Recipe - Veggie Sloppy Joe's

So our beloved Chicago Bears didn't win yesterday....we were bummed, but they did have a great season and no one ever expected them to do so well.  I made veggie sloppy joe's for lunch yesterday to share with those that came over to watch the game.  I've made these a lot and don't have a recipe written down, so it's always just a little different.  These were a huge hit (and keep in mind almost everyone eating them are meat eaters) so I thought I'd post the recipe.  They're as low-fat as you want them to be, cheap, and good for you because the beans & rice provide a complete protein.....I hope you enjoy these!

1 onion
1 green bell pepper
1 cup of uncooked rice (I use white, but brown would work just as well)
2 cans of pinquitos - do not drain (these come in a sauce similar to chili beans)
1 (14 oz can) of tomato sauce
1 cup of barbeque sauce (to taste really, this is about what I put in)
2 heaping Tablespoons of pickle relish
1/4 cup (to taste) liquid smoke
3 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 tsp cayenne
Salt (I use Kosher)

Saute the chopped onion & green pepper in canola/vegetable oil and salt (the salt helps the veggies cook faster - a great tip I picked up from watching so many cooking shows).  After a few minutes add the spices and cook for a few minutes.  Then add the beans in liquid, tomato sauce,  BBQ sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray's), pickle relish and liquid smoke.

Cheddar cheese - shredded, for topping
Package of burger buns

This week........

So I haven't posted much this week -sorry to anyone that is actually reading my blog once in a while!  Last weekend we went to dinner at East Burn with our friends Monique, Chris, Andy & Susan.  Yum!  I love that place and have to go back soon.  Plus there was a band that turned out to be really good - they played in the dining room so we couldn't really avoid them - so that was lucky.  They were called Kung Pow Chicken (sp?) and were a 4 piece that played sort of 20's ish jazz.  Really good - I'd like to see more of them.

Saturday and Sunday was lots o' football watching - our friends Hayley & Jamey came over Saturday and we watched the 2 football games.  Sunday my family came over and we cheered the Bears on to victory over the Seachickens!!!!  Anne & Em and I did a NY Times Square puzzle too - all in one sitting - we're awesome.  Monday I had off for MLK Jr. day - got a haircut, my friend Monique and I got lunch, then I cooked Thai soup for weekday lunches (turned out great!) and quesadillas for Monday & Tuesday dinner.  Tuesday night we had bowling league and we kicked butt- I think we won all 3 games (and if we didn't I doubt the people we played will read this).  Wednesday we made a tuna casserole and didn't do much.  Thursday our friends Amanda & Chris came over for dinner and we made veggie pot pies, mashed potatoes and steamed brussels sprouts.  Tonight - Julian and I plan on not doing much, getting dinner and maybe watching Portlandia - I recorded it before I left for work this morning.

Saturday - I'm getting a pedicure - only my 2nd ever.  It sounded nice and my feet need help this time of year!  Need to do our grocery shopping sometime Saturday.  Then we're going to Lucy's Table to finally celebrate our 20th anniversary (not wedding, just total time being together).  Sunday - more football!  My family will come over to watch the Bears defeat the Packers.  Julian's parents are coming over that night and we're going to dinner. 

Go Bears!!!!!!

The Fighter - movie review

My sister, Em, Julian and I went to Cinemagic the other night to see The Fighter.  I love Cinemagic - it's a local business and it has reasonably priced movies and concessions.  Plus it's near our house and not usually too packed.  So, anyway, we'd been wanting to see this movie - my bro, Christian, really liked it, and my favorite guys (Christian Bale and Marky Mark) are in it!  And I always love these type of underdog type movies (think Rocky - all of them are awesome, except I haven't seen the very last one but bet it's at least pretty good, if not better).

So this movie is based on a true story about two brothers (Dicky, played by Christian Bale) and Micky (played by Marky Mark).  Dicky is a local boxing legend in this small town that must be near Boston (major Boston accents going on).  He's famous for knocking out (or just down, even that is questionable) Sugar Ray Leonard.  He's a has-been at this point (I don't want to give away too much) and is training his younger brother, Micky, who is an aspiring boxer.  The movie revolves around their extensive family relationships as Micky struggles to actually make it.  The family was awesome - so outrageous that they offer a lot of comic relief for a pretty dramatic and intense movie.  I loved this move - see it!!

That was not the only comic relief to be found though.  About the middle of the movie there was a rather quiet, intense and dramatic part, and all of a suddent some person (I have to think a guy!) farted so loud!  We couldn't stop laughing.  I heard the people behind us laughing too, but I think most people were "above" that and tried to pretend they didn't hear it.  But I bet some smelled it if they were close enough.  Near the end, yet another one of the quieter parts of the movie - the guy did it again!  Just as loud.  By then it really kind of broke the intensity and it felt good to laugh.  The person behind us yelled out "I hope you're on a date!". LOL!

