Tagged ‘food’
Written on June 22nd, 2010 by Kevinno shouts
The “Old Timer” is starting to feel young again. It has been over a year since restaurant owner Wayne Ellis had to file bankruptcy and close O.T.’s on Lakeview but the new O.T.s on Acton restaurant opening in Vestavia has all the signs of a successful business.
“O.T.” is short for the “Old Timer” nickname Ellis’ friends gave him years ago. “Yeah, ‘Old Timer’ is back,” the 62-year-old Ellis said Thursday. “I’m getting my legs back under me again.”
O.T.s on Acton Neighborhood Grill, as the new place is called, opened about five weeks ago, Ellis said, and the Birmingham restaurant got its liquor license approved last Friday. Ellis does not own the restaurant but runs it for owners Dean Sanders and Paul Gartman, fans of the old O.T.’s who came to Ellis about opening a new sports bar and grill and naming it after him. “O.T. is doing the cooking and the talking,” Sanders said Thursday. “He is the face.”
Gartman is executive vice president for Birmingham-based Definicare, which provides clinical research software to pharmaceutical companies, and Sanders has worked in the mortgage business and was a part-owner of the old Ezell’s Fish Camp restaurant in the Oak Mountain area. From the start, the owners wanted to keep the O.T’s name that Ellis spent 18 years building and wanted O.T.’s to stand out amongst other Birmingham restaurants. “They knew my reputation as a restaurateur, and they said, ‘We want you to run our restaurant and we will name it O.T.’s if you will come run it for us,’” Ellis recalled. “So I said, ‘Well, come on fellows. I’ve been looking for something to do for a while now. I’ve got to pay off some debts.’”
They have found what they believe is an ideal location in the former Veracruz Mexican Restaurant in the Dolly Creek Shopping Center — an easy drive for diners in Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook and the U.S. 280 area. And for Ellis, the restaurant is only a couple of miles from his home on Rocky Ridge Road. “My old customers, a lot of them have moved out here,” Ellis said. “A lot of them had lived on Southside over the years, and they had gotten married and had kids and moved to the suburbs.”
Many of those longtime customers are thrilled that their old friend is back in business. Mike Weeks and his wife, Dee, who live in Vestavia Hills, have eaten dinner at O.T.’s on Acton a couple of times already. “You see Wayne in there, and that puts a smile on your face,” Weeks said. A balding, bearded Vietnam vet with a gravely voice that sounds just like Billy Bob Thornton in “Sling Blade,” the gregarious Ellis and was a familiar face on the Lakeview scene for 18 years before the parent corporation he formed, MWE Inc., filed for bankruptcy protection in August 2008, listing assets of $50,000 and debts between $100,000 and $500,000. “When I closed down there, it was like losing one of my children,” Ellis said. “I was really depressed.” I was no longer one of the best bars in Birmingham.
Last August, a year after Ellis closed his restaurant, Kelley Rhea Harris, who used to wait tables and tend bar at the old O.T.’s, opened Kelley’s Neighborhood Sports Grill in that same Lakeview location. In the meantime, until Gartman and Sanders came along, Ellis continued to cater parties, cook private dinners and take special orders for his famous ribs.
Ellis’ financial woes did not, and do not, worry the new owners, they say. “I knew all of that going in, but I have a business background and know how to run things operationally,” Gartman said. “We are well-backed, well-funded, and it was a low-risk investment with Wayne focusing on the quality of the food and the environment itself, and Dean and I focusing on the business side of the equation.”
Gartman and Sanders, friends since they were teenagers growing up in Florence, named their Whipper Wheel LLC after an old favorite childhood swimming hole. Including the bar and dining area, O.T.’s on Acton seats about 125 guests, with seven flat-screen televisions for sports fans and video games in the back for the kids.
“It’s more family-oriented here,” Ellis said. “I’ve got 15 baseball fields behind us, so we’ve been getting a lot of Little League teams down here.” The setting may be different, but it the vibe is much the same. Ellis has decorated the place with the same New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival posters that hung on the walls at the old O.T.’s, and he still plays the blues of B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan on the stereo.
