Proud Italian Cook

Bakersfield

May 2, 2012 by Marie 8 Comments

There’s a new dining spot in town and it’s called Bakersfield! Located in Westmont,Il. and created by the same folks that recently launched Standard Market, which happens to be directly across the street.
Recently I was invited to attend their soft opening.

Upon arrival I noticed the outdoor patio complete with a fire pit, fire place and a long communal table on one end. The day we were there it was cool and rainy out but soon it will be a great space to meet up with friends and dine al’fresco.
Inside the restaurant the feeling is very contemporary and casual, with plenty of light and a welcoming bar area.

The kitchen is an open concept which I love, there’s something about seeing the hustle and bustle that goes on in there. Close and upfront seating is available where you can see the chefs in action preparing your food, I might have to get a seat there next time!

A beautiful floor to ceiling glass wine room situated in the main dining room.

The menu has something for everyone, meat lovers, fish lovers, vegetarians and those who just want to indulge!

We were a party of four and started by ordering three appetizers, the first one being the Housemade Guacamole, very fresh, with lots of lime and cilantro flavor throughout.

Next, we ordered the Crispy Thai Shrimp with a mango slaw that had just the right amount of heat, loved it!

Seared Beef and Goat Cheese on sushi rice, I could have made a meal out of that alone, so good!

I came with some serious meat eaters that day, in fact this family member of mine loves steak, she ordered the 72 HR Marinated Wood-Fired Cajun Ribeye. Her exact quote was, “I’m a real steak person and this is one of the best steaks I’ve had!” My husband had the same thing so of course I tasted it and it was like buttah! My only recommendation would be just a little more heat in your cajun spice.

Check out that Loaded Baked Potato! We shuttered at the thought of the calories and WW points!

The ribs were fall off the bone finger licking good!

Me, I ordered the Knuckle Sandwich, a buttery toasty roll stuffed with Maine lobster.

I’m glad everyone else was too busy eating because I didn’t want to share it with anyone! I will order this again.

I was a little disappointed when dessert time came around because as we were eating our dinners we kept seeing this very tempting Double Nut Brownie concoction going around and diners next to us told us we had to get it along with the Tres Leches Cake, unfortunately they ran out of both and the only dessert left was the Fried Oreos with vanilla custard, chocolate sauce and ice cream.

Now honestly, I didn’t think that would be something I would ever order… Boy was I wrong!

Open for business now, visit Bakersfield for some exceptional food!

8 Comments Filed Under: Chicago Tagged: Bakersfield restaurant, Standard Market, Westmont

Caprese Ravioli with Roasted Tomato Pesto Sauce

April 19, 2012 by Marie 59 Comments

Here’s a little appetizer I put together in minutes. I fortunately have access to good quality fresh pasta sheets so it made the process go really fast!

I pre-roasted grape tomatoes ahead of time, bought some fresh mozzarella balls and basil for my ingredients.

Now believe me, I like to make fresh pasta, but I can’t just make a little bit, it ends up being an all day project with tons of pasta and flour all over my kitchen, and besides I like to do it in the winter.
So I’m grateful to purchase these neat little sheets all perfectly cut and ready to go!
I used a 3 inch cutter and was able to make about ten ravioli, enough for four people, about two each.
The perfect starter while your grilling up something!

Look how simple this is! Wet your cut pasta around the edges then place a basil leaf, a roasted tomato, (make sure it’s not too juicy) and top it off with a mozzarella ball.

Crimp them together with a fork close to the mozzarella ball so it doesn’t move around.

Boil until tender and then drain on a kitchen cloth, you don’t want them to be wet!

For a very quick sauce you can take some good store bought pesto like I did, add in a few of those extra roasted tomatoes you have, and a little lemon zest for freshness, mix together and spoon it all over!
And if that’s not enough, drizzle your plates beforehand with the best balsamic glaze you can find, here’s mine. Oh My!

59 Comments Filed Under: Appetizers, Fresh Pasta Tagged: caprese ravioli, fresh pasta sheets, Mandarano balsamic glaze, summer appetizer

Grilled Vegetable Tart with Phyllo

April 11, 2012 by Marie 44 Comments

Have I told you how much I love using phyllo? It’s so forgiving and you don’t have to be so precise! It makes the most perfect, light and flaky, crunchy base for my grilled vegetable tart.

Grilled vegetables are a thing of beauty, I love all the colors, and the flavors are so enhanced by a simple brushing of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. I try to grill them on a weekly basis then tuck them away in my fridge so I can incorporate them into my meals.

Once your vegetables are grilled this recipe is super simple. Grab a tart pan with removable bottom and brush with olive oil. Open a box of phyllo dough and take a phyllo sheet and place it into the tart pan, no worries if it rips, you can patch it up and no one will ever know! Brush each layer with olive oil then sprinkle with grated romano cheese and fresh ground pepper. Do six or seven layers like that.

When you get to the last layer add slices of cheese, I used an aged Asiago. Arrange your grilled veggies on top and place in a 400 degree oven until phyllo is dark golden and cheese is melted. Mine took around 20 minutes or so.