golden1225
09-16-2004, 10:41 PM
Shame on me!! I'm the one always pestering our other members to get their reviews in, and I'm the slacker this time. I'll just blame all the hurricanes!
The Tampa Bay Area Supper Club met on Sunday afternoon, August 22nd. We've started letting the host/hostess pick the theme. Since it was at my house this time, I chose my favorite type of food - Asian!
Here's our menu and reviews:
Appetizers
Dad's Chinese Chicken Wings - Nina Simonds' Spoonful of Ginger
Everyone really liked these, with their gingery, sweet and salty flavor. The consensus was they'd be best right out of the oven when they're hot and crispy. It was also suggested by several to only use drummettes or at least remove the wing tips. Some wanted more sauce covering the wings.
Salads/Sides
Shang Kimchee CL 3/2003
This was a very spicy dish; many were afraid to try it. Those that liked spicy foods thought it was very good, but with a taste a bit different from the typical kimchee.
Cashew Chicken Salad with Mandarin Oranges CL 8/2004
Very delicate dish; most liked the combination of flavors and described it as light and refreshing. All that tasted it thought it could use more cashews.
Udon Noodles with Asian Vegetables in Peanut Sauce CL Website
The overall opinion was that this was too bland. Many didn't care for the texture of the udon noodles, and some thought it would be best served immediately from the stove. Not a make-again. Very attractive, though!
Green Papaya Salad CL 8/2004
This dish received mixed reviews. Those that liked it thought it was a great side for spicy dishes, as it was light, refreshing, a little tart - just the right accompaniment.
Ramen Noodles with Broccoli Publix Aprons recipe
Mixed reviews, nothing outstanding.
Coconut Curry Noodles with Snow Peas
The consensus on this one was that it needed more sauce. Most liked the flavor combinations, but wanted more sauce and even the addition of shrimp or more veggies to lighten it up a bit.
Main Dishes
Sushi
This was a big hit. Our member that made this gave a fabulous presentation, and for her first time it was impressive - fresh, flavorful, and attractive! looked like a pro - we're expecting her to appear on the Food Network any time now!
Asian Fresh Rolls with Spicy Dipping Sauce CL 4/2004
"Very authentic tasting" was the comment from several members. These were loved for their fresh, vibrant flavors. Very pretty on the table, too! The sauce was a dud, though. Very odd combination of flavors; everyone used hoisin sauce from a jar instead!
Vietnamese Eggrolls with Dipping Sauce
Another winner. Very attractive, flavorful and fun to eat. Some thought the filling could use a bit more zip, perhaps more ginger and garlic. The sauce was perfect!
Chinese Ribs #5 w/ Teriyaki Glaze Tyler Florence's "Food 911"
These ribs were tied with the chocolate cake for #1 hit of the evening. Everyone loved these but the person who made them; she'd probably just spent too much time with them! The meat was tender with an excellent asian flavor. Not real saucy, but just the right coating. All voted they'd make these again.
Sesame Pork Lo Mein CL 8/2004
The group generally liked this dish, but many said it was bland. Some couldn't recognize the pork in it; others thought the noodles soaked up too much of the sauce. It was suggested to use ground red pepper instead of flakes to kick up the flavor.
Desserts
Coconut Rice Pudding with Berries Nina Simonds' "A Spoonful of Ginger"
This was a dud. The texture was agreed by most to be smooth and creamy and just what rice pudding should be, but that's where the good reviews ended! Much too bland; needed sugar at the very least.
Ginger Ice Cream
Most liked the flavor of this dessert, but its consistency was too icy and hard.
Banana Coconut Tapioca Soup CL 8/2004
This dessert was a big departure from what most of us think of when it comes to desserts. Those that got past the idea of a cold soup thought it was refreshing, light and enjoyable. Not sure if anyone would make it again, but they liked the experience!
Double Chocolate Butter Gooey Cake Paula Deen
This cake tied the ribs for #1 favorite dish of the night! So many ooohs and ahs. Even the non-chocolate eaters thought it was a winner. We served it at room temperature, but warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream would have sent the group into an extended swoon for sure!
Beverages
Passionate White Sangria CL website
We couldn't find passionfruit juice, so subbed mango nectar. Everyone loved it. Not overly sweet nor overpowering with alcohol; a nice change from the typical citrusy sangrias.
