Halibut with Edamame and Truffled Cauliflower Rice

I have been craving a clean, bright plate since Spring officially commenced. And, of course, the halibut was looking fine as ever at The Fresh Market. I innocently experimented with broiler and the food processor Monday evening during a unusually calming thunderstorm; no cookbook, no ripped pages of Bon Appetît. All trial and (a little bit of) error. I taught myself how to properly broil fish and reminded myself to let the simple flavors shine. No need for cream or butter or excessive spices. Just as Anna Watson Carl preaches: It's about celebrating the natural, authentic flavors of fresh ingredients.

According to my calculations, this gluten-free recipe is only 400 calories yet 54 grams of protein! The dish results in a satisfying stomach and a beautiful color palette for the spring season.

P.S. I've heard that the cauliflower rice is a fantastic substitute in homemade fried rice. Simply stir in some scrambled egg, soy, sesame oil, and veggies. I am trying it as soon as possible, so I'll be sure to share photos and thoughts.

Makes 1 serving

1 6-ounce filet of halibut, skin removed 1 teaspoon olive oil Porcellino's Lil Ray seasoning (salt, thyme, lemon zest, sugar) 1/2 cup frozen shelled edamame, shelled 1/2 cup spinach 1 cup cauliflower 1 teaspoon truffle oil Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Preheat broiler on high for 7-10 minutes. Brush both sides of halibut with olive oil and place on foiled baking sheet. Sprinkle with seasoning.

2. Meanwhile, microwave cauliflower in microwave-safe bowl for 2 minutes until steamed. Set aside to slightly cool.

3. Heat small saucepan on medium heat. Place fish in oven, keeping a close eye on the filet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through.

4. Sauté edamame and spinach in small saucepan until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Add salt and pepper as needed.

5. While edamame and spinach are cooking, place cauliflower in a food processor. Pulse until consistency is a fine rice shape. Transfer cauliflower to serving plate. Drizzle with truffle oil.

6. Top cauliflower with edamame/spinach, then filet. Serve immediately.

What to Try at Smorgasburg (Brooklyn)

Never have I believed myself to be so lucky until I curiously clicked on Smorgasburg's website after booking an NYC family vacation for my grandmother's eightieth birthday over six months ago. The bolded words, "We're back April 4th!" popped out as I scanned the screen. And then, I rejoiced. I would be in Brooklyn on opening day of the most fabulous food flea market in existence: Smorgasburg. My family of five strategized upon our arrival. We'd tackle long lines by venturing to different stands and, after twenty minutes, gathering in the center to taste and pass. The system was both efficient and hilarious. Below are my favorite bites from the 'burg:

1. Mozz pops. New to Smorgasborg, Big Mozz x Atlantic Avenue prepares fresh mozzarella onsite and serves it up in different styles. I preferred the "pops:" two quarters of buttery cheese with a side of lemony bright pesto for dipping. A light appetizer for the feast, if you will.

2. Beef short rib. Carnal grills up a massive beef short rib with an unbeatable chimichurri sauce. Slow roasted with bone marrow, the serving is summer savory and completely addictive.

3. Mac & cheese. Milk Truck may be known for their grilled cheeses, but the aged cheddar bechamel bow ties (topped with house made breadcrumbs) are delightful. You can add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and other delicious ingredients to the mix.

4. Ramen burger. It's the original; and frankly, it's life-changing. Sesame ramen noodles sandwich a fresh ground chuck patty with a shoyo glaze and market fresh vegetables. Who would've thought your college dorm room staple and classic burger could be combined into such greatness.

5. Truffle fries. Home Frite has a 50-person line for a reason: the "crispy fresh" fries kick ass. I am a huge fan of the packaging, which holds the hand-cut potatoes and homemade sauces with mobile ease. Go for the truffle dipping sauce.

6. Chicken parmesan slider. Sunday Gravy keeps it classic with grandmother-made quality chicken parmesan with heavy red sauce and parmesan. Served piping hot on a trendy slider, you'll want a second. Or a third, in our case.

The Grapefruit French Gimlet

Spring has sprung. And so has the weekend. Continuing my sip-and-stroke watercolor cocktail series with my friend and fellow creative Thuyvi Vo, we've crafted our April drink of choice: the french gimlet.

This dainty drink is the ultimate compliment to a new white dress or Spring gathering with girlfriends. Only three ingredients are required: dry gin, St. Germaine, and grapefruit juice. The classic gimlet uses lime juice, but the blush hue is unbeatable, in my opinion!