He’s also brought back much of the same menu — from the fried pickles to the crawfish pie — while adding a few new dishes, including a kids’ menu. To make sure they get the recipes right, Ellis has also rehired a couple of his old cooks, Carolyn Green and Fernando Pardo. Green, whose daughter Karen also works in the kitchen, cooks lunch at Kelley’s in Lakeview and then comes to O.T’s to make dinner.
The time away from the restaurant business also offered Ellis the opportunity to perfect his popular dry-rub ribs. “Since I was off work for a year and a half, I had time to sit around the house and experiment,” he said. “So I’ve got a new marinade and rub.”
For now, O.T.’s on Acton is open for lunch, dinner and cocktails from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
It will start opening on Sundays in about a month, Ellis said.
This article was written by Bob Carlton — The Birmingham News
Written on April 29th, 2010 by blogno shouts
Chocolate bars of candy and then for preparing food and baking have already been around for many years. During the Eighteen Hundreds, Daniel Peter, a ex – candle manufacturer in Vevey, Swiss, decided to try to produce a real milk chocolate candy bar. It was a project which he done for several years right until he ultimately been successful. The milk chocolate has been so flourishing that the need for the product has been more substantial rather than his capability to supply that. He next gone to be employed by his friend Nestle and took his merchandise with him. He worked for the Nestle Corporation right until 1919 when he passed away at the age of ninety. To this day the top chocolate presumably originates from Switzerland.
There isn’t a end of precisely what it’s possible to make using chocolate bars or chocolate sea shells. Got a fight with your spouse? No matter whether man or woman it is possible to appease them with chocolate. Are looking for an intimate event? Chocolate may help. They are available in most styles: several with nuts and also fruits and several having marshmallow as well as mints.
There is something about chocolate that gives a person that emotion of happiness and also safety. Every single man, woman and child have several enjoyable recollection or maybe activity that they may relate along with chocolate. Chocolate snack is supplied in all kinds via drops, bars, nice styles of cremes as well as covering fruit and its peels. Who would not like chocolate fudge, cookies or cake? Very few people do not genuinely like chocolate.
Some people could confess never to liking the dark chocolate nonetheless take pleasure in white or pink chocolate. The white and pink chocolate candy bars are comparatively new in the marketplace. Whichever kind of chocolate you enjoy you will in no way be depleted as chocolate is here to stay for a lot of decades in to the future. There may possibly be changes and upgrades nevertheless the fundamentals of the chocolate bar will invariably continue to be. Chocolate will keep on to produce pleasurable and passionate thoughts and also provide sweet dreams to the more youthful and older ages. Create some of your unique favorable memories by just delivering someone you adore a box of chocolates or perhaps, just a few chocolate bars or a delightful chocolate gift basket.
Written on April 10th, 2010 by blogno shouts
This article is about things you should know about toastie makers. As you may already know, these types of household items are quite easy to operate. However there are a few things that are worth knowing if you do not have your own machine. So what are these issues that we must be aware of regarding sandwich toasting devices? There are a few facts that will help us get the most out of our appliances. As we mentioned above we shall try to give the most accurate information we can regarding their operation. The paragraph below will be more detailed.
As I am sure you know, many people do not have their own toastie maker kitchen appliance. This is not something to worry about. We shall begin to outline some important features. Firstly let’s talk about how these devices are powered. When making a toasted sandwich there has to be a source of energy to warm our sandwich. Not all machines work in the same way. The first is for a stove top sandwich toaster. There is a company called Diablo that make this type of toastie maker. The other style are electric sandwich machines. Lots of different firms make these appliances. Some are more expensive than others. Many of the electronics manufacturers that you know of make them. These include companies like Philips and Braun. Electrical toasters and stove top cookers will suit different people. Depending upon the type of sandwich toaster that you buy, you may have to use a certain type of bread. Typically the best type of bread to use is the standard square type that you find in supermarkets. It does not cost too much for this sort of bread which makes it economical. To stop your bread sticking to your sandwich machine you can use oil or butter. You can put this directly on to the sandwich maker or you can lightly spread it on the outer side of your bread that you make the sandwich with. You may be wondering what else you should know about these kitchen devices. There is one more paragraph below.
