Vacation Grub

Vacation Grub

In-N-Out Burger, the Double Double, French Fries

We were in Northern California to be with our family a few weeks ago and these are just some of the places we ate at. Each time we visit NorCal, there are two places Allen and me always go to: Country Waffles and In-N-Out Burger. We had dinner one evening at the In-N-Out Burger in Madera, CA on our road trip from Bass Lake to Livermore. I always come here on vacation because we do not have In-N-Out Burger on the east coast and they have one of my favorite burgers. Allen and me ordered the Double Double with everything and French Fries. It was so great and satisfying. This location also had pickled chiles and Allen had some on the side.

In-N-Out Burger, the Double Double, French Fries, ketchup?

In-N-Out Burger, another view of the Double Double, Pickled Chiles, French Fries

We had breakfast at Country Waffles in Livermore, CA one morning with our family and family friend, Bob. I love this place! I ordered the All American, two scrambled eggs served with country potatoes and biscuits (no gravy). Allen ordered a Pork Special-pork, sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns and biscuits with a side of gravy.

My All American

Allen's Pork Special

Close up of Allen's Pork Special

Allen and me both had Biscuits, so heavenly and soft

I had lunch with Allen and his parents at the Black Bear Diner in Merced, CA. We were on a road trip to Bass Lake. I ordered the Classic Burger with French Fries. You can see Allen's burger in the photo as well.

My Classic Burger with French Fries, ketchup!

When in Bass Lake, CA you must eat at Ducey's On the Lake at The Pines Resort. I love the decor and the warm homey feel of the place. The food is really great too! We had breakfast at Ducey's on our last day visiting Allen's sister in Bass Lake. My food usually involves ketchup as you can see from all the photos. I ordered country potatoes, scrambled eggs and sourdough toast. Allen ordered 2 eggs sunnyside up, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy. We enjoyed good old American food and most of all spending time with our family on our summer vacation. 

Country potatoes, scrambled eggs, sourdough toast, and ketchup

2 eggs sunnyside up, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy

For further information, please visit:

In-N-Out Burger - http://www.in-n-out.com/

Country Waffles - http://countrywaffles.com/

Black Bear Diner - http://blackbeardiner.com/

Ducey's On The Lake at The Pines Resort - http://www.basslake.com/index.cfm

-Sophia/Two Frys

Lemon Vanilla-Coconut Layer Cake

Lemon Vanilla-Coconut Layer Cake

Lemon Vanilla-Coconut Layer Cake

A few weeks ago, Allen and I went to Northern California to visit family and some friends. I baked this Lemon Vanilla-Coconut Layer Cake for a family gathering the day before we were set to head back home. It was the first cake I baked this summer because our apartment kitchen is so hot. I was happy to bake in an air conditioned kitchen and not have to sweat.

Lemon Cake layers just out of the oven!

I think lemon, vanilla and coconut are a perfect trifecta and ideal for a summer gathering. This Lemon Vanilla-Coconut Layer Cake is moist and has a rich lemony taste. The Whipped Vanilla Frosting is creamy and the coconut flakes coating are a perfect combination.

I just sliced the first piece of this beauty!

I came across a Lemon Cake recipe in one of my Saveur issues: http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Lemon-Layer-Cake.  I made this cake for my husband's birthday last year and he loved it. Thus far, this is the best Lemon Cake I have baked. You can view my results here: http://twofrys.blogspot.com/2012/06/lemon-layer-cake.html.

My piece of cake

The Whipped Vanilla Frosting is from: http://www.askchefdennis.com/2011/12/im-dreaming-of-a-white-christmas-cake-with-sweet-peony/. I have made this frosting twice for Ina Garten's Coconut Cake and Red Velvet Cake.

To bake this cake, buy 1 package of Sweetened Coconut Flakes and go to the links above for the rest of the ingredients and directions. I baked the cake portion following the recipe from Saveur. To make the Whipped Vanilla Frosting see link above. The frosting is simple to make, but follow the instructions and measure accordingly. It will make a big difference.

A thing of beauty

When the cake layers have cooled completely, place the top layer face down and spread the Whipped Vanilla Frosting and sprinkle Coconut Flakes all around. Place the second layer with the top facing up and frost the entire cake and decorate as you wish. Coat the cake with the remaining Coconut Flakes. Refrigerate overnight if possible. Enjoy with Vanilla Bean or French Vanilla ice cream!

