This summer, simply filling up my gas tank has stalled my ability to
embark on the types of culinary adventures I have come to crave. My
personal hero, Anthony Bourdain, chef, author, and foodie
extraordinaire has taught me a thing or two about what defines a great
culinary experience. So, since I can't afford to travel the world on
an adventure of my own, I settled for watching the new season of his
hit show "No Reservations" on the Travel Channel (airing Monday nights
at 9 PM CST) and try to fill that void at home.
Bourdain and his crew traveled to Spain this week and in preparation,
I did a bit of "research" at my favorite place to blow a whole
paycheck, Fox and Obel (401 E. Illinois), where I picked up a few
items to assemble a Spanish influenced antipasto platter to munch on
during the show.
The first thing I included is thin slices of Serrano ham, an uncooked
and cured Spanish variety. Next, I chose two cheeses with the help of
the cheese monger – Nevat, a goat's milk cheese from the Catalonian
region (think Barcelona) and 12 month-old aged Manchego – a sheep's
milk cheese from La Mancha and officially my new obsession.
After picking up some Marcona almonds and Manzanillian green olives I
decided to look for some wine. I took the opportunity to try a
different type of grape, Tempranillo. This black grape is used in
full-bodied red wines, such as Rioja, and can be consumed while young
and have flavors and aromas of berries, plum, tobacco, vanilla,
leather and herbs.
Bourdain's eloquent and honest reporting gave me a new appreciation
for a country I've visited twice before and even transported me back
for a moment but sadly, my sofa continues to be a far cry from dinner
at El Bulli.Labels: anthony bourdain, chicago restaurants, dining blog, efete.net, fete chicago, fete select, food, maddie, no reservations, travel, travel channel
:)
-Eric
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