What other things you could be aware of regarding toasted sandwich makers? Plenty of things to be honest. This is because there are many different kinds that are available in this day and age. You can get the standard toasted sandwich machines. There are the ones that this article has been discussing. However on top of this there are also things like Panini press makers and different kinds of toaster ovens. These kitchen appliances are more expensive than the basic toastie machines that we are talking about here. However they allow you more freedom in the types of snacks that you can make when you compare then with toasted sandwich makers.
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Written on April 7th, 2010 by blogno shouts
It has been said by many that the largest wine cellar is at Bern’s Steak house. But how can a steak house has the biggest wine cellar in the World?? Yes I bet you are thinking the same thing as I am. Let me tell you something it does indeed have the largest wine cellar but it is for the restaurant. There are several wine racks as big as your living room (depending on the size of your living room I will just give another example so let’s say as big as the twenty feet swimming pool) holding their wines. The wine cellar is split between the restaurant and the two warehouses near by.
Bern’s steak house is based in Tampa Florida, United States of America. It is located in the middle of Tampa, Florida. Bern Laxer founded the Steak house in 1956. It is not only the biggest wine cellar they hold, they also hold the biggest charcoal grill of 20 feet which holds up to 200 steaks at once just imagine the amount of kitchen accessories they acquire. Lots of celebrities visit Bern steak house in regular basis, so this might be an opportunity for general public like me to visit top celebrities from Hollywood in the steak house.
We asked Lisa Shell (the waitress in Bern Steak house) who else come here, she replied people from different parts of the World come to experience the atmosphere of Bern steak house. Looks like this restaurant is second most visited tourist attraction after Disney land. There is a dinner lounge and after dinner you visit the desert room which is located just above the dinner room. I don’t remember the main menu but I remember being shocked seeing the dessert menu – it was off 65 pages with some fabulous selections.
People who have been there will definitely tell you that it is truly one of the best and the biggest restaurant in the World. In the memory of the place I have still kept complimentary personalised bottle opener of Bern Steak house, which was given to me ten years ago.
Written on March 1st, 2010 by blogno shouts
Coffee beans are the seeds from the fruit on coffee plants and not really a bean. You will find a few methods to extract the beans. Regardless of whether making use of the wet or dry process of extracting seeds, the end result is, the seed removed from the fruit.
Gourmet coffee comes in caffeinated and decaffeinated. There’s also gourmet coffee obtainable for people with sensitive stomachs which are low in acid so a tad bit more easy on you. Arabica coffee ranks very high up amid the Specialty Coffee Association of America.
For anyone to enjoy a wonderful cup of gourmet coffee, individuals require to understand some helpful information on it. You usually do not need to be an expert to enjoy it but it does help you enjoy the flavor more, in the event you know a lot more than the corner shop, that offer cheaper coffee.
Gourmet coffee ought to be fresh for the best flavor. Furthermore, purchase only beans roasted within the last week and 100% Arabica coffee. Nearby grocery stores or supermarkets aren’t the location to find freshly roasted coffee beans. Generally their beans are roasted up to 3 months previously. Buy a coffee grinding machine and buy the complete coffee bean. Grind the beans whenever you need them.
Do not store the gourmet coffee beans at room temperature. They ought to usually be stored in airtight containers and placed inside the refrigerator. For gourmet coffee you might be keeping for a while, place the airtight container from the freezer. It won’t hurt the java but will maintain it fresh.
