Product Review: Sfoglini Emmer Reginetti

I am very excited to bring to you this product review. Two months ago, my husband and I, along with some friends, attended Emporyum DC, an awesome foodie event. We got to try many cookie samples, sip on artisanal juices, and chow down on savory, bite-sized fare.

Among the many vendors represented was Sfoglini. We had never heard of this gourmet dried pasta brand before, but the homespun yet trendy packaging combined with the unique pasta shapes and flavors had us hooked from the get go.

Being super accommodating, hubby snapped up a few shapes that he knew would appeal to me: Porcini Trumpet, Emmer Reginetti, and Cuttlefish Ink Spacatelli. Note that these are all seasonal offerings, and that they'll be replaced eventually with newer shapes. So snap them up while you can if they interests you!

Recently we tried the Emmer (or farro) Reginetti, and I made a tomato cream sauce to go with it. Figured that the reginetti's texture (thick, grooved) would go well with a cream sauce. Supposedly it actually goes well with delicate sauces.

So these were my impressions of the pasta:

Pros:

• Love the shape, really catches all the sauce
• Nice texture
• Very filling thanks to the emmer 
• Higher in protein than regular pasta

Cons:

• A bit chalky-tasting (not sure about this "nutty" flavor that they describe on their website)
• Pretty dense, may detract from very delicate sauces (despite the suggested pairing)

Cooking and serving suggestions:

• Salt generously.
• Toss with a more aggressively seasoned sauce 
• Remove from heat a little shy of al dente and finish in pasta sauce for best flavor and texture.

Here's the pasta sauce I made to go with it:

Would I buy this product again? Probably not anytime soon.  Still, I'm looking forward to trying the other two varieties that we purchased. I still think Sfoglini is doing great things. And maybe the seasonal ones aren't as rewarding as the regulars. To sample in the near future...

One thing to note: These pastas aren't exactly cheap. They retail for about $8, minimum. So maybe save them for a special occasion or when you want to prepare a killer pasta sauce from scratch.

Japan Highlights: Most Memorable Experience in Tokyo

A few have asked me to name my top experiences from my trip. To answer their question and also retain the fondest memories from my recent travels, I'm starting a series to share my favorite places in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Taipei (Osaka was fun, and I definitely want to return, but I don't think there was anything as noteworthy in comparison to the other destinations.).

My favorite part of my time in Tokyo was the time I spent in Asakusa District and Sensoji. Sensoji is one of my bucket list items. I have been dreaming of this shrine, with its iconic red lantern, for almost a decade. I wanted so badly to see Sensoji without understanding its significance. I just knew it was a famous historic site in Tokyo and that many tourists from all over the world flocked to this shrine at all times of the year. Despite not knowing much about Sensoji, there was something very striking about the main gate and, of course, the large paper lantern that drew me to it.

It wasn't until I booked my plane ticket, though, that I started to learn more about the history of Tokyo's oldest temple. In the 7th century, two fishermen found a statue of Kannon or the Goddess of Mercy in the Sumida River. They brought the statue back with them to their village, where the village chief built a small temple to enshrine the statue. This modest temple eventually grew into a larger complex, thrived through the centuries, and then suffered damage during World War II. After the war, it was rebuilt, and the temple became a symbol of rebirth and peace. The sacred statue is supposedly still housed within the temple, but unavailable for viewing by the public.

I love Sensoji's story, but more than anything else, I love its atmosphere. Sensoji and the surrounding neighborhood have a timelessness and vibrancy that can't seem to be found anywhere else in Tokyo. Meiji Jingu, an equally popular tourist site, which I didn't get to visit, seems to evoke stillness and purity. And it appears from pictures to be a quiet place for contemplation.

On the other hand, Sensoji, while no doubt very holy, teems with activity and life. I felt a sense of exhilaration as I walked down Nakamise-dori, the colorful, shop-filled street leading to the temple. The incense, the devout visitors praying, the hordes of tourists pouring past the temple gates--all this energy made me feel like I was closer to the heavens, as cheesy as that sounds, and also made it seem like I had traveled back in time to ancient Japan. This energy was magnetic, contagious, and magical. Sensoji provided welcome sensory overload.

I found the more modern parts of Tokyo to be exciting and enjoyable, but I could close my eyes and reopen them to imagine that I was in any other international city. Sensoji and the Asakusa area felt distinctly Japanese, very special. Unlike the Zen, silent shrines of Kyoto, Sensoji was a place of worship that had a less solemn atmosphere and seemed to invite festivities and merrymaking (not necessarily drinking but more like eating and shopping). By the end of my visit, I felt uplifted and even more cheerful than when I had entered.

