Santiago, Chile in Food Photos

Upon returning to Argentina in July, it took only a few weeks before I had the travel bug again. The timing seemed perfect for a 10 day trip to Santiago to indulge in some of the high quality cuisine that is impossible to find in Buenos Aires. And that means seafood, seafood, seafood...and includes sushi. And German and French food in Buenos Aires is lacking while in Santiago, there are some great options.

So here's a photo recap of my July trip to Santiago...

Santiago

SURREAL:
Chicken in Pil-Pil sauce: Spicy, sizzling chicken in chili and garlic sauce from Surreal in Santiago, Chile.

SURREAL:
FryApalloza: version of fish and chips at Surreal in Santiago, Chile. Potato, sweet potato and yucca fries with fish.

SURREAL:
Sizzling shrimp al merken ( shrimp, garlic, olive oil) from Surreal, in Santiago, Chile.

AQUI ESTA COCO:
Patagonian scallops in a coconut saffron sauce with sautéed spinach at Aqui Esta Coco in Samtiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/07/seafood-from-aqui-de-coco-in-santiago.html

AQUI ESTA COCO:
Corvina (sea bass) with pulpo (octopus), squid and mussels with potatoes from Aqui Esta Coco in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/07/seafood-from-aqui-de-coco-in-santiago.html

AQUI ESTA COCO:
One of the tastiest dishes I've had to date: grilled swordfish with the skin removed, served on top of butter Patagonian potato mash mixed with corn, peas, carrots, in a black butter sauce from Aqui Esta Coco in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/07/seafood-from-aqui-de-coco-in-santiago.html

AQUI ESTA COCO:
Corvina with capers in a butter sauce with quinoa roma (basil, tomato) from Aqui Esta Coco in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/07/seafood-from-aqui-de-coco-in-santiago.html

AQUI ESTA COCO:
Chocolatey bomb: rich chocolate cake with liquor icing, with chocolate helado and toasted candied macadamia nuts. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/07/seafood-from-aqui-de-coco-in-santiago.html

AQUI ESTA COCO:
Heaven: creamy coconut flan with whipped cream, candied Chilean hazelnuts and a sugary candied glass of pleasure from Aqui Esta Coco in Santiago, Chile. More athttp://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/07/seafood-from-aqui-de-coco-in-santiago.html

AQUI ESTA COCO:
Chestnut creme brulee from Aqui Esta Coco, Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/07/seafood-from-aqui-de-coco-in-santiago.html

LE BISTROT:
Filet de boeuf (sauce roquefort ou poivre noir) Filet mignon with rice and a roquefort sheese sauce from Le Bistrot in Providencia, Santiago, Chile. The French restaurant is currently ranked #1 in all of Santiago on the Tripadvisor reviews. (Filete de vacuno, salsa roquefort /  Filete de vacuno, salsa roquefort). More athttp://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/le-bistrot-excellent-french-dining-in.html

LE BISTROT:
Beef burgundy with rice from Le Bistrot in Providencia, Santiago, Chile. The French restaurant is currently ranked #1 in all of Santiago on the Tripadvisor reviews. (Boeuf bourguignon Estofado de vacuno en vino tinto). More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/le-bistrot-excellent-french-dining-in.html

LE BISTROT:
Classic escargot and garlic from Le Bistrot, in Santiago, Chile, currently ranked #1 overall restaurant in Santiago on Tripadvisor. [Escargots à l’alsacienne Caracoles al alsaciana (lleva ajo)]. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/le-bistrot-excellent-french-dining-in.html

DE TAPAS Y COPAS:
Tapas from De Tapas y Copas in Bellavista, Santiago, Chile. Right to left: Pixto (chicken and beef in red wine sauce), Gambas al ajillo (shrimp in garlic sauce), Salmon y Camembert. Check out their menu at http://www.detapasycopas.cl

DE TAPAS Y COPAS:
Tapas from De Tapas y Copas in Bellavista, Santiago, Chile. Photo is of "Tigres", 4 unidades de mejillones (choritos) apanados relienos con bechamel de jamon, huevo y los propios choritos. Check out their menu at http://www.detapasycopas.cl

LA HACIENDA:
Tortilla de Papas con Chorizo from La Hacienda Goucha in Santiago, Chile. Perfect blend of buttery soft potato chucks, egg, onion and spicy chorizo.

LA HACIENDA:
Mixto de Pulpo y Ostiones al Ajillo from La Hacienda Goucha in Santiago, Chile. Soft and tender octopus with oysters in a perfect sauce of roasted garlic, challots, olive oil and butter.

