The Journey… at a rest stop on the Highway..

A Journey of Love, Style and Taste

By Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

Philadelphia, USA

The Journey… at a rest stop on the Highway..

Everyday I wake up not knowing what is going to happen.. A blank slate, Empty package waiting to be filled and written on.. There is so much pain and fear about what Might be.. Especially for all that I have just experienced with my best friend.. My Mom passing away to be in Gods hands.. Just the thought of that gives me faith and knowledge that I will once see her again..

I have lived a life for the last 16 years in the ways and love of Jesus Christ.. Yet in a instant even all that I know and understand came crashing down on me and I did not for a minute stop drop and Pray to put out the inferno that was engulfing me.. I feared.. And from that.. I fell.. I sinned.. It was the perfect storm as some might say.. I did not belong to a church that I could connect myself into fellow believers that would lift me up and help me.. I kept myself all alone. Even Not getting any feed back from people that I once confided in.. They seemed to have walked away from me.. Contacted them over and over and over and no response.. It just seems that they are not hearing or listen to God either. .I say either because, I am not free from that either.. I have my faults.

Then when I do reach out to someone that I do trust and love.. A fellow family member. He calls and I don’t respond quickly.. I ride if out as if the pain is just going to go away.. Just ignore it and it will pass right? Oh Noooo, it gets worse as the time go’s by, maybe not right away, but when it doe’s come back.. It hurts more ..

So, as it did come back around again and in top speed and force.. It slapped me silly.. Words started to come out of my mouth that would take down the Taj Mahal, I started to go back to the ways that I used to be.. Letting anything and “Anyone” be near me…I was not acting as a man, let alone a man that lived for and acted for God.. I didn’t talk to any of the friends, Fellow Brothers or Sisters in Christ because they would Judge me.. I was doing alright in the department called myself.. I am my own worst Judge and not only that.. I could not hide from God either.. Believe me.. I thought I could .. Funny huh.. When we are up to our necks in sin.. We start to act as fools.. And I was feeling like garbage. Not worth a thing.. ZERO..

Then I couldn’t take it anymore.. I was on the ground bleeding from the

Punch that Satan gave.. And I knew I had to get up and out …go away from all that was around me and find where I need to be and adjust myself in the way that God needs me… I was not running from.. I was running “TO”… but then.. Yeah.. I know.. Atlantic City.. Of all places.. LOL .. I know what you are thinking.. I thought the same thing.. But from all that I have done to allow this to happen in the 1^st place.. I was not about to question God again…So I listened, and so I be in AC.. The 1^st thing that brought me to understand that God was here and listening to me, was that I lost my cell phone in the streets of AC.. In the middle of money, poverty and greed. I have to say.. I panicked.. I started thinking the worst, then I started to pray.. I walked about a mile and a half looking for that thing.. In the Casino, The House of Blues.. Just a note.. Not that it mattered to me what you think, but I did just play $10. on the slots for the heck of it.. No, I am still not rich in money.. LOL But if I did… I do believe that I would have loved to invite the entire graduating classes of Timothy Dwight, Roger Ludlowe and Andrew Warde from 1980 to 1987.. Everyone that I knew for a Reunion Feast… If you know me well, you know I would have done it.. Anywho..

Then I came back to the hotel and just happened to walk over to the front desk for the heck of it… I thought I lost it somewhere else… I pulled out the words and asked.. Thinking .. Oh.. She is going to tell me no… No phone.. She reached into the desk drawer and said…. This one… I was almost in tears… I started screaming hallelujahs’ … She told me that a lady found it out on the street in front of the hotel and called my Dad, and she gave it to my hotel desk.. She was staying in the hotel next to me.. I found out where she was staying… I got to talk to them.. It was a Man and a woman.. I believe in their 70’s or 80’s.. They refused to take anything from me.. He told me that him and his wife would want someone else to do the same thing for them if they lost their phone.. I felt bad.. I wanted to do something for them… He then stated… We need prayer!.. He didn’t know me from Adam.. I told him that he came to the right person.. I shared my faith with him.. So, when you think about the Tobey’s… In the Midwest… Pray for their family.. They are experiencing things that are very overwhelming.. I guess God really knows what He is doing doesn’t He?

