Back to Routine

Went back to work today. Most of the kids were excited to be back.

Made chili for dinner because my apartment is so cold. Surprisingly I have never made chili before perhaps because I didn't actually start liking it until a few years ago.



Simple Beef and Bean Chili

1 pound ground beef (less than 10% fat)
2 cups chopped onion
3 cloves garlic
2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder
1 to 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes in puree
1 tablespoon unsulfured molasses
coarse salt
1 can (15.5 ounces) organic red kidney beans
1 can (15.5 ounces) organic black beans

Topped with cornbread or tortilla chips and cheddar cheese.

I use mostly organic ingredients and this makes a huge difference in flavor.

1. Heat a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add ground beef. Cook, stirring and breaking up meat with a spoon until no longer pink, 8 to 10 minutes.

2. Add onion, garlic, and cook until soft, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cocoa powder and cumin, cook stirring until fragrant about 1 minute.

3. Add tomatoes and molasses along with 3/4 cup of water and 2 teaspoons of salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer; cook, partially covered for 20 minutes. Check seasonings and make adjustments to your own taste.

4. Add beans; continue cooking, uncovered, until meat and beans are very tender, and chili is thick, about 30 more minutes. Serve with toppings.


Prep time is about 30 minutes. Total time is about an hour and a half. Recipe makes plenty, easily enough for 6.

Back in the City

I got back to the city last night after driving through a pure blizzard. Thankfully we had the SUV and my friend Josh drove the whole way, even so the trip took over 5 hours. So I was happy to return home even though my apartment was freezing. Today it was lunch with a friend at Cafe on the Strip.

It was comforting to be home and back to normal. Cafe on the Strip is small and cozy, with a fire in the fireplace it is one of my favorite place.

Cafe on the Strip
1814 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA
(412) 288-9895

I got there late and my friend had ordered a latte with a perfect mix of coffee, chocolate and milk.

We split an Italian White Pizza with mozzarella and romano cheese. Brushed with olive oil and a hint of garlic, topped with plum tomatoes and fresh basil. Pizzas are thin and crispy, flavors are balanced and delicious and the balsamic vinegar drizzled over the top is the perfect touch.

I am unable to go to Cafe on the Strip without ordering their wedding soup. It might be the best in the city... with chunks of chicken, carrots, meatballs, egg and greens. It is hearty and warming.

Lastly we ordered a turkey, hummus, spinach and feta sandwich on foccacia. It was the perfect combination, moist and flavorful.

Service is personable and friendly. It is an easy going atmosphere, a perfect transition back to Pittsburgh. Some logistics if you ever decide to visit. You have probably walked by this place on your way to Roland's or Penn Mac a million times. It is tucked away and definitely worth the stop. It is BYOB and handicapped accessible, you also can order take out. Below is a link to their menu.

http://www.restaurantrow.com/ShowPics.cfm?Type=Menu&nCode=855668&code=855668&Byte=u&Number=1&Ext=gif&Name=Cafe%20On%20The%20Strip&Word=menu&Count=2&state=PA



Back to work tomorrow. I thought I was ready but I would definitely appreciate a few more days off.

New Year

Well the new year rang in pretty low key and I am satisfied with that. Today I hopefully head back home. It will be sad to leave the family but I'll be back in a few weeks. It definitely makes me wonder if I shouldn't think more seriously about moving back to New York.