Pork Chili Verde

With a only a few weeks left to before J. Kao moves back across the Pacific to Hong Kong, we've decided to host little meal sessions where we're able to experiment with new recipes that we had our minds on but never really had the chance to try out. It'll  be taking place at our respective homes, one night each and every week until it's time finally say goodbye. This week I began our little series with a humble stew I've been craving since I've came back from the frosty Manhattan isle. It's a classic Mexican dish  that I grew up on and favored during chilly nights, stewed pork in chili verde salsa. For the Salsa Verde, I've come to really appreciate this version, as it comes close to my moms boiling method over the roasting variations I've seen everywhere else. Unless otherwise, you can acquire decent Salsa Verde at your local Mercado (Latino market) or even find it at Trader Joes, believe it or not.

• -Canola Oil 
• - 2lbs Boneless Pork Shoulder (cut into 1" cubes)
• - Salt & Pepper 
• - 2 cups Salsa Verde 
• - 1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
• - Medium Onion ( Yellow Spanish preferred), quartered 
• - 1 Large Bell Pepper (cut into large chunks)
• - 1 lbs Fingerling Potatoes 

-Heat oil in a large skillet on high and sear pork until they brown on the the outside, then transfer to a slow cooker/oven-proof pot. You might have to work in batches, so try not to over crowd the chunks.

-Once all the pork is cooked and transferred, add the broth to the skillet and scrape up any little bits of flavor using a wooden spatula. Once the broth starts to simmer, pour into the slow cooker/oven-proof pot along with the Chile Verde, Onion, and Bell Pepper.

-For a slow cooker; set on high for 4 hours until the meat is super tender, add the potatoes in the last hour. For a oven-proof pot; pre-heat the oven at 300F and set for 2 hours, add the potatoes in the last 40 minutes. *Be sure to skim some of the free floating fat off the surface, no need to use it anymore, it's done it's part.

-Serve in bowls with plenty of Tortillas and Lime wedges.

IL Dolce

I've been anticipating my upcoming trip to New York for over a month now, and the entire time what I've almost instantly been relating to that city is pizza. Don't get me wrong, that city has sooo much to offer aside from this classic staple, but ever since John Stewart's  brazen, if not ballsy professing of how superior NY pizza is over "Chicago-style", it was damn near impossible not to have it on my mind all the time.

Luckily J. Kao finally introduced me to a local shop that she claims is the best I can find anywhere around the OC. She's been talking about this place for so damn long I nearly felt that it was some old wives tale used to tease me, as it took her a couple years to finally bring me here! But I trust her in her claims, having she just been to Italy just a couple weeks ago, I was taken aback when she finally said she'd take me! 

The place is completely unsuspecting, being in the shadow of a strip mall, right off the turn of a freeway that leads straight to the beach. Inside had a very modern appeal despite it actually having a legit mom & pop kind of vibe. Our hostess (mom) was very delightful in taking care of us, and we could easily see pop get to work as soon as he got the orders in. Our orders where as followed.

-Prosciutto & Fig: Terrifically savory, the baked figs added only a nuance of sweetness that brought everything together, the cheese selected (I can't recall off the top of my head) was an excellent closer for the pallet. 

-Margarita: Had a bright, sweeter that expected sauce that rings in a balanced combination with basil. The delightfully chewy crust had that rustic charm as you picked up notes of the char from the wood oven. 

The place looked surprisingly empty for the lunch hour on a sunny Saturday in Newport Beach, we hoped it was some sort of off day for the business because it would truly be a tragedy to have lost such masterful  craftsmanship as a result of lacking a recognition. But I'm glad I was finally able to make an acquaintance with such a hidden gem. My cravings for good pie continues.

With that being said, I'm off to the east coast!

*Chicagoan discretion advised for the John Stewart link.

1902 Harbor Blvd.

Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Orange Cafe

A charming little locals only spot that you would not have never have guessed to dish out out some spectacular american classics, while occasionally whipping up some awesome new innovations. First step in and you instantly appreciate that place as you look around at all the Americana hanging on the walls. Plus don’t be surprised if the sweet old lady, who I’m sure is there every day, greets you with a smile and would be happy to help you out with anything you have questions about.

