One a Penny, Two a Penny, Hot Cross Buns!

Neil’s been humming around the house all morning.  There must be some reason he’s so happy.  It’s not the weather, as it’s a dreary chilly day.  Maybe he’s going to bake a squirrel pie.  That would make my day!

      I admit it.  I love hot cross buns!  Its reported origins are varied, but most agree that the hot cross bun was popularized in England when a 12th century monk made the spiced cakes and stamped them with the sign of the cross.  He made the buns every year thereafter and distributed them to the poor on Good Friday.

     The origin of the hot cross bun, as the Easter holiday itself, is mixed with pagan traditions.  Buns were considered a sacred food of the gods to the ancient Aztecs and Incas, while the Egyptians and Saxons offered them as sacrifices to their goddesses.  The appearance of a cross on top represented everything from the quarters of the moon to the horns of a sacred ox to the Christian interpretation today of the crucifixion.  Originally, the cross was marked in the dough with a knife but later creations used the piped icing that is popular today.  It's not clear when hot cross buns started appearing for sale before the Good Friday holiday.  Thankfully, the irresistible concoctions are available at bakeries during the entire six weeks of Lent leading up to Easter. 

Servatii's version of the hot cross bun

      I have my own favorite shops for what I consider to be the best hot cross buns.  In Cincinnati, my pick for the traditional bun is at the Servatii Pastry Shops, found throughout the city.  They are light and flaky with a generous "cross" of buttercream icing and not too much candied fruit.  For a scone version, I head to the Bluebird Bakery in Glendale.  Jenny's scones are the finest that I've found and her hot cross interpretation is divine!  My absolute favorite takes a little more effort as it is found on the east side of Columbus, OH at Resch's Bakery.  They're more dense and have a dusting of confectioner's sugar in addition to the icing cross.  I'm hoping my sister brings some when she comes to visit this weekend.  For me, it's probably just as well that they're not available year 'round.  However, I would like to hear where you find your favorite hot cross bun.

http://www.servatiipastryshop.com/Locations.aspx

http://www.bluebirdbakery.com

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/33/372053/restaurant/East-Side/Reschs-Bakery-Columbus  

Spring Restaurant Week March 11-20

      A relatively new concept to Cincinnati, the original Restaurant Week began in New York City during the Democratic Convention of 1992.  It was the brainchild of Tim Zagat of the Zagat Restaurant Guide and the late Joe Baum, a top restaurateur in NYC.  It began as a means of sparking business and showcasing the area’s culinary reputation.  Each establishment creates a prix fixe 3-course menu of either appetizer, entree and dessert or salad, appetizer and entree.  Today, it has spread to cities nationwide and is in its 6th year in Cincinnati.  

      Get ready for another amazing Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week running from Friday, March 11 to Sunday, March 20.  For the first time, it will encompass two full weekends.  Check out their website for the full list of restaurants and some sample menus.  And, more importantly, treat yourself by supporting some of our area’s finest culinary establishments!

http://www.eatlocalcincy.com

Atlanta’s Buckhead Diner – Come for the Scene and Stay for the Food

Eric couldn't wait to revisit the Buckhead Diner last week while he was away.  It's sorta like when I return to a place where I had a memorable hunt.  Well,—not really.

      Judy and I ate at The Buckhead Diner (3073 Piedmont Road NE) a few years back at the same conference we attended last week.  Neil had tipped me off about it back then and we really enjoyed the lunch we had so we decided to return.  It’s not really a ‘diner’; it’s more of a dining car restaurant.  Imagine riding on the 20th Century sometime in the 1940s or early 1950s and being served by a white jacketed, black tied serving staff with Swiss timing precision.  Yes, they advertise a forty-five minute three-course lunch online and they’re more than ready to prove it.  However, part of the fun is the people watching for those of us from out of town.  This is not really a tourist or family lunch restaurant.  It’s an elegant, but unpretentious, gathering spot for business people, conventioneers in the know, ladies who lunch, Buckhead shoppers, and others dropping by on a whim.  

