Amada's, By Jose Garces'

Amada’s

By Jose Garces’. Iron Chef; America

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.…

　

Hello ya’al

Today’s journey was particularly special to me. One, It was Jose Garces’ Restaurant called Amada’s and two, It was a style of cousin that I have not sampled before, and sampling it was.. It is a Spanish Tapas service style of cousin. Ta~pas meaning.
Small Spanish savory dishes, typically served with drinks at a bar
Tapas is the name of a wide variety of appetizers, or snacks, in Spanish cuisine. They may be cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or warm (such as chopitos, which are battered, fried baby squid).

I had a friend with me and as we entered, to the time that we left. I felt like I was being greeted and served by family.. There was a lot of warmth and sincere love of what they were there to do.. I was grateful to be a part of it.. We called in for our table and, I would say that is the best thing to do.. Although we had to sit at the Bar for a short period, they made it a joy to be there. Starting with very a pleasant, Chipper and welcoming young beautiful lady behind the Bar. My friend was unable to serve an ID because, he was, from out of the country and he left his passport at home.. So, she offered on the house,… a homemade Strawberry Lemonade with mint that was outstanding..
As you look around the Restaurant the, architecture held a very warm old world and contemporary feel to it.
We then were lead to our table. I was very happy, because they gave us a table that was next to the open kitchen. I love to people watch.. And seeing my brothers in culinary arms at work so diligently and passionately doing their work is great to see.

Since it was easier and better on me, because of my diet, we split the cost and menu/We order 4 dishes and a dessert , The waiter came with a complimentary starter. That was Flatbread points with, a olive ~caper spread. Very nice start.. For our 1^st Tapas course we started out with ALB ÓNDIGAS Lamb Meatballs & Shaved Manchego with a Foie Gras Sherry sauce… This was so good. The spice between the lamb and the Foie Gras sauce was perfectly balanced. You could taste everything in it, spices, Cheese, mint, Foie Gras. and most of all the lamb

The 2^nd course was GAMBAS CON GARBANZOS Shrimp, Chorizo & Garbanzo Bean Purée . WOW.. I get very excited about these kind of dishes. It is more like Italian/spanish comfort food. That was a bit healthier for you.. Again it was balanced in flavor and everything could be identified on the dish..

The 3^rd course was a TORTILL A ESPAÑOLA Spanish Tortilla & Saffron Aioli. I felt like it had more of a potato dumpling taste to it.. I would say, without the saffron aioli it would have been very bland. It was very unique and different.. I like it. My friend not so much.

The 4^th course was a SETAS Seasonal Wild Mushrooms. It was lined with a basil oil and a wedge of lemon. .This had a very nice fire grilled smoky taste to it, and it was good, but It was a bit too salty for my taste. With the diversity of people in this world, the salt could be a good thing to someone else..



Finally, My Favorite part of the night… dessert… I am a sucker for Chocolate.. And this one takes top billing.. Pastel De Chocolate; Flourless Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Ice Cream & Chocolate-Hazelnut Caramel.. I was bowled over.. The cake seemed to have a little wafer to it, and that with the combination of the mousse and the ice cream.. My eye’s were rolling to the back of my head.. I was totally Wowed from bringing to the end of the dinning experience.. You should have seen me, I was as giddy as a little child.

I am definitely going back to see Amada, by Jose Garces’ . They are located at 217-219 Chestnut Street | Philadelphia PA 19106 | T 215-625-2450 . And the website is..

http://amadarestaurant.com/index.html

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

A Journey of Love, Style and Taste

By Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

Philadelphia, USA

Philadelphia’s "City Tap House"

Philadelphia’s City Tap House

University City, Walnut St.

　

Today, I just got a new roommate and, I was itching to get out and do something, To do a little taste bud exploration … We set out looking for another Restaurant, but failed to find it. I set back a bit and visited once again a place that I find inviting and unique, to the sports Bar setting…It is called The City Tap Room off of Walnut St. in University City in Philly.40^th and Walnut. Next to Bobbies Burger paradise. You walk in and, the restaurant comes alive to your senses. To the left there is a garden patio that over looks the city. The Bar is about 150ft round. There is an open kitchen to gaze at the Chef’s doing there Chefie thing.. Very Cool.. I am not a big drinker But, I do love to have a good beer that accompanies my meal with some great friends. They have a selection of beers that are brewed right here in Philadelphia.. There are so many style’s and, the names of them sometimes cracks me up… (like Victory Monkey Beer) LOL …

I went this time with my new roommate and was handed the new menu.. They made a few changes. And as far as I can see, they did a great job at it.. I choose a Rib-eye steak on a soft French Baguette rolls. The Steak was sliced nice and thin to enhance the flavor more... It had fine sliced fried onion strings, a fondue Cheese sauce with bourbon and I choose to have the Sweet Potato Fries with a honey mustard bourbon sauce… I coupled that up with a local beer that had a hint of honey/Cherry and a soft amber taste… Outstanding.. This is the second time I have been here and, they have always made my 5 senses come alive and look outside the culinary box.

