Tastes of Spring at Fogo de Chão - New Seasonal Menu!

Just in time for the start of spring, the internationally-renowned Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão introduces new menu items using the freshest ingredients of the season and crafted for those ready to embrace warmer temperatures. From Brazil-inspired meat varieties to nutritionally balanced soups and salads, new spring selections are now available as part of the Full Churrasco Experience at all U.S. Fogo locations for a limited time.

“Brazilian cuisine focuses on harvesting and serving fruits and vegetables when they are in season and have reached peak flavor,” said Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chão. “At Fogo, our gaucho chefs refresh our Market Table with seasonal items to deliver new choices for our guests to dine with us in a naturally nutritious way.”

A selection of Fogo’s spring menu items include:

Lighter Cuts of Spring – Pork Picanha (butchered and prepared with the same simple style as traditional Picanha, then carved tableside) and a new spicy Linguica Sausage (pork sausage with red pepper, garlic and fresh onion) are added to the Full Churrasco Experience this spring.

 
Market Table Additions – Roasted Cauliflower Salad (oven-roasted with olive oil, garlic and black pepper, then topped with scallions and sesame seeds) and Brazilian Kale & Orange Salad (with a citrus-honey vinaigrette), plus gluten-free Carrot & Ginger Soup (blended with fresh herbs and coconut milk) join the Market Table this season.



 
Crème de Coconut – A traditional Brazilian recipe, this new dessert features shredded coconut baked with condensed milk and cream, then served warm with ice cream and lime zest.

Blood Orange Manhattan – Buffalo Trace Bourbon is shaken with Carpano Antica, blood orange and angostura bitters, then served on the rocks.

Fogo de Chão is also honored to unveil “Eulila,” a red wine blend specially created exclusively for Fogo by the award-winning winemakers at Viña Vik. Available by the glass or bottle, the wine blends Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes from the Cachapoal Valley in Chile and pays tribute to Eulila “Selma” Oliveira, Chief Culture Officer of Fogo de Chão. 

Spring menu selections and the Eulila tribute wine are now available at all Fogo locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and are the perfect additions to guest favorites such as the Bone-In Cowboy Ribeye or dry-aged steak offerings, including the 24-ounce New York Strip and 32-ounce Tomahawk Ribeye.

For more information about Fogo de Chão, the new culinary and cocktail additions, or to make dining reservations, please visit http://www.fogo.com.

Happy Eating!

This is a sponsored post.

Chocolate Truffles (& A Food Story)

Ten years. TEN YEARS!

I recently came up for air and realized that, indeed, it has been ten years since I first "went public" (read: beyond doting family and friends) with my food passion and journey.  I had been cooking, baking--and sharing--well before then, but ten years ago (the holiday season of 2007, to be exact), I decided to take my love of creating and sharing great food to another level.  And it was then that my inaugural Holiday Sweets and Treats Menu was born.

When I set about this whirlwind task of developing the menu (the easy part--and 100% inspiration) and subsequently fulfilling 35 orders that first Christmas (yes, 35!!!--and more in the queue that I had to decline as the word spread), I didn't have any more immediate plans on this front.  Because let me tell you: that. was. some. work.--100% perspiration.

Still, I took immense pleasure in the fact that people responded to my food--and wanted to pay me for it! (A sensation I imagine most creatives and entrepreneurs experience.)  I made everything from scratch (the purist in me is still alive and well all these years later.)  I had personalized ribbons with my new chosen name, D.M.R. Fine Foods, designed to adorn the delivery boxes.  And, finally, I personally packaged--and delivered--every order to each precious customer across the Metropolitan Atlanta area (the majority of whom were...strangers!)  It was the ultimate labor of love--and one that has brought me to this very moment in time...in grateful retrospection.

This has been one of the best surprises and journeys of my life so far--replete with blessing after continual blessing.  I'm so grateful to God for the gifts and talents He's graced me with and for allowing me to share them with those who cross my path in real life or virtually.  And THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

As an ode to that first menu and the abundant memories, I'm sharing a delicious, indulgent confection that has been with me since that initial launch: my rich Chocolate Truffles.  And because they're so easy to pull together, you can make them now and enjoy them in time for Christmas--and beyond!

Here's to ten years and counting, a Merry Christmas....and, as always, Happy Eating!

Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients:
8 oz. semisweet (good quality) chocolate --some of my favorites are Lindt and Ghirardelli 
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Confectioner's Sugar
Dutch (Unsweetened) Cocoa 

Method:
Finely chop chocolate and set aside in a heat-proof bowl.  

