Have you ever wondered where some food trends started? Believe it or not, Hollywood has a lot to do with it. Movies and TV shows have influenced our dinner tables choices for many years. Some have even gives us new recipes to try at home. Here are a few different dishes that have stuck around since they hit the big screen.
Big Night (1996)
Movie Plot: A failing Italian restaurant, run by two brothers, gamble on one special night to try to save the business.
Famous Food: Timballo
Referred to as 'Timpano' in this film, this Italian dish became famous after the move hit the screen in 1996. It can be translated to pie or savory cake. Timballo is an Italian dish made out of pasta or rice, bound with eggs or cheese, and baked into a mold with savory ingredients including pheasant, pumpkin, giblets, meatballs, mushrooms and/or truffles. In the United States, many Italian restaurants have created different variations of the traditional dish to appease the American palate.
Sex and the City (1998-2004)
Plot: Four friends share their stories on relationships, friendships, and life changes, while living in one of the most exciting cities in America.
Famous Food: It was actually a drink - Cosmopolitan
While the girls from Sex and the City sipped their Cosmopolitans on TV, more and more local restaurants saw their sales of the delicious cocktail skyrocket.
The Godfather (1972)
Plot: It focuses on the powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone. When Don's youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), reluctantly joins the Mafia, he becomes involved in the inevitable cycle of violence and betrayal.
Famous Food: Peter Clemeza's Red Sauce
The recipe came from Francis Ford Coppola, who directed the film. Many households swear by the recipe that includes sausages, meatballs, and red wine. Coppola decided to include the recipe in the actual script, just in case the movie failed so the people would at least know the proper recipe for the traditional Italian spaghetti sauce. You can see the full recipe online!
Your #1 Local source for Dining and Entertainment here in Orlando, FL! We'll be posting about a lot of local restaurants and eating events that you'll really want to be aware of! Check out our main site at searchmycity.com
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Friday, April 10, 2015
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Feel Energized and Full Longer
Mom always said not to spoil our dinner with snacks! While some of us might have listened, snacking is still America's favorite pastime. In fact, most of us eat nearly 600 calories a day in snacks, that's roughly a third of our food intake. But just because it sounds bad, doesn't mean it always has to be. If you choose the right foods, snacking is a great way to keep hunger at bay and fuel your energy source.
High Fiber Foods: When hunger strikes, grab a snack full in fiber. A treat high in fiber, like fruits, almonds, pecans, and sun dried tomatoes, absorbs water and swells, making you feel fuller. Fiber also slows the movement of food through your upper digestive tract, which helps with hunger. Aim for 25-35 grams each day to help reduce your calorie intake and increase your satiety level. Plus, fruits like banana and apples will give you a boost in energy too.
Beans and Lentils: When you eat lentils and black beans, it takes longer for your body to break it down, which in turn will help you feel full long after your meal. Navy beans provide you with the most fiber intake. Lentils are also a great substitute for meats, which often have higher fat and cholesterol.
Bran: Bran is high in fiber and is the top source of both vitamin b6 and magnesium. Fill up on oatmeal for breakfast, but make sure to avoid all the sugar. Plain oatmeal is a great source of fiver, and it will help keep you energized.
Whole grain: When it comes to your daily toast, choose wheat over white. Even though any type of bread can fill you up, whole grain bread is healthier and 50 percent more filling than white bread, which in turn will help you eat less.
Popcorn: Since bread is a big source of bad carbohydrates, think popcorn instead. Plain popcorn can make you feel twice as full and it's fun to make, especially around the office.
Eggs: They come in many forms; scrambled, over easy, boiled, and they are part of many breakfast tables in America. The good part is this super food will keep you going for hours! Eggs are a great source of energy too.
Soup: Have you noticed when you drink water it makes you feel full? That's because it's true. Choose soup as an appetizer. When you start a meal with soup, you activate brain signals that begin to tell you you've had enough to eat. To pump up the energy level, try an all veggie soup. When you blend all your healthy vegetables together, your body can easily absorb the nutrients that become readily available, without wasting energy breaking them down.
Low Density Foods: Low density foods contain a lot more water, which adds weight and volume to food. Foods that are high in calorie density contain a high number of calories per gram, and foods that are low in calorie density contain a low number of calories per gram. Non starchy vegetables, like salad greens, cucumbers, celery, broccoli, green beans, and proteins foods like fish, and white meat poultry are very low density foods.