I'm so glad I got to check this one off the list. Sensoji surpassed my expectations and greatly impressed me with its grandeur. I also got to know the Asakusa district and to learn more about interesting features of the temple, like the giant zori, or sandals hanging from one side of a temple gate. There's also a serene garden to the side of the shrine with a lovely koi fish pond, very picturesque.

Sensoji and Asakusa offer glimpses of what life in the olden days was like, retain an unspoiled charm, and provide visitors with the opportunity to sample uniquely Japanese snacks, like taiyaki, or fish-shaped cake stuffed with red bean paste. For these reasons, visiting this area is my most memorable Tokyo experience, an experience that I would highly recommend to all travelers, regardless of their level of interest in history, religion, and/or architecture.

Shameful Confessions

I learned a few things about myself during my trip to Japan and Taiwan. Two things I'm not so proud of: 1) I'm not really ready to try night market food...yet... and 2) I can't do squat toilets. Maybe neither of these come as a surprise lol.

Taiwan is a foodie's paradise...if you are willing to do without some creature comforts. Sure, good and even great food can be found in pristine, not necessarily fine dining, establishments. However, the best of the best dishes come from very humble places, places where your bowls and utensils might be washed quickly in a soapy tub and then rinsed in an identical water-filled tub next to it. You might be seated on nothing more than a folding stool, very closely to random strangers. Oftentimes, the food, whether freshly prepared dishes or ingredients, might be laying out on an open table, where flies, despite preventative measures, might still hang out. As unappetizing as these conditions might sound, this is where the magic happens. All the wonderful street foods Taiwan is known for--oyster omelet, lu rou fan (braised pork on rice), hot star large fried chicken, niu rou mian (beef noodle soup), to name a few--can be found at hawker stalls, holes-in-the-wall, and other businesses where sanitation might be questionable.

I couldn't get past some of these "features." Here's a look at my reaction to Shilin Night Market, the most famous night market in Taiwan:

You're thinking, "What's wrong with this girl? Look at all that awesome food!"

While Tom was running around like a kid in a candy store, I was going, "Oooh, what's that smell?" or noticing, more than anything else, the trash disposal guy wheeling a huge garbage can around super closely to a few food stands and seemingly oblivious that he was about to bump into a few marketgoers. I grew up around Eden Center, when it wasn't so nice, dingy Asian supermarkets, and visited developing countries with food stalls and other places where hygiene didn't seem too important, but for some reason Taiwan's night markets and everyday, family restaurants had me defeated.

What a wimp. I am truly sorry I couldn't stop being so precious. But it is what it is. I got my soup dumplings from Din Tai Fung. I got bubble tea from Taipei 101's food court. And I managed to eat a whole oyster omelet from a popular vendor in Shilin's basement food court. I can say that I've experienced Taipei's exciting food scene, but not wholly. Next time I'm coming back tougher, rawrrrrrr!!!

Taipei is an ultra modern city with many beautiful buildings, super efficient and clean metro system, numerous fashion centers, and a mostly middle and upper-middle class population. However, despite its wealth and modernity, Taipei's residents aren't snobs about where they get their food. They just want good food, wherever it can be found. I saw so many impeccably dressed ladies and businessmen hunched over noodle bowls on low stools, their meals coming from visible kitchens that looked like they hadn't been cleaned since the beginning of time. Good food is good food. A lesson learned and to be practiced when I visit Taipei or any other area with great night markets and street food.

Look at what my less squeamish husband tried and enjoyed: steam-fried beef bun.

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Warning: graphic material ahead.

Now, onto squat toilets. These holes in the ground, more or less, are fairly common in most Asian countries. Japan, known for its interesting take on so-called Western toilets (bidet, washlet, music-playing...), still has many squat toilets in public spaces, especially temples and train stations. Supposedly, squat toilets are still popular with people because they're considered more hygienic (you don't touch anything) and squatting strengthens all the muscles in the neither regions. I can squat, I'm Asian! But apparently, I can't squat to pee into a hole in the ground. First, I just can't get over the stench of urine. Also, we ladies, we have a splashing problem, too, apparently. And the proximity to my own waste....Anyway, I used a squat toilet once. And I was wearing a yukata, or Japanese casual summer garment similar to a kimono, which probably was the best option in that type of clothing. So I thought it would be a piece of cake. When time came, I lifted my "skirt," and did what others ladies did. But, oh, the horror, the remnants of what the last person had deposited into the porcelain bowl still seemed to be there, slightly. And there was an overpowering, foul odor. Oh, God help me. I came out from the restroom looking "traumatized" and I probably was. After that experience, I always sought out the toilet-shaped symbol in front of stall doors. I watched other bathroom users in fascination as they nonchalantly went inside the squat toilet stalls. Not to say I completely get Japanese Western toilets either. In all their wizardry, they created commodes that do more than just hold waste, heck they even sing to cover up your embarrassing sounds. But at the end of the day, a toilet is just a toilet. It should be clean, but it doesn't necessarily need all the bells and whistles. I don't want to be there longer than I need to, just so I can explore what buttons 1,2, and 3 do. It's okay. I know I'm definitely a minority when it comes to my sentiments towards both the more old-school and modern toilets.