Add cream to a heavy saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.  Stir in vanilla.  Let cool for 20 seconds.

Pour hot cream over chocolate and stir to melt chocolate completely.  (Cook's Note: If chocolate still has lumps, place bowl over a pot of simmering water--being careful that the bowl doesn't touch the water--and continue to stir until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.) 

Refrigerate for at least two hours and then using a small ice cream scoop or teaspoon, scoop out the truffles.  They don't have to perfect; it's meant to be rustic as a mimic to the real (savory) truffles.

To finish, roll truffles in powdered sugar and cocoa (and any other coatings you prefer.)  Serve and enjoy!


   

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Dear Carrot Cake,

How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways....

Your moist, luscious cake... Your creamy, decadent frosting... Your...

By now, you're probably thinking, "Really, Dawn?  A love letter to cake?!"  And if I hadn't baked and tasted it for myself many times over, I would be right there in the skeptic's seat along with you.  Just trust me when I tell you that my ode could never come close to being overrated.  It really is that good...and special.

As with most of my favorite recipes, I began baking this cake many years ago and sharing it among family and friends.  We all loved it, so I later added it to my catering menus.  And surprise! My clients also loved it.  The rest, as we say, is history. 

From holiday celebrations, to birthday affairs, to dinner parties, and good 'ole sweet tooth cravings, this Carrot Cake continues to hold its own in the sea of confectionery delights.

I gave it an honorable mention once here on the blog, as I shared highlights from a Thanksgiving Dinner.  Today I've finally come full circle to share a recipe, as well (and if you must know, I took so long because I vowed I would never give up my source for this unbelievable yumminess. And that's still not entirely untrue.) But because I'm a generous girl at heart :), I'm offering up a similar recipe to get your baking--and indulging--underway! 

Happy Eating!

Carrot Cake
(Recipe courtesy of Epicurious)
 
 

{Atlanta Plugged In}: The Perfect Summer BBQ

Summer has (unofficially) been on the horizon since Memorial Day and will make its official debut in a matter of days.  Despite the accompanying heat waves and humidity that typically mark this time of year, it's the perfect season for casual entertaining, dining al fresco, and everyone's favorite: barbecues. 

Last week I had the thrill of appearing on Atlanta Plugged In to share some of my favorite recipes and tips for hosting--and enjoying--The Perfect Summer BBQ.  (Awesome, huh?!) 

It was such a great time of sharing food, tips, cheers and laughs.  And in case you missed it, I'm sharing the video clip from the day below--along with the featured recipes that were also a hit at my previous Summer Pop Up Cooking School!

A creative twist on traditional BBQ fare, I know you'll enjoy them as much as we all did.

WATCH HERE ~ 
Atlanta Plugged In: The Perfect Summer BBQ

MAKE ~
Sangria Mocktails
Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho
Gourmet Meatball Sliders (Recipe coming soon!)
Berry & Balsamic Shortcakes

Happy Eating!

 

{Cooking for Dad}: A Father's Day Menu

There are few things that compare to the love, care, protection, guidance and affirmation that come from a father (or father-figure).  An undisputed daddy's girl, my father represented many "firsts" in my life.  He was my first love; the first man to affirm me and see the best in me; the first to lovingly foster the big dreams that he had for me.  And although he wasn't perfect, he was perfect for me.

Our earth story ended shortly before my 19th birthday, when he moved to heaven, but there isn't a day, or year, that goes by in which I'm not thinking of him, thankful for the love he gave to me, and wishing I still had him on this side of heaven with me.

If my dad were still here with me, I would prepare for him a meal fit for a king.  And as you prepare to cook for the special man (or men) in your life, this menu is all you need to make for a delicious and unforgettable meal:  Roasted Chicken and Vegetables, Rosemary Popovers, Arnold Palmer Special, and Cherry Upside Down Cake.  Now who wouldn't want that for dinner?! (No guy that I know. :))

So here's to a Happy Father's Day...and Happy Eating!

Arnold Palmer Special
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Rosemary Popovers
Cherry Upside Down Cake

Prosciutto-Wrapped Roasted Asparagus

This past weekend was abuzz with the anticipation of Easter.  Besides my focus on worship on the holy holiday, my agenda also entailed the making of goodie baskets for some special little people, and, as you might have guessed, deciding on my contribution to a family Easter dinner menu.  I also managed to score the perfect "Easter Dress" recently, which is undoubtedly a delight to the fashionista in me. :)

Back to the menu... My thoughts ranged from baking a cake (eclipsed by a cousin's announcement that she would be bringing cupcakes), to savory scones, to deviled eggs, to finally--a roasted vegetable dish (with some added umami) and the fixings for Arnold Palmer sips.

