LA Street Food Festival June 29th, 2013 @ the Rose Bowl

Butter & Bigotry - Paula Deens Catches Hell For Racist Remarks

I wasn't really sure what to think about all of these stories coming out about Paula Deen, but to say I was shocked would be a lie. Over a year ago stories began surfacing that Deen’s establishments tolerated racism and hired mainly Caucasian employees which caught our attention for multiple reasons. A major influence in daytime television for god only knows why, Paula Deen made millions of dollars over the last few years by promoting unhealthy recipes, opening restaurants across the country and by hiding the fact she was a complete racist piece of shit. 

Racism or intolerance of any kind is a subject that sickens us to our very core, strictly because of the innocent bystanders who are hurt by the perpetrators of these cowardly acts. Paula Deen and her handlers knew what kind of views she had on racism and for their even allowing her to run her mouth in that manner are rightfully deserving of the treatment they are receiving at this very moment. Quickly distancing themselves from Deen, both Caesars and Food Network (Scripps) took the correct stance on her bigoted views by shuttering her co-branded restaurants and canceling her shows. 

Racism is a sickness in a way, you must be a sick puppy to really think that you are any better than anyone else on this planet simply because of your skin tone. It will be interesting to see if she fades into obscurity or if she will fight to make a comeback. Let us be honest, there are still a tremendous amount of racist people who would be more than happy to give her a platform to further push the envelope of her unhealthy, heart stopping, diabetes promoting, racially motivated remarks and recipes for the next few years simply to make a buck and divide the nation.

We at The Supreme Plate are far from tolerant when it comes to racism and sexism and are interested in hearing from our readers how they feel about this story as it unfolds.

Summertime Grilling Made Guilt-Free & Easy by Guiding Stars

Summertime fun just isn’t the same without enjoying some good BBQ while laughing it up with friends in the sun. A huge problem for most people is that as we mature and become wiser we know that we shouldn’t be eating a tremendous amount of the things we have grown up loving. The great folks over at Guiding Stars Licensing Co. have invented (and patented) a nutritional rating algorithm that is as easy to follow, as it is to make a bowl of cereal. 

Designed to make a positive impact on the publics health (something the entire country could use) Guiding Stars by working with major supermarket chains, local colleges & high schools as well as smart phone app designers to create a program that encourages healthy eating and cooking from the standpoint of buying the right ingredients and either eliminating or substituting the items that we all love, but could probably go without.  

That being said, check out a few of these delicious recipes provided to us by Guiding Stars themselves and tell us what you think. In this day and age it isn’t hard to make a great meal that is healthy, sometimes all it takes is a bit of planning and the desire to want to do better for your future. Eating junk food and unhealthy snacks is a bad habit to ever pick up that is easily passed on from generation to generation which is leading to our nations children becoming obese at younger ages year after year. From juicy jerk chicken and grilled mushrooms to potato salad, these recipes go the distance and don't skimp at all in the flavor department. For more information on these and other great life changing recipes and things to do to get you up and outdoors, check out: www.GuidingStars.com

The LA Street Food Fest will be taking place June 29th at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, You Better Be There!!!

Lets the games begin, the players through for there is no mistaking Los Angeles love for street food. OK, OK yeah that sounds like some attempt at a rap, but no that is just us stating a mere fact. This year the 4^th annual Los Angeles Street Food Fest will be taking place Saturday June 29^th at the World-Famous Rose Bowl in beautiful, historical (and centrally located off a few different freeways) Pasadena, CA. 

There is still plenty of time to buy tickets so that you can come out and experience first hand some of the best food, drinks, snacks, treats or whatever you wish to classify it as, that you will ever lay your foodie fingers on. 

NBC's "Hannibal" Picked Up For A 2nd Season

NBC’s brilliantly written “Hannibal” has been picked up for a second season. We don't get much time to watch TV around these parts, but Hannibal is one show that stays faithfully recording on the DVR. Whether you watch the show for the intricate plotlines that take incredible turns and twists weekly or to see what (or who more importantly) Dr. Hannibal Lecter will be serving to his guests, the show is put together with incredible whit and unbelievably astounding looking dishes. Overseen by Chef José Andrés the culinary treats displayed on the show are nothing short of miraculous. Exquisitely plated entrees are served up usually after a montage of scenes depicting Hannibal removing some organs, preparing them for his guests and sometimes even storing them in food saver bags in his freezer. 