God has been here with me no matter what stupid and fooling things I did, and was waiting with open arms welcoming me back. “Keep doing what you have done before He said. Take care of my sheep, my Children… feed them, listen to them, encourage them.. Love them”

"Back To You"


Nobody said it would be easy
Nobody said that life's a breeze
Tossin' and turnin', oh the wind keeps churnin'
Like I'm a little toy boat out on the sea

If I'm down don't count me out
I'll slowly get back on my feet
Stumblin' and fumblin', but I keep on coming
Just as long as you're not giving up on me

When I trip, I fall and slow down to a crawl
And feel like I've got nothing left to lose
I may slip, slide, and watch our worlds collide
But I will
Hit the ground running back to you

There are days my head is spinning
Wishing I could hit the switch and end this ride
If it came to a stop and someone let me off I know
I would just get right back in line

When I trip, I fall and slow down to a crawl
And feel like I've got nothing left to lose
I may slip, slide, and watch our worlds collide
But I will
Hit the ground running back to you

What kind of love would say
I love you anyway
Oh, time and time again


~~~~ Mercy Me



Isaiah 41:11-,

"Do you feel like a lowly worm, Jacob?
Don't be afraid.
Feel like a fragile insect, Israel?
I'll help you.
I, God, want to reassure you.
The God who buys you back, The Holy of Israel.
I'm transforming you from worm to harrow,
from insect to iron.
As a sharp-toothed harrow you'll smooth out the mountains,
turn those tough old hills into loamy soil.
You'll open the rough ground to the weather,
to the blasts of sun and wind and rain.
But you'll be confident and exuberant,
expansive in The Holy of Israel!”

What is True Wisdom? True wisdom.. Letting your actions do all the talking and your words as mere silence.

So, if there is anything I can pray about for you and you want to keep it private.. Just ask.. What is said to Eddie .. Stays with Eddie.. I promise that!!! You have my word.. Just contact me and we will pray in private.. God bless ya’al.. Send me a message.. You can also check me out on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Chef-Eddies-Restaurant-and-Food-Review/237831496253637 and ask me anything you wish.. You can also tweet me.. @EddieAElsasser

Now, Until we meet again~~ Many journey's into the Love, Style and Taste of the world and food around you...
God Bless
Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

A Tribute to an irreplaceable women.. No one could ever come close to the love, peace and comfort that she gave all including myself.. Thank you Mommy, I will see you again!!!
There are journey’s that we all take.. Weather they are hard or pleasant one’s. This journey is not like any other, but in love and style just the same.. There are times in your life that you have to find out who you really are and, keep things in perspective and of Major Priority. Mom has had a wonderfully successful journey in life and as everyone has to deal with…. hard times that may arise.. She was a fighter, and never gave up on herself or anyone for that matter.. . She never had anything bad or misleading to say about anyone.. If there was someone that was in need, they would never go without… She would make sure that everyone was happy.. Because of her, I am able to fight for all those that can not fight on there own. I am so proud of her.. Because of her, and what God has done through her. I am able to 1. Choose the battles that come. Fight them with all heart, soul and passion.. And, giving all the glory to God. Yet, there are times where a battle will come and we have no other option but… to stand… Believe and fight!!!



She is now in the arms of Jesus. ..Hearing the words Well done good and faithful servant.. She is also Running through the fields of sunflowers. Her Favorite flower. She is at peace and there is no more pain.. No more suffering. She knew Jesus.. She was saved.. and I am going to be with her soon..
Yes, Mom was a fighter..

there were many of battle that came her way that did not move her.. She was adored by many.. There was never a person in need that went without.. If they did not get and feel love from someone that was close to them, My Mom made sure that was corrected.. I am going to miss her sorely until I am able to meet up with her again and Jesus.

Please Pray for us Mom.. along side Jesus.. We all need it now more then ever..

In Christ, there are no goodbyes
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
~~~Mercy Me

All is Well


'Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I,… and…. you are you…. and the old life that we lived so fondly together is

Untouched….unchanged…..

Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.

Play,

smile,

think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity…. What is this death?…. but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an Interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!'

　

What is Dying?!

A ship sails,
and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon,
and someone at my side says
She is gone
Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all.
She is just as large now as when I last saw her.
Her diminished size and total loss from my sight is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says she is gone,
there are others who are watching her coming over their horizon
and other voices take up a glad shout:
There she comes!
That is what dying is. An horizon and just the limit of our sight.

Lift us up, Oh Lord, that we may see further

Hines Sight Online The simple lowdown on Fairfield About Pat Hines

Mama Jeanne

April 9, 2012 at 2:12 pm by Pat

On Saturday at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, I
bid farewell to “Mama Jeanne,” who died April 2 at the age of 80.
Mama Jeanne was Jeanne Elsasser, one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life. For those of you who are longtime readers of the Fairfield Citizen, perhaps you remember her. I certainly know that many in the real estate community recall the round-faced, tall woman who handled their listings, which appeared every Friday in the newspaper.
Since the early 1980s – in the office on South Benson or the temporary one at Heritage Square or the permanent one on Carter Henry — Jeanne handled the customer service for the classified and real estate ads. In those days, customers regularly stopped into the office to place their ads, unlike now where everything is done over the phone. She eventually became the manager of the real estate directory, working closely with the agents and with the newspaper’s production department. I remember vividly seeing her hunched over her desk placing copies of photos and text on the dummies or mechanicals, as they were called. But prior to getting even to that point, Jeanne met with the majority of the realtors, who would sit beside her desk, go over their ads for the coming week and then relax and catch up on family, gossip and town affairs.
And that was the best part about Jeanne – she always made you feel important because she was interested in your life.
My relationship with Jeanne was like that of mother and daughter. I think she was a little unsure of me when I was appointed the editor of the newspaper in 1986. But as the years went on, we became close and I often turned to her for help or advice. And we had a lot of fun – and laughs. Jeanne loved to laugh, and if you got her going, well, look out. She would go into uncontrollable laughter if something struck her particularly funny.
We also were lunch buddies, especially if we had a craving for something off the menu at Breakaway, where Martel is located now. I regularly ordered its grilled chicken sandwich with pesto mayonnaise and Jeanne always got the chicken wings. I usually did the pickup and delivery after Jeanne would place the order. I can hear her on the phone saying she wanted the chicken wings – “the part that flies.” I smile as I think of that memory. And here’s another interesting tidbit about Jeanne – she loved pretzels. But as I came to find out later, she rarely ate the pretzel and instead just sucked the salt off of them. Dozens of pretzels could be found in the waste basket at her desk.
Jeanne was a great cook – and hospitable. She and her husband Art often opened up their Fallow Field Road house in Greenfield Hill to the newspaper staff. Their beautiful home with the built-in swimming pool was the scene of many a party, and Jeanne made all of the food. Oh, and they also had a boat, which they used regularly, including watching the annual Fairfield fireworks display from Long Island Sound.
When the process of coordinating the real estate advertising section changed – Jeanne was going to have to actually go out and sell ads – she and Art decided it was time to retire. So they sold their Fairfield house and headed to Sanibel Island, where they lived for a number of years until returning to Connecticut and living with their daughter and son-in-law in a specially built apartment for them.
That hospitality that was at Jeanne’s core continued when they moved to the island. One time when my friend Cathy and I vacationed in Naples, Fla., we decided to take a side trip to see Jeanne and Art. We expected to spend a few hours with them, but it ended being an overnight stay. Jeanne made us dinner, then provided us with our own accommodations in a wing of their house – separate bedrooms and bath. What a treat. I will never forget it.
The memorial service for Jeanne on Saturday was a simple tribute to a woman who lived a simple life – family, friends, fun. And lots of love.