Some of my favorites on their permanent menu range all across their omelette selection, the Florentine being my top choice in particular. The fact that use butter for their omelettes is something to die for in both the good and bad sense, you’ll food coma pretty hard if you actually finish the whole thing. Their Corned-Beef Hash was delish, a must try if you like a super hardy breakfast old-school. Pancakes where airy and fluffy, that I MUST recommend you try with the apple-cinnamon jam, along with some butter and maple of course.

But recently I tried one of their current specials of the day was basically “signed, sealed, delivered, I’m yours”, the unctuous Chorizo Benedict. Runny yolk egg, atop silky smooth avocado and drizzled with creamy chorizo hollandaise sauce, ugh, hold on I got light a cigarette. But yes, fats on fats on fats this dish was bad intentions from the start and oh man did I embrace it.

Ok, after giving myself a moment, I’m coming back again and again to build up my credit stamps for a free meal. See you there!

(Sorry about the orange hue,no amount of editing can phase it out, the place really lives up to it's name! Haha...)

1608 E Mayfair Ave

Orange, CA 92867

Portland Day 3- Go with the flow

  It's my last day here and I wake up with the realization that I really don't have that much left to do in this city, all of the must does where officially checked off, and all of the recommendations where seen. It wasn't until breakfast till a hostel mate said "Just go out for a run, it's what this city does". After much contemplation, whether or not forsake my (foot) arches & go run in Vans, I decided to go out and brave the popular Willamette River Loop.


  Now for those who love to run, you understand the zen calm you get when you fully take in your surrounds and appreciate little that you never noticed before. My time alongside this river path was highlighted by the passing industrial section  on the north side of the trail path and dodging very agitated geese. But of course nothing could beat the absolutely befuddled expressions on some of the joggers faces. Like I said, this is a city of runners (Nike was born here for Christ's sake) and I was the only schmuck on this trail without running shoes. The amount of concern on one guys face was if he was saying "PLEASE STOP, HERE TAKE MINE". Even the some hipsters I sped by where wondering "why are you even wearing those", but hey I had run off a case of doughnuts somehow.

  Everything else afterwards was picking a point and walk from there, I really had no idea what I was even going for. I ended up on the outer rims of town (the financial & university district) where I encountered a plethora of talented musicians, gorgeous city parks, Keller Fountain Park in particular just captivated me into just sitting down and meditate for an hour. After much roaming across the day I was able discover the somewhat luxurious feeling of having a coffee & cigarette, hipster achievement succeeded.

  By the time I came back there was an impromptu vegetarian potluck brewing. After a quick trip to the market, we where all in the kitchen making or pouring our contribution, where we later made our way out to our little patio. Some of the featured dishes was a Pesto Gnocchi pasta, Beet & Goat cheese spread, citrus kale & walnut salad, and Chevre baked tomatoes provided by yours truly (recipe coming soon). Naturally a congregation of this size, brings in more people and even more contributions. 

After what was once a quiet dinner, turned into a rally for a pub crawl where it inevitably turned into an all nighter of smoke, even more street musicians, and a conquering of a near by park where tunes & random stories where swapped. What a way to close it out, just wish I had more than 30 minutes to catch my bus when I woke up the following day, I've never packed my bags with such speed before. Haha 

I don't anything else I've come to appreciate after today about the fact that not everything should come planned, just take it as it goes. And that it's not necessarily the city that makes the trip but the people you meet. 

Keller Fountain Park

SW 3rd Ave & Clay St

Portland, OR 97255

-Photo Credit to Mariana Rego 

Portland Day 2- Stroll

Being such a beautiful day I decided to go on a little walk about Portland's famous park gardens and trails and get a feel for how truly green city is. Being only a short walk for my place, I hustled over to the famous Washington Park. 

Spent nearly half the day checking out beautiful trails laid out across this enormous stretch of land, nearly forgetting to swing by the International Rose Test Garden on my way back. Portland's known as the "City of Roses", how could I have???? 

Later into the evening the Hostel was having a mini open mic in the backyard patio, where there was a variety of local folk artists strumming away their soulful tunes. All the while the staff where grilling up free-range brats and veggie burgers served with quinoa salad, even the guy with the garage brewery decided to drop by an share his days batch. A true hipsters paradise I might say. (Seriously wish I brought my camera out...)

As the last kegs started to kick, so did some of the acts, as the closing artists started drifting into free association music that nearly brought the whole house down off their chairs (inebriated musicians make for some serious entertainment). 

