Blog Archives

Shrimp Anticuchos with Chimichurri

by Nico on October 9, 2015 in Recipes

Shrimp Anticuchos with Chimichurri

Every culture has their kebabs, from lamb kebabs in the Middle East, pork souvlaki in Greece, chicken yakitori in Japan, ground beef kebabs in Morocco, chicken pinchos in Spain, to beef heart anticuchos in Peru, you could travel around the world and be sustained on a kebab-only diet. What makes the Peruvian anticuchos unique is the marinade — a dark red blend of smoky aji panca, spices, vinegar, and lime juice that fills the air in the streets of Lima, where a line around the block is typical for the best anticucho street vendors.
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Papa a la Huancaina (Peruvian Potato Salad)

by Nico on October 7, 2015 in Recipes

Papa a la Huancaina, Peruvian Potato Salad

“So, what are you bringing to the picnic?”
Papa a la Huancaina.
“Papa a la huanca-what?”
It’s a Peruvian potato salad, originally from the town of Huancayo.
“Oh. What makes it Peruvian, aren’t potatoes from Idaho or Ireland, anyway?”
No, potatoes are from Peru, there are hundreds of different varieties grown in the Andes mountains, and they have been a staple of the Inca diet for centuries.
“So, what’s so special about this salad?”
Well, the potatoes and greens are bathed in a spicy aji amarillo sauce made with yellow hot peppers, queso fresco, milk, and an onion sofrito — it’s served cold, so it’s refreshing and spicy at the same time, plus it’s garnished with hardboiled eggs and olives.
“Wow. I’d really like to try some.”
Of course, I really think you’ll like it, t’s pretty special because my Mom showed me how to make it. Here, this is her recipe so you make it at home.
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IFBC 2105 Part 2: Lunch at Jack’s BBQ

by Nico on September 26, 2015 in Events

IFBC 2015: Lunch at Jack’s BBQ

After a full morning at IFBC 2015 in Seattle that began with breakfast, moved on to the keynote, and then concluded with breakout sessions, I could not wait to go out for lunch. With some friends I had met last night, we had decided on Jack’s BBQ. Everyone was very excited, but I have to confess that I’ve never been a huge fan of BBQ, but, determined to have an open mind, I went along for the experience. After all, that’s what Anthony Bourdain would do, right? #neverturndownameal
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IFBC 2015 Part 1: Sansaire Excursion

by Nico on September 23, 2015 in Events

IFBC 2015: Sansaire Excursion

After missing out on last year’s International Food Bloggers Conference, I was very excited for the opportunity to attend this year’s IFBC 2015 in Seattle. In addition to looking forward to a great lineup of events and speakers all weekend, many food bloggers signed up for the Friday afternoon off-site excursions with food focused local businesses. As soon as I read the description of the excursions, one word caught my eye — sous vide, and immediately I signed up for the excursion at Sansaire.
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Drinking the Devil’s Acre: A Spirited Chat, Cocktails, & Book Signing with Duggan McDonnell at Omnivore Books in SF

by Nico on September 21, 2015 in Events

Drinking the Devil’s Acre at Omnivore Books in SF, Thursday Oct 1, 6:30-7:30PM

Calling all cocktail, Pisco, and San Francisco history lovers! Join us at Omnivore Books in San Francisco for a spirited chat, cocktails, & book signing with Duggan McDonnell — author of Drinking the Devil’s Acre, bartender at Cantina, and founder of Encanto Pisco.

Drinking the Devil’s Acre: A Love Letter from San Francisco and Her Cocktails
Thursday Oct 1, 6:30-7:30PM
Omnivore Books
3885 Cesar Chavez St. San Francisco CA 94131

Signed copies of Drinking the Devil’s Acre will be available for sale at this event. For more details visit the Omnivore Books Events page →