Make certain your coffee maker is clean since it makes a real difference in the taste of the coffee. Run drinking water and vinegar through your coffee maker every 30 days. Make certain you run thoroughly clean water through again to clear away all the vinegar and smell. When making gourmet coffee, use around two heaping tablespoons per six ounces of clean, filtered drinking water. This gives you a starting point. Now adjust the quantity of coffee until you have the strength you enjoy. Purchase your gourmet coffee beans from reliable companies, since it does a difference.
Since the 1990’s, specialty gourmet coffee keeps getting a lot more popular and is now 1 with the fastest growing markets worldwide. Normal coffee is fine but gourmet coffee is wonderful and usually do not neglect the flavored gourmet coffee. There is absolutely one thing for everyone’s taste.
Written on February 9th, 2010 by blogno shouts
Do you want to buy a barbecue grill? When you go to the stores, you’ll actually find many types of grills. Charcoal Barbecue Grills is often the most popular grill chosen by consumers.Yes, charcoal grill can be messy and dirty but the food usually tastes the best with these grills.
Now, with so many charcoal barbecue grillers you can get in the market, what kind are you going to pick? Ok, let me spotlight some of the most popular and proven ones in this article.
Here are some of the recommended: Weber One-Touch Silver, Big Green Egg Griller and Char-Griller Outlaw. Let’s look at 3 of them.
Weber One-Touch Silver can be purchased in several sizes. It can be as small as 18″ to 24″ in diameter size. Additionally it is available in metalic and black color. It is among the most well liked and likely the very best so far out there. The name “Weber” stands for superiority in the BBQ Grill market. Made by Weber-Stephen Products company, you can be sure that it is a terrific product.
Of course, this product is not perfect. You see, this product is on thin tripod. In fact, it’s two wheels and one stationary leg. It is highly possible that the grill can get knocked down easily. Additionally, the cooking grates are made of steel. This means that it can rust easily, and to me it is a BIG turn-off.
The Big Green Egg Griller is a versatile grill with the ability to grill at high temperature and can become a smoker too. The griller looks like an egg an it’s really a huge griller! If you like this griller, hold on. It is also expensive. Last I check, it was $699!
The Char-Griller Outlaw Charcoal Grill/Smoker boasts a large surface area of one thousand square inches of cooking space so you’ll be able to put lots of stuff in for barbecuing. Additionally , it provides a conventional type barrel grill which provides me with the versatility that I want. Highly hard wearing, I understand that it can last for nearly a decade, even if you use this griller on a monthly basis.
As it uses the traditional barrel grill, the tempeature control for this griller can be hard. This can be easily overcome if the job is done by an experience BBQ guy. This product is very affordable: Only $160+. This If you host a 50-100 people party, I’m sure that this would be an ideal grill for you.
That’s all on my little introduction of the 3 grills. I hope it can help you make a decision on getting the Charcoal Barbecue Grill that you want.
Check out this website for Free Recipe Online too!
Written on January 16th, 2010 by blogno shouts
Unless you have been living on another planet recently, you will know that environmental and sustainability issues have been a hot topic. Even as recently as the 90’s, not many people really considered where their nutrition tableware or other products were sourced from. It was a case of what do I want and where do I get it. This attitude is not sustainable however, and a shift in thinking is needed especially in these times of weak economy and global warming. Taking some time to think about where you get and how you consume your food can have a surprisingly big impact.
Local Producers. It seems all to easy these days to buy exotic fruit whenever you want it or pick up some foreign spices from the local shop. However, a huge amount of these products are flown thousands of miles from other countries and this causes problems. Not only does the transport release vast amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, due to burning fuel and having to use a food and wine fridge to keep the produce chilled all the way, but also local food suppliers struggle to compete with low foreign costs. If you want to see the important businesses in your local area survive for years to come then make sure you use them whenever you can.
Choose Less Packaging. It is staggering just how much packaging is used to make modern food attractive and increase their life-span. A single cake might be singly wrapped, inside a little box with a plastic place-holder, which is cloaked in cellophane and transported within a cardboard box, with the other cake boxes. It is often the case that such packaging is completely redundant, so do your bit and try to buy loose or sensibly wrapped goods.