Asparagus are a delicacy--and especially when you're buying them in-season.  With my mind--and menu addition--finally settled, I roasted up some gorgeously green and fresh asparagus and finished them with a blanket of the umami goodness I mentioned above, i.e. salty, yummy prosciutto.  Simple. easy. elegant. and most importantly, delicious.

Beyond the ease of preparation and taste factors, this dish is also a star because it can be served as almost any course you like, making for appetizer, salad, lunch, or side dish heaven.  And it's spring eating as its best.

Happy Eating!

Prosciutto-Wrapped Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients:
1.5-2lbs. fresh asparagus
1/2 lb. prosciutto, thinly sliced
olive oil
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper

Method:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Rinse, dry and trim asparagus stalks (break off the woody ends; they will snap at the natural breaking point).  Place asparagus on a foil-lined baking sheet and drizzle with oil.  Season with salt and pepper to taste and roast in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until tender, but not overly cooked. 

Wrap cooked asparagus with strips of prosciutto.  Serve and enjoy!    

{Taste of Atlanta}: Eight Sushi Lounge

Ceviche -- Ocean trout, tomatoes, sweet red onion, avocado and a yuzu dressing

As the Atlanta restaurant scene continues to burgeon, the Westside recently welcomed another newcomer to the fold.  Eight Sushi Lounge officially opened its doors in late November of last year--wooing diners with exquisite and creatively delicious sushi, sashimi and Japanese fare coupled with modernly styled interiors--and is worthy to helm the top of your restaurant outings in the New Year.

I dined at the restaurant in early December and feasted on an exceptional tasting menu that was as notable for its creativity and sheer beauty, as it was for the scrumptious fare.  And although my party was seated at one of the many cozy tables, no trip would be complete without even a momentary visit to the open sushi bar to witness art in the making.

Miso Steak -- Ribeye steak glazed with miso compote served alongside seasonal vegetables

Tuna Crisp -- Ponzu mayo, sliver sweet red onion, truffle oil

Eggs Benedict -- Bed of rice, spicy tuna, shiso leaf, sunny side up quail egg

Located in the Brady Complex at 930 Howell Mill Rd. NW, the restaurant is open nightly for dinner--and represents another delicious taste of Atlanta. ($$$)

Happy Eating!

Photos courtesy of Eight Sushi Lounge

{Thank You!} Fall & Holiday Pop-Up Shop 2015

The recent build-up to my Fall & Holiday Pop-Up Shop culminated in an afternoon of holiday cheer laced with my small-batch, artisan goodies that made for another memorable time of sharing my food passion--and connecting with the amazing customers who tasted, savored and shopped our select menu.  From warm mulled cider, to citrus madeleines, to maple-cinnamon granola, spice blends, and much more, there was something for everyone.

Exchange after exchange was filled with my sincere appreciation for the enthusiastic customer support I received from family, friends, colleagues, fellow artisans and bloggers, and new customers who stumbled upon our pop-up while scouring about our host venue, Westside Market.  Your support made the day the true success I hoped it would be, and I'm truly thankful that you chose D.M.R. Fine Foods to bring the tastes of the season to you.

I unfortunately couldn't capture a photo of every customer who shopped with us (and a few were admittedly camera shy :) ), but I wanted to share some of the faces that made the event worth every moment, along with this expression of thanks.

Continued Happy Holidays & Happy Eating!

D.M.R. Fine Foods Pop-Up Cooking School: Savor the Flavors of Spring

Although the 'April Showers' mantra has been proving true of late (rain, rain go away...), I'm elated that Spring has finally sprung again.  And I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than with a Spring-themed menu for my upcoming Techniques and Tastings(TM) Pop-Up Cooking School!

On the afternoon of May 2nd, you're invited to join me for our first class of 2015 where we'll indulge once again in a fabulous time of food, learning and fun--replete with up close and personal cooking instruction, scrumptious tastings, recipes and more, at the beautiful host venue, Lovable Foods.

Mark your calendars and make plans to attend for a delicious afternoon to remember!  For full event details, including our featured menu, and registration--go here.  Seating is limited, so don't delay!

I look forward to seeing you there and sharing...

Happy Eating!

P.S. If you missed our 2014 Spring and Summer Pop-Up Cooking Schools, check out the highlights--here and here.  You can also visit our Facebook page to see what previous attendees had to say.

{Taste. Savor. Shop.}: D.M.R. Fine Foods Holiday Pop-Up Shop!

