Spinach Artichoke Di...Pasta?

Temperatures dropped a bit today so I found myself craving a hearty, warm dinner. Unfortunately, I didn't get out of work until late-ish so I also needed something quick. Tonight's dinnertime experiment:

Spinach Artichoke Penne

1/2 lb penne, cooked according to box

1 c artichoke hearts, chopped

2 1/2 c baby spinach

1 small shallot, chopped

2 links chicken sausage (I used Aidells Artichoke & Garlic), chopped

1 tomato, diced

2 tbsp dry white wine

1 tbsp olive oil

light sprinkling chili flakes

slight dusting parmesan cheese

salt & pepper to taste

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Brown chicken sausage (I like mine pretty brown so they aren't too mushy) and stir in shallot. Cook shallot until translucent and add white wine. Cook for 1 minute before stirring in tomato and artichokes. Cook for 2-3 minutes and slowly stir in spinach. Cook until spinach begins to wilt, stir in chili flakes, parmesan, salt and pepper. Pour over penne and mix well. Serve immediately.

If you salt your pasta water properly, you really won't need the extra salt at the end. The artichokes, parmesan and sausage add just the right amount of salt and flavor to the dish! Quick, easy and delicious! It also doesn't hurt that it looks a little like springtime in a bowl :)

I got a couple packages in the mail today and one of them was from Foodbuzz's Tastemaker Program. It's been awhile since I've opted in to receive samples and I completely forgot about this one. Hooray fun surprise!

This sample came from Pure Dark and timing couldn't be better! I've had this random sweet craving lately, plus Jamie's on his way here at the end of the week...here's hoping these samples last ;p

I got a sample of the Classic Bark - sheets of immensely deep dark chocolate studded with cherries, roasted almonds and caramelized nibs and the Chocolate Slab - a thick slab of dark chocolate. AMAZING. I broke into the Bark and holy delicious.

It's just the right level of darkness for me and the nuts and nibs were great crunchy additions! Didn't get a cherry (at least I don't think I did), but that's fine with me...ahhh love!

Great start to the week! Well...it could have been an even better start to the week had I been able to get to the gym, but alas, it was not in the cards. It's probably for the best. After yesterday's run, my calves were crazy tight/sore...even after a decent stretching session! Ah well, looks like the rest of my evening will involve hanging out with the Stick. My trusty buddy.

Good news is that I'm finally getting back into running pretty consistently. It's still really frustrating doing super short runs and spending more time stretching/stick-ing than actually running, but I know it's all for the best. GAH. Anyone have good workout suggestions for someone with severe gym ADD?

Dining about town

Apparently we took on a bit more than we could chew the other day when we went on that 15 mile bike ride...

Originally we planned on taking a Sunday morning bike ride to run some errands before an afternoon jog. Enh....not happening. It hurts to sit. Gah! How do people bike every day?? Am I just supposed to get used to this?

We decided to take a 5 mile errand-filled walk instead and stopped for a quick lunch in the Marina. We popped into Marina & Kebab on Chestnut since they had a bunch of delicious looking wraps and platters. I went with the Chicken Gyro Wrap

Jamie got the Lamb & Beef Gyro Platter.

My wrap was pretty good, aside from some dry pieces of chicken, and Jamie's lamb & beef was seasoned well. They had a few other dishes I wanted to try, so I might return next time I pass through.

Our dinner plans brought us to the Mission where we paid a visit to Foreign Cinema for their Dine About Town deal. For $34.95, certain restaurants are offering a 3-course dinner or $17.95 for a 2 course lunch. I was really excited to hear about this since this is pretty similar to DC's Restaurant Week (which I loved). It's a great way to explore new restaurants that might normally be out of your price range!

The walk into Foreign Cinema takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the street and into a movie theatre setting with a long red carpet corridor to the host stand. We lucked out and got seated on the patio where they had plenty of heat lamps to keep us warm.

They play a movie on a big white wall and there are drive-in movie speaker boxes that line the sides so you can actually hear what's going on. This month's movie was Harold & Maude and while we didn't actually watch it, it was good background noise.

We sipped on some drinks as we perused the menu (I just had to get a glass of the Roederer Estate Brut Rose even though it was a splurge glass and Jamie began his Oregonian evening with a Bridgeport IPA) and started with a half dozen oysters. Jamie had an oyster craving so we split a mixed half dozen since we wanted to sample a few different kinds. It was interesting to taste the differences between the three. Unfortunately, I can't remember the names of any of them! I do know that we got 2 from Oregon, 2 from Nova Scotia (Saint Simone maybe?) and 2 from Washington. Ack.

