Disappointment at the Liberty Oak...

So Mama Dukes and I went to eat dinner at the Liberty Oak Restaurant and Bar on Wasihington St. the other night. We were so disappointed. Nothing was plated and both of our entrees were swimming in the same lemon sauce. The fried calamari we got was so chewy that my jaw hurt afterwards and the entrees were something a child could have thrown together. Maybe they were having an off night or there was new kitchen staff. I had heard such great things about that place. They really dropped the ball, then kicked it across the room... really far. The only redeeming factor was the soup in the beginning, the Saffron Chicken Soup. It was the only thing that kept me from throwing my plate against the wall.

All that aside, I've been told that I need to try lunch there so maybe they will step it up then but it may be sometime before my stomach will let me go back. Especially since for $20 more I could eat at Printworks Bistro in the Proximity Hotel and have my mind blown... and get dessert, but that's another blog for another time. I definitely didn't think it was worth the $60 some dollars. I didn't take any pictures because it wasn't worth the space on my memory card. If any of you have had a better experience or a similar experience I would love to hear about it.

Spicy Salmon Cakes... so easy!

These delicious salmon cakes have a bit of a kick thanks to a generous dash of hot sauce. They are so easy to make and cheap! I love that part. The most expensive ingredient is the can of salmon. I know some folks stick their noses up at canned fish but when a pound of salmon is like $12, the $3 can of salmon is much more enticing. If you want to go all out, by all means use fresh salmon. So i hope that this is easy to follow:

Spicy Salmon Cakes
1 can salmon
1/2 c. bread crumbs
1 handful fresh chives, chopped
1/2 tsp. dried dill
1 tsp. Lowry's seasoning or any spicy Cajun seasoning
1 T. hot sauce, adjust to your likeness
Juice of 1 lemon
Slices of lemon for garnish

1. Mash the salmon with a fork in a large bowl.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and combine well.
3. Heat about a 1/4 cup of veg. oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Shape the salmon mixture into small uniform patties, use about a golf ball sized amount.
5. Cook patties in oil for about 3 to 5 mins a side or until golden brown.
6. Set cooked patties on paper towels to drain away excess oil.
7. Serve with lemon slices, cumin scented rice, and a fresh mixed green salad. I drank organic iced peach-oolong tea by Honest Tea... it was delicious.

Enjoi!

MFA here I come!

So I got in to grad school! As my brothers say... OMG! I'm really excited to get started and to get things done. I know that this program is really going to test my abilities and hopefully open doors I didn't know existed. I was really stressed out over the wait but it was so worth it. Here I go, guys... off to greatness... or miserable failure... but mostly greatness... I hope.