Fun With Your Food

My friend Sharon and I have been meeting a few times a week to hang out, watch true blood (officially a guilty pleasure) and COOK for the past month- emphasis on the COOK please .  We went to culinary school together so we both understand the need to prepare new, fun and experimental meals. We also know that sometimes you’re just starving and NEED TO EAT.  Arepas are one of my meals for this occasion.  They still feel exotic enough that I’m not cheating myself out of a unique meal but are almost as simple as making tortillas.

She’s amazing at plating the dish isn’t she?  This presentation is all Sharon for sure!  Now onto our” recipe” used

Arepas for two

1 cup Masa

2/3 cup HOT water (not quite boiling but close)

1/2-3/4 cup finely diced veg- carrot, onion, bell peppers…

1 -2 Tablespoon oil

Salt

Place masa, salt and oil into a bowl and combine with a fork. Add the hot water and mix everything with a fork. Let the mix stand for about 2-3 minutes or until it’s cool enough for you to touch it. Add in your veg. Using your hands,mix the veggies in with the masa then form patties.  Fry the patties in a small amount of oil (about 4 minutes each side). Sprinkle with salt or shoyu when done.

I like having these with a cucumber/avocado guacamole or some sort of salsa but that’s optional. I’ve made these while watching spanish soccer, the super bowl and just randomly for lunch. Give em a whirl sometime!

What is your “I’m hungry and NEED food” meal?

Teddy

Any readers watch the world cup this year?  I have been slightly obsessed with it.  I’ve found my favorite spots in austin to watch and based on FOOD and crowd my favorite is TAKOBA.  Takoba opened it’s doors for the world cup and has been a favorite for east 7th patrons.  Since it had just opened, Takoba was not easy to find.  They didn’t even have a sign up for the first few days.  Now there is a sign and it seems much easier for people to get to.

I’ve taken about 10 friends here for games and to try food.  They have all been pleasantly surprised by 1) the atmosphere 2) breakfast and 3) lunch.  I’ve only sampled the breakfast tacos but their salsa verde is creamy, spicy, and exquisite.  It is made with avocado, cilantro and jalapeno (I’m guessing here).  A few friends were adventurous and tried other menu items. Their french toast looks beautiful.  It is served with fried bananas, vanilla creme, and a fruit salad that includes fresh mango!  I’m not 100% sure if they will be open for breakfast after world cup. Judging by their hours they should be open for breakfast on the weekend but let’s move on to lunch.

Platos de tacos de veduras- Sauteed zucchini, caramelized sweet potatoes, roasted corn, queso fresco and salsa verde (of course)!  Note: you have to choose which salsa to try, they have three.  I suggest trying all 3 salsas on your first visit then choosing your favorite. I think we all know what my preferred salsa is.

I was lucky enough to talk to some of the people that taste tested/developed this menu.  They let me know that making some great tasting vegetarian items on the menu was a priority and that is how this dish was borne.  I learned this at happy hour there.  Takoba has about 15 beers on tap and during happy hour they are all $3.00.  What a great deal.  They even have local Austin beers! Apps are half off as well.

In summation: 1) great food 2) affordable and delectable happy hour 3) good atmosphere and 4) SALSA VERDE!

My next post needs to be a recipe, right?  I’ve been eating out a lot and loving it.  Time to get back to the kitchen lol

Teddy

TAKOBA – 1411 East 7th Street Austin, TX Free parking on 6th and Navasota.