      This is another Atlanta restaurant where the portions are large and everything is pretty much made on the premises.  It’s upscale diner food perfectly prepared and presented.  Judy felt like a hamburger and was taken aback by its size when it appeared.  I had the BLTE on crisp sourdough.  All the fixings came with both sandwiches (and they’re fine with a substitution) along with homemade kettle fries, lightly salted and with a hint of vinegar (I thought).  The staff kindly boxed the breadsticks and the jalapeño cream corn muffins.  The award-winning banana cream pie is a tart crust filled with French cream custard and topped by banana and shaved white chocolate.  I forgot to take a picture of the dessert because I just went for it so quickly.

$$$
http://www.buckheadrestaurants.com/buckhead-diner

South City Kitchen Midtown — Atlanta’s Down Home Casual Sleek Spot

Neil and I had some bonding time while Eric was in Atlanta last week.  We had our own fine cuisine at home but it sounds like Eric really hit on a couple of great places for residents and travelers to Atlanta.

      Major winds and rain hit Atlanta during rush hour while Judy and I pushed on to find South City Kitchen at 1144 Crescent in Midtown, which I’d read about in Zagat.  We’d checked out a few menus online and this was the one that we felt like eating at first glance.  After tipping (as good karma) what I thought was a homeless man, but may have been an employee of the bar-restaurant next door, in helping me park, we walked into a two level floor to ceiling glass front building on a narrow street lined with nicer condo and apartment towers.  The architecture is early ‘80s open plan with bar and view into the kitchen and an upstairs consisting of cozy spaces.  Blond woods on floors, stairs, and tables matched with sleek, though unobtrusive, lighting fixtures gave the space a relaxed and clubby feel.  For a torrential Monday night, it was about two-thirds full and there was turnover at all of the tables.  The staff was laid-back, friendly, and quietly professional.

      The main point is the food and it is excellent.  Judy and I were both intrigued by the desserts so she was smart and decided on an appetizer with a side while I chanced indigestion and ordered an appetizer and an entrée.  Judy wasn’t certain about goat cheese with Fried Green Tomatoes, but our server Dave described the dish as being like Eggplant Parmigiana.  He was right.  The four tomato slices were spread with goat cheese, dipped in egg and panko breadcrumbs, and sautéed.  They were crispy with a nice edge to the tomato (almost al dente) and the goat cheese lent an almost citrus note to the dish.  The marinara sauce that accompanied it was complex, both full-bodied and acidic.  Actually, the sauce was so good that most diners might like another couple of tablespoons.  Judy also liked the Bliss Potatoes she’d ordered as a side dish, though it was presented with the tomatoes as if it was an entire entrée (smart move on their part).

Fried Green Tomatoes, Bliss Potatoes,

and Shrimp & Grits

Chicken Livers

      My appetizer came down to the Chicken Livers or the Sweetbreads.  Dave recommended the livers and he was again right.  OMG!  I have never had nor made a better dish with liver whether chicken or calf and whether it was a pâté, fried, or sautéed.  The portion was twice what I expected for an appetizer and it was not breaded and deep-fried, as I’d presumed.  It was sautéed, but very tenderly.  It was the smoothest textured chicken liver, resembling the best cut and cooked portion of beef or veal tenderloin imaginable.  The texture was neither grainy nor chewy, which it sometimes can be and the chalky/ashy under-bite was non-existent.  The gravy from the juices that accompanied it was rich, but had a very clean dark taste, almost like a bordelaise sauce.  It was served on home made creamed corn, which was rich in cream fat and a little soupy.  (It was also $7, which I thought was an absolute steal).  The shrimp and grits was an extremely generous portion.  The sauce was smoky and the fish firm, but still juicy.  It was really good, but I couldn’t get the liver off my mind.

Banana Pudding and

Blueberry Bread Pudding

      We finished off with dessert.  Judy had the Blueberry Bread Pudding, which was like baked French toast as Dave described it.  It was bread, rather than cake-like, that was completely moist, but held its shape.  The fresh blueberry sauce was more syrup-like in texture with many plump berries.  This was another generous portion, which Judy halved for dinner and breakfast the next morning.  I had the Banana Pudding, consisting of light custard, more of a crème anglaise, with slices of banana and home made vanilla sponge cookies.  South City Kitchen is a low-key foodies’ delight.  Check it out in Atlanta!

$$

http://www.southcitykitchen.com/midtown

Food & Wine Crowns Best New Chef

      Congratulations to Chef Jose Salazar of The Palace at The Cincinnatian Hotel, winner of Food & Wine magazine's The People's Best New Chef Award for the Great Lakes Region.  The publication nominated 10 new chefs from 10 regions across the country, but the winners were voted by the people.  According to Food & Wine, the must-try dish at The Palace is his French onion soup, consisting of cipollini onions stuffed with caramelized Vidalias and topped with Gruyère crisps.  Yum,—sign me up!  

