Dining In + Spotify Playlist

“Eating is so intimate. It's very sensual. When you invite someone to sit at your table and you want to cook for them, you're inviting a person into your life.” - Maya Angelou

I’m often asked what meals I cook in a week, and to be truthfully honest it varies. There are some weeks where I cook my normal dishes - staples meals that are super quick to whip up on whim. Then, there are other times where I love experimenting with new flavors and trying different things. The kitchen is such a cool place to be, and it’s so much fun breaking out of my normal routine to create a delicious meal.

Normally, each week I set out a menu of what what is on the docket, and it really helps us stick to a meal plan. Also, setting a weekly is vital to not overspending or wasting a bunch of food! I love switching up the weekly menu, and having some diverse dishes - it makes mealtime really enjoyable.

Today, I am sharing a few dishes that I’ve cooked in the past few weeks. This post is accompanied by the perfect kitchen playlist, full of some of my favorite food related throwbacks. Enjoy!

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analisemia · Playlist · 14 songs · 0 likes

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Crispy fried oyster sandwich with arugula and an old bay aioli on a potato roll

crispy fried oyster recipe

Coffee dry rubbed duck with a cherry port wine sauce on a bed of basmati rice

Portobello mushroom fries with a grated parmesan cheese garnish, with a jalapeño garlic aioli

Chicken Milanese with arugula, avocado, tomato, basil, oregano, and a generous topping of freshly grated parmesan cheese

Smoked salmon sandwich with arugula and homemade lemon dill dressing on a potato roll, paired with an arugula and avocado salad

lemon and herb smoked salmon recipe

Homemade sea salt, black pepper, rosemary, and thyme sourdough croutons - perfect for tossing onto a salad

Pecan encrusted thyme and rosemary chicken tenders, paired with waffles, and accompanied by a homemade chili maple syrup

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XO, Analise

Recipe: Simple Arugula Salad

“The perfect dressing is essential to the perfect salad ...” - Julia Child

Salads are one my easiest and favorite quick dishes during the busy week to prepare. I easily make this salad about 4-5 times a week, with different variations. This dish is truly perfect by itself or a compliment to really any entree you choose.

I’m sharing my super simple Arugula Salad recipe, that is less than 5 steps, and will take you less than five minutes to make. You can always jazz it up with your favorite protein, like grilled chicken, smoked turkey, or pan seared shrimp, but it’s absolutely perfect as is.

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What You’ll Need

• 3 cups arugula

• 1 diced roma tomato

• 1/4 cup chopped red cabbage

• 1/2 large lemon, juiced

• 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• a pinch of sea salt

• a few shakes of cracked black pepper, oregano, and dried basil

• feta or parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Directions

STEP 1: Combine arugula, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl. Gently toss the arugula leaves so it is evenly coated in olive oil and lemon juice.

STEP 2: Sprinkle a little bit of salt, oregano, dried basil, and pepper on the arugula.

STEP 3: Dice tomatoes and shred red cabbage and place that on top of the arugula.

STEP 4: Last, garnish with feta or parmesan cheese.

Pro Tip: For a lovely addition top with avocado, shredded chicken or turkey, even pan seared shrimp would be lovely to add with this dish!

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XO, Analise

Crab Cake Duo with Old Bay Aioli + Rosé Wine Pairing

“Eating has to be fun.” - Jose Andres

Crab cakes have always been a favorite of mine. Remembering the first time I ever took a bite of one brings me so much joy. During my annual summer visit to Washington D.C. with my grandmother as a child was, she insisted that I try the dish and that I’d love them - I was hooked immediately.

This entrée is always sentimental to me because it brings back the memories of my childhood, and those magical summer months bonding with my grandmother in Silver Spring, Maryland and Washington D.C.

I’m pairing this classic dish with a new favorite rosé, courtesy of Brown Napa Valley, their 2019 Betelgeuse Rosé.

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This dish is bursting with flavor. The jumbo lump crab cakes have little filler, so the meat is soft, delicate, and sweet. It is complimented with arugula, which has a bitter and spiciness that pairs perfectly together. Lastly, you have the homemade Old Bay aioli, that is packed with an array of spices (celery salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and paprika) and lemon - the ideal dipping sauce for any crab cake.

Two crab cakes on a bed of arugula, with a lemon wedge and Old Bay aioli.

