House of Zeta

Good food, drinks, friends and ukulele!!!

Category: Travel & Music (Page 4 of 4)

And the Emmy goes to……………..

October 1, 2012 / / 0 Comments

Here at houseofzeta.com we are often asked to cook a meal or make a dish for a party and we are always happy to oblige.  This was the case a couple Sundays ago when I went to a friends house to watch the Emmy’s.  O.K. so it was my idea, approved I had some new recipes and wanted to try them out.  Also, order it’s a great excuse to see friends and dish about celebrities.  Sounds like a win, win situation to me!  I went shopping for the final ingredients, prepped what I could and made the trek to Williamsburg.  As I unpacked the bags my friends were like, “did you bring the whole kitchen?” And on closer inspection, I kinda did!  I hadn’t realized it till I started to pull everything out of the bags.  I brought ingredients to make pork and kimchi dumplings, chicken satay, a cabbage and snap pea salad and beef with onion soup.  Oops my bad!  Like I said it was my idea so why not feed everyone, right?!  As I got to work on the feast a friend brought some multicolored baby potato’s to add the the meal.  It was perfect addition, we just boiled them and plated the with the rest of the meal.  The unintentional star of the night was the Beef and Onion soup. It was hearty, rich and just the right dish to end our culinary trip around the world.  Everyone was so pleased with the soup that they were like we need this recipe, put it on the blog!  I was taken back a little, I was really proud of the satay and sauces, of course our dumplings are always a hit.  But if the crowd wants beef and onion soup you give them beef and onion soup.  So without further ado, here is the recipe enjoy!!!

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Beef and Onion Soup
Author: 
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6
 
Ingredients
  • 6 quart pot
  • 1 Lb of boneless round steak or chuck steak
  • 2 tablespoons of butter, divided
  • 3 large onions
  • 8 ounces of mushrooms
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • ¼ cup of dry red wine, plus a little more.
  • 1 table spoon of worcestershire sauce, divided.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions
  1. Cut steak into 3 inch strips
  2. Cut onions into ¼ inch rings
  3. slice mushrooms
  4. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pot
  5. Add meat, cook for about 10 minutes on medium heat or till done.
  6. When done set aside.
  7. Melt second tablespoon of butter.
  8. Add onion and mushrooms.
  9. Cook till onions are translucent, about 10-15 minutes.
  10. Add stock and meat, red wine, salt and peeper.
  11. Cook for 30-45 minutes.
  12. The last 15 minutes add half of worcestershire.
  13. Add the rest if you want more.
Notes
The wine and worcestershire are approximates because everyone's tastes are different. I put between ¼ and half a cup of wine and the whole tablespoon of worcestershire, but I like really bold flavors. Remember these ingredients can make or break a dish. They are very strong flavors so you don't want to go overboard cause there is no coming back if you do.
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Road Trip part 2: Lobster Rolls and Mystic Pizza

September 19, 2012 / / 0 Comments

On our trip to P-town we had a couple things on our minds, mind Lobster Rolls and Mystic Pizza.  While we played our ukulele gig at WOMR and ate Wellfleet oysters, which are amazing and if and when you make your trek to P-Town we highly recommend getting a half dozen or two.  The Squealing Pig  http://www.squealingpigptown.com/   is our top choice,  make sure to pair it with their Smoky Seafood Chowder.  Our quest for  a great place to get our lobster on, came in the form of The Red Shack.  With big chunks of lobster, avocado, tomato, a leaf of lettuce and simple seasonings, it was the clear winner, hands down.  The second place price went to a little unassuming place called The Fish Market that was recommended to us.  There are many places along the Cape to get one but these were the ones that really made us want more.  Special mention goes out to the Box Lunch, http://www.boxlunch.com/.

 

Our next obsession led us to the famed Mystic Pizza http://www.mysticpizza.com/ in Mystic Connecticut.  Julia Roberts may have made it famous, but the proof of why this place is so popular is in the sauce and the care they take in making a great pie.  We went with the house special which had sausage, pepperoni, meatballs, green bell pepper, onion and mushrooms and a classic Hawaiian pie.  They were perfectly cooked, the crust was buttery with just the right crunch and the sauce was worth all the hoopla, sweet with just a hint of spice.  The portions and flavors worked well together, you weren’t left with too much or too little of anything.  If you opt out of the dining room or take out counter, make sure you take your pie or slice to the Mystic River Bascule Bridge, built in 1920 and enjoy a gorgeous view of the harbor.  And for special treat be kind to the bridge captain and they may let you up in the tower to see and amazing view and a little history lesson.  The bridge tower will be replaced by a new one next year so get there and see it while you can.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystic_River_Bascule_Bridge   With our bellies full, the warm Mystic hospitality and memories we got back in our car and happily made our way back to the great big city.

 

 

Road Trip!

