Mountain Brauhaus for Mommy's Birthday Dinner

My Mommy is German and so when it came time for her birthday dinner, I suggested we all try Mountain Brauhaus though I later learned my mother had been there at some point.  Not only had I driven past about a dozen times before and thought about stopping (but it was usually after a day of hiking around Minnewaska and I was in no condition to go out for dinner), something also makes me hesitate about German food.  All those "Wursts" scare me.  Can traditional German food mix with our modern tastes?  

I looked up the menu in advance and sent the link to my mother.  I talked to friends and coworkers and was surprised how many had visited Mountain Brauhaus.  "You must try the pretzel," suggested someone.  I made a mental note to put it on the list.

When I called to make a reservation for 10 I was asked if the meal was a special occasion and so I answered with the truth, "Yes, it is my mother's birthday."  "Would you like us to sing," I was asked.  How fabulous.  I had to say yes and left my mother's name.  After I hung up I realized none of us call her by her first name except my Mr. and brother-in-law, she is Mommy, Mom or Grandma.  Oh well.

The big night arrives and the Mr. drives so some of us can indulge with a cocktail at dinner.  I skip the Cosmopolitan and instead have a Whiskey Sour.


So light and refreshing.

A Grasshopper for the Birthday Girl:


A dark German beer for my son (I apologize, I did not catch the name nor did I write it down) and this was a "Tall."


We order a few pretzels to share and this is how they were presented:

A sweet mustard on the left and traditional mustard on the right.  I am not a huge fan of mustard as a rule, but  will always sample whatever accompanies food as it is intended to be eaten.  The pretzel is somehow cake-like with caraway seeds throughout and has been generously bathed in butter with a sprinkle of salt.  It is worth savoring and is a promising start for the meal to come.

Most of us had salad included with our entree and of the group with salads, I was the only one to ask for dressing on the side.  Many had the house dressing which came with a heavy dose of onion (not sure if that was in the greens or the dressing) while I had the buttermilk and the Mr. had Bleu Cheese (one of his favorites).

Time for the main courses!

Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes and Broccoli

Chicken Jaeger Schnitzel, Spaetzle and Potato Pancake served with applesauce

The chicken was my dish and the I was quite pleased with my choice.  The breading was crisp without being greasy.  The sauce was delicate and I wished for more.  The spaetzle was tender and did not have that overwhelming doughy taste.  Crispy yet yielding potato pancakes were also just what I craved.

NY Strip Steak with Broccoli and French Fries

Beef Rouladen with Spaetzle and Red Cabbage

Very Traditional American Cheeseburger with fries

A second order of Beef Rouladen with Cabbage and Potato Pancake with applesauce

Another American Classic:  Chicken Club Sandwich

Cornichons

Gunk Burger with Onion and Fries

For those who shared my fear of "Wursts" they likely skipped the German food entirely and that was perfectly fine.  The menu had a wide range to select from and something for every taste could be found.  EVERYONE enjoyed their meal and many to-go containers were filled.  However, a few of us also decided to indulge our sweet tooth's cry out for a "little something."  I also knew we had to order desserts so the traditional song could be sung!

Chocolate Sundae

Coffee Ice Cream

Strawberry Rhubarb Honey Tart

NO ONE wanted to sample the tart with me.  I have to confess, I have no memory of ever eating rhubarb before but if it is prepared in this manner for all desserts, I am a fan.  It is not the most visually pleasing of plated sweets and that may be what turned off the others from trying it.

Cheesecake

The photo I cannot share?  The Birthday Girl blew out her candle in a plate of Apple Streudel.  I never share family photos on Fed Well - have to have some shred of privacy in the digital age.  *The one let down of the evening - they were out of Black Forest Cake.  Deducting 2 points for a German restaurant that dares to run out of the number one requested dessert :(

Most of our left-overs are placed in traditional tin circle containers with clear plastic lids.  Except one.  My nephew had this cute and politically correct recycled cardboard container for his burger.  I wonder why we all weren't given these?

The restaurant was quite busy for a regular old week night.  We also were not the only large party in the main dining room.  Dress code was quite casual and the waitresses (servers?) all wore what appeared to be German themed dresses from a by-gone era.

We were together, we celebrated a Happy Birthday, we talked, we laughed and we were quite Fed Well.

