yumsugar -- To die for.

Would You Pay For Bread at a Restaurant?

YumSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:30:30 -0800

Fewer restaurant patrons, more recession dining specials: If you've dined out at all in the past year, it's been impossible not to notice the impact that the economy's had on the restaurant industry. The latest development? Establishments have begun charging patrons for bread.Restaurants such as Momofuku Ssäm Bar in Manhattan, Fog City Diner in San Francisco, and Spring Hill in Seattle are pairing artisan bread with specialty olive oil or butter and charging anywhere from $3 to $8 for bread as an appetizer. I'm not surprised by this gutsy restaurant move; it makes sense. The bitter reality is that many restaurants are on the verge of financial collapse, and this strategy may be one way to stay afloat. It's also an effective way to cut down on wasted food. Do you agree with my argument? Would you mind paying to have bread at your meal?Source

Would You Pay For Bread at a Restaurant?

Yes — it makes perfect sense.

Depends on quality and whether or not I want bread.

No. Don't I pay enough at restaurants already?

A Tasty Way to Start the (New Year) Day

partysugar — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 07:00:52 -0800

Last week, I woke up (no surprises here) slightly hungover. It seems I had played ~~one~~ three too many rounds of beer pong. As I lay in bed, my head pounding, I suddenly realized I was in the best place in the world to be hungover: my parents' house — where the fridge was always stocked! Sure enough there was bacon, eggs, an assortment of cheese, and bread. It was time to make the ultimate breakfast sandwich — Thomas Keller's cheesy BLT with a fried egg. You may recognize this sandwich from the movie Spanglish. And if you've never made it, treat yourself to one today (especially if you are hungover!).

The combination of crisp bacon, oozing yolk, and melted cheese is scrumptiously sublime. The sandwich features simple ingredients in a magnificent way that is balanced in both taste and texture. Although it's extremely messy to eat, the dish is surprisingly hearty and beyond delicious. To check out this egg-cellent sandwich,

Come Party With Me: New Year's Day Lunch — Menu

partysugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:45:32 -0800

Instead of hosting a crazy party on New Year's Eve, invite friends and family over for a decadent lunch on Jan. 1. Begin the soirée in the early afternoon (around 2:30) to allow late-night partygoers plenty of time to recover. Serve a menu that is rich, satisfying, and luxurious.

Start with caviar on brioche toasts with creme fraiche. Slice smoked salmon and cream cheese frittata into bite-size pieces and serve as appetizers. Have guests sit down to a creamy leek and potato soup paired with a simple salad of mixed greens dressed with champagne vinaigrette.

This menu would also make a delightful first day of the year dinner. To check out the recipes,

Come Party With Me: Latke Party — Menu

partysugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0800

This year instead of hosting a formal Hanukkah dinner, invite friends over for a festive happy hour. Serve guests a selection of vegetable latkes with a buffet of traditional toppings like applesauce, sour cream, and smoked salmon.

Classic potato latkes are delicious alongside cauliflower curry latkes. Zucchini latkes with red pepper jelly and smoked trout add a touch of elegant sophistication to the menu. Spinach latkes with feta-yogurt sauce are original and unexpected. For these recipes,

Come Party With Me: Italian Christmas Eve — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:00:21 -0800

On Christmas Eve it's customary for Italians to consume seafood for dinner; they enjoy course after course of rich fish items. Although my family has Irish origins, I thought it would be fun to plan an Italian-style Christmas Eve — this year we'll be eating seven delicious seafood dishes. To get the party started we'll have raw oysters and cold, marinated anchovies waiting for the guests. Once a group has arrived, the hot appetizers will be set out. Spicy seared scallops are a delightful bite and slices of clam pizza are crisp and salty.

At the dining table a tuna and white bean salad will be served, followed by a silky shrimp bisque. The meal finishes with a velvety lobster pasta with cream sauce. Doesn't it sound to die for? Look at these recipes when you

Monday's Leftovers: Chicken Breast With Avgolemono Sauce

YumSugar — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 06:45:02 -0800

One of my favorite soups of all time is avgolemono, a traditional Greek soup made of lemon, chicken, and eggs. I love it so much that even when I'm not in the mood for steaming-hot soup, I'll still search for something else (like a pasta) that incorporates the same creamy, tangy flavors.

This chicken, plated with orzo, carrots, and avgolemono sauce, is exactly the type of recipe I'd turn to. Serve it if you've got a leftover bird and are seeking a contemporary take on an everyday protein. To make this fuss-free meal,

YumSugar Gift Guide: The Newlyweds

partysugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:30:57 -0800

Shopping for a couple who recently got married can be difficult because chances are, they've received a lot of kitchen gifts at their wedding. Look for original and creative gifts that wouldn't necessarily be on a registry. A couples cooking class allows them to learn something new together. A subscription to Food and Wine magazine will inspire them to get into the kitchen on a regular basis. Artisan, handcrafted chocolates are a welcome addition to an understocked pantry.

For more newlywed gift suggestions, browse below. To check out the gift guide bonanza, head to HolidaySugar.

Come Party With Me: Tree Trimming — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:00:59 -0800

The holidays are a great time to break out the old punch bowl. I'll be dusting off mine Friday for a tree-trimming party and filling it with this sparkling pomegranate punch. Made with Prosecco and no hard alcohol, this red-hued concoction is a sublime blend of pomegranate juice, fresh squeezed orange juice, and limeade. You can mix the ingredients in advance and stir in the bubbly the moment guests arrive. Since it is the holidays, consider getting a sparkling jasmine tea for those who don't drink. Also have beer, water, and eggnog on hand. To look at the punch recipe,

Come Party With Me: Tree Trimming — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:41:43 -0800

I've invited some friends over this Friday for a holiday cocktail party. Since everyone (including moi!) will be attending a jewelry sample sale before, the snacks must be prepared in advance. Crostini with lentil and green olive spread can be made the night before the party. My dad will bake the brie with mango chutney twenty minutes before we arrive, so it's warm and gooey the second we walk in the door. A smoked salmon platter with dill sour cream waits chilled in the fridge and mini beef slider patties cook quickly.

To look at these recipes, which would be awesome for any holiday event,

Come Party With Me: Fast Thanksgiving — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:00:56 -0800

Many people think that serving your family a classic, delicious Thanksgiving requires days of work in the kitchen. However, with a little culinary savviness, one can make a complete meal in a couple of hours. Pick up store-bought snacks to tide over your crowd until turkey time. Put together a simple cheese plate with olives, nuts, figs, and charcuterie.

Cut cook time in half by serving a roasted turkey breast instead of a whole turkey. Keep the stuffing simple and the flavoring ingredients to a minimum. A gravy that doesn't require turkey drippings is another time saver. Combine the sweet potato side with the traditional mashed potatoes. Make a quick cranberry sauce with sugar, cranberries, and water. Serve one vegetable side in the form of a crunchy broccoli-cauliflower gratin. To look at these fast and easy recipes,