Smell, Sight, Taste, hearing….LOVE (-:

The staff is always extremely informational and loving.. Is there a better place to go where you find great food, Friends and Game’s to watch on several Big Screen TV’s around the Restaurant. ?! If so let me know, and I will travel there.. The next time I go, I am going to be kicking it… out on the Garden patio…That would be a great spot to have a gathering of Friends and a Family reunion..

Just a note; I did find the original Restaurant I wanted to go. I will tell you about that soon... (-:

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

A Journey of Love, Style and Taste

By Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

Fairfield County CT.

The Southport Brewing Co

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Today was a journey not only for a great place to visit, but a journey back in time in my career and life.. I was visiting family this 4^th of July weekend and decided to set out and check out my past. The town that I grew up in and a town that built me.. For some reason when you have been away from home for a great length of time, Things seen not only different and still familiar, but smaller… I don’t know what made me think that, but the only thing I could come up with is that we grow in every aspect of our lives. I still may be a kid at heart, but I am matured in many different ways. That I owe to my Mom and Dad. Every time I look in the mirror, I see my Dad and when I speak, I hear my Mom.. If I was my Dad, I would be a “Mini Me” LOL

As I was driving up the post Rd in Fairfield and entered Southport. There is a place that just made me have to stop and check things out.. The Southport Brewing Co. When I 1^st started out in my Culinary career, I work at a place that was called The East Coast Bar and Grill. I walked in and I started to see my past come alive.. I sat at a table that was directly in front of the open kitchen that was there then as well. I could here the chef yelling at me and throwing food at me.. One night, I was cleaning out the fryer and it was a recycling frying. I started to pour the oil back in.. Yeah, maybe you have guessed it already.. I left the spout open and all the oil was on the floor…LOL, only I was not laughing then. They decided to call me Captain, and declared mutiny on me.. They ganged up on me and tided me to the post.. And started singing Yo Ho Ho, with a vat of oil on the floor… They were fun times. It was places like that, that gave me strength to carry on and never give up on myself or anyone else….

When I was working there, there was always a great amount of people coming to eat there. We did about 800 people a night. Many Celebrities visited as well and, one night I remember very clearly and, I’ll never forget this. Paul Newman came in with a group of people and he was there all night.. At the end of my night, I was the only one left in the kitchen and after I finished my cleaning. I looked out into the dinning room and, Paul was standing there looking into the kitchen. I don’t know what came over me but, I stood at attention and saluted Paul.. I was bowled over when I saw him put his 2 feet together and stood at attention and then saluted me… He was such a great man. My Mom worked with him in Easter Seals with the kids.. He had a heart of Gold and it was huge..

Oh yeah, back to the Restaurant at hand.. I ordered the Mahi Mojo sandwich that was on a ciabatta roll with Cajun remoulade dressing, Red Bermuda onions and tomato.. And Sweet potato fries and a half sour pickle on the side.. The sweet potato fries were perfect.. I have not been to many places that were able to succeed at frying the sweet potato. It is sort of an art to do so. Some what like making the perfect fry.. When the potatoes are 1^st cut, you soak them in water overnight and then strain. Then blanch them, When you blanch, do not fry and have color to it, just until they are soft and a little limp. Place on paper sheet trays and dry.. This means the starch is out. Then when the fries are cool. Finish in the fryer until a darker color to the sweet potatoes, and golden brown to the bakers. You will get a crunch on the outside and meaty and soft in the center.. Yum, Yum. They have achieved the perfect fry..

The Sandwich was tasty, but the cooks burnt my roll and dried out my Mahi.. I am not going to give up on them. I will give them at least 2 of more chances to see if there is any consistency…The service was great, they were very attentive to me and always smiled. I always believe in 2^nd or more chances. So I do recommend going out to the Southport Brewing Co. and having an experience. There is much to look at with all the Beer brewing going on., and watching the Chef’s cook.
Now, Until we meet again~~ Many journey's into the Love, Style and Taste of food around you...
God Bless
Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

A Journey of Love, Style and Taste

By Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

Philadelphia, USA

A Journey of Love, Style and Taste

By Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

Philadelphia, USA

Today is a day of new journey’s. Being a transplant myself, coming from the beaches of southwest Florida, to the big city streets of Philly is, an experience all on it’s own.. Walking down the city streets looking at the largeness of everything around you can be a bit overwhelming at times but, as the days go on, and you get out and explore, you begin to have a little fun with it.. I took myself down Market St. Under and through Historic City Hall, and continue on Market St. East. To the corner of 12^th St. I found myself looking at this huge guitar spinning around, advertising the Hard Rock Café of Philly. And the words under it gave me a loving welcome, ‘Love All, Serve All”