2019 Betelgeuse Rosé

I was immediately blown away by this wine, as it is nothing I’ve had in a really long time. There are so many wonderful flavors in this bottle, that are just so complimentary of one another - pure perfection. The complexity of this wine is unique, inviting, and just lovely all the way around.

Let’s breakdown this wine, here are the notes on this stunning rosé:

• Red fruit: strawberry, cherry, watermelon

• Tropical: guava, kiwi

The watermelon and strawberry notes were so well balanced, also stone fruit was immediately present on the palate as well. For the secondary notes, you’ll taste rose petal and a touch of citrus and lemongrass.

This wine is fresh, light, very easy to drink with or without food. The rosé is so smooth, I was blown away at how silky it was. The wine lingers on the palate long after taking a sip - which is a pure joy as it tastes really amazing.

Also, this is a Pinot Noir based rosé, and it is just stunning. This is the perfect thing to drink all summer long, and pairs beautifully with seafood or a light fresh salad.

2019 Betelgeuse Rosé

XO, Analise

Dining Out: Eating Local, Part 1

“You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food.” - Paul Prudhomme

Visiting local restaurants is one of my favorite things to do. I'm a foodie and really like exploring new restaurants! We make a list of new places to try and make it a point to share our experiences with friends.

Today, I'm sharing a few meals that I love at some amazing restaurants in my hometown of Hampton Roads, VA.

Commune

Salad & Freshly Baked Croissant at Commune - Norfolk, VA.

Commune is so delicious. The best thing about this spot is, that they only serve fresh and local produce. You can always count on this restaurant cooking with quality ingredients. Also, the little bakeshop is to die for, and the small little grocery in the front of the building has yummy goodies!

Tinto Wine & Cheese

Wine & Cheese Tasting at Tinto Wine & Cheese - Chesapeake, VA

G & I enjoyed an amazing cheese and wine pairing class, at our favorite little wine shop, Tinto Wine & Cheese. They have the most delicious light fare, and have wonderful wines. There are three locations in Hampton Roads, you can find them in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake. 

Cobalt Grille

Flash Fried Calamari at Cobalt Grille - Virginia Beach, VA.

Caprese Salad at Cobalt Grille - Virginia Beach, VA.

Cobalt Grille has been one of my favorite restaurants for years. My Grandmother introduced me to this restaurant when I was in college, and it's now a family favorite. Everything on the menu is delicious, and I have never had a bad meal here! Also, they have wonderful specials - Beef Wellington, Rock Fish with Lump Crab Meat, and it's all to die for. Also, they use local fresh ingredients! If you are looking for a nice spot, for a cute date night, this is the place!

Bay Local

Avocado Toast & Tater Tots - Bay Local Eatery in Virginia Beach, VA

Bay Local is my favorite spot for brunch, and I'm there at least once a week. There is always a line out the door, and for absolute good reason! They don't take reservations, so get there early to enjoy their specials and amazing mimosas. This avocado toast with a side of tots, is my go-to dish right now. Everything is made with the best ingredients and super delicious. 

Fruitive

Charcoal Limeade - Fruitive in Norfolk, VA

Plant-based meals have been on my radar in the past year, and Fruitive is my absolute fave. They have three locations in Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, and two spots in Norfolk. I love their juices and this Charcoal Limeade is so refreshing and delicious, it's my go-to drink whenever I need a detox.

Pungo Pizza & Ice Cream

Pepperoni Pizza - Pungo Pizza & Ice Cream in Virginia Beach, VA

My favorite pie from my childhood pizza shop in Virginia Beach, VA - Pungo Pizza & Ice Cream. I have been getting pizza from this place since I was in middle school. It's not far from house, and I cannot get enough of it! The pepperoni pizza is to die for, and their garlic knots are even more delicious!

Mannino's Italian Bistro

Fried Oyster Appetizer - Mannino's Italian Bistro in Virginia Beach, VA

Seafood is my absolute favorite, and I'm in love with fried oysters. This fried oyster appetizer is amazing, and I always order it as an entree and get veggies on the side. Mannino's Italian Bistro is one of the hidden gems in this city. Also, this little place holds a special place in my heart - the day G proposed, we went to this sweet place the night we got engaged.

What are some of your favorite places to eat in your hometown?

Enjoy!

XO, Analise