-Sophia/Two Frys

Louie's Dale Diner

Louie's Dale Diner

Louie's Dale Diner

Louie's Dale Diner are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week so you can go whenever you desire. If you live in Riverdale, Louie's Dale Diner have free delivery and an extensive menu to choose from. When Allen and me do not feel like cooking or I need a burger fix, we go there or order takeout and have never been disappointed.

Big Dale Classic Burger with Cheddar Cheese

On this recent trip to Louie's Dale Diner, I ordered the Big Dale Classic Burger with cheddar cheese, onions, lettuce and tomatoes with french fries, and pickles and coleslaw on the side. As if the 7 oz. burger wasn't big enough, this Big Dale burger was huge! It was so juicy and cooked a perfect medium, which is how I wanted it! The french fries are really good too!

Allen and his little friend, Tabasco!

Our waiter was very friendly and helpful and that is important for us. She told us all the specials and answered all our questions. If the service sucks anywhere we eat, we won't be back. The service here surpasses other diners in the area, and the food is genuinely good and hearty. The menu is large, so there is an abundance to choose from and portion sizes are great!

Pacific Omelet and Home Fries

Allen ordered the Pacific Omelet, which is fresh roasted turkey breast, avocado, mushrooms, broccoli and cheese with home fries and rye toast. You can choose hash browns or grits as well. Allen thought the Pacific Omelet was great, and the roasted turkey breast was tender and flavorful and complimented the avocado and other ingredients. Allen used Tabasco on the Pacific Omelet and home fries for extra kick and boost of flavor.

Desserts

Like most standard diners, you pay on the way out and this was where my eyes feasted upon desserts galore. I was so full but next time I come, I must try a slice of cake or a piece of pie! If you order dessert from the takeout menu, they will let you know which selections are available for the day as they are baked fresh daily. If you happen to be visiting Riverdale, you gotta check out Louie's Dale Diner. If you already live in the area, you should know all about them. If not, please give Louie's Dale Diner a try - you will not be disappointed!

Louie's Dale Diner
189 West 231st Street (Broadway)
Bronx, NY 10463
718-549-4445

For further information, go to: http://www.dalediner.com/

-Sophia/Two Frys

Horrell FIRE Hot Sauce

Horrell Fire Original It's Smokin'

Horrell FIRE Hot Sauce made with only super fresh ingredients is from Greenville, South Carolina. Chili-head Chris Horrell is the brain child of this hot sauce, and I love the hot sauces he sent us for the blog. The Original Sauce is a great smokey hot sauce that uses mesquite for smoke and nice Tabasco peppers for heat. The base is a nice gentle mix of garlicky good tomato based goodness. I also like the vinegary taste that is a must in most southern style hot sauces. This sauce is hot, but will not kill your more heat intolerant friends as the smoke flavor smooths out the heat and all around flavor. As many hot sauces as I have had, I know it is hard to get the smoke on point. It looks like Horrell FIRE has nailed this method well. It is nice to see that Chris Horrell and Horrell FIRE Hot Sauce have been able to add a nice smokey flavor to Tabasco Peppers instead of the standard smoked Jalapeno Chipotle method. This is the first well smoked sauce I have had that uses Tabasco Peppers with a tomato and vinegar base.

Horrell Fire Original on my white rice, Heavenly Hot! 

Horrell FIRE Hot Sauce also sent a much hotter sauce called Damnation, and this sauce really packs the punch. Damnation also has the similar recipe method as in Horrell Fire Original It's Smokin', but uses a lot of Habanero. This sauce is a must try for Chili Pepper fanatics. Damnation delivers the heat and flavor big time! Damnation sauce by Horrell FIRE Hot Sauce is not for the heat intolerant folks out there. The Damnation sauce is also mesquite smoked like the Original. There is also a mid heat (I guess you would call it), blue label Habanero sauce from Horrell FIRE Hot Sauce that I have yet to taste. Go on over to Horrell FIRE Hot Sauce website today and order some hot sauce. Help support fresh Hot Sauces with nice smoked flavors. I have had a great experience with these two sauces, and look forward to more great tasting spicy hot sauces from Horrell FIRE Hot Sauce in the future.

