Carl Cooks: No Tears French Onion Soup

When it dips to 33 degrees overnight here in Northern California it is definitely time to dip into comfort food. And one of my personal favorites in French Onion Soup adapted from one of my favorite cookbooks, Tyler's Ultimate. F.O.S. is another one of those foods where every recipe boasts the same ingredients but no two soups come out tasting alike. My first photo is what you need to bring home from the grocery store.


WHAT YOU NEED:

6 large yellow onions
3 cloves of garlic
3 fresh thyme sprigs
1 bunch of fresh chives
Kosher Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper
2 Bay Leaves
All Purpose Flour (3 tablespoons)
Red Wine (1 cup)
Vegetable or Beef Broth (3 quarts)
French Bread or Baguette
Gruyere Cheese (1/2 pound)
Unsalted Butter (1 stick)

The most effort in making this soup is deconstructing the onions. I always begin with halving them first which makes for easier peeling.


To get lots of consistently thin slices I use one of my favorite kitchen tools, the mandoline, for slicing. Mine is made by RÖSLE and is a very simplistic design. The black plastic guard is a great idea if you are a novice at slicing with a mandoline because the blades are extremely sharp.


And here's where the fun comes in. I have no problem working with one onion in a typical recipe, however, when it comes to slicing six large ones my eyes just can't handle it. One simple solution is a pair of onion goggles. Although I am not big on uni-tasking kitchen tools this one is a must when handling lots of onions. They may sit in my drawer for awhile but quickly become instantly indispensable. The most popular brand is made by RSVP and they are available at any kitchen store.


As funny as I may look in these goggles the chance of slicing my finger is greatly reduced without tears in my eyes. One other trick they teach you in culinary school is to chill your onions in the refrigerator which will reduce the gases that cause tearing but it's still not as much fun as suiting up with the protective gear like one of the HAZMAT team. :-)


So a great big bowl of thinly sliced onions is a good start for your soup.


WHAT TO PREP:

Peel & Slice Onions per my pictures
Peel and finely mince garlic cloves
Slice bread and toast lightly
Grate Gruyere Cheese
Finely mince chives

WHERE TO START:

Melt Butter in large pot
Add Onions, Garlic, Bay Leaves, Thyme Sprigs, S & P
Stir often until soft and fully sweated. (About 25 minutes)
Add Wine and Bring to Boil the Reduce to Simmer
Discard Bay Leaves and Thyme Sprigs
Dust with Flour, Stirring well and cook 10 minutes
Add Broth and continue cooking 10 minutes




The best bowl for French Onion Soup is a ramekin that can take the heat of your oven broiler. Since I like to make this soup so often I invested in bowls made especially for this dish by Revol.


HOW TO FINISH:

Place toasted bread slices in bowls
Ladle soup into bowls
Top with shredded cheese
Place in bowls into oven and broil until cheese is completely melted
Top with chopped chive garnish






And Voila...Soup's On...Tears Off!

It's Called Customer Service – Don't Bury The Small Video Rental Store Quite Yet

In my world sometimes old technology still beats out the latest and (supposedly) the greatest.

In the constantly evolving arena of home movie entertainment the hottest names right now seem to be Comcast, Netflix, redbox, Direct TV and AT&T. I recently had several strong personal recommendations for a movie called 500 Days of Summer, however, it quickly became a personal quest to find it. Although I don't subscribe to every latest whistle and bell I am not exactly in the Dark Ages when it comes to home entertainment. My monthly bill with Comcast averages $200 including their high speed internet service. I thought finding this fairly popular movie would be as simple as navigating the choices in On Demand. Think again Carl. Neither was my movie part of the Comcast repertoire, nor was not available from the redbox machine at my favorite supermarket. The only place I didn't bother looking was at our local Blockbuster which has now become an auto supply store to no one's real surprise considering the level of customer service they provided.

I have nothing against the redbox concept which is actually pretty solid. Instead of paying minimum wage clerks to ring up simple video rental transactions like Hollywood Video or Blockbuster they've replaced it with vending machine technology. And for only .99 cents it makes for one very convenient movie grab at the grocery store. However, just like their Blockbuster predecessors they ONLY stock the hits. Netflix also has its advantages but paying their monthly membership fee is not practical for the less frequent movie renter like myself.

My frustrating search finally came to an end when I pulled into what many call a dying breed, the Ma & Pa video rental shop. It is simply called "DVD To Go" and it is tucked away in a nondescript strip center complete with a missing letter on the center's main sign.


But don't let the funky front of this place fool you. You are greeted by a specials rack on the sidewalk and a special kind of attitude that is sadly missing in big box stores and malls.


