What the Duck?!?!

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A fun-filled birthday celebration at Grille 29 honoring my bonus sister Theresa was already on level 10 before the exceptionally friendly server came out to announce the night’s features. Before even arriving at the restaurant I’d decided I was ordering the small grilled chicken Caesar salad, their addictive sweet tea with water on the side, and a warm sour cream cake to share so I wasn’t listening to what he was saying until he said gumbo. I’d experienced their gumbo before and quickly blurted out, “Oh, is this the chef’s special four meat gumbo?” To which he replied, “Nawwww, girl. This is his SPECIAL duck and bacon gumbo!” What the duck?!?!? Duck and bacon in gumbo? Duck and bacon in gumbo that I can actually eat because I didn’t run the shellfish “make my face swell” risk? Oh my goodness. I was immediately transported to a Donald and Porky wonderland in my mind and salivating mouth.

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I ordered the gumbo. As the teens of today say, “It gave me life”! Well, not literally, but the meat, sweet, and tender pieces of fowl mixed perfectly as the clear starring feature along with the pork was everything I could have imagined if I had the culinary courage to imagine duck and bacon together in a bowl with plump rice, strongly-flavored stock and all the Cajun  accompaniments required to call a stew in a bowl an actual gumbo.

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That dish, worth every bite, caused me to completely change my order from salad to braised short ribs with garlic mashed potatoes and sweetly sautéed green beans. (Don’t ask me why because I have no answer.) Others ate ginormous barbecue shrimp, perfectly prepared calamari with hidden treats of fried red peppers nestled among the squid, a delightfully fancy cured meat and cheese board, and lobster quesadillas as appetizers which we all sampled.

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The entrees ranged from more quesadillas, their famous Salad 29, Scottish salmon brulee’ with a caramelized onion almost as good as the seafood, more short ribs and other tasty treats.

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Regardless of what we eventually ate the clear star of the show was the duck and bacon gumbo, of which I had to reluctantly share with my sister who ate it off of a saucer with a fork and of which made us all break out into random acts of celebration include hands swinging in the air,  hips wiggling in the seat, lip smacking and across-the-table high fiving. It was THAT good!

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@AngelaMMoore316

California Love

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Today’s #bloglikecrazy post is supposed to feature a “hole in the wall favorite”. Leave it to me to schedule my own blogging schedule during a time recently where I’ve not been eating out as much and was scrambling to remember the last time I’d been somewhere remotely like a hole in the wall. Well, leave it to me also to be a picture taker of all things tasty and run across two shots from a neighborhood gem in Alabaster, that might not be a hole in the wall in the sense of what some might think, but is certainly a little place packing a lot of good food and in a great, authentic atmosphere.

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I’ll admit, I’ve passed this place for years without thought of going in. An impromptu trip to a parade, growling bellies and in need of a quick school night meal landed us at this restaurant. Upon entry, what first struck me was is the feel of family. There was something so inviting as we swung open the door and it just wasn’t the waft of the food which hit us at the same time. It felt good to be there. The next thing I noticed as my sister and I clearly didn’t understand the difference in the two menu offerings of Authentic Mexican or Tex-Mex or Los Angeles style (I can’t remember. It was all tasty to me) was the patience of the staff as we sorted through the menu with intervals of “Oohhhhhh, girl that sounds good” or “You get this. I’ll get that”, or my favorite phrase of the night, “You know y’alls prices are cheap, right?” Anywho, we decided. I chose tacos. She chose an authentic LA burrito.

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The presentations were simple. The complexity of the flavors, abundance of portion and freshness were anything but. Los Angeles Burrito in Alabaster, just off of Kent Dairy Road is a trip to the other side (of the country) without leaving the 35007 or 35114. I’ve never been to California or Mexico, but I feel like my taste buds have.

And if things couldn’t get any better, they have all kinds of combo specials. They have flavored, ethnic beverages and they also serve breakfast. #Yum

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@AngelaMMoore316

Fru Fru Food: Dining Etiquette 101

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Recently I had an opportunity to spend an afternoon talking to some high school students from around Birmingham, Alabama on dining etiquette. The informal chat was in preparation for an upcoming visit to a fancy-smancy restaurant with fru fru food they would soon enjoy. I had a blast talking to them, sharing the bit of wisdom I know about etiquette and hearing their collective, adolescent gasps and “whaaaaaaaaaaaattttttttttttttttt?” when I said things like no asking for hot sauce when at an upscale establishment.