And isn't the watercolor gorgeous? We decided to stir up some cocktail recipes beyond the point-and-shoot perspective. Thuyvi’s work introduces a fresh, curated approach to some of our essential seasonal beverages. What do you think? Cheers.

Makes 1 serving

1 ounce dry gin 1 ounce St. Germaine 1/4 cup freshly squeeze grapefruit juice

1. Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Serve up.

Tennessee Brewery: The Revival (Memphis)

It's back by hopular demand. Yesterday, on #NationalBeerDay, hundreds received a sneak peek of the Revival. Twenty-two taps of local, regional, and national brews flowed in support of Habitat for Humanity. Hundreds exchanged words and nods of approval in Goldcrest Gardens amidst an elegant waterfall and true beer garden landscaping. Hundreds posed in the Memphis art installation by Adam Exelbierd, the first of eight Atrium artists-in-residence.

As if in unison, the chorus of the crowd sang, "This is why I love Memphis."

My public relations role at doug carpenter & associates has allowed me to experience the creative process of the Revival from its initial brainstorming with Brewery partners Benjamin Orgel, Logan Scheidt, and Paul Stephens, to its landscaping installation and community engagement. It's pretty spectacular, and I'm honored to be working alongside outstanding creatives and business thinkers.

A few food- and beverage-related items (with the Caramelized seal of approval) to try upon your arrival to the Revival:

1. Food trucks. Hot Mess' sweet potato burrito (on a homemade tortilla) and Central BBQ nachos are a few of my personal favorites, but you'll get a taste of trucks that Fuel, Stickem, Corky's, Farm 2 Cart, Mr. Frazier's Fish, Taco Shack, Fresh Gulf Shrimp, and more. Don't just make it a drink. Make it a meal. The trucks rotate daily.

2. Sunday crawfish boils. That's right. Every single Sunday. Who's excited now?

3. Luke McLuke. The American Pale Ale beer brewed exclusively for the Revival by Memphis Made Brewing Company. Its brand identity celebrates the complementary revival of Tennessee Brewing Co. owner John Schorr's Belmont Stakes-winning Thoroughbred. Over one century later, we're toasting again. Now go buy a beer, and then a t-shirt.

Stay tuned for more.

artwork by doug carpenter & associates

New York State of Mind

Today, I'm jet-setting with the family to the fabulous state of New York for a family (and food) reunion. I've packed my bags with too much black and white. I've narrowed down super long lists of dining options. I'm finally on my way.

My plans thus far include:

• Smorgasburg Opening Day (featured image)
• Lunch at ABC Kitchen (pictured below)
• Brunch at The Dutch
• Drinks with the darling Mary Catherine, the lady behind Better Ice Creamed
• Babbo's classic Italian fare
• Carole King's "Beautiful" on Broadway
• New Warby Parker frames (featured above via warby parker)
• Coffee shops upon coffee shops.

Where else should I try? Leave a comment! I can't wait to share highlights upon my return.

image via eater featured image via theprettyblog.com

Honey Roasted Radishes

April miraculously arrives tomorrow, welcoming an abundance of color and springtime splendor to our weekend agendas and daily wardrobes. I am more-than-ever ready for this upcoming month. Last night, I experimented with a refrigerator staple -- radishes -- that typically brighten lunchtime salads or open-faced sandwiches. However, I took it up a notch, placing these roots in the oven rather than serving raw.

The result was game-changing: The bright fuchsia skin fades to a stunning, soft lavender upon heating, and the spice is subdued by sweet and salty notes of Nature Nate's honey and flaky Porcellino's blended sea salt. I would argue that this honey-roasted, gluten-free side dish (served on a Paper & Clay original) is the perfect accompaniment to Easter lunch and springtime patio suppers. Here's to Spring and the transformation of a gorgeous produce into a show-stopping dish!

Share your own Nature Nate’s honey creations on social media with @naturenates and #honeymakesitbetter!

Makes 4 servings

1 package pre-washed radishes, halved 1 tablespoon Nature Nate's honey 1 teaspoon olive oil Flaky sea salt

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray non-stick spray in a cast iron skillet. Arrange radishes, face-down (pink up) in the skillet.

2. Drizzle olive oil, a generous portion of salt, and honey over the radishes. Place in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. Serve on a Paper & Clay serving piece.

This post is in partnership with Nature Nate’s. Thank you for being supportive of my sponsors!