"dina !" A Restaurant and Bar

A Journey of Love, Style and Taste

By Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

Philadelphia, USA

This site ~ This Blog is your connection into my world, and the journey, love, style and taste of the culinary creations that are around us and abroad. I am hoping by the words that I write about different places I go, will give you access and bring not only a flow of salivating to your mouth but, refuge and tastes that will captivate you and place a permanent smile on your face.…

dina!

A Restaurant and Bar.

26 Danbury Rd, (Rt. 7)

                                      Wilton, CT 06897
                                       203-834-0044

www.Dina.BZ

Well Hello all;

I am certainly happy that I am here with you getting some quality time with my friends to distract my thoughts from a few opportunities that come up in life.. This journey is not like any other, but in love and style just the same.. There are times in your life that you have to find out who you really are and, keep things in perspective and of Major Priority. This journey; I tend to my family and Mom.. Mom has had a wonderfully successful journey in life and as everyone has to deal with…. hard times that may arise.. She is a fighter, and has and will not give up.. I am so proud of her.. Because of her, and what God has done through her. I am able to 1. Choose the battles that come. Fight them with all heart, soul and passion.. And, giving all the glory to God. Yet, there are times where a battle will come and we have no other option but, to stand, Believe and fight!!!

While I have been here in Connecticut.. I had to find a way to turn my thoughts else where for a few.. And what better way to do that is with friends that you know and have proven in the past that they will always stand and fight with you.. So, we ended up at a place in Wilton CT, that I have heard about but, have not seen what all the hoopla is about..

“Dina! “ A cozy little place just outside of the business center of Norwalk. On (Rt. 7) I walked in and I was greeted as if I was family. The owner of this fine establishment is Dina Whieitz and the head Chef; Chef. Chimpa.. Wendy was my Bartender and a… oh so loving hostess as well…. So, I saddled up and, had a cold one popped and fizzed open.. And placed in my holster . It was a light beer… OK.. I am still watching my boyish figure.. Hummm.. Had a few hours of a little joking and banter Lots of laughs… Decided that I need to taste some of that great food I have been hearing about.. And I was starving!


I started out with an appetizer of Risotto Balls. This came with shaved parmesan, chiffonade of Basil and a Roasted Red Pepper Aioli. It was out of the ball park folks.. I am a true fan of these.. They were fried at a high heat and had a light golden brown color to them.. They were very well seasoned and the Train stopped at flavor town.. OSG.. “ Oh So Good” The Pepper Aioli and the Risotto was a great combination.

For the entrée. I went with the Seared Monkfish with Japanese soba noodle. They laid the noodles in a Yellow curry sauce with sautéed vegetables. This was very good. Very well seasoned and had a nice kick on the back of the tongue. Not too hot, but Nice. Gives you a cozy feeling.. Soba noodle is not like your normal flour and water noodle… I bet you are asking… “ What is a Soba Noodle?” Well, I am glad you asked.. The  Soba  (そば or 蕎麦^?) is the Japanese name for buckwheat. It is synonymous with a type of thin noodle made from buckwheat flour, and in Japan can refer to any thin noodle (in contrast to thick wheat noodles, known as udon). Soba noodles are served either chilled with a dipping sauce, or in hot broth as a noodle soup. It takes three months for buckwheat to be ready for harvest, so it can be harvested four times a year, mainly in spring, summer, and autumn. In Japan, buckwheat is produced mainly in Hokkaido.[1] Soba that is made with newly harvested buckwheat is called "shin-soba". It is sweeter and more flavorful than regular soba. In Japan, soba noodles are served in a variety of settings: they are a popular inexpensive fast food at train stations[2] throughout Japan, but are also served by exclusive and expensive specialty restaurants. Markets sell dried noodles[3] and men-tsuyu, or instant noodle broth, to make home preparation easy.

