Reuben Empanada

I decided to have New York travel to Korea and then stop in Central American. All the things you love about the Reubens but with some Korean kimchi kick. Lean corn beef, melty Swiss cheese, and some thousand island dressing all in a crispy dough shell. Now, I know that there is no rye bread, but pizza…

Seafood Spinach Pappardelle

At the Warrenton Farmers Market, I got there early enough so I could get in on the fresh pasta. Pasta Ilgatto was there and brought seven kinds of pasta and five kinds of sauces all of which were mouth watering. I went with some spinach pappardelle which was excellent. I got some seafood mix to complement it…

Bagel Breakfast Nachos

At the Warrenton Farmers Market I can easily find inspiration for my next idea; today I found it at Weirdoughs Bagels. I arrived to market late, so they had sold most of their bagels. They did have some Old Bay bagel chips leftover, so my mind went to ideas on what to do with them. Like when you…

Lobster Mac & Cheese

This one is for a national championship game. Go Blue! Creamy mac with some tender lobster meat in a crusty panko breading. All with New Orleans creole flair. Two tips: one, no packaged, shredded cheese (many of those contain anti stick agents), and two, no skim milk; use whole milk only or the sauce will break. I…

Big Bad W Pit BBQ

I haven’t been traveling lately, so I haven’t written one of my Hidden Gem articles in a while. Come to find out, there was one right around the corner. Well, close. Big Bad W was hiding right under my nose; I had driven by it at least 50 times since we moved here last year. My wife suggested…