What's For Dinner?

Hey folks, sorry I haven't updated my blog in such a long time. I've been busy with school, work and travelling. I just got back from Europe a couple weeks ago. Had a blast touring with the orchestra in Germany, France, and Switzerland. I also got to hangout with my brother in Manchester and met up with some good friends at London. When I found out King Tut's exhibition was in town, I was so stoked!!! I had to extend my stay there just so I could go to the exhibit and go to Camden Market. The best part of my London trip was Borough Market, one of London's oldest market. I had really good Jamon Iberico. OMG, all I'll say is it's like butter. It just melts in your mouth....or rather...my mouth. I bought some as a gift. If I could get away with it, I'd bring a whole leg back in my luggage!!!

Quick updates on my take on what's happening in the food scene

• Read this on NY Times yesterday, pissed me off really bad. Geez!!! I can't believe they're closing down the mill!! I'm sure they'll still use the White Lily label but it won't be the same. Sigh.
  
• So, Stephanie won Top Chef 4. She and Richard were my top 2 choices.
  
• My favorite and most beloved radio show, The Splendid Table, won the James Beard Award for Best Radio Food Show. I have every episode on on ipod. Lynne Rossetto Kasper, you rock my Saturdays!!!
• It's no surprise that Grant Achatz, from the famed Alinea of Chicago, won Outstanding Chef Award.
  
• Isaac Becker (112 Eatery), Tim McKee (La Belle Vie), and Alex Roberts (Restaurant Alma) were nominated for Best Chef in the midwest. However, Adam Siegel ( Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro, Milwaukee) won the award. I checked out their menu...hmmm...very small. I would like to see one of our Minneapolis guy win the award. I know they do good work!!!
• I finally got to eat at the newly reopened Cafe Levain. They have a wonderful tasting menu (including a vegetarian one) on Sundays. I didn't get to taste everything as I had to leave early but my favorite was the cold English Pea soup and the perfectly grilled scallops. Service was great. Thank you Chef Adam and his staff for the wonderful experience. Do drop by there. If you have room for dessert, drop by my favorite ice-cream haunt, Pumphouse Creamery, located around the corner from Cafe Levain and Turtle Bread Company. They have the to-die-for Sea Salt Caramel with Candied Pecans (pronounced P-cans). I had a scoop on Friday night and had to stop by there for another fix on Saturday. I got a friend hooked to it too. She had two cones on the same night and refused to share, lol!