I guess there are some commonalities between my two fears: anxiety over cleanliness, bodily functions, and odors.

Fears are to be conquered! I may never get over my disgust of durian and stinky tofu, but I hope to be able to eat, without hesitation, all sorts of street foods and to pop a squat like a pro. Always next time...

Vietnamese Spring Rolls, My Way

It's been pretty hot lately, so I decided to make spring rolls, also known as summer rolls, for dinner. I can't think of a more filling yet refreshing snack or light meal for this time of year, when our appetites are smaller, but our need for nourishment is just the same. 

Vietnamese spring rolls are usually made using rice paper and filled with delicious ingredients like prawns, pork, and vermicelli noodles. The typical dipping sauces are hoisin sauce and blended fish sauce.

I took a few shortcuts and added my own twist to this dish to make it a bit faster, ease the cleanup, and create something that accommodated our dietary restrictions (no shellfish for him and no meat for me).

For starters, I didn't make my own blend of hoisin and/or fish sauce. Instead, I used Lee Kum Kee's Sriracha Mayo. I love sriracha mayo! I've seen it served a few times with fries. Thought I'd try it with spring rolls.

I'm trying this mayo with fries next time. 

This storebought sauce was pretty tasty! It's not too rich and has just the right amount of heat. A little goes a long way. I enjoyed dipping my spring rolls in this lovely orange dip. One serving, or one tablespoon, is 90 calories. Not bad. I saw a two-pack at Costco for a good price.

I also substituted prawn and pork for baked grouper, the wild fish that was on sale at Harris Teeter today. I baked the filet at 325 degrees for 20 minutes. A sprinkle of good sea salt from Costco, Kirkland Brand, and ground rainbow peppercorns from Trader Joe's, and I was set.

The star of this dish, however, was the rice paper. Per rave reviews (reputable home cooks top pick), I got the Three Ladies Brand rice paper. I love this rice paper!!! It's really chewy after being soaked in water for five seconds. And it holds up really well to big hunks of fish and veggies. I really enjoyed its texture and its durability. So sick of rice paper falling apart, rips and tears are no fun. Other bonuses: non GMO and gluten free. Everyone is catching on to these movements lol. Southeast Asian markets, too. I highly recommend this rice paper brand. You can find it at your local Asian supermarket.

Three Ladies Brand rice paper is awesome!

Meal prep on a weeknight should be as seamless and stress-free as possible. Spring rolls are an excellent option. Few plates to wash and little cooking to do. Assembly of the summer rolls was also fun. And having spring rolls is a great way to get your daily recommendation of protein and veggies. 

You can always make this a super healthy dish by making your own sauce using something like reduced sodium soy sauce or a lime concoction of sorts. As with burritos and sandwiches, anything goes. 

I roll my spring rolls funny. Don't laugh.

Cooking Experiments: Loaded Sweet Potato

Say hello to my healthier take on a loaded baked potato--baked sweet potato smothered with black beans mmmmm!

I love sweet potatoes and the more traditional loaded baked potato usually involves bacon, so I figured I'd make a vegetarian version using the russet potato's prettier cousin. 

I perused different recipes. Some called for baking the potato at 375 degrees while others said to do 400 degrees for about an hour. I opted for higher heat and longer cooking time. The potatoes were nice and tender by the time I pulled them out from the oven. Glad I decided to use a higher temperature.

While the potatoes were baking, I sauteed some red onion and red bell pepper in the pan until they were fragrant before adding a can of black beans. I didn't drain them. Tossed them around for a bit, pausing every now and then to sprinkle some Himalayan pink salt into the pan (love the built in grinder in Kirkland's version!). I also seasoned the bean mixture with garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and cumin. 

After the potatoes had cooled on the rack for a few minutes, I transferred them to plates, cut a slit down the middle of each, and spooned the black beans over top. 

Despite not containing any animal protein, the baked potatoes with the beans were super filling and very satisfying. I thought I'd eat two potatoes that night, but I ended up only eating only one and being quite full. 

Will post a review soon on the Himalayan pink salt. 

Restaurant Review: Water and Wall

In its latest review, Washingtonian Magazine mentioned some growing pains in Water and Wall's first year of opening and said that it has improved vastly since. I tried this restaurant for the first time this past Valentine's Day, so I can't really say if there has been improvement. However, what I can tell you is that Tim Ma's second restaurant provides really delicious and expertly prepared food at prices that are reasonable for the area (still pricey, but not anything more than what you'd spend at a place like this anywhere else.) I find it much more ridiculous to spend more than $30 on an entree at a Korean restaurant (some grilled meat and seafood), which you could easily do at a business like Yechon.

