Will work for food

A couple of weeks ago I went to the lovely city of Boston for work. Besides my Dunkin' Donuts ice coffee (and sometimes a doughnut) every single day, I have to say I had some pretty amazing food while I was there. It helps a lot to have friends that love to eat, and I can say i'm lucky to have plenty of those :)

As soon as I got there — starving from the long flight with NO food — my friend Lynne had me over for dinner and made this amazing pork loin with mashed sweet potatoes and apple compote. It totally hit the spot and was perfect with a glass of red wine and some VMAs for entertainment.

One night, Lynne took me and the girls from the office to this great Italian restaurant called ERBALUCE. I can't describe how amazing the food was. We all ordered something different and the chef (Charles Draghi) was nice enough to send us a few little extra things. You can check out some of his videos here, specially the Chocolate & Caramelized Orange Tarts, I had it and it tastes as good as it looks!

Beautiful Summer Soup with edible flowers

Jessie's Crab Risotto on the shell | shrimps w/corn salsa

raviolis w/something delicious inside (can't remember what)

Lynne's bunny—I mean rabbit—with strawberries

Dreamy chocolate & caramelized orange tart

Other good spots I went to this time around:

SONSIE on Newbury street, great for drinks and people watching.

OLECITO on Inman Square, great fish taco & chips & salsa for lunch.

CENTRAL KITCHEN on central sq, always amazing. Everything is good.

STEPHANIES on Newubury, a bit pricey but the salads are really great.

JP LICKS, one of my fav ice cream places — had the oreo cake batter! dayum!

PHO PASTEUR on Chinatown, great soups after a shopping spree downtown.

Meal at SONSIE with Suru: Gnocci w/ tomato sauce | Butternut Squash & Sage pizza

Amazing beef soup from Pho Pasteur

Overall I had the best time in Boston, tons of work but tons of play as well. Thanks to all the friends who shared meals with me. Oh, and I also shot a cooking video which I will post soon!

Stuffed Grape Leaves

A couple of weeks ago — after fun times at happy hour with some friends — I happened to walk by a greek specialty store. I walked in pretty excited... I've been wanting to make stuffed grape leaves for a while and I knew I'd find them there. I left the store with a small jar of leaves, some amazingly fresh feta cheese, and a big smile.

The next day, recipe in hand, I got to work. I decided to try this vegetarian recipe, but instead of white rice i used brown rice (healthier and tasted the same). I recommend watching the video as well.

Though they required some patience to make (specially during the assembly) they where pretty easy. Cut up all the filling ingredients, wash up leaves, stuff, cook and eat! I served them with a quick yogurt sauce for dipping and they where delish (yogurt, lime juice, parsley, salt & pepper). The recipe makes a lot, so you'll have plenty of leftovers.