September 12, 2012 / / 0 Comments

Destination: Provincetown, approved Mass

Occasion: FUBAR  Annual Ukulele Bash

I love a road trip.  There’s something very  exhilarating about getting in a car and just driving for hours to your destination, prostate whether it be a camping trip, a cross country trek, or staying at the fabulous White Horse Inn in Provincetown.  For me the journey is as important as the destination.  I spend hours, even days prepping.  I start by mapping out the destination and where possible rest stops could be, pre planning the music, even what I will wear on said trip.   Needless to say it should be functional and fashionable.  Comfort and ease are the secrets to a great road trip.  I’ve been on many road trips and have learned a thing or two on how to get from point A to point B, all while keeping peace, stopping for food and the occasional emergency bathroom break.

Probably the one thing I like more then being on the open road is making play lists for the trip.  this is where I spend a good portion of my planning.  Now if you have multiple travelers always give everyone equal time to play what they like.  Figure out how much time you will be traveling and divide the music up that way.  I love hearing what my friends listen to on road trips.  You want to mix it up, so that you don’t get bored, also you don’t want the 3 am party happening all the way there.  Who ever said “variety is the spice of life”, must have been on a road trip.  I always have a little bit of everything, from rock to country, dance, pop , songs everyone can sing to some mellow music.  As a long distance driver(my maximum is somewhere around 10 or 11 hours), I can attest to a little mellow goes a long way.  This is where a good co-pilot is helpful and essential.  You may need them to get you out from being lost or turning the music down so you can think.  They should be someone who can read a map, give good direction with some authority and be able to calm you down if you get stressed out from traffic. They should also be able to spot a gas station, rest stop or food.  All very important jobs and a good co-pilot can make or break a trip.

Another of my favorite things to have is snacks!!!  I’ll admit I don’t always have time to make food, but if you can,  it is a wonderful slice of home away from home.  I m a huge fan of crostini with some hummus, hard boiled eggs, finger sandwiches, grapes, bananas, dried fruit or beef jerky, vegetables, like carrots, celery, grape tomato’s.  You want “no muss no fuss” food.  A good wrap can be  easy to make and eat, like a chicken and muenster cheese with sriracha mayo, baby greens and sliced granny smith apples.   Whatever you choose, try and keep it simple and leave some wiggle room for a random food stop.  You or someone else may have a favorite place to stop along the way and don’t want to fill up on snacks before you get there.

If you follow these simple guidelines you should have a great fun trip.  don’t forget to get gas and take lots of pictures!!!

 

A sample of what is on my playlist for this road trip:

The Delays, Dolly Parton, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Kylie Minogue, George Michael, Culture Club, Loretta Lynn, Kirsty Maccoll, Roisin Murphy, Rilo Kiley, Joe Blossom, Amanda Blank, Cazwell.

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Sriracha Chicken Wrap
Author: 
Recipe type: Lunch, Road food
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
Ingredients
  • 2 Chicken breasts
  • 1 medium onion
  • 4 tablespoons of Mayo
  • ½ teaspoon of Sriracha(less if you don't want it spicy)
  • salt and pepper
  • Romaine or Butter lettuce(your choice)
  • 4 slices of Muenster cheese
  • 1 Granny smith apple
  • 4 large tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided(more if needed)
Instructions
  1. Chop up onion
  2. Chop up chicken
  3. Add onion to medium heat frying pan with pinch of salt & pepper
  4. Cook onion till translucent, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add chicken with another pinch salt and pepper.
  6. Cook chicken for 10 to 15 minutes, or till done.
  7. Set aside to cool a little
  8. Core and quarter apple
  9. Slice into ⅛ in slices or thinner if you like and set aside
  10. Tear up lettuce in to pieces
  11. When chicken has cooled a little, add Sriracha and Mayo
  12. Warm tortillas slightly so they are pliable.
  13. Assemble wraps, sauce, chicken, lettuce, cheese, apples & roll in tortilla.
Notes
The amount of Mayo and Sriracha can very, it all depend on your tastes. Some like more, some like less. Use your best judgement and keep in mind your fellow travelers tastes as well.
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Nathan’s, Beer and Burlesque

August 24, 2012 / / 1 Comment

Tonight we head out to the famed Coney Island to enjoy and evening of decadence.   First stop Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, viagra 60mg originated in Coney Island by Nathan Handwerker in 1916.  The menu has expanded quite a bit since it’s humble beginnings,  but we are here for the tried and true hot dogs and beer.  The dogs are crisp and have just the right amount of juiciness and flavor.  I like mine with just mustard and ketchup.  We will then take our goodies over to the boardwalk, nothing like a summer night at the beach with fireworks(did I forget to mention fireworks?!?!).  But that’s not all!!  After a wonderful fireworks display we head over to the Sideshows at the Seashore for some Coney Island Beer and Burlesque.  Tonight’s show is yoga burlesque, what that is, we will see!!!  Knowing the burlesque scene it is sure to entertain and get our hearts smiling with joy over the  sheer talent that these performers have.   We can’t wait!!! Have a great weekend everyone!!!!

If you want information on these business check out their websites below.

  http://nathansfamous.com/PageFetch/

http://www.coneyisland.com/

http://www.shmaltzbrewing.com/CONEY/index.html

 

Support your local art, music, theater and businesses.