Foreign Cinema's menu changes daily, so writing about our meal is going to be tough since nothing we had is on their website :( Jamie started out with a Sardine and Quinoa appetizer and I had a simple Arugula Salad with shaved cheese and pistachios. For our main courses, Jamie got the Orechiette with Mushrooms (with just a hint of lemon zest) and I got the Seafood Stew (with a spicy papadum on top). Dessert was a fluffy and slightly sweet Gingerbread Cake with Meyer Lemon Creme.

Overall, I liked the experience at Foreign Cinema, but the food was nothing spectacular. I liked my salad for its simplicity, but our entrees were definitely over salted. Our meal wasn't horrible, but looking at the regular prices, I would have expected a better meal.

It's dinnertime

Since you can only do so much dining out/burning money, Jamie and I settled in for a nice, post ride home cooked meal. Originally we had planned on making Jenna's Chicken Parmesan with Pepperoni (totally up Jamie's alley), but as soon as we were settled and ready to make dinner, we realized one ingredient was missing.

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O yeah, that one. Kinda important, no? So we had to rethink dinner with what we had. Pork chops in the fridge, coconut ginger rice in the cabinet, salad fixins. Perfect.

I found this recipe for Miso Glazed Pork Chops on Foodgawker and modified it a bit to work with what we had in the apartment.

Miso Glazed Pork Chops

1 tbsp miso paste

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp rice wine vinegar

1 tbsp white wine

1 tbsp mirin

1/2 tsp garlic powder

juice of half a lemon

3 boneless pork chops

Whisk all ingredients together and marinate pork for 20 minutes on each side. Heat a grill pan and cook for 3 minutes on each side.

Spoon marinade over pork and bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.

Served with some coconut rice and a big bowl of salad

Well balanced dinner!

Eat your veggies with every meal

I've been in a major cooking mood since Labor Day weekend so I invited a friend over for a low key Friday dinner. I knew I had to use up the beets and spinach from the mystery box...that was pretty much all I knew when I set off to Whole Foods that afternoon.

Low Key Friday Menu:

• Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad
• Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
• Orzo Pilaf with Currants and Artichokes

You know that Lean Cuisine commercial where it says chopping and peeling at the end of a long day can be relaxing is a myth? Obviously they don't know me. I find peeling somewhat calming. I don't do it very much, but I liked sitting down briefly to peel my gorgeous golden beet

Oh, and you know, taking a few photos for you guys.

I also like taking my aggression out on an innocent bunch of fresh, locally grown spinach

I love the sound my knife makes as it runs through those crisp leaves and the resulting ribbons of green. Obviously I'm not in Lean Cuisine's target market.

Anyway, recipes are here for you to enjoy...forgot to snap a photo of the salad, but really, it was a salad. I'm sure you know what one looks like ;p

Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad

1 c arugula

1 c spring mix

3 beets, cubed and roasted (I used 1 golden and 2 red)

1/4 c pistachios, lightly toasted

handful cherry tomatoes, halved

goat cheese, crumbled

2 tbsp champagne vinegar

1 tsp dijon mustard

1/4 tsp maple syrup

1/2 shallot, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Whisk together vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, shallot and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Place salad greens in a bowl and pour 1/2 the dressing over and mix to coat. Top with beets, goat cheese, pistachios and tomatoes. Toss before serving.

I think this is my new go-to vinaigrette. It goes great with bitter mixed greens and some juicy, sweet cherry tomatoes.

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken

2 chicken breasts, butterflied into 4 pieces

1/2 c chopped spinach

1 clove garlic

1 tsp olive oil

1/4 tsp chili garlic paste

salt

pepper

1/4 c sheep's milk feta crumbled

8 toothpicks

1 tbsp olive oil

Heat olive oil in a pan and saute garlic for 30 seconds before adding spinach. Saute for 2-3 minutes or until spinach starts to wilt.

Set aside to cool.

Once spinach has cooled, combine in a bowl with feta and chili garlic paste.

Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and divide the mixture evenly among the four pieces.

Carefully roll chicken up and secure with two toothpicks. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat a pan with 1 tbsp of olive oil and brown chicken on all sides. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes.

Rolled chicken is my safety. It must be since I've stuffed and rolled chicken a few other times. I think they are easy, foolproof and nice to look at! The sheep's milk feta was a must buy for me at Whole Foods after Wednesday's dinner. SOOO good. The chili garlic paste only gives a slight kick...such a slight kick that I almost forgot I used it.

