Tonight The Shack will be exploring the country that prides itself on culinary contributions to the civilized world. The country that gave you the french fry, chocolate, waffles, and some of the finest beers and cheese in the world. You guessed it – Belgium!
On the menu tonight (Thursday , July 31) will be:
Moules Frittes- Mussels and Frys, practically the national dish.
Belgian Endive Braised in Maredsous 8
Ginger and Port Lamb
Flemish Mushroom Pie- Wild mushrooms in puff pastry
Arugula Salad- with apples, almonds and dry Jack cheese in cherry champagne vinaigrette
House Smoked Sturgeon
Wild Boar Pate
Fresh Artisan Bread
Chocolate Truffles
The cost is $18 and the seating is limited so try to get here early if you can. We will be doing a tasting of 5 Belgian beers for $5.
The Shack
5201 Folsom Blvd
(916) 457-5997
Archives for July 2008
Almond Gateau with Praline Buttercream
It’s time for another Daring Bakers’ Challenge, this time a complex cake that kept me busy for about six hours. The original recipe is a Filbert Gateau with Praline Buttercream from Carol Walter’s “Great Cakes.” I prefer almonds over hazelnuts, so I made that little substitution.
For such a seemingly simple looking cake, there were tons of steps. In fact, there were so many steps, that I meticulously read through the recipe multiple times and made a to-do list. Alas, I forgot to do one of the last steps (I noticed my bowl of apricot glaze just sitting there minutes after applying my ganache.)
What I really liked about this challenge is that I learned a new technique for making ganache. I found that by grinding up the chocolate before adding the warmed sweetened cream made it much easier to blend and get a smooth, silky texture.
Also, do not even try and attempt this recipe without a food processor. I don’t think my Cuisinart has ever seen this much action.
My final thoughts on the Almond Gateau with Praline Buttercream are: 1) the praline buttercream was awesome and would be a delicious filling for a chocolate cake, and 2) the texture of this cake just wasn’t for me. Because of the all the nuts it was very mealy and I think I like a spongier cake.
My decorating skills are atrocious, so to see some truly spectacular pastry bag technicians, head on over the DB Blog Roll and check out other versions of this cake. Or, try it yourself – the recipe can be seen on SacFoodies here.
Corti Brothers Out, Good Eats In
When I first moved to Sacramento nearly six years ago, I was in need of a butcher to help me with my meat selection for a recipe I was making. After asking around, it was unanimous that I go to Corti Brothers. Friends also advised me to pick up some great wine and a delicious deli sandwich while I was there, because both were the best in the town. So when I was reading the Bee today, I was surprised to see that Corti Brothers would be closing its doors and looking for new digs beginning September 30. Selfishly, I’m hopeful the masterful Darrell Corti will keep his business in East Sacramento so that I continue to have my “go to” for great quality meats, an expansive (and reasonable!) wine selection and just plain good deli sandwiches.
As for Good Eats, a new venture from a former chief executive over at Raley’s, I’m curious as what they have to offer. Perhaps it’s a hybrid between David Berkeley and Selland’s, which wouldn’t be too bad. But will they have a butcher? Probably not. Therefore, the countdown is on for the re-opening of Corti Brothers, wherever it may land.
Lounge on 20, Sacramento
A few weeks ago (I’m way behind, I know), fellow Sac Foodie, Julie, invited me to attend a get-together with a few other Sacramento-area food bloggers, at Lounge on 20, the new endeavor of her friend and local restaurateur Ali who is also behind Restaurant 55 Degrees.
I had the immense pleasure of sitting next to Garret of Vanilla Garlic, and sharing a table with the lovely ladies of CakeGirrl, Sacramento Yelper Amber and also the duo of Twin Soup. After tasting a myriad of fresh seasonal drinks and small plates, I have to say that there is nothing else like Lounge on 20 in Sacramento.
After reading the amazing posts from this fabulous group, I’m not sure what else I can say that hasn’t already been (and more eloquently) said. Check out the reviews below and then check out Lounge on 20.
Links to Reviews on Lounge on 20:
VanillaGarlic
CakeGirrl
Yelp
Twin Soup
Venezuelan Night at The Shack
This Thursday night (July 24), The Shack will honor the new Miss Universe, Dayana Mendoza, with a night of food and fun inspired by her national cuisine, Venezuelan. The menu includes:
– Manchego Arepas: Thick corn tortilla split and stuffed with filling of choice (black beans, beef, chicken, etc.)
– Pabellon Criollo: Traditional shredded beef stew
– Tostones: Fried plantains with sea salt and cayenne
– Cuasacaca: Avocado salsa with fresh pepers and tomatoes
– Black Beans and Rice
– Snapper Criollo: Whole snapper rubbed with spice mix, topped with onions and peppers and baked in banana leaves
– Shrimp Ceviche served over shredded romaine with cilantro
– Venezuelan chocolate ice cream
Festivities usually start around 6:00 pm so stop by The Shack at 5201 Folsom Blvd. if you’re in the area!