BBQ

August 14, 2012 / / 1 Comment

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Butterflied BBQ Chicken
Author: 
Recipe type: Main
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4-6
 
Ingredients
  • 1 whole chicken
  • 2 tablespoons of butter(more if needed)
  • ½ teaspoon of your choice of herbs or spice(more if needed)
  • salt & pepper
Instructions
  1. Clean and rinse the chicken.
  2. Take kitchen shears and cut out back bone.
  3. Rinse again and pat dry.
  4. Discard back bone, site or put in freezer for stock.
  5. Discard giblets.
  6. Separate skin on breast side with finger.
  7. Just enough to put a small amount of butter between skin and meat.
  8. Make herb or spice compound.
  9. Butter should be soft but not too soft.
  10. Put compound in crevices you made in breasts.
  11. You can also put some under the thighs.
  12. Next, rub the rest on the outside skin of the bird.
  13. Salt and pepper the whole bird.
  14. Cook skin side down first for about 15-20 minutes, with lid on.
  15. Turn over, cook for 15 minutes with lid on, then 5 minutes with lid off.
  16. Chicken should fall apart when done an juices should run clear.
  17. Always make sure chicken is done before serving!!!
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This week we will focus on BBQ’s.  Who doesn’t love sitting down to a meal cooked on a grill?  If you answered I don’t, then leave now and never return!  Seriously, I dream of cooking outside all winter.  Sometimes it’s the only thing that keeps me going.  That and the promise of going to the beach and swimming in the ocean, playing the ukulele or  camping on the beach, but that is a chapter all in itself.  This last weekend we did both, beach and BBQ.  Although not in the same day.  I did make my new favorite, chicken!!  I know it’s not that exciting, right?  It’s not what, but, how you cook it.  My new way is so easy and, impresses your guests.  I take a whole chicken and  cut out the back bone to make it butterflied.  Then I make an herbed butter or spice compound to season the chicken.   Cook on both sides for about 15-20 minutes each and it’s done!  See, wasn’t  that simple?  In around 45 minutes you have a great looking and tasting bird, you’ve impressed your friends and get to have drinks instead of spending all your time cooking.  Try it at the next bbq you have.

Getting Started

August 8, 2012 / / 4 Comments

This is the first official post of House of Zeta.com.  As we all know starting something new is both exciting and terrifying.  I have been tinkering and learning how to put this together for a couple months now.  It has been fun and frustrating. There’s nothing like trying something new to make you feel equal parts dumb and smart. I am not the most tech savvy person so I had my days when nothing sunk in(aka hitting my head against a brick/blank wall) and others where it suddenly went pop, more about I get it!  I’m still along way form being tech savvy, more about but at least now I understand the tech part, kinda.  In other words, this is a work in progress.   We have been posting our adventures on Facebook and some of these may look familiar.  I wanted to put up pictures that were familiar and add a little story.  There are many more to come so stay tuned!!!!  I hope you’ll enjoy what we are doing and will participate. We strongly encourage comments, recipes and stories of adventures, maybe even a picture.  This blog is designed for all to participate.  So without further ado, I bring you…………….the House of Zeta!!!!!

Last Winter

August 8, 2012 / / 0 Comments

This is the first official post of House of Zeta.com.  As we all know starting something new is both exciting and terrifying.  I have been tinkering and learning how to put this together for a couple months now.  It has been fun and frustrating. There’s nothing like trying something new to make you feel equal parts dumb and smart. I am not the most tech savvy person so I had my days when nothing sunk in(aka hitting my head against a brick/blank wall) and others where it suddenly went pop, ampoule I get it!  I’m still along way form being tech savvy, find but at least now I understand the tech part, here kinda.  In other words, this is a work in progress.   We have been posting our adventures on Facebook and some of these may look familiar.  I wanted to put up pictures that were familiar and add a little story.  There are many more to come so stay tuned!!!!  I hope you’ll enjoy what we are doing and will participate. We strongly encourage comments, recipes and stories of adventures, maybe even a picture.  This blog is designed for all to participate.  So without further ado, I bring you…………….the House of Zeta!!!!!

This last winter was again try something new.  So, salve
we made meat pies, online
pasta, viagra 60mg
stuffed bell peppers,  limoncello (so easy), Jason perfected his pizza dough and we canned everything we could.  We even made some  bacon ice cream, in winter, I know!  The year before was all about beer, and we are still drinking it(more on that in later post).  So this last winter we focused on many different things.  These pictures are some highlights of what we were up to.

Welcome to House of Zeta

February 16, 2012 / / 0 Comments

https://houseofzeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/cropped-P12804611.jpg
This site is about bringing my love of cooking, salve
drinks, friends and the occasional ukulele jam to this get together, and the world. We will be posting photos, thoughts, ideas and exploits, of me and my friends in all our culinary and spirits endeavors. The goal is to get as many people together to talk food, drinks, music and the enjoyment that it and life can bring. We will be posting mostly on  weekdays. Weekends will be for working in The Lab, aka the kitchens and visiting the occasional restaurant, bar or street vendor.

 

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