Chelly Stays Hungry

Zucchini Rolls

How pretty do those look? I got this recipe from a book called Small Bites and initially it looked intimidating but why not give it a shot right? Basically I sliced the zucchini and grilled it. Then, I sliced and took out the seeds and ribs of a red chili pepper and grilled that. I laid everything on a paper towel to drain and then set up an assembly line. On each piece of zucchini I put goat cheese, then a layer of mint leaves, arugula and a few chili peppers. Finally, I rolled them up and tied a chive around the roll to keep it secure (you can use toothpicks but I felt fancy that day) One important note about the chives is that it says to boil them for just a second and then transfer to an ice bath. It’s important to do that part this way they’re easy to use as string.

Anyway, this ended up being a hit at my last gathering! The chili pepper was a great addition considering it added the perfect amount of heat. I made a few without the chili’s just in case though.

Caprese Bouquet

A different take on traditional Italian caprese salad. We used sweet grape tomatoes, basil leaves and mozzarella balls marinated in olive oil, salt, pepper and Italian seasonings. Stick a skewer through all the ingredients and arrange in a flower vase. How cute is that? It was so easy too! Perfect appetizer for a cocktail party or if you have guests over.

From the Rao’s Cookbook

I had to try to make the lemon chicken since I didn’t have it at Rao’s. They have a great cookbook. The recipe was easy to follow and the meal came out delicious! I also made the roasted potatoes with rosemary. Let it be known that I really don’t like rosemary but these potatoes made my heart sing.

I’d post the recipe but you should go get their cookbook! Worth every penny :)

Foodball Deviled Eggs

6 hard boiled eggs

1/4 cup Mayonnaise

1 tsp Spicy Brown Mustard

3/4 tsp white wine vinegar

Salt & Pepper

Chili Powder

chives (for decoration!)

I doubled the recipe for these little footballs. Just mix everything in a bowl, pipe into the egg white halves and decorate with chives. If you’re super fancy like me, you use a ziplock bag with the end snipped off instead of a fancy pastry pipe-ing bag (I’m really not even sure what that’s called!) I love this recipe because, in my opinion, they have the perfect balance of mustard to mayo. And how cute are they as little footballs?!

Rao’s

The best italian restaurant in NY. Everything we had was cooked to perfection. We started with the seafood salad, clams oreganata and the roasted red peppers. All were just delicious. For pasta we did orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sausage and penne arribbiata. Pasta was cooked perfectly and their sauces were unbelievable! Next up, meatballs. Just like mama makes em! Meat course was their famous lemon chicken which was juicy and delicious and steak which i’d put up against any steak house. We also had a side of peas with prosciutto. All of it was fantastic. Ended the meal with a cheesecake and a port (not pictured) Excuse the quality of these pictures, we did have two bottles of Rao’s Chianti after two rounds of vodka drinks at the bar :)

Jim’s Steaks

Passing through Philly, I had to have one. It was good but next time I think i’ll ask for more wiz :)

431 N 62nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19151
(215) 747-6615   www.jimssteaksphilly.com

Maria Luisa

Fancy restaurant looking out onto the beach of Cala Vadella that serves the most delicious fresh seafood I think i’ve ever had. The scenery is picturesque as you’re eating outside on their patio looking at, in my opinion, the most beautiful cove beach in Ibiza. Onto the food. The shrimp was in olive oil with garlic and was so tasty. No specific ingredient was over powering, it was all perfectly cooked. Next we had to try the Arroz Negro another dish that was perfect. Finally a platter of mixed seafood and grilled squid with vegetables. Unreal. All of it. I must return to Ibiza for this meal alone. And maybe a night out in Amnesia again :)

La Matandeta

Amazing restaurant in El Saler which is just outside Valencia in Spain. Mario Batali learned how to really make Paella here. It’s definitely the best i’ve ever had and I’ll never eat paella in the US again! For an appetizer we had Sepia Carpaccio which was unbelievably fresh and so delicious! The paella was cooked with bomba rice, chicken, duck, snails, and green beans. Finished off with a piece of white chocolate mousse and bread pudding with puffed bomba rice on top. Oh and a bottle of El Coto of course.

Peter Luger Steak House

Amazing. That’s all.  :)

178 Broadway
(between 6th St & Driggs Ave) 
Brooklyn, NY 11211

(718) 387-7400

Lure Fishbar

Monday-Friday happy hour special $1 oysters!!!! They’re not the best oysters in the world but for a dollar they’ll suffice. Also had some oyster shooters which were basically a bloody mary with an oyster in them.

142 Mercer St
New York, NY 10012

(212) 431-7676