Green Chard & Shiitake Tacos with Epazote

First in a Series of Superiores Tacos Vegetarianos

green chard shiitake tacos, epazote
Garlicky Green Chard & Shiitake Tacos
Seared Onion, Cana de Cabra Spanish Goat Cheese, Chiffonade of Epazote
Corn & Whole Wheat Blend Tortilla, Chipotle Tomatillo Salsa

It was worth a drive down to the Bestway Supermercado to pick up fresh epazote for these extraordinario vegetarian tacos. These tacos are not your traditional tacos sans carne. This flavor profile stands on its own. In fact, the addition of chicken or pork or steak couldn’t improve on their fresh earthy robust sabor. 

Continue reading “Green Chard & Shiitake Tacos with Epazote”

Ladrillo de Brisket, Modern Southwest Style

Ladrillo de Brisket, Modern Southwest Style
Rioja Chipolte Agave Black Bean Sauce

Smoked Wagyu Brisket @ Laurelhurst

Kirk ordered the 12 Hour-Smoked Wagyu Brisket/Ozark BBQ Sauce pictured right there behind the Grilled Romaine with Romesco at Laurelhurst Market, the exciting new steakhouse inspired brasserie in Portland, Oregon. I have been making brisket for years, but it never occurred to me to cut in any other way than against the grain, into long slices. Here at Laurelhurst was the inspiration for future brisket presentations – serve the brisket as a brick, leave the slicing and shredding to the diner!

Duck “Enfrijolada” with Poached Organic Egg @ Rivera

Another inspiration came from Chef John Sedlar’s Rivera Restaurant in downtown LA. We had a most delightful experience there a couple weeks ago. Our server mentioned that the duck sauce ingredients included chiles, piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar), black beans, and Spanish red wine reduction…it had just a hint of sweetness and a hint of smoky spiciness – a combination of flavors that was bound to be perfect with brisket at our upcoming Modern Southwest dinner party.

Continue reading “Ladrillo de Brisket, Modern Southwest Style”

Fried Oysters, Chipotle Mayonnaise, Salsa Fresca

MALPEQUE OYSTER – (Crassostrea virginica)

Grown on the beds of Malpeque Bay, Prince Edward Island, far in northeastern corner of North America. The Malpeque Oyster was judged the world’s tastiest oyster at the Paris Exhibition in 1900. It continues to be recognized as one of the world’s finest, known for a clean, clear, pure taste.

This Salsa Picante Fresca is from my favorite neighborhood market, El Supermercado. They make great fresh salsas.
Chipotle Mayonnaise is mayonnaise mixed with chipotle (smoked jalapeño) chile adobo sauce.

  • Shuck the fresh oysters
  • Rinse and dry the shells
  • Dust oysters with seasoned flour
  • Dip in a beaten egg
  • Coat with panko breadcrumbs
  • Fry quickly in canola oil
  • Drain on paper towel
  • Place fried oyster back in the shell
  • Top with chipotle mayonnaise and salsa picante frescaGot a hankering for oysters? You may like these too.