Simplicity

It was a long week at the office and I returned home late on Friday evening ready to celebrate the 1st night of Chanukah with the wife. We we both tired and I hesitated the urge to put together a big fancy meal. What we produced is an example that you can take a few simple staples laying around the house and create a delicious, simplistic meal.

1. Wheat Spaghetti
2. Tomato Sauce (my favorite store bought is Prego Mushroom)
3. Romaine & Red Peppers
4. Ken's Italian Dressing
5. Crushed Red Peppers
6. Red Wine

Happy Chanukah!

The Ultimate Tailgate with Dry Towel

On Sunday November 22, 2009 the standard for how one should tailgate at The Razor was brought to a whole new level. No words can really do justice to how intense this tailgate really was. So instead, I will simply post pictures with some needed captions. Please note that many thanks and appreciation must go to Rich and Tony for their culinary creations along with Prosciutto Sullivan, IM Parks and Howard L for coordinating a Sunday to remember.

We were in Parking Space #1 in the East Side Fidelity Lot, arrival 11:55am for the 4:15pm kickoff against the Jets of New York.

(View from Parking Spot #1 directly in front of the Patriots Hall of Fame)
Abe Coon was ready for the 1st snap from the get go. Here is is pictured outside the Patriots Proshop with his authentic Mexican Poncho

We ran into Mike Golic from ESPN's Mike and Mike in the Morning. You may have also seen him on the Nutrasystem Commericals. He spent most of the day telling us the secrets of the glysemic index which separates good carbs from bad. He also feasted on real man food like pizza and poatroast. You know, rib sticking meals. Here is another picture of mike taken just days before during his shoot:

Tony and Rich got to work on the homemade turdunken. Pictured here is the addition of Duck Bacon. I never realized there was enough real estate on a duck to get duck bacon.......
The Turdunken on the Grill


While Tony and Rich were hard and work, Proshuto and L were busy mixing up the Captain and Cider...............
IM Parks meanwhile was focused on getting the first chip inside the 7 layer dip.........

Grill Master Goat who, thanks to the boys, was able to focus on the appetizer Butcher Boy Wangs. Yes, Wangs.

Here we see the finished product of Lynn's Famous Hungarian Paprika, Salt,....you know the rest.....


++INTERESTING++ Rich introduced me to a rare onion I had never seen before. Mayan Onions are the sweetest onion on earth. 10X sweeter than a American Vidalia. They were amazing. I suggest you all go out and get one ASAP.

In go the Lobsters.....

Out come the lobsters...

and the hot dogs.....

and the Proshuto/Basel Log......

and the lemon pepper chicken which Rich wanted to inhale because it tasted so tender and juicy. He stated: "the smell.....oh man......Leeevy, come take a whiff of this!"

The Sampler Plate. Perfection.

Ace of Cakes for Pat's Birthday



"You know Pat, Boy's will be Boysssssss"-Albert Einstein

The Group Shot. Great work gentlemen. Until next time,

Grill Master Goat

Fall 2009

The Fall Season 2009 has been filled with many wonderful events including weddings, tailgates, delicious meals, and wonderful times with friends and family. Here is a recap of some of the highlights.........

Lets start with The Burger. After a year of strong effort on the wedding diet, one of my favorite foods has made its way back into my regular schedule.

This masterpiece pictured above was consumed at Stephanie's on Tremont in the South End. After a long afternoon of strolling through the hood on the South End House Tour, my wife and I were treated to a delicious lunch by my father at this Boston main stay's second location. The picture speaks for its self. 100% Perfection.

Just a few weeks prior, at Howard L's tailgate located at Silver Hair Towers, we made the healthy choice to consume Buffalo Burgers. Although Buffalo is much leaner than Cow, this burger below did NOT sacrifice taste. Moist, juicy and tender, these were consumed in approximately 3 minutes with help from IM Parks, Nichols, Bobby T and Dr. Joel Levy. L, made the good call on the Swiss.

After a few beverages, some of us had fun with the leftovers and decided to make the DE-CONSTRUCTED "MATURE" Buffalo Burger....