      Chef Salazar won over some tough competition including Stephanie Izard, winner of season 4 Top Chef and chef at her own restaurant, The Girl & The Goat in Chicago.  Michael Bulkowski of Revolver in Findlay, OH was also among the finalists.  

      The top honor of The People's Best New Chef for the entire country went to Jamie Bissonette of Coppa in Boston. 

The Nutcracker...Sa-weet!

Neil told me this morning that he's going to Columbus for a couple of days to visit his family.  The guys don't like to leave me, but I actually don't mind the break.  After all, Eric will be home at night to let me in the house.  We've had a reprieve from the winter weather so I'm looking forward to spending the rest of the day and tomorrow outside with my friends.  Oh,—to get to scratch on something other than the sofa.  I know Eric and Neil will appreciate that too!  I knew Neil would be upset if I didn't come around to say goodbye so I waited until I knew he was ready to leave and tapped on the back door.

      Visiting family usually involves a meal or two out.  In the case of our family, it's imperative.  After kicking around a few ideas we settled on the Nutcracker in Pataskala on the far east side of Columbus.

It's a mix of diner, kitsch, memorabilia, candy store, and nutcrackers of course.  If you're over 45, this will be a real treat and bring back a lot of memories.  We arrived at 5:30 and the place was bustling.  There is a large party room in the rear that was also full.

The Grilled Bologna Sandwich

The menu is straightforward American classics -- nothing too healthy, with a concentration of batter and deep frying.  It's a place for those who are used to this type of diet or just want to be bad for a day.  We ordered a variety of selections and, since it was family, I was offered samples of several.  My sister started with the potato soup.  It was exactly the taste and consistency of our mother's, which I've never found anywhere.  It was a great experience!  I almost ordered some for myself.  My niece had the grilled bologna sandwich, which she asked to be served with a slice of onion.  You don't find that on every menu!  My other niece and nephew had the dinner special of all-you-can-eat fried chicken served with country ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, the vegetable of the day, and slaw.  I had the pork tenderloin on a hoagie roll.  The tenderloin was four times the size of the bread, which was buttered and grilled to perfection.  The batter on the chicken and tenderloin was light and crispy.  It was some of the finest I've tasted.  Sandwiches are served with homemade potato chips that I found to be a bit too overdone.  I had my eye on the vast array of desserts before the meal began, but I refrained from becoming a glutton.  The Nutcracker is billed as a family restaurant and the prices are very family friendly.  Mother Ginger would be delighted to find this haven. 

$

When visiting Columbus...
The Nutcracker Family Restaurant is located at 63 East Broad Street in Pataskala, OH.

http://www.nutcrackerpataskala.com

What about Egypt, You May Ask? Take a Number Because It’s all about our #1 Drug Addict Charlie Sheen Instead

Eric's been out of town for a couple of days.  He arrived home late last night and was all wound up!  I know he thinks I didn't miss him, but I really did.  I even left him my first gift of the season on the front porch.  He appropriately gave me a pat on the back, which I always appreciate.  It's nice to receive the recognition.  I'm anxious to hear about his trip and thoughts while he was away, but some of it may have to wait until later.  I'll need to nap in between.

      We enjoy keeping it light on this blog, but what’s the
use of our national news when entertainment has trumped everything?  Yes, this has been a troubling trend – actually, the whole rationale behind most of the “news talk” TV shows since the War in Iraq began – and we wonder if it’s because certain media moguls want to make sure that we don’t and aren’t able to keep our eye on the political ball so to speak.  Many of our friends have been electrified by the revolutions in Egypt, Tunisia, and now what looks to be going on in Libya.  But instead of focusing on a delusional, power-mad nut who’s led a country for thirty years that’s imploding all around him, the “news talk” eye is on another delusional, money-hungry nut who’s led an amusing, but middling, comedy show for the past seven and a half years instead.

      Charlie Sheen has stated that death is for weak people and that he really enjoys his coked out semi-private frenzies all while playing craps with the paychecks of a couple of hundred professionals who’ve worked on his show. 
He blamed CBS for canceling the rest of the season and was considering a $300 million suit against the network unless
the executives re-instate the rest of the season for which he demands $3 million/episode (up from $2 million/episode before this conflagration).  Who uses his addiction and the welfare of those who work with him as leverage for a 50% pay hike?  And we wonder why some parts of the world think we’re a decadent society?