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I love food, and I love the opportunity for a woman from Birmingham’s #35211 West End (Google it) to be able to experience and explore different cultures and cuisines from all around the world right here at home…until I make it around the world. Part of that, I am well aware, is being adaptable in all kinds of environments, especially those which are known for prices and presentations representing the finer things in life. What I wanted the students to know after talking with them is that they, regardless from where they’ve come, deserve to be in those kinds of atmospheres. They belong at the table. There’s no table too important for them not to be at. There are no people too influential for them not to be with. Heck, I believe they don’t just belong at the table. I see the head as their final destination. The same is so with us all. So many times gatherings are not about food. It’s about decisions, power moves, money transfers, career advancement, fund raising, connections and purpose being fulfilled right over an appetizer of escargot, a beautiful bowl of summer vegetable gazpacho, a perfectly prepared medium rare Cowboy steak, flanked with crab oscar asparagus or nestled atop sautéed swiss chard, truffle smashed potatoes, and a molten chocolate cake with your sip of choice.

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Yep, I ate this.

Practicing proper etiquette is not being fake or being a sell out. It’s not conforming or complying. It’s just taking small steps to enhance who we are to be prepared for where we’re going. We can’t complain about not being invited to the party if we don’t care to know what to do when we get there. So how do you do it?

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Here are a few tips to help…

Food Matters

  • No talking with food in mouth.
  • Wait on host or head of table to start eating before you do.
  • Use napkins appropriately and place them over the chair (and not on the table) if you have to exit the table for a moment.
  • Use BMW when determining what’s what to eat regarding your place setting (Bread, Meal, Water).
  • Use appropriate forks and knives.
    • Slice, don’t bite. Then wipe.
    • Don’t slurp or loudly stir.
    • Put eating utensils down after enjoying each fork of food.
  • Avoid asking for hot sauce, requesting too many condiments, making too many special requests, ordering ribs, big, hot fried chicken bone-in breasts, spaghetti hot wings and other messy foods.
  • Repeatedly thank the chef, wait staff or hosts.
  • Do not clean your plate. (Save that ritual for home.)
  • No leftovers should be taken from upscale social functions.

Table Talk

  • Avoid: religion, politics, sports team talk, inappropriate jokes or other hot button topics of conversation.
  • Share the conversation (Don’t be a talking hog).
  • Plan to talk. Know what the topic of the event is and have conversation ready to share.
  • Know the organization or product you’re representing or supporting.
  • Take a deep breath and breathe, especially if feeling out of your comfort zone.
  • Don’t shy away for conversing.

Networking No-Nos

  • No recruiting for your next new job or personal business while on company business.
  • No name dropping when you really don’t know the name of the person you’re dropping.
  • Don’t forget to engage with the guests and attendees.
  • Don’t get stuck in one spot if it’s a floating event where mingling is happening all around.

Want more etiquette tips or a full-on group presentation around the table? Just ask. I’ll be happy to oblige.

@AngelaMMoore316

Y-E-S, to Urban Cookhouse

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November 5, 2015

Y-E-S, to Urban Cookhouse!

An impromptu lunch meeting turned into a surprise middle-of-the-day food fest when I stopped by Birmingham’s fresh hot-spot, Urban Cookhouse. Getting there just before the crowd, I was able to peruse the menu at my leisure and was surprised to see that they had much more than the orange rolls and salad I’d been accustomed to.

Taking far too much time to peruse said menu, I finally decided upon an entrée from their “Fork and Knife” section from their menu. I ordered the lime-marinated steak & rice, served with garden salad and a warm orange roll. It was delicious!!!!! I enjoyed a tender, medium rare steak, crispy, flavor-filled salad (even with the onions on top) and fluffy, tender rice pilaf which was perfect with the warm, orange roll on the side and the strawberry lemonade which was about as sugary-sweet and tangy as can be.

Since its first restaurant opened in 2010, and with a menu featuring gourmet selections like wraps, sandwiches, salads and entrees, Urban Cookhouse is a southern specialty serving up the freshest, local ingredients, with a side of undeniable hospitality in the heart of Homewood.