STARNBERG:
Pernil dorado with 2 bratwurst, spatzle, Starnberg sauce (mushroom  gravy) and a Kostritzer from Starnberg in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/starnberg-german-food-in-santiago-chile.html

STARNBERG:
Roast pork loin with mashed potatoes from Starnberg, German restaurant in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/starnberg-german-food-in-santiago-chile.html

STARNBERG:
Pernil dorado (roast pork shoulder) with spatzle and a mushroom cream sauce from Starnberg, German restaurant in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/starnberg-german-food-in-santiago-chile.html

STARNBERG:
Starnberg in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/starnberg-german-food-in-santiago-chile.html

STARNBERG:
A Kostritzer from Starnberg in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/starnberg-german-food-in-santiago-chile.html

STARNBERG:
Starnberg in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/starnberg-german-food-in-santiago-chile.html

ZABO:
ahi sashimi from Zabo sushi in Santiago, Chile

ZABO:
Perfect ahi hand roll from Zabo sushi in Santiago, Chile

ZABO:
Sushi from Zoba Sushi in Santiago, Chile. Hundreds of vodka drinks on the menu and something you don't see on Argentinian menus: high quality ahi tuna. Menu athttp://www.zabo.cl

ZABO:
Perfect ahi hand roll from Zabo sushi in Santiago, Chile

ZABO:
Gotta love the culture of mixing your own drinks: vodka and cranberry juice from Zabo in Santiago, Chile

ZABO:
Gotta love the culture of mixing your own drinks: vodka and cranberry juice from Zabo in Santiago, Chile

NIU SUSHI:
Pulpo roll (shrimp, avacado, rice, chives wrapped in tasty octopus) from Niu Sushi, Santiago, Chile.

LA PICCOLA ITALIA:
Congrio del nonne from La Piccola Italia in Santiago, Chile. Conger eel in a white wine sauce with a side of creamy rissoto.

LA PICCOLA ITALIA
Dessert time at La Piccola Italia in Santiago, Chile

Mote con huesillo: dried peaches in sweet and cinnamon nectar with wheat.

Thin crust pepperoni and onion pizza from Pizza Aniz in Providencia, Santiago, Chile.

CAFE LITERARIO:
Hot Chocolate from Cafe Literario, Parque Bustamante in Santiago, Chile.

YAMA SUSHI:
Ramen from Yama Sushi in Santiago, Chile.

Fish market at Vega Central, Santiago, Chile

Southern BBQ Pulled Pork Empanada. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/southern-bbq-pulled-pork-empanadas.html

Shepard's Pie Empanada, More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/southern-bbq-pulled-pork-empanadas.html

Want to see more? Check out the Santiago Food Photos page on Picasa

Want to explore more? Try the FoodSherpas.com
Food Photo Map of Santiago

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Home Cookin': Seared Chicken with Creole Sauce & Maque Choux

Growing up in the United States and of French descent, I ate a lot of cajun and creole food. So when I was cooking for a Chilean friend of mine this past week here in Buenos Aires, it seemed like a good type of food to prepare for them...since unlike the Argentinians here, Chileans actually like food with a little spice.

The dish is fairly simple: seared chicken breast with a spicy creole sauce on a bed of brown rice, served with a side dish of maque choux.

Home Cookin': Chicken breast seared in garlic and white wine, topped with spicy butter creole sauce on shallot brown rice. Side dish of smoked BBQ maque choux.

The recipe is fairly simple. It's two chicken breasts marinated in a mixture of 5 cloves of chopped garlic, pinch of salt, black pepper, pinch of cayenne, and white wine. Sear the chicken in whole breasts and then slice to serve for presentation.

The creole sauce is very simple as well. Heat and sweat about 1/2 cup of onions and 12 cup of celery in olive oil with about 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder. Add 3 diced tomatoes, a teaspoon of hot sauce (I used chipolte Tabasco) and a pinch of sugar. Add salt and more black pepper to taste. To give it a better texture to serve as a sauce topping, I did not overcook the tomatoes as I would if making an actual creole, so the tomatoes retained more firmness. And to finish off the sauce, I added butter at the end to give it a creamier flavor.

For the maque choux, there are a number of different ways to prepare this. As I wanted a smokier BBQ flavor, I cooked onions and a BBQ chorizo the day before in a pan with 1 can of stewed tomatoes. Once it cooled, I then placed in the refrigerator overnight to get the fat to congeal. The maque choux was then simple: 2 cups worth of corn, sauteed with 1 cup red bell pepper, 1 cup green bell pepper, and 1/2 cup of diced red onion and 1/2 cup green onion bottoms sauteed in 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Then add a few drops of liquid smoke and the congealed pork fat (bacon fat is often used but I wanted the flavor of the chorizo this time) and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of unsalted butter and stir.

And that's it.



