the arugula files

Chef Artley's Strawberry-Balsamic Vinaigrette

I'm always on the hunt for tasty vinaigrette recipes.  It was only a few years ago that I stopped buying bottled dressing.  That simple move dramatically changed my opinion of salad.  Not only does bottled dressing taste mediocre, it's expensive. 

Today I was walking through the Dupont Farmer's Market and was happy to see Chef Will Artley (and helpers) from the Evening Star Cafe dishing out beef carpaccio with "black" heirloom tomatoes and salad drizzled with strawberry-balsamic vinaigrette.  And, damn, that sample was tasty.

Apparently, this week was the last week for strawberries. Sigh.  I didn't make it to Butler's Orchard because of rain and tedious chores.  I guess I'll have to aim for blueberry picking, which, according to Butler's website, are almost ready to harvest.

I HEART Gordon Ramsay, Still

I was disappointed to read about Gordon Ramsay's cheating ways. Allegedly he's been carrying on with a "professional" mistress for 7 years. This hurts all the more because of how Ramsay incorporates his adorable kids and lovely wife into his TV show, basically making them a part of his brand. Papers are reporting that Ramsay is denying the affair and his wife hasn't left him yet. So I guess I can still heart Gordon Ramsay after all. Here he is making rack of lamb, just in time for the holidays.

Next Celebrity Chef...You?

Now is your chance to launch your career as a celebrity chef/food network personality. 
The Food Network is casting for their super popular show, The Next Food Network Star.  There is an open casting call in the DC area this Friday, October 3 from 10am to 3pm at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Washington.  The application is here.

Emeril's new show Emeril Green, featured on the Discovery channel, is casting guest chefs.  According to the website, "this is a chance for amateur chefs to receive cooking tips and recipes tailored specifically to their needs by America's most beloved chef-Emeril Lagasse!"  More information is here.  The show is filmed in DC. How much fun would it be to hang out with Emeril?  Do it, do it, do it!

Photos:  Food Network and the Emeril Green Show

I HEART Gordon Ramsay

Gordon Ramsay makes me smile.  This short video shows him picking snails from his garden with his kids.  It's a sweet video, especially the kid's reaction to the taste of cooked snails. Ramsay has a terrific series that highlights him traveling around and catching his own seafood.  It's better than the food network.

Catching king crabs in Norway.

Trapping crayfish.

Diving for scallops.

Spear fishing sea bass.

Figs and Bacon, Avec Eric

I've been looking for figs at the Farmers Market with no luck. My goal, when I eventually find them, is to make something salty and sweet, like this little treat from Eric Ripert's toaster oven madness series.

Raspberry Clafouti, Avec Eric

Remember when you were little and you had an easy bake oven? This is the adult version. I'm getting those little gratin dishes.  Oh yes, I am....

Quail Egg and Smoked Salmon Toasts

Here's Eric Ripert making Quail Egg and Smoked Salmon Toasts. I love this series. Ripert makes these little fancy dishes with a toaster oven.  The videos are very effective. Not only do I want to make these little treats, I'm convinced I need a toaster oven to do it. You know, because the heat that comes from my conventional oven is different.

I HEART Gordon Ramsay

Chef Ramsay cooks red mullet with orange and fennel en papillote (or how to cook fish in parchment paper).

I HEART Gordon Ramsay

Chef Ramsay makes feta, chickpea, and flat bread salad. 

Toaster Oven Madness!