Feeling like the evening still had some life in it, those still left hanging around the patio shuffled together for another round at the Mission Theater. Tonight's feature, early Martin Scorsese's 'Mean Streets' . 

Portland Day 1- Hitting the ground running

  After what I can call a grueling 24 hour bus trip I finally arrived in Portland!!!!! Things to do? Find the hostel, drop off the bags and make it to walking tour all within the hour of arrival, . But most importantly, find a hot meal because I didn't exactly savor my opportunities to munch on gas station grub.

  Feeling rejuvenated after heaping plate of Kahlua Pork, because all the "breakfast" menu's stopped serving at 11am (what is this McDonalds??), I rush back to the hostel to finally make it in time for the introductions. Saying hi and hello to all the fellow hostel mates, we're lead buy our guide, who I swear looks William H. Macy, except a hell of a lot more quirkier.

  We make our way from our home base in the Northwest district onward to the Pearl, down through the Historic Waterfront, and circling back to the down town district . Picking up neat tid-bits such as the street signs in the Alphabet district, and how they contributed to a lot of the Simpsons characters names (Matt Groening is from here btw). Checked out Mills End Park, smallest park in the world (pictured below), got a little info on the infamous Zoobombers that come out every Sunday night, unchain the bikes shown below and simply haul major buns down the West Hills (something added to my bucket list). By the end I come to find that the city takes pride in being a little "weird", Portlandians will understand.
  Soon at the end of our tour, a few of the hostel mates decide to break off and have some lunch at a couple of the cities food carts, an estimated 500 of these stands are said to be scattered all over this city.

  First was the foodie cult phenom Nong's Khao Man Gai, Thai style chicken & rice. It's the one and only dish this place serves but they have perfected it to a T, simplicity was the key here, but it carried such a complex depth in its taste and aroma (from all the aromatics) that you can't judge it based off looks, you have to taste it.

  2nd up to bat was the aptly named Dump Truck. The story behind this little shack was that the couple that owns the place used to live in Beijing next to a restaurant owner who showed them the ropes. Once they came to Portland they refined their skills and created their own interpretations. Their selection is small but they each carry  their own unique punch of flavor and creativity. Order up Le Sampler, if your a fickle guy like me, and try Mr. Ma's Special (ginger pork), Down to Earth (vegi friendly), Potato Curry (Malaysian style), & finally the Bacon Cheeseburger (yeah seriously).
 Soon after sampling a couple flights over at the Rogue Ales Public House, my companions & I finally gave in to the idea of crossing town to wait in line for some Voodoo Doughnuts!!! Reported to have line waits as long as an hour, it was only a meager half hour+ wait till I was able to make my long awaited order of the legendary pink box. The selection process was overwhelming, since they had so many on display and the added pressure of a ton of people waiting in line behind you, I hated to be that one newb. But here's my picks, 0 regrets, all gluttonous joy. 

-Bacon Maple Bar: Easily my favorite of all time, it combines my number one fave doughnut with thick slices of crispy bacon. Pretty sure I had a big dumb smile after my first bite.
- Voodoo Doll: This one is chocolate little man filled with raspberry jelly (blood) doesn't boast anything out of the ordinary other than poking it with the pretzel stick hoping someone else feels it. Haha
- Old Dirty Bastard: A nod to the Wu, aesthetically it holds true to it's name and so does the mess it makes after you devour it.
- Memphis Mafia: Fried dough with banana chunks and cinnamon covered in a chocolate/peanut butter glaze covered with peanuts & chocolate chips. The King is somewhere blushing right now, 'nuff said. Just go and cancel all immediate appoints if your going to attempt this.
-Ain't that a Peach Fritter: A seriously massive Peach Fritter topped with cream cheese. Say F U to your diet because you're on vacation!
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: The one and only thing I can say that bares worthiness of claiming to resemble "mexican hot chocolate". By which I mean it's not the uber-sweetness most people tend to expect, but rather a dark semi bitter chocolate with some spice in the back end. I love it for that, just wish it wasn't so dry...  

  After trekking around all day I was finally able to get some rest and lay down on an actual bed! After a few hours of some shut eye I woke up to a roomie I met along the tour, thinking of heading out the Mission Theater down the street. The idea behind this place, and many other establishments like this around the city, is to enjoy classic films while drinking some of Portland's finest craft brews. The selection for the night, Woody Allen's 'Sleeper', kooky to say the least. Loving this city already. 

