LONDON calling: The Pantechnicon Rooms

RER 7.29.15

This is just a wee bit more than your typical pub. So we had a wee bit more than your typical lunch at Pantechnicon. With a pitcher of summery Pimms on deck, it was a veritable feast in celebration of our arrival in London after many years away and old friends.

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The starters were mixed: some stronger than others, some memorable and some lost. Four miniscule Scottish scallops were surrounded by wisps of fennel and peas and dribbles of chorizo dressing. It had a little bit of everything from spicy fatty chorizo to sweet earthy peas and tender scallops, just not enough. Fried calamari came in a basket, crisp, hot and fresh with just enough cooling lime dressing and spicy chilli sauce. It was typical, familiar and tasty. The sharing plate trio was much less appealing— the short rib pastrami was dry and burnt, the pulled pork croquette was flavorless, and the pork ribs were dull.

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What possessed me to get a salad is beyond me. Maybe it was that crispy duck egg that hypnotized me. Sometimes salads are your favorite, but this “salad” was missing what makes a salad. The base of the “salad” was a thick bed of chewy, stiff, dark wild rice, which was mostly inedible in my book. The crispy duck egg, figs, zucchini and almonds, however, were tasty on their own. There was so much crunch from the egg and a creaminess from its soft yolky center that added richness to the merlot dressing and summery ingredients. Good thing my friend and sister are much lighter eaters than I am.

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Both mains were hearty, not extremely creative nor memorable, but solid and satiating. The flanks of pork rib eye were tender and juicy, topped with a chunky apple chutney to complete the classic pair. The sweetness of the round sweet potato contrasted the earthy mushy peas, highlighting the salt of the meat and long crunchy chicarron. Even the spicy baby chicken was well executed but just chicken with a fat scoop of mashed potatoes. The bone marrow and Madeira jus and mushroom sauces added oomph but were unnecessary in the end.

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Yes, lunch was necessary and nourishing, but it was just a backdrop for memories, laughter, catching up and the essential Pimms. It was more than just a meal; it was the start of a great trip with great friends.

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7.29.15

RER 7.29.15

photo OP: MEMORIAL day weekend

RER 5.25.15

This Memorial Day Weekend was much quieter and more reflective than it was going to be initially. People go wild for a three-day weekend, no matter its reason. But a warm-weather cold had me sick and feverish, enchanted by “Gilmore Girls” and Howe’s The Misfits, draining tall mugs of hot tea and Nalgene after Nalgene of tasteless water, and dreaming of brownies, desserts, and twelve dancing princesses.

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RER 5.25.15

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Memorial Day brought clearer sinuses and lighter lungs. There was grilling of Italian sausages and brats that tempted but are reserved for later in the week and smoking (kinda) of salty spicy ribs. There was blending of rum and frozen pina colada mix with a multitude of ice cubes and mixing of trusty Bisquick and butter for dessert. There was chatting and sunning on our deck as we sucked down our frozen beverages and listened to the grill sizzle as sausages cooked and dinner cooled. It was lovely, and quiet, and us. Our long weekend ended in our traditional summer favorite—strawberry shortcake, sweet and bright, and heavy on whipped cream. The perfect finish.

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5.25.15

MangiaMore: KOREAN style spareribs

RER 8.30.13

It was a Friday night, everything, everyone and everywhere was taking longer than expected. The lines were long, the bus was late, and everyone just wanted to get out for the long weekend. But it was weird, we were trapped, and I was starving. The night before we decided that my boyfriend and I would eat dinner with my dad and my sister while my mom was out of town. Usually when this arrangement is reached, me and my boyfriend take the reigns, but this time, there was not an ounce of strength between us so my super sister took control.

 

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While I was waiting at a dirty bus terminal, chatting with stranded strangers, my boyfriend and my sister made the executive decision of what to make for dinner… the Minimialist’s Korean Spareribs. This recipe is a staple of deliciousness in our house, usually reserved for Sunday nights when the whole family (all four of us) are at the table.  When the smell of these spareribs permeate the house, we all know that no one is leaving until after dinner, discussion and maybe ice cream dessert.

 

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RER 8.30.13

The taste and seasoning make it feel like hard work is put into these ribs, but in reality, the ribs are cooked in a single pot. The flavors are complex, sweet and spicy, nutty, and earthy, and the aroma is hypnotizing. There is something about the toasty flavor of the sesame seeds that melds so nicely with the brightness from the scallions and the fatty meat. The spice from the ginger cuts the fat and adds to the appeal of the soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil. Even adding the scallions on top and folding them into the rice add texture and surprises.

 

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This recipe is something we always look forward to and are severely disappointed if we miss. You should try out the low maintenance recipe! What are some of your favorite easy meals that bring the whole family together— the kind that just the smell makes you think of home and memories?

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9.2.13

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