American « The Wandering Eater

A Quinoa-Centered Meal

I am very excited to be part of Foodbuzz’s 24×24!

Bowl of uncooked quinoa and The table setting

My family dinner was focused on quinoa. Quinoa is sort of like couscous except it’s a protein-rich grain (not a pasta like couscous) and it tastes nutty when eaten alone. The quinoa I used [...]

Dinner at Highpoint Bistro & Bar

Menu & Interior

A few nights ago I had dinner at Highpoint Bistro & Bar with a friend since we’re in the neighborhood and it was a drizzly evening. We were greeted warmly by our waiter, Michael and was immediately seated.

Cocktails: Blood Orange Old Fashion topped with [...]

Gift Suggestions for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is coming up next Tuesday. In case you haven’t figured out what to get for that special person in your life, here’s a succinct listing of gift ideas that you may give to that certain person in your life (or you may gift yourself since it’s delicious and/or useful) for Valentine’s Day.

Chocolate [...]

Super Bowl 2012 Party At Home

The starter spread, Cheese platter with Emmi Roth Cheeses & Vegetable crudité

Yesterday was a great Super Bowl game as the New York Giants won! Woot! Beyond the sports fanfare, the Super Bowl is a food holiday, if you’re willing to admit it or not.

Since I invited a group of 8 [...]

Recap of Bocuse d’Or USA 2012

The Winners of the Bocuse d’Or USA 2012

This past Sunday, I was invited by the generous people of KitchenAid as a VIP to watch Bocuse d’Or USA competition at The Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park, NY.

The view of the arena & Happy moment with Chef [...]

Hot Doug’s in Chicago – Encased Meats Heaven

Hot Doug’s and the line…before opening

For the past few years, I heard so many great things about Hot Doug’s. Besides my meal at Alinea, this was my other highly anticipated stop.

I know that this place was popular and has a cult following but I didn’t expect a line that goes [...]

Alinea, Chicago – A Meal with A Touch of Mystery

My copy of Alinea’s cookbook (without its slipcover)

A friend of mine gave me a copy of Alinea‘s cookbook and it was part of my inspiration to head to Chicago earlier this month. The gorgeous, colorful photos and the food presentations looked very unique (though I can’t fathom of cooking from this [...]

La Colombe Torrefaction in Chicago

La Colombe Torrefaction, Chicago: Exterior, Interior, delicate flowers by the window, baked goods display

As probably most of you might know, I am a die-hard coffee nerd/addict. I do admit that I’m pretty spoiled by the coffee culture as I’m coming from New York City, I have access to a lot of [...]

Visiting Vosges Haut Chocolat in Chicago

Exterior, Interiors of Vosges Haut Chocolat in Lincoln Park, Chicago

When I visited Chicago, I had to visit Vosges Haut Chocolat mostly because this company is started and based there.

I came with a friend to their Lincoln Park, which is considered Vosges’ flagship. It is much larger shop than the one [...]