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Sunday, August 5, 2012

Tomato Cafe, anyone?

I had the pleasure of trying The Tomato Cafe last week for lunch. If you live in the Dutchess County area, or you're within a normal driving distance from here...the Tomato Cafe is worth it. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It always looked like a small restaurant that wouldn't have much seating. It's the exact opposite! Lots of room, a pizza oven that gives off a toasty aroma you can smell from the street, and it's a cozy atmosphere that makes you want to linger over your meal. Good food coupled with good conversation makes this local spot one of my new favorites. But enough about the cafe itself, let's move onto the food! Isn't that what you came here for? :-)

This was my grilled cheese toasted to perfection. Buttery rye bread with creamy, stringy Gruyere cheese stuffed inside. I always feel the need to tell the server I want my bread toasted "well." Does anyone else loathe a spongy grilled cheese sandwich? I don't want just a small second on the grill which leads to no crunch. I want well toasted bread that warms and melts the cheese inside. But I'm getting away from myself here. The cheese had such a smooth texture, and I love the strong taste of rye seeds in the bread. A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette dressing came on the side. You can make any grilled cheese combo you'd like. I plan on going back and getting something different this time.

 Did I forget to mention tomato soup at The Tomato Cafe? Whoops! If you want a thick, fresh tomato soup made from scratch, you need to order it here. This soup has just the right amount of acidity and spice. You can taste how fresh the tomatoes are, and there is nothing canned about this soup. The spice comes from the flecks of black pepper you can see in the soup. The texture isn't completely smooth, and that's the best part. Small chunks of pulverized tomato let you know the soup was made on the premises. Toasted, warm croutons come on top of the soup to top it off. Need I say more? You have to try it for yourself.
Last but not least, mac & cheese. You're probably sick of me posting stuff like this, but I'm a sucker for comfort food. This is Grown Up Mac & Cheese, also from the cafe. I didn't eat this alone. I know what you're thinking. :-) I actually went to lunch with my mother, and we shared the macaroni. It looks like a big plate, but this is a small half size order, and it's perfect for sharing. A blend of cheeses covered with toasted breadcrumbs over al dente macaroni and covered with crispy bacon. It never said what the cheese blend was, but they have some delicious cheeses there. I can only imagine what it was.

So, to end this blog I need to make sure you realize what a great day this was. Not only was the food something I'd go back for again and again, but I had lunch with my mom that day. It was a time to connect and catch up. That's really what food is about to me. I'm never eating these delicious meals alone. I'm always with someone else to share in the experience with. It may be my husband, my mom, both my parents, my sisters...anyone! There's always someone I love with me as we slowly enjoy our food and don't rush the time away. I leave you with these words...take the time to savor, slow down, and remember all the little things.

2 comments:

  1. From Toya @ Petit Cali Cupcakes/aka MovieGirlinPasadena:)

    As promised here is the recipe I follow. It's my moms recipe. Enjoy!

    Cinnamon Buttercream
    2 sticks of butter, softened
    2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
    1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    1 tablespoon of milk, if needed
    1/8th teaspoon of Cinamom to taste (my husband hates cinnamon so this is his thesh hold amount can also substtute Pumpkin Pie Spice also yummy. Keep adding until you get to the desired taske you are looking for)

    Directions
    Cream butter in the bowl until smooth and creamy.
    On low speed, add in powdered sugar slowly.
    Gradually increase mixer speed and add vanilla, then beat for 2-3 minutes, scraping down sides and bottom of the bowl.
    For piping purposes a thicker frosting is better so add milk in slowly until you get the desired piping consistensy
    If frosting is too thick, keep adding the milk 1 teaspoon at a time until desired spreadable consistency is reached.
    You can always add sugar if it too thin.




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  2. Thank you so much, Toya!! You're the best! I'll let you know how they turn out. :-) And thanks for reading!! :-)

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