A Banh Mi for me
The cool, little Springs eatery, the Hot Box Grill, is now serving a casual, order at the counter lunch. Yea! I recently picked up some sandwiches that were all completely scrumptious and definitely not your run of the mill offerings. The Vietnamese Banh Mi was filled with a rustic pork pate and crunchy vegetables, with a kick from vinegar and fresh jalapenos. As you all know, I am a South Floridian so, it goes without saying, that when I saw a Cuban sandwich on the menu I was not only excited, but also a little skeptical. I needn’t have been, it was the closest thing to the real deal I have eaten in California – all right, I have never even seen a Cuban sandwich in California – although, it was tasty all the same. Generous amounts of tender shredded pork shoulder and sliced ham, Swiss cheese, crunchy homemade pickles and a buttery, sweet bun are all pressed into a happy mess till melted and toasty. A hefty salad features local, seasonal vegetables and greens from Paul’s Produce. The killer burger has already garnered a stellar reputation with local aficionados, with the choice of one, two or three house-ground beef patties – three patties?! – grilled to order and served up on their gorgeous homemade bun. Homemade ingredients such as that bun, pickles, sauces, their to-die-for sea salt potato chips and Addie’s gargantuan, just-baked chocolate chip cookies simply reveal the Hot Box team’s thoughtful appreciation to the details too often overlooked at most restaurants. On a side note: a huge congratulation to Chef-Owners Addie and Norman Owens who are now expecting their first child! Hot Box is located at 18350 Sonoma Highway. Call 939.8383 for reservations. Lunch is served Thursday thru Sunday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Latte Perfection
It is not often that I declare my undying love for something or somebody, but y’all take note because this is one of them. I love a Sunflower Caffé latte. I truly, utterly adore their heavenly combination of warm milk and strong espresso. I love them so much that I would marry one if I could! Sorry honey. I am undoubtedly addicted to them. Coffee crack. Admitting it is the first step, right? It’s a tad bit worrisome that I sometimes go to bed thinking, “Mmmm, latte,” and frequently wake up to my New Orleans coffee and chicory feeling slightly underwhelmed, which I have also had a long love affair with as well, if you must know. I don’t allow myself to indulge in one as often as I’d like, but have been known to schedule coffee meetings at the Sunflower simply for the “it’s work” excuse. If you’re thinking that this gal is wacko, I promise if you have one, there just isn’t any going back. Know that you’ve been warned. I was never a latte fan before I spied these beauties whipped up by the brilliant baristas here. You see, it’s so sad. Most coffee shops either completely scald the milk or over-froth it, resulting in steamed milk that is, simply put, not nice. At the Sunflower, the girls have perfected the art of not only perfectly steaming the milk, but designing lovely little leaves and hearts expertly sculpted from the foam. Stay tuned for additional reasons to fall in love with the Sunflower. 421 First Street West, the Sonoma Plaza. sonomasunflower.com
The best thing I ate this week
Spring sprung, but you’d never know it by the cruddy weather we’ve been experiencing this week. Although in the midst of this dreary freezing rain and hail I was wholly reminded that, yes, it truly is spring. While on a dining adventure to Yountville, I spied fresh English peas on the menu at Bouchon. A lavish, individual cast iron skillet of them. Oh gosh, I do enjoy fresh peas. I especially enjoy them when someone else has shelled them. I also wholeheartedly enjoy them much more enthusiastically when they are prepared with an ungodly amount of butter. Oh, and are they at Bouchon. Fresh, perfectly cooked peas. Served with more sweet butter than you would ever dare add at home. And, that my dears, is why we love the French.
Buttered Fresh English Peas
Recipe inspired by Bouchon Bistro
Serves 4 as a side dish
3 cups shelled fresh English peas (about 3 pounds unshelled)
3 T. unsalted butter, cut into bits
Best quality coarse salt to taste
In a saucepan bring 3 cups water to a boil and add peas. Simmer peas until tender, 3 to 8 minutes, and drain. In a bowl toss hot peas with butter and salt to taste. Serve immediately.
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