For those of you who haven’t taken the time to check the show out, do yourself a favor and get wrapped up in it asap, because at this point you are already almost a season behind and this is one show that moves fast. On a side note, one of our favorite movies was The King of New York which starred a young Laurence Fishburne as Jimmy Jump a cold blooded street hustler who we can relate too, simply cause we grew up around numerous cats just like him. In Hannibal, Laurence Fishburne plays Jack Crawford, the head of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit, where he currently finds himself being led on a complex game of cat and mouse.

ROTD: Elote (Grilled Mexican Style Corn On The Cob)

In my opinion, California has without a doubt the best food that can be found on the face of this planet. I know regionally everyone feels the same way as I do about their home-state, but when you get down to the nitty gritty, no where else can you find the food that can be found here in the Golden State. I know New Yorker’s claim that they have the best pizza, the best Chinese food and so on and that is fine, but hands down California cannot be touched because of the great culinary creations given to us by our friends south of the border in Mexico. 

We have interviewed musicians, artists, chefs and many other people from all walks of life and the one thing they agree on, CA has the best Mexican food there is to be had and it cannot be duplicated anywhere else. Every state has a hood salesman, whether they sell bootleg DVD’s, liquor, shaved ice or our favorite cart treat, Elote, the traveling salesman should be applauded for keeping the neighborhood stuffed full of spicy corn and saving the lives of numerous children over the years (ok so they probably haven’t saved any lives but it sounded good didn't it?)

The recipe for this style of Elote was given to me by a good friend’s Grandmother, who has lived in East Los Angeles for 70 years and refuses to let her favorite treat go uneaten, especially during the upcoming hot Summer nights we enjoy here in the Southland. If you are wondering why today of all days we are pushing you to eat this delicious treat, well that be because today is NATIONAL CORN ON THE COB DAY, a food holiday that should be celebrated worldwide. 

Enjoy this alongside a cold beer and some other grilled foods such as Carne Asada, Pollo Asada, BBQ’d Baby Back Ribs or even by itself, you wont be mad you did.

Ingredients
4 ears sweet corn, husks removed
2 TBS corn oil
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tsp chili powder

Pinch of cayenne powder
1 tsp garlic salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 lime, quartered
Special equipment: grill pan or bbq

Directions:
Preheat a grill pan.

Rub corn with oil and place on the grill pan, turning corn so all sides are charred, about 6 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix together mayonnaise, chili powder, cayenne powder, garlic salt, and black pepper.

Remove corn from grill and brush with the mayonnaise mixture.

Serve with lime quarters to squeeze over corn.

National Donuts Day - Best of J Dilla Tribute Mix, by DJ Mister Cee, (Video)

Happy National Donuts Day - JAYLIB - Red (Video)

National Donut Day - Raekwon / J Dilla "Baggage Handlers" (Video)

Sinfully Delicious Summertime Cocktails, Las Vegas Style. (Courtesy of MGM Grand Resorts International)

This summer, the pools at MGM Resorts International properties are offering thirst-quenching libations that are anything but ordinary. Edible alcohol-infused fruit cocktails, exotic mojitos, twisted lemonades and low-calorie concoctions deliver tasty ways to combat the desert heat. Everyone deserves an escape from the mundane routines that we all get stuck in, whether it be handling business to get the bills paid or the taxing responsibilities that come with being a parent or caring for a loved one. 

What better way to take your mind off all of the stresses being thrown your way than to relax poolside in Las Vegas sipping on some of the finest cocktails to ever be poured on the face of this planet? Read along to see who is pouring what and where you need to be as the Summer heat begins to become unbearable.

Exquisite Edibles

Edible libations break the boundaries to quench thirst and calm hunger during the hottest summer days. 

Available at Bellagio’s Cypress pool, the Doriae is equal parts cocktail and snack. Fresh watermelon slices vacuum-sealed with Tanteo jalapeño tequila, raspberry syrup and lime juice are presented with a martini glass full of the sweet and spicy mixture. Guests may dip their fruit in the cocktail for an extra burst of flavor or sip the libation as an accompaniment to the infused watermelon slices.

Snow cones are all grown up at Bellagio’s pool with offerings like Simple Cherry, which is crafted with Skyy cherry vodka, cherry syrup and house-made salted caramel sauce. Guests can grab a spoon and escape the heat with this intoxicating blend.

(For more Cocktails & Photos, click Read More)

The Backyard Boogie (Tools To Make Your Next BBQ A Complete Success)

When the Summertime temperatures begin to soar from coast to coast and the wild outdoors (or even the backyard) begin to beckon to your senses with the great smell of BBQ and timeless music, you know only great times are ahead for the next few months. Whether you plan on hitting the beach for some daytime fun in the sun or taking the family on a vacation for the week or two, there are a few tools that everyone should check out to help enhance the entire experience. 