I Then, wiped the tears from my eyes… lol... and continued up 12^th St. to The Reading Terminal Market… http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/merchants/category/restaurants

I have to tell ya as a Chef, these are place’s that you only dream of visiting. As you walk through the front doors, you instantly begin to sense that you are in another country even another World….. My mouth was salivating and my jaw dropped… I have never been to New Orleans…Yet it kind of had a Marti Gras feeling to it.. I can imagine that this could be the close’s thing to it… It is all set up as if you are walking down the streets of each country that you visit… You can feel the excitement and joy of everyone in the place… You are not just eating food, you are taking a “Journey through each country you visit.. There are Restaurants such as;

Delilah’s at the Terminal.. She is the gal that won the best Mac and Cheese recipe in the country, and beat Bobby Flay on the “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” of Course they have not tasted my Mom’s; “Mrs. E’s Mac and Cheese” yet.. There‘s a reason for that, No Contest ….Mom’s is the best… I will have to try Delilah’s though, just for curiosity’s sake….. On the other side of the square, there is Beck’s Cajun Café. I was greeted with the warmest welcome, and the biggest smile.. The Girl behind the counter saw me drooling, and offered me a taste of Their Etouffee....WOW, It is out of this world… My eyes rolled behind my head in glee…Then a couple clicks down the street… you find yourself in the Middle East.. At Kamal’s Middle Eastern Specialty’s. with Indian and Pakistani cuisine.  I love a good kick around in the mouth and tongue once in a while...I crave Middle Eastern Food.. I got more then I ever expected.. As Guy Fieri would say, It was most definitely “Off the Hook“…

There is something for every love, style and taste… Vegetarian, Seafood, Meat Markets, Cheese Market… Tokyo Sushi Bar, Beer Garden, Chocolates By. Mueller… and Farmers Markets….
Now if you go, You will find out that you can not just visit once. You would have to go everyday for a year to taste all the lavish and delectable foods. You will also find that, if you plan it out right. You will finish up at a few places like Chocolates By. Mueller and Termini Brother’s Bakery. Being on my health kick and all, I started to get a little dizzy walking by those shops.. I had to pick up the pace and even start running away.. (-: I’m Just sayin…

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

A Journey of Love, Style and Taste

By Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

Philadelphia, USA

Let me start out by introducing myself. I am Chef Eddie and, I have been in the culinary business for 25 years now. I started out in the late 80’s as a Prep-cook/ Dishwasher. I found the Restaurant industry fascinating and, I wanted and needed to know more. It was at that point, my passion and love for cooking took off like a rocket.. My Mom and my Aunt Hopie, where the one’s that inspired and nurtured me into the culinary world. It all started with a simple Philly Style Cheese steak hoagie. Then My Aunt Hopie, challenged me in a Thanksgiving turkey contest… Although I won, I knew better. Aunt Hopie was scheming. This was her way of trying to make me think that I had what it took to become a Great Chef one day… I miss her a great deal. She is in Heaven with Jesus now and still, I can her say,” I don’t want to hear those words…”I can’t do it.  If I hear it again.. I’ll kick you in the You’ll do it.” LOL. My Mom was the same way, blood runs thick in the Elsasser- Lindeman-Sedlak family rivers.
Then becoming a Executive Chef and owning my own Personal Chef Service was in the latter years, Aunt Hopie and, my Mom knew I could do it. I just needed a kick in the butt. With Chef. Eddie’s Personal Chef service, I wanted to bring my love of cooking and creating foods to the private and public sector.. This also allowed me to work closely with my clients and learn for myself what they wanted and needed of me and providing them with an experience in their homes and lives. We sat down and picked out the creations that they wanted to have prepared. I went out to shop for them in the local seafood, Farmers, and Meat markets that were in their area. I then brought the food back to their home or business and prepared it. Most time's I would package the meals and place them in the Refrigerator or freezer providing them meals for a day thru a week at a time.. There were many occasions that I would serve them as a family or a dinner reception that they were hosting.. In the time that I had provided this service. I have worked for a few celebrities.
( i.e.) Sports, Hollywood and the music industry).. and many single and large families..
I am currently working at the finest luxury Hotel Company in the world. The Ritz-Carlton. I have never worked with a more loving, creative and talented group of people in one company before.. I have worked along side the most talented and articulate minded chef’s in the world. All at my finger tips. I am so grateful and honored to have this availability to this kind of education.. I believe that one will never stop learning until the day his brain is 6 feet under…then with the Lord..
This site ~ 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… Do to the high demand of the things that go on around us that sometimes are out of our control, I will make every effort in up-dating this site …
Up to 2 times a month…

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