Fire on the Rock: An Evening to Remember!

Posted on April 17, 2013 by TheDixieDish

Last Wednesday, I had the absolute pleasure of being invited to be a guest judge at the “Got to Be NC” Competition Dining Series Fire on the Rock event, in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Not only was I honored to be invited to the event, but I honestly feel my life is richer for having gone. I make this bold, and unequivocal statement, because it’s true. I had never been to a food event or “battle” like it, full of so many wonderfully gracious and kind people. The jubilant evening was full of passion, creativity, excitement, community, and amazing culinary creations, all in support of North Carolina’s chef talent, their restaurants, and local ingredients from the farms that support them.

Honestly, before receiving my invitation to the April 10th event, taking place at Blowing Rock’s Meadowbrook Inn & Suites now through April 30th, I had never heard of Fire on the Rock or any of the other regional dinning series that make up the yearlong event. It’s a dining experience unlike any other in the country, comprised of 15 dining competitions that take place throughout five different regions of North Carolina, where each evening two restaurant chefs battle it out in a format similar to “Iron Chef” and those in attendance (you) cast their votes to determine the victor. Each course is scored on overall presentation, aroma, flavor, and accompaniments as well as the creativity and execution tied to using the evening’s secret ingredient(s).

Team Chef John Dean

Team Chef Clark Barlowe

During the six-course meal, three from each chef without knowing whose food you’re tasting, the menu is centered around a “secret” ingredient(s), produced in North Carolina. Here’s the kicker, the chefs and their teams have no idea what the featured ingredient(s) will be until noon, the day of their battle. This particular evening, John Dean of Twigs and Clark Barlowe of Heirloom, had to use Daikon, Beets, and Strawberries from Wise Farms in each of their respective courses.

Chef Barlowe’s Daikon, Beet, & Pepper Crudité with Strawberry Vinaigrette, North Carolina Lump Crab, Puffed Red Rice and Beet Chips

Chef Dean’s Braised Pork Shoulder with Golden Beet & Asian Pear Mostarda, Pickled Pepper-Daikon Slaw, and Cornmeal Hoe Cake

Chef Barlowe's Certified Angus Beef Teres Major Daikon with Potato Gratin, Bacon-Roasted Spring Vegetables, Beet Demi-Glace, and Baby Daikon Greens

Chef Barlowe’s Certified Angus Beef Teres Major with Daikon with Potato Gratin, Bacon-Roasted Spring Vegetables, Beet Demi-Glace, and Baby Daikon Greens

Needless to say, both John and Clark are unbelievably creative and talented chefs, as each of the courses they plated were unique, dynamic, and full of great flavor. From the Braised Pork Shoulder with Golden Beet and Asian Pear Mostarda, Pickled Pepper-Daikon Slaw, and Cornmeal Hoe Cake to the Beet-Cured Certified Angus Beef Flank Steak with Daikon studded Potato Purée, Strawberry and Heirloom Tomato Boursin Petit Pain, with Wild Mushroom Demi to the Strawberry Cake with Beet Ice Cream with Beet-Strawberry Balsamic Reduction and Strawberry-Mint Chutney, I thoroughly enjoyed every one of chef Dean’s and chef Barlowe’s creations.

Chef Dean's Beet-Cured Certified Angus Beef Flank Steak with Daikon studded Potato Purée, Strawberry and Heirloom Tomato Boursin Petit Pain, and Wild Mushroom Demi

Chef Dean’s Beet-Cured Certified Angus Beef Flank Stank with Daikon studded Potato Purée, Strawberry and Heirloom Tomato Boursin Petit Pain, and Wild Mushroom Demi

Chef Barlowe’s Strawberry Cake with Beet Ice Cream & Beet-Strawberry Balsamic Reduction, and Strawberry-Mint Chutney

Chef Dean’s Chocolate Brownie with Daikon Ice Cream, Strawberry and Beet Molasses withTea-Smoked Butterscotch Sauce

My wife and I had such a wonderful experience at Fire on Rock, an evening spent with fellow North Carolinians in full support of the Old North State’s culinary artistry and ingenuity, restaurants, small businesses and local farms. To learn more about the “Got to Be NC” Competition Dining Series, Fire on the Rock, or how to get tickets for future events, visit the Competition Dining Series website at CompetitionDining.com. I highly recommend you attend an upcoming event in Greensboro, Raleigh, and Charlotte, and hope you find them as enjoyable and as memorable as I did!