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Warm Orange Rolls and Sweet Tea
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Urban Cowboy Lime-marinated steak, caramelized onions & peppers, pepperjack, aioli on a French roll
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Lime-Marinated Steak & Rice Served with garden salad and a warm orange roll

@AngelaMMoore316

Just a Little Something to Break the Monotony

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For the month of November we were challenged by Javacia Bowser of See Jane Write to #BlogLikeCrazy, which means we are charged to be purposeful about writing a blog post every day. At first I was reluctant, like I was last year, but this year I decided to do it, unlike last year.

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I needed this subtle nudge to get into a routine to break my routine. I’ve been so bogged down with the affairs of life lately that mundane had become my monotony when it came to writing. Yes, I write. I probably write a lot compared to the time others might have to devote to their craft, but of late, I’d not been purposeful about my posts. I was just writing and posting when I felt like it. Blah….

Well, no more, at least not for the month of November. I’m going to break the routine of randomness by writing and/or posting each day according to my topics on Life Gets Better and Angela Eats the Ham. So starting now, I’ll offer a sampling of my a’ la carte menu in the following categories (unless something major happens like I meet the man of my dreams, meet Oprah and/or Gayle, receive a HUGE lump sum of money, get a fabulous new job or witness a miracle performed in the life of someone I love, self included).

I’ll post from the following topics and categories in an effort to be even more organized for what’s next for my blog sites and all the crazy/good, wonderful, hopefully motivational, delicious, thought-provoking, spirit-lifting, mouth-watering, sometimes scary, reflective, many times TMI (too much information) thoughts which come to mind and make it to the post.

Buckle up and let’s enjoy this ride. Let’s make it a November to remember.

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@AngelaMMoore316

Coors Light, Concerts and Culinary Perfection…Now That’s Classic! ‪

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from my page…www.angelaeatstheham.com

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First, may I start by saying I’m not a drinker. In fact, I’ve never been a drinker, but I know plenty of them, which is why I was super excited to be able to cover the Coors Light Magic City Classic VIP Tailgate in Birmingham, Alabama during the 74th Annual Magic City Classic football game. I was excited because I knew my friends would enjoy the beer, and they did. I knew I would enjoy being able to do what I love to do and that’s eat good food, meet new people, hear great music and write all about it. And I did! It was a win-win for all. And speaking of wins…Yay, Hornets!

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Let me just cut straight to the chase. Celebrity Chef Jason Ellis is a beast! And by beast, I am in no way referring to how he towered over my friends and me while we posed for an impromptu photo which slowed up the food line and warranted us a few side-eyes from the eager feasters.

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The menu, worth the 35 minutes we waited in line, consisted of fish fried and seasoned so perfectly it practically oozed with a buttery taste and was so filled with flavor I forgot the two slices of soft white bread I’d picked up to accompany it. There were grits so delightful we played a round of “guess what’s in these grits” at my table and still couldn’t figure out what made them better than my Mama’s on her best day (and my Mama can cook everyday!). He served us rice, laden with large and succulent crawfish, hot-off-the-grill grilled chicken as pleasing to the eye as it was to the palate, and fresh, crunchy cole slaw with a spicy kick which snuck up on the back of your throat with the surprise attack of an adolescent playing an old-school round of hide and go seek, yet it made you want more and more.

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Topped off by ample Coors Light beer and other stronger elixirs, crowd-wowing concerts by acts like Young Joc (who put on quite a show, by the way), academy award winning artist and my sisters “boo in her head” rapper Juicy J and others, so much mingling in an atmosphere best described as electric, and a surprise visit by Magic City Classic Ambassador Anthony Anderson, the event made it hard for me to leave to go in the game. This Magic City Classic Coors Light VIP Tailgate experience was one for Facebook and the record books!

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I don’t know what the intentions of the celebrity chef known for his stint on Season 7 of Fox’s Hell’s Kitchen were when he entered Legion Field, but thanks to Coors Light he came. He served. He satisfied and he left us sleepy in that “I just devoured some itis-inducing, good, soul food” kind of way. He also left this blogger in need of just one more piece of fish. Kudos, Coors and their team of coordinators for putting a bit more magic in the Classic!

