Like Vagina Monologues – FOR FOOD?!

I was also intrigued! When I met Peggy Sweeney McDonald, creator of “Meanwhile, Back at Cafe Du Monde…,” she described her show as follows:

“It’s like the Vagina Monologues of FOOD!”

Right away, I thought, “Wow. That’s sounds interesting – in more ways than one.” Then two very exciting things happened. 1) She told me the San Francisco premiere was in March and 2) She asked me if I wanted to join the list of “headliners!” The excitement of telling a childhood story about FOOD pushed out any nervous voices saying, “uh…this is at the Rrazz Room! uh, you’re not an actor or a stand up comic…uh….SHHHHHH!”

I’m doing it! Come see me and others, including comedian, Michael Capozzola…if you dare (or if you just love good stories about food). Mine will be about my 5 moms and coffee!

Details & tix:

Meanwhile, back at Cafe Du Monde…

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 (doors open at 6:30 pm/Show starts at 7:30pm

Rrazz Room

322 Mason Street

 

For more details and tix:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=182051501830677

Hot Ticket: Studio Gourmet Talks to Russell Jackson

Chef Russell Jackson, Lafitte

Studio Gourmet is quickly becoming the hot foodie ticket in town. Founder and host, Brad Lev, takes us into an intimate space with some of the best chefs in San Francisco. Next up is “bad boy” Chef Russell Jackson from Lafitte on Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 at Horatius in Potrero Hill. If you love the San Francisco food scene, then you know Russell Jackson (or at least you might think you do). Pirate chef, notorious, Zeus of the underground dining scene? Perhaps?!

I was very glad to attend the inaugural event featuring the very talented and charming, Chef Martin Brock of Gary Danko (Chef de Cuisine). I’m not sure what I liked more: hearing about him growing up on a farm in Germany; when he received “the call” from Gary Danko himself; or about life as a newlywed. The conversation was great and the food was amazing! Yes, you get food :0).

Studio Gourmet founder, Brad Lev w/Chef Martin Brock of Gary Danko

I’m sure Jackson’s interview will be awesome. For more info, visit:

http://www.studiogourmetsf.com/

Top Secret: Interview with BIG TV CHEF!

Guess who is going to be video chatting with one of the biggest chefs in America?!!! I cannot tell you who it is yet, but let’s just say that if your watch Food on TV, you will know and love this person! We’ll be releasing a series of short video conversations, so let me know what I should ask?

Think Mediterranean!

Post your questions here or on our Facebook page: facebook.com/cookingfortheclueless

Tasty Award Pre-Party Snaps

It was great mingling with all the Tasty Award presenters & honorees at The Crescent Beverly Hills Hotel for the award show pre-party! Here are a few snaps:

Zuzy (me) with Luciene Salomone (WE Tv)

Jolene Sugarbaker of The Trailer Park Cooking Show

Francesca of Valcooks Aprons

Sara O’Donnell of Average Betty

Matthew Bunn, Cooking.com

Chef Nathan Lyon & Bobby Bognar (Food Tech)

Have a Crab Feast!

It’s a well-known fact that San Francisco is famous for it’s Dungeness Crab. Each year, between mid-November and June, you will find countless amounts of fresh crabs at the Wharf and in the best of restaurants in town. Now, the past couple of years have been really tough, but the 2010/2011 season is looking pretty epic! You can find crabs at local markets for as cheap at $3.99/pound. Awesome! Every year, I get invited over to my friend’s house for a crab feast. It’s tradition and her dad, Nick, has been steaming crabs for a long, long time! Here’s a sneak peek at all the fun we had and check out the full recipe below.

Allow yourself the ability to maximize the crab-eating experience by using all of your senses and making your own crab dinner! Invite a few friends over and follow the delicious and simple recipe below for a night of good conversation, messy eating and the freshest crab around.

Nick’s Famous Steamed Dungeness Crab Recipe

Go to the market (Asian markets are great for crab) and buy 8 live 1-2 pound Dungeness Crabs (serves 4-6 people). It is crucial that the crabs are live and active when you buy them. Add 3-inches of water to a seafood steam pot (16-quart used in this recipe), 6 ounces of vinegar, 10 dried chiles crushed by hand (or Mexican hot sauce), and 4 ounces of Old Bay Spice or Susan’s Seafood Seasoning.

Instructions

1. Bring to a steaming boil and then put half of crabs into the pot. Cover with lid. Do not remove lid for 5 minutes.

2. After 5 minutes of boiling, remove lid and sprinkle 6 more ounces of seasoning on top of each crab

3. Continue steaming for 25 minutes with lid on pot

4. Set the table ‘a la casual’ with newspaper and tons of napkins

5. Roll up your sleeves, pair with a beautiful wine, and enjoy the conversation

Special thanks to Nick Mamczak!

Nick Mamczak is a fantastic cook, classically trained at the Culinary Institute of America. This recipe was inspired by his love of seafood.