FOOD FOOD GLORIOUS AND WHERE TO FIND SOME OF IT.

SOME OF AMERICA'S FAVORITE FOOD STOPS

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES...no not the movie...the food.  Coming from New York...it wasn't a usual item on the menus there.  So as I ventured around in the United States and wound up landing in Florida...I did taste Fried Green Tomatoes...and you know something...I liked them...some places had better tasting ones than other...each with their own recipes...So from what I understand there is a restaurant in Alabama called Acre in Auburn....I have not yet been there but if any of my readers...or listeners of my podcast...and you happen there, try the Fried Green Tomatoes and let me know if they are as good as I a been hearing.

CHILI DOG ANYONE.  Not just any Chili Dog..its called a Sonoran Dog...a Tex Mex meet up.  Now get this, a hot dog wrapped in bacon...slathered with pinto beans...tomatoes and a mix or raw and grilled onions...topped with mustard, mayonnaise, and jalapeno salsa....It is then piled into a crusty bolillo roll directly imported from Mexico.   This one of a kind Chili Dog can be found in South Tuscon Arizona...El Guero Canelo...I don't eat meat...but I know Jay Lawrence would love to hear from you if you happen to try this tasty meal.

LAMB CHOPS...Now when I did eat meat...I just loved lamb.  If done just right it is a mouth watering delight.  Lamb chops done with just the right amount of seasonings and perfecting cooked can be found in Boulder Colorado.  A high end restaurant named Flagstaff House.  However; you if you crave these little mouth watering chops, you must call ahead because the Flagstaff House changes the menu and the lamb chops may not be on it that day.

SCRAPPLE...HMMM?....Not sure about this one.  What is Scrapple you might say.  I believe it's the American version of Haggis.  It is a blend of pork scraps, cornmeal, wheat flour and spices...then formed into a loaf...sliced and fired up until crispy golden brown.   I am told to order this with a side of eggs.  If you want to give this a try head to Delaware...to the Whereabouts Cafe in Bear...  You may even want to go during the Apple Scrapple Festival for a fun time.

KEY LIME PIE.  Jay Lawrence would never forgive me if I didn't tell everyone where they can get the best Key Lime Pie.  So we head to Florida...Key West Florida to be precise.  This dessert originated in Key West when a private chef of hardware magnate William Curry was looking for a way to incorporate condensed milk into a dessert.  This invention was prior to refridgeration.   Now if you want to try the most authentic pie and can't make it to Key West...you can go on line and order one from the Key Lime Pie Co.  But if you are down in the Keys..the line is a little long but worth the wait.  If you didn't get all the way to the Keys...check out Joe's Stone Crab version in South Beach and enjoy.

DISNEY'S EPCOT FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL...if you can't make it to any of these place and want to experience great food from around the World.  Epcot Food and Wine Festival is a way to go.  Not only do they have their usual 11 countries to try food...but they have 50 plus booths from other countries.  You can get a special band that will allow you to taste your way around the World.  They even have excellent Wine Pairings and special classes about food and wind and cooking that you can attend.  While there they also have special entertainment at the American Pavilion area.  I have been to this event many times over the years...and I still haven't tasted everything that they have to offer.  If you want to get there...this goes on every year and runs from end of August to Mid November.

NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT....KYOTO JAPAN.  Japan a land of beauty, metropolitan, history and great food.  Kyoto is where the gorgeous cherry blossom trees are.  Kyoto is a very walk-able city.  You can stroll down the rows of Cherry Blossoms when in bloom in the spring.  Well hold onto your passports....because coming in March of 2019....you will be able to float down Lake Biwa Canal and lazily see the Cherry Blossom Trees go by.  the boat tours hold up to 12 people and last about 30 to 50 minutes...so walk or float...your choice but definitely something to see.


CRUISING...UPSCALE...Like to cruise but want more of an intimate high end experience.  How about a Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruise to the West Indies.  You can experience glamorous luxury and world-famous yachting adventure on all-suite, all inclusive sailings...relax and explore beautiful beaches....because we are talking smaller vessels, things book fast....so make your plans now for next year and feel free to contact me, Zee Michaelson, and I can get you on these beautiful yachts.

DESTINATION OF THE WEEK
Wellington, New Zealand, is a beautiful city that offers unmatched culture, entertainment, fine cuisine and natural beauty.  The capital city's lies in its close proximity to beautiful beaches, parks, wildlife sanctuaries and seaside villages...Majestic Rolling Hills and a rugged coastline makes this a perfect place to visit and explore.  Wellington is grouped in four quarters, each having a magnificent spattering of shops, boutiques, art galleries and trendy cafes and restaurants.  Brimming with heritage, fine foods and arts...this city will not disappoint.  You can even hop on a boat ride around the stunning harbor at sunset...or hop on a cable car...this Hilly terrain by the water with picturesque Victorian Houses reminds me of San Francisco.  ...Weather there is moderate temperatures year round.  The warmer temperature come in the winter months of December to March, the average high is around 69 degrees. The summer months June through September tend to be the coldest and average around 54 degrees.  Remember it is a coastal town and can be very windy.  The rainy season is typically from June through August.  Go, Enjoy, take pictures and please don't forget to send me some so I may post it on my blog.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK....

KEY LIME PIE…
Ingredients
CRUST:
16 Graham crackers…crushed
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
¼ lb unsalted butter

PIE FILLING:
4 Large egg yolks
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
½ cup fresh key lime juice (apprx 12 key limes)
1 tsp lime peel, grated, green portion only

WHIPPING CREAM FOR GANISH (Optional)
½ cup heavy whipping cream
2 tsp granulated sugar
¼ tsp Madagascar pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS
PIE CRUST
Preheat oven to 350 degrees….
Mix the ingredients of the pie crust together and press them into a 9 inch pie plate.
Bake in oven in middle rack for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned
Remove from oven and let cool on rack

NOW FOR THE PIE FILLINGmixer with a whipping attachement…beat the egg yolks on medium speed until they are thick and turn yellow….DO NOT OVER MIXNow add the sweetened condensed milk and mix on low and drizzle ½  of the lime juice, once all lime juice is mixed then add the balance of lime juice in add the zest…continue to mix until all melted in.  Pour mix into the pie shell

Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes to set the yolks
Remove from oven and cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for approximately 2 hours to set

WHIPPING CREAM
In a stainless steel medium bowl combine whipping cream, sugar and vanilla and whisk by hand until creamy peaks form……


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let me know and we can post it on my blog and we may even chat about it on my podcast.  Feel free to check out my website and let your travel dreams go wild while you surf my site.