Restaurant review - Roost

Last Friday night Julian and I checked out a new restaurant, Roost, which is on SE 14th & Belmont.  Their website is http://www.roostpdx.com/.  It's in the corner spot that used to be the bar Squeeze.  I'd been to that bar once, it was kind of lame, I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did. 

I heard about Roost a few weeks back, I believe it was the restaurant review in the Mercury (or was it WW?).  The review said the food was great, but that on the few occasions they'd been there it wasn't very full.  The reviewer was concerned that the restaurant wouldn't last for that reason.  So we decided to check it out. 

The night we went it was very busy, which is always a good sign.  We got one of the last remaining tables.  The bar was also available (no one at it when we came in), but there wasn't much to see there - the kitchen is near the bar, but the bar doesn't offer a really great view of the goings on (which can be a nice form of entertainment in some restaurants).  The decor was spare, to say the least.  I think the only thing on the white walls was coat hooks on the two opposing walls.  It could use a bit more decor to make it feel a little less like a 3 month old restaurant.  The service was attentive.  We got 2 appetizers to share - deep fried brussels sprouts & creamed mushrooms over toast -both very good.  The portions were generous, especially the brussels sprouts.  For entrees, Julian got the open-faced "burger".  It was beer wrapped in caul (stomach lining).  Julian said it was really good.  His burger came with a ton of fries (we wouldn't have ordered 2 apps if we'd known that!).  I got the potato crusted dover sole over wilted escarole.  This was basically a few (I think 3) breaded pieces of sole that were pan fried, over the escarole.  The dill pickle mayo that it came with was basically just tarter sauce.  Overall my main dish was pretty basic, but good.  I don't recall them having any specials - I would be more interested in a special next time since the other non-meat selections are really limited.  They did say their menu will evolve with the seasons.  I'm sure we'll check it out again at some point, but it will be once the menu changes and there are (hopefully) a few other things to choose from.

Movie review - West Side Story, 1961

Julian went to a metal show on Saturday night.  I decided to stay home and watch a movie I knew he wouldn't want to watch with me, West Side Story.  This is a movie I'd never seen, although I may have tried once before I think.  It came out in 1961, and you can tell by some of the dialog (they use "Daddio" a few times, for instance).  I have to preface my review by saying that I really felt I should see this movie, it seemed kind of an essential movie to watch as a person that loves classic films.  However, I've never been a big fan of musicals.

I very nearly stopped watching this movie early on, but I persevered and I'm glad.  It really does feel like a Broadway musical that was filmed.  I've seen plenty of other filmed musicals, but this one really felt different.   I can see really liking West Side Story as a live musical.  But as a film it was hard to get used to. It was hard to get used to these tough gang members dancing around and singing. 

The story revolves around two rival gangs - the Jets and the Sharks.  The Jets are the white guys and the Sharks are the Puerto Ricans.  The younger sister (Maria) of the head of the Sharks (played by Natalie Wood) falls for a Jet gang affiliate (Tony).  These gangs don't like each other to begin with, and there are a lot of racial undertones - they should each be with their own kind.  There are some good songs and definitely some great dancing.  The outfits are really cool - the Jets are typically dressed in pastels, while the Sharks are typically in black and more primary colors.  It was kind of funny to hear Natalie Wood affect a Puerto Rican accent.  And a lot of the actors that played the Sharks looked like caucasians that had a lot of dark makeup on.  That definitely dated the movie. 

Overall I was glad I saw this movie, it was emotional, especially the ending.  But I will admit to picking up my knitting project here and there, especially during some of the longer songs.

Grand Hotel - classic movie

I mentioned in my profile that I love classic movies.  I definitely got this love of classic movies from my Mom - she loves them and knows a ton about them.  When she was in college she actually took a class (or more) on classic movies - cool, huh?  I don't recall any type of cool class like that when I was going to school.  So she recommends lots of actors, actresses and movies to me.  We watched some classics growing up, and she always talked so fondly of these movies when we were kids it rubbed off on a few of us. 

Now I love them, they're my favorite type of movie for sure.  I used to just rent them when I could, but we've had cable for the past few years and I take full advantage of Turner Classic Movies and record lots of these movies on our DVR.  I also have a few classic movie guides and books to refer to.  I only have so much time to watch movies, so I try to do a little research to see if it's one worth seeing.  Kind of like reading - I'm a slow reader so I put a little research into a book before choosing to read it.

Last night I watched Grand Hotel.  It's my oldest movie on our DVR - recorded almost a year ago.  I thought I'd seen it before, but after watching it I'm not sure that I have.  It came out in 1932 and has one of my favorites in it - Joan Crawford.  It also has Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore and Wallace Beery.   This is the movie with Greta's famous line: "I vant to be alone". 

It was super good.  It's set at Berlin's Grand Hotel and revolves around the 4 main characters.  Greta plays a ballerina, John Barrymore a jewel thief disguised as a baron, Joan Crawford is a stenographer, Lionel Barrymore is a terminally ill bookkeeper and Wallace Beery is a big industrial tycoon (domineering jerk). 