Buckwheat is a variety of plants in thedicot family Polygonaceae: the Eurasian genus Fagopyrum, the North American genus Eriogonum, and the Northern Hemisphere genus Fallopia. Either of the latter two may be referred to as "wild buckwheat." Despite the name, buckwheat’s are not related to wheat, as they are not cereals / grasses (family Poaceae); instead, buckwheat is related to sorrels, knotweeds, and rhubarb.
The cultivation of buckwheat grain, pseudocereal food crop, declined sharply in the 20th century in affluent regions where the usage of nitrogen fertilizer is popular

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soba

Cool Huh.. We have been “schooled” Do you feel a bit smarter now, knowing about Soba and buckwheat?.. (~: I love finding out new Didchaknows. Gives me a foot in, with creating new recipes.. This is also why I go out to other Restaurants… Not only to taste all the great food but, see all that My fellow Culinarians Chefs have discovered and created. And pass that along to you, and infuse it into my cooking.. It’s a Win~ Win dontchknow.. Well ….

There is nothing better then enjoying a great place to eat, except for having the company that you have to sharing the experience with .. I am hoping that I can get a few of you to join me in this adventurous journey and, experience it with me.. Just something to think about.. If you have a place in mind and want to join me.. Or, if you have any questions that you would like to ask of me…. Send me a message.. You can also check me out on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Chef-Eddies-Restaurant-and-Food-Review/237831496253637 and ask me anything you wish.. You can also tweet me.. @EddieAElsasser

Now, Until we meet again~~ Many journey's into the Love, Style and Taste of the world and food around you...
God Bless
Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

Blue Plate

                      

A Journey of Love, Style and Taste

 

By Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

Philadelphia, USA

This site ~ This Blog is your connection into my world, and the journey, love, style and taste of the culinary creations that are around us and abroad. I am hoping by the words that I write about different places I go, will give you access and bring not only a flow of salivating to your mouth but, refuge and tastes that will captivate you and place a permanent smile on your face.…

Blue Plate

856-478-2112

47 S. Main St.

Mullica Hill, NJ 08062

http://www.blueplatenj.com/

It has been a while since we have chatted.. For a month or so, Life was happening and, I had to learn to adjust to the opportunities that arose. So, I am back and full of life.. (-:

By now, you will know that I have lost a lot of weight, and a whole new world for me has opened up.. to start, For the 1^st time in my entire life, I have been getting attention from a lot of woman. I don’t want to sound conceded, I love myself, but it is not all about me.. I had a date today with an awesome woman. She asked me to come meet her and visit with her at The Blue Plate.. From what I have gathered;

“James Malaby chef and owner, was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa. and moved to South Jersey in 2000 in search of his dream. The owner and head chef of blue plate restaurant opened the doors to his dream in December 2005.

James has worked in the restaurant business for nearly 20 years, and has been trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America.

James has worked for several years as first cook, first at Jake's Restaurant and Bar in Manayunk and then at several locations in Arizona including Vincent Guerithault on Camelback, The Arizona Biltmore, and The Phoenician's Windows on the Green. Mr. Malaby also returned to Jake's as Sous Chef, before working at Philadelphia's well-known four star restaurant Brasserie Perrier owned by George Perrier.

Chef Malaby offers creative culinary innovations that combine a New American and French cuisine. Some signature dishes he has created are his carrot-apple risotto with andouille sausage, his oven roasted mahi served with roasted tomato, dill and fresh crabmeat, and his warm chocolate "sex" on a blue plate for dessert!!! This dessert gives chocoholics their fix.

The town of Mullica Hill is a quaint, historic town located in Southern New Jersey. Mullica Hill was established in the late 17th Century, and has an extensive history which has placed it on both the national and New Jersey State Register of Historical places.

Today, Mullica Hill is a lively Main Street offering day-trippers a host of shops from antiques, fine arts, jewelry, and boutiques.”

The Blue plate is the kind of place that you might find by accident or word of mouth. I have to say, this is a place that I believe the word is going to start to spread like wildfire. It is a Family Restaurant. In what used to be someone’s Home.. With Chef James French ~ American forte of his cuisine As soon as you open the door, loving hospitality is hugely exuberant. We were greeted by Brianna. With the biggest smile. Nice way to start an experience in culinary and that we got.. We sat down and as I looked around. The walls were filled with Art for sale by local artist. I felt like I was a guest of someone’s home, and treated just the same. Betsy our waitress was very warm, friendly, informative and lead us into a great meal.