For further information, go to:
Web: http://horrellfire.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HorrellFire

-Allen/Two Frys

Out And About in Riverdale

Out And About in Riverdale

Plank-Baked Steelhead Trout

On Sunday, June 30, we went to the Riverdale Riverfest (please see our coverage from last year,
http://twofrys.blogspot.com/2012/07/riverdale-riverfest-2012.html) to check out the food vendors. Featured below are vendors we tried. Sadly, Riverdale Riverfest was not the grandiose event it was last year which drew about 5,000 people. This year, there were just hundreds of people, less vendors and the location was moved to another lawn close to the waterway in the College of Mount Saint Vincent. It started raining around 3pm, so we left after a few hours.

Plank-Baked Steelhead Trout

Plank-Baked Steelhead Trout

As soon as we got off the shuttle bus, we saw some beautiful Plank-Baked Steelhead Trout cooking on hundred year old oak planks. Free samples were given out by the Hudson River Foundation. Allen had a sample and said it tasted great. The Steelhead Trout had a nice smoky flavor from the oak planks and the charcoal.

Liebman's Deli

Liebman's Deli
We both got a Hot Dog from Liebman's, a Riverdale staple providing the community with a great selection of Kosher foods. I hear the Pastrami sandwich is amazing and will need to go eat there soon and try it. The Hot Dog had a nice, crisp pop when we bit into them. Liebman's has a great menu selection to eat in or take out and offer free delivery in Riverdale and catering as well.

Liebman's Deli

Liebman's Deli

Liebman’s Deli
552 W. 235th Street
(Johnson Avenue)
Bronx, NY 10463
718-548-4534
http://www.liebmansdeli.com

VSPOT

VSPOT
I was curious to try an Empanada from VSPOT featuring Vegan, Latin and Kosher cuisine. I ordered a Columbian Empanada and Allen a Philly Cheese Empanada. The Columbian Empanada was made with potato, carrot, onion, corn, cilantro and Latin seasoned seitan. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I tasted all the ingredients and they went so well together with the seitan. I almost ordered a second one but had to leave room for dessert. Allen was very happy with the taste of the Philly Cheese Empanada made with homemade seitan, vegan Mozzarella and Cheddar cheese, mushrooms, onions and green peppers. Like my Empanada, Allen said he tasted each ingredient and said it was satisfying, fresh and packed with flavor.

VSPOT

VSPOT

VSPOT
156 5th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-928-8778
http://spreadvegan.com

Lloyd's Carrot Cake

Lloyd's Carrot Cake
I was full after eating my Columbian Empanada from VSPOT, but I bought a slice of Red Velvet Cake from Lloyd's Carrot Cake. I should have tried something different since I got the same cake last year, but I couldn't resist the Red Velvet, which is my favorite. I enjoyed every bite of this rich and moist cake. It was wonderful and satisfying. Lloyd's Carrot Cake make a vast selection of cakes like their famous Carrot Cake, German Chocolate and Red Velvet Cake, pies and cupcakes. Lloyd's Carrot Cake are one of Riverdale's prized location for all things sweet.

Lloyd's Carrot Cake

Lloyd's Carrot Cake

Lloyd's Carrot Cake
6087 Broadway
Bronx, New York, 10471
718-548-9020
http://www.lloydscarrotcake.com/

Riverdale Riverfest is held to promote the Hudson River Greenway Link, which would include a walking and biking trail that will connect the existing Hudson River Greenway in Manhattan to the Westchester Greenway in Yonkers. Hopefully this will happen in the near future.

For further information, go to: http://www.RiverdaleRiverFest.org.

-Sophia and Allen/Two Frys

Landshark Bar & Grill, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, Atlantic City, NJ

Landshark Bar & Grill, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, Atlantic City, NJ

Landshark Bar & Grill

Landshark Bar & Grill

Last weekend, I took Allen to Atlantic City, NJ for the weekend to celebrate his birthday. For lunch, we went to Landshark Bar & Grill, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville right on the beach. The weather was mid-80s and not humid, and a perfect summer day to be on the Atlantic City boardwalk and beach. Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville opened around Memorial Day at Resorts and we were looking forward to eating here, since it is right on the beach.