Now that you know what to eat, this is what you should stay away from: Cookies, potatoes, croissants, and cereal. These sugary carbs tend to cause hunger to rebound and are snooze inducing enemies! But the most important thing is to slow down. Research has shown that it can take 20 minutes for your stomach to signal your brain that you are full.
High Fiber Foods: When hunger strikes, grab a snack full in fiber. A treat high in fiber, like fruits, almonds, pecans, and sun dried tomatoes, absorbs water and swells, making you feel fuller. Fiber also slows the movement of food through your upper digestive tract, which helps with hunger. Aim for 25-35 grams each day to help reduce your calorie intake and increase your satiety level. Plus, fruits like banana and apples will give you a boost in energy too.
Bran: Bran is high in fiber and is the top source of both vitamin b6 and magnesium. Fill up on oatmeal for breakfast, but make sure to avoid all the sugar. Plain oatmeal is a great source of fiver, and it will help keep you energized.
Whole grain: When it comes to your daily toast, choose wheat over white. Even though any type of bread can fill you up, whole grain bread is healthier and 50 percent more filling than white bread, which in turn will help you eat less.
Popcorn: Since bread is a big source of bad carbohydrates, think popcorn instead. Plain popcorn can make you feel twice as full and it's fun to make, especially around the office.
Eggs: They come in many forms; scrambled, over easy, boiled, and they are part of many breakfast tables in America. The good part is this super food will keep you going for hours! Eggs are a great source of energy too.Soup: Have you noticed when you drink water it makes you feel full? That's because it's true. Choose soup as an appetizer. When you start a meal with soup, you activate brain signals that begin to tell you you've had enough to eat. To pump up the energy level, try an all veggie soup. When you blend all your healthy vegetables together, your body can easily absorb the nutrients that become readily available, without wasting energy breaking them down.
Low Density Foods: Low density foods contain a lot more water, which adds weight and volume to food. Foods that are high in calorie density contain a high number of calories per gram, and foods that are low in calorie density contain a low number of calories per gram. Non starchy vegetables, like salad greens, cucumbers, celery, broccoli, green beans, and proteins foods like fish, and white meat poultry are very low density foods.
Now that you know what to eat, this is what you should stay away from: Cookies, potatoes, croissants, and cereal. These sugary carbs tend to cause hunger to rebound and are snooze inducing enemies! But the most important thing is to slow down. Research has shown that it can take 20 minutes for your stomach to signal your brain that you are full.
Friday, April 3, 2015
Your Cuts of Meat Explained
Meat is part of almost every American dinner table. In fact, the U.S. consumes more meat each year than anywhere in the world. From the grill to the crock-pot, when you hit the grocery aisle for that perfect cut, do you know where your meta is coming from? Let's find out!
Short Loin: Loin meat is the most tender and expensive section of beef. But even though it costs the big bucks, believe it or not, it's not the most flavorful. It's the perfect opportunity to bring out your favorite marinades. Also, as you take the meat off of the grill, cover it and let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors and juices stay locked inside. The most popular cut is the tenderloin for its tenderness, but other cuts include: T-Bone - A T-shaped bone which sub divides a small section of tenderloin with a larger section of strip steak.The Porterhouse - Similar to the T-bone, but with a larger section of tenderloin. Strip loin (NY steak) : A rectangular strip of very flavorful steak, like a T-bone without the bone or tenderloin.
Round: It's the toughest of them all and because it has little fat, it's also the hardest to cook. You are safer braising this type of meat and serving it with a broth. The three types are: Top round - which is inexpensive and flavorful, Bottom round - A little chewy. Eye of round - too tough (great for a slower cooker!). It can cost up to $5 a pound.
Sirloin: This piece of meat is less tender and cheaper than the loin, but very tasty. IT comes from the lower portions of the cow's ribs. Since it's boneless, slow cooking it is key, but if you decide to cook it on the grill, you have to remember that this cut will dry out faster than any other cut. It's the perfect meat to cook for a big family since it costs anywhere from $2 to $4 a pound.
Bottom Sirloin: The bottom sirloin lies between the butt end of the tenderloin and the knuckle of the round. When you sit down at a restaurant, you will most likely see a sirloin on the menu. If a steak is not specifically designated as a top sirloin, it is likely that it comes from the bottom sirloin. It's less tender and much larger. It costs of three separate muscles: The bottom sirloin flap, the Tri-tip or Triangle, and the Ball Tip. While the tri-tip is still used for steak, you will most likely see the sirloin flap in one of America's favorite foods: the hamburger.