I had Chef. Jame’ s Sunday brunch special’s which started with Crab Bisque. The Bisque was loaded with crab and flavor.. The balance between crab, sherry and the seasonings was there and, everything hit the palette with delight. It was smooth and no after taste. ... Then I continued with Oysters Maritiere Braised in wine …the oysters were laid over 3 Medallions of French Baguette bread with a Garlic butter sauce… which was infused with Dill and I believe thyme. I found this to be a little strong in garlic and butter for me. This could have happened because of orders being rushed out. There was a lot of people visiting today. My friend had homemade very large stuffed Strawberry Pancake‘s… I did not get to try them. But, by the looks of them.. They were Very light and fluffy and loaded with Strawberries. Served with homemade Turkey sausage. At the end of the meal. I was enjoying the company and was feeling very comfortable and relaxed so,  by this, I am known to have lots of coffee.. Just did not want to leave..

I highly recommend checking out Blue Plate.. In a town that might be far, you will feel right at home.. ~~~~ Grande salle à manger avec amour.. (great dinning with love)

There is nothing better then enjoying a great place to eat, except for having the company that you have to sharing the experience with .. I am hoping that I can get a few of you to join me in this adventurous journey and, experience it with me.. Just something to think about.. If you have a place in mind and want to join me.. Send me a message..

Now, Until we meet again~~ Many journey's into the Love, Style and Taste of food around you...
God Bless
Your Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

                      

The Good Dog, Center City Philadelphia, PA

A Journey of Love, Style and Taste

By Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

Philadelphia, USA

This site ~ This Blog is your connection into my world, and the journey, love, style and taste of the culinary creations that are around us and abroad. I am hoping by the words that I write about different places I go, will give you access and bring not only a flow of salivating to your mouth but, refuge and tastes that will captivate you and place a permanent smile on your face.…

　

The Good Dog

Center City, Philadelphia, PA

224 South 15th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
p. 215.985.9600
f. 215.985.1918
info@gooddogbar.com

http://www.gooddogbar.com/

Today is a day that I just found myself walking off the beaten path.. I love to watch Guy Fieri in triple D all the time (Diners ~Drive-ins and Dives.). He has gone to a few places that are within my stomping grounds. I decided to fallow him in his footsteps this time.. Into The Good Dog I had stopped there once before with a friend and had some local brews that I’ve never tried before.. I am a Dog lover so, I found myself gazing wildly at all the Pictures that they have flowing all over the place.. They always say, that a Dogs owner starts to look like his/her dog after a while…. and the scary thing is,… I think I found my long lost best friend on one of the walls.. Man what a resemblance!! OK, Well anyway….

This time I went back with him and another friend of his. And I do have to say that the food IS something to write home about.. We started out having the Truffled cheese steak empanadas stuffed with thinly sliced Rib-eye steak & Truffled cheddar cheese, served with a bourbon infused rogue chocolate stout sauce for dipping… That was outstanding… In every bite there was a full bountiful taste of the Rib-Eye, The Truffle was not over powering, but very delicate. Mixed with cheddar it gave it balance.. There was the bourbon infused rogue chocolate sauce.. Which tasted to me like it had the natural drippings of the rib-eye right in there.. It was a beautiful marriage..

My Friend had the good dog burger, 1/2 lb. of house ground sirloin stuffed with Roquefort cheese & topped with caramelized onions, served on a toasted brioche bun.. My other friend had the fried tomato BLT, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce & fried

tomatoes topped with basil mayo, served on country sourdough.. Yes, I am wondering the same thing… It must of been great~~ She did not offer me a taste at all.. And it was all gone.. Hummmm !