@AngelaMMoore316

Crape Myrtle Cafe is Still Hot and Happening

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There’s a hidden jewel tucked inside of Homewood’s Little Professor Book Center that’s serving up food so fresh, tasty, and made with love it evokes the memories of food your grandmother used to make, especially if she was a five-star cook who could whip up anything from Apple Smoked Pork Loin to a Kobe Beef Burger cooked perfectly to a Grilled Salmon Sandwich with dill and lemon, and a side of crispy chips which will make your mouth dance. Crape Myrtle Café is its name and that’s a name you should certainly remember. I’d not been there in years until recently, but was not surprised to see the inviting menu, stellar service and quietly, entertaining atmosphere nestled among a book store was just as lovely as I had remembered. Many come for the books and come back for the food. Books and food. What can be better than that?

On a recent visit with a business colleague, and in the mood for soul food, I listened to the sage wisdom of the gentleman at the register and ordered the Beef Tips Over Rice. Knowing I was headed home for the day and in no threat of the “itis” ruining my vibe I also ordered fork tender collards, and black eyed peas so scrumptious they would have made Alberta Scott (my paternal grandmother) spin around in her powder blue Lazy Boy…God rest her soul. My associate ordered the Wagyu Hamburger Steak, with gravy and onions sans the onions, fluffy mashed potatoes ladled with gravy and greens. We both devoured a cornbread muffin about as buttery, sweet and moist as restaurant-made muffins can be.

The meal was perfect, and surely didn’t disappoint from this treasure I’ve been enjoying for more than a decade. It was so tasty I didn’t even stop through the bookstore to sneak a peek at the latest in literary offerings. That hardly ever happens. I was so completely satisfied by my savory, mid-day experience. The only thing which would have made my visit to Crape Myrtle Café any better would have been had I known in advance that my dining companion was paying for the meal and would have ordered their Carmel Fudge Pecan Pie to take home. Drats! Oh well. There’s always next time.

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@AngelaMMoore316

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In the Mood for Mexican

Often I’m asked for recommendations of restaurants. I’d like to think that’s not because I eat a lot, but possibly because I have a palate which is speaks for itself. Whatever the case may be, the occasional ring of the telephone or ding of the text message or email asking my thoughts on a particular establishment is becoming more common than uncommon.

Recently someone asked for thoughts about a good Mexican food restaurant in the Birmingham, Alabama area. Like rapid-fire darts thrown at water balloons to win a prize at a state fire I was able to fire off names so quickly even I was impressed.

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So here it is. In no particular order, and for varying reasons, here are my top three favorite Mexican food restaurants in the ‘Ham:

  1. LaPaz Crestline-I’ve adored this spot since being introduced to it in the late 90s. The quaint Mountain Brook setting is the ideal backdrop for some delicious Mexican cuisine, full of flavor, spice and everything nice (Hey, I like to rhyme.) Simple and plain, their Tacos Supremos also known as beef tacos (sans the lettuce) do it for me every time. Add to that some Chile Con Queso with a cold Co-Cola (that’s Coca Cola for you non-southern folks) and lunch is perfect.
  2. Superior Grill-This one is for nostalgic purposes. Back when I was an on-the-go, roving producer/reporter for a local news station and lived in a few spots off of Highway 280 my girl friends, guy friends, and I would meet after work for their all you can eat, as long as you buy a drink worth more than $2.50 Happy Hour buffet. The food was delish (it still is), and authentic. The atmosphere was always festive, especially the patio. And the tortilla chips were hot and crispy, coming out of the tiny little warmers in masses. It was there I fell in faux-love with a couple of fly by night ex-boyfriends and fell in real, deal food-love with Superior’s Chile Con Queso dip, virgin strawberry daiquiri and Single Puffed Crispy Taco. That was until they shut it down when they caught a lady stuffing food in her purse in the restroom.
  3. Cantina Laredo-Fresh Guac (also known as Top Shelf Guacamole) made right at your table is what drew me in to this gem of a place. It’s so good it makes a girl like me who’s no fan of avocado forget that she’s not a fan or avocado. Add to that the hustle and bustle of Birmingham’s Uptown Entertainment District, some amazing desserts like Mexican Apple Pie, that BIG ol’ big screen atop the roof which is perfect to yell Roll Tide with friends during football season, and order up a few fajitas and one could easily stay five or six hours there. For real.
  4. Some other notable establishments include Cozumel Grill & Mexican Restaurant in Pelham which is super affordable and serves the most plenteous, velvety smooth refried beans I’ve ever had and Moe’s…well, simply because it’s near my home and I love it. No other explanation needed.