Pine Bush Chinese Restaurant - Welcome to the Mr.'s Mother

My Mr.'s mother is 83 and preparing to move. Moving is among the top 5 stressful life situations to experience and I can't imagine having 83 years of life experience makes it much easier.  She is currently in an adult complex that has added residents eligible for Section 8 funded housing and so a mixed element of lifestyles have moved in to her building.  In response, she will be moving to a less expensive complex with a stricter admission policy.  To be direct, her neighbors will likely be women just like her (we didn't see any gentlemen on our first visit but I assume one or two must be mixed in).

After touring her new place, she put her hands on hips and said,  "Well, I'm hungry. How about pizza?"  I counter offered, "Chinese food?" We agreed and were off to the Pine Bush Chinese Restaurant. I've been there many times and have never had a bad experience.

Our niece also joined us and ordered the green beans with rice.

Quite a generous portion of crispy and flavorful beans.

Next up, I ordered the shrimp chop suey and for the Mr.'s mother, the pork chop suey. Served in the footed silver dishes I remember since childhood when visiting a Chinese restaurant.


 
The Mr. mixes things up by ordering the Golden Steak.  He is concerned, but willing.  The dish arrives separately and the waiter pours all ingredients into the hot platter to create an attention getting sizzle.

We offer, share and taste each other's dishes.  The steak was soft, tender and flavorful. The snap and flavor of the beans are worth keeping as a culinary memory. Both chop suey dishes were loaded with a variety of vegetables and generous portions of shrimp or roast pork.  Everyone has food to take home.

However, I ALWAYS save room for dessert. I have heard rumors of the yet to be medically explained second or dessert stomach and mine certainly does exist.

The pistachio is exactly what I had in mind.  Bits of nuts are balanced throughout the cold and creamy ending to a wonderful meal.

The vanilla was also said to be delicious.

Something about Chinese food and the memories of Chinese restaurants - from being a young girl, going with my family to a restaurant in Pennsylvania (where the Mr. proposed many years later) and remembering ordering from Column A and Column B, to the House of Yuen in nearby Middletown where the Mr. and I dined almost weekly or the buffet style Chinese restaurant in the old Orange Plaza and more recently to the take out from Dragon City in Bloomingburg... no matter where we are in life, at some point we look forward to the comfort and reliability of Chinese food.

Here is my made up fortune for the day, "Those who share Chinese Food will indeed be Fed Well."

Plaka Greek Taverna in Suffern, NY

With the recommendation of co-workers, a friend and I decided to try "the Greek place" in Suffern for lunch.  Plaka Greek Taverna is located at 114 Orange Avenue and is not hidden in any way.  The temperature at lunch time was around the low 90 degree mark, but having the option for cafe seating is nice.

Blue.  Blue and white.  In case you are unfamiliar with the colors of Greece (as I was) they are definitely blue and white.  The chairs are green perhaps because the previous owners (Moroney's) were Irish.  Heritage pride is quite powerful.

The wall murals also remind diners they are indeed in a Greek restaurant.  I love it!  The Greek music plays and I am waiting for the father from, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" to come out of the kitchen and offer me a bottle of Windex or at least explain that all food has a Greek origin.

The cobalt bottles of water on each table... you guessed it,"Imported from Greece."

We are given two menus - the full menu and the lunch menu.  We both order from the lunch menu and are brought the cutest bread/pita basket with olives.  I am addicted to salt and have often thought a salt lick could be installed in the office so I am quite pleased with the olives - especially the green!

My friend orders the lentil soup and is at first suspicious about the content of meat (she is a vegetarian) but does not think any meat was an ingredient.  She loves it and so I ask how it compares to another area made lentil soup and it is given a "better" rating so truly, the lentil soup is something to try.

I asked our server when I was ordering which soup she would prefer and went with her suggestion of "Avgolemono" or chicken lemon soup.  Our employee cafeteria has offered it's own version, but I realize trying the real thing is better.  I loved it.  I especially think it would be just the answer when suffering with a cold.  I was surprised how much I could even enjoy a bowl of soup while a New York heatwave was melting everything outside.

Main courses.  For my friend, the falafel with lemon potatoes. 

My lunch is the roasted vegetable pita with fries.

Happiness on a plate.  The tzatziki is fabulous and we ask for more on the side for dipping.  I slather it on my crispy fries and eat long after I am full simply because it is delicious.

