Random Food Questions Thread

ChicagoRon · Jul 6, 2011

There might be a link to that story (or something like it) in this threak: http://www.styleforum.net/showthread...light=cilantro

dacox · Jul 6, 2011

Originally Posted by impolyt_one

same here; hated cilantro growing up because the smell of the leaves reminded me of these tropical stink beetles I grew up with in Australia that looked totally innocuous and then when you touched them would make you smell exactly like cilantro leaves for days.

The same way, I had pho for the first time, didn't know what I was tasting (because there was mint, basil, and then lime juice and chili sauce in there too) and got hooked. I also eat cilantro in mounds, I could eat a salad made of it. I am for sure eating the cilantro salad thing at Xi'an tomorrow or the day next.

Anybody who feels cilantro tastes soapy should taste it with something sour, like a few shreds of it in a truly sweet and sour vindaloo, or in pho with the full garnish plate, or a pico de gallo that is loaded with lime juice. I think there has to be some sort of synergistic thing between citrus/vinegar and cilantro that hasn't been explored enough.

I cook mostly Asian food (specifically SE Asian and Chinese) and use it all the time. Pretty much any Thai/Lao/Viet dish I make has some. It tastes really good, like you said, with some lime and chili's. One of my favorite things to make is a cold beef salad and it's always in there.

In fact, last weekend I went out to eat and had some really good braised pork belly wrapped around a bunch of cilantro and topped with a garlic/soy sauce.

Aside from when I make Asian food, and rarely Mexican, I guess I don't really use it too often though.

Piobaire · Jul 6, 2011

Just want to say this thread has really rocked the last several pages.

b1os · Jul 6, 2011

Anyone got a favourite Pho recipe?

kwilkinson · Jul 6, 2011

Originally Posted by b1os

Anyone got a favourite Pho recipe?

Yes. Go to Asian area of nearest city. Order pho. Sit. Add beans, jalapeno, basil, cilantro, mint, and hot sauce. Enjoy.

Seriously, though, pho isn't that hard to make, although it can be hard to nail the different spices in the broth correctly. But for my money, it's a lot like sushi in that there's much less hassle and much better quality in just getting it at a restaurant.

b1os · Jul 6, 2011

Never ate Pho yet that's why I asked.

impolyt_one · Jul 6, 2011

It's pretty hard IMO, I'm looking for a great recipe as well, and I know it still won't be good enough for my liking. =( I've tried before and failed.

My Viet friends have an outdoor camping-like burner that they use to cook the pho soup on, I guess because a day or day and a half of pho broth cooking would stink up the house, and because that's a massive stock pot they use and it'd eat the stove.

b1os · Jul 6, 2011

Oh, that much cooking time. I guess I'm gonna eat it in a restaurant, first..

erictheobscure · Jul 6, 2011

Originally Posted by impolyt_one

these tropical stink beetles I grew up with in Australia that looked totally innocuous and then when you touched them would make you smell exactly like cilantro leaves for days.

You're blowing my mind again. If I ever travel to Australia, I'm going to insist on finding some of these beetles. I love cilantro and wouldn't mind smelling like it for days.

impolyt_one · Jul 7, 2011

it's not a pleasant smell man. I love cilantro myself, but the bug version is a stink.

Q: If I just have time to do a nice lunch in NYC like on Friday, and I want to go by myself, 3-4-5'ish plates for an hour or so, where should I go? Keep in mind I can't hear and I would probably appreciate a nice view more than anything. Also, I'm staying on top of Grand Central Stn.

gomestar · Jul 7, 2011

^^^

tough one because frankly I hate the view of LI/NJ suits around GC on a weekday. I'd do Locanda Verde in Tribeca, the view outside the restaurant on Greenwich is lovely and a stroll around the block is also very nice.

In midtown I don't know if I'd have an recommendations. IMO Midtown lunch is something to be avoided if you can. Maybe Jean Gorges if only for the incredible value. Or DB Bistro Moderne. Or Ma Peche.

indesertum · Jul 7, 2011

Originally Posted by impolyt_one

it's not a pleasant smell man. I love cilantro myself, but the bug version is a stink. Q: If I just have time to do a nice lunch in NYC like on Friday, and I want to go by myself, 3-4-5'ish plates for an hour or so, where should I go? Keep in mind I can't hear and I would probably appreciate a nice view more than anything. Also, I'm staying on top of Grand Central Stn.
Cafe boulud. Emp or jean George prefixe Also +1 to everything gome said Can we do beef seven ways at ma peche with sf members some day?

impolyt_one · Jul 7, 2011

I should've said I can cab it too, but obviously don't want to double the cost of the meal with cab fare - I want to drink at least a couple glasses of wine with my food and my price limit would be about $200 incl service and tax.

mgm9128 · Jul 7, 2011

Cafe Boulud was disappointing. The prix fixe at Le Bernardin is $70 for lunch. You should go there.

whodini · Jul 7, 2011

Why do my cheesecakes come out like crap?

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