Flank: The flank is the belly muscle of the cow and is typically cut into small pieces. Although it's flavorful, it's a tough piece of steak because it contains no fat. It's perfect for the grill if you cook it at a high temperature for a quick minute. If you decide to go with the flank steak, try marinating it first or if you like your meat tender, braising it is also an option.
Brisket: A brisket is the cut of meat from a cow's breast or lower chest. This succulent piece of meat needs to be cooked for hours and very slowly. It's a hit among family members and, when cooked correctly, is a finger licking sensation. It runs around $4 a pound.
Short Loin: Loin meat is the most tender and expensive section of beef. But even though it costs the big bucks, believe it or not, it's not the most flavorful. It's the perfect opportunity to bring out your favorite marinades. Also, as you take the meat off of the grill, cover it and let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors and juices stay locked inside. The most popular cut is the tenderloin for its tenderness, but other cuts include: T-Bone - A T-shaped bone which sub divides a small section of tenderloin with a larger section of strip steak.The Porterhouse - Similar to the T-bone, but with a larger section of tenderloin. Strip loin (NY steak) : A rectangular strip of very flavorful steak, like a T-bone without the bone or tenderloin.
Round: It's the toughest of them all and because it has little fat, it's also the hardest to cook. You are safer braising this type of meat and serving it with a broth. The three types are: Top round - which is inexpensive and flavorful, Bottom round - A little chewy. Eye of round - too tough (great for a slower cooker!). It can cost up to $5 a pound.
Sirloin: This piece of meat is less tender and cheaper than the loin, but very tasty. IT comes from the lower portions of the cow's ribs. Since it's boneless, slow cooking it is key, but if you decide to cook it on the grill, you have to remember that this cut will dry out faster than any other cut. It's the perfect meat to cook for a big family since it costs anywhere from $2 to $4 a pound.
Bottom Sirloin: The bottom sirloin lies between the butt end of the tenderloin and the knuckle of the round. When you sit down at a restaurant, you will most likely see a sirloin on the menu. If a steak is not specifically designated as a top sirloin, it is likely that it comes from the bottom sirloin. It's less tender and much larger. It costs of three separate muscles: The bottom sirloin flap, the Tri-tip or Triangle, and the Ball Tip. While the tri-tip is still used for steak, you will most likely see the sirloin flap in one of America's favorite foods: the hamburger.
Flank: The flank is the belly muscle of the cow and is typically cut into small pieces. Although it's flavorful, it's a tough piece of steak because it contains no fat. It's perfect for the grill if you cook it at a high temperature for a quick minute. If you decide to go with the flank steak, try marinating it first or if you like your meat tender, braising it is also an option.
Brisket: A brisket is the cut of meat from a cow's breast or lower chest. This succulent piece of meat needs to be cooked for hours and very slowly. It's a hit among family members and, when cooked correctly, is a finger licking sensation. It runs around $4 a pound.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Top Foods Trends
Tea
Black or green, tea has always been a great substitute for coffee or soda. Now it's also a substitute for other ingredients, like butter. Chefs are using leafs to create outstanding flavor in their kitchen that extends all the way to the dinner table. They are mixing it into sauces, broths, and much more. You will also see the brew as your beverage of choice during lunch. The drink is very flavorful, and it goes very well with simple dishes or sandwiches.
DIY Health
Many people are taking the idea of their own home garden and running with it in 2015. Growing much more than just vegetables, critics are predicting consumers to be making their own butter, cheese, yogurt, and honey.
Comfort Foods at Five-Star Restaurants
The expensive delicacy of black truffles is still out there,but the era of fancy foods at high end establishments is changing. Expect to find your favorite comfort foods, like meatloaf and mashed potatoes or a casserole dish, in many five-star restaurants. It might look a little different than what mama used to make, but it will certainly have the same effect.
Miniature Versions of Our Favorite Foods
If you search Pinterest, you will see that our favorite recipes are shrinking in size, but never in taste. At your next cocktail party, be prepared to serve hors d'oeuvres that will mostly resemble your Sunday night dinner with offerings like mini tacos, bite sized eggs Benedict, meatball lollipops, tiny cocktails (made for one shot) and small waffles on a stick.