We pay our bills (this was the longest part of our lunch and a bit surprising since the restaurant was not crowded) and are brought out a complimentary cookie.  Yes, a complimentary cookie!

We are adding a new restaurant to our lunch rotation and will be back to the Plaka Greek Taverna.  We were Fed Well and really all we are saying is give Greek a chance.

Dos Amigos

A Mexican restaurant?  Here?  Under 15 minutes from home!?  We couldn't wait to try it and I will cut to the ending for you - we loved it and will return.  As long as they keep their grand opening shine, Dos Amigos will have a fabulous life.

The entrance is not in this photograph and that can be a bit confusing.  The door for customers is to the left in the picture and the only complaint we had was the narrow hallway is not friendly for patrons both entering and exiting at the same time.

Walls were of course colorful painted murals.

  

We were offered a choice of tables and I have to say I was quite happy to be seated in the dining room furthest from the entrance and bar.  This was actually our view when we were leaving.  I could not find the restaurant's phone number online to make a reservation, but since it is so close to home I was able to drive their and back to hold a table for the four of us.  By the time we left, the dining room was quite busy and the bar area was also booming.   

 

"Would you like something to drink?"  Yes, please!  A margarita on the rocks with a salted rim - classic and well made.

For the Mr., a Corona to start and then the bartender came to our table to recommend a Modelo.  I had a sample sip - it was crisp but a bit heavier or fuller bodied than the Corona.  Depends on your taste.  I am not a huge beer fan and a lightweight drinker to boot.  

Chips and salsa were immediately placed on the table.  At this point, we have been greeted or served by 4 different staff members and are happy with the attention and level of interaction.  Just enough to feel like important guests without being smothered.  The salsa has a bit of bite which most prefer.  I am on the whimpy side when it comes to heat and spice, but can appreciate the quality.

 

The guacamole was served in it's own tortilla bowl.  Creamy and ripe avocado, simply prepared and so craved, we not only ate the entire contents and dish, but were brought a second basket of chips.  We didn't even think to be embarrassed.

Main dishes.  We all have a bit of different tastes and that works out perfectly for a first visit to a new restaurant.  One order is two shredded chicken, crispy tacos served of course with rice and beans.  One happy dinner.

For me, Fajitas de Camaron.  Listed on the menu as marinated shrimp grilled with mushrooms, onions, peppers and tomatoes served with guacamole and pico de gallo.  Served in an adorable fashion - look at those cute mini tortilla bowls!  

For the Mr., "Mariscada"  Shrimp, lobster, clams, mushrooms and scallops sauteed in red sauce.  Want to know a secret?  This dish is under $20.  Yes.  Go.  Now.

The one glitch of the night.  This beautiful dish of Vegetarian Enchiladas Rancheras...

was not what was ordered.  However, my son was not aware of the veggie contents until he already cut in and sampled.  The error was likely discovered by the intended receiver because my son ordered this:

California Burrito.  A large tortilla stuffed and topped with sour cream and ranchera sauce, lettuce, tomatoes and onions.  We were given the first dish to take home and the mistake was corrected quite quickly.

Additionally, we were again visited by the bartender and offered a complimentary shot of tequila.  After a Margarita, I can not maintain dignity and imbibe in additional alcohol.  The Mr. did sample it and was quite happy with the entire experience.

Dessert?  Well, I ask if we can have one dessert of the servers choice to share and this is what he brought:

The cutest display of Tres Leches cake for four.

Yes, we were Fed quite Well and had a fabulous evening overall.  The final tally?  Our bill was under $80.  Take my advice and visit Dos "Amigos."  They are also open for lunch and so far, they are open seven days a week.

First Time Waffles

I've hosted quite a few Mother's Day brunches and though the menu may change a bit from year to year, the tradition is found in the gathering of family, and the meal is almost always followed by outdoor festivities which may include wiffle ball, kickball and this year's badminton and volleyball games.  

I prepared a lovely pink lemonade with a bit of sparkling soda - for those who cared to add champagne I had that chilled and available as well.  Lovely.

For the food - my sister prepared a lovely sausage, egg and cheese casserole.  My adult sons had child-like giggles every time someone mentioned casserole.  They were brought back to this movie scene (warning: a bit of mild adult language) from a few years ago:  Casserole Argument from Stealing Harvard.  To avoid being drawn into the fray, my mother caught on and simply asked for someone to pass her the omelet at the table.  

