Looking Up

Well. Work at my temporary assignment ended a week early; thanks to our floundering economy. I do have an interview in the morning that seems promising. The work is less than glamourous; but I'm determined to do whatever's necessary to stay in this city.

In trying times (like today), I find a good meal goes a long, long way to bolster my reserves-- if not my resources. A few weeks ago I picked up the Balthazar Cookbook; a collection of recipes from one of New York's finest French Bistros. (Do I really need to say French, if the term is Bistro?) The recipe's Maitre' D butter made the meal something extravagant and rich, and absolutely delicious.

The electric grill I picked up was necessary and welcome in the kitchen: I have a number of recipes that call for grilling meat rather than saute' or broiling; so it's a welcome addition to the kitchen.

Dinner was, in a word, superb. I feel good. Tomorrow should be that much easier... I hope.

Gets Me Every Time.

I can't fight it. I love Ratatouille. I rented it. I saw it in the theater already, and wanted to see it again. I remember why.

Anton Ego is the most cynical, stringent food critic in Paris. He comes in at the climax for a meal, expecting nothing but mediocrity at best.

His first bite of the titular main course sends him rocketing to a childhood memory: He returns to his home with a busted bicycle and a quavering lip. At the stove stands his mother, warm with sympathy. She prepares comfort food as only a Mom can. It tugs on the heart strings. It's beautiful.

At the next table is a character voiced by Ian Holm; who confoundedly finds it delicious. And he's got experience at this: The movie was Big Night. Ian Holm is a restaurant owner competing against a smaller, better Italian gourmet across the street. He comes for their swansong meal, and takes one bite.

He pounds his fist on the table. It's the best he's ever tasted. And he can't stand it.

Outstanding.

A Little Sensory Input

It's bright and early and I've scarfed down breakfast-- the same breakfast I've had at work for the last few weeks; and I've get to get tired of it. Cantaloupe and coffee. Strong coffee. The flavors compliment one another quite nicely.

Speaking of complimenting flavors, I had Mark and Laura over for dinner last night, and the dish du jour was Thai Steak w/ Peanut Sauce. Mark, who doesn't cook, liked it so much he asked for the recipe.

The peanut sauce is dead simple. Take 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and microwave it for 20 seconds to liquify. Then mix in 2 tablespoons Kikkoman's Teriyaki and stir, adding in red peppers (the kind you can shake onto pizza). A pinch goes a long way.

As for the steak, I brush it w/ the same kikkoman and a healthy slice of onion (also brushed), then broil it for nine to eleven minutes for medium rare. Delicious.

Anyway. Have a good day, folks. Back to the grindstone.