coffee

Dining Outside the Home: La Spezia Restaurant in Koloa, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: La Spezia Restaurant in Koloa, Kauai. Here’s the rule of thumb: If you’re going to sit and relax on a Sunday morning, indulge yourself with the Special of the Day and the Bloody Mary Bar at La Spezia. It’s a match made in heaven. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make you feel at home, that’s for sure. The Bloody Mary Bar offers a tabletop of ingredients to build-your-own. The signature benedicts, fluffy quiche wedges, 3-egg omelettes, and applewood bacon are incredible! But you’ll have to make a return visit because the portions are generous. For a sweeter beginning, try the fluffy pancakes with real maple syrup or the fruit-stuffed French toast. Whatever you do, save a little room for their special blend of smooth Kauai and Kenyan coffee. It’s simply delish.

Warehouse 3540 is Hidden Jewel

Down a winding stretch around Kalaheo, you’ll stumble upon a few cars parked along the side of the road against a wall of giant tangled grasses. Park there and look both ways before crossing. The metal sheet work walls of an old warehouse enclose what is known to locals as Warehouse 3540. Step inside to a world of locally handmade crafts, creative art, products made on the island, jewelry designed for casual fashion statements, and uncommon home accents. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a day when the Farmers Market overflows with island fruit, leafy vegetables, and exotic choices gleaned from the land. Cultural food trucks park outside, with inspiring dishes to tempt the palate. No worries. Picnic areas are conveniently placed inviting rest, conversation, and taste sensations unique to each chef’s specialty. The second Saturday night of each month, check out the live music as an added attraction. This is one creative community marketplace you won’t want to miss.

Dining Outside the Home: Garden Table on Mass Avenue in Indianapolis, Indiana

Dining Outside the Home: Garden Table on Mass Avenue in Indianapolis, Indiana! More and more restaurants are meeting the demand for healthy and natural foods. Garden Table is no exception. In fact, they pride themselves in offering locally grown and harvested ingredients from sustainable farms. Believe me, your taste buds will notice. Take, for instance, the October Sky crafted espresso latte, laced with butternut squash and aromatic spices. It goes down so smooth you’ll find yourself savoring the aftertaste of cardamom and spice. Take it easy for Sunday brunch. The menu thrills with a Garden Benedict smothered in herbed hollandaise over sourdough toast. Be good to yourself. Experience Garden Table on Mass Avenue. We’re all in this together.

Dining Outside the Home: Roscoe’s Coffee Bar in Richmond, Indiana

Dining Outside the Home: Roscoe’s Coffee Bar in Richmond, Indiana! For a nice stop on the east side of town, go for impressive organic coffees, fruit smoothies, and gastronomic food. Although the atmosphere might be laid back, the menu compensates with imaginative options. Take a seat inside at one of the warm wood communal tables while sipping on a nitrogen-infused cold coffee or perhaps an imperial brown ale. Friendly strangers might join you for a little conversation. The food is locally sourced, using a quality blend of fresh ingredients. Overall, Roscoe’s East Side is pretty down-to-earth and easy on the pocketbook.

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Letter J

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? The Chow Down: Java Chip Cookies! Anyone will tell you the aroma of coffee triggers good feelings. If you don’t believe me, check out the neighborhood coffee shops and you’ll find a local place where people hang out. It’s not just the free Wi-Fi either. Coffee is one of the most popular beverages around, especially now with intense flavorings topped with a mound of whipped cream. Transform the blend of coffee and sugar into a cookie, charged with caffeine, and you’ll be as popular as the Pied Piper. People will follow you anywhere!
JAVA CHIP COOKIES
Ingredients:

1 cup butter, room temperature 

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

3 tablespoons espresso instant coffee

1 tablespoon vanilla extract 

2 eggs

3 1/2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 cup toffee bits

1/4 cup chocolate covered espresso beans, roughly chopped 

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside. In a food processor beat butter, sugar, brown sugar, espresso instant coffee, and vanilla extract until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, until blended. Combine flour, baking soda, and sea salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture until it forms a dough. Fold in toffee bits, chopped espresso beans, and mini chocolate chips. Chill dough slightly. Using a melon ball scoop, drop cookie dough onto a baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes. Do not burn. Remove from oven. Let cool for 2 minutes. Dredge java chip cookies in sugar, if desired, before transferring them to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining dough. Yield: 3 dozen, large cookies. 

Dining Outside the Home: Morton’s The Steakhouse in Cincinnati, Ohio

Dining Outside the Home: Morton’s The Steakhouse in Cincinnati, Ohio! With a stunning view of Fountain Square and a wait staff that aims to please, it’s easy to see why Morton’s Steakhouse on Vine Street sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. For starters let’s try a modern “Mortini” like Pimm’s Cup. Oh, my! A peek at the extensive menu, known for their aged prime beef and signature dishes, leaves one already planning another visit. But for now, relax and enjoy the anticipation of lavish delight. Perhaps a nibble or two of Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, engulfed in a misty fog of dry ice as it makes a grand entrance to the table. Sublime. Prepare to share generous side portions for the ultimate dining extravaganza. After all, the grande finale is Soufflé for Two. 

Dining Outside the Home: Payne’s Restaurant in Gas City, Indiana 

Dining Outside the Home: Payne’s Restaurant in Gas City, Indiana! The fact that Payne’s Coffee and Custard is a mere stone’s throw from the childhood home of actor, James Dean, is more than coincidence. The owner, Stephen Payne, is a devoted fan of the iconic 1950s movie star. His British influence is apparent in the bistro’s specialties which include old-fashioned frozen custard (to die for), Indiana craft beers on tap, the best Fish ‘n Chips “this side of the pond”, and gooey Sticky Toffee Pudding. Ingredients are farm-to-table whenever possible. Make Payne’s Restaurant your next small town destination. 

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Letter U

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Something to Savor: Unbelievable Bacon Jam! Your morning just got better. Everyone loves bacon, right? And coffee is often casually referred to as a “cup of morning joe”. Know what you get when you mix the two together, along with a few other items from the food pantry? You guessed it: Bacon Jam that can be slathered on buttered toast or added later to a Charcuterie Board. Tested on guests at Gail’s Kitchen, this recipe is spot on. Give it a try and see for yourself. You can thank me later. 
UNBELIEVABLE BACON JAM
Ingredients:

9 slices Applewood Smoked Bacon, sliced thick

4 tablespoons bacon grease

1 large red onion, diced

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup pure maple syrup 

3/4 cup brewed coffee 

1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, diced

1 teaspoon smoked sea salt

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:

Cook the bacon until brown and slightly crispy. It should be chewy. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces. In a medium skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons bacon grease. Add diced red onion. Turn to coat. Sprinkle with garlic powder. Sauté until onions are cooked, stirring frequently. Set aside. In a medium sauce pan, combine apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, maple syrup, remaining bacon grease, brewed coffee, pickled jalapeños, smoked sea salt, Dijon mustard, and bacon pieces. Add cooked onions. Stir well. Bring the bacon jam to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 45 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the jam is thick. The bacon jam should appear chunky. Refrigerate in an airtight container. 

Dining Outside the Home: Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company in Kalaheo, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company in Kalaheo, Kauai!  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, according to the generous portions served up at the Kalaheo Café. Stick to the favorites: a Very Veggie Omelette with melted cheese or add some Portuguese sausage for the Kahili Breakfast. Choose between a side of rice or potatoes, your way. And don’t forget the buttered toast or incredibly delicious cornbread muffins. Top it off with flavored coffee to rev up your engine. Now you’re beginning to see what I mean. Dine inside or on the front porch with a view of the mountains. Take a deep breath and dig in.