February 25, 2008
I recently had the opportunity to visit 202 Market, a modern-style restaurant and lounge in downtown Roanoke, VA. They use such terms as “5-star” and “world-class” to describe themselves. This pompous attitude is echoed in their decor, artwork, and atmosphere: can such a place exist in the otherwise sleepy town of Roanoke?
Pompous perhaps, but well-deserved, […]

Filed by MessyChef at February 25th, 2008 under Out-of-Town, Restaurant Review
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February 20, 2008
Last week, we returned to Sensi Restaurant on East Cary Street in downtown Richmond.
Each time I have visited, the dining room gets smaller (it’s me, not really the room), and the whole place loses its mystique (familiarity takes over and you now feel more at home). The menu has some “favorites” to choose from, and […]

Filed by MessyChef at February 20th, 2008 under Italian, Restaurant Review
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February 17, 2008
I recently made this gourmet dish, something simple, yet really delicious.
First, I cut up some red-skinned potatoes and roasted them with olive oil and garlic on a super-hot sheet pan in the oven. I later added parsley and salt.
Second, I seared two filets mignon, covered in pepper and salt at medium-high heat until all sides […]

Filed by MessyChef at February 17th, 2008 under In the Kitchen
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February 10, 2008
Sometimes a simple meal is among the most delicious.
Our house “fried rice” is not dark like you see in a lot of Chinese restaurants. Instead of salting the rice with copious amounts of flavorful soy sauce, I like to use Moldon brand sea salt. It’s both crunchy and salty enough for the mouthful of rice […]

Filed by MessyChef at February 10th, 2008 under In the Kitchen
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February 9, 2008
For this year’s Chinese New Year, we made a variety of dishes we decided upon earlier this week.
Scallion Pancakes
Egg Drop Soup
Fried Dumplings
8-Treasure Rice Dessert
I used all the right ingredients, but strayed too far on the technique. These were lackluster, for sure. But the sauce I made was delicious. I used reduced soy sauce, balsamic glaze, […]

Filed by MessyChef at February 9th, 2008 under Asian, In the Kitchen
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