And, the Oscar Went to...

To the Academy...sorry, but I was bored.  I thought James Franco and Anne Hathaway did an admirable job as co-hosts even though they lacked some much needed spontaneity.  They do have a good chemistry and should probably be cast in a movie together.  (I can't wait to see her as Catwoman in the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises.)  The highlight last evening was the opening number with them appearing in segments from several of the nominated pictures.  

I did like the faster pace of the show.  I usually sleep through the "In Memoriam" segment but Celine Dion's rendition of "Smile" held my interest.  And, it was nice that they gave the lifetime achievement awards at an earlier banquet.  That's always nap time too.  But for pure entertainment, I liked the Red Carpet interviews on ABC before the show started.  I was hoping to see more furs since they said it was cold in Hollywood, but maybe next year.  Neil woke me up for the last three awards.  I was really confused at the end when a school chorus from Staten Island appeared onstage to sing "Over the Rainbow".  Did I miss something?  They were cute though, so I won't take away their 15 minutes of fame.  

We did so-so with our predictions which is how I'm feeling after all of the big Oscar parties.  I may have overdone it!  My apologies. 

      Dexter fared best with predicting 8 out of 13.  Neil agreed with 6 of the Academy's picks, and Eric with 5.  But this isn't about who wins or looses, especially in our household.  It's about celebrating some of the best achievements by actually viewing as many movies as we can throughout the year.  If you didn't get a chance to see all of the nominees in the theater, then consider viewing them on DVD.

In case you missed the show, 

here's a list of some of the winners:

Best Picture: The King's Speech

Actor: Colin Firth

Actress: Natalie Portman

Supporting Actor: Christian Bale

Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo

Director: Tom Hooper

Animated Feature: Toy Story 3

Original Screenplay: The King's Speech

Adapted Screenplay: The Social Network

Film Editing: The Social Network

Cinematography: Inception

Art Direction: Alice in Wonderland

Costume Design: Alice in Wonderland

Seasonal Style at Skirtz & Johnston

It's getting warmer outside and I'm wanting to be there. I went out early today thanks to Eric responding to my subtle cues.  

I know he likes to sleep in on weekends. I really don't understand why that's such a big deal when you can sleep 

all day.  Oh, the things I could teach them!

      Skirtz & Johnston (just outside Findlay Market) is a purveyor of exquisite baked goods, and embodies the perfect melding of the senses.  The stars are their confections, placed in the window and beckoning one inward.  Once inside, there's more delicacies, chocolates, breads, breakfast and lunch selections, and a friendly and competent staff. Pastry chefs Stefan Skirtz and Andrew Johnston began their journey together back in 2006 at the Midwest Culinary Institute.  When not doing what they do best in the background, they're at the front of the store helping out. 

The Pulled Pork Sandwich and Cannoli

      Eric and I stopped by for lunch on Saturday.  We've been there before, so we already have our favorites.  Both of us ordered 

the Pulled Pork Sandwich with a hint of cherry and a Makers Mark BBQ sauce, served with chips and cole slaw.  It always hits the spot.  For dessert, we went with the Traditional Cannoli.  After ordering at the counter and dispensing our coffees, we went to the dining room where our cannolis were presented.  Eric couldn't wait!  The delicate pastry with vanilla creme filling and chocolate sprinkles has been a preference since our first visit.  We've also tried 

the Raspberry Cannoli which is a tad sweeter. I'd also recommend the Goetta Danish (when they have it). Not to 

my taste was the Apricot Scone,—much too dry!  I love 

scones though, so I'll probably give them another chance at some point. 

      A missed opportunity with many food establishments, 

in my opinion, is not visually portraying the current season.  Many change their menus seasonally and leave it at that, but few give us any images of where we are on the calendar.  Seasonal decorations are a throw back to our childhood and are a welcoming factor, whether in a restaurant or in our homes.  After all, didn't Martha Stewart build an empire based on that premise?

Mardi Gras Centerpiece

      Skirtz and Johnston embrace the seasons with decorations on their tables and counters.  Tables and chairs for 2-4 people surround the dining room.  The focal point 

is the oversized communal bar height wooden table with a properly proportioned floral centerpiece.  