Nice "surf" decor by the bar area

Nice Surfboard Light Design using Beer Bottles

The menu at Landshark Bar & Grill is casual fare and is mainly sandwiches, salads, burgers, hot dogs, and a host of drinks with the Jimmy Buffet signature, such as the Five O'clock Somewhere. We chose to sit beach side instead of indoors since the weather was so beautiful. The view was great, and we watched a boat race and enjoyed the ocean breeze. When you walk into Landshark, you are greeted by beautiful surf decor, a framed photo of Jimmy Buffet and Landshark Surfshack gift shop. The beach theme is all over the bar and restaurant area, and it is a big space. I love the outdoor space since you have the beach as your back drop, but for bad weather days or when you need to be in air conditioning, the indoor space is ideal. I love the way Landshark is designed. It is open and comfortable.

Allen, birthday dude!

We arrived around 1:00pm and Landshark was packed! The host offered to take our picture by a Landshark sign which was very nice of her since we hardly ever get pictures of the two of us. We waited 5 minutes to be seated beach side, and our server was good and while very busy, he checked up on us a few times.

Beautiful beach and weather

For our appetizer, we ordered Broiled Oysters on the Half Shell. The oysters tasted fresh as they should, and were topped with Lemon, Garlic Butter and melted Parmesan Cheese. Allen and me ordered the Tilapia sandwich with Tater Tots and I got French Fries. I ordered a "virgin" Pina Colada and they brought it to me in a kid size cup. I thought that was funny. I was expecting a glass with a little umbrella in it.  It was a refreshing drink and complimented my Tilapia sandwich, which was huge and very filling. The batter was nicely seasoned and had a good crunch. Allen also enjoyed his Tilapia sandwich and Tater Tots. I ate one of his Tater Tots and it was yummy! We planned on ordering Key Lime Pie for dessert, but we were too full to share one.

Broiled Oysters Appetizer

Tilapia Sandwich with Tater Tots

We had a great time and enjoyed our lunch fare at the Landshark Bar & Grill. We weren't rushed out and the view of the beach was the star of the show. My only request for next time - I want my Pina Colada in a glass.

My Pina Colada

For further information, go to: http://atlanticcity.landsharkbarandgrill.com/.

-Sophia and Allen/Two Frys

Larry the Cable Guy Jalapeno Corn Muffins

Larry the Cable Guy Jalapeno Corn Muffins 

Larry the Cable Guy Jalapeno Corn Muffins

I have made Larry the Cable Guy Muffins before but this time around, I wanted to make them with a little kick and some sweetness, so I added Jalapeno and Honey. The muffins were moist and had a touch of spice and sweetness. The Jalapenos were not overpowering and complimented the Honey with the other ingredients. They were so good! It was hard to eat just one and I bet you will agree if you try these Jalapeno Corn Muffins.

Ingredients
1 box Larry The Cable Guy Corn Muffin Mix.

1/2 cup Milk.

2 large Eggs.

2 large Jalapenos.

1 tablespoon Honey.

Butter to grease muffin pan and for spreading.

Larry the Cable Guy Jalapeno Corn Muffins right out the oven

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Grease muffin pan with Butter.

Dice 2 Jalapenos.

In a large bowl, add the Corn Muffin mix and all the above ingredients and then stir with a wooden spoon until combined.

Use an ice cream scoop to fill tins 3/4 full for large muffins (yielded 9) or 1/2 full if you want 12 muffins.

Bake for 13-18 minutes. Mine baked in just 13 minutes and were perfect.

Cool for 10 minutes, remove and spread Butter is desired.

Enjoy!

-Sophia/Two Frys

Born To Hula Smokin' Pineapple Wings

Born To Hula Smokin' Pineapple Wings

Born To Hula Smokin' Pineapple Chicken Wings

I first tried samples of Born To Hula's line of sauces at the Pepper Fiesta and then at the New York City Hot Sauce Festival and I was impressed. I really love the Smokin' Pineapple one and if you read Allen's hot sauce posts, you all know by now that I am not into spicy sauces like he is. I prefer mild sauces with strong flavors and this is exactly what this sauce is all about.

I bought Born To Hula Smokin' Pineapple because it is a mild sauce with a great flavor profile and is all natural. Allen made some Chicken Wings for us to try it with it and we loved the taste. The Pineapple is prominent but you get a hint of Chipotle Pepper and Roasted Tomato in the background. When we make Wings with sauces we buy or receive for Two Frys, we bake them at 375 degrees for about 40-55 minutes. The Wings are seasoned with Kosher Salt and just the sauce so we have an authentic sauce eating experience.

Born To Hula Smokin' Pineapple - yum!