Photo credits belong to Amanda Lugenbell & the Competition Dining Series

Camden Deli: Simply Amazing Sandwiches & More

Posted on April 9, 2013 by TheDixieDish

Nestled along the main street in the picturesque New England village of Camden, Maine, about 80 miles northeast of Portland, lies Camden Deli. It’s a trusted staple where locals and visitors alike go for good eats, and have been since 1985. No, it’s not the oldest spot in this history-rich township, but it is the place where you’ll find gourmet sandwiches and waterfront dining, a beautiful combination any time.

Camden Deli mirrors that of it’s picturesque surroundings and their menu is much the same, featuring classic deli favorites and signature sandwiches of their very own, along with vegetarian selections. Immediately after being welcomed in by the owner, working behind the counter, I suddenly went into the hypnotic daze that comes from being overwhelmed by a menu that features so many choices that all sound downright amazing (you know the feeling). After the internal struggle subsided, I decided on one of their signature sandwiches, The Pressed Cubano which included sliced turkey, baked ham, imported Swiss cheese, bacon, pickles and mustard grilled on a freshly baked baguette.

Needless to say, the sandwich was simply amazing. After biting through the flaky and crunchy crust of the baguette, you suddenly taste Camden Deli’s unique take on the Cuban sandwich, and it doesn’t disappoint. The bacon and Swiss cheese were the perfect addition to the sliced Boar’s Head turkey and baked ham, but just like any other great traditional Cuban sandwich it all starts with great bread. This was just an all-around delicious sandwich and one you should definitely consider when stopping into Camden Deli.

If you can’t tell already, this New England deli impressed me and there are many reasons as to why. First and foremost, the food was fantastic, but in addition, they also provided a wonderfully well-round dining experience – yes, we’re talking about a deli here. Camden Deli’s service was welcoming, courteous and prompt, their menu was sundry and creative, and they take advantage of their prime location by providing guests with beautiful views overlooking both Harbor Falls and Camden Harbor, along with a rooftop deck. So the next time you’re in Vacationland, take a walk down Camden’s main street and be sure to stop into Camden Deli. Like me, you’ll be glad you did!

Eggs in the City: A Utah Beaut!

Posted on March 11, 2013 by TheDixieDish

It’s been a little over a week since I returned from my trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, and it’s not the unbelievably beautiful snow-capped mountains I can’t stop thinking about, it’s the breakfast. Yes, the breakfast I had at Eggs in the City. Thanks to Becky Rosenthal and her blog post on SLC Foodie, I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast and some of the best corned beef hash I’ve ever had.

Eggs in the City, nestled in Salt Lake City’s trendy Sugar House neighborhood, was incredibly inviting and buoyant, offering a unique interior and engaging service that was evident as soon as I stepped inside. Before I even glanced at the menu, the fantastic aroma coming from their open kitchen and the fresh produce I noticed resting on the counter was evidence this was going to be a great start to my day.

A breakfast favorite of mine is homemade corned beef hash and when I saw it on the menu I couldn’t resist ordering it. I was slightly reluctant in doing so, after reading about how good their French Toast and Huevos Rancheros was, but immediately after it was placed in front of me I was happy I did. At first glance, the obvious difference between how Eggs in the City prepares the dish, versus other shredded or finely chopped mush versions I’ve had in the past, was the mound of large corned beef chunks bullying the potatoes on the plate. The second was the taste; simply some of the best corned beef hash I’ve ever had given it’s tenderness and slightly smoked flavor. Perfectly paired with fresh local over easy eggs, thick crispy bacon, and fresh black coffee made for a breakfast I won’t forget about any time soon.

La Super Rica Taqueria: Serious Tacos

Posted on January 14, 2013 by TheDixieDish

There are few things Californians take seriously and tacos is one of them. Last month, while in Santa Barbara, California, I learned fairly quickly where to head for quality local Mexican fare, after asking the fine folks at LA Foodie and, well, Santa Barbara locals. All of them pointed me towards La Super Rica Taqueria, located on the corner of Milpas & Alphonse Street, and I’m grateful for their kind and accurate advice, because the food was fantastic.