Orzo Pilaf with Currants and Artichokes

3 tbsp pine nuts, toasted

1 c orzo

1 tbsp butter

1 1/2 c chicken broth

salt

pepper

2 tbsp dried currants

1/4 tsp oregano

3 artichoke hearts, quartered

Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Saute orzo for 1 minute in the butter, then add pine nuts and oregano. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in currants and artichokes and cook for another 5 minutes or until almost all the liquid has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Currants. Random, I know. I saw them and felt compelled to use them. The amount I used wasn't really noticeable, so I'm sure it could use a smidge more. I liked it and so did friend. That's all that matters, right?

ALMOST done with mystery box produce! I leave you with an artsy kitchen shot. I love my random ledge. So handy!

Last part of labor day. For reals.

Had enough yet? Too bad. I have more photos and recipes for you!

We took things easy on Monday with a leisurely stroll through Russian Hill and Nob Hill. To kick things off, we had lunch at Za...delicious pizzas as usual. Then some neighborhoody shots

And some wandering in Grace Cathedral

I even attempted to walk the Labyrinth (emphasis on attempt), but got impatient. Surprise. I opted to photograph it instead :)

It was incredibly warm out on Monday. I was so glad we went wine tasting the day before...it would have been way too hot to be wandering around up there! We called it quits early and I whipped up a tasty and light dinner for us. On the menu: Pan Seared Tilapia with Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Salsa and an Arugula and Frisée Salad.

For some reason I had an urge to combine tomatoes and watermelon...I'm very glad I acted on that urge.

Pan Seared Tilapia with Heirloom Tomato & Watermelon Salsa

3 tilapia fillets

1/4 c fresh pineapple with juices, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp olive oil

1/2 tbsp salt

1 tbsp mirin or dry white wine

1/2 c watermelon, diced

2 medium heirloom tomatoes, diced

1/2 shallot, minced

1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1/2 tsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 c cilantro, chopped

Combine watermelon, tomatoes, shallot, balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt and cilantro in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.

Combine pineapple, garlic, olive oil, salt, mirin and tilapia in a dish. Let marinate for 5 minutes on each side.

Drizzle some olive oil in a pan over medium high heat. Cook tilapia for 2-3 minutes on each side. Serve immediately with 2 spoonfuls of watermelon salsa on top.

For some starch, I quickly roasted some fingerling potatoes (garlic, olive oil, salt, rosemary, thyme). Standard. Addicting. Yum.

Arugula & Frisée Salad

1 large head frisée

1 c arugula

1 c spring mix

1/2 avocado, sliced

1 plum, sliced

shaved parmesan

1 tsp dijon mustard

1 tsp maple syrup

2 tbsp champagne vinegar

1 tbsp olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Whisk together mustard, syrup, vinegar, oil, salt and pepper. Set aside.

Combine greens in a large bowl and coat with half the dressing. Top with plum, avocado and parmesan.

I'm having a rough month with plums. I just can't find one with the right flavor...it's either too tart or too sweet. Gah! I was happy with my vinaigrette though!

Phew. Labor Day weekend is done! We'll return to your regularly scheduled blogging topics shortly :p

Labor Day Parte Dos

After our Ferry Building adventure, we hopped a cab over to the Presidio so we could do one of the walks in my trusty walk book.

It took us through old and new parts of the Presidio, new really meaning the Letterman Digital Arts Center. I think the center blends perfectly with the older buildings as it reflects a modern spin on the older buildings. Am I a mega nerd for appreciating this? Perhaps, but I work with architects. Of course I'm going to notice this sort of thing!

Well, almost everything blended in with the old...

I also enjoyed the peaceful landscaping and creek installation. I seriously wouldn't mind working at a place like this...

*big sigh* As you can see it was a little foggy/overcast on Saturday...so much that the top of the Palace of Fine Arts is missing!

We did another walk from the Presidio through Crissy Field and Fisherman's Wharf before hopping on our Explorer Cruise of the San Francisco Bay. The 90 minute tour took us past Alcatraz

Ta daaa! Finally out of the fog!

And past the Bay Bridge

With views of Treasure Island and everything the East Bay has to offer. On the way back the fog let up for a bit and we had phenomenal views of the city.

Dinner on Saturday was at a restaurant in my neighborhood called luella. Selin had mentioned this restaurant before so I figured we should give it a try. I loved it the minute we walked in. It's small, but not cramped and the decor has crisp, clean lines but feels cozy. It seemed 'fancy' at first but the waiters rock jeans so it lacks that stuffy feeling. My kind of place :)

Bear with me, I just looked at my photos and they're incredibly dark and blurry since I didn't use my flash :(

EVERYTHING on the menu sounded fantastic...here are the items we enjoyed:

Ahi tuna tartare tacos with lime vinaigrette and mango salsa - These were delicious, but I thought there was a little too much mango salsa going on...it was all I tasted. Yummy, but I really wanted to taste some tuna.