The ingredients in Born To Hula Smokin' Pineapple are mainly pineapple, pineapple juice, distilled white vinegar, roasted tomatoes, chipotle pepper, garlic, onion powder, salt and lime juice. These ingredients are great together and the Pineapple is perfectly refreshing with Chicken. I will use the remaining sauce with some Pork Chops. Yum!

Born To Hula offer a vast selection of sauces from low to extreme heat levels and I recommend this sauce!

To purchase Born To Hula, go to: http://www.borntohula.com.

-Sophia/Two Frys

Pat LaFrieda Beef Hamburger

Pat LaFrieda Beef Hamburger

Allen's Provolone Cheeseburger

I won a gift card for Fresh Direct at an event I attended recently and ordered lots of fresh fruits, veggies and meats. Everything was delivered right to my front door, and Sophia and me were really pleased with the quality of what we ordered and will use this service again. We always wanted to buy Pat LaFrieda meats, but it is not available in Riverdale. Thanks to Fresh Direct serving the Bronx area now, I can order Pat LaFrieda meats whenever I want to.

Pat LaFrieda Beef Hamburger LaFrieda's Original

Sophia was eager to cook these burgers as we have seen Pat LaFrieda featured on both Travel Channel and Food Network. I ordered a 4-pack of Pat LaFrieda Beef Hamburger LaFrieda's Original. The Original Burger Blend is a combination of chuck, brisket, and short-rib from American Black Angus Beef and while it costs a few more bucks than standard burgers, it is well worth it.

Toast the sesame buns in the oven at 425 degrees for 7 minutes, and season both sides of each patty with Kosher Salt and McCormick Grill Mates Hamburger Seasoning. That is all there is to it my friends!

Burgers all seasoned!

The burgers were cooked medium well and each patty flipped only once. Feel free to add sliced onions, but we topped our burgers with Loeb's Onion Crunch instead. Each side got a nice sear which is key for a perfect tasting burger. My burgers were finished with 2 slices of Provolone Cheese (Sargento). Note: do not press down on the burgers or the juices will seep out and you will end up with a dry burger. It is better to put the burgers on a plate lined with a paper towel to let some grease out before serving them.

Pat LaFrieda burgers cooking 

My toasted hamburger bun was dressed with Thousand Island on one side and the other with Mayonnaise and a generous spread of Extra Hot Horseradish (Beaver Brand). My burger was topped with Loeb's Onion Crunch which completes any burger in our opinion. I had Pickles and sliced Tomatoes on the side with French Fries and for dipping, Heinz Hot & Spicy Tomato Ketchup made with Tabasco Pepper Sauce.

Pat LaFrieda burgers were some of the best tasting we have ever had at home. The burgers were big, real juicy and restaurant quality. We will order Pat LaFrieda beef products again and highly recommend them!

For further information on Fresh Direct, go to: http://www.freshdirect.com
For further information on Pat LaFrieda, go to: http://http://www.lafrieda.com/Default.asp

-Allen/Two Frys

Stubb's Sweet Mesquite Country Style Ribs

Stubb's Sweet Mesquite Country Style Ribs

Boneless Country Style Ribs with Stubb's and Roasted Peppers

On Memorial Day, I did some indoor grilling. Early in the morning, I marinated some Boneless Country Style Ribs with Kosher Salt and slathered them in Stubb's Sweet Smokey Mesquite Bar-B-Q Sauce for about 5 hours. The longer the meat baths in the marinade the better, so you can leave them in the fridge overnight. The Ribs were tender, juicy and full of flavor. Stubb's Sweet Smokey Mesquite Bar-B-Q Sauce is great as a marinade for Pork, Venison, Chicken, and Beef. We were impressed with Stubb's, and are happy their products are readily available in grocery stores in our area.

Sweet Mini Peppers and Jalapenos seasoned and ready to go in the oven

I roasted some Sweet Mini Peppers and Jalapenos in the oven. I coated the Peppers lightly with Olive Oil, and seasoned with Kosher Salt. Preheat the oven at 375 degrees and roast the Peppers for about 30-35 minutes and flip them after 15 minutes. The Peppers were a great compliment to the Ribs. The Peppers tasted great and came right off the stem.

Stubb's Smokey Mesquite Bar-B-Q Sauce and Country Style Ribs

To order Stubb's, go to:  http://www.stubbsbbq.com/
"Like" Stubb's On Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/stubbsbbqsauce

-Allen and Sophia/Two Frys