The next picture does not need any introduction. On a trip to the West Coast to celebrate the wedding of dear friends Lizzie and Matt, I drove the rent a car from the airport directly to IN & OUT and ordered the one and only.....DOUBLE DOUBLE ANIMAL STYLE.....


Switching to Breakfast, a meal I normally do not consume, I was delighted to partake in two wonderful "Brunches" in Palm Springs. On a hungover Saturday, we headed to Cheekey's located in Downtown Palm Springs and dove into some truly delectable delights.

I had the Chile Verde Pork over a bed of soft Polenta. A GREAT START TO THE DAY! It was much better than what the picture looks like....trust me.....

Allison had the best order however. She got the Eggs Benedict, Southern California Style. Take a look at this....and do not drool over the keyboard....

Teves had the Corn Pancakes and was turned off by the pieces of corn in the actual pancake but was delighted by the cute syrup container...You GO POOOM!
**It should be noted here that The Fellow Dickensonian (not pictured here) had an Acadiai Berry Cooler, whatever that is.......**


On Sunday, we were treated to a wonderful brunch at Norma's located within The Parker Hotel. I had the light choice. The Banana Nut Pancakes.....It was like eating Birthday Cake for breakfast.....

Back from the West Coast, I decided it was time to start eating better...so on a double date night with The G's (other G's) we went to Emma's Pizza in Cambridge. HANDS DOWN the best pizza in Boston. YES Upper Crust, I said it. Best Pizza in Boston. I had the personal pie pictured below. Sweet Sausage, Spicy Rosemary Sauce, Hot Cherry Peppers, Fresh Mozzarella & Broccoli Rabe & Caramelized Onions. WOW! The whole table was jealous of my creative concoction.
On Thursday of this past week I had a business lunch with Dr. Joel and Howard L. at Sam La Grassa's....The place where men meet other men for sandwiches. I got the Chipolte Pastrami. Again, the picture speaks 1,000 words. Complete coma after but worth it.

Looking forward to future updates...... which will include a massive tailgate at the Pats/Jets Game on 11/22. Be ready.
Eat well,

Grill Master Goat

Catching Up.....AGAIN

So I apologize for the long delay in posts. However due to my recent wedding, I have been somewhat preoccupied to say the least.....

I thought I would post some highlights of the past few months and a preview of what is to come during this wonderful time of year......TAILGATING SEASON

Our first night of the trip was spent in Copenhagen and we dined at Ketchup, located in the center of Tivoli Gardens. I ordered the Steak (pictured below). Needless to say, I am happy to return to American Portions.....


What go me through the long days of touring throughout Europe was my favorite candy bar in the world: LION
Simply delicious. Shout out to CWEINog


Shortly before we left, we went to the Toots and the Maytals concert. Howard L and Alison hosted us for a great pregame at Silver Hair Towers. Alison made delicious Chips and Guac.

A few nights ago, I went to Legacy Place in Dedham, a brand new open air center, including the largest Whole Foods east of Austin, TX. As Abe Coon would say, that place makes me "Tender and Juicy". We dined at Acquitaine and I had a delicious Scollop Dish drizzled with Aged Balsamic.

As today is GAME DAY, I received an email from NIPS who is tailgating at The Razor. A great looking, healthy breakfast before heading into the game. (NOTE, this meal pictured below is approved by the American Heart Association)

OK so pretty brutal effort on my part but I promise to start updating at a quicker pace as we enter the heart of the Fall Season.

Beer Battered Wishes and Cormier's Gold Marinated Dreams,

Grill Master Goat

Catching Up on Great Summer Eats

There has been a great length of time since my last post and I wanted to post a few highlights of my summer eating sessions........

Lets start with one of the best steak's I have had. The porcine balsamic glazed Delmonico at Capital Crank in Las Vegas not only made me moist, but also Abe Coon.

