As I bring 2008 to a close, I am happy to say that this has been a year of events. Some great, and some small. It was also a year of decisions. The one daily decision that is constant...Where and what to eat. I have eaten at some palaces, and some dumps. As much as I enjoy cooking, I also enjoy dining out. So as I venture into 2009, as much as I will be cooking, I will hopefully be dining out. As I don't cook everyday, I have no expectations of eating out everyday. But on busy days, and "I need a break" days. I am going to try to find the unique and often unknown great eating spots around Houston. (If I am in your town, I will try those too!)
I will rank them based on things I like to see at a good restaurant. But before I get too far in the future, let's talk about New Year's Eve and Day. Snacks and finger foods just don't seem to have any impact on New Year's Eve. I really think everyone is just burned out on eating off of cocktail napkins by now. This is the night to go easy. Store bought goodies are the way to go. Once upon a time mini pizza bites and eggs rolls were all you could find, but now there is a whole gourmet world of bite sized treats out there. More and more caterers are surviving on Sam's and Costco.
I am a serious home body on New Year's Eve. I load up on movies, family and close friends. I like to do a cold cut buffet of build your own sandwich. The key is variety. Many types of cheeses and meats, lots of assorted breads, and home made spreads. I also like to put out a tray of as many pickled things as I can find. Whole fruit, nuts and natural chips, round out the offerings.
I am totally baked out by this point. Instead of a decadent dessert, I simply buy a box of assorted chocolates. I also like to keep the bar really simple. Wine and beer.
Part 2 of the festivities to January 1, 2009. All I can say is tradition, tradition, tradition! So over next few days I am searching for favorite New Year's Day traditions. Please drop a suggestion in the comments box. I will create and post the recipes early on New Year's Eve.
I will rank them based on things I like to see at a good restaurant. But before I get too far in the future, let's talk about New Year's Eve and Day. Snacks and finger foods just don't seem to have any impact on New Year's Eve. I really think everyone is just burned out on eating off of cocktail napkins by now. This is the night to go easy. Store bought goodies are the way to go. Once upon a time mini pizza bites and eggs rolls were all you could find, but now there is a whole gourmet world of bite sized treats out there. More and more caterers are surviving on Sam's and Costco.
I am a serious home body on New Year's Eve. I load up on movies, family and close friends. I like to do a cold cut buffet of build your own sandwich. The key is variety. Many types of cheeses and meats, lots of assorted breads, and home made spreads. I also like to put out a tray of as many pickled things as I can find. Whole fruit, nuts and natural chips, round out the offerings.
I am totally baked out by this point. Instead of a decadent dessert, I simply buy a box of assorted chocolates. I also like to keep the bar really simple. Wine and beer.
Part 2 of the festivities to January 1, 2009. All I can say is tradition, tradition, tradition! So over next few days I am searching for favorite New Year's Day traditions. Please drop a suggestion in the comments box. I will create and post the recipes early on New Year's Eve.
1 comment:
Black eyed peas is DEFINITELY a must! Ham is certainly a traditional New Year's Day favorite, honey baked and spiral cut!
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