And that special attitude comes directly from the owner, Linda Walton, who says she's been working in video stores for 15 years. The second you step inside this place something is different. She greets every customer as they come in the front door and knows most of them by name. The air is filled with reviews and recommendations. It sounds more like a movie club than a retail store. Linda knows her inventory so well she seldom has to visually check it to tell you if a title is in stock. Getting a movie here is like shopping for golf clubs at a pro shop instead of wandering around Sports Authority trying to find a sales clerk.

After scoring a copy of 500 Days of Summer I could not wait to return to test this little place on some other movie rentals that have eluded me like the popular Sean Penn film Milk and the more obscure Flash of Genius starring Greg Kinnear. And sure enough this little store delivered again and again. The display racks are nothing fancy but rather just plain wire racks. The difference is they are filled with a decent depth of catalog instead of JUST THE HITS.

My parting shot is of Linda Walton herself. I found huge irony in her name and joked with her about being related to Sam Walton who founded the world's biggest retailer, Wal-Mart. However, Linda and DVD To Go simply could not be any further from the Wal-World. When I tried to interview her for my blog she blushed and could only describe herself as "just a nice person." But that "nice person" has built a loyal clientele who keep coming back for a great experience. It's great to see tea cozy and old school customer service is still very much alive. Thank You Linda!

Jubilee Lau & Gloria Wong: Role Models For Wedding Designers and Event Planners

It seems like Jubilee Lau and Gloria Wong have got it all backwards. They hosted a vendor appreciation luncheon for those of us who were lucky enough to work one of the most incredible weddings in 2010. Although they were thankful for our efforts WE should have been the ones taking THEM to lunch. After all, the industry still seems to be buzzing from that September 18 extravaganza that went completely off the charts on its production value alone. Although I can't go into details of that wedding it was reviewed by my friend and industry colleague, Stacie Tamaki on her blog. Click to read A Day In The Life of a Professional Wedding MC.

Gloria and Jubilee chose the legendary Top Of the Mark to indulge us. The wraparound views of The City alone made the trip to the top of this Intercontinental Hotel well worth it.


This Appreciation Luncheon started off with a traditional Caesar Salad topped with a generous helping of Parmesan shavings. Although the salad was almost entree size we followed it with either of these two main courses:

Farfalle with grilled chicken in a lemon cream sauce.


The vegetarian option was a Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli in a rich sundried tomato and thyme cream sauce with deep fried vegetable shavings.


Capping our luncheon was the classic Italian Tiramisu presented in a white and dark chocolate cup.


The entertainment group was well represented at the luncheon. Shown here is dance coach, Cynthia Glinka, Carl that MC Guy, and talent agency owner, Peter Rudolfi.


My parting shot is of everyone at the long luncheon table squeezing into our group photo. The wedding event we all did together in September had almost as many on-site wedding vendors and staff as it did guests. You're looking at some very hard working people who made it all come together under the direction of Jubilee and Gloria. Major props should go out to everyone who participated in this team effort. And, of course, a huge thanks to those you know as Jubilee Lau and Gloria Wong. I like to call them Jubilee Wow and Glorious Song.

Carl Cooks: Torta di Risotto Sounds Fancy But Is Actually An Easy No Risk Risotto Dish

It's time to acknowledge another one of my favorite cook books called "New Vegetarian" by Celia Brooks Brown. If you think all vegetarian dishes are just boring steamed veggies and slimy tofu, think again. Celia accurately tags her food as "bold and beautiful recipes for every occasion." Among the many great recipes in this book is a hearty Torta di Risotto. This dish is a very substantial side or paired with a green salad can completely stand on its own as an entree. It is also an excellent main course when you have any vegetarian guests. Best of all it is the least intimidating risotto recipe ever so don't be afraid of this sometimes temperamental ingredient.


WHAT YOU NEED:
2 medium zucchinis
3 garlic cloves
2 handfuls of fresh basil leaves
1 cup Arborio Rice
16 oz. chopped plum tomatoes
1 tbl. balsamic vinegar
1 tbl. brown sugar
1/4 cup toasted breadcrumbs
1/3 cup olive oil
4 oz. Mozzarella Cheese
4 oz. Fontina Cheese
2/3 Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese

WHERE TO START:
Slice zucchini length-wise into 1/8" strips
Brush strips with olive oil/S&P
Heat grill or grill pan on high
Cook just long enough to get char marks and set aside

Chop garlic cloves & basil
Cut the mozzarella and fontina cheeses into 1/2 inch cubes
Heat oil in saucepan and add garlic until soft & fragrant
Add tomatoes,vinegar,sugar, S&P
Simmer about 10 minutes until thickened
Stir in the chopped basil

Bring about 2 cups of water to boil
Add some salt to the water
Add rice and bring back to boil
Simmer until rice is tender and water is absorbed (about ten minutes)

Combine rice into the saucepan with the tomato mixture
Fold in the cubed and grated cheeses

HOW TO FINISH:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Prepare 9x5x3 loaf pan by oiling lightly & bread crumb dusting
Pour 1/2 of the rice mixture into the pan
Layer the grilled zucchini
Cover with the remaining rice mixture
Top with sprinkling of remaining bread crumbs
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until golden and bubbly around the edges
Cool for at least 15 minutes
Run a knife around the edges to free it from the loaf pan
Place on a serving plate, invert pan, tap on the pan to release it
Cut into 2 inch slices for serving

AND NOW HERE'S THE PIC BY PIC:




















As I mentioned this dish is rich and delicious enough to stand alone as an entree. The surprise element is the unexpected layer of grilled zucchini in the center but you could easily substitute another vegetable and I bet asparagus would also be a great choice.

