This magnificent Lobster Cascade centerpiece rising from a platter of Oysters à la Russe Impérial is lifted directly from TV's classiest soap opera, Downton Abbey. Poor Lady Edith, jilted bride, humiliated and bed-bound with despair, bleakly regards a spinster's future. Whilst recognition of her reduced status tearfully dawns, staff scurry to erase all traces of the annihilated … [Read more...]
OYSTERS A LA RUSSE IMPERIAL
OYSTERS A LA RUSSE IMPERIAL Recipe 2 doz. fresh oysters on the half shell 2 plum tomatoes 2 scallions, minced (white and green) juice of 1 lemon 1 T. horseradish 1/4 t. Tabasco 1/4 t. sugar splash of vodka s&p Susan Sarfati, CEO of G.W.S.A.E., said "we need to create 'safe harbors,' places that encourage courageous, open, and honest exchanges where people can … [Read more...]
READERS’ CHOICE: 2012 BEST READ AND MOST LOVED RECIPES
Here at Spectacularly Delicious we strive to present a little bit of something for everybody -- in the USA and the big wide world beyond. With our 2012 readership growing in such far flung reaches as Fiji, Laos and Azerbaijan perhaps, just maybe, we are inching along toward that goal. So let's close out the year with a look at the most popular stories and recipes visited by … [Read more...]
HURRICANE SANDY AFTERMATH SUSHI SALAD
Don't kill the messenger! Spectacularly Delicious enjoyed this turning-lemons-into-lemonade lunch special at Manhattan's Cafe 57 Sushi Bar in the Hearst Building. The quality of the food there is beyond reproach; their sense of humor might not be to everyone's taste but this salad will be. Wonderful in its simplicity, it was just the thing while taking in the view of the … [Read more...]
OIL POACHED MONTAUK TUNA NICOISE
Tuna Niçoise calls for canned tuna. Sure, California-style versions featuring thick strips of grilled red-rare slices of tuna are pretty to look at and tasty in their own right. But the real deal? No. Oil-packed canned tuna (don't get me started on water packed) imparts the unmistakable character of this classic. Seriously people, haven't we learned by now that our European … [Read more...]
OYSTERS BIENVILLE
What makes a Spectacularly Delicious dish? Look no further than these opulent Oysters Bienville, a quintessential example of what it takes to make it here on SpecD: Oysters Bienville have a proper name and a pedigree: The dish was created in honor of Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, sieur de Bienville, the second colonial governor of Louisiana, by "Count" Arnaud Cazeneuve at his … [Read more...]
BALSAMIC VINEGAR BALLS: FUN WITH MOLECULAR GASTRONOMY
Nothing says meth lab quite like a little foray into at-home molecular gastronomy. Digital scales weighing out grams of white powder, funnels, squeeze bottles and spoons for thermometer-controlled cooking and cooling. But no need to cover up the windows with old sheets. The delight provided by glistening jet black orbs of vinegar is 100% legal -- the ultimate expression of … [Read more...]
THE SHUCKIN’ PUCK
I recently found the niftiest way to open oysters at Toronto's Starfish Oyster Bed and Grill. The proprietor, Patrick McMurray, is the World Champion Oyster Shucker -- Guinness World Book of Records! My goddaughter Carson goes to the University of Toronto and Patrick and his team of shuckers have taken her under their wing. So I was completely delighted to be given these … [Read more...]
LOBSTER NEWBURG: A NEIGHBORHOOD FAVORITE
This updated recipe for a Spectacular Lobster Newberg earns its "neighborhood favorite" status because I happen to live a mere block from the legendary Delmonico's Restaurant in lower Manhattan. The founder, John Delmonico, who first fired up his stoves in 1827, dragged back two white marble columns from the ashes of Pompeii to decorate the doorway of the unusual (but not … [Read more...]
DEVILED OYSTERS
This recipe for Deviled Oysters was inspired by the inimitable Starfish Oyster Bed and Grill in Toronto where reigning World Oyster Opening Champion Patrick McMurray offers a dazzling array of the freshest, most succulent oysters nightly. Nirvana on a bed of shaved ice. Last weekend Gena Bone and I went to visit her daughter and my god daughter Carson, a junior at the … [Read more...]