Secret of An's Garlic Noodles

So, ever wondered why Crustacean's garlic noodles are the most secret recipe in the world?  Well it's because of the simplicity and common ingredients involved.  I think the An family would be embarrassed if people knew the truth.  While in Paris, I met a fabulous woman who has been there and done that all over the world.  She has had private dinners with chefs who personally know the An family and the recipe.  She truly was one of the most inspirational and incredible people I have ever met!  The secret is Heinz ketchup and Kraft Parmesan cheese.  Yes, I have no idea what everything else is but the reason behind the secret are the ingredients that you can find in any old refrigerator from California to Arkansas :).  Who would have thought?!  Certainly not me.

Super Simple Authentic Hot Link Taco Recipe!

This recipe comes from my dear friend/hairdresser in SF, Amanda Ortega.  Her fathers side of the family is Mexican and this is what they serve for appetizers whenever they all get together. 

Hot Link Tacos

Hot Links

Cilantro

Red onion

Corn tortillas

Cut the hot links in half lengthwise and grill flat side down.  Chop cilantro and red onion and heat tortillas.  Serve one half hot link with cilantro and red onion in tortilla.  Cut in half if you like. 

Slaters 50/50 Burger

Huntington Beach is known as one of the worst cities for dining.  So we always welcome new, tasty, popular restaurants when we finally get them.  This is the case with Slaters 50/50 Burger off Beach and Adams.  This new custom burger (following in the footsteps of The Counter, 25 degrees, etc) joint is delicious!  They are best known for their 50 percent beef 50 percent bacon patty and bacon brownie sundae but their turkey burgers, sweet potato fries, fried pickles, regular fries, milkshakes, sauces, and beer and wine selection are all amazing too!  And, the cool thing is that this restaurant is actually going to make it.  Taking over the doomed Tap House/Flight location, who would have thought that the wait would be 45 minutes at 6 pm on a Sunday??!  And the best part is, they serve until 1:30 am and the bar is open til 2 am. 

Anqi on Tuesdays!

Unfortunately, I have heard from a few sources that Anqi in South Coast Plaza just does not compare to it's mother restaurant Crustacean in Beverly Hills.  I used to love Crustacean and would eat their garlic crab, prawns, and noodles quite frequently.  When Anqi opened, I was so excited but due to bad reviews, I still have not been.  However, Greers OC just passed along some very interesting info......

Every Tuesday at Anqi, they will be serving their famous garlic crab and garlic noodles (this is not normally on their menu)!!  You can have the crab shelled with noodles for $48 and de-shelled with noodles for $53.  I have always opted for the de-shelled version because its a lot less messy.  Of course, the An family suggests always getting the crab in the shell because of tradition and flavor.  I know its a steep price to pay, but I promise you will not be disappointed.  I am so looking forward to going on a Tuesday!

Avocado Cafe - the new Jans in Newport!

Well, I never thought in a million years that a Jans would arrive in Newport Beach.  Secretly, I hate going downtown HB to eat, just waaaaay too many memories :).  Anyway, even though it is not an exact Jans franchise, it's the closest substitute I have found south of brookhurst.  Yes ladies, "Avocado Cafe" in Newport/CDM off Avocado has the broccoli cheese soup, tuna, hava chips, guacamole, turkey, salads, bacon bits, sprouts, etc that Jans has.  However, they do offer a few extra luxuries compared to the original like squaw bread and boars head meats.  It is in the middle of an all gentleman's gym but don't let that scare ya, haha.  It was delish!

Starbucks GOLD!

I give major props to Kristina Stonebreaker for letting me in on this valuable tip!  If you frequent Starbucks as regularly as I do (every morning), you need to start earning rewards.  In order to do this, go get yourself a gift card, fill it up, register it online (you will start at green status), and use it every time you go.  Eventually, you will be upgraded to gold status (this happens quick if you are going every day) and Starbucks will send you their gold card.  At gold status, you immediately get free tea and coffee refills, free flavorings and syrups, free drinks on your birthday, etc.  Once you get the gold card in the mail, fill that up and use it every time you go to Starbucks.  After every 15 drinks, you get a free drink and will continue to get more and more rewards :)!

Buena Vista Irish Coffee Recipe!

I recently became a provisional member of the Junior League of San Francisco and purchased their "San Francisco Entertains" cookbook (highly recommend purchasing off the Junior League San Francisco website; all proceeds go to the charities involved with Junior League).  Inside the cookbook you can find specialty menus dedicated to certain holidays and events as well as amazing secret recipes from San Francisco's finest chefs and restaurants (Gary Danko, Fifth Floor, Bottega, Tipsy Pig, etc).  The jewel of the Nile I would say would be the Irish Coffee recipe from Buena Vista.  If you have had one, you know one is never enough.  So instead of spending $12 a coffee, let's make them at home!!

See recipe below for 1 serving:

2 sugar cubes
1/2 cup hot black coffee
1 jigger (1 1/4 ounces) Irish whiskey (Jameson works great here)
Heavy cream, lightly whipped

Fill a 6 ounce, short-stemmed, tulip-shaped coffee glass with very hot water and let stand for 1 to 2 minutes to heat; pour out the water.  Place the sugar cubes in the glass and immediately fill 3/4 full with the hot coffee, stirring to dissolve the sugar.  Stir in the Irish whiskey.  Top with the whipped cream, pouring it over a spoon to form an even head.  Serve piping hot.