Veal meatballs with tomato porcini sauce - AWESOME. I wish I could dump this plate onto a crusty roll topped with cheese. Moist and flavorful meatballs in an equally delicious sauce.

Grilled local halibut with lemon beurre blanc, asparagus, and farro salad - Light, zesty flavors in this dish were a perfect end to the day.

Seared beef "Wellington" in puff pastry with horseradish cream, bone marrow butter and Yorkshire Pudding - Woah. Jamie got this artery clogger and I sampled. Richest. Dish. EVER. My first time trying Yorkshire Pudding and it was tasty, but I felt like I was just sucking down pure fat. Way too rich for me.

It was also a dessert sort of evening so we split two between the three of us:

Blueberry lemon cake with cream and caramel - the description didn't make me jump at the plate, but o my was it light, fluffy and delicious. Who knew I liked blueberries and lemon??

Banana creme pie with chocolate sauce - I usually don't like banana desserts (ripe bananas and I don't get along) but this was excellent. Crisp crust and slightly sweet filling topped with home made whipped cream.

Luella is definitely worth checking out if you're in Russian Hill. It doesn't hurt that they also offer a $33 prix fixe menu Monday thru Thursday. Ah haaa!

Next up, a day of wine tasting!

Longest. Run. EVER.

Lesson learned, man. I should always stick to my "stay home every Friday night" rule...no more exceptions.

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Last night I caved and met up with friends for some shabu-shabu at Cafe Mums in Japantown.

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Have I mentioned my love of shabu-shabu before? Thin slices of meat, bubbling broth, veggies, noodles, sauce...AAHH YUM! There was this place in Rockville that Jamie and I would go to (total hole in the wall, obvs), and the last time we were craving shabu-shabu we found out it was closed! AGH! It's been ages since my last shabu-shabu experience so I really couldn't say no ;)

I had no idea what I was in for. Apparently Mums is known for it's all-you-can-eat and drink deal. Ehhh. I allowed myself a sake bomb and then stuck to water for the rest of the night. The late late night.

A few communal plates of meat and several hours later, it's way past my bedtime and I'm BEYOND full. I finally got home at 11:30...a little too late considering I had to be out the door at 6:30am for my 18 miler. Yeeh.

Woke up still painfully full (how is that even possible??) so I passed on meeting up with the early morning group runners. I was determined to get all 18 done today no matter what, so I forced myself to get out before noon...even with a belly full o cow :\

Since it was going to be a doozy of a run, I actually rocked the headphones. The first time in a long time for me! Took it slow and steady to make sure I didn't burn out and did pretty well for the first 13 miles...until this guy popped up:

Mapping fail! The following block (we're nearing 14 miles at this point) was a set of stairs. Meh. I ended up running halfway up the hills and walking the rest. And believe me, there were a bunch of hills.

Things flattened out eventually, but I had to make a pitstop at a Vitamin Shoppe to get more water/electrolyte beverage because there are no water fountains in the middle of the city. Hm. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find Gatorade while running? Bizarre. Then I found myself in a pretty sketchy part of town where I got creepy comments as I bolted through the streets. In the middle of the day. Yeah, I will not include that neighborhood in future runs.

My second and final mapping fail came at the very end when I realized I mapped the last smidge of the run through the Stockton Street Tunnel. PASS. I decided it was ok if my run was just shy of 18. Seriously, I'm not going to be picky. I got it done, right? I have no idea how long it actually took since it was a lot of city running with traffic lights and random stops (hi, Vitamin Shoppe). All I know is that I was extremely grateful to have headphones. Here's just a snippet of what got me going this afternoon...

Come With Us - Chemical Brothers

Bring it On - Lenny Kravitz

OMG (Disco Fries Extended Mix) - Usher

Footloose - Kenny Loggins

Theme from Wide Angle - Hybrid

Are You Gonna Go My Way - Lenny Kravitz

I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance (Twelves Remix) - Black Kids

Not Myself Tonight - Christina Aguilera

Here I Am (Kaskade Radio Edit) - David Morales & Tamra Keenan

Paper Romance - Groove Armada

Leave Home - Chemical Brothers

It Began in Afrika - Chemical Brothers

Sincerely Me - A New Found Glory

Yeh, I also surprised myself with all the Lenny Kravitz and Chemical Brothers. And that I went through my entire playlist on this run. All 64 songs. Jeebus. Also, Footloose seems to be one of my favorite songs to run to b/c I repeated it 3 times. Hahahaha heeey Kenny Loggins!!

How did your Saturday runs go?? I hope they went much smoother than mine did!