Joan falls for John Barrymore's character, but she's working for Wallace Beery's character (who is lusting after Joan).  John Barrymore falls for Greta's ballerina character while attempting to steal her pearls.  Lionel just wants a friend after all the years spent toiling in Wallace Beery's factory as a bookkeeper.  He's terminally ill and is living out his last few months in style (and aiming to spend all of his savings). 

The story intertwines all of these characters in a very engaging way.  It has some good suspense as well, especially in John Barrymore's scene where he breaks into Greta Garbo's character's hotel room to steal her pearls.

Plus you can't beat the amazing wardrobes and sets.  I absolutely love to watch these movies to see the amazing architecture, furniture, clothes and jewelry of the era.

Recipe - spinach & chickpea curry

Last night I made spinach & chickpea curry.  I was really happy with how it turned out.  I served it over white rice (not basmati, although I'm sure that would be great too) and with flatbread.  Here is the recipe:

1 diced onion
3 chopped garlic cloves
Minced fresh ginger (probably a 1.5 inch piece)
Coriander (1 tsp, approx)
Garam Masala (1 tsp, or a little more)
Cayenne (to taste)
Salt (1 tsp, maybe more, I kept adding as I went)
1 large can (28 oz, I think) crushed tomatoes
1 frozen package chopped spinach
1 can chickpeas (garbonzo beans)
1 can coconut milk
Fresh cilantro (1/2 cup, to taste)

Saute the onion, then after a few minutes add the ginger & garlic.  "Bloom" the spices in this mixture for a minute or so.  Add the tomatoes, spinach & drained/rinsed chickpeas.  Add the can of coconut milk & adjust seasonings.  The amounts of spices are just estimates - adjust to your liking.  I typically use Kosher salt, so the amount I added may be more than you'd need if you used regular salt.  Add the cilantro just before serving.  Enjoy!

Restaurant Review - Lauro

Lauro (SE Division), Friday December 31st

Lauro is a newer discovery for us.  We live within walking distance (almost 7 years in this neighborhood) yet never went to Lauro until a few months ago.  I could kick myself for not checking it out sooner, but I didn't think there would be many non-meat options.  It turns out that's not true - they've consistently had fish options every time we've gone - some on the menu, some as specials.  And they are amazing.

We went to Lauro most recently on Friday, December 31st.  We didn't have a reservation, and it was more crowded than usual (not surprising since it was New Year's Eve).  We sat at the bar since a table in the corner of the restaurant was opening up.  We noticed the people at this table were there a long time with their coats on - in retrospect a bad sign.  After we finally got sat we had no one appear at our table for a very, very long time.  I wasn't sure who our server was, but we were hungry and had people waiting on us (coming to our place after we were done).  The person we thought was our server glanced our way once in a while, but never came over.  I finally yelled "excuse me" to get his attention.  This didn't work, but I did succeed in startling a woman sitting at the bar.  But it did work to get a woman server to come over. 

Our starters came out quick, the main courses took a little more time.  They have reasonable wine prices ($6 house red, which is a good wine).  I got a beet salad (very good) and Julian got fries with a great garlicy aioli.  My main dish was a fish special - steelhead w/cous cous.  Julian got a pork dish off the menu.  Both of ours were very good.  Mine wasn't all that hot - I think it was sitting for a while before making it to our table.  But the flavor was so good it was easy to overlook. 

Then we had another service issue - no one else appeared to check on us or to give us our check.  I had to start doing what the couple before us did - stand up near my table with my coat on (and cash on the table).  Our server finally came over and offered to comp our meal.  We didn't allow that, we paid because the food was great, even if the service was terrible.

Even after this awful service we'd go back - but we'll never fall for that corner table again!  We've always been sat in the middle and had no problems.  Another other night would be a better choice to go, too.

Chicago vs. Green Bay

So we didn't win, but we did play well.  We fought hard even if a win wouldn't have helped us that much.  Go Bears, love you guys!  Good luck in the first round of playoffs.  Rest up until then.

Happy New Year's!!

I know, you're surprised, no shocked, that we have a blog.  Just a few months ago we didn't even have a home computer.  Just over a year ago we didn't have cell phones.  

This is my (Heidi's) very first post, but more to come!  I'll get pictures up soon, too.  Need to figure out how to do that first.

We rang in the new year with dinner at Lauro (Julian and I), then came back to our place to puzzle like crazy!  We've been so into puzzling lately.   I know, we're wild!  My sister (Emily), brother (Christian) and friend (Matt) joined us.  We started and nearly finished a murder mystery puzzle.  Broke up the madness at midnight with blowing off a cool firework that Em found at her work after last 4th of July. Banged some pots & pans and made a general nuisance of ourselves.  Our neighbors love us.

We'd never done a murder myster puzzle before - it's challenging because there's no picture to refer to.  Once you start puzzling it's hard to stop, we were up until 3am.   Julian and I finished it the next day (very few pieces left by then).  We're going to do a big NY Times Square puzzle next (xmas gift from my Mom).