Salmon Poke Bowl, Avocado and Scallions

 

This past semester, I read Haruki Murakami’s book “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running” while training for the Philadelphia half marathon. The book opens up in Hawaii, as the author reflects on his island summer runs. He describes his feelings, the weather, the landscapes, the routes… painting colorful pictures in his reader’s mind. I found Murakami’s writing to be incredibly motivating and inspiring. Surely, any reader will feel an urge to drop the book, go for a long long run, and never give up. While that thought certainly crossed my mind, his book also made me want to finally try my hands at Poke (though that could also be the influence of Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown”, which includes a great episode in Hawaii)!

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“Fried Quinoa” with Soy Marinated Pan-Seared Tofu

As mentioned in my previous post, these past few months have been full of culinary discoveries and experiments for me. Not only have I tried new recipes in Mexico and while traveling across the US, but I also experimented a lot from the comfort of my own kitchen. Most notably, I owe my biggest discovery of them all to one of my roommates, who recently became a vegetarian. Indeed, this eye-opening experience came straight from my stove, to the greatest pleasure of my taste buds. If you haven’t guessed by now, I am talking about tofu! I know… that ecstatic comment probably didn’t make you think about that ingredient. Let me guess, when I say tofu you picture a white block of watery, flavorless, rubbery “stuff”, correct? 

Soba Noodles Beef Stir-Fry, Shiitake Mushrooms, Baby Bok Choy

This week I attended a Q&A with Justin Rosenberg, the CEO of Honeygrow. Honeygrow is a Philadelphia-based fast-casual restaurant chain that offers stir-fries and salads. Justin came up with his concept while he was vegan, and most of his diet consisted of stir-fries. He realized that he could build a business around that dish and that people would surely line up for delicious take-out food they’d feel good eating. In other words, Honeygrow resembles an Asian spin on Chipotle‘s “healthier” and local take on Mexican food. Their motto is that they’re “Honestly Grown Locally,” which reflects a search for the best ingredients possible. Yet, the stores aren’t organized in the same way, and the customizing rather happens on handy tablets that face the open kitchen.

Sesame-Crusted Tuna Sushi Bowl

If I could snap my fingers and be instantly transported to another country, I’d visit Japan. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated with this country and its incredibly rich culture. Be it art, architecture, food, landscapes and gardens… everything is aesthetically pleasing! From the outside, it is refinement at its finest. It is perfection and sophistication in every detail, and it is incredibly interesting to me.

Spaghetti Squash Chicken Pad Thai

Yep. You read that correctly. I said it. Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai! And I would even venture as far as saying that this is probably one of the best recipes I have posted in a while. At least definitely one of the most creative and refreshing ones. Now back to the squash. Does that sound enticing? or a bit weird? From where I stand, probably both. So here’s a brief background about this recipe.