Stepping into La Super Rica, I immediately noticed the lunch rush had surpassed. Many warned of La Super Rica’s long line and suggested I get there early, but I strolled in around half past noon, lucked up, and walked right up to the counter to order. Before noticing the chalkboard menu, full of authentic concoctions all under $5.80, I became distracted by the orchestration taking place immediately behind the gentleman behind the register, a woman pressing out fresh corn tortillas and a guy grilling up a variety of beef, chicken, and chorizo. It was one of those moments where you think to yourself, “this is going to be good…”

There was so much I wanted to try, so I did. My first order consisted of Sopes de Pollo (masa cups lightly fired then soaked in a tomato sauce, topped with chicken breast, cheese, avocado, radish, & served with hot sauce), Tacos de Chorizo (chunks of grilled chorizo served on two fresh homemade tortillas), Tacos de Chuleta (grilled strips of pork steak served on two homemade tortillas), and Quesadilla con Chorizo (grilled chorizo with melted cheese served between two fresh tortillas). Everything was made to order, very authentic, and absolutely delicious. Each dish was purposefully simple, flavorful, and carried a unique taste – not like some Mexican food out there where the enchiladas, burritos, and (fill in the blank) ends up tasting eerily similar. What stood out most of all was the fresh homemade corn tortillas – they were fantastic and some of the best I’ve ever had.

After crushing this order, I went back for the Alambre de Filete (grilled tri-tip with bell pepper, onions, & bacon with three tortillas), and another Tacos de Chorizo. Yes, it was a ton of food, but I knew my stay in Santa Barbara was going to be short-lived and I wasn’t certain I’d make it back to La Super Rica during my visit. The second act was just as good as the first with the locally-grown bell peppers and onions tasting fresh, flavorful, and slightly charred, really balancing out the steak and bacon. Somewhere in this heap there were some freshly made tortillas that helped out, too.

Not only was the food at La Super Rica Taqueria wonderful, but the servings were generous, the menu’s affordable, the staff’s friendly, and the atmosphere’s welcoming and laid back, the way a California establishment should be. Oh, and they take their tacos very, very seriously.

Sweet Potatoes: Creatively Delicious

Posted on November 23, 2012 by TheDixieDish

With this week being all about friends and family gathering to give thanks and enjoy some Thanksgiving favorites, some of which include turkey and sweet potatoes, I thought it was only fitting to share a great experience I had recently during my first-ever visit to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Several weeks ago, we were up from Charlotte to attend a wedding and made it a point to visit Sweet Potatoes, a quaint restaurant located in the heart of the city’s art district who’s menu features some creative dishes rooted with traditional Southern staples.

Arriving right when the doors opened allowed for our choice of seating, so we went with one of the only window seats in the restaurant, which gave us a birds eye view for people watching. Before sitting down, I immediately noticed there were some beautiful touches gracing Sweet Potatoes: original oak floors, picture rail molding, folk art, and a full bar boasting a 100.0 (A) food inspection rating (never hurts).

Deciding on what to order was difficult as their menu was chock-full of dishes that caught our eye, but I went with the Ragin’ Cajun Turkey Burger with a side of sweet potato fries and my wife chose the Fried Green Tomato, Lettuce, & Bacon sandwich with coleslaw.

The Ragin’ Cajun Turkey Burger consisted of a spicy turkey patty topped with smoked Provolone cheese, creole sauce and spicy collard greens on a wheat Kaiser roll. I can honestly go on record and say their turkey burger was the best I’ve ever had. The supporting cast of the tomato-based creole sauce, smokey Provolone, and spicy collard greens would prop up any regular turkey burger, but Sweet Potatoes’ turkey burger could stand alone as it had wonderful flavor and was surprising juicy; most turkey burgers I find are everything but. The sweet potato fries were an excellent choice, too, as they paired well with the low-heat spicy sandwich.

The Fried Green Tomato, Lettuce, & Bacon with sweet potato aioli on toasted wheat berry bread and a side of freshly-made coleslaw delivered – full of crunch, fresh ingredients, and flavor. This sandwich was so much better than anything we could ever prepare at home. And, for $6.99 why would you bother? Both sandwiches were absolutely delicious, and I highly recommend them.

Last but not least was the notable service we received while visiting Sweet Potatoes. Granted, we were the first guests of the day, but it wouldn’t have mattered, as you could tell our server, Carlos, and the kitchen staff are used to doing an excellent job, regardless of the time of day. Carlos was extremely patient, willing to offer suggestions, knowledgeable about their menu and was very helpful and polite to answer any question we threw his way. The service, hospitality, along with the great food prepared by the kitchen, made us extremely thankful we stopped in to experience what Winston-Salem’s Sweet Potatoes was all about.

Check them out when in Winston-Salem, if you haven’t already, and let me know what you think!