One week after returning from the desert, I celebrated my birthday with my family at MOO in Boston. Spectacular Dining. A+ in my book. Here was the New York Strip au Poivre. Unbelievable flavor. You must dine here.
Also, you can not miss the Side Flight. (Sampling of their 4 best sides including Truffled French Fries, Mashed Potatos, Creamed Spinach, and Succotash)

On a hungover Sunday, both L and I along with our lady friends were all craving Jewish Deli Delights. So we headed to S & S in Cambridge. This sandwich hit the spot. The photo is making my mouth water once again.....*NOTE that what I ordered is NOT on the menu. It is Corned Beef and Pastrami on rye with Swiss, Coleslaw and Russian Dressing.*** We started the meal with Beef Knishes and Half Sour Pickles.


On a work outing to my boss's home we were treated to a fabulous feast including this beautiful heirloom tomato salad with fresh smoked mozzarella drizzled with EVOO and Aged Balsamic AMAZING. Abe Coon would have flipped for these Tomatoes.....


Sushi has been removed from my diet for the better part of the last year however, Friday night I was feeling bad and I went for it. This photo was taken on Sunday when we returned because it was sooooo good......


My next post will concern the last BBQ at 114 W. Concord......Good Night. MG

Napa Valley in The South End

On Thursday evening, thanks to wonderful hosts and a beautiful evening, we were able to bring a taste of Napa to Boston's South End. With a wedding quickly approaching, I found it prudent to stay lean tonight and I prepared a menu along with the host, JMG, that would keep our significant others happy, but at the same time, provide great flavors and taste to the evening.

THE MENU

Appetizer- Left over lobster with drawn butter

The Meal

• Butcher Boy Lemon Pepper Chicken (Howard L’s favorite)
• Grilled Bell Peppers & Daniels Family Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
• “Houston’s Style” Grossman Grilled Artichokes with a trio of dipping sauces, including Drawn Butter, Sesame Peanut Creation & Roasted Garlic Aioli with Old Bay

Featured Beverage

• “Roof Top Bliss” Vodka, Cranberry Seltzer, Splash of Ruby Red Grapefruit & Fresh Lime Juice
  
• 
  

PREPARATION

I made the Roasted Garlic Aioli the evening before so I could let the flavors come together in the fridge. Basically, it was very simple and it tasted superb.

1. Mayonnaise
2. Roasted Garlic
3. Salt & Pepper
4. Dijon Mustard
5. Sour Cream
6. Fresh Lemon Juice of ½ Lemon
7. Old Bay Seasoning
8. 4 Kosher Dill Pickles, finely chopped
9. Dash of Crystal Hot Sauce (MLB Favorite)

Combine all of the above in a bowl and mix together. Let sit for 4-24 Hours.

GRILL TIME

JMG boiled/steamed the artichokes in the kitchen and then, after rubbing the bell peppers in olive oil, he placed them on the grill, turning them ¼ every 3-5 minutes.

I then took the “boomers’ and with a small spoon, removed the “fins” inside the mushrooms. Then I drizzled some EVOO (extra VIRGIN olive oil) on them as well as add salt & pepper. We then added them with the peppers to the grill.

After 10 minutes, it was time to add the main course. Now, when you are preparing a feast like this during the week and you are short on time, you must call in Butcher Boy. I defrosted Lemon Pepper Chicken the night before and it was ready to go.

We added the 4 breast of chicken and let them grill away. The premarination of this meat is insane. The meat is so moist and the flavor blows everyone away, all the time, no fail. We then pained the artichokes with a little butter and olive oil and added them to the grill to finish for 4-5 minutes.

We removed the vegetables and left the chicken and artichokes on the grill a few more minutes. JMG sliced the peppers and plated them alongside the Daniel’s Mushrooms. We placed the sauces on the table for the chocks and we were ready to go.

Left to Right: Sesame Peanut, Roasted Garlic Aioli, Drawn Butter

(The Ladies enjoying the Gentleman’s Work)

Moist Lemon Pepper Chicken

Napa in the South End: Perfection

Everything was delicious. The vegetables packed with flavor, the chokes perfect with accompanying sauces, and the chicken, in my opinion, unbelievable. Butcher Boy = always a winner.

Thanks again to both hosts for a wonderful evening. Much appreciated.

-GMG