So there you have it and of course now, I want Mexican food. Anyone treating or down for a little chat and chew over a tortilla chip or two? (There I go rhyming again…LOL!)

@AngelaMMoore316

Thank you, Texas

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Recently I had a chance to travel to Fort Worth, Texas for a conference with my job. I’ll be honest and say that I didn’t want to go because this is such a busy time of the year for me. Boy, am I glad I did!

The Southwest National Service Conference turned out to be the best work-related conference I’ve ever attended. And I’ve attended a conference or two or ten. I learned so much, met so many and left so invigorated to continue the charge of service. The food on the other hand…woah, Nelly! As if a conference so impactful could be rivaled…Texas knows how to do a woman right. It was just dandy, y’all!

I won’t type too much today as I’m busy doing nothing (and enjoying it), but I will let the pictures of my Southwestern themed lunch of roasted corn and peppers, mexican rice, fresh mixed greens salad with a balsamic vinaigrette, chicken fajitas, refried beans and key lime cheesecake from the Sheraton Fort Worth, and my Sweet Pea Guacamole and chips, Steak and Stout Pot Pie chocked full of tender beef, mushrooms, peas and carrots in a crust so buttery and tender the Pillsbury Dough Boy would have been jealous, Pig and Fig Pork Belly with Texas Field Pea Mash, Blue Cheese and a Fig barbecue sauce, and (Nueske Bacon) Bacon Lollipops with a Maple Hollandaise and Funnel Cake from Bird Café speak words that my still salivating mouth would not do verbal justice. Set along the aesthetic backdrop of a historic Downtown Forth Worth landmark, the Bird Cafe’s expansive and not expensive menu coupled with delightful service only paled in comparison to the quaint, and quirky history-rich building in which it was housed. Even the distilled water had a flavor of, shall we say, down home goodness to it. I think I drank about seven glasses of it. To eat such a satisfying meal in such an amazing atmosphere was the perfect way to end my trip. The entire experience was one in which I desire to repeat over and over and over again. It was that good!

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Thank you, Texas!

@AngelaMMoore316

Put It All On the Table

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Leave it to Beaver, Family Ties, Alf, The Cosby Show, Soul Food, The Klumps, even the cult classic Talladega Nights (a.k.a. Ricky Bobby) all have something in common…time around the dinner table is an unforgettable feature.

Family Enjoying Christmas Dinner

There’s something about what happens at a dinner table that makes the plight of being family or friends worth it. Breakfast, lunch and/or dinner together is the perfect time to “chat and chew” (not at the same time of course), catch up on life, hear what’s on each other’s hearts, handle serious decisions, tackle tough issues, laugh, pray, plan and participate in the world of others dear to you.

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I can vividly remember growing up eating meals with my parents and siblings at our circular, wood table debating over Caprisuns vs Tang, discussing the “we’re on a serious budget and don’t have much money so we’ll take a vacation in the city” plans, watching Soul Train or Little House on the Prairie on a 13inch black and white TV, fussing over who would do dishes, talking about Jesus, finances, disagreements, homework, peer pressure or simply getting to know each other. I value those moments and believe more of them would help transform our society for the better. I treasure the new memories made now with friends and family around football games, holidays, or simple Sunday dinners.

There are few places and purposes that all persons in a family share. We all sleep, but not together (Thank God!). We all work or go to school, but not together. We have other functions we all do, but certainly not together (Thank God, again!). Eating, however, is one of those things we can strategically take time to do together as often as possible and as often as needed.

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Bring back the days of carving turkey and carving out time together under one roof and at one table. Clear the table after a meal and break out the cards for Spades, Monopoly or Uno. Schedule family dinner date nights where a casserole and conversation are the order of the day. Plan a girls or guys night out around your favorite table at your favorite restaurant. I’d say, “put it all on the table” and remember, what happens at the table doesn’t have to stay there. The best part about any good table, with good guests, good conversation or good fun is when what’s there is so special, and so plenteous and so filling that there’s enough to share.

@AngelaMMoore316