The feature for now is Mardi Gras but they're changed, or tweaked, every Thursday.  The designs are installed and maintained by 

Mary Ellen Pesek of 

Big Bone Gardens in Union, KY.  From the installations that I've seen, she always hits the mark.  Big Bone Gardens are open from mid-April to mid-July, and I know a visit there will be in my future. 

      As we were leaving, we stopped by the pastry case.  I was intrigued by the three different mini cakes.  I went with the mint and Eric chose the banana.  Both had just a hint of the flavors with a chocolate fondant covering.  They made a nice ending to our dinner that night, but the cannoli still wins out.  Another patron was perusing the premises.  She said she had been to a party the night before which Skirtz & Johnston had catered.  She was so impressed, she had to see what else they had to offer.  What a great compliment!

$

Skirtz & Johnston is located at 113 West Elder Street 
on the East side of Findlay Market.

http://www.skirtzandjohnston.com

Big Bone Gardens is on KY 338 in Union, KY.

http://www.big-bone-gardens.com

Our Votes for the 2011 Academy Awards

DEXTER'S PREDICTIONS

I feel like I've seen all the nominated movies as I've heard so much about them!    I think The King's Speech will be the big winner of the night.  Why?  Well, for me, the furry costumes sounded like things I like to hunt.  Like King George VI, it took me a while to find my voice with Eric and Neil.  It also seems the most like Masterpiece Theatre which I sometimes get stuck having to watch at home with the guys.

Best Picture: The King's Speech

Actor: Colin Firth

Actress: Natalie Portman

Supporting Actor: Christian Bale

Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo

Director: David Fincher

Animated Feature: Toy Story 3

Original Screenplay: The King's Speech

Adapted Screenplay: The Social Network

Film Editing: The King's Speech

Cinematography: The King's Speech

Art Direction: The King's Speech

Costume Design: The King's Speech

_______________________________________________

NEIL'S FAVORITES

I found 127 Hours to be my favorite of the nominees.  It was a devastating story told with imagination and energy.  Inception was my favorite visually.  Some undisputed standout performances for me were Natalie Portman, Melissa Leo, and Christian Bale.  The King's Speech was a beautifully done period piece and a story that needed to be told.  I just didn't find it to be the most original movie of the year.  I found that to be Please Give which unfortunately was not nominated.

Best Picture: 127 Hours

Actor: James Franco

Actress: Natalie Portman

Supporting Actor: Christian Bale

Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo

Director: David Fincher

Animated Feature: Toy Story 3

Original Screenplay: The Kids Are All Right

Adapted Screenplay: The Social Network

Film Editing: 127 Hours

Cinematography: Inception

Art Direction: Inception

Costume Design: I Am Love

_______________________________________________

ERIC'S PICKS

The Social Network was the best movie of the year and most reflective of the zeitgeist.  Toy Story 3 is a lovely nominee for Best Movie, but like Avatar last year, actors will not vote for animated movies as the best of the year (no matter how much money they make) because they don't want to eventually be out of jobs.  I love Colin Firth in anything, but James Franco was the whole movie and was riveting.  Two that need the attention:  Another Year is Mike Leigh's best since Secrets and Lies; it's the British lower middle - middle class Uncle Vanya of this decade.  Milan in 1990 looked bleak, awe-inspiring, and on the verge of an epiphany in I Am Love and the image of Tilda Swinton in that scarlet cocktail dress and Marisa Berenson in that black pantsuit is indelible.  

Best Picture: The Social Network

Actor: James Franco

Actress: Michelle Williams

Supporting Actor: Christian Bale

Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo

Director: David Fincher

Animated Feature: Toy Story 3

Original Screenplay: Another Year

Adapted Screenplay: The Social Network

Film Editing: 127 Hours

Cinematography: Inception

Art Direction: Inception

Costume Design: I Am Love

_______________________________________________

Possible Upsets:

Best Actress: Annette Bening 

      (the Academy loves her)

Supporting Actress: Hailee Steinfeld 

      (she actually was the star of True Grit)

Director: Tom Hooper 

      (if The King's Speech gets on a roll of winning everything)

CHECK BACK ON MONDAY for Dexter's After Oscar Recap of how we all fared, but don't be surprised when Dexter wins this race.  Don't forget the Independent Spirit Awards show on IFC. It premieres Saturday night at 10 p.m. (and then repeats ad infinitum) because there are some really dynamic choices.  The Academy Awards can be seen on ABC starting at 8 p.m. on Sunday night.

Please leave us a comment with your favorite Oscar pics!