Even better though was the next day when left with a cup of maque choux, a cup of brown rice, and a cup of the creole sauce, and 1 uncooked chicken breast. What's a person to do? Easy, cut and sauteed the chicken in one pan (I opted for larger pieces, but cubes is a more common option), while cooking the maque choux and creole sauce in a separate pan. Add a bit more chili powder to the creole and cook. Then add the chicken, stir, and serve.

And now you have yourself a tasty Chicken & Corn Creole:

Home Cookin': Chicken & Corn Creole

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Seattle in Food Photos

Following the San Francisco Food Photos, New York Food Photos and SoCal Food Photos comes one of my favorite US cities, Seattle.

Seattle

If you live in Seattle or are planning to visit, check out the Foodsherpas.com "Ate8" city guides on Foursquare and Foodspotting. It's 8 foods/restaurants to check in at and try some food!

SEATTLE FOURSQUARE FOOD LIST

SEATTLE FOODSPOTTING FOOD GUIDE

On to the photos...

LIST:
Grilled chilean sea bass from List in Belltown, Seattle. Excellent happy hour options. FoodSherpas.com review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/tapas-from-list-in-belltown-seattle-wa.html

LIST:
Bacon wrapped wild Florida prawns from List in Belltown, Seattle. Excellent happy hour options. FoodSherpas.com review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/tapas-from-list-in-belltown-seattle-wa.html

LIST:
Gnocchi with black truffle cream from List in Belltown, Seattle. Excellent happy hour options. FoodSherpas.com review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/tapas-from-list-in-belltown-seattle-wa.html

LIST:
Cannelloni with spinach and ricotta from List in Belltown, Seattle. Excellent happy hour options. FoodSherpas.com review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/tapas-from-list-in-belltown-seattle-wa.html

SWEET IRON:
Bacon and maple waffle from Sweet Iron Waffles in Seattle, WA.  FoodSherpas.com review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/seattle-breakfast-restaurants-near.html

BACCO CAFE:
Italian sausage hash with red peppers and egg whites with a bagel from Bacco Cafe in Belltown, Seattle. FoodSherpas.com review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/seattle-breakfast-restaurants-near.html

BACCO CAFE:
Market Crab Omelet from Bacco Cafe in Belltown, Seattle.  Farm fresh eggs and slices of avocado, with Market fresh Dungeness crab. FoodSherpas.com review athttp://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/seattle-breakfast-restaurants-near.html

The Brooklyn Seafood, Steak & Oyster House:Steamed clams and andouille sausage from The Brooklyn Seafood, Steak & Oyster House in Seattle, WA

The Brooklyn Seafood, Steak & Oyster House:Oysters from The Brooklyn Seafood, Steak & Oyster House in Seattle, WA

The Brooklyn Seafood, Steak & Oyster HouseOne of the best chowders in Seattle at The Brooklyn Seafood, Steak & Oyster House

PEL'MENI:
Russian dumplings from Pel'meni at the 2011 Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle, WA. FoodSherpas.com review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/05/food-vendors-at-northwest-folklife.html

PEL'MENI:
Pel'meni at the 2011 Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle, WA. FoodSherpas.com review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/05/food-vendors-at-northwest-folklife.html

KENYAN KITCHEN:
Spicy Beef Sambusa from one of the Kenyan food vendors, Kenyan Kitchen at the 2011 Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle, WA. FoodSherpas.com review athttp://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/05/food-vendors-at-northwest-folklife.html

KENYAN KITCHEN:
Spicy Beef Sambusa from one of the Kenyan food vendors, Kenyan Kitchen at the 2011 Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle, WA. FoodSherpas.com review athttp://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/05/food-vendors-at-northwest-folklife.html

ESPI'S:
Pork Lumpia which is a Philipino pork eggroll from Espi's: at the 2011 Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle, WA. FoodSherpas.com review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/05/food-vendors-at-northwest-folklife.html

2011 Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle, WA. FoodSherpas.com review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/05/food-vendors-at-northwest-folklife.html

ESPI'S:
Pork Lumpia which is a Philipino pork eggroll from Espi's: at the 2011 Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle, WA. FoodSherpas.com review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/05/food-vendors-at-northwest-folklife.html

LE PINCHET:
Œufs plats, jambon et fromag with Saucissons séchés à l’huil and Pain et Beurr from Le Pinchet in Seattle, WA.  FoodSherpas.com review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/seattle-breakfast-restaurants-near.html

LE PINCHET:
Pain et Beurr from Le Pinchet in Seattle, WA.  FoodSherpas.com review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/seattle-breakfast-restaurants-near.html

Want more? Take a look at the Seattle Food Photos on Picasa.