Tequila v. Mezcal
Tequila has always been a go-to beverage on Saturday night, but there's a new flavor that has been giving your margarita a nice twist. Tequila and Mezcal are produced in different states of Mexico. The production process for Mezcal is different from Tequila, which leads to a distinctly different flavor profile for Mezcal. Mezcal can be made with upwards of 30 varieties of agave, though most are made with the Agave Espadin. Give it a try in 2015!
Yolk
The yolk represents richness and tenderness. Since they are made of fat and protein, you will notice how the texture of your dish changes, especially if it's a pastry. Chefs are using this protein-rich food to replace dairy products.
Bacon
It never left. In fact, it has made its way into our desserts with many different recipes to include salty, sweet, and spicy flavors into one piece. This year, bacon will transform your diet once again.
Flavored Cooking Oil
Step aside Olive Oil - 2015 has something tastier up it's sleeve. Chefs across the country are trading simple cooking oils for some exotic creations, like rosemary, avocado, hazelnut, and sesame seed. You can even make your own at home. There are tons of recipes online to show you the way.
Fried Chicken
Chicken has always been a forgotten meat in many restaurant menus, and one many order 'just because'. Fried chicken especially can only be seen in southern kitchens, where the cuisine is not as chic or elaborate. This year, the trend of friend chicken as a fancy dish is taking over. Five-star restaurants are creating their own versions of the comfort dish, and charging you extra for it! It's an investment well worth saving for.
Black or green, tea has always been a great substitute for coffee or soda. Now it's also a substitute for other ingredients, like butter. Chefs are using leafs to create outstanding flavor in their kitchen that extends all the way to the dinner table. They are mixing it into sauces, broths, and much more. You will also see the brew as your beverage of choice during lunch. The drink is very flavorful, and it goes very well with simple dishes or sandwiches.
DIY Health
Many people are taking the idea of their own home garden and running with it in 2015. Growing much more than just vegetables, critics are predicting consumers to be making their own butter, cheese, yogurt, and honey.
Comfort Foods at Five-Star Restaurants
The expensive delicacy of black truffles is still out there,but the era of fancy foods at high end establishments is changing. Expect to find your favorite comfort foods, like meatloaf and mashed potatoes or a casserole dish, in many five-star restaurants. It might look a little different than what mama used to make, but it will certainly have the same effect.
Miniature Versions of Our Favorite Foods
If you search Pinterest, you will see that our favorite recipes are shrinking in size, but never in taste. At your next cocktail party, be prepared to serve hors d'oeuvres that will mostly resemble your Sunday night dinner with offerings like mini tacos, bite sized eggs Benedict, meatball lollipops, tiny cocktails (made for one shot) and small waffles on a stick.
Tequila v. Mezcal
Tequila has always been a go-to beverage on Saturday night, but there's a new flavor that has been giving your margarita a nice twist. Tequila and Mezcal are produced in different states of Mexico. The production process for Mezcal is different from Tequila, which leads to a distinctly different flavor profile for Mezcal. Mezcal can be made with upwards of 30 varieties of agave, though most are made with the Agave Espadin. Give it a try in 2015!
Yolk
The yolk represents richness and tenderness. Since they are made of fat and protein, you will notice how the texture of your dish changes, especially if it's a pastry. Chefs are using this protein-rich food to replace dairy products.
Bacon
It never left. In fact, it has made its way into our desserts with many different recipes to include salty, sweet, and spicy flavors into one piece. This year, bacon will transform your diet once again.
Flavored Cooking Oil
Step aside Olive Oil - 2015 has something tastier up it's sleeve. Chefs across the country are trading simple cooking oils for some exotic creations, like rosemary, avocado, hazelnut, and sesame seed. You can even make your own at home. There are tons of recipes online to show you the way.
Fried Chicken
Chicken has always been a forgotten meat in many restaurant menus, and one many order 'just because'. Fried chicken especially can only be seen in southern kitchens, where the cuisine is not as chic or elaborate. This year, the trend of friend chicken as a fancy dish is taking over. Five-star restaurants are creating their own versions of the comfort dish, and charging you extra for it! It's an investment well worth saving for.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Best Places near UCF
Want to know the best places to go for all of your needs? Here is a list of a bunch of hot spots near the University of Central Florida.
