Benihana

Benihana is a Japanese restaurant chain, one that serves the most succulent sea-food I’ve ever tasted. What started out from selling off a cart in New York has now become a restaurant chain that’s famous the world over.

I ate at Benihana only recently; was my birthday lunch courtesy the company! The uniqueness of this restaurant is highlighted by the dining arrangement; the table itself is a flaming, hot rectangular Hibachi with chairs around three sides of it. The chef wheels the raw ingredients on a cart and after a stunning display of knife-jugglery proceeds to cook the food right in front of you. I had the Hibachi special; a combination of shrimp, clams and muscles. It was served with white rice and a Japanese pickle. I loved it and am looking forward to going with SK another time. I will sample the sake for sure!

These are a few of my favorite..

.....SOUPS

Well now that the temperatures have dipped and there’s a welcome chill in the air, what better comfort food than a bowl of warm soup.

This past Saturday I had Gumbo, and for the first time, I really enjoyed it. This was from the one and only Atlanta Bread Company. So that’s what prompted this list; a list of my top five favorite soups and where I find them.

5) Cream of Mushroom – Campbell’s
“Campbell’s chicken soup, possibility.” Well more than a possibility Campbell’s soup out of a can has been a necessity for me; these past few years. My favorite is the cream of mushroom soup. One can and you’re done.

4) Tomato Basil Soup – Boneheads
While Boneheads maybe know for its PiriPiri chicken, I like it for its rich tomato basil soup; clear and with more than just a hint of basil. Actually more than me, this is an all-time favorite of SK’s and he was the one to introduce me to it. I haven’t looked back ever since.

3) Chicken Enchilada Soup – Atlanta Bread Company
The ubiquitous ABC; they dish out some pretty good and very filling chicken enchilada soup. I think the best part of the soup is the warm roll of bread that accompanies it!

2) Hot and Sour Soup – Chin Chin
Now I’m talking about the Chin Chin Chinese restaurant 2 miles from my home but hot and sour soup in general has always, always been one of my favorites.

1) Shrimp Bisque – Sweet Tomatoes
The shrimp bisque at Sweet Tomatoes is to die for, and I mean that literally. I love shrimp and no one makes this soup as good as Sweet Tomatoes. I add the little bacon bits on top and always go back for a second helping.

This winter I spend most of my time in India and may not have a soup-binge. Maybe I’ll come up with a Top 5 list of Indian soups… you never know.

Broccoli Salad

This is a broccoli salad with raisins and pistachios, along with red onions and a sweet-sour mayonnaise dressing. It is inspired by my favorite Broccoli salad at Sweet Tomatoes. The actual recipe I've tried hard to find; this is the closest I've come.

Ingredients:
5 cups fresh broccoli florets

2 cups cauliflower florets
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup pistachios
1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (if desired)
1/4 cup of red onion, chopped
.
Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/2 cup sugar

Preparation:Combine broccoli and cauliflower florets, raisins, pistachios, crumbled bacon and chopped onion in a large serving bowl. In a separate bowl or large cup, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar. Add dressing to the salad and toss to mix well; chill thoroughly before serving. Broccoli salad serves 4 to 6.

Tuna Patties

Ingrediets:

1. 1 (12 1/2 oz.) can flaked tuna


2. 1 c. dry bread crumbs


3. 1 egg, slightly beaten


4. 1 c. mayonnaise


5. 1/2 c. chopped celery


6. 1/2 c. chopped onion


7. 1/2 c. shredded carrots


8. Corn oil
   

Method: Mix together ingredients (except oil) and shape into patties. Heat oil over medium heat, add patties; turn over once.