Ethical Accessories. It is not only what food you buy than can have an effect on the planet. Everything from the cutlery you use to the little wine gifts you buy others can have an impact and you should think carefully before making a choice. Ask yourself where this product has come from, is it something that could be made from a more sustainable material, and is this a disposable product when I could be buying a reusable one? A good example of this is chopsticks as the disposable kind accounts for acres of lost rain forest every day.
Written on November 26th, 2009 by blogno shouts
Christmas is undoubtedly a time for indulgence and the sharing of gifts. Given these hard financial times however, you may be put off buying too many presents, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make some lovingly created Christmas treats at home. Here are two of the easiest tasty treats from IWOOT.
Fudge. This is what you will need
• A heavy saucepan with non-stick qualities
• A cooking thermometer
• Some oven-proof trays
• 1lb granulated sugar, ½ pint milk, 2oz butter, 1 tin condensed milk.
Method: Whilst frequently stirring, mix and melt all the ingredients in the pan slowly. The mixture should start to become a rich creamy-brown colour as it approaches 115oC on the thermometer. Take off the heat and stir until mixture becomes very tough and grainy. Pour mixture into the baking trays, smooth out and leave to set. When set, cut into cubes and enjoy
Chocolate Chip Cookies. This is what you will need
• Bowl
• Grease-proof paper
• Baking trays
• 4.5.5oz flour, 2.5oz butter, 1 egg, 2oz brown sugar,2oz caster sugar, 4oz choc chips, ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Method: Add sugar, flour, bicarbonate of soda, butter and vanilla extract into a bowl and mix together well with a spoon or using your hands. Throw in the egg and mix until you reach a tacky consistency. The mixture should then be separated into balls the size of a squash ball and laid on grease proof paper-lined oven trays. Leave a good couple of inches between each ball as they will spread out and expand. Cook for around 12 mins in the oven at 180 oC, but keep checking they don’t burn as every oven varies. Let the cookies cool down for 20mins before taking a bite. For more gift ideas and treat recipes visit the I Want One of Those blog.
Written on November 14th, 2009 by Kevinno shouts
Gourmet cheese comes in a large variety with well over 400 varieties just from the French cheese alone. From the mild to the strong, the soft to the hard, cheese is a great way to compliment any meal or snack.
Whether you are having a fancy wine and cheese party, or just enjoying a slice of cheese with an apple for a snack, your gourmet cheese will taste a lot better if you learn how to purchase, store and serve it properly.
Buying Cheese
When buying gourmet cheese, you want to shop at a place that has a large selection and knows about cheese. That way you’ll be able to ask for recommendations if you want some special cheese to go with a certain type of wine or special meal. You can find a good selection of cheese in a specialty market or gourmet grocery store. Buy only what will be consumed with in a few days. Flavors and aroma of fine cheeses change over time in a home refrigerator.
When picking out your cheese make sure that it presents the characteristics of that particular style. The interior should not have cracks, mold or discoloration in any form. If you are buying a natural rind cheese make sure it has a rustic appearance. Note that it is normal for Blue and Roquefort style cheese to have some mold and cracks.
Storing Cheese
You should not store the cheese in the package that it comes in. This packaging is meant for transportation only. The best thing to store your cheese in is waxed paper as you must let air and moisture in. Air and moisture are integral to keeping the cheese in the best possible condition.
Serving Cheese
When you serve cheese at a party, limit yourself to 4 or 5 types of cheese. You should select cheeses that have a variety of shapes, sizes, textures and flavors. Mix some soft cheese with the hard cheeses. I think cheese looks nice served on a nice wooden tray. Don’t mash the cheese in together, make sure each one has enough room without having the tray look empty. If the cheeses served have strong distinctive flavors use separate trays and serving utensils. Mild flavors will pick up aromas and tastes from stronger flavored cheese.