Best place to find your inner creativity? Yes You Canvas
Where else can you channel your inner Picasso while hanging out with your friends, drinking wine, and snacking? This unique experience teaches you and you group how to create a select painting on a canvas, which you get to keep at the end. Price includes the canvas, an apron to wear, paint and instructions, but they allow you to bring your own snacks and wine to sip on while painting. Keep in mind if you register for a class when they first post it, you'll get 25% off!
Best affordable makeover? Tied are Amy's Walk-In Closet & The Look Salon
Amy's Walk-In Closet and the Look Salon team up to make this one impossible. The Look Salon can completely transform your locks for a super affordable price. If you go on a Monday, students get 50% off, including color, cut and blow-dry! Then hop on over to Amy's Walk-In Closet to find some great gently used threads to accent your new do and voila!
The happiest happy hour? Bleu 42
Many places offer a Happy Hour, bu you haven't seen on like this before! Bleu 42 not only shows all of the sporting games you crave, but they have the ultimate specials and twice a day at that from 4-7 and again from 9-close. Some notable deals include $2 domestics, $3 calls, and 2-for-1 house wines in addition to many other drink specials, and a $4 appetizer menu to pair with it.
Best place to party on Cinco de Mayo? Azteca D'Oro
Award winning margaritas and nachos make this authentic Mexican cuisine a must! Azteca is the definite choice for celebrating Cinco, but is also an awesome casual dining choice anytime.
Best place to Marvel at what you find? Epic Comics
Channel your inner comic book geek and enjoy the best that comic books have to offer. Read the stories behind your favorite action movies, find collectibles as keepsakes, and discover great treasures for gifting, all in one place.
Best way to earn extra money? Quick Cash Pawn & Jewelry
All of us have jewelry and miscellaneous items that we never use. So instead of stressing over how you're going to pay for your holiday gifts, pawn those unnecessary items you have laying around. Get cash instantly for them, and then shop around and admire the finds. Get all your shopping done in one stop.
Most fun place to live? Boardwalk Apartments
As if the giant swimming pool with an impressive sunbathing area isn't enough reason to have your friends over all the time, there is a gaming room and movie theater. It has a pool table, video gaming consoles, darts, a popcorn machine, and massive televisions inside. You won't ever need to leave your complex again. Well, except for work or class.
Best place to find your inner creativity? Yes You Canvas
Where else can you channel your inner Picasso while hanging out with your friends, drinking wine, and snacking? This unique experience teaches you and you group how to create a select painting on a canvas, which you get to keep at the end. Price includes the canvas, an apron to wear, paint and instructions, but they allow you to bring your own snacks and wine to sip on while painting. Keep in mind if you register for a class when they first post it, you'll get 25% off!
Best affordable makeover? Tied are Amy's Walk-In Closet & The Look Salon
Amy's Walk-In Closet and the Look Salon team up to make this one impossible. The Look Salon can completely transform your locks for a super affordable price. If you go on a Monday, students get 50% off, including color, cut and blow-dry! Then hop on over to Amy's Walk-In Closet to find some great gently used threads to accent your new do and voila!
The happiest happy hour? Bleu 42
Many places offer a Happy Hour, bu you haven't seen on like this before! Bleu 42 not only shows all of the sporting games you crave, but they have the ultimate specials and twice a day at that from 4-7 and again from 9-close. Some notable deals include $2 domestics, $3 calls, and 2-for-1 house wines in addition to many other drink specials, and a $4 appetizer menu to pair with it.
Best place to party on Cinco de Mayo? Azteca D'Oro
Award winning margaritas and nachos make this authentic Mexican cuisine a must! Azteca is the definite choice for celebrating Cinco, but is also an awesome casual dining choice anytime.
Best place to Marvel at what you find? Epic Comics
Channel your inner comic book geek and enjoy the best that comic books have to offer. Read the stories behind your favorite action movies, find collectibles as keepsakes, and discover great treasures for gifting, all in one place.
Best way to earn extra money? Quick Cash Pawn & Jewelry
All of us have jewelry and miscellaneous items that we never use. So instead of stressing over how you're going to pay for your holiday gifts, pawn those unnecessary items you have laying around. Get cash instantly for them, and then shop around and admire the finds. Get all your shopping done in one stop.
Most fun place to live? Boardwalk Apartments
As if the giant swimming pool with an impressive sunbathing area isn't enough reason to have your friends over all the time, there is a gaming room and movie theater. It has a pool table, video gaming consoles, darts, a popcorn machine, and massive televisions inside. You won't ever need to leave your complex again. Well, except for work or class.
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