Nong's Khao Man Gai & The Dump Truck

SW 10th & Alder St

Portland, OR 97205

Voodoo Doughnut

22 SW 3rd Ave

Portland, OR 97204

Mission Theater 

1624 NW Glisan St.

Portland, OR 97204

Pikes Market & The Food Tour

  The one thing I loved about the hostel I stayed at was the fact that it was only across from one of the most diverse (and photogenic) markets I've ever been too! 

  Pikes Market was established back in 1907 and has been in the control of the vendors from the very beginning, which allows for one to have access to some of the most quality handcrafted goods. Everyday the market changes a little bit as new vendors come in daily and claim different spots, so no one market is the same per day! Another key factor, is that every stand here has to be it's own supplier and producer in order even be considered, so there is absolutely no doubt in the craftsmanship. The person you meet is the person who created/caught/grew it. 

   On my first day as soon as I check in, I immediately rushed over to have a reunion lunch with friend that lived near by over at the popular Pike Place Chowder shop (Pro-tip: if you have a Yelp app, you can check-in & get a hold of their Chowder Sampler at a discount!). Afterwards we aimlessly wandered around to what seemed to be an endless amount of corridors and pathways, my eyes where bulging at the site of all the amazing stuff at hand. It was all too much to take in at once. Luckily I was signed up for the Market Tour  the following morning.

   It was here where a hostel-mate & I where able to become well acquainted with the market, and some of it's vendors as we where guided through the in's and out's of the whole place, along side getting to know a thing or two of its history, insider tips, etc. One big plus was that I was able to access a variety of amazing samples and discounts given just for being part of tour. But what I got the most enjoyment from was listening to the each vendor proudly talk about there products and the hard work they put in just to be there. Trust me, I came back quite a few times afterwards to support!

  Not to long after followed part 2 of the tour (Seattle 101), where we strolled through downtown & the waterfront, checking out all the neatest locations and happy hour hot spots (this city has some of the best btw). More sampling, more deals, I couldn't have been any happier. One of the places I have the fondest memories of was of Ivar's Fish Bar, where some of the most in-your-face seagulls stare you down till you tossed a french fry at them. All I had to do was extend my arm over the water and watch the mayhem develop. 

  Now with a wealth of knowledge in our heads, my friend and I decide to redo the whole tour on our own for lunch! First stop was to try a highly recommend pairing between Beecher's Handmade Cheese Mac & Cheese then walk over La Buona Tavola down the street and get a generous dousing of White Truffle Oil (pictured above). Now, I'll stop here for a moment to say that this is easily the single best thing I have ever eaten in my life by far. It's not just the oil, but Beecher's have managed to create something so special that when combined, it opens the heavenly gates on your mouth. Only a few bites where had, but I can live having so little, it was perfect.
  
  Before I decided I'd take a permanent residence, my buddy reminded about the fact that there where still brewery passes to be used (acquired on the tour), $1 oysters to be eaten, & baked meat pies to be sampled! What was I thinking, committing to the first place that stole my heart. We must march, there's still sunlight! Everything afterwards was just a hedonistic quest towards oblivion, where we continuously had to tell ourselves "we'll just walk this off". 

   Even the days after this eating excursion, I continued to stop by this place twice daily because there is always something new to discover or run into, there's five floors to this place believe it or not. I basically lived off this market as I worked my way through my time in Seattle. And despite being a tourist trap, this is a real deal foodies paradise. Take full advantage and slow down beyond the crowds frantic shuffling to appreciate the beauty that is Pike's Market. If you feel the need to act like a tourist go watch the fish mongers toss a salmon, but please don't wait in line for the "original" Starbucks with all the other suckers (you'll find better coffee five steps in any direction, besides it's not even the original one...).   

  To those coming to Seattle, I highly recommend taking the tours featured above, these people  have strong ties with the vendors and genuinely take pride in the city they live in. Trust me, you'll learn and eat so much after you spend a day with this organization. And just for the sake of giving you guys a freebie.Go to Von's 1000 Spirits and check yourself in on any major social networking site (Facebook), show the bartender and you'll get a free cocktail, enjoy! 

85 Pike St, 

Seattle, WA 98101