Anyway, my dining experience at this Ballston area restaurant was wonderful and mostly because of Ma's decision to keep the menu slim and to deftly and simply prepare his dishes with really fresh ingredients.

One of the best surprises was this mushroom soup.

When I ordered mushroom soup, I was expecting a creamy, dairy-laden puree. Nope. I got this clear, super nourishing, and very mushroomy broth. On a cold, wintry day, nothing soothes the soul more than warm soup. This is the perfect vegetarian alternative to bone broth, which is apparently one of the superfoods of 2015. I want to recreate this homey soup at home, but I don't know if I will be able to coax as much flavors out of the wild mushrooms. Besides being delicate and umami, this soup was also not too salty, which is the most common issue that I have with soups. 

Some may accuse Ma of playing it safe by cooking with many Asian-inspired flavors, but I think he's smart for knowing his strengths and bringing them to the table. A prime example would be his Thai-style catfish.

This main dish came out smelling of fish sauce (in a good way) and reminding me instantly of Vietnamese caramel fish (hey, it even comes with a caramel sauce smeared on the bottom), but it was definitely more beautifully plated than anything I've had in a more traditional restaurant. The catfish was cooked perfectly! Juicy yet firm. And the snap peas, sunchokes, and mushrooms were great accompaniments. Not crazy out-of-the-box or anything but done extremely well. And that's all that matters in my book.

I rounded out my meal with orange sponge cake served with pistachio gelato and marshmallow cream. To my delight, the sponge cake really tasted of orange, no artificial flavoring. The citrusy pop really perked up the moist cake. Pistacho gelato was so good, I almost didn't want to share. And I enjoyed the marshmallow cream despite never being a fan of marshmallows (I know, I'm a weirdo).

All in all, my husband and I would definitely come back here because we were really pleased with the food and presentation.

I don't care as much for the ambiance. It just feels so....Ballston. If you live in and/or frequent this neighborhood, then you may understand what I'm talking about. Ma's first baby, Maple Avenue Restaurant, is much more my cup of tea because it's cozier (doable since it only has five or six tables), quirkier, and upscale-casual. I prefer that whole family feel. Still, definitely stop by Water and Wall if you live in the DC area or are visiting the nation's capital. It rightfully holds a spot on Washingtonian's list of 100 best restaurants of 2015.

Travels: Eating Well and Exotically in Atlanta's Suburbs

I discovered Metro Atlanta's exciting ethnic dining scene rather late in life. But better late than never, right?  On my trips to "Hotlanta," I've attended a lively Greek festival, where there was a whole lamb on a spit (Oddly, the sight of the poor creature didn't upset me even though I'm a major animal lover.) and lots of typical Greek dishes; indulged in a Chinese buffet dinner, where most of the clientele were Latin American; and noticed many Latin American stores along Buford Highway.

There are also lots of Asian-owned businesses in the northern suburbs. Who knew that you could find authentic Japanese, Korean food like Grandma's (or what I imagine a Korean grandma's cooking must taste like), and decent boba tea in the Deep South. I had heard about large pockets of Vietnamese-Americans, mainly in Duluth and Norcross. But I had no idea there was a large Korean population until I first visited Atlanta in 2012.

Korean restaurants are everywhere. They have cute, European-style bakeries, like Tree Story. In the mood for bulgogi and bimbimbap? You're in luck; the choices abound. On my most recent trip, I really wanted to try Jang Su Jang, an extremely popular Korean restaurant, but the wait was too long and we were hungry. Maybe next time.

We did, however, wait for Shoya Izakaya, and it was soooooo worth it. Talk about exotic. Here are some of the dishes that we feasted on:

Fried purple potato

Sauteed clam organs!

If you're craving for a good bowl of pho, I Luv Pho and Lotus Vietnamese Restaurant are both great options. Lotus's pho bowls come in extra large!

Also, make time to check out Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Mission. This church's social hall is where it's at. You don't have to attend mass, just go here on Sunday morning to buy things like banh mi, Vietnamese pork-and-wood-ear-filled rice crepes (banh cuon), assorted desserts, and "green tea waffle," which is one of my absolute favorite snacks.

Now that I'm home, all I can do is bitterly complain about the inferior Asian offerings in the DC metropolitan area. Atlanta's Asian restaurants, from what I've seen, offer more plentiful portions and better quality food at more affordable prices. This southern city is now one of my favorite foodie cities. On my next visit, I will definitely try more New American and Southern restaurants, but I will also make time for a comforting bowl of soondubu, more Japanese pub fare, possibly vegetarian or seafood ramen, and down-home Vietnamese dishes. :D