Florida Foodie Daytona Beach restaurants

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Quick Pics: Emeril's Thchoup Chop

One of my favorite dining experiences in Florida, so consistent, so delicious . . . here are a few photos I snuck in between sips & bites.
Started off with a Cantaloupe Melon Martini at the bar.  It actually doesn't have any cantaloupe in it (watermelon liqueur & orange infused vodka), but it definitely has that specific fruit flavor.





From now on, I will request that my egg rolls be served like this, no matter how casual the Chinese take-out.  Two sauces, a delicate sprinkling of microgreens?  Yes, please.


The dumplings were hot, tender, meaty--nothing out of the ordinary.  Good standard.



My Salmon entree was so amazing, I forgot to take a picture of it.  It was surrounded with a savory pool of golden corn & purple potatoes swimming in a swirled butter sauce.  A very generous portion of fish was served.


This is the Chef's dessert sampling: vanilla-mango creme brulee, blueberry bread pudding, and a mini chocolate torte.  The wine pairing was perfect for this course.






When making a reservation, I suggest asking if you can be seated at the Chef's table, which is a bar that overlooks the kitchen.  It's dinner, and a show.



Emeril's Tchoup Chop on Urbanspoon

Monday, September 6, 2010

Philadelphia Dining Highlights, Part 2




Mixto (Pine & 12th)


The best part of this meal was the company (thanks for making the trip, Daniel) and the large pitcher of Capirinhas.  The food is always good, with an upscale Caribbean-Cuban-Mexican menu.  Too bad our waiter was a douchebag and was too busy flirting with the table of ladies behind us.  The bus people were more attentive.  Bummer.
I have been craving avocados like crazy this summer--so, when I saw that their grilled salmon had a side of avocado on the side, I was sold (even though we just had their guac for an app).  The spinach was perfectly seasoned with salt and garlic, and the black beans and rice were traditional sides.  However, the salmon's tequila sauce lacked the zestiness that I was expecting. It was still very tasty.  Daniel ordered the slow roasted pork as his entree and the portion of pork was pretty generous, as he did bring home leftovers.


Mixto on Urbanspoon