Watershed on Peachtree: Refreshingly Different

Posted on October 16, 2012 by TheDixieDish

Having the opportunity to spend a few days in Atlanta, last week, was refreshing. Not the typical descriptor for a city famous for it’s unbearable heat and gridlock traffic, but it was. Since my wife and I moved from there to Charlotte, 5 years ago, we really haven’t had the chance to get back as much as we’d like, so it was great returning to the city we once called home; experiencing nostalgia and seeing all of the newness that’s come about since we left.

After having four straight meals at some of my favorite restaurants, I decided it was time to check out a new spot I’d heard so much about, Watershed on Peachtree. Well, kind of a new spot. The Watershed I once knew called Decatur home and now, after 14 years, they were settling into their newly fitted uptown digs, located at 1820 Peachtree Road NW in the historic Brookwood Hills neighborhood of Atlanta.

Wide-open doors welcomed me in, and immediately it felt like home. Watershed’s layout is clean, and incredibly spacious with natural materials and industrial accents used throughout. With weather in the low 70s, I opted to sit outside on the patio, but the wide open bar sure was inviting.

Watershed’s menu supports farm fresh local and organic farmers, and is chock-full of amazingly refined Southern fare. Oddly enough, I went with the Fried NC Catfish with Firecracker Green Beans and Homemade Hush Puppies, after my waiter made several great recommendations. Once he told me about the Firecracker Green Beans being lightly grilled and laced with fresh crushed tomatoes and red pepper, as well as the Hush Puppies containing both dill and jalapeno, my mind was made up.

This dish surprised me. Not because of how great it was, but by how wonderfully different each item on the plate tasted from the way I though it would – not your typical fried catfish plate to say the least (not that there’s anything wrong with that). There were so just many amazing flavors throughout the dish, from the thick and meaty catfish, perfectly seasoned and lightly fried, to the Firecracker Green Beans carrying the incredible taste from the grill and supplying the right amount of heat, reminding me of an Asian dish. To cool things off, there was the sweet-tasting homemade hush puppies, containing the combination of both dill and jalapeno. Again, a new and total surprise that was absolutely delicious.

Watershed on Peachtree was exactly what I thought it would be in many ways, but in others it wasn’t. By doing something different, they’re paying homage to their 14 year past while paving the way for the new Watershed, and that’s refreshing to not only see, but it tastes pretty great, too.

SMOKE: Memorable Texas Barbecue

Posted on October 14, 2012 by TheDixieDish

What do you think about when you think of Dallas, Texas: bankers, the Dallas Cowboys, JR Ewing, traffic? Maybe. Do you think of barbecue, barbeque, BBQ, or Bar-B-Q? Probably not; but you should. Why? Because, Dallas is home to Texas barbecue that’s memorable.

Last month, I traveled down to the Big D with a short list of places I wanted to try. Needing help deciding which one of the two barbeque restaurants to visit first, I reached out to Full Custom Gospel BBQ’s Daniel Vaughn and he was kind enough to suggest SMOKE.

Immediately after pulling into the gravel parking lot and opening up my door, I was met with the beautiful aroma of burning wood, as if it were saying “howdy.” At this moment I got excited, because I knew I was about to experience a barbecue restaurant unlike any other. After reading so many wonderful things about SMOKE in Garden & Gun, Southern Living, Bon Appétit, and Food & Wine, now was my chance.

Ordering off the Midday menu was difficult, because everything looked so good. I wanted to order it all: the Pimento Cheese Croquettes with Grilled Romaine, the Foie Gras & Chicken Liver Pate with Smoked Red Onion Marmalade & Grilled Buttermilk Dill Toast, the Chopped Coffee Cured Beef Brisket, the Lemon & Sage Brined Turkey Breast with Pickled Carrots. But, I was in mood for ribs and settled on the Dry Rubbed Pork Spare Ribs with Mac n Cheese & BBQ Beans Topped with Hand-Pulled Pork.

I couldn’t have been happier with my decision. Each rib had a nice touch of bark with a wonderful balance of tender smoked pork, seasoning, and a touch of sweetness to them. Both sides were delicious with my favorite of the two being the ranch-style BBQ beans that carried the bold flavor you’d expect to find in Texas.To call SMOKE just a “barbecue restaurant” doesn’t come close to describing what Tim Byres and team are crafting. Their homemade, everything-from-scratch creative approach produces amazing dishes made from ingredients that are familiar, but end up tasting so uniquely different than any other barbecue restaurant I’ve ever been to.

If you’ve been to SMOKE, what did you order and what did you think? If you haven’t yet been, check them out and let me know your thoughts!

The Dixie Dish

A Southern Foodie Dishes On Good Eats