I ordered the famous Duck Pot Pie.. duck confit, peas, shiitake mushrooms, celery, carrots, onions & potatoes all in a savory duck gravy baked between two layers of golden pie crust, served with mixed greens in a creamy balsamic vinaigrette … Well, I am not a fan of this one.. But I have to say. I think it was an off day for one of the cooks. It was served to me without the side greens and the top and bottom crust was not golden.. It was still raw.. And the center of the dish was very very bland.. Very starchy taste.. I had to send it back.. I then went and ordered the Good dog Burger as my friend had.. The waiter and the Chef both came out and apologized for the error.. And comped my whole meal.. Plus they did not even know who I was and, that I am reviewing them That spoke volumes to me.. That they go out of their way to satisfy the guest.. They where so loving, kind and apologetic about it to me.. That kind of service excites me and pumps me up.. Chef… Bella Primo to Ya !!

Oh yes, The Good Dog Burger.. Eminently impressive!!! You bite into this burger and it ousses out with a oooey gooey saucy Roquefort cheese of delight. The fresh taste of the sirloin, the eye rollingly good caramelized onion right on top with a Brioche bun.. It all just melts in your mouth…. As Guy would say, “I was riding the train to favor town on that one“..

All in all, as I was visiting. I felt like I was in a place with family.. Very warm loving and a friendly atmosphere.. All the comforts of home …350 miles away..



There is nothing better then enjoying a great place to eat, except for having the company that you have, and bring with you.. I am hoping that I can get a few of you to join me in this adventurous journey and, experience it with me.. Just something to think about.. If you have a place in mind and want to join me.. Send me a message..

Now, Until we meet again~~ Many journey's into the Love, Style and Taste of food around you...
God Bless
Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

Pucci’s Restaurante and Pizza

                         A Journey of Love, Style and Taste
                                                              By Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser
                                                                      Philadelphia, USA

This site ~ This Blog is your connection into my world, and the journey, love, style and taste of the culinary creations that are around us and abroad. I am hoping by the words that I write about different places I go, will give you access and bring not only a flow of salivating to your mouth but, refuge and tastes that will captivate you and place a permanent smile on your face.…

Pucci’s Restaurante and Pizza

                                                          728 Highland Ave
                                                      Waterbury, CT 06708
                                                    www.puccisrestaurant.com
                                                             203-757-4266

Today was a day of “ketchup” with great friends from high school.. And my memories were working in overdrive.. There are a lot of things that I wish I could have changed about myself if I knew better then what I know now.... Where is that time machine when you need it?.. I think I lent it out so much that I forgot who I gave the keys to last.. (-: oh well, I guess this is just a time that saying “It is what it is” works best.. You can not change the past BUT the future is ready and raw for the oven!!!.. Speaking of such;

As I was reliving my past, I took a trip with a great friend of mine “Eve’.. We went to have lunch at Pucci’s Restaurante and Pizza in Waterbury, CT.. Keith Gilbert, is Chef and Owner of Pucci’s. They have been the proprietors of Pucci’s for about 3 years now.. And it goes’ without saying that Chef Keith and his wife are doing very well for themselves.. They have put a lot of love into what is obvious, they are very passionate about.. And the food really comes out shining.

As, we sat down Eve, teased me that I had to touch the flowers on the table to see if they were real.. LOL …. I don’t really know why, I guess I was thinking on how far do they go on providing a loving and family atmosphere. I have seen a lot of fake flowers on tables, and you can see a lot in the small stuff. If they are serious about what they do?!

There was a complimentary Homemade Italian bread served. There are few foods that give me a memory spark but, I remembered as I was eating this that, it reminded me of a place that my Mom and Dad always took us when we were kids. It is not around anymore but, it was called the Arrow in Westport CT.. By the Train station in Saugatuck.. I like when that happens. I feel like I am at home where I am.. Even if I am far away..

I had the Eggplant Parmigiana . I choose that because, it is not a dish that just anyone can whip up easily.. It takes a lot of love to make.. It can be screwed up very easily. Eggplant is temperamental. It came with homemade, Cavitelli noodle pasta.. Cavitelli reminds me of Gnocchi.. But not made from potato. It was simply amazing.. Keith took the eggplant and sliced it thin. As you would for Prosciutto Italian ham. This enhances the taste and favor of the dish. Chef Keith did not bread it and, I think that was a great idea.. It was smothered with a lightly sweet Marinara more from the basil, and lemon from the Thyme. It had a over all balance to it and it was perfect.. The cheese was plentiful and gooing all over my plate ..Love that… The Cavitelli was divine. When making pasta from hand, It is all about time and temperature . Chef Keith hit the nail on the head with this one. It had a soft chew to it. Not doughy, It melted in your mouth..