The great smoky smell of grilled food permeating through the air as grown folks sip on expertly blended cocktails while their loved ones tear up on their toys is what life is all about. The backyard boogie in a sense, is what we are all about. Whether it be in the heat of Summer or the dead cold of Winter, we can always be found out and about in the backyard, grilling something for the family or working on a recipe we just cant get enough of, in the backyard it will be perfected. 

That being said lets check out a few new grills and accessories that will liven up any function in an instant. Play some great music, enjoy some great drinks & food and whatever you do, take pictures, because these are the moments you should want to recall down the line.

Let the games begin because Summertime is in full swing. 

Brinkmann Trailmaster Limited Edition - $299 - $500 www.HomeDepot.com or www.Brinkmann.net

Take your smoking/grilling experience to the next level with The Brinkmann Trailmaster Limited Charcoal/Wood Grill and Smoker. Featuring approximately 962 sq. in. of cooking space, welded heavy-gauge steel construction, smokestack damper, and an adjustable side air vent to help regulate heat and smoke. The Trailmaster is great for everyday grilling or large gatherings where you can smoke juicy tender meats of any kind, or fire up the charcoal/wood grill and maximize the flavor of the choicest cuts of meat.

The Food Holidays of June 2013

The month of June, in the great State of California is a significant thing. The Sun and all of the wonders that grow underneath it are in full bloom come this time of year. Pools, beaches and amusement parks become jam packed with people from all over the World, looking for a cool way to escape the heat so do your friends a favor, if you own a pool don't be that guy who won't let anyone use it. Most importantly let us not forget the greatest offerings Summer brings our way, BBQs & Beach Ready Bodies.

Now is the time of year that people are working hard (or hardly working depending on who you run with) to display their best grilling & cocktail making skills (or consuming skills for that matter.) The start of June, marks a great time to go out and start hitting the Farmers Markets in your area in search of the freshest fruits, veggies and flowers that you can grow at your own home.

With that being said, let us lift our glasses and toast to the wonders of Summer.

Enjoy!

June is National:

Candy Month

Dairy Month

Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Month

Iced Tea Month

Papaya Month

Seafood Month

Turkey Lovers Month

The First Friday in June is: National Doughnut Day

The First Friday & Saturday in June are also: Doughnut Days at the Salvation Army

June 1   National Hazelnut Cake Day

June 2   National Rocky Road Ice Cream Day

June 3   National Egg Day

June 4   National Cheese Day

June 4   National Frozen Yogurt Day

June 4   National Cognac Day

June 5   National Gingerbread Day

June 6   National Applesauce Cake Day

June 7   National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

June 8   National Jelly-Filled Doughnut Day

June 9   National Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie Day

June 10 National Herbs & Spice Day

June 10 National Iced Tea Day

June 10 National Black Cow Day

June 11 National German Chocolate Cake Day

June 12 National Peanut Butter Cookie Day

June 13 Kitchen Klutzes of America Day

June 14 National Strawberry Shortcake Day

June 15 National Lobster Day

June 16 National Fudge Day

June 17 Eat All Your Veggies Day

June 17 National Apple Strudel Day

June 18 National Cherry Tart Day

June 18 International Picnic Day

June 19 National Dry Martini Day

June 20 National Vanilla Milkshake Day

June 21 National Peaches & Cream Day

June 22 National Chocolate Éclair Day

June 22 National Onion Rings Day

June 23 National Pecan Sandy Day

June 24 National Pralines Day

June 25 National Strawberry Parfait Day

June 25 National Catfish Day

June 26 National Chocolate Pudding Day

June 27 National Indian Pudding Day

June 27 National Orange Blossom Day

June 28 National Tapioca Day

June 29 National Almond Butter Crunch Day

June 30 National Ice Cream Soda Day

De La Soul w/ The Spirit of Wu Tang - Get Away (Video)

I need not speak on how incredible a group like De La Soul is, or how instruental they have been in many peoples lives. It goes without saying that they broke the mold with their “Hip Hop Hippy” vibes and style of dress as well as their non hardcore approach to creating songs that have done more than withstand the test of time. De La Soul, for those that don’t know have been around for over 20 years, making music that knows no limits and takes no prisoners. True indeed they never aspired to be the most thuggish rappers alive, nor did they sell dope to kids and prance around like comical pimps in their videos. De La Soul did what needed to be done, they made DOPE music that spoke for itself. Plugs Won, Two & Three aka Trugoy The Dove, Pos Dnous & Dj Maseo were very influential in my younger years and every time I have seen them perform they never fail to impress and put on an energetic, hyped show. I can say without any hesitation I Love This Group, and this song right here goes to show that they don’t gimmicks to make you pay attention.