We all know that cheese goes great with crackers, but you can also serve it with fruits like grapes, strawberries, apples and pears. Add some figs to the table for an interesting contrast in taste and visual appeal. Combining cheese with thin slices of onion can be an interesting eating experience.
As a desert, cheese can be very elegant, or as a light course after the entree and before desert. When serving as an appetizer cheese should be coupled with a light dinner due to the filling nature of most cheeses.
While some people believe that cheese must always be chilled, it really as more flavor when it is at room temperature. You do need to watch the cheese, however, especially if your party is going on for a long time. If the cheese gets too warm it will begin to sweat. Put your cheese out about 30 minutes before guests arrive and keep checking throughout the evening.
Lee Dobbins writes for [http://www.online-gourmet-foods.com]Online Gourmet Foods where you can find out more about [http://www.online-gourmet-foods.com/gourmet-appetizers.html]gourmet cheese and appetizers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins http://EzineArticles.com/?Buying,-Storing-and-Serving-Gourmet-Cheese&id=111724
Written on November 9th, 2009 by Kevinno shouts
The evolution of online gourmet food delivery may be one of the most convenient ways of obtaining that specialty, hard to find grocery item that we love to indulge in.
The options these days are vast and even a person with the most selective of palates or even a tight budget will enjoy this luxurious service.
When you decide to embark upon one of these sites for online gourmet food delivery, make sure you have researched the benefits of all of the sites offering gourmet delivery. Investigate the product base, the quality, the presentation, and most importantly the gourmet foods offered are constantly changing to give you a broader range for your meal ideas.
Some of the best services for online gourmet food delivery are:
Schwans
Schwans has been serving restaurant style fair for over 55 years and their entire product line comes with a 100% quality guarantee. Schwans offers over 350 varieties of gourmet foods to choose from including appetizers like “Angus Mini Cheeseburgers” and “Breaded Apple Bites”. The dinners are quite spectacular ranging from “NY Strip Steak” to “Bourbon Flat Iron Steak”. The prices are reasonable and competitive and their commitment to bringing families together for mealtime sets them apart on the online market for gourmet foods.
Allen Brothers
Originating in the Chicago Union Stockyards in 1893, Allen brothers are one of the leading purveyors of USDA Prime Beef in the country. The product line consists of Kobe, Wet-Aged, Dry-Aged, and Meadow Reserve Veal just to name just a few. The prices are heightened by the quality content of their selections but, they still remain competitive. The products are highly recommended and used by some of Americas Top Chefs.
Gourmet Grocery Online
The online gourmet foods delivery operations of this particular company range from gift baskets for the holidays, entrees and appetizers, seafood and steaks, flowers and plants, and so many other wonderful options for gourmet delivery. This family owned and operated business in Austin, TX is slowly becoming “a notable competitor in the gourmet foods and gifts arena”. The prices are reasonable and quality and presentation are superb. In addition to their home delivery services, they offer a range of Monthly Clubs for guests looking to commit.
Dine Wise
DineWise has provided the finest gourmet cuisine to hundreds of thousands of households across America since 1959. They offer experts in the field, great service, excellent quality choices, simple to exquisite meals, and nutrition based meal plans. The prices for an entrée are reasonable if you compare them to a casual dining restaurant and the quality and nutritional value can’t be beat. Dine Wise offers new customers a $50.00 welcome coupon and the option for 0% financing for meal plans and freezer items.
Online gourmet food delivery is perfect for family members on the go, business professionals, and stay at home working Moms. The convenience and quality services offered by these gourmet delivery companies are unsurpassed and you’ll never have to go back to slaving over a hot stove for hours ever again. That’s worth it!
Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author.
To learn more about on line gourmet food delivery [http://mylocalfooddelivery.info/top-4-online-gourmet-delivery-companies-exceeding-expectations], please visit My Local Food Delivery [http://mylocalfooddelivery.info] for current articles and discussions.
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