Roasted Butternut Squash & Wild Mushroom Risotto

A week or so ago, I picked up some squash, cabbage, carrots, jalapeños peppers, and beets from the local farm.  In efforts to make full use of these perishable goods, I pickled the squash, cabbage, carrots, and jalapenos to pair with some sandwiches.  

Last night, I lightly seasoned (with EVOO, cumin, garlic, pepper, and sea salt) then roasted the butternut squash and beets.  

Once finished, I tossed the beets in a light mixture of vinegar and OJ.  With the remaining squash, I threw together a quick risotto using some vegetable/chicken stock, shallots, mushrooms, and smoked turkey bacon. 

  

Buon appetito!

My Universal Healthcare Soapbox

The recent death of a friend forced me to reflect on the current state of the US on multiple levels. Although they received unemployment after being laid off due to our struggling economy, they earned too much to qualify for government assisted healthcare.  Some people think the solution is simple when they never had to choose between food and shelter or a medical appointment.  But if you have been on the other side, you are set up to lose before the race has even started. 

While I was in grad school, I had grandiose visions of helping everyone in need. At that very same time, I did not have health insurance because I was trying to minimize the amount of money I borrowed. Luckily, nothing ever happened to me.  But living within minutes of the top medical centers, a person should not have to be lucky to survive.  On a plane headed to a continuing education course, a flight attendant summoned for any medical personnel to hit the overhead light to assist in an emergency. Within seconds, a dozen lights were brightly illuminating the cabin.  That act signified to me that most health care professionals have an innate desire to help those in need.

I've been terminated from a position for refusing to forego quality at the expense of drastically increasing revenue.  I was paid well but treating 5-6 patients in an hour is modern day slavery (just my thoughts).  In spite of this, I am still a part of a system where the brightest minds generally do not always accept insurance. I am a part of a system where insurance companies dictate treatment in far too many cases. And I am part of a system where HIV is undetectable in Magic Johnson, yet people in the city where I reside still contract the disease at epidemic rates.  In a country with the brightest minds in medicine, no one should ever die from conditions that are easily preventable or treated yet it happens every single day.

Gandhi once said, “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. ... We need not wait to see what others do.”  Whether you agree or disagree with my stance on universal healthcare, I think we all agree that a better solution than death is imperative.  I charge each of you to write or call your congressional representatives.  Believe me; the lobbyists are doing the same.


Words I Never Said – Lupe Fiasco

Vent – Big K.R.I.T

Lost In World – Kanye West

What's Crackin' in Orlando?

I've been to Orlando often to visit those magical kingdoms we dreamt about as children. Since becoming an adult, it’s been a different story.  I’ve managed to stay away from Mickey & Co.  like my name was Dwight Howard in 2013 and beyond.

This past weekend a manipulation course (i.e., cracking joints in a specific and skilled manner) brought me back to the destination of many childhood vacations. 

But, I refused to fall victim to the chain restaurants, theme parks, and other tourist traps. When on travel, I try at all costs to live like a local and Orlando wasn't any different.

I rang each morning with a pour-over cup of joe at Barnie's CoffeeKitchen. If you've never had a freshly roasted pour-over or French press, you are missing the complexity of flavors that java offers. Before leaving, I snagged a bag of a freshly roasted organic Honduran varietal.

Now, coffee is one thing but satisfying my epicurious palate is another.   As a resident of the DMV, its easy to spend a ton on a mediocre meal.  Thus when I travel to other cities, I search for those fabulous dives.  Much to my surprise, Orlando didn't disappoint.

At 4 Rivers Smokehouse, i devoured the Messy Pig, a pulled pork sandwich topped with slaw, jalapeños, pickles, and a spicy barbecue sauce. It was almost perfect.  My only suggestion would be to use a brioche bun.

Hawkers Asian Street Fare, a tapas style reataurant, paid homage to the street food of seven Asian countries. The highlight of the night was the Singapore noodle dish composed of fresh herbs, coconut milk, curry, and a little heat, Curry Laksa.

As a fan of the DC foodtruck Takorean, I didn't expect as much from Tako Chenna, a Latin/Asian fusion food truck meets restaurant. I was dead wrong and will never look at Takorean the same.  I had the Thai Peanut Chicken, Tom Yum Mojo Shrimp, and Panko Crusted Cod Takos. The fusion of sweet and spicy with fresh herbs, cabbage, and unique salsas provided an instant foodgasm that was recreated with each bite. The amateur chef in me would have substituted the flour tortillas with it's tastier corn brethren. But this was definitely the hidden gem highlight of the trip.
 

After a weekend full of crack, I was thankful to dive into the casual gastronomy scene that Orlando has to offer.  I ended my trip chilling at Lake Eola Park.

 

The Score

Coldplay – God Put A Smile On Your Face

Three Continents - Jimi Tenor and Tony Allen

 

I’m Beamin