Featuring the original intro from the highly acclaimed Wu Tang Clan’s “Wu Tang Forever” De La’s  whole new approach to the strings and words of The Rza & Gza take flight in a whole new direction, which couldn't have come at a better time for an older head such as myself.

Chase Encounters, Las Vegas Uncork'd 2013 - $20,000 Scholarship Challenge

LAS VEGAS – Chase Sapphire Preferred®, a premier travel rewards card from Chase, in partnership with Bon Appétit hosted the Chase Sapphire Preferred Grill Challenge, on Saturday, May 11, during Bellagio’s Block Party at the seventh annual Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit. Renowned chefs Akira Back and Todd English partnered with two local Las Vegas Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute students, Andrew Merfalen and Todd Huelsman, respectively, to re-imagine a classic French dish during a live grilling competition.

Todd English and Todd Huelsman were named grill challenge champions after stunning the judges with a show-stopping dish featuring a rich foie gras mousse paired with chicken payard, topped with panko asparagus and finished with a demi-glace. Todd Huelsman was awarded a $20,000 scholarship, presented by Chase Sapphire Preferred, to help fund his culinary education at the Las Vegas Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute. An additional $5,000 was presented to runner-up Andrew Merfalen.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with acclaimed chef Todd English at such a prestigious food festival” said Todd Huelsman. “The generous $20,000 donation from Chase Sapphire Preferred is truly life changing and will allow me to further my culinary education as I strive to be as successful as the world-class chefs at the event.”

The two students from the Las Vegas Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute were selected for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve as sous-chefs for Akira Back, Executive Chef of Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge at Bellagio, and Todd English, Chef at Olives at Bellagio, through a Vine video and essay competition presented by Bon Appétit and the Las Vegas Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute.

“It is an honor to be involved in the Chase Sapphire Preferred Grill Challenge and work with rising culinary talent from Las Vegas Le Cordon Bleu,” said Akira Back. “I had fun working side-by-side with Andrew building our dish and battling Team English.”

Bon Appétit restaurant and spirits editor, Andrew Knowlton, emceed the event. The judging panel included Denise Valdez, KLAS-TV anchor and 8 News NOW personality, alongside Bon Appétit, Editor-in-Chief, Adam Rapoport, and a lucky Chase Sapphire cardholder. 

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred Grill Challenge was the highlight of the weekend, the celebrity chefs and Le Cordon Bleu students not only brought their culinary expertise, but also their competitive edge to the event,” said Sean O’Reilly, general manager, JP Morgan Chase. “We know how important it is to support the next generation of chef talent, and by providing scholarships funds we are furthering these students’ culinary dreams.” 

The seventh annual Vegas Uncork’d by presented by Bon Appétit and Las Vegas, in partnership with Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand and Chase Sapphire Preferred ran May 9-12. The food festival featured chefs including Akira Back, Todd English, Bobby Flay, Michael Mina, Nobu Matsuhisa, Gordon Ramsay, Michel Richard and Joël Robuchon.

As a presenting sponsor of Vegas Uncork’d, Chase Sapphire Preferred offered cardholders the ability to redeem credit card rewards points or purchase tickets to select Vegas Uncork’d events – and enjoy exclusive perks, such as a VIP lounge at the Grand Tasting and a private brunch featuring cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Julian Serrano of Picasso at Bellagio. About Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit

Strip House at Planet Hollywood: A Steak House & Bar Worthy of Vegas Sized Accolades

Nothing is wrong with eating, drinking and enjoying the fruits of your hard labor. Celebrating a noteworthy highlight in life is sometimes all that you need to put you on the right course of action. Sometimes eating at an establishment you really love can be a double-edged sword. Having so many things on the menu that you truly wouldn't mind indulging yourself with can leave you feeling as if you’re in dire need of a nap, which may ruin the remainder of the evening for all parties involved.

Hence why it is sometimes imperative to take a different approach to dining at many of the latest and greatest restaurants that can be found just about everywhere you look. True, in a large number of restaurants frequented by the masses the more is more approach is appreciated. With many Chefs reaching deep into their culinary bag of tricks, sometimes the over abundance of combining great flavors can become too much to handle for anyone looking to continue on with their evening after eating.