My friend Eve, gave me a bite of her Chicken Parmigiana. Off the hook. Lavishly exquisite. The chicken was tender and seasoned perfectly.. I am a big foodie and I love all styles and cultures of foods but, my love… What I am a huge pushover for… Italian food. And chef Keith doe’s it so well.

I have a lot of friends in the southern CT area and a few in New York and New Jersey.. I really give a huge 2 thumbs up for Pucci’s.. it is not hard to get to. It is 2 minutes from RT 8 in Waterbury.. Go.. Be there, you will not regret it one bite..

 You have seen by now that all the places that I write about have great feed back.. Well.. There is a reason for that.. I have gone to a lot of Restaurants over time, and only the good ones stand out and are worth mentioning. Do you really want to hear the Bad things in life or the good things.. Yes, you are right.. The good things have more meaning, inspiration and impacted in your life..

There is nothing better then enjoying a great place to eat, except for having the company that you have, and bring with you.. I am hoping that I can get a few of you to join me in this adventurous journey and, experience it with me.. Just something to think about.. If you have a place in mind and want to join me.. Send me a message..

Now, Until we meet again~~ Many journey's into the Love, Style and Taste of food around you...
God Bless
Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

Beck’s Cajun Cafe

A Journey of Love, Style and Taste

By Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

Philadelphia, USA

This site ~ This Blog is your connection into my world, and the journey, love, style and taste of the culinary creations that are around us and abroad. I am hoping by the words that I write about different places I go, will give you access and bring not only a flow of salivating to your mouth but, refuge and tastes that will captivate you and place a permanent smile on your face.…

Beck’s Cajun Café

The Reading Terminal Market

12^th and Arch Streets

Philadelphia, PA

www.BECKSCAJUNCAFE.com

Today was a nice not too Hot and, not too cold Fall day. I was inspired to take a walk through downtown Philly after work .. I am a people watcher and, I love to see what kind of hoopla is going on in the city.. Philly is known as a very diverse people.. And with all the Protesting going on at City Hall, and religious groups setting themselves up on the street corners, there is a lot to see and hear… As I was walking, The Redding Terminal Market pop up in mind…

Then onto Beck’s Cajun café.. Nothing better then on a nice brisk day to have something comforting from one of the best New Orleans style restaurants. When I 1^st moved down here, I didn’t have a lot of money left over.. So I walked around to a lot of different places in Philly.. And Beck’s Cajun was one that I will never forget.. Just from the experience that I am having from Beck’s is going to push me onto New Orleans one day.. And I hope to bring some of you with me..

I pulled myself up to the counter and said… OOO WEEE… That smells like good cookin.. I’ll git some of that Fantastic Etouffee with white rice and 2 sweet corn bread muffins.. I couldn’t stop my friends. I had to have the Muffaletta.. The Muffaletta Traditionally has Salami, Ham, Mortadella, Sharp Provolone and a olive salad served on Rustic Italian Bread… Out of this world good..

The Etouffee is a everyday Cajun~~ Creole traditional kind of life and love in eating. There are many star ingredients to use, like shrimp, chicken, lamb.. Either choice, you can find that the Etouffee is always a base of onion, peppers and celery.. (The trinity) a dark brown roux, seafood stock or Chicken stock and Cajun seasonings and, always served with rice.. I like to take the sweet corn bread and mix in cubes of it.. Oye… so good… I am telling you, I have not had Etouffee this good anywhere.. I have not even made it this well myself..

There is nothing better then enjoying a great place to eat, except for having the company that you have, and bring with you.. I am hoping that I can get a few of you to join me in this adventurous journey and, experience it with me.. Just something to think about..

Now, Until we meet again~~ Many journey's into the Love, Style and Taste of food around you...
God Bless
Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser