Bottega Cafe (Birmingham)

When my mother and I only have 36 hours down in Birmingham, Alabama, we mean serious business in the food department -- especially after a three hour drive! Having spent a less than glamorous afternoon in the car two Tuesdays ago, I craved a top-notch dinner that did not require a fine dining vibe. Luckily, Bottega Restaurant understands this distinctive request. By pairing a white tablecloth option and trendy café side-by-side -- both providing excellent cocktails and plates -- diners can choose the atmosphere they desire more. In our case, it was Bottega Café. We were very pleased.

We met the Rosenthals, my mother's childhood friends, and immediately ordered cocktails after finding a table. The spot was packed to the brim with beautiful couples and groups of all ages.

The four of us munched on marinated olives (with dainty lemon twists) and homemade, extra crispy potato chips with charred onion dip. I enjoyed the smokiness of a classic Southern starter. The drinks were fabulous too, especially Bottega's famous "Orange Thing" (first photograph), served up in a martini glass. The sweetness of orang liquor and orange juice dangerously distracts you from realizing it's a strong vodka martini!

Not that you should be surprised, but I was craving pasta. So, naturally, I ordered the garganelli with crawfish, mushrooms, squash, white wine, and basil. Sweet and savory, light yet filling. I would order it again and again.

The others ordered crab cakes. Why? Because it was Tuesday. These heaping, sizzling cakes are only served once a week -- now deemed "Crabcake Day" at Bottega Cafe -- so my fellow guests generously shared a few bites with me. I now understand why the demand is so high!

I wish every day were Crabcake Day. . .

Let's Go to the Beach

Today, I'm heading to Watercolor, Florida, and I cannot wait for the relaxation and sunshine in store. I may have eaten McDonald's already. . . but I promise I'll cook some beautiful recipes for you while I am here. Despite my inclination to pack my entire wardrobe -- I like options, people -- I chose a few colorful picks to last me throughout the vacation. Here's my chance to share them with you! I also brought a few cookbooks to experiment with while hangin' in the beach house. Have a lovely weekend!

1. NAUTICAL ESPADRILLES from J. Crew

2. SUN BREEZE SEA HAT from Anthropologie

3. JUNE SHADES from Anthropologie

4. SURF HAIR SET from Bumble and Bumble

5. EYELET CHINO PANTS from Anthropologie

6. WHITE FRINGE BANDEAU from Target

Mini Lobster Rolls

I’m always in search for the ideal lobster roll. I’ve tried many in the past (Garbo’s in Austin currently reigns); and maybe it’s just my taste, but I prefer the buttery Connecticut style over a mayo-heavy infusion. There’s something simply heartwarming about a toasty bun, steamed lobster meat, and whole lotta butta. I decided to go for my own at home and quickly learned that, yes, this high-style, party-starting appetizer is easy as ever to put together. Celebrate summer with a bite of these minis!

Makes 8 mini rolls

4 fresh lobster tails 4 tablespoons butter, melted Juice of 2 lemons 2 tablespoons assorted herbs, coarsely chopped (I used a combination of chives, tarragon, and Italian parsley) Salt and black pepper 8 mini yeast or brioche rolls

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Using tongs, add lobster tails to water and steam until plump and bright pink, about 6 minutes. While lobster tails are steaming, prepare an ice bath in a large serving bowl.

2. Remove lobster tails and immediately place in ice bath to cool.

3. Using scissors, cut a line vertically across each lobster tail. Split open and remove meat. Cut lobster meat into ½ inch pieces and place in a small bowl.

4. Toast rolls and cut approximately 1 inch vertically, making sure to keep entire bun in one piece!

5. Meanwhile, add lemon juice, butter, herbs, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper to the bowl. Lightly coat lobster with butter mixture.

6. Spoon lobster evenly into each bun and serve warm.

Strano Sicilian Kitchen And Bar (Memphis)

When a new restaurant opens in Cooper Young, I add it to the top of my must-visit list. But when an old friend opens a new restaurant in Cooper Young, I go running. Josh Steiner and his friendly staff have turned the "cursed" corner of the foodie intersection into a lunch and dinner hot spot, all due to the creative execution behind Strano Sicilian Kitchen and Bar. Opened just a few weeks ago to the public, the Italian kitchen is innovative and impressive, especially for a chef/owner my age!

Chef Josh immediately greeted us with a warm smile and hug. His genuine passion and grit were obvious as he explained the inspirations behind his rich menu. I requested that Josh pick out his favorites for us to try, adding a mystery approach to the "classic casual" dining experience. Immediately, he told us to order the following: fried olives, fennel all' arancia salad, grilled swordfish, and rack of lamb.

After ordering, you will be offered a complimentary choice of one of five bread options -- pizza bread, that is -- with infused lemon olive oil. I never, ever turn down bread and butter; but this unique starter immediately set Strano apart from any other Italian restaurant in the city. Fortunately (or unfortunately), the bread was addicting.

The olives were simply awesome. Super crisp and crunchy. I usually associate "fried" with grease, but this wasn't the case in the least. Plus, I am a huge olive fan, so the tang of a piping hot, cheese-stuffed green olive was fantastic. I wish I could replicate this finger food for a party!