The Tampa Bay Area Supper Club met on Sunday afternoon, August 22nd. We've started letting the host/hostess pick the theme. Since it was at my house this time, I chose my favorite type of food - Asian!
Here's our menu and reviews:
Appetizers
Dad's Chinese Chicken Wings - Nina Simonds' Spoonful of Ginger
Everyone really liked these, with their gingery, sweet and salty flavor. The consensus was they'd be best right out of the oven when they're hot and crispy. It was also suggested by several to only use drummettes or at least remove the wing tips. Some wanted more sauce covering the wings.
Salads/Sides
Shang Kimchee CL 3/2003
This was a very spicy dish; many were afraid to try it. Those that liked spicy foods thought it was very good, but with a taste a bit different from the typical kimchee.
Cashew Chicken Salad with Mandarin Oranges CL 8/2004
Very delicate dish; most liked the combination of flavors and described it as light and refreshing. All that tasted it thought it could use more cashews.
Udon Noodles with Asian Vegetables in Peanut Sauce CL Website
The overall opinion was that this was too bland. Many didn't care for the texture of the udon noodles, and some thought it would be best served immediately from the stove. Not a make-again. Very attractive, though!
Green Papaya Salad CL 8/2004
This dish received mixed reviews. Those that liked it thought it was a great side for spicy dishes, as it was light, refreshing, a little tart - just the right accompaniment.
Ramen Noodles with Broccoli Publix Aprons recipe
Mixed reviews, nothing outstanding.
Coconut Curry Noodles with Snow Peas
The consensus on this one was that it needed more sauce. Most liked the flavor combinations, but wanted more sauce and even the addition of shrimp or more veggies to lighten it up a bit.
Main Dishes
Sushi
This was a big hit. Our member that made this gave a fabulous presentation, and for her first time it was impressive - fresh, flavorful, and attractive! looked like a pro - we're expecting her to appear on the Food Network any time now!
Asian Fresh Rolls with Spicy Dipping Sauce CL 4/2004
"Very authentic tasting" was the comment from several members. These were loved for their fresh, vibrant flavors. Very pretty on the table, too! The sauce was a dud, though. Very odd combination of flavors; everyone used hoisin sauce from a jar instead!
Vietnamese Eggrolls with Dipping Sauce
Another winner. Very attractive, flavorful and fun to eat. Some thought the filling could use a bit more zip, perhaps more ginger and garlic. The sauce was perfect!
Chinese Ribs #5 w/ Teriyaki Glaze Tyler Florence's "Food 911"
These ribs were tied with the chocolate cake for #1 hit of the evening. Everyone loved these but the person who made them; she'd probably just spent too much time with them! The meat was tender with an excellent asian flavor. Not real saucy, but just the right coating. All voted they'd make these again.
Sesame Pork Lo Mein CL 8/2004
The group generally liked this dish, but many said it was bland. Some couldn't recognize the pork in it; others thought the noodles soaked up too much of the sauce. It was suggested to use ground red pepper instead of flakes to kick up the flavor.
Desserts
Coconut Rice Pudding with Berries Nina Simonds' "A Spoonful of Ginger"
This was a dud. The texture was agreed by most to be smooth and creamy and just what rice pudding should be, but that's where the good reviews ended! Much too bland; needed sugar at the very least.
Ginger Ice Cream
Most liked the flavor of this dessert, but its consistency was too icy and hard.
Banana Coconut Tapioca Soup CL 8/2004
This dessert was a big departure from what most of us think of when it comes to desserts. Those that got past the idea of a cold soup thought it was refreshing, light and enjoyable. Not sure if anyone would make it again, but they liked the experience!
Double Chocolate Butter Gooey Cake Paula Deen
This cake tied the ribs for #1 favorite dish of the night! So many ooohs and ahs. Even the non-chocolate eaters thought it was a winner. We served it at room temperature, but warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream would have sent the group into an extended swoon for sure!
Beverages
Passionate White Sangria CL website
We couldn't find passionfruit juice, so subbed mango nectar. Everyone loved it. Not overly sweet nor overpowering with alcohol; a nice change from the typical citrusy sangrias.