Fig Pizza

I had some chard to use up. Also some figs that I had frozen and were saving for pizza. Perfect. I trolled the web for pizza, figs and chard. A little stinky cheese, and we are all set.

Balsamic chard, fig and gorgonzola pizza

Balsamic Chard:
1 large bunch chard
1 tbs     olive oil
6     cloves garlic, minced
2 tbs    balsamic vinegar
A pinch of salt and lots of pepper

Roll the whole bunch of chard together tightly (leave the stems on – they’re delicious!) and slice into 1/2-inch ribbons. Heat olive oil on medium flame and fry the garlic until fragrant, then add the chard. Cook until completely wilted and dark green, then toss with balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.

1 C    Gorgonzola or blue cheese, crumbled
12 -15    Fresh figs, sliced
2 tbs     olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
Freshly made or prepared pizza crust, enough for 2 crusts

Preheat oven to 500F. Brush crust with olive oil. Grind black pepper over crust. Layer cheese, chard and figs. Bake until cheese melts and crust starts to brown.

Balsamic chard recipe courtesy of http://www.veggieobsession.com/2011/04/balsamic-chard-pizza-with-fig-infused.html

Fig, balsamic chard and blue cheese pizza
Fig, balsamic chard and blue cheese pizza

Green Leaf Salad Bar

I was on a search for something healthy to tide me over between lunch and dinner. Voila, I found the Green Leaf Salad Bar. This little place serves a variety of Mediterranean food. The salad bar looked fresh and tasty. I helped myself to a good sized portion of mixed greens, peas, chickpeas, pineapple, strawberries, orange, kiwi, red cabbage, beets, mixed vegetables, raspberry vinaigrette, and olive oil. The prices are good value too, $1.59/100g. Sometimes, simple is the best.

Salad, my way
Salad, my way

Green Leaf Salad Bar on Urbanspoon

Teatro

Teatro is one of those places that have been on the periphery of my radar. One of those places, at some point, that I would get around to visiting. I finally did, lured by a vendor luncheon.

Special lunch menu
Special lunch menu

I was feeling less then well at the time, so I opted for something that I hoped to be lighter. I went with the caesar  salad and the spatzle. The caesar was nicely presented and it tasted, like a caesar salad. The spatzle was rich, creamy and divine. Not very light, but very filling and tasty for a vegetarian dish.

I didn’t have the lamb, but almost everyone else did. It was a beautiful frenched rack, done to medium rare.

Leek and Spaetzle Cauliflower, white gold provolone, parmesan cheeses, tomato concasse
Leek and Spaetzle
Cauliflower, white gold provolone, parmesan cheeses, tomato concasse

The butternut squash tart was delicious. I really enjoyed the gooeyness of the toasted marshmallow and the accompanying coulis.

Butternut Squash Tart cinnamon meringue, caramelized zucchini
Butternut Squash Tart
cinnamon meringue, caramelized zucchini

The decor was very nice. We were in the Opera room, a room outside the main restaurant. The ceilings were high and the lighting looked as if they had installed two large full moons in the ceiling. I will have to come back for a more typical meal.

Teatro on Urbanspoon

Teatro

Teatro is one of those places that have been on the periphery of my radar. One of those places, at some point, that I would get around to visiting. I finally did, lured by a vendor luncheon.

Special lunch menu
Special lunch menu

I was feeling less then well at the time, so I opted for something that I hoped to be lighter. I went with the caesar  salad and the spatzle. The caesar was nicely presented and it tasted, like a caesar salad. The spatzle was rich, creamy and divine. Not very light, but very filling and tasty for a vegetarian dish.

I didn’t have the lamb, but almost everyone else did. It was a beautiful frenched rack, done to medium rare.

Leek and Spaetzle Cauliflower, white gold provolone, parmesan cheeses, tomato concasse
Leek and Spaetzle
Cauliflower, white gold provolone, parmesan cheeses, tomato concasse

The butternut squash tart was delicious. I really enjoyed the gooeyness of the toasted marshmallow and the accompanying coulis.

Butternut Squash Tart cinnamon meringue, caramelized zucchini
Butternut Squash Tart
cinnamon meringue, caramelized zucchini

The decor was very nice. We were in the Opera room, a room outside the main restaurant. The ceilings were high and the lighting looked as if they had installed two large full moons in the ceiling. I will have to come back for a more typical meal.

Teatro on Urbanspoon

Jimmy's A&A Mediterranean Deli

I don’t know why I haven’t found this place earlier.  It’s so good and the portions are huge.  Friday lunch, the three of us arrived at 12:30 We caused the lineup to go out the door. No matter.  They have lunch service down.  Food is served up as quick as they can make it. I ordered the small chicken shawarma, veggie samosa and a pistachio rose baklava. The chicken was melt in my mouth tender.  There was an orchestra of garlic dancing on my tastebuds and subsequently, my breath. I’ll be happy to have garlic breath any day. Hubby ordered a medium beef donair, which was almost too big to finish. No supper required. The prices are a good value for what you get.  They apparently have ice cream which may warrant a stop on my cycling route.

Small Chicken Shawarma
Small Chicken Shawarma
Medium Beef Donair
Medium Beef Donair
Pistachio Rose Baklava
Pistachio Rose Baklava
The Counter
The Counter

 

Jimmy's A&A Mediterranean Deli on Urbanspoon

Black bean and brown rice casserole

I wanted to use some leftover veggies and cheese, so I decided to try this recipe. I made a few changes; I substituted the zucchini and mushrooms with corn, peas and tomato. Also used vegetable broth instead of chicken. It is a bit light on the seasoning. Next time I will add more salt. This is vegetarian and gluten free. It can turn into a vegan salad without the cheese.

http://www.thestayathomechef.com/2013/01/brown-rice-and-black-bean-casserole.html

Black beans, brown rice and veg.  This is good on it's own!
Black beans, brown rice and veg. This is good on it’s own!
Fresh out of the oven
Fresh out of the oven

 

beans and rice 2