Lunch: Crivello Ristorante Italiano

Mel and I have been in California for Christmas break and when we're visiting her parents that usually means two things: Disneyland and Crivello.

Crivello is an Italian restaurant up the street from Mel's house in Murietta and they have THE BEST PASTA I've ever tasted.  

The House Salad with balsamic dressing.

Spaghetti Garlic Pasta.  

Pasta, son!

I read about a great pasta dish a few weeks ago.  It was featured on the blog: Queenie Takes Manhattan, which I've been following for a few months now.  "Queenie" is a gal in New York that blogs about food, decor, etc.  She often posts delicious dishes that she's created herself, including this pasta dish.  I thought I'd give it a try...

1/4 lb. fettuccine noodles (I like Barilla brand, but any old box of pasta will do.  Fresh pasta is obviously best).

1/2 cup chopped bacon 

1 tsp. olive oil

1/4 of a white onion, thinly sliced

1 clove garlic, thinly sliced

1/3 cup frozen peas

1/4 cup chives, finely chopped

1 tbs. heavy cream

1/8 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and Pepper

Small handful of finely chopped parsley

1. Chop a few strips of bacon into small chunks.  By the way, this is the best bacon I've found out there.  It's "Wright" bacon, and when you open the pack it smells like smoky goodness.  It's very thick and super flavorful.  Also, at this point, begin cooking your fettuccine pasta until al dente and set aside (Don't forget to add a generous amount of salt to the water as boiling begins).

2. Sautee bacon chunks until fat is rendered and bacon is crisp.  After bacon has rendered, take  out of the pan with a slotted spoon and empty half of bacon oil.

3. While bacon renders take care of all of your veggie chopping and preparation.

4. Add Olive Oil, onions, and a pinch of salt to pan, cook for a few minutes until onions are browned.  Once onions have browned a bit add garlic and cook until fragrant.

5. Add peas, half amount of chives, and pinch of salt to pan.  Allow to cook for a minute or two until peas are cooked through.

6. Add al dente pasta, heavy cream, remaining chives, and Italian parsley to pan.  Allow to cook together for a couple minutes.

7. Finish with Parmesan cheese and serve in large bowl.  Put a couple of chives on top to make it look extra awesome and gourmet...

I really enjoyed this pasta dish.  Thanks to Queenie!  It's a great, quick meal.  Give it a try and let me know what you think.  

Sonic: Diet Coke with Lime

I never thought I would, but I do.  I love this.

Lunch: Flour Girls and Dough Boys

I had a hankering for a good sandwich today, so I decided to walk around the corner to Flour Girls and Dough Boys.  I've had their breakfast sandwiches before, and have been thoroughly impressed, but I've never ventured to try a lunch sandwich.  I wanted some variety, so this is what I ordered:

The classic BLT:  Bacon (really good bacon, by the way), Lettuce, Tomato, Sunflower Wheat Bread, Honey Mustard, and an obvious attention to sandwich detail (THE most important ingredient).

Honey Butter Ham: Honey Butter, Sliced Ham, Provolone, and Cranberry walnut bread.  So so good!

 Lest you think me overindulgent, I'll inform you that I didn't eat both sandwiches at once.  Not even close.  

Food Network: The Best Thing I Ever Ate

I've been a faithful Food Network watcher for about 8 years now.  It all started in college: I was growing tired of TV -with all of it's terrible, draining, awfulness- and was looking for something a little lighter and more uplifting.  Then I found Food Network and my life changed forever.  Seriously, I'm passionate about food and cooking because of this channel.

I've recently fallen in love with a new show called "The Best Thing I Ever Ate."  I've always wondered where successful chef's go to eat?  Are they food snobs that only eat their own cooking?  Maybe most of the time, but on this show they talk about some of their favorite eating establishments and food obsessions.  It's fascinating to me.  Check it out. 

http://www.foodnetwork.com/the-best-thing-i-ever-ate/index.html