The fennel and orange salad literally shaped the restaurant, according to Chef Josh. While there's a lot going on on the plate, each ingredient represents a Sicilian flavor component that has driven Josh to his culinary success today. See those unrecognizable yellow discs on top of the spring mix? Well, those are drops of olive oil, which have been transformed into solid discs on Chef's "anti-griddle." I watched the magic happen back in the kitchen -- liquids are cooled into a frozen solid consistency, which then reverses into a melt-in-your-mouth experience as soon as you take a bite. My mind is still blown over that artistry!

And holy moly, those lamb chops. The plate was sprawling with color and technique. The five lamb chops were plump and juicy with a sweet balsamic glaze. I was so into that glaze, that it became my new dipping sauce for the pizza bread. The grilled vegetables (from squash and zucchini to asparagus and a dome-smoked artichoke heart) were beautifully overwhelming. My mom and I couldn't manage to finish this plate, even together. So, while expensive on the menu, the size of these dishes were well worth the price.

The swordfish completely contrasted the lamb chops, which I found to be a nice juxtaposition on our table. A simple bed of housemade tagliatelle (my favorite pasta shape) was tossed in white wine, olive oil, lemon, and caper. The sizzling swordfish steak, lightly charred and seasoned with black pepper, was a lovely portion. I enjoyed (almost) every bite of this modest, clean plate.

And a surprise almond tiramisu to finish off the night? Yes please. Josh's spin on the classic was as sweet as it was innovative. Almond brittle pop rocks covered the top layer; and yes, the pop rock effect actually worked! Again, mind blowing.

Chef Josh's effort and culinary technique shine through every single plate. I look forward to sharing many more experiences in Strano -- I've got to try the famous Sicilian pizzas and paninis for lunch on the patio. Thank you, Josh, for showing Memphis that anything is possible with grit and passion!

Asparagus Goat Cheese Salad

The summer rain has been getting to me these days. . . perhaps it's because I cannot seem to find the motivation to venture outside and try restaurants, which cause more angst than enjoyment on stormy nights. However, the weather has excused me to cook more at home -- the kitchen is a luxury I once took for granted. I love the time inside more and more each day. This salad recipe was created a few nights ago when in search of a green salad to kick off a hearty lamb chop dinner. The combination of leafy vegetables, sweet crunchy nuts, and melt-in-your-mouth cheese is rich and utterly fantastic. For an entree portion, I recommend a grilled piece of salmon.

Stay dry if you are in rainy weather as well. The sun better come out soon . . . I'm ready to picnic!

Makes 4-6 servings

30 asparagus spears, washed and trimmed 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 bag mixed greens 1 cup candied pecans 4 ounces honey goat cheese 1/4 cup orange juice 1 teaspoon sugar 1 tablespoon white wine 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard Salt and pepper

1. Mix together asparagus with 1 teaspoon olive oil, salt and pepper. Heat in a large skillet over medium high heat until lightly charred and tender crisp. Set aside.

2. Combine orange juice and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low for 5 minutes.

3. Combine wine, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper. While whisking, gradually add 5 tablespoons olive oil. Stir in orange juice mix.

4. Mix greens with vinaigrette and divide among plates. Top each plate with asparagus, pecans and crumbled goat cheese.

Six Cookbooks You Need This Summer

Happy weekend! Having just completed my list of birthday wishes for the upcoming year, number four stands of utmost importance: "Open the cookbooks on my shelf and actually cook recipes from them." It's time to use my shelf beyond decorative purposes, my friends. So, I have decided that if Pinterest did not exist (imagine that...), these six cookbooks would fill your plates plenty for months to come. From healthy Italian pestos and vegetarian dishes to fresh baked breads and cheese boards, you'll love the assortment among this group of mine.

I hope you choose to add these to your cookbook collection, but please, please share your favorite books in the comments! I'm always looking to add to the bookshelf.

1. CHEESE OBSESSION :: If cheese is your best friend (my hand is up), this book will be your other. This author thinks out of the box, conjuring up tips for the perfect cheese plate and 100 original recipes using the beloved ingredient.

2. EVERYDAY ITALIAN :: Giada's classic has been a staple of mine for almost a decade. You'll enjoy the lightness of her pestos and pastas without feeling too stuffed. The appetizers are perfect for parties. Every time I open this, I smile thinking of the time I met Giada in person!!

3. AUSTIN TRAILER FOOD DIARIES :: I received this book as a gift and absolutely love its funky spirit from page to page. Plus, there's a recipe for delicacies from some of my most coveted Austin food trucks, including Torchy's and Mighty Cone.

4. PLENTY :: This gorgeous, gorgeous read has some of the most beautiful photography I have ever seen. All recipes are vegetarian with a creative disposition along every line. I've tried the cover recipe, eggplant with buttermilk sauce, but I cannot wait to dive into more over the course of the summer.

5. THE MODEL BAKERY COOKBOOK :: I traveled to Model Bakery during my incredible Napa trip last fall, and I couldn't bear to leave without the cookbook under my arm. I've shared the infamous chocolate chunk cookies, a crowd pleaser in itself.

6. TReatS ::  My closest friends gifted me this adorable book at last month's Cocktails for Caramelized. You'll instantly drool over not only the recipes, but the packaging for delicious gifts! Aren't the donuts on the cover just precious? A sweet tooth is required as soon as you open the first page.

P.S. The darling, antique-ish spoon stand, a well-used gift, can serve as a plate stand or a cookbook stand! I highly recommend one. There are too many times where I have tainted the pages of my favorite books with smeared sticky fingerprints in an attempt to rediscover the recipe at hand.