This holiday season I'm going back to where it all began--my Holiday Sweets and Treats Menu.  Only seven years ago, I rolled out a holiday menu that featured the best in confectionery sweets and savory treats and D.M.R. Fine Foods was officially born.  The response was great (if not overwhelming) and my small-batch, artisan quality food business would continue to later include private dinner parties, customer appreciation events, and yes, more holiday catering, alongside my role as a culinary instructor, the start of my companion blog in 2010 and, most recently, the launch of my Pop-Up Cooking School.

I have loved watching my vision grow over the years and my commitment to bringing my clients the best is as strong as ever.  So, for one afternoon only, I'll be featuring select items from my holiday menu at my first-ever holiday pop-up shop, hosted at the fabulous Westside Market!

It's the perfect opportunity to taste, savor, shop and bring a taste of the holidays into your home--without any of the fuss. 

And now, for the menu.

Mark your calendars for December 13th from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. EST and make plans to drop in for these holiday goodies for your own noshing, holiday parties, hostess gifts, and more!  I look forward to seeing you there!

Happy Holidays and Eating!

D.M.R. Fine Foods Holiday Pop-Up Shop

Venue Details:

Westside Market 

1530 Ellsworth Ind. Blvd. 

Atlanta, Ga 30318

404.941.3466

www.westsidemarketatl.com

{Taste Of Atlanta}: Blue Ridge Grill

Blue Ridge Grill

 As much as I love making things happen in my kitchen, I equally relish dining out--especially when it's good.  So when I received an invitation to attend a menu tasting at one of Atlanta's long-standing restaurants, Blue Ridge Grill, I had to accept.   Sister to the fabulous Bones and casually cool OK Cafe restaurants, the Blue Ridge Grill could be considered the hidden gem of the family for many.  After attending last week's tasting, however, it's apparent why it has remained a vibrant part of the Buckhead dining scene for so long.

The evening unfolded within the restaurant's cozy, interior porch and gave way to a decadently, scrumptious seven-course tasting menu featuring the cuisine of the restaurant's acclaimed new executive chef, Joe Brown.  Chef Brown's menu presented seasonal dishes, including Hot Smoked Salmon, Golden Lump Crab Salad, Pecan-Stuffed Chicken and Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop, which highlighted locally sourced ingredients, while also paying homage to long-standing signature dishes such as Corn Souffle (my favorite), Seared Diver Scallops and a Signature Cookies Platter. 

Hot Smoked Salmon

Seared Diver Scallops with Low Country Red Peas and Rice

Pecan-stuffed Springer Mountain Chicken

Assorted Cookies Platter

Beyond the mouth-watering cuisine, the restaurant boasts beautiful interiors that, in addition to the porch and dining room areas, includes a private dining room that is a perfect choice for intimate celebrations or special events.  

The tasting showcased Southern cuisine and hospitality at its finest and cemented why the Blue Ridge Grill continues to represent a delicious taste of Atlanta that's not to be missed!

And the Oscar Goes To...

Who doesn't love an occasion (big or small) to celebrate and nosh on delectable bites?  With the Oscars airing this weekend, many are taking their cues for yet another occasion to entertain and bring some fun into the kitchen. 

If you're planning your own fete, check out these "Oscar worthy" offerings that can add a delicious flair to your affair!

1. Smoked salmon dip, mini lobster rolls, and a whole lot of other goodness, are included in this list of 10 easy appetizers (Bon Appetit)

2. Toast to your favorite nominees with this fun mocktail (Martha Stewart)

3.  Enjoy a scrumptious dessert for a sweet finish (Epicurious)

Happy Eating!

*Photo Credit

Inaugural Luncheon Menu, 2013 {Recipes Included!}

To say today is an historic day in the United States is an understatement, indeed.  For today, we honor the powerful legacy of one of the greatest leaders, visionaries and public servants our nation has ever known, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  And, if that wasn't enough, we also commemorate the Second Inauguration of President Barack Obama, our 44th President.

It's a jubilant, expectant time, where differences are (hopefully) laid aside, and the spirit of unity and pride of country lead the day.  It's American History--up close and personal--even down to what history will record that our nation's leaders ate at the Inaugural Luncheon.

And if you're wondering about that historic menu, you won't have to wait to visit the National Archives to find out; we've got the full menu--and the recipes--right here!

I love that we can all bring a piece of history into our lives and homes as we take to our kitchens and recreate these dishes for years to come.  So, here's to a taste of American History...and to Happy Eating!

57th Presidential Inauguration, January 21, 2013: Inaugural Luncheon Menu