The Best Thing She Ever Cooked

When we last saw our fearless heroine, the Wannabe Foodie, she was basking in the glory of her roast chicken success. Feeling good, and maybe just a little cocky, she decided it was time to bring out the big guns. It was time for the manicotti. Yes, the manicotti that has been deemed “the best thing she ever cooked.”

Now keep in mind, this praise was heaped upon her by two of her toughest critics – her dad and her brother. And these two never agree on anything. (Which is probably why the praise came on separate occasions, with neither knowing that the other had provided the same feedback.)

After an afternoon at the Boston Wine Expo on Saturday, followed by dinner at Morton’s, the Wannabe Foodie decided she wanted to impress her love, the man known as B, with her manicotti. It was time. She was ready.

Her day was planned. She would visit her parents, then on her way home hit the grocery store to buy the necessary supplies. While B was out taking care of some things on his To Do list, Wannabe Foodie would make the sauce, mix the filling, and prepare the pasta. She would add a salad and some homemade garlic bread, too.

With her grocery list in hand, and her plan in place, the Wannabe Foodie went to her trusty chariot, also known as The Trailblazer, to embark on her journey.

Effin’ A, the car won’t start. Nothing. Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me. (Turns out, car batteries don’t last 6+ years. Who knew?)

B was gone, and his phone was dead. There was no way to get in touch with him to ask if he’d pick up the groceries. And besides, he wouldn’t be back until after three o’clock, which means that she would be preparing the manicotti instead of watching the AFC championship game. (And since the Wannabe Foodie is a die hard Colts fan, sorry New England, this was not an option.  Relax, I still like the Patriots.)

Fortunately, Wannabe Foodie’s dad came to the rescue. With the promise of his own batch of manicotti, he whisked her off to the market to procure the necessary provisions.

With the roadblocks out of the way, the preparation could begin. Despite the fact that the Wannabe Foodie once again ignored her own best advise by not prepping her mise en place, everything was perfect. B was impressed – two weeks in a row!! (When pressed, he indicated that he thinks it was the best she ever cooked him.  Fortunately, he's having trouble remembering everything she has cooked for him.  Phew!) 

Wannabe Foodie is on a roll. What will she cook next?

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In honor of Championship Sunday (and a Colts win!), I’m re-running one of my first posts… my review of the Brett Favre Steak House in Green Bay, WI. As it stands at this very moment, the New Orleans Saints are beating Mr. Favre is in Vikings 21-14 (with about 8 minutes left in the 3rd quarter). As you will notice, I am not a fan of Brett Favre, and hopefully you’re not either and you’ll enjoy the re-run of this post. Go Saints!

A New England Girl in Green Bay Territory

Originally ran July 30, 2009

Dear Mr. Favre:

I recently found myself in the Green Bay area, and had the “pleasure” of dining in your “steak house.” I have a bone to pick with you…

First of all, are you trying to kill me? Since when is a baked potato served with more ounces of butter, sour cream and cheese than the potato itself? Granted, I’m in Wisconsin. I will deal with the cheese. But to have a potato so dripping in butter fat is not okay.

Shall I discuss the ambience? You’re a good looking guy, but I don’t want to look at you that much. Wall to wall, side by side, nothing but pictures of you. No other memorabilia from your time in Green Bay - it was less a restaurant and more a Brett Favre portrait museum that happened to serve food. This sentiment has nothing to do with me being from New England. I wouldn’t even want to look at Tom Brady that much. And he’s a really good looking guy.

There were six in our party. Our bread basket had five rolls. People eat carbs these days. Accept it.

We started with the chilled seafood platter. Since the dish is described as chilled, our expectation was that it would be cold, perhaps served on ice. There is nothing good about eating room temperature oysters. Nothing. Especially in Wisconsin – you’re nowhere near the ocean. Ewww.

About 30 minutes after our starter, the salad course was served. Unremarkable. It was more like dressing soup, garnished with some lettuce.

The entrees were actually pretty good. No need to provide constructive criticism – we all legitimately enjoyed our steaks (and roast chicken, for the one red meat hold out of the group). As I previously mentioned, the baked potato could have done with a little less saturated fat. After all, isn’t it supposed to be a relatively healthy side dish?

Only two of us ordered dessert. The carrot cake was good, but a little heavy. I’ll own that, and give you a thumbs up. The key lime pie was also well received – and by a New York Football Giants fan nonetheless.
All in all, I’d say the food was okay, the décor a bit extravagant. But I didn’t see any Super Bowl XXXI memorabilia from where I was sitting, so you’re off the hook for that one.

Best of luck in your retirement. I hope you enjoy a full summer off before you change your mind and look for a new place to play ball.

Sincerely,
A Wannabe Foodie