Al Jardine's "A Postcard From California" Concert: A Big Sur Folk Festival Revisited

In September of 1969 many of the giants of folk and folk rock music gathered for the legendary Celebration at Big Sur. Just one month after the much larger and more famous Woodstock Festival the Celebration in Big Sur featured performances by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, and John Sebastian among others.

Although The Beach Boys were not on that bill the one founding member who was obviously the most influenced by folk music was Al Jardine. Al has called Big Sur his home since 1973, however, his Friday night show to debut his first solo album called "A Postcard From California" was also his first ever concert in those coastal woods.

My good friend and Beach Boys aficionado, Les Chan, had alerted me to this show. We made sure to leave Santa Cruz early enough for a stellar drive down Highway 1. About the only traffic hassle was so many drivers continuing to pull off the road (us included) to grab the seemingly endless scenic shots along the way. I decided my California flag cycling jersey would be most appropriate for this evening of props to the Golden State.


It is only about 26 miles between Carmel and Big Sur but the scenery is so spectacular that it attracts visitors from all over the world. There was no shortage of tourists at every scenic turnout to help each other snap photos. Here are a couple of shots I took as the autumn sun was starting set. It is easy to understand why many celebrities choose to live here.




Our destination for the concert was the Henry Miller Memorial Library. This venue is really not a library in the traditional sense but rather a tribute to a local legend. Henry Miller (1891 to 1980) was an American novelist and painter. Visiting the "library" you get an instant feel for Miller's free spirit and counter cultural work which makes for a perfect backdrop for any artistic event.


One of our goals was to arrive in time for the sound check. The sun had set behind the huge redwoods and we knew that a special evening awaited us.


When Al and his Endless Summer Band finally took the stage they thrilled the audience with about twenty Beach Boys classics and all but one of the songs from Al's new "A Postcard From California." The original Beach Boys were all about family and Al Jardine is keeping that tradition alive by performing with his two sons, Matt and Adam. Other regular band members include long time Beach Boys associates, Billy Hinsche, Bobby Figueroa, Ed Carter and poet, Stephen Kalinich.


There was no doubt that Al Jardine is still enjoying the ride. Next year the three remaining original Beach Boys are discussing a series of five free concerts to celebrate their 50th anniversary. In the world of pop music this kind of longevity is as rare as the California condor.


My parting shot is of Al's acoustic guitar. It is covered with autographs of musical friends and has a few stories to tell I'm sure. I am proud to be a fan of his music since 1962. Some might call his new album a "Love Letter To Big Sur" but even at that this brand new music from the original "Folk Beach Boy" is refreshing and long overdue. Thank you A.J.

Spirit of Japantown Festival San Jose

When my good friends, Pam Dunnett and Reiko Iwanaga of At Your Request Event Planners asked me to help them with this year's Spirit of Japantown Festival it was an automatic. I mean what's not to love about several city blocks of food, fun and entertainment that celebrates 120 years of Japantown San Jose.

This event featured three stages (Spirit, Hawaii, Kids) as well as all day Martial Arts demonstrations in the Buddhist Church Annex. I donated my sound system for the main Spirit Stage and enjoyed sharing the Master of Ceremonies duties with Robert Handa of KTVU Fox2.


Mother Nature cooperated beautifully with perfect Northern California fall weather.


The President of the Japantown Community Congress, Tamon Norimoto, chats with Robert Handa before the awards presentation and sake ceremony.


Tamon accepts a commendation from Congresswoman Zoe Logren honoring the 120 year history of Japantown San Jose.


The sake ceremony included the traditional breaking of the wooden drum (Kagami-wari) which holds the Japanese wine.


The entertainment bill was an eclectic mix of old and new. The award winning San Jose Taiko group got everyone's blood pumping early with their exciting drum sounds.


And in beautiful contrast were the subtle acoustic strings of the Marimo Kai Koto Ensemble.


We wrapped up the event with a raffle drawing and rousing performance of alternative pop by the Communiste Kayte Band. At the end of the day it was a great celebration of the heritage and spirit of San Jose's Japantown. I was thankful for the opportunity to be involved.