Want to explore more? Try the FoodSherpas.com
Food Photo Map of Seattle

Read more »

Southern California in Food Photos

This is the 3rd part of the Food Photos series, covering my June trip to the United States. After covering San Francisco Food Photos, New York Food Photos, we're now onto Southern California.

I lived in Southern California for a good chunk of my life. But the photos shared only cover the items I enjoyed upon my June visit. The cities include Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange County and San Diego.

So without further ado...

Southern California

If you live in Seattle or are planning to visit, check out the Foodsherpas.com "Ate8" city guides on Foursquare and Foodspotting. It's 8 foods/restaurants to check in at and try some food!

LOS ANGELES FOURSQUARE FOOD LIST

LOS ANGELES FOODSPOTTING GUIDE

SASABUNE
Los Angeles
Albacore sashimi, the first dish in the Omakase special at Sushi Sasabune in Los Angeles, CA. FoodSherpas.com review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/01/sushi-sasabune.html

ENTERPRISE SEAFOOD Co.
Santa Monica, CA
Lobster Bisque covered in Puff Pastry from Enterprise Seafood Co. in Santa Monica, CA. FoodSherpas.com review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/01/lobster-bisque-covered-in-puff-pastry.html

PHILLIPS II BBQ
Los Angeles, CA
BBQ ribs with beans from Phillips II in Los Angeles, CA

ROCK'N FISH
Manhattan Beach, CA
Navy grog from Rock n' Fish in Manhattan Beach, CA

ROCK'N FISH
Manhattan Beach, CA
Macademia nut encrusted mahi mahi with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables from from Rock n' Fish in Manhattan Beach, CA

JAY BEE'S HOUSE OF FINE BAR-B-QUE
Gardena, Los Angeles, CABBQ ribs and beans from Jay Bee's House Of Fine Bar-B-Que in Gardena, Los Angeles, CA

THE BOILING CRAB
Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA
3 Lbs of crab legs and shrimp with sweet potato fries from the Boiling Crab in Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA

THE BOILING CRAB
Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA
The AFTERMATH of 3 Lbs of crab legs and shrimp with sweet potato fries from the Boiling Crab in Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA

Frankie & Johnnies
Marina del Rey, CA
The rare GREAT NY style pizza in Los Angeles from Frankie & Johnnie's in Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, CA

SANTA BARBARA FISHOUSE
Santa Barbara, CA
Bacon wrapped scallops and onion rings from Santa Barbara FisHouse,  Review on FoodSherpas.com at  http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/santa-barbara-fishouse.html

SANTA BARBARA FISHOUSE
Santa Barbara, CA
Huge New England clam chowder bowl with bacon from Santa Barbara FisHouse,  Review on FoodSherpas.com at  http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/santa-barbara-fishouse.html

SANTA BARBARA FISHOUSE
Santa Barbara, CA
Grilled lobster and onion rings from Santa Barbara FisHouse, part of their weekday $19.99 special. Review on FoodSherpas.com at  http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/santa-barbara-fishouse.html

NORTON'S PASTRAMI
Santa Barbara, CA
Much needed hunger relief after a days hiking in Santa Barbara, hot patrami from Nortons Pastrami in Santa Barbara, CA

ENTERPRISE SEAFOOD Co.
Santa Barbara, CA
Lobster bisque topped with puff pastry (front) and seared ahi with caramelized onions, eggplant and red peppers (back) from Enterprise Fish Co. in Santa Barbara. Review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/santa-barbara-fishouse.html

ENTERPRISE SEAFOOD Co.
Santa Barbara, CA
Lobster bisque topped with puff pastry (front) and seared ahi with caramelized onions, eggplant and red peppers (back) from Enterprise Fish Co. in Santa Barbara. Review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/santa-barbara-fishouse.html

MARKET BROILER
Orange, CA
Tasty crab cakes and a corn salad from Market Broiler in Orange, CA.

MARKET BROILER
Orange, CA
Mesquite grilled halibut with crispy coconut shrimp with a pina colada sauce with rice and steamed vegetables from Market Brolier in Orange, CA.

TAPENADE
La Jolla, San Diego, CA
Fantastic French tapas from Tapenade in La Jolla, CA, including a perfect Coq au vin

Want more? Check out the Southern California Food Photos on Picasa

Want to explore more? Try the FoodSherpas.com
Food Photo Map of Southern California

Read more »

New York Foursquare and Foodspotting Guides

If you live in New York or are planning to visit, check out the Foodsherpas.com "Ate8" city guides on Foursquare and Foodspotting. It's 8 foods/restaurants to check in at and try some food! Give it a look...

FoodSherpas in NYC: New York Foursquare List

FoodSherpas in NYC: New York Foodspotting Guide

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