I prepared a spiral ham and took my first steps into the world of waffles.  My nephew helped as we created an assembly line precision of spraying with non-stick spray, 2 1/2 ladles of batter, timer for 3 minutes, remove and reserve to warm oven.  Fabulous!

I also made baked veggie Stromboli-ish creation which included spinach, tomatoes and topped with mozzarella!

    

The bad news - using the disposable try on top of a standard cookie sheet (which I thought would be helpful for clean up) caused the bottom to not brown and crisp the same way as the top.  Lesson learned.

Waffles were served with blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, whipped cream, syrup and each diner's creativity in preparing their personalized dish.

Camera shy waffle

Seemed the meal was a hit (except for the soggy bottomed portion of the spinach Stromboli creation - though many simply pushed the unwanted bit aside on their plate).  Games were played, flowers and plants exchanged, cards were opened, smiles all around.  A fabulous holiday.  Or better to say a fabulous Sunday with family?  

After a few games, time for dessert.  A mini buffet with bite size sweets from our local supermarket's "fakery."  My older son's girlfriend works at the "fakery" and came up with the nickname for the bakery department which mostly bakes off prepared treats and breads (not from scratch).  Eclairs, cheesecake bites and blueberry rugula on one platter.

Half pies are a wonderful fakery invention.  I invest in a blueberry and an apple for the occasion.

Also on hand were the leftover berries and whipped cream.  Perfect.

I have some personal photos and video of the day.  It truly was memorable, relaxing, a time for bonding and eating.  Hope you had a Fed Well Mother's Day!

Eat Your Left Overs!

If I have enough left over anything that I plan on recreating or repurposing, I have learned it must be done immediately.  Otherwise it will either turn into a mystery substance in the refrigerator or it will be claimed by one person as a quick snack.

I prefer to use little bits of left-overs into one meal and so many items end up in stews or soups for winter, but during the warmer months that somehow seems inappropriate.

Cinco de Mayo fish tacos are turned into a pasta dish.  What?  Yes.

After all, what doesn't go with pasta?

Sliced black olives, chopped tomatoes, shrimp, cod are all mixed with thin spaghetti.  The fish is gently heated, but all other ingredients are tossed in with the hot pasta.  My serving uses just a spoonful of marinara with the fish juices.  The Mr. uses a heavier dose of marinara.  The salt, the carbs, perfection.

I truly despise wasting food so to be able to use up left-overs from one meal and turn them into something else (that is finished) is quite satisfying.  

It also turned into a bit of a date night at home for the Mr. and I.  We are in an in-between land of full house or empty nest nights.  Content and Fed Well.

Taco de Pescado

The 5th of May...a holiday?  Cinco de Mayo you say?  It taunts us from the calendar and sneaks into every available crack and crevice.  Advertising.  Story lines.  Even the cafeteria at work has a Spanish themed lunch special.  Sometimes, I just give in and go with it.

Fish tacos for dinner.

I have no particular culinary path in mind when I begin the journey at the seafood counter.

"I'd like to make fish tacos," I explain.  "Which kind of fish would you recommend?"

"Cod."

Well, not very exciting but when I look in the display case I realize I do not have many choices.  Tilapia?  Too thin.  Salmon is an obvious no for this family regardless of ability to switch things up or season them.  I am not a huge fan of salmon.  Various shell fish.  No.  Although, I know we all agree on grilled shrimp.  Some can have cod, others shrimp or one of each - mix and match.

I season the cod with cilantro, salt, pepper, garlic and a splash of olive oil before it is wrapped in foil and placed on the grill.

A similar treatment for the shrimp plus some Adobo.  Cinco de Mayo, remember?

Diced lettuce and tomato for freshness and crunch.

Also on the table were large soft shells to wrap the ingredients in.  I chose to instead mix everything together as a make-shift salad.  In honor of the holiday I know nothing about, the Mr. and I also split a Corona.  Yes, we split it.  Not a big drinking house.

But, we are also not Mexican and yet, we are indulging with a wink and a nod to a holiday we do not celebrate.

It doesn't matter.  All in the spirit of sharing a good meal with family (or friends) and so it is simply about being Fed Well.