shrimp

Dining Outside the Home: The Fish Express in Lihue, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: The Fish Express in Lihue, Kauai! If you’re looking for a quick bite of incredibly fresh fish, spicy ahi, batter-fried butterfly shrimp, or seasoned seafood, make a pit stop at The Fish Express near the Lihue Airport. No matter the time of day, people can be seen standing around outside leaning against the building or sitting in the shade with a styrofoam container propped in one hand and a fork in the other. Once inside the door of this carry-out eatery, you’ll be blown away by the multitude of choices available in the glass showcase. No worries. Try anything that looks yummy. But you better hurry. If you dilly-dally too long, the person beside you might snatch it up. The staff is an old hand at getting people through the line f-a-s-t. Affordable Bento boxes are placed on the edge of the counter near the register as a convenient add-on. Do it. Throw a couple bucks in the Tip Jar. As you’re driving away, don’t be surprised if you find yourself cracking open a container to nibble on its contents. “It’s fresh off da boat.”

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Letter F

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Home Cooking: First-Class Fajitas! Grilling is always in season and what better way to prepare a smorgasbord of flavor. I prefer shrimp, my husband prefers steak, and we both like chicken. So we blend it all together and make this fabulous main course. Throw in the sides, salsa, and cheese, and everyone is happy!

FIRST-CLASS FAJITAS

Ingredients:

1-pound of shrimp

2 chicken breasts, boneless

1 pound of sirloin steak

Marinate each meat/shrimp in the following: (x3)

2 teaspoons olive oil

1/4 cup tequila

1 tablespoon lime juice

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Sea salt to taste

1 Vidalia onion

1 green pepper

4 romaine leaves, gently torn

1 tomato, chopped

2 green onions, snipped

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup salsa

1/2 cup sliced jalapeños

1/2 cup cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro

4 flour tortillas

Instructions:

In three shallow dishes, place steak, chicken and shrimp in their own marinade. Let stand for one hour. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Drain marinade and discard. Place meats and shrimp on grill.* Cook through until done. (Chicken will take about 7 minutes per side.)

(Steak will take 4 minutes per side for medium-rare.)

(Shrimp will take 2 minutes per side.)

(Grill the vegetables until tender, about 10 minutes total.)

Meanwhile toss romaine leaves, tomatoes, and green onions to blend in a bowl. Fill tortillas with your favorite meats, veggies, and toppings. Serve with chips, salsa, and sour cream. Olé!

*For easy cooking on the grill, use one grill pan for the shrimp as well as one for the vegetables.

Eating My Way Through the Holidays! Yuletide Favs: Cocktail Shrimp Minis!

Eating My Way Through the Holidays! Yuletide Favs: Cocktail Shrimp Minis! Being a “grazer” can reap advantageous health benefits, in my opinion. Not only are the portions much smaller, but you get to eat every few hours which keeps hunger pangs under control. The rule of thumb is to choose foods high in nutrients and low in sugar, salt, and fat. The key to successful grazing is to prepare things ahead of time. That way when you open the refrigerator, you are drawn to easy choices. Sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it?

COCKTAIL SHRIMP MINIS

Ingredients:

1 dozen fresh shrimp, precooked

1 cup fresh salad greens

8 ounces Neufchâtel cheese, softened

1/2 cup seafood cocktail sauce

1 tablespoon horseradish

Instructions:

Place salad greens in the bottom of a single serving glass. Divide the block of Neufchâtel cheese into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. Place one cheese ball in each glass. Combine seafood cocktail sauce with horseradish. Drizzle sauce evenly over each cheese ball. Skewer one shrimp and insert into each glass, piercing the cheese ball. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Dining Outside the Home: Yolös Mexican Grill in Las Vegas, Nevada

Dining Outside the Home: Yolös Mexican Grill in Las Vegas, Nevada! Every place has a story behind their name, so this place is no exception. Yolo! You Only Live Once! Head over to Planet Hollywood to get the party started. Yolös Mexican Grill has your number and it’s lucky number 7. Check out Happy Hour for amazing fresh fruit margaritas. Chilled and icy. Try any number of specialty foods with Mexican, Pacific Rim, South American, and Caribbean influences. The salsas are out of this world delicious. Habanero Papaya, Tomatillo, Roasted Tomato, Diablo. Make your next stop among the glowing lights of an urban cantina. You only live once.

Dining Outside the Home: St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis, Indiana

Dining Outside the Home: St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis, Indiana! Known as the oldest steakhouse in its original location, a mere stone’s throw from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in downtown Indy, is none other than St. Elmo’s. This is a place where people come to satiate their appetite for outstanding steaks, impressive shrimp cocktails, and a superior wine list that promises to complement any occasion. If you’re lucky, the award-winning wine cellar may be available for private dining and celebrations. I know, because I’ve been there. Not only is the atmosphere charmingly romantic being surrounded by thousands of bottles, but the professional waitstaff’s attention to detail is intoxicating. For the ultimate dining experience, choose St. Elmo Steak House.

Dining Outside the Home: The Library Restaurant and Pub in Indianapolis, Indiana

Dining Outside the Home: The Library Restaurant and Pub in Indianapolis, Indiana! Whether you choose private dining for celebrations, a gastro-pub atmosphere where sports abound, or tasteful seating among works of art, you’ll feel at home at The Library Restaurant and Pub. Seasonal favorites, as well as chef specialties, enhance an already extensive menu. For starters, indulge in Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail bathed in a zesty horseradish sauce. Move on to make a meal of Grilled Romaine, drizzled with olive oil, parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. Mmmm. There’s a method to my madness, you see. The made-in-house desserts make a grande finale. I recommend the Crème Brûlée topped with caramelized sugar. C’est Magnifique!

Dining Outside the Home: 2 G’s Barbecue in Bellefontaine, Ohio

Dining Outside the Home: 2 G’s Barbecue in Bellefontaine, Ohio! Jump in your car for a road trip to the county seat of Logan County, an area rich in history and once the village of Shawnee Chief Blue Jacket. If it’s soul food you’re looking for with home style BBQ slow-cooked to perfection, 2 G’s will not disappoint. The melt-in-your-mouth ribs slide off the bone in a thick tangy sauce that is lip smacking good. The baked chicken selections aim to please the hungry appetite. And there’s more. Seafood lovers drool between tiger shrimp and catfish filets. Don’t forget the southern sides and classic cornbread, included with most menu items. And the name, you wonder? Ask the friendly staff. They’ll smile from ear to ear while sharing the remarkable story. 

Dining Outside the Home: Galo’s Italian Grill in Richmond, Indiana 

Dining Outside the Home: Galo’s Italian Grill in Richmond, Indiana! Like a gondola ride through the canals of Venice, complete with serenade, the relaxed atmosphere of Galo’s Italian Grill will sweep you away. Choose a lovely table under a patio umbrella for quiet conversation and dining al fresco. With food that is hand made fresh, there is no shortage of menu options. The pride of being family-owned reflects traditional values and quality service. Go ahead, indulge in mouth